Pele's hand of God

Fate seems to be a little cruel when Pele's hand of God drew England and Sweden in the same group. If fans are getting a little bit weary of seeing the English play against the Swedes, Sven Goran Eriksson might be getting tired of having to face his compatriots "on" the pitch.

Both nations should realise that this Group though, is no pushover. Paraguay has been solid in qualification, and it would be perilous to under-estimate them. Trinidad &Tobago, on the other hand, though boast players plying their trades in England, is the correct package for Group B’s whipping boys.

Thus, both European nations cannot afford to slip against Trinidad & Tobago as Paraguay is a potential banana skin for both.

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.