I didn't really have the heart to point out that most of the overseas drama and soap rubbish on cable might have to go on the back burner again for a while because there is more must-see sport to come, with England's first Test with Pakistan starting at Lord's today, Thursday.

And, of course, engage Super League is only midway through the season and golf's Open Championship at Hoylake is on its way next week.

It would definitely be a step too far to mention that the new Coca Cola Football League Championship season is only 23 days away.

Oh well, that's me in the doghouse if I have the nerve to attempt to get home from work first and gain command of the remote control - not that that happens often!

I might just be better off going out fishing, trying to catch some of those elusive carp, or perhaps starting up a new hobby like counting the number of houses built in Warrington over the last two years. That might take up too much time, though, and is hardly sporty - unless I do it while jogging.

I just wonder whether sacrificing the rest of the year's sport on TV in our house - as could potentially be the case - was worth it for World Cup month.

True, there were some special moments. I quite enjoyed the opening game between Germany and Costa Rica, Australia's late fightback against Japan, Argentina's six-goal demolition of Serbia, the 16 yellows and four reds dished out in Portugal's battle with Holland, Joe Cole's goal and the spirit of the semi final between Italy and Germany.

But there were not as many special moments as I seem to remember from past tournaments, while England were a let down throughout and hardly seemed to get out of first gear. Do the players know how many kids they left in tears because of their woeful displays?

For me, losing Argentina and Brazil at the quarter finals stage was quite a blow to the interest value and through the whole month I became totally fed up with the diving specialists.

Perhaps those caught cheating on camera should be made to make their next appearance in a frogsuit - so that they can be ridiculed by all.

I suppose my take on it generally is that the World Cup was good while it lasted but I can certainly live without it.

There'll be no pining from me and I won't be praying for the next four years to glide by so that we can do it all again so quickly.

Instead, I'm looking forward to the England cricketers putting their finest feet forward this summer and the Great Britain rugby league boys giving it their best Down Under in the end-of-season Tri-Nations - and they're not paid ludicrous sums of money for the privilege!