Weakest link?

The 2006 World Cup kicks off with host Germany taking on Costa Rica, David versus Goliath. Lady Luck was certainly smiling down on the Mannschaft while the draw was being made.

Favourites to emerge winner of this group, Jurgen Klinsmann's charges ought to be more menacing with home advantage this time. But will the pressure to perform proves too much to hanndle?

Poland and Costa Rica will be vying for second-spot, and Costa Rica may pip the Poles for that coveted spot. Scoring goals will not be a problem for the Ticos with Paulo Wanchope around. And with the Poles' bizarre incapability of raising their game against strong opponents, they may be taking the train home sooner than you think.

As for Ecuador, well, they will progress if they play all their games some 3,000 metres higher. Though they secure wins in all their home games during the qualifiers, they are not able to perform on the road.

This is probably the weakest group of the tournament, and when taken to the pitch, absolutely wide open.