Spoiling the Samba?

The magical quintet of Ronaldo, Adriano, Ronaldinho, Kaka and Robinho is second to none. While Brazil has nothing to worry about up front, it’s their defence that could spoil the Samba. Dida is still not as reliable as their World Cup winning keeper Marcos. His lack of command at times, failures to come off the line in high-profile games and some occasional howlers has become a clink in this Brazilian side.

Croatia, has Prso, who is both formidable in the air and technically competent. His strike partner Klasnic too, is capable of aerial attacks. These two could be the Brazilians’ pain in the ar** as the defending World Cup holders starts campaign against Croatia. Samba soccer can only hope that when the opposition scores one, they score two.

No more hilarious opening

These two have seen a lot of each other recently, having been drawn in the same group in Euro 2004, and in the same qualifying group for Germany. While the French were too strong in Portugal two years ago, the more recent encounter have ended more favourable for the Swiss – both 2-2 draws. It’s the group opener for both teams, and France will be desperately hoping to avoid an embarrassment like what happen in Japan and Korea four years ago.

With Zinedine Zidane, Lilian Thuram and Claude Makelele out of retirement, the Bleus battle is already won in midfield. But not being able to beat their Alpine neighbour twice in row, France will not be underestimating Switzerland. Both should share the spoils as we don’t expect France to fall at the first hurdle this time around – hilarious as that would be.