Group of Death

The Argentines are more liberal when it comes to expressing their thoughts. Fate has placed them in the “Group of Death” together with Ivory Coast, Serbia & Montenegro and the Netherlands.

Nonetheless, Argentina is quietly confident that they would repeat history and take the first flight home this time. Though first, they have to get pass Ivory Coast in Hamburg. It has been “divine qualification” for debutant nation, and fans have choreographed special dances for each and every one of their star player.

While Serbia & Montenegro fans have yet to conjure out gigs for their battle-hardened players, the gritty Serbs qualified through a tough group comprising of Spain. Look out Oranje, this Eastern European nation could be out to create trouble for you!

As usual, the Dutch arrives saddled with talents but burdened with historical underachievement. Hopefully, Netherlands will NOT misfire after having discipline and togetherness instilled by legend Marco van Basten.

They can, but WILL they?

England’s World Cup squad in Germany will most probably be the very team to bring the coveted trophy back to “the homeland of football”. Many English football followers believe they CAN. But how many are actually convinced that they WILL?

Undisputedly, the level of confidence back home must have been risen several notches after seeing Wayne Rooney injury free for his World Cup debut. This United kid is expected to deliver wonders like what he did in Portugal two years back. The omens are good. Still much vigilance is needed at the back against Roque Santa Cruz and Valdez.

With the eccentric keeper Jose Luis Chilavert retired, this Paraguyan team can grind out results even though they lack star appeal except perhaps for Santa Cruz. This Bayern Munich star packs speed and strength, added with a poacher instinct for goals.

Ain't high enough for La Tri

The Poles averaged three goals in a game in 2005. Yet they are incapable of playing against the world’s better side, i.e. England. Or perhaps it’s the bizarre mentality that drained them when they are up against “the mother of football”.

Flashback – four years ago. Poland was the first Europe nation to book their flight to the Land of the Rising Sun, and equalled that record of being among the earliest to get their round trip back.

They have talked about being more united, and that might be enough to take on Ecuador. If this match KO at some 3,000 metres higher, the La Tri will have no problem tearing the Poles apart. Sorry, this is not the case and Ecuador who has only recorded a victory on the road, will struggle. So wager your money on Poland. This may be their only victory.

Going Against Tradition

Come June 9, or in some places June 10, history will be made when Germany takes on Costa Rica in the opening match of World Cup 2006. Shocking results have become such a tradition that a win for the host nation this time round will be a surprise itself.

But Germany, who used to drive fear into lesser opponents, and held in high esteem by bigger opposition, are a thing of yesteryear. Clashing heads-on with an adventurous Costa Rica side, which has nothing to lose, Germany might choke. With a fairly unknown team, Jurgen Klinsmann’s offensive game plan will be to rely on defenders who can go on the attack. This is the Ticos’ weakest link.

Defence naivety bought Costa Rica an early flight home four years ago. Still, that was one world cup ago, and the players are older and wiser now. With Paulo Wanchope added to their attacking flair, would the Costa Ricans prove to be too much for the much-pressured old Mercedes? Well, I say we will be going against tradition this time.