Germany 2006 World Cup Soccer Draw Analysis

The greatest sporting event in the world, the World Cup of soccer, to be held in Germany next June, was thrust back into the global spotlight as the draw and fixture list was finally determined. The draw was the conclusion of a gala event held in Leipzig, complete with soccer legends, supermodel Heidi Klum, musicians and dancers providing the entertainment for an estimated 350 million viewers worldwide. By the end of the evening 32 nations had been drawn into eight groups of four and millions of soccer fans around the world, including myself, began analyzing the draw.

In Group A, the host nation Germany, got a very favorable draw. Ecuador and Costa Rica might be highly competent in their qualifying regions but here, they will have their hands full. A spirited Polish side should finish second but I'd expect Germany to win all three games earning them top spot in the group.

In Group B, favorites England also couldn't be much happier. Their coach will face his native country Sweden, a nation England hasn't beaten since 1968. But prior to facing Sweden, England will play Paraguay followed by Trinidad & Tobago. Paraguay and especially Trinidad & Tobago will find life difficult against European powerhouses England and Sweden. Who finishes first here and thus avoids Germany in the next round?

Group C is one of the most interesting groups since favorites Argentina face two-time World Cup finalists Holland, along with a solid Serbia & Montenegro team and an Ivory Coast team that qualified over perennial African superpower Cameroon. But I really think the debutants, Ivory Coast, are too inexperienced and Serbia & Montenegro, although solid defensively, lack the goal scoring firepower of Argentina and Holland. I consider Argentina semi-finalist material and expect Holland to finish a close second in this group.

Group D figures to be one of those proverbial "slam-dunk" groups for favorites Mexico and Portugal. For completeness, Iran and Angola are the other two countries in this group.

The most competitive group, Group E involves Italy, the Czech Republic, the United States and Ghana. Italy are the favorites here, the Czech Republic can beat anybody on their day, the United States were quarter-finalists in 2002 and Ghana could be considered the strongest African nation. It's a truly dreadful draw for the United States. But Coach Bruce Arena and star player DaMarcus Beasley are nevertheless optimistic.

Group F features defending champion Brazil along with Croatia, Australia and Japan. Brazil should win its three games. Expect a dogfight for second place.

Group G will see France continue its battle with Switzerland. They drew twice in the European qualifying tournament. South Korea and Togo complete the group. Count on France to put forth a stronger showing than in 2002 and for Switzerland to edge South Korea for second place.

Finally, Group H features favorites Spain, Ukraine, Tunisia and Saudi Arabia. This group is definitely manageable for the under-achieving Spaniards. Ukraine has a great opportunity here to win the group as many would regard Spain as one of the weaker favorites.

Well, there you have it, a brief analysis of World Cup draw. Approximately six months remain until the first match on June 9. It seems like an eternity until then!