[Tommy]

By Rich Carlson.

Every four years, the international football world gathers for the spectacle that is the World Cup. Football-crazy fans from the southern tip of South America to the northern coasts of Europe and everywhere in between will live and die with their country's successes or failures. Can anybody dethrone the powerful Brazilian squad? Can the USA repeat its miraculous quarterfinal run of four years ago? Can host nation Germany overcome the pressures of playing on its home soil to bring the Cup home? Here is a preview of each World Cup group and each team's odds of winning the Cup (Wagerweb.com odds as of 6/4/2006):

Group A
Germany -- FIFA World Ranking: 19th

Qualified for World Cup: automatic qualifier as host nation
Wagerweb odds to win: +700, 7/1

German coach and soccer legend Juergen Klinsmann has all the tools at his disposal to take his squad to the championship match July 9 in Berlin. Superstar midfielder Michael Ballack, who recently signed with English Premier League powerhouse Chelsea, leads the powerful German attack. Forwards Miroslav Klose (55 caps/24 goals) and Lukas Podolski (25 caps/12 goals) are strong up front, and the goalkeeping duo of Jens Lehmann and Oliver Kahn is among the world's best. Playing in a favorable group, Germany is a smart bet to easily advance through the knockout stage and deep into the tournament.

Costa Rica -- FIFA World Ranking: 26th

Qualified for World Cup: finished 3rd in North/Central America & Caribbean Zone

Wagerweb odds to win: +60000, 600/1

The Costa Rican team, which was floundering at the early part of the qualifying rounds, brought back Coach Alexander Guimaraes to right the ship, which he has. Costa Rica secured a birth in Germany with victories over Guatemala, Panama, Trinidad and Tobago and the United States during qualifying. Costa Rican legend Paulo Wanchope (69 caps, 43 goals) and Ronald Gomez (80 caps/23 goals) will drive the the offense, along with talented midfielder Carlos Hernandez (17 caps/6 goals). Costa Rica should not be overlooked and could make it past the knockout stage.

Poland -- FIFA World Ranking: 29th

Qualified for World Cup: finished 2nd in European Zone Group 6

Wagerweb odds to win: +10000, 100/1

Poland pushed England to the limit during the qualification matches, ultimately finishing one point behind in the standings. Coach Pawel Janus shocked many football fans by excluding forward Tomas Frankowski and goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek from the squad. Forwards Maciej Zurawski (50 caps/15 goals) and Grzegorz Rasiak (30 caps/8 goals) will be heavily relied on, and Borussia Dortmund forward Euzebiusz Smolarek will be asked to replace Frankowski up front.

Ecuador -- FIFA World Ranking: 39th

Qualified for World Cup: finished T-3rd in South America zone

Wagerweb odds to win: +20000, 200/1

Ecuador, with the lowest FIFA World Ranking in Group A, could prove to be the spoiler of the group. It proved its mettle by finishing 3rd in the tough South American Zone and can play with anybody. However, since qualifying for the Cup, Ecuador has lost friendly matches to Japan, Poland and the Netherlands without scoring a goal. If midfielder Edison Mendez (64 caps/10 goals), and forwards Agustin Delgado (68 caps/29 goals) and Ivan Kaviedes (44 caps/13 goals) rediscover their goal scoring touch, Ecuador could be a dangerous team in Group A.

Group B

England -- FIFA World Ranking: 10th

Qualified for World Cup: finished 1st in European Zone Group 6

Wagerweb odds to win: +650, 6.5/1

Coach Sven Goran Eriksson is taking another star-studded squad into battle in Germany. Newcastle striker Michael Owen (77 caps/36 goals) is one of the premier goal scorers in the world, and midfielder David Beckham (89 caps/16 goals) can produce magic any time he touches the ball. England has one of the deepest defenses in the tournament, with Sol Campbell (68 caps), Gary Neville (79 caps), Ashley Cole (46 caps) and Rio Ferdinand (47 caps) ready to go. If injured superstar striker Wayne Rooney is able to play, the English squad could be very tough to beat.

