I feel that Korea wont be that big of a suprise. They lucked out in getting into Group G because the only real tough competition is going to be France. Switzerland and Togo are both tough teams, don't get me wrong, but I don't see the games as a mismatch like I do against France. As for the Netherlands, they're advancing without question. I don't think Cote d'Ivoire nor Serbia/Montenegro really are a real challenge for the Netherlands. Obviously they're going to have their hands full with Argentina but thankfully they play them last. So I think that Australia will be the biggest suprise of them all if they can outmatch both Japan and Croatia. Both Japan and Croatia are ranked in the top 20's and Australia is far off at 44th. This would be an amazing accomplishment for Australia if they were do advance. However, they're going to be manhandled by the superpower that is Brasil.
Korea's run in '02 was more a product of being the co-host. Much like Mexico in '86 and the US in '94.
Holland have to be considered the best team to never win the World Cup and who remembers they actually didn't qualify in '02? No Davids and no Kluivert is a move in the right direction. They might be primed for a run and I wouldn't mind seeing them do it.
The Czech Republic is my surprise team. They are going to win Group F and might get Australia in the round of sixteen. If so I like them at least into the quarters.
Holland have to be considered the best team to never win the World Cup and who remembers they actually didn't qualify in '02? No Davids and no Kluivert is a move in the right direction. They might be primed for a run and I wouldn't mind seeing them do it.
The Czech Republic is my surprise team. They are going to win Group F and might get Australia in the round of sixteen. If so I like them at least into the quarters.
arty:
