World Cup Post #4

Link to my last World Cup post here.

Group G: France, Switzerland, Korea Republic, Togo
Arguably the weakest group in the cup, the French are a clear favorite in this group. I think Togo may be the lowest ranked team in the cup and I don't know much about them. This is another young team, mostly in their 20s. If they are the stereotypical African team then they are fast and can't do much defensively. They do have ability as a few of their players play in Europe's big leagues (Germany, England, Italy, Spain). Korea is not the same team they were as hosts. Hosting, for some reason, makes teams to better. However, this Korean team will not likely have officials handing them upsets to get them into the semi-finals. There are quality players, but not to the level of the French. Watching the Swiss is about as exciting as watching them build their watches. Really, there is a reason this country is more into bobsledding and skiing. However, they have a chance to advance in this weak group. France, on the other hand, is completely stacked with talent. Who to watch: Maybe the most gifted player with the ball ever is Zinedine Zidane. I had the pleasure of watching him live when he came to the states with Real Madrid to play the Galaxy. He is nothing short of brilliant. In the same note as Steven Gerrard. Thierry Henry is a player that can carry a team on his back. Henry has an uncanny knack for getting the ball in the net when it doesn't seem possible. If you want to see two amazing players, check out France. This is, however, an older team. Other players to look out for: Saha is a talented player up top. Djibril Cisse is one of the fastest players in the world. They will score, but I don't think too highly of their defenders - especially Boumsong.

1. France 3 wins 9 points
2. Korea 1 win 1 draw 4 points
3. Switzerland 2 draws 2 points
4. Togo 1 draw 1 point


Group H: Spain, Ukraine, Tunisia, Saudi Arabia
Another group where two teams stick out. Spain is always considered a world power, but seems to choke in the World Cup. They have great keepers, including one of the best PK-stoppers in the world in Jose "Pepe" Reina (ask West Ham about him) and Ikar Casillas. Their defense is led by one of the best of the world in Carlos Puyol. All of their midfielders are talented and two play together for Arsenal in England. Their strikers are so-so in my view. I don't thing as highly of Raul as the rest of the world and I've seen the good and bad sides of Luis Garcia. Again, they could go far, but they could also choke. I know pretty much nothing about Tunisia or Saudi Arabia except that the Saudis were the whipping boy of WC2002. Ukraine is my super dark horse of this tournament. They have a great striker in Shevchenko and an old Ukranian legend in Rebrov. However, they did well in qualifying and I think that they have an easier path to the semis depending on their success in the group.

1. Spain 2 wins, 1 draw 7 points (1st through goal diff.)
2. Ukraine 2 wins 1 draw 7 points
3 Tunisia 1 draw 1 point
4. Saudi Arabia 1 draw 1 point


That covers all of the groups. Next up is my look at how I think the elimination rounds will go. 3 more days!!!