Paraguay -- FIFA World Ranking: 33rd

Qualified for World Cup: finished 4th in South American Zone

Wagerweb odds to win: +20000, 200/1

Paraguay, which finished 4th in the South American Zone qualifications, has advanced past the group stage in the last two finals, and it hopes to repeat that success in this year's tournament. Team captain Carlos Gamarra (106 caps) anchors the defense, while strikers Jose Cardozo (82 caps/25 goals) and Roque Santa Cruz (42 caps/13 goals) are players to watch on offense. Paraguay enters the World Cup with a ton of confidence after beating Argentina 1-0 at home and holding it to a 0-0 draw in Buenos Aires.

Trinidad and Tobago -- FIFA World Ranking: 47th

Qualified for World Cup: finished 4th in North/Central America & Caribbean Zone

Wagerweb odds to win: +150000, 1500/1

Former Manchester United player Dwight Yorke (54 caps/15 goals) and goal-scoring machine Stern John (95 caps/65 goals) lead a talented but inexperienced Trinidad and Tobago squad into group play. If 37-year-old forward Russell Latapy (66 caps/28 goals) can return to form, and if LA Galaxy forward Glen Cornell (35 caps/11 goals) can step up and produce, Trinidad and Tobago could make life difficult for its opponents.

Sweden -- FIFA World Ranking: 16th

Qualified for World Cup: finished T-1st in European Zone Group 8

Wagerweb odds to win: +4000, 40/1

Sweden is making its 11th appearance in the World Cup finals and boasts a squad that could advance far into the tournament. Strikers Henrik Larsson (89 caps/35 goals) and Zlatan Ibrahimovich (38 caps/18 goals) are a powerful 1-2 punch up front, while Teddy Lucic (81 caps) and Olaf Mellberg (64 caps) are solid defenders. Sweden's offensive firepower isn't what it could be, as star striker Freddie Ljungberg (57 caps/12 goals) is battling a foot injury. Barring an upset, Sweden should advance through the group stage.

Group C

Argentina -- FIFA World Ranking: 9th

Qualified for World Cup: finished T-1st in South American Zone

Wagerweb odds to win: +700, 7/1

Perhaps the second most talented team in the world behind Brazil, Argentina comes into the 2006 World Cup with a roster stocked with superstars. Chelsea forward Hernan Crespo (55 caps/29 goals) is a prolific goal scorer, and midfelder Juan Riquelme (31 caps/8 goals) is a brilliant playmaker who makes the Argentine offense go. Young striker Lionel Messi is a superstar in waiting and could make this year's tournament his coming-out party. Loaded with talent and firepower, don't bet against Argentina.

Ivory Coast -- FIFA World Ranking: 32nd

Qualified for World Cup: finished T-1st in African Zone Group 3

Wagerweb odds to win: +8000, 80/1

Chelsea striker Didier Drogba (31 caps/21 goals) is one of the premier strikers in the world, and he must be at the top of his game if The Elephants are to have any success in Germany. Forwards Aruna Dindane (33 caps/11 goals) and Bonaventure Kalou (48 caps/11 goals) are solid strikers, and defenders Kolo Toure and Cyrille Domoraud anchor a solid backline. Under different circumstances, Ivory Coast would have a good chance at progressing through the knockout stage, but with Argentina and the Netherlands in its way, it has little or no chance.

Serbia and Montenegro -- FIFA World Ranking: 44th

Qualified for World Cup: finished 1st in European Zone Group 7

Wagerweb odds to win: +8000, 80/1

What was the reward for Serbia and Montenegro after winning the European Zone Group 7 qualifying section? It was sent to the Group of Death, along with powerhouses Argentina and the Netherlands. Coach Llija Petkovic's defense was solid throughout the qualifying tournament, allowing only one goal in 10 matches, and that defense will need to step up again if Serbia and Montenegro wants to advance in the tournament. Veteran forwards Savo Milosevic (98 caps/35 goals) and Mateja Kezman (47 caps/17 goals), along with midfielders Zvonimir Vukic (25 caps/6 goals) and Inter Milan star Dejan Stankovic (58 caps/11 goals), are the offensive weapons in Petkovic's system. With its dominating defense, Serbia and Montenegro can shut anyone down at any time and should be viewed as a threat in this group.

