space-invader
5-05-02, 10:37 AM
OK...it's less than a month away from that time again! The BIGGEST sporting event on the planet is about to start. Somewhere in the world, riots will occur, people will die of heart attacks, even wars might break out (who knows, it has happened before).
Here is my (fairly) quick rundown of what I predict will happen in the first round:
Group A:
France
Uruguay
Senegal
Denmark
Seeing Uruguay in the tourny makes me wanna cry :cry: (they beat off the aussies to get here).
France still have most of the players from their world cup and european cup winning sides, and will be very difficult to beat especially with Zidane playing at a mindblowingly level...deserve their favoritism for the tournament. The only thing I think that can stop them is themselves (Barthez, their goalkeeper is sometimes good at doing that)
Uruguay are a little hot and cold and were pretty unimaginative against Aust. in Aust. but when they played in Montevideo (and had Recoba playing) they were a totally different side.
Senegal are in their first finals, so they are really an unknown quantity. They should be entertaining to watch.
Denmark are back again, and are always good value with many quality players in the big european clubs, albeit maybe not the power they were 10 years ago.
My prediction: France to win the group comfortably. It's a real toss-up for the runners up spot. I'll take a stab at Uruguay.
Group B:
Spain
Slovenia
Paraguay
South Africa
Spain has to be the biggest under-achievers in the history of the World Cup, with so much talent and two of the most powerful club sides in the world to get experience in big games with, it makes you wonder: can they shoot themselves in the foot AGAIN?
This group should really hold no fears for them. The first game against Slovenia will be critical as they tend to lose their first game in past tournaments (and their nerve).
Solvenia may appear to be lightweight, but don't forget they did make the European Cup finals 2 years ago and played pretty well. Much will depend on attacking midfielder Zahovic.
Paraguay are back again after playing quite entertaining football 4 years ago. Unfortunately, their larger than life goalkeeper who takes all thier free kicks near goal Chilavert has two matches left of a 4 match ban to serve so he will only appear in the last of the group1 stage games. Whether they can survive without him is uncertain.
Bafana Bafana are back again, hoping to do a little better this time. They are the sleeping giant of african football, but i believe it is not quite their time as yet.
My prediction: Spain to top the group (they can't go on underachieving forever) with Slovenia just pipping Paraguay for second.
Group C:
Brazil
Turkey
China
Costa Rica
Brazil, runners-up from 4 years ago were just AWFUL in qualifying for this tourney. You can't imagine them playing that bad in the finals. They seem so heavily dependent on Ronaldo, who's been mainly sidelined due to injuries. If he is fit and firing: watch out, if not, well.....
Turkey are one of the big improvers of Europe. They made the quarters 2 years ago, their club sides are promonent in European club championships, and have some high quality players plying their trade in big European clubs.
China has finally made it to the big stage (helps having the tourney staged in Asia with the extra asian spots available). Bora Milutinovic is back again!!! This guy is unbelieveable, taking 5 different sides to the finals. Being based in Korea will help them, with probably zillions of supporters pouring over the border to watch them. They're gunna need every little bit of help they can get!
Minnows Costa Rica, who won the CONCACAF group will be of nuisance value, and may be capable of an upset (they beat Mexico in Mexico in qualifying so they're not THAT bad).
My prediction: I'll go a little controversial and say that Turkey will win the group, with Brazil taking second
Group D:
Korea
Portugal
Poland
USA
Being a co-host, Korea will have a huge advantage. They'll need it cause in previous world cups they have been pretty weak (been in 5 finals and have yet to register a win!).
Portugal were the suprise packets 2 years ago in the european cup, finishing 3rd. Most of that team will be here, and with Luis Figo, and Rui Costa in there, they will be tough to beat.
Poland were a strong outfit a long while ago, and finally waking up so to speak. Nigerian-born Emmanuel Olisadebe has made a huge difference to this side, with Poland comfortably qualifying for the finals.
