In this first of four parts, The Epoch Times previews and analyzes the World Cup group by group.
Group A: Germany, Poland, Ecuador and Costa Rica
Three-time World Cup champion Germany was the losing finalist in 2002. The German pedigree is exceptional. The Germans make the most of their opportunities and get the results when they need them. Germany's performance leading up to this tournament has been mediocre, much like their previous build-up to the 2002 World Cup.
The key player for Germany is the attacking midfielder, Michael Ballack. Ballack will be expected to be the big scorer since Germany no longer possesses a striker like Juergen Klinsmann, who is now their coach. Interestingly, Oliver Kahn, voted MVP in 2002, is no longer the first choice keeper. That honor belongs to Arsenal's Jens Lehmann. With the home crowd support and vast experience, Germany is expected to win this group.
Poland, lacking players in the top European clubs, almost topped England in the qualifying rounds. Look for Jacek Krzynowek and Maciej Zurawski to play crucial roles as Poland's top scorer in the qualifier; Tomasz Frankowski was not included in the final roster. Poland could realistically finish second in this group and perhaps surprise the Germans in what will be a very intense contest. The Poles will be eager to erase the memories of their lousy performance in 2002, when they were eliminated in the group stage.
The Ecuadorians finished third in South American qualifying based on their strong performances in the altitude of Quito. Their record away from Quito, however, was the second worst out of the ten South American teams. Ecuador failed to progress past the group stage in 2002. They will be hard to break down but won't have the talent to progress this year either.
Costa Rica finished third in the Northern and Central American qualifier. The Ticos almost advanced past the group stage in 2002, losing out on goal differential to Turkey. Costa Rica will also be remembered for its entertaining match with Brazil in 2002, a match Costa Rica lost 5-2. Paulo Wanchope, with his height and guile, provides a dangerous attacking threat. Costa Rica's defense could be a liability.
The battle for second place in this group is not a foregone conclusion. Poland just might come out of this first round.
The first matches in this group will be played opening day, June 9, as Germany faces Costa Rica, and Poland battles Ecuador.
Group B: England, Sweden, Paraguay and Trinidad & Tobago
England has the potential to win the tournament. Most of the talk in the England camp thus far has been focused on Wayne Rooney's injured foot. Whether or not Rooney plays, England has several goal-scoring options. Adding to that their solid defense, consistent goal keeping and experience, it's hard not to see England progressing from this group. The question is what formation will they employ? England advanced to the quarter finals of Euro 2004 and the 2002 World Cup.
The Swedes feature the attacking trio of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Henrik Larsson and Freddie Ljungberg. Historically, Sweden has been consistently solid in the major tournaments, winning their groups at Euro 2004, and World Cup 2002. A very experienced, organized team that doesn't make mistakes, Sweden has a reasonable chance to top the group and obtain a relatively favorable match up in the next round. What is most disconcerting is Sweden's indifferent results since qualifying successfully for the World Cup.
Paraguay brings an experienced squad to Germany. With no Chilavert as goalkeeper this time, Paraguay will have to rely on the experience of classy defender Carlos Gamarra and center forward Roque Santa Cruz. Paraguay knows how to defend like the Italians, having narrowly lost out in the round of 16 in the last two World Cups. Paraguay won't score many goals but can pose a serious obstacle to the favored teams.
Trinidad & Tobago qualifying for its first ever World Cup has to be the feel-good story of the year. Representing a nation of just over one million, Trinidad & Tobago won a playoff against Bahrain to qualify. The fan support will add to the excitement of the event. The most recognizable name is Dwight Yorke, the former Manchester United striker who now plays in Australia. Realistically though, Trinidad & Tobago are overmatched in this group.
England and Sweden should advance from Group B. Potent attacks are what distinguish them both from Paraguay. Both will look to rack up the goals on Trinidad & Tobago and hope that a draw will suffice when they face each other in the last match of the group stage. Competition to win the group should be intense as both teams would rather avoid a round of 16 clash with Group A favorite Germany. Group B gets underway June 10, with England facing Paraguay and Sweden battling Trinidad & Tobago.
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