FIFA World Cup 2006 begins today. This is the 18th edition taking place at Germany. 32 teams are participating in the tournament and 64 matches will be played. Brazil is defending the title for the 5th time, most by any country. Host Germans will kick off their campaign today against Costa Rica at Munich without their captain Michael Ballack, who is out due to injury. Out of the previous 17 edition, teams from South America have won it 9 times whereas teams from Europe have won 8 times with Brazil being the maximum with 5 trophies and as expected odds favour Brazil. However no South American team have won in Europe except for Brazil in 1958.
Germany eventhough not as strong as it was earlier has a great record at home with only Brazil beating them in the last 2 years. Supported by a huge fan crowd, Germany cannot be written off. Players like Miraslov Klose, Michael Ballack and Oliver Khan have to play key role for their win.
England, playing as one of the strongest contenders will be delighted by the return of striker Wayne Rooney. Beckham, Gerrard are in their prime form and it has got one of the best defence with Cole, Campbell, Ferdinand. However they will be missing David Seaman who was one of the finest goal keepers. Odds says England is the team to beat after Brazil.
France, after their poor display in the previous edition will look to perform better than what they did in the previous edition. It has got some great players like Zidane, Henry and its time for these players to strike for their country inorder to restore their pride.
Italy called as Azauri blues too will look to restore their pride in the game. After a disatarous 2002 world cup and Euro 2004 and a poor show in the warm up matches, it has to lift the game inorder to win their 4th title.
Argentina, one of the strongest team in the tournament will be playing for their 3rd title. Teenage sensation Messi, already tagged as next Maradona will be the player to watch. With the confidence being sky high after a stupendous performance in the qualifiers, Argentina starts as the favourites after Brazil and England for the title.
Other contenders include Sweden, Netherlands, Czech Republic, Portugal, Spain. Eventhough these team have the ability to be the champions they have failed to perform when it mattered. But nothing can be written off till the final whistle is blown on 9th july.
Germany eventhough not as strong as it was earlier has a great record at home with only Brazil beating them in the last 2 years. Supported by a huge fan crowd, Germany cannot be written off. Players like Miraslov Klose, Michael Ballack and Oliver Khan have to play key role for their win.
England, playing as one of the strongest contenders will be delighted by the return of striker Wayne Rooney. Beckham, Gerrard are in their prime form and it has got one of the best defence with Cole, Campbell, Ferdinand. However they will be missing David Seaman who was one of the finest goal keepers. Odds says England is the team to beat after Brazil.
France, after their poor display in the previous edition will look to perform better than what they did in the previous edition. It has got some great players like Zidane, Henry and its time for these players to strike for their country inorder to restore their pride.
Italy called as Azauri blues too will look to restore their pride in the game. After a disatarous 2002 world cup and Euro 2004 and a poor show in the warm up matches, it has to lift the game inorder to win their 4th title.
Argentina, one of the strongest team in the tournament will be playing for their 3rd title. Teenage sensation Messi, already tagged as next Maradona will be the player to watch. With the confidence being sky high after a stupendous performance in the qualifiers, Argentina starts as the favourites after Brazil and England for the title.
Other contenders include Sweden, Netherlands, Czech Republic, Portugal, Spain. Eventhough these team have the ability to be the champions they have failed to perform when it mattered. But nothing can be written off till the final whistle is blown on 9th july.
2 comments:
good information for the football fans..
hey, post one poll " who will win this worldcup "
kewl... gud post to recollect d things... ye, as Kamaraj says, y dont u think to predict results and lets c how it goes...
Gud work buddy :)
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