Netherlands -- FIFA World Ranking: 3th

Qualified for World Cup: finished 1st in European Zone Group 1

Wagerweb odds to win: +1200, 12/1

For the second finals in a row, the Netherlands has been placed in a brutal group. In 2002, it was paired with England, Sweden and Nigeria. This year, it must face powerful Argentina, defensive masters Serbia and Montenegro, and upstarts Ivory Coast. The Dutch offense begins with superstar striker Ruud van Nistelrooij (50 caps/26 goals) and midfielder Phillip Cocu (96 caps/10 goals), with newcomers Dirk Kuyt and Hedwiges Maduro expected to produce as well. Veteran goalkeeper Edwin van der Saar (108 caps) will need to be at his finest if the Dutch are to advance.

Group D

Mexico -- FIFA World Ranking: 4th

Qualified for World Cup: finished 1st in North/Central America & Caribbean Zone

Wagerweb odds to win: +5000, 50/1

Coach Ricardo La Volpe's squad easily qualified for this year's tournament, finishing tied for 1st in the North/Central America & Caribbean Zone. Forward Jared Borgetti (75 caps/38 goals), who plays for English club Bolton Wanderers, was the leading goal scorer during the World Cup qualifying matches. Veteran midfielder Pavel Pardo (125 caps) and striker Jose Fonseca (29 caps/19 goals) will be key players if Mexico is to advance past the second round.

Iran -- FIFA World Ranking: 23rd

Qualified for World Cup: finished 2nd in Asian Zone

Wagerweb odds to win: +60000, 600/1

Iran will rely heavily upon the European club experience of midfielder Ali Karimi (90 caps/33 goals), who plays for German powerhouse Bayern Munich, and striker Vahid Hashemian (28 gaps/10 goals), who plays for German side Hanover 96. 37-year-old striker Ali Daei is an Iranian legend, having scored an amazing 109 goals in 147 international matches. With Portugal and Mexico in its group, Iran will need a miracle to advance.

Angola -- FIFA World Ranking: 57th

Qualified for World Cup: finished T-1st in African Zone Group 4

Wagerweb odds to win: +60000, 600/1

Team captain Akwa (77 caps/36 goals), who previously starred for Portuguese club Benfica, and current Benfica striker Mantorras (11 caps/3 goals), lead a relatively inexperienced Angolan side into battle. Forward Love (35 caps/6 goals) is a promising young striker, and Flavio (46 caps/13 goals) will be asked to help carry the offensive load. Brazilian coach Luis Oliveira Goncalves was brought in to salvage Angola's qualification efforts and will have his squad well prepared for the Group D matches.

Portugal -- FIFA World Ranking: 7th

Qualified for World Cup: finished 1st in European Zone Group 3

Wagerweb odds to win: +2000, 20/1

The 2006 World Cup is expected to mark the passing of the Portuguese football torch from retiring striker Luis Figo (120 caps/32 goals) to Manchester United star striker Cristiano Ronaldo (32 caps/11 goals). Luiz Felipe Scolari, who coached Brazil to the World Cup championship in 2002, has assembled a squad with enough offensive firepower to outscore anyone, with prolific scorer Pauleta (82 caps/46 goals) leading the way. With its numerous offensive weapons and the coaching savy of Scolari, anything less than a trip deep into the tournament will be a sore disappointment for Portugal.

