Rob's finger flickin' good

THE World Cup opening ceremony was more Harry Hill than Danny Boyle – dancers with footballs for heads, a bloke in a wolf costume, Brazil’s Ronaldo, random jugglers and Russian soprano Aida Garifullina who arrived on a giant fire-bird...

But mostly it was Robbie Williams. “According to the Fifa hand-out, he’s from the home of football – Stoke-onTrent,” said Clive Tyldesley, adding: “And Port Vale went down...”

Even so, who didn’t feel a glimmer of pride that our Robbie kicked off the global tournament?

Looking like a Morrissey tribute act, the Robster belted out a quick greatest hits medley with Aida. (The cameras cut away before he flicked the finger, possibly as a heartfelt message to neighbour Jimmy Page.)

Then Putin spoke and the football started, with Russia delivering an unexpected goal-feast. It didn’t take Tyldesley long to mention Borat...

IT was a terrific week for football memories. The History Channel gave us vintage footage of Pele, Gazza, David Platt’s wonder goal against Belgium, Cruyff’s turn, cheating genius Maradona...

Who can match El Diego today? Maybe no-one, but with Messi, Kroos, Sterling and Kane in play spell-binding action is guaranteed.

Ronaldo has already raised the bar.