USA? What are they doing there? It will be a major shock if they draw a game let alone win one! How they allocate 3 spots for CONCACAF is beyond me (yes, i am bitter that oceania has only half a spot)
My prediction: Portugal to top the group comfortably, with Poland just squeezing out Korea for second
Group E:
Germany
Ireland
Cameroon
Saudi Arabia
What's a world cup without Germany or Brazil? Amazing that both had a serious struggle just to qualify for this tournament. After being absolutely whalloped at home by England, it looks like Germany has recovered a bit of their power. They have really suffered the last few years by Effenberg's boycott of the national side. It looks as though they have finally found a decent playmaker in Ballack, and of course they have the best goalkeeper in the world in Kahn. Still, I think they are a better bet in 4 years time when they will host the next tourney.
Ireland has snuck back into the finals. Man U's Roy Keane is their larger than life figure in the side, and much will depend on him (and his temper).
Cameroon are the most consistent African side, and will be a real threat. Their style of play is what Brazil used to be. It seems only a matter of time before an African nation wins the World cup, and these guys are as likely as anyone, though probably not yet. Could go far.
The Saudis are here again, and are rather fortunate to do so really. Iran had the group stitched up, but inexplicibly lost to Bahrain. The Saudi's are fun to watch and have some really talented players. Eight years ago they made it to the second round, but they might be struggling to do that in this group.
My prediction: Germany and Cameroon to make it through
Group F:
Argentina
Sweden
England
Nigeria
In every World Cup, there is always a "group of death". Well this is it! The two sides that miss out here will probably count themselves very unlucky.
Argentina romped it in the tough south american qualifying group, and are probably favorites for the whole tournament behind France. So many big stars in big clubs: Batistuta, Crespo, Gonzalez,...the list goes on.
Sweden had a pretty lousy european championship 2 years ago, but qualifyed comfortably for the finals. I don't expect them to be a lethal attacking side, especailly with the other 3 sides in the group having alot of attacking flair, but to instead try and grind out results.
England...well what can you say? They're still crowing about their demolition of Germany. I have to say this is probably their best side since their unlucky 1990 semi-final side, maybe even better? They have two absolute matchwinners in Owen and Beckham (who needs to be fit and firing). Eng vs Arg game should be interesting, especially watching to see if Beckham has learnt from last times fiasco. Having said all that, England always seem to find the most unluckiest way to get knocked out of a world cup, and it's rather ironic that they happened to be drawn this group. If they survive this stage, expect them to go far.
Nigeria round up this group, and are certainly no pushovers. Players such as Jay-Jay Okocha and Kanu can unravel any defense. They are quite an attacking team, and will cause problems to the other teams.
My prediction: Argentina to top the group, with England to sneak second spot
Group G:
Italy
Ecuador
Croatia
Mexico
At every world cup, the azzurri are expected to win by their home fans. Anything less is a total failure. They have probably the tightest defense out of all the teams bar none in the whole tournament. They did make the final of the european championships 2 years ago, but ultimately lost to France. They have a good attack, but seem to be lacking that one superstar attacker (wouldn't Owen be a nice addition if he were Italian!) Italian club sides are not as strong as what they used to be, but you only have to look at Spain to see that that's no real indication on the national sides form!!!
Ecuador were certainly the suprise packets of Sth American qualifying. Their first world cup finals, but it certainly was no fluke. Probably the hardest side to predict. I will be interested to watch how they go.
Croatia were amazing 4 years ago, finishing 3rd, but have dropped off badly since then. A lot of their star players back then are past their best or have gone. I don't expect alot from them in this tourney as they are really in a transitional stage.
Mexico, for once, struggled to qualify from the weak CONCACAF region, which is a real worry. They are not beating up on Canada or on some tinsy island nation now...they're up against the big boys now.
My prediction: Italy to top the group followed by Ecuador
GROUP H:
Japan
Belgium
Russia
Tunisia
Japan must of been rapt about the draw. Don't think they could have ever dreamed of an easier group than this. Will it be enough? Will the home crowd get them over the line? It will be tough....
Belgium's gotta be happy...having their great rivals Holland not making the finals and a particularly weak group...life is good! Wilmots is still the heart of the side, but losing their key striker Mpenza to injury is a blow.
Russia are another underachieving side over the years. The breakup of the soviet union has been a mixed blessing for their fortunes. Nothing really excites about this side, but they just might prove me wrong.
Tunisia will probably be the most entertaining team in the group, having that African flair to their game.