Group E

Italy -- FIFA World Ranking: 13th

Qualified for World Cup: finished 1st in European Zone Group 5

Wagerweb odds to win: +800, 8/1

If powerful Group C (Argentina, Netherlands, Ivory Coast, Serbia and Montenegro) is known as The Group of Death, then Group E could easily be known as The Group of Near Death. Italy, winner of the European Zone Group 5 qualifications, is paired up with the powerful Czech Republic, FIFA No. 5 United States and upstart Ghana. The Azzurri has all the tools required to make a run to the Cup finals. Striker Luca Toni (18 caps/7 goals) has emerged as a No. 1 striker, while veterans Alessandro Del Pierro (74 caps/25 goals), Flilppo Inzaghi (49 caps/21 goals) can score in bunches, and veteran defenders Alessandro Nesta (74 caps) and Fabio Cannavaro (93 caps) anchor a solid Italian defense. Coach Marcello Lippi's squad is one of the clear favorites to raise the Cup in Berlin.

Ghana -- FIFA World Ranking: 48th

Qualified for World Cup: finished 1st in African Zone Group 2

Wagerweb odds to win: +25000, 250/1

Ghana has the unfortunate luck of being placed in a group with three of the top 13 FIFA ranked teams, and it faces a tremendous uphill battle. Forward Matthew Amoah (15 caps/7 goals), who plays for German side Borussia Dortmund, will help draw some support from the German fans. Forward Asamoah Gyan (12 caps/7 goals) and team captain Stephen Appiah (41 caps/11 goals) lead a squad that surrendered only four goals in its 12 qualifying matches. Unfortunately for Ghana, it could allow four goals in its opening match vs. Italy.

Czech Republic -- FIFA World Ranking: 2nd

Qualified for World Cup: finished 2nd in European Zone Group 1

Wagerweb odds to win: +2800, 28/1

The Czech Republic brings a veteran squad into this year's championship, led by forward Jan Koller (68 gaps/42 goals) and midfielder Pavel Nedved (87 caps/17 goals). Striker Milan Baros (49 caps/27 goals), who stars for English club Aston Villa, has proven to be a productive goal scorer, and goalkeeper Peter Cech is among the world's best, as he proved in the 2004-2005 English Premier season when he set a single season record for fewest goals allowed and most shutouts with Chelsea. Veteran Karel Poborsky (115 caps) is joined by Tomas Rosicky (54 caps/15 goals) in a solid midfield.

United States -- FIFA World Ranking: 5th

Qualified for World Cup: finished T-1st in North/Central America & Caribbean Zone

Wagerweb odds to win: +8000, 80/1

Despite a quarterfinal run in the 2002 World Cup, despite finishing 1st in its qualification zone and despite sporting a FIFA World Ranking of No. 5, the United States is hard pressed to find a lot of respect in the football betting community, as evidenced by tits 80/1 odds to win the Cup. Most football fans are predicting the United States won't advance through its group stage. However, as the Americans showed in 2002, the United States should not be taken lightly. Led by midfielders Landon Donovan (81 caps/25 goals), DaMarcus Beasley (58 caps/12 goals) and striker Brian McBride (92 caps/30 goals), the Americans are an internationally experienced squad that fears no one. Goalkeepers Kasey Keller (93 caps) and Tim Howard (16 caps) are solid in goal, and young striker Brian Ching (20 caps/4 goals) is showing signs of becoming a prolific goal scorer. Will this finally be the year when the Americans get the respect they deserve? With the powerful Italians and Czechs in their group, the odds are not in the Americans' favor.

[b]Group F[/url]

Brazil -- FIFA World Ranking: 1st

Qualified for World Cup: finished T-1st in South American Zone

Wagerweb odds to win: +260, 2.6/1

When you talk about international soccer, the first name that usually comes to mind is Brazil. The five-time Cup holder and defending champion is the odds-on favorite to win the championship once again. Brazil is loaded with superstars at virtually every position and should cruise through the Group F matches. Ronaldo (91 caps/58 goals), Ronaldinho (62 caps, 27 goals) and Adriano (31 caps/22 goals), are just a few of the offensive weapons at Coach Carlos Alberto Parreira's disposal. A veteran defense featuring goalkeeper Dida (85 caps) and anchored by Roberto Carlos (120 caps) and Cafu (137 caps) will be difficult to penetrate. Brazil is primed to show the world that once again, it is the master of The Beautiful Game.

