NOT much left to do now except pick over the carcass of Ireland's World Cup to see if there's any cash lying about. When we suggested the misery bet of Ireland not making it past the pool stages a few weeks ago (at 5-2! ), we never imagined that the misery would be as biblical as this. Only the irrational notion that they must put in at least one performance in this tournament maintains any hope of a miracle. Looking back, it's clearly the second halves in which Ireland have disappointed most. Emphatic wins against Namibia and Georgia still looked likely at half-time while the French lead was not unassailable. Yet instead of rising to those challenges, heads dropped. Ireland know that they must make a furious start this afternoon, and won't be afraid of putting penalties on the board before focusing on the try count. Argentina will be nervous knowing that after all their endeavour the exit door remains a possibility if key players like Felipe Contepomi (right) don't perform. Ireland have nothing to lose and can bring in a half-time lead through the boot of Ronan O'Gara. As the need for tries grows desperate though, Argentina can exploit, having already shown an ability to crowd the ball-carrier and pick off intercepts. Expect a glimmer of hope, but then, nothing.

JAMES MCFADDEN TO SCORE FIRST IN EVERTON v MIDDLESBROUGH MATCH
THIS AFTERNOON
6-1 Odds quoted are from Paddy Power

THE week after a Sky Super Sunday you invariably get a fixture like this . . . two unpredictable teams paired off in what will either be one of the games of the season, or a match so dull it'll have you making repeated phone calls to Richard Keys asking him what exactly he meant by the word 'fascinating'.

Both of these have, in Keys-speak, 'yet to settle' this season. Middlesbrough have been poor on the road so far and Tuncay and Mido have yet to "re up front. Everton are technically top 10, but haven't scored in two league games. Their star striker Andy Johnson hasn't scored for a lot longer than that. The good news is that James McFadden seems to have been buoyed by his wonder goal for Scotland against France, and scored twice in midweek. Everton should win but are short at 4-5 after a couple of poor displays. Mikel Arteta could be a good bet for first goal at 9-1 if he recovers from injury. But if the set-piece specialist doesn't make it, take the in-form McFadden to do the initial damage.

Just crazy enough to work

ARGENTINA TO BEAT IRELAND TO NIL 50-1 (Paddy Power)

It's 5-2 that Ireland don't score a try, which might be a canny punt considering Argentina haven't conceded one so far. But why not go the whole hog and take out the ultimate misery insurance for what might just be a difficult afternoon in front of the television? It actually makes some sort of sense too . . . we only managed three points against France, Argentina beat France, ergof Plus it'll be good to have those winnings handy when they take a national collection to pay off Eddie's contract. Ooh, too soon?