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Group D
Group Prediction
World Ranking
Germany
6
Australia
19
Serbia
15
Ghana
31
Tough group, but never bet against the Germans
Possibly one of the toughest groups to predict and to play
in. Germany, who share the record for most World Cup finals
appearances with Brazil, must be favourites to top the group if
only because they always do well at this level. However, all of
the teams in this group finished top of their respective qualifying
groups. Second place will probably be decided on goal difference,
with Australia just edging out an unlucky Serbia. However, Ghana
are also no pushovers, so it will be a nailbiting finish to the
group.
Star players
Miroslav Klose (GER), Michael Ballack (GER), Lukas Podolski
(GER), Tim Cahill (AUS), Harry Kewell (AUS).
Group E
Group Prediction
World Ranking
Netherlands
3
Cameroon
20
Denmark
34
Japan
45
Flying Dutchmen
The Dutch are firm favourites to top this group with a level of
skill and flowing football that will push aside the competition.
Qualifying with a 100% record, the Dutch are getting back to their
wonderful best. Even with the flair and quality that Cameroon
display, the Dutch are likely to take maximum points from the
group.
No African team has more World Cup experience than Cameroon
and they have rediscovered their confidence. They will
take second place even though a well drilled Danish
side will be difficult to beat. Japan will repeat their
performance in 2006 and be heading home
after the group stage.
Star players
Arjen Robben (NED), Dirk Kuyt
(NED), Rafael van der Vaart
(NED), Samuel Eto’o (CMR),
Alexandre Song (CMR).
Group F
Group Prediction
World Ranking
Italy
5
Paraquay
23
Slovakia
33
New Zealand
79
Can Italy do it again?
The reigning champions and four-time World Cup winners are
clear favourites to take top spot in Group F. Italy, like the Germans,
regularly make the final stages of the tournament, even when
they do not play the best football. It is unlikely that the current
side can go all the way this time around, but they should certainly
go through to the next round with ease. The competition for
second place is between Paraguay and Slovakia. Paraguay put
in their best ever qualifying performance and will probably edge
out the Slovakians. As for New Zealand, it is unlikely that Ricki
Herbert’s men will trouble the others and gaining a point or two
will be an achievement.
Star players
Gianluigi Buffon (ITA), Fabio Cannavaro (ITA), Daniele De Rossi
(ITA), Roque Santa Cruz (PAR), Justo Villar (PAR),
Group G
Group Prediction
World Ranking
Brazil
2
Portugal
4
Cote d’Ivoire
25
North Korea
105
Latin flair wins the day
This is the group to watch for excitement. Five times world cup
winners Brazil, Portugal and Cote d’Ivoire all have flair and skill in
spades and Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka, Drogba etc. will be parading
their genius. However, it is inconceivable that Brazil and Portugal
will not win through in first and second place at the expense of
the Africans. What a shame that the lowest ranked contenders,
North Korea, were drawn in such a miss-matched group. It could
be a drubbing!
Star players
Kaka (BRA), Luis Fabiano (BRA), Robinho (BRA) Cristiano Ronaldo
(POR), Deco (POR), Pepe (POR).
Group H
Group Prediction
World Ranking
Spain
1
Chile
13
Switzerland
20
Honduras
36
European Champions the ones to watch.
The European champions will prove to be too strong for the
other contenders in this group. The Spanish won all ten of their
qualifying matches and play some powerful and imposing football.
They will be very optimistic about winning the World Cup for the
first time.
Chile are likely to give the Spanish a run for their money and will
probably be runners up, but the Swiss are well organised and
difficult opposition. Honduras could stage an upset but will end
their world cup at the group stage.
Star players
Xavi (ESP), Andres Iniesta (ESP), David Villa (ESP),Cesc Fabregas
(ESP) Humberto Suazo (CHI), Matias Fernandez (CHI).
F