Croatia -- FIFA World Ranking: 23rd

Qualified for World Cup: finished T-1st in European Zone Group 8

Wagerweb odds to win: +8000, 80/1

Croatia will most likely be fighting Japan for second place in Group F. Coach Zlatko Kranjcar's squad features a veteran defense whose players average 50 international matches of experience. Striker Dado Prso (28 caps/9 goals) is a team leader on offense, and fellow striker Bosko Balaban (26 caps/9 goals) will need a return to good form to assist Prso. Midfielder Darijo Srna (36 caps/9 goals) is an emerging talent who could be the key to Croatia's successes in Germany.

Australia -- FIFA World Ranking: 42nd

Qualified for World Cup: finished 1st in Oceanic Zone

Wagerweb odds to win: +12500, 125/1

Coach Gus Hiddink brings a wealth of international coaching experience to the Australians, having led the Netherlands to the 1998 World Cup semifinals and Korea Republic to the final four in the 2002 World Cup. Australia's most famous footballer, Harry Kewell (19 caps/6 goals) leads the offensive attack along with veteran striker Mark Viduka (32 caps/6 goals) and attacking midfielder Brett Emerson (46 caps/11 goals). Australia is going to need all the magic Hiddink can conjure up if it is to escape Group F.

Japan -- FIFA World Ranking: 18th

Qualified for World Cup: finished 1st in Asian Zone Group 2

Wagerweb odds to win: +25000, 250/1

Japan, coached by Brazilian Zico, is looking to improve upon its 2002 World Cup campaign when it reached the round of 16. Striker Naohiro Takahara (41 caps/17 goals), who stars for German club Hamburg, is solid front-liner and will be expected to contribute early and often. Fellow striker Atsushi Yanagisawa (56 caps/17 goals) and midfielder Shunsuke Nakamura (59 caps/15 goals) are experienced international players. Japan is coming into the World Cup brimming with confidence after drawing 2-2 with defending champ Brazil in the FIFA Confederations Cup in June.

Group G

France -- FIFA World Ranking: 8th

Qualified for World Cup: finished 1st in European Zone Group 4

Wagerweb odds to win: +1100, 11/1

The French enter this year's World Cup with the memory of a shocking first-round exit in 2002 fresh on their minds. Les Bleus are loaded up front, with strikers Thierry Henry (77 caps/32 goals) and David Trezeguet (62 caps/31 goals) among the world's finest. Former FIFA Player of the Year Zinedine Zidane (101 caps/28 goals) anchors a solid midfield alongside Patrick Vieira (86 caps), while Manchester United defender Mikael Silvestre (39 caps) leads the defense. France has all the necessary pieces to challenge for the Cup and should be considered one of the tournament favorites.

Togo -- FIFA World Ranking: 61st

Qualified for World Cup: finished 1st in African Zone Group 1

Wagerweb odds to win: +75000, 750/1

Togo, making its first appearance in the World Cup finals, is led by powerful striker Emmanuel Adebayor (29 caps/12 goals) and veteran forward Kader Mohamed, who has scored an amazing 52 goals in 75 international matches. Veteran defender Massamasso Tchangai (91 caps) and Jean-Paul Abalo (65 caps) bring much-needed international experience to the defensive side of the ball.

Korea Republic -- FIFA World Ranking: 29th

Qualified for World Cup: finished 2nd in Asian Zone Group 1

Wagerweb odds to win: +25000, 250/1

Korea Republic has proven itself a worthy opponent during competition in Asia. Manchester United midfielder Ji Sung Park (59 caps/5 goals) is a formidable attacker along with Ahn Jung Hwan (60 caps/16 goals). Defender Pyo Young Lee (84 caps) is key to the Korean defense, along with veteran goalkeeper Jae Woon Lee (96 caps). Coach Dick Advocaat has assembled a very experienced squad that could be a potential sleeper in the tournament.

