For only 1,000 Kenya shillings a month in the next year, you can be a proud owner of a decoder and satellite dish that will guarantee you live coverage of the 64 World Cup matches.

This interesting venture has been made possible thanks to a partnership between Equity bank and pay tv channel supplier Multichoice.

Not many Kenyans will travel to South Africa to watch the tournament due to the high costs involved.

However, majority will be able to sacrifice and pay the reasonable monthly instalments and consequently enjoy africa's historic moment at the touch of a button.

Equity bank CEO Dr. James Mwangi and Multichoice Kenya General Manager Mr. Stephen Isaboke signed the long-term partnership that will benefit both current subsribers and new-comers of the channel.

And over to the World Cup preparations proper, European sides Poland and Serbia battled to a goalless draw in a warm up match played in freezing conditions on Wednesday evening.

In another match, South American representatives Paraguay selaed a morale boosting 2 - 0 victory over former european Champions Greece.

Enrique Vera and Lucas Barrios were on the score sheet for the victors.

And moving over our ongoing World Cup countdown series we this Thursday feature two teams in group E.

Foremost we look at Italy, who will be trying to defend the trophy they won four years ago in Germany, in a thrilling final that is best remembered for the zinedine zidane headbutt on controversial defender Marco Metterazzi.

The Azurri who are ranked 5th in the World Cup are the second most succesfull team on the world stage after Brazil.

Handled by respected Tactician Marcelo Lippi, the Azurri will rely on the acrobatics of the worlds' most expensive goalkeeper Gianulgi Buffon, as well as the acumen of former world player of the year Fabio Cannavaro, not forgetting the finishing instincts of Alberto Gilardino and Vincento Iaquinta..

The defending Champions might fall short of defending the world title. But they sure will be there ot thereabouts.

And finally atleast for today lets have a look at New Zealand..

Nick named the all whites, the oceania representatives will do well to represent the heroics of their rugby brothers...

But they could do with the famous haka dance.

Coached by the virtually unknown Ricki Herbert, the team that lies a lowly 78th on the FIFA rankings will need to have Chris Killen and Simon Elliot in fine form...If they hope to make an impact in the tournament.

New Zealand will be suprised if they could negoatiate the group stage, but they could do with atleast winning a match.