Predicted Order of Finish: Brazil, Australia, Croatia, Japan

After Brazil, there is very little between the other teams in this group. All could advance and none are poor. After Group C, this foursome could provide the most exciting matches of the tournament and the second place decider could come down to who can get a draw against a Brazil team that will have no problems qualifying for the group stages.

When you have Ronaldinho, Kaka, Ronaldo, and Adriano upfront and Robinho coming off the bench, there would seem to be little to worry about. But the Brazilians are shaky in the back and while they’ll have no worries in the group stages, they could have unexpected troubles against some of the world’s top teams.

Australia are extremely confident after their playoff win against Uruguay. And with Tim Cahill returning from a near devastating injury, the Socceroos could make a run in the knockout round. Harry Kewell, Cahill, and Parma’s Marco Bresciano lead an impressive five-man midfield with Mark Viduka as the lone striker. Coach Guus Hiddink is looking to bring the same magic to the Australians as he did to the South Koreans and has found a way to balance their innate strength and speed with an intelligence that has been lacking in the past. The Socceroos will get out of this group and surprise teams in the knockout stages. For proof, see a recent draw with Holland.

Although they have the pedigree and experience, Croatia are in trouble amidst recent losses to Poland and Spain and a draw with Iran. They are somewhat solid in most parts of the field but are having trouble putting it all together and are far too reliant on Juventus’ Robert Kovac in defense.

The headlines this week from Japanese star Hidetoshi Nakata stating that the 2002 co-hosts “have no heart” are not what a team looking to convince they are not one-tournament-wonders. Japan played very well in the last Finals, but a very tough group and lack of home field advantage could see them go home with few or no points.

So Sir Alex Ferguson is somewhat less than pleased to hear that Wayne Rooney has been snapped performing bicycle kicks at his first full England training session in Baden Baden (what a great name for a place!) and for once I think myself and Lord Redface are in agreement.

Typical Rooney behaviour to be out for six weeks, have the English nation (never mind his employers at Manchester United who have most to lose financially if he gets injured again) on tenterhooks and then leap back into action in a tabloid seeking way that even Gazza in his prime would have been ashamed of.

While it’s great news for football watchers all over the world that Wayne Rooney is getting himself back into shape and now looks an increasingly better bet to play some part in the proceedings in Germany (unlucky Jermain Defoe), is it really a sensible idea to be performing acrobatic volleys in your first training session when the all important final scan hasn’t even been performed yet?

Time will tell on just how fit Rooney is, by all accounts he was running fast and free on the spot and executing sharp turns which (I’m told) are the main tests of a broken foot such as his but the real test will come in either a practice match or if he makes it, in a real match where the tackles won’t be pulled out of and there will be big, mean defenders just ready to stamp down on that highly prized foot to test out it’s durability.

For now though, maybe he should leave those high aerial balls which are just ripe for a tasty, head high bicycle kick to Peter Crouch to stoop down and chest in. England expects and their expectations are growing by the second as these pictures get out.

Predicted Order of Finish: Italy, United States, Czech Republic, Ghana

Nearly dubbed the ‘Group of Death’, this group features four talented countries who could go deep into the tournament. But it also contains four teams with enough questions (okay, maybe not Italy) to justify predicting them to be on a plane home before the Round of 16.

Italy is the most balanced of all the World Cup favorites. And most importantly they are the healthiest, with no serious injuries to be concerned with and have been lifted by the return of forward Francisco Totti, out injured since the very beginning of the year. His partnership with Albert Gilardino and Luca Toni should see the Italians shed their defensive reputation and be a serious offensive threat. Yes, we are actually going to see the Azzuri score plenty of goals this year. But unlike other teams with several dangerous strkers upront (like Brazil, Argentina, and Holland), Italy are just as solid in defense and when threatened, are able to bring star midfielder Gennaro Gattuso into a more defensive position, even further shoring up the back.