My prediction: this is a very tough group to predict as none of the teams are powerhouses. I'll take a stab at Belgium to top the group with Japan conjuring a miracle and finishing second!
Here is my (fairly) quick rundown of what I predict will happen in the first round:
Group A:
France
Uruguay
Senegal
Denmark
Seeing Uruguay in the tourny makes me wanna cry :cry: (they beat off the aussies to get here).
France still have most of the players from their world cup and european cup winning sides, and will be very difficult to beat especially with Zidane playing at a mindblowingly level...deserve their favoritism for the tournament. The only thing I think that can stop them is themselves (Barthez, their goalkeeper is sometimes good at doing that)
Uruguay are a little hot and cold and were pretty unimaginative against Aust. in Aust. but when they played in Montevideo (and had Recoba playing) they were a totally different side.
Senegal are in their first finals, so they are really an unknown quantity. They should be entertaining to watch.
Denmark are back again, and are always good value with many quality players in the big european clubs, albeit maybe not the power they were 10 years ago.
My prediction: France to win the group comfortably. It's a real toss-up for the runners up spot. I'll take a stab at Uruguay.
Group B:
Spain
Slovenia
Paraguay
South Africa
Spain has to be the biggest under-achievers in the history of the World Cup, with so much talent and two of the most powerful club sides in the world to get experience in big games with, it makes you wonder: can they shoot themselves in the foot AGAIN?
This group should really hold no fears for them. The first game against Slovenia will be critical as they tend to lose their first game in past tournaments (and their nerve).
Solvenia may appear to be lightweight, but don't forget they did make the European Cup finals 2 years ago and played pretty well. Much will depend on attacking midfielder Zahovic.
Paraguay are back again after playing quite entertaining football 4 years ago. Unfortunately, their larger than life goalkeeper who takes all thier free kicks near goal Chilavert has two matches left of a 4 match ban to serve so he will only appear in the last of the group1 stage games. Whether they can survive without him is uncertain.
Bafana Bafana are back again, hoping to do a little better this time. They are the sleeping giant of african football, but i believe it is not quite their time as yet.
My prediction: Spain to top the group (they can't go on underachieving forever) with Slovenia just pipping Paraguay for second.
Group C:
Brazil
Turkey
China
Costa Rica
Brazil, runners-up from 4 years ago were just AWFUL in qualifying for this tourney. You can't imagine them playing that bad in the finals. They seem so heavily dependent on Ronaldo, who's been mainly sidelined due to injuries. If he is fit and firing: watch out, if not, well.....
Turkey are one of the big improvers of Europe. They made the quarters 2 years ago, their club sides are promonent in European club championships, and have some high quality players plying their trade in big European clubs.
China has finally made it to the big stage (helps having the tourney staged in Asia with the extra asian spots available). Bora Milutinovic is back again!!! This guy is unbelieveable, taking 5 different sides to the finals. Being based in Korea will help them, with probably zillions of supporters pouring over the border to watch them. They're gunna need every little bit of help they can get!
Minnows Costa Rica, who won the CONCACAF group will be of nuisance value, and may be capable of an upset (they beat Mexico in Mexico in qualifying so they're not THAT bad).
My prediction: I'll go a little controversial and say that Turkey will win the group, with Brazil taking second
Group D:
Korea
Portugal
Poland
USA
Being a co-host, Korea will have a huge advantage. They'll need it cause in previous world cups they have been pretty weak (been in 5 finals and have yet to register a win!).
Portugal were the suprise packets 2 years ago in the european cup, finishing 3rd. Most of that team will be here, and with Luis Figo, and Rui Costa in there, they will be tough to beat.
Poland were a strong outfit a long while ago, and finally waking up so to speak. Nigerian-born Emmanuel Olisadebe has made a huge difference to this side, with Poland comfortably qualifying for the finals.
USA? What are they doing there? It will be a major shock if they draw a game let alone win one! How they allocate 3 spots for CONCACAF is beyond me (yes, i am bitter that oceania has only half a spot)
My prediction: Portugal to top the group comfortably, with Poland just squeezing out Korea for second
Group E:
Germany
Ireland
Cameroon
Saudi Arabia
What's a world cup without Germany or Brazil? Amazing that both had a serious struggle just to qualify for this tournament. After being absolutely whalloped at home by England, it looks like Germany has recovered a bit of their power. They have really suffered the last few years by Effenberg's boycott of the national side. It looks as though they have finally found a decent playmaker in Ballack, and of course they have the best goalkeeper in the world in Kahn. Still, I think they are a better bet in 4 years time when they will host the next tourney.
