World Cup Seedings
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France* have a good chance of repeating their victory in 1998, though the group stage might prove a little more awkward than some pundits are claiming. Merde! Player to watch: Henry |
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Spain* perennial under-achievers Spain will be looking to improve on their past record. The Spanish Primera Liga is one of the most exciting domestic football leagues in the world, but can this quality be reproduced at international level? Player to watch: Guardiola |
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Brazil* four-time winners of the World Cup have been going through the worst period in their history as far as results go - and a lot of people who are not Brazil nuts have written them off as potential winners this time. Player to watch: Romario |
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South Korea* who knows why they were seeded? No, nor me. This is their sixth appearance in the World Cup Finals, but they have never won a match. Guus Hiddink, ably assisted by Jan Roelfs, has been brought in to manage them this time. Player to watch: Hwang Sun-hong |
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Germany* is a team lucky to have been seeded, according to those not fully acquainted with the vagaries of FIFA's algorithms. Still, they dealt with the awkward Ukrainians very well, especially after losing 1-5 to England in Munich. Player to watch: Ballack |
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Argentina* the bookies' favourites to win the World Cup. And would you bet against a bookie? Even injury should not stop the juggernaut, as they will be taking 22 very good players. Player to watch: Riquelme |
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Italy* a traditional quality defence with firepower up front, Italy were unlucky not to win Euro 2000. If they can overcome self-doubt, no doubt they will do well. Player to watch: Doni |
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Japan* since the World Cup started in 1930, the host country has won the World Cup 6 times in the sixteen times the tournament has been held: better than one-in-three. South Korea are in with a good chance, then. Player to watch: Ono |
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