Most will be picking the Czech Republic to finish second in this group, and on paper, they’d seem like a lock. But age and the treatment table have not been their friend and they are hobbling towards the start of the tournament. Nearly all of their top players have been hurt in the run up to the World Cup with Tomas Rosicky, Tomas Galasek, Milan Baros, and Jan Koller having all missed valuable preparation time due to injury. Also, midfielder Vladimer Smicer tearfully announced last week that he would miss the entire tournament. On the plus side, Pavel Nedved came out of international retirement to help the Czechs qualify and will be more than motivated for what will be his final international tournament.

The United States has no major injury worries, but in recent friendlies, the Americans have had a hard time scoring and living up to the standards they set when they got to the quarterfinals (and outplayed but lost to Germany) in 2002. Coach Bruce Arena has one of the better problems you can have with Reading’s Bobby Convey, Manchester City’s Claudio Reyna, PSV’s DaMarcus Beasley, and MLS stars Landon Donovan, John O’Brien and Pablo Mastroeni all vying for and deserving of four midfield spots. Getting out of the group will depend on Arena finding balance, and some goals, from his talented and now experienced players.

Ghana are not one of the African teams that are just happy to be in Germany. Though this is their first appearance in a World Cup, they have the talent to not only get some results, but get out of this group. Lead by Michael Essien and Fenerbahce’s Stephen Appiah, the Ghanians will live and die on the form of their midfield. They are also buoyed by the return of Ghanaian legend Samuel Kuffour in defense, who was kicked off of the team for the African Nations Cup due to an attitude that put himself before the team.

Four teams with not much between them make this a tight group. Italy, though, could win all three of their matches with second place coming down to goal difference. Though neither of the other three teams, at this moment, inspire much confidence up front, it?s the Americans with most potential to move on.

Predicted Order of Finish: Portugal, Mexico, Iran, Angola

This is maybe the oddest of all the groups, with a few intriguing stories, major political overtones, and two clear cut winners who will almost certainly be dumped out of the tournament in the next round.

Both Portugal and Mexico are in different leagues when it comes to talent and experience in Group D. The Portugese were many times predicted to do great things and, like many others in this tournament, have failed to live up to their billing. Up front they have big names in Luis Figo, Christiano Ronaldo, and Deco playing just behind Pauleta and they should win this group with the full 9 points.

Because only a few of Mexico’s players are based abroad, they will have spent much more time together than any other team, playing 26 games in 2005. They are talented in spots and in the 2005 Confederations Cup, they beat Brazil and drew with Argentina and Germany. They are strong down the middle with Barcelona’s Rafael Marquez in central defense, captain Pavel Pardo in midfield and Bolton’s Jared Borgetti alongside Villareal’s Guillermo Franco as the two strikers.

Iran should be just happy to be here but are extremely confident of getting out of their group. A problem has arisen in their pre-tournament preparations because most countries have refused to play them in friendlies due to politics. Those who have not seen Iran much (okay for most of us, at all) should be on the lookout for Bayern Munich’s Ali Karimi who is the heir apparent to Michael Ballack now that he has moved on, and striker Ali Daei who has scored more goals internationally than anyone, ever!!

Angola actually are just happy to be here and got to the Finals not necessarily because of their outstanding play, but because Nigeria disappointed throughout qualification. The big story for them is their June 11 match against Portugal. From the 16th century on, Angola was under the thumb of the Portuguese and only gained independence in 1975. In their only previous meeting, the Angolans received so many red cards the match was cancelled. Tempers and memories will probably not be a factor this time.

Another curiosity of this group is that though Portugal and Mexico should easily advance, they should both be eliminated in the next round as they are to face the two teams to escape from Group C, most likely to be Holland and Argentina.

Predicted Order Of Finish: Holland, Argentina, Ivory Coast, Serbia and Montenegro

The four countries represented in this year’s Group of Death would all have the qualities to make a strong run in this year’s finals if not for the fact that only two will survive the first round. Each has their own unique and exciting quality that makes every game in this group a must-watch.

Holland have failed to live up to their potential on many, many occasions but new coach Marco Van Basten has apparently changed the mood in the Dutch locker room and they are apparently in good spirits and have rid themselves of the infighting that has held them back in the past. If they are mentallyand emotionally prepared, their talent could take them all the way to the final game. Only Brazil and Italy have the offensive weapons they have up front with Ruud Van Nistelrooy, Dirk Kuijt and Arjen Robben playing in a 4-3-3.

