Impress the lads down the local this summer!

Ahead of England's opening game against Paraguay in this year's World Cup heres one or two things you might want to know about the opposition!

Dueling is legal in Paraguay as long as both parties are registered blood donors.

Full country name: Républica del Paraguay
Area: 407,000 sq km
Population: 5.58 million
People: 95% Mestizo
Language: Guarani, Spanish
Currency: Guaraní is symbolized by the letter G crossed. There are bank notes for 1,000; 5,000; 10,000; 50,000; and 100,000. As of March 2004, the exchange rate was 6,059 Guaraníes per $1 (one USD). If you are bringing US dollars to exchange, make sure they are in good condition without any tears or rips.
Religion: 97% Roman Catholic, 3% Mennonite and other Protestants
Government: constitutional republic
Head of State: President Nicanor Duarte Frutos
GDP: US$19.8 billion
GDP per capita: US$3,700
Annual Growth: -0.5%
Inflation: 14.6%

Now don't say I never keep you informed!

For all tonight's top getminted racing tips please clcik on read more....



Belinda Carlisle - 8:12 - 9/1

I know I backed this queen of the late 80's to success before but sadly she left me down. A reasonably solid performer in the excellent Meat stable she has notched up 4 wins and 11 placed finishes in her 21 runs so far. The last win of her career came on the 28th of May in Canada on fast going and she also has a decent record on good. After the last win trainer Meat was heard to say in the winner's enclosure " They say heaven my fillie comes first, oh getminted is a place on earth!".

MC donkey1800 - 9:36 - 16/1

Well rested and a fan of fast going this 3 year old colt from the Major Chase stable has the potential to run well in this race and hopefully pick up win number 1 of a 15 race career. To be fair he's come desperately close over the past few months to that first elusive win. On the 21st and 30th of April MC donkey1800 missed out on victory by just over half a length both times. While tonight may be his night I think a 7th placed finish is more likely.

The Big Dipper - 9:48 - 10/1

Racing for a trainer with over two year's experience I think the sky's the limit for the Big Dipper in this Novice race in America! It will be the first time the 2 year old has raced so obviously it's a wee bit of a gamble but with resonably cautious odds and a fine trainer behind him I feel he'll do well. Worth a flutter each way.