Whether you love it or loathe it there's no escaping the World Cup. Olufunmi Majekodunmi pays tribute to Bradford's multicultural mix by asking representatives of the different nationalities who live here how they feel their homelands will fare in France '98 and she finds out what celebratory dish they will serve up if the 'old country' wins the trophy on July 12.

Legendary football boss the late Bill Shankley always believed that football was much more important than life or death.

And as World Cup fever sweeps the globe, for millions of people his sentiments still ring true.

As the first match of football's biggest competition kicks off today, the Telegraph & Argus pays tribute to the ethnic diversity of Bradford.

With more than 480,000 residents living in the district it is a city steeped in culture and nationalities.

While many will be cheering England, others will want their own countries to do well.

Although we are unable to feature representatives of all countries, (we know you're out there), whoever you're supporting - be it Nigeria or Norway, Croatia or Columbia - good luck to you all and may the best team win.

Nigeria

This reporter's tip for the top - much to the dismay of my work colleagues. The Super Eagles and current Olympic Champions are supported by at least 100 Nigerians in the district.

Ade Bakare of the Nigerian Friendship Society wishes the team well.

Despite losing to Yugoslavia in a run-up to this year's championships Mr Bakare said the team will be cheered by Nigerians across Bradford from Mannigham, West Bowling and Shipley.

World Cup Dish: Yams, Plantains, rice and oxtail.

Jamaica

This is the first time the so-called Reggae Boyz have qualified for the World Cup, much to the delight of up to 6,000 Jamaicans in Bradford.

Peter Tate who works for the West Yorkshire Jamaica Youth Exchange said support had reached fever pitch back home.

He was sure many of the West Indians living in Mannigham, West Bowling and Little Horton would he backing the team. Mr Tate said he was trying to find a venue with a big screen and selling Red Stripe.

World Cup Dish: Ackee and rice

Germany

England's jinx team in many a competition, but no one can deny their class.

According to Pastor Ruth Harrison Zehelein there should be solid support for the Germans.

About 200 people attend a fortnightly service at the German church in Great Horton Road.

She believes many will stay at home and watch the match on television.

Dish to the North: Sausage and Sauerkraut and in the South: a meat known as Eisbein

Scotland

Population in Bradford is unknown, rumour has it that Scots like to blend into the area.

Kerr Kennedy is one of the lucky fans that managed to get a ticket for the World Cup.

He will be in France for five days and will see Scotland play Romania on June 16.

The football fanatic said he has met a few individual Scots, but is unsure whether he will be watching the match on TV or in the pub. He said: "I am quietly confident that Scotland will win the world cup."

He's not even worried about playing World Cup favourites Brazil. "We played them before and we drew so the lads won't be afraid," he said.

World Cup Dish: Finnan Haddock - a lightly smoked Haddock with a poached egg on top.

France

The hosts have a good chance according to export adviser at Business Link for Bradford and District Francoise Joyce said:" We have a good chance of winning the World Cup because we are playing on home turf."

Mrs Joyce will watch the matches at her home in Wakefield.

World Cup Dish: Boeuf Bourguignon.

Belgium

Translator Celine Greenwood of Fairweather Green, is hoping that her country can go all the way to win the world cup.

She said she will be spending time cheering her team in her home.

Commenting on Belgium's recent victory over England last month, she said: "If we can beat England we can beat anyone,"

Mrs Greenwood has lived in this country for more than 30 years. Population of Belgians living in Bradford is unknown, but Mrs Greenwood is aware of another native living in Queensbury.

World Cup Dish: Mussels and chips

Italy

With more than 1200 Italians scattered across Bradford and Keighley, there is bound to be ample cheering for the team.

According to Edo Nannelli, President of the Christian Association of Italian Workers (ACLI) many will be watching the games at home.

Mr Nannelli, said there was no official meeting point where members could go and cheer the team on, but he would be supporting Italy to win the World Cup.

World Cup Dish: He'd like to tuck into a T-bone steak with boiled white beans, spaghetti, and lasagne.

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