World Cup Fever!

Finally, the day that the world awaits is here. The World Cup. As a passionate football fan, which, according to Thomas, is a.k.a. football freaks(call whatever you want), this is the time when we people unite together and watch the biggest event in football(screw the Americans who called it soccer, its just damn lame name).

As a vivid fan, here's a very basic view to the groups and countries and stars to shine in the World Cup.

Group A
Teams: Germany, Costa Rica, Poland, Ecuador

The obvious favourite to go through is Germany, which boast stars like M. Ballack, Oliver Kahn and Miroslav Klose. However, do expect excitement as Poland, Costa Rica and Ecuador have the chances to strike them down. Basically, if there are no complications, Germany will be leading the team, with the other 3 vying for 2nd place to go through.
Stars to look for: M.Ballack(Ger.), L. Podolski(Ger.)
















Michael Ballack of Germany

Group B
Teams: England, Paraguay, Trinidad and Tobago, Sweden

Here, England has all what it takes to lead. With well-known stars such as Beckham, Owen, Rooney, Gerrard and Lampard, it is no easy job to beat them, that is if they make full use of their talents and skills. Sweden will be the closest rival to England in the group and will be expecting 2nd place. Paraguay, with its latin roots of tactical football will be able to mount a challenge. T&T will be on their debut world cup with veteran captain, Dwight Yorke leading them for a place of glory.
Stars to look for: Gerrard(Eng.), Rooney(Eng.), Yorke(T&T), Ibrahimovic(Swe.), Larsson(Swe.), Santa Cruz(Par.)


















Steven Gerrard, England

Group C
Teams: Argentina, Cote D' Ivoire, Serbia and Montenegro, Netherlands

Known as the group of death, with each teams have their own legacy to go through the stage. Both Argentina and Netherlands have their stars and reputation to go through the stage. However, S&B and Ivory Coast also has their own records and star players to stage a fight. It is a unpredictable group which anything can happen.
Stars to look for: Messi(Arg.), Drogba(CDI), Kezman(S&B), Van Nistelrooy(Ntl.), Robben(Ntl.)

Group D
Teams: Mexico, Iran, Angola, Portugal

Mexico and Portugal will be the favourites through. Iran have many players which is Germany-based, which can cause a few problems. Angola is on their 1st appearance in the World Cup.
Stars to look for: C.Ronaldo(Por.), Figo(Por.), Deco(Por.), Franco(Mex.), Karimi(Iran)

Group E
Teams: Italy, Ghana, USA, Czech Rep.

Known as the second group of death. Italy and the Czechs will be favourites going through, having a lot of stars in their team. "Soccer" nation USA will be going into the competition with a very high ranking, 8th in FIFA ranking. Ghana is on their debut appearance, with few of their players plying their trade in European countries.
Stars to look for: Toni(Ita.), Totti(Ita.), Essien(Gha.), McBride(USA), Cech(Cze.), Nedved(Cze.)

Group F:
Teams: Brazil, Australia, Japan, Croatia

It will be the shock of the century if Brazil do not go through in this group. With the whole team of superstars and free-flowing football, it will be tough to disrupt their journey to road of glory. Croatia will be trying to emulate the 1998 team, having got 3rd place that year. Japan, with the experience of hosting the last World Cup and having reach 2nd round, will be trying hard to improve on their record. As for Australia, with its first appearance since 1974, will be hungry to fight for a place in the football map.
Stars to look for: Ronaldinho(Bra.), Kaka(Bra.), Ronaldo(Bra.), Robinho(Bra.), Adriano(Bra.), Klasnic(Cro.), Kewell(Aus.), Viduka(Aus.), Nakata(Jpn)











Ronaldinho, Brazil.

Group G:
Teams: France, Switzerland, Korea Rep., Togo

France will be facing threats from 3 emerging powers in football. With most of its stars in their retirement age, it may take quite an effort to go through. Korea will be favourite to go through by 2nd spot, reaching the last World Cup by 3rd place. Switzerland and Togo will have some difficult time in the competition.
Stars to look for: Henry(Fra.), Zidane(Fra.), J.S. Park(Kor.)

Group H:
Teams: Spain, Ukraine, Tunisia, Saudi Arabia

Spain will be the favourites through, having most of their star players in the team. Ukraine will be the one posing the biggest threat to their journey, with Andriy Shevchenko spear heading the team. Tunisia and Saudi Arabia will be merely fighting for honour and dignity.
Stars to look for: Raul(Spa.), Xabi Alonso(Spa.), Torres(Spa.), Shevchenko(Ukr.)

First match starts today(9th June 2006). Host Germany will be playing Costa Rica. Poland agianst Ecuador will be the other match.

Stay tuned for World Cup updates.