Ireland has snuck back into the finals. Man U's Roy Keane is their larger than life figure in the side, and much will depend on him (and his temper).
Cameroon are the most consistent African side, and will be a real threat. Their style of play is what Brazil used to be. It seems only a matter of time before an African nation wins the World cup, and these guys are as likely as anyone, though probably not yet. Could go far.
The Saudis are here again, and are rather fortunate to do so really. Iran had the group stitched up, but inexplicibly lost to Bahrain. The Saudi's are fun to watch and have some really talented players. Eight years ago they made it to the second round, but they might be struggling to do that in this group.
My prediction: Germany and Cameroon to make it through
Group F:
Argentina
Sweden
England
Nigeria
In every World Cup, there is always a "group of death". Well this is it! The two sides that miss out here will probably count themselves very unlucky.
Argentina romped it in the tough south american qualifying group, and are probably favorites for the whole tournament behind France. So many big stars in big clubs: Batistuta, Crespo, Gonzalez,...the list goes on.
Sweden had a pretty lousy european championship 2 years ago, but qualifyed comfortably for the finals. I don't expect them to be a lethal attacking side, especailly with the other 3 sides in the group having alot of attacking flair, but to instead try and grind out results.
England...well what can you say? They're still crowing about their demolition of Germany. I have to say this is probably their best side since their unlucky 1990 semi-final side, maybe even better? They have two absolute matchwinners in Owen and Beckham (who needs to be fit and firing). Eng vs Arg game should be interesting, especially watching to see if Beckham has learnt from last times fiasco. Having said all that, England always seem to find the most unluckiest way to get knocked out of a world cup, and it's rather ironic that they happened to be drawn this group. If they survive this stage, expect them to go far.
Nigeria round up this group, and are certainly no pushovers. Players such as Jay-Jay Okocha and Kanu can unravel any defense. They are quite an attacking team, and will cause problems to the other teams.
My prediction: Argentina to top the group, with England to sneak second spot
Group G:
Italy
Ecuador
Croatia
Mexico
At every world cup, the azzurri are expected to win by their home fans. Anything less is a total failure. They have probably the tightest defense out of all the teams bar none in the whole tournament. They did make the final of the european championships 2 years ago, but ultimately lost to France. They have a good attack, but seem to be lacking that one superstar attacker (wouldn't Owen be a nice addition if he were Italian!) Italian club sides are not as strong as what they used to be, but you only have to look at Spain to see that that's no real indication on the national sides form!!!
Ecuador were certainly the suprise packets of Sth American qualifying. Their first world cup finals, but it certainly was no fluke. Probably the hardest side to predict. I will be interested to watch how they go.
Croatia were amazing 4 years ago, finishing 3rd, but have dropped off badly since then. A lot of their star players back then are past their best or have gone. I don't expect alot from them in this tourney as they are really in a transitional stage.
Mexico, for once, struggled to qualify from the weak CONCACAF region, which is a real worry. They are not beating up on Canada or on some tinsy island nation now...they're up against the big boys now.
My prediction: Italy to top the group followed by Ecuador
GROUP H:
Japan
Belgium
Russia
Tunisia
Japan must of been rapt about the draw. Don't think they could have ever dreamed of an easier group than this. Will it be enough? Will the home crowd get them over the line? It will be tough....
Belgium's gotta be happy...having their great rivals Holland not making the finals and a particularly weak group...life is good! Wilmots is still the heart of the side, but losing their key striker Mpenza to injury is a blow.
Russia are another underachieving side over the years. The breakup of the soviet union has been a mixed blessing for their fortunes. Nothing really excites about this side, but they just might prove me wrong.
Tunisia will probably be the most entertaining team in the group, having that African flair to their game.
My prediction: this is a very tough group to predict as none of the teams are powerhouses. I'll take a stab at Belgium to top the group with Japan conjuring a miracle and finishing second!