Football fans worldwide have been astonished at the big-name teams crashing out in the World Cup's first round - and those who play the game professionally are no less stunned.

Bermuda's top two internationals, Shaun Goater and David Bascome, expressed shock yesterday at the demise of defending champions France and tournament favourites Argentina while applauding the showing of newcomers Senegal and other teams thus far, especially those from Scandinavia.

The two are in the Island for their 11th annual Pro Soccer Clinic to be held next month at the National Sports Centre. They signed autographs for fans at Bank of Bermuda during yesterday's sign-up for their programme.

"My predictions don't seem to make much difference because the teams I picked to do well are out. I thought France and Argentina would certainly be among the semifinalists. The other team I mentioned was Brazil and they seem to be doing very well but this World Cup is so unpredictable that you might as well put your money on Senegal as much as you would on Brazil," said Goater of Manchester City fame.

He is surprised at Senegal's performance given that it's the African nation's maiden appearance at football's showpiece.

However, he noted they would have had some advantage against France since many of their players are based in that country and therefore know the Frenchmen well. He hopes the lone African team still in with a chance of lifting the World Cup "can go further".

"It makes the World Cup interesting that a team like Senegal could perhaps go to the semifinals or finals and that teams like Brazil are not always winning and that the final is not always going to be like Brazil versus Argentina.

"I think it's good for neutral fans that a team like Senegal can get there but I am sure that, for the entertainment, it would be good that the likes of Brazil would be up there as well," reasoned Goater.

Bascome of the Harrisburg Heat in Pennsylvania, USA, said while people probably don't want something like a Sweden-Denmark final "that's the way things are going".

"The best team is going to win and it may not be one of the favourites. It's going to be interesting. I'm still rooting for the South Americans. I was in mourning with Argentina going out. I'm hoping Brazil can carry the torch all the way now," he said.

World Cup disbelief continued yesterday as another team of millionaire stars with high expectations - Portugal -- capitulated at the hands of co-hosts, South Korea.

Like Goater a product of North Village Club, Bascome stressed one element responsible for the dramatic shift in football fortunes across the globe.

"It's development - these countries are developing. Watching the big teams go out says a lot - yes, they probably had some shortcomings - but we have to give some of the other teams like Sweden and Senegal some credit. They have been learning and it's showing."

To him, the biggest surprise has been the improvement of the American team which scraped into the second round after Portugal were defeated. Bascome attributed their success to discipline despite a lack of superstars. However, he thinks the US will fall to Mexico in the second round.

Goater agreed the divide is narrowing between traditional football powers and the rest.

"There is still a gap but it's getting closer. Teams have advanced that people thought wouldn't pass the first round - Korea, for instance. These teams are developing their football programme and the gap is being reduced which is good for football. This way it's not monotonous with the same teams dominating all the time."

Asked about England's chances of wresting the World Cup for the second time, the striker replied "this is as good a chance as they will have".

"I think England will do well. The favourites are gone - that will give them a boost. They will be grinning.

"England is a funny team. They do well when they are the underdogs but if they are the bigger team in a game - say against Senegal - they will struggle."

Despite the fact that his predictions have not withstood the test so far, Goater stuck his neck out that David Beckham's men would defeat Denmark today.

l For details on how you can join Shaun Goater's official fan club see Page 18.