(Please feel free to comment or provide your own opinions/analysis.)
Group B
-Holland (FIFA - 3rd)
-Argentina (FIFA - 9th)
-Ivory Coast (FIFA - 32nd)
-Serbia & Montenegro (FIFA - 44th)
Game to Watch: Holland vs. Argentina. June 21st in Frankfurt. Probably the most exciting match of the first round.
David vs. Goliath: Argentina vs. Ivory Coast. June 10th in Hamburg. A hard fought match between two-time champions (Argentina) and debutants (Ivory Coast).
-The Albiceleste must think they are cursed. They drew England, Sweden and Nigeria in the last WC. This year is no easier. Although a poor showing in 2002, Argentina is again a favorite among many to win it all. The Albiceleste sealed qualification by beating Brazil in Buenos Aires (in dramatic fashion). Riquelme, Mascherano and Saviola figure to be the squad's leading talent, as well as the experienced Ayala, Sorin, Aimar and Crespo. No one can forget about Argentina's diamond in the rough, Messi. (Messi helped his country win the FIFA World Youth Championship in 2005.)
-Serbia & Montenegro had an amazing qualifying run, edging past Spain and Belgium and conceding just one goal in 10 matches. The squad was one of 8 European nations to finish qualifying undefeated. The Plavi's stars include Kezman, Stankovic and Milosevic. However, this squad's D is what many rave about, starting with GK Jervic and a back four marshalled by captain Krstajic
-Ivory Coast's qualification ahead of Cameroon was nothing short of spectacular. Their attacking troops of Drogba, Kalou and Dindane evoke comparisons to the Senegal 2002 team. Most Ivorians need to thank Guillou for setting up an academy just outside Abidjan. Dindane, Toure, Zokora, Boka, Kouassi and Copa all "graduated" from the academy. Domoraud and Toure form a solid center defense, while Drogba and Dindane lead the attack. Tizie, the GK, has also distinguished himself.
-The Dutch's first match of its qualifying campaign started in the right direction, a 2-0 win over the Czech Republic in Amsterdam...and it continued, with a 2-0 win in Prague as well. Holland secured 10 wins and 2 draws in qualifying, underlining their superiority in Europe. International stars like van Nistelrooy, van der Sar and captain Cocu lead the way. The new generation includes Kuyt and Maduro, while the experienced field includes Robben, Sneijder and van der Vaart.
Prediction:
1. Argentina
2. Holland
3. Ivory Coast
4. Serbia & Montenegro
Cappo
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Group B
-Holland (FIFA - 3rd)
-Argentina (FIFA - 9th)
-Ivory Coast (FIFA - 32nd)
-Serbia & Montenegro (FIFA - 44th)
Game to Watch: Holland vs. Argentina. June 21st in Frankfurt. Probably the most exciting match of the first round.
David vs. Goliath: Argentina vs. Ivory Coast. June 10th in Hamburg. A hard fought match between two-time champions (Argentina) and debutants (Ivory Coast).
-The Albiceleste must think they are cursed. They drew England, Sweden and Nigeria in the last WC. This year is no easier. Although a poor showing in 2002, Argentina is again a favorite among many to win it all. The Albiceleste sealed qualification by beating Brazil in Buenos Aires (in dramatic fashion). Riquelme, Mascherano and Saviola figure to be the squad's leading talent, as well as the experienced Ayala, Sorin, Aimar and Crespo. No one can forget about Argentina's diamond in the rough, Messi. (Messi helped his country win the FIFA World Youth Championship in 2005.)
-Serbia & Montenegro had an amazing qualifying run, edging past Spain and Belgium and conceding just one goal in 10 matches. The squad was one of 8 European nations to finish qualifying undefeated. The Plavi's stars include Kezman, Stankovic and Milosevic. However, this squad's D is what many rave about, starting with GK Jervic and a back four marshalled by captain Krstajic
-Ivory Coast's qualification ahead of Cameroon was nothing short of spectacular. Their attacking troops of Drogba, Kalou and Dindane evoke comparisons to the Senegal 2002 team. Most Ivorians need to thank Guillou for setting up an academy just outside Abidjan. Dindane, Toure, Zokora, Boka, Kouassi and Copa all "graduated" from the academy. Domoraud and Toure form a solid center defense, while Drogba and Dindane lead the attack. Tizie, the GK, has also distinguished himself.
-The Dutch's first match of its qualifying campaign started in the right direction, a 2-0 win over the Czech Republic in Amsterdam...and it continued, with a 2-0 win in Prague as well. Holland secured 10 wins and 2 draws in qualifying, underlining their superiority in Europe. International stars like van Nistelrooy, van der Sar and captain Cocu lead the way. The new generation includes Kuyt and Maduro, while the experienced field includes Robben, Sneijder and van der Vaart.
Prediction:
1. Argentina
2. Holland
3. Ivory Coast
4. Serbia & Montenegro
Cappo
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