As the 2006 soccer world cup approaches, there are many who believe that Brazil will once again emerge as champions and collect their record-breaking sixth world cup. But can anyone challenge the samba stars of Brazil? Let’s take a look at some possible contenders for the 2006 world cup.
Germany
The host nation always tends to perform well, as evidenced by France’s famous victory in 1998 and the incredible South Korean team reaching the semi-finals in 2002.
It is also noted that England triumphed for the only time in 1966 when they played all the matches at their famous Wembley Stadium.
But is Germany’s world cup team good enough to lift the 2006 world cup? I seriously doubt it, in fact they have a very difficult group with Poland, Costa Rica and Ecuador.
The Germans always start the world cups at a slow pace and tend to improve as the tournament progresses, but I think they will have to be at their best to win this group.
In the past, the Germans had a great selection of world-class players, but for the 2006 world cup you could probably name just one class player, their captain Michael Ballack, who has been linked with a major transfer. money to Chelsea. Their other world-class player, goalkeeper Oliver Kahn, is out of favor with manager Jurgen Klinsmann.
Despite the home field advantage, I predict that the Germans will probably reach the quarter-finals in their prime.
Argentina
Argentina have some real quality players and should be a real threat to their rivals Brazil. Class players include Verón, Messi, Crespo, Sorin, Ayala and the class of Villa Real star Juan Román Riquelme.
Since the glory days of Diego Maradona, the Argentina team hasn’t made much of an impact in the World Cup, but should be considered as a potential contender if their team can come together and maintain discipline.
England
England is always one of the favorite teams in the world cup, but often falls short when it comes to the crisis. However, they do have some truly quality players, including Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard, David Beckham, John Terry and the attacking force of Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen.
But there are some question marks in their defense, Rio Ferdinand and Sol Campbell have had their problems this year and I’m not convinced by their goalkeeper Paul Robinson. However, they have the strong John Terry at the heart of their defense.
I expect England to at least make it to the semi-finals and if Wayne Rooney plays to the best of his ability he could be player of the tournament.
Holland
The Dutch always have some talented players, but they are guilty of underachieving and are often at the center of infighting within a team with a lot of big egos!
This may be the last chance for many of their starting players to lift a world cup and I hope they do well if they can win a tough group that includes Argentina.
With quality players like Ruud van Nistelrooy (Man Utd) and Robben (Chelsea), the Dutch team should be respected but will do well to reach the semi-finals.
France
1998 World Cup winners France are hoping to improve on their terrible 2002 world cup, but with many players now reaching the end of their careers, it came as no surprise that the French struggled to win a group of pretty poor rating.
However, the French have one of the best players in the world and Tierry Henry can win any game for the French with a moment of class. Other star players are Vierra and the brilliant Zidane.
Most of the French team have achieved world cup fame and may not have the desire to repeat that achievement, but they should reach the quarterfinals at least. If Henry activates the ability, they might even be potential winners again if they avoid the bigwigs until the later stages.
Brazil
Everyone loves the Brazilians with their brand of pure football and they have a great chance of winning the 2006 world cup.
The Brazilians have the best player in the world in Ronaldinho and they can also count on world-class stars like Cafu, Ronaldo, Adriano, Carlos, Kaká and Robinho.
Brazil won the 1958 world cup when it was hosted in Europe and it would not be a surprise if they won the 2006 world cup in Germany.
Italy
The Italians are always expected to do well and get through qualifying quickly, even though they had a very easy draw. Italian football is well known for its defensive strength and once again the Italians will be very difficult to beat, especially with one of the best goalkeepers in the world.
The Italians are strong in defense and attack with Francesco Totti and Luca Toni as stars, but they are not as strong in midfield and this can be their undoing when they face strong midfield teams like England, Argentina or France. .
Italy will be hoping to reach at least the semi-finals and don’t be surprised if you see them involved in a few penalty shootouts.
The 2006 Soccer World Cup will certainly bring many shocks and surprises!