Wednesday, May 17, 2006
Fever Is Building
Thirty-two teams from across the globe make up the field for the 2006 FIFA World Cup™ finals. Six continents are represented and six past winners will take part, including hosts Germany, who head the 14-strong European contingent, and holders Brazil who lead the South American challenge.
Qualified Teams
32 teams explode onto out tv screens from 9th June , then it will be football, football all the way to the final on the July 9th, 64 matches in total.
Europe
England, Germany, Holland, Sweden, Poland, Ukraine, France, Switzerland, Portugal, Spain, Italy, Croatia, Serbia and Montenegro, Czech Republic
Americas
USA, Mexico, Trinidad and Tobago, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina
Africa
Tunisia, Cote d,Ivoire, Ghana, Togo, Angola,
Asia
Saudi Arabia
Australia
Betting Favourites
Brazil took football's biggest prize in 2002 and with the World player of the year 2004, 2005 and potentially 2006 in their ranks they deserve their status as favourite for the competition. Ronaldinho aside the team is packed with quality and Ronaldo among others is out to prove he is not yesterdays news. Despite some criticism of late this household name always performs for his country, was instrumental in the team's qualification and needs just one more world cup goal to exceed the great Pele's tally.
Of the challengers to Brazil's crown it's worth highlighting Germany who could profit from the ever important host nation advantage. From Uruguay winning the first in 1930 to Korea exceeding all expectations last time round the history of the World Cup is littered with proof that playing at home is a massive boost. Germany themselves won in 1974 last time they hosted and the team they look set to field in 2006 looks enough to trouble any top side.
Of the rest, perennial class acts Argentina have a frightening wealth of talent and results permitting could be set for a showdown with Brazil in the final. England too look as dangerous as they ever have been at this stage. Should neither Rooney or Owen be fit in time though our chances look shot unless young Theo Walcott can step up to the mark on the biggest stage! Will there be a surprise package this year?
The young and progressive Swiss team have a great chance of progressing from their group and let's not forget Croatia who again look set to cause a few upsets. Coming 3rd in 1998 may have been a shock but the team is littered with players from the top teams across Europe, they were mightily impressive in qualifying and have a great chance to get out of the group stage behind Brazil.
The latest betting as at 17.5.2006 is as follows :
Brazil 11/4
Germany 15/2
England 8/1
Argentina 8/1
Italy 9/1
Trinidad and Tobago 1500/1
Groups and Teams
Group A
Germany
Costa Rica
Poland
Ecuador
Group B
England
Paraguay
Trinidad and Tobago
Sweden
Group C
Argentina
Côte d'Ivoire
Serbia and Montenegro
Netherlands
Group D
Mexico
Iran
Angola
Portugal
Group E
Italy
Ghana
USA
Czech Republic
Group F
Brazil
Croatia
Australia
Japan
Group G
France
Switzerland
Korea Republic
Togo
Group H
Spain
Ukraine
Tunisia
Saudi Arabia
Qualified Teams
32 teams explode onto out tv screens from 9th June , then it will be football, football all the way to the final on the July 9th, 64 matches in total.
Europe
England, Germany, Holland, Sweden, Poland, Ukraine, France, Switzerland, Portugal, Spain, Italy, Croatia, Serbia and Montenegro, Czech Republic
Americas
USA, Mexico, Trinidad and Tobago, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina
Africa
Tunisia, Cote d,Ivoire, Ghana, Togo, Angola,
Asia
Saudi Arabia
Australia
Betting Favourites
Brazil took football's biggest prize in 2002 and with the World player of the year 2004, 2005 and potentially 2006 in their ranks they deserve their status as favourite for the competition. Ronaldinho aside the team is packed with quality and Ronaldo among others is out to prove he is not yesterdays news. Despite some criticism of late this household name always performs for his country, was instrumental in the team's qualification and needs just one more world cup goal to exceed the great Pele's tally.
Of the challengers to Brazil's crown it's worth highlighting Germany who could profit from the ever important host nation advantage. From Uruguay winning the first in 1930 to Korea exceeding all expectations last time round the history of the World Cup is littered with proof that playing at home is a massive boost. Germany themselves won in 1974 last time they hosted and the team they look set to field in 2006 looks enough to trouble any top side.
Of the rest, perennial class acts Argentina have a frightening wealth of talent and results permitting could be set for a showdown with Brazil in the final. England too look as dangerous as they ever have been at this stage. Should neither Rooney or Owen be fit in time though our chances look shot unless young Theo Walcott can step up to the mark on the biggest stage! Will there be a surprise package this year?
The young and progressive Swiss team have a great chance of progressing from their group and let's not forget Croatia who again look set to cause a few upsets. Coming 3rd in 1998 may have been a shock but the team is littered with players from the top teams across Europe, they were mightily impressive in qualifying and have a great chance to get out of the group stage behind Brazil.
The latest betting as at 17.5.2006 is as follows :
Brazil 11/4
Germany 15/2
England 8/1
Argentina 8/1
Italy 9/1
Trinidad and Tobago 1500/1
Groups and Teams
Group A
Germany
Costa Rica
Poland
Ecuador
Group B
England
Paraguay
Trinidad and Tobago
Sweden
Group C
Argentina
Côte d'Ivoire
Serbia and Montenegro
Netherlands
Group D
Mexico
Iran
Angola
Portugal
Group E
Italy
Ghana
USA
Czech Republic
Group F
Brazil
Croatia
Australia
Japan
Group G
France
Switzerland
Korea Republic
Togo
Group H
Spain
Ukraine
Tunisia
Saudi Arabia
