Group C is one of the most competitive groups, with powerhouses Argentina and Holland, accompanied by the Ivory Coast and Serbia & Montenegro.
Argentina won the World Cup in 1978 and 1986, but four years ago failed to qualify for the round of 16. Argentina's squad is loaded with experience. Hernan Crespo leads a potent strike force, Juan Riquelme marshals the midfield, and defensively, Argentina can rely on a number of players with European experience. Goal keeping could be the only weakness in a squad with tremendous potential.
Holland, under coach Marco van Basten, is generally a very young team with a few key veterans. In an effort to eliminate squabbling egos, the youth movement proved to be astute as Holland qualified with the best record from Europe. The attack is centered on Ruud van Nistelrooy while goalkeeper Edwin Van der Sar is one of the world's best. Arjen Robben, Rafael Van der Vaart, Philip Cocu and Mark van Bommel are all world class players in an exciting side that should go far.
The Ivory Coast, playing in its first World Cup, could be the most confident of all African teams having reached the final of the African Cup of Nations in January. The Ivory Coast is led by Didier Drogba, a powerful striker in the air and on the ground. Kolo Toure and Emmanual Eboue, two defenders from Champions League finalist Arsenal, should feature prominently. The team definitely can compete in this group though their experience is limited..
Serbia & Montenegro draw on Yugoslavia's historic past. Their strength lies in their defense. The back four of Vidic, Gavrancic, Krstajic and Dragutinovic allowed only one goal in the European qualifier. Considered as slight underdogs in this group, Serbia & Montenegro is a well-balanced and experienced squad. Mateja Kezman is the main goal-scoring threat and midfielder Dejan Stankovic is a creative attacking midfielder.
Group C is unpredictable. Argentina and Holland have the better pedigrees and would be favored to advance. But it is far from certain. This group begins play June 10 as Argentina faces Ivory Coast while Holland versus Serbia & Montenegro will be played June 11.
Group D features Mexico, Portugal, Iran and Angola.
Mexico's technical ability, tenacity and solid results over the past two years make it the seeded team in this group. In 2002, the Mexicans bowed out to their American arch-rivals in round 16 after topping their group. Similar faces make up the Mexican squad this year. Jared Borgetti's aerial threat and Rafa Marquez's no-nonsense defending form a solid nucleus. Mexico also has a talented and experienced supporting cast.
Portugal qualified for Europe without losing a single game. Cristiano Ronaldo and Luis Figo represent the best of the new generation and old. Portugal would like to forget the 2002 World Cup, where they were eliminated in the group stage. The team is coached by Luiz Felipe Scolari, who led Brazil to their triumph in 2002. Scolari declined England's offer to become coach after the World Cup which should further boost Portugal's spirits.
Iran is back in the World Cup after missing out in 2002. Now, more Iranians are playing in top European leagues, especially Germany. German champions Bayern Munich currently feature Ali Karimi and also once employed striker Vahid Hashemian. Ali Daei and Mehdi Mahdavikia also have extensive experience playing in Germany. The Iranians have posted solid results in the warm-up matches and will definitely be the contenders to advance.
Angola is perhaps one of the weakest teams to qualify for the World Cup. They did beat out Nigeria to qualify as African representatives, which is no small feat. The former Portuguese colony requested that two Portugal-based players be allowed to switch allegiance. This request was turned down. Angola is very much an unknown quantity. Its players mostly ply their trade in Angola or the Portuguese lower divisions.
Group D's favorites are Mexico and Portugal while Iran has the tools to disrupt both teams. Opening matches for this group will be played June 11 as Mexico faces Iran and Portugal takes on Angola in an 'explorer versus colony' match.
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