Switzerland -- FIFA World Ranking: 35th

Qualified for World Cup: finished 2nd in European Zone Group 4

Wagerweb odds to win: +12500, 125/1

Switzerland once again faces the prospects of playing its Alpine neighbor, France, in group play. The Swiss played the French side very tough in two qualifying match draws (0-0, 1-1), and know their French opponents very well. Forward Alexander Frei (45 caps/25 goals) and midfielder Johann Vogel (85 caps) both play in the French Ligue 1 and know the French squad's strengths and weaknesses. If the Swiss are able to keep up with the powerful French side, as shown in qualifying, they can compete with anybody in this group.

Group H

Spain -- FIFA World Ranking: 5th

Qualified for World Cup: finished 2nd in European Zone Group 7

Wagerweb odds to win: +1400, 14/1

After finishing second in the tough European Zone Group 7, Spain faces a difficult challenge to advance through Group H. Superstar Real Madrid striker Raul (94 caps/43 goals) leads the offensive charge with newcomer David Villa (7 caps/2 goals) emerging as a force as well. The Spaniards feature a veteran goalkeeping duo in Iker Casillas (58 caps) and Santiago Canizares (44 caps), with Michel Salgado (49 caps) and Carlos Puyol (46 caps) headlining the defensive corps. If it plays up to its potential, Spain should advance through the knockout stage without any problems.

Ukraine -- FIFA World Ranking: 45th

Qualified for World Cup: finished 1st in European Zone Group 2

Wagerweb odds to win: +6600, 66/1

When the World Cup draws were announced, Ukraine was a team that everybody was hoping to avoid in group play. Superstar Andriy Shevchenko (63 caps/28 goals), who signed a new deal with English powerhouse Chelsea this past week, is the team's first option on offense and is a world-class scorer. Teaming with Shevchenko are strikers Andriy Vorobey (50 caps/6 goals) and Andriy Voronin (30 caps/3 goals), which forms a devastating trio of attackers. Along with Spain, Ukraine is considered a favorite to advance out of the group stage.

Tunisia -- FIFA World Ranking: 21st

Qualified for World Cup: finished 1st in African Zone Group 5

Wagerweb odds to win: +20000, 200/1

The defending African champ, Tunisia sports a very balanced squad, led by Brazilian-born striker Santos (28 caps/18 goals). Veteran defenders Radhi Jaidi (89 caps) and Hatem Trabelsi (56 caps) control the backfield in front of solid goalkeeper Ali Boumnijel (48 caps). With powerful Spain and Ukraine in this group, Coach Roger Lemerre will be hard pressed to get his squad past the group stage.

Saudi Arabia -- FIFA World Ranking: 34th

Qualified for World Cup: finished 1st in Asian Zone Group 1

Wagerweb odds to win: +100000, 1000/1

Saudi Arabia is appearing in its fourth World Cup finals and hopes to advance to the second round for the first time since 1994. Striker Sami Al Jaber, who has played in an amazing 160 international matches for Saudi Arabia, is a veteran goal scorer who provides stability and leadership for the Saudis. Striker Yaser Al Kahtani (45 caps/32 goals) has proven to be a prolific goal scorer. The defense is anchored by long-time goalkeeper Mohammed Al Deayea, who has logged an incredible 181 caps for his country.

Rich Carlson
Author Bio: Received MBA from University of Florida in 1996 (Management & Sports Administration) Worked for 3 1/2 years as freelance sportswriter covering professional and minor league baseball, professional & college basketball, professional & college football, hockey, soccer, tennis and golf. Active in local softball, basketball, tennis and bowling leagues. Married for 15 years - one daughter.

[Kidala]

Great preview, Tommy! I can add for my landers(Ukraine) that main keeper Shovkovskiy is injured, and some players tired after hard youngster's tournament which finish some days ago. Still we have the most succesful coach in our history Oleg Blohin, who said in interview that the main task now is to find 11 men