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Friday, December 09, 2005

2006 World Cup in Germany draw announced

The 2006 World Cup group stages draw has been announced in Leipzig tonight. The 32 teams are now set in their respective groups, below are the groups.

Group A
Germany
Costa Rica
Poland
Ecuador


Hmm, if there is always a group of death, this is the group of sleep. Can anyone pick a match in this group which will end more than 1-0?

Group B
England
Paraguay
Trinidad and Tobago
Sweden


England face defensively stubborn Paraguay in their first match and must play Sweden which they have not beaten since the ‘60’s. England and Sweden are clear favorites to take the group though.

Group C
Argentina
Ivory Coast
Serbia and Montenegro
Netherlands


This is the group of death in my view. Ivory Coast could surprise anyone. Serbia won their qualifying group handily and Argentina and Holland must play their final group match in a repeat of the 1978 final. All games worth watching.

Group D
Mexico
Iran
Angola
Portugal

Angola will face Portugal in the first game, their former colonial masters, in what should be a heated contest. This looks the easiest group in the entire 8 group draw. Portugal, Euro 2004 finalists, and Mexico should easily go thru.

Group E
Italy
Ghana
USA
Czech Republic


This is a tough group. Any team, on the day, could pull a surprise and show Italy, 3 time winners the door. That said, it should be Italy and the Czech Rep to go thru.

Group F
Brazil
Croatia
Australia
Japan

Japan coach Zico must face his home country. Otherwise not a lot to say about this group other than you know who will see the next round with ease.

Group G
France
Switzerland
South Korea
Togo


France face the ever difficult South Korean’s but otherwise have a relatively easy ride. Switzerland could pose problems but rarely show up on the big stage.

Group H
Spain
Ukraine
Tunisia
Saudi Arabia


Spain will face tough tests against Ukraine and African champs Tunisia. It’s a toss between those three but should be Spain and Ukraine.

4 Comments:

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Anonymous Anonymous said...

USA has alot to do, dont be suprised if they do!

12/10/2005 10:32 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Portugal and Italy have shown disappointing form lately. They will have to turn things around to convince me, especially Italy with their tough group.

12/12/2005 6:15 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

You never mentioned who will be going through to the next round from Brazil's group...

12/15/2005 6:30 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

So basically you're saying no African team will reach the second round? I think you underestimate them. My guess is that Ghana will come through and don't be surprised if Togo, Tunisia en Angola do as well.

12/21/2005 4:01 PM  

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