Argentina also have a new attitude going into the finals. Thinking of themselves as potential winners in the past has only lead to disappointment, like in 2002 where they were thought of as favorites but did not survive the first round. More tempered expectations should bode well for them this year as does the addition of the next “next Maradona”, Barcelona’s Lionel Messi, who should partner well with Hernan Crespo up front with Villareal’s Juan Riquelme playing just behind the two strikers.

Another team with some firepower to score goals is the Ivory Coast. This is one African nation that is not just happy to be here; they are eager and have a chance to make a mark. If Argentina or Holland slip up even slightly, the African Nations finalist will take advantage. Didier Drogba and Arsenal’s Emmanel Eboue and Kolo Toure may be known to the footballing world, but just as dangerous could be Aruna Kone who scored 11 goals for PSV’s title wining team.

Serbia & Montenegro may lack the offensive punch of the other teams in the group, but have arguably the best defense of the 32 finalists. They went through qualifying giving up an incredible total of just one goal and are looking to build on this consistency. A recent rash of pre-tournament injuries seems to have been taken care of and they will just be healthy enough to make the first round interesting.

This group should come down to who is able to ask more questions and provide more alternatives. All have tremendous amounts of talent, but Holland and Argentina will have that extra quality and depth to go the next level when needed.

Peter Crouch’s fairytale football career continues unabated as his goal against Hungary for England this week looks to have secured him a starting berth for his country alongisde Michael Owen at the World Cup in Germany.

The Liverpool man marked his second half substitute appearance with the third goal in England’s 3-1 victory and has spoken out about his desire to show what he can do on the world’s biggest international football stage.

“I think everyone who starts that game, or is involved in that game, will try to push for a starting place at the World Cup,” Crouch said at an England press conference, televised by Sky Sports News.

“All I can do is play to the best of my ability and get into that starting 11.”

Injury to England’s star man Wayne Rooney has left the path clear for the 6ft 7in 25 year old but Crouch is completely realistic about where his own World Cup chances are coming from.

“If he’s (Rooney) fit and Michael’s fit I’m sure they’d play ahead of me, but all I can do when given a chance is try to impress,” said Crouch.

“My England debut and the FA Cup final have been the proudest moments of my career so far but to start for England at the World Cup would be a great honour.”

Whether Crouch gets a chance to repeat his now famous robot dance after scoring in the World Cup proper is up to Sven Goran Eriksson and the speed of Wayne Rooney’s recovery from his metatarsal injury but it’s looking increasingly likely that Peter Crouch will be given the nod come June 10th and he is more than looking forward to it.

“I’d love to play but it’s up to the manager. I’m hopeful because I’d love to start and I’ve played with Michael before and it’s gone well. Hopefully it can happen again.

“I won’t be devastated if I’m not in the team but I’m sure I’ll play some part.”

Predicted order of finish: England, Sweden, Paraguay, Trinidad & Tobago

England coach Sven Goran Erikkson has no experienced healthy strikers, has just last week decided to start the World Cup in a 4-1-4-1 formation while keeping the one player who plays regularly in defensive midfield on the bench, and brought to Germany a 17 year old striker who has never played in any top professional league.

Even with that, England should still win their group although it will be much tougher due to the obstacles previously stated and the apparent absence of Wayne Rooney who broke his foot at the end of the Premiership season. June 7 is the Manchester United forwards next bone scan and then Erikkson will decide whether to keep Rooney in the squad for the later rounds or call on Spurs Jermaine Defoe.

England will win their group not because of a lack of talent in the other teams, but because even with the striker situation unsettled they still have what it takes to score a few goals while shutting down most offenses. John Terry and Rio Ferdinand are two of the best central defenders in the world and Gary Neville and Ashley Cole are both solid at full back. The midfield is also exceptional with David Beckham recovering well from the poor form he showed at Real Madrid this season. Steven Gerrard storming from the midfield could make up for any striker deficiencies and Joe Cole is almost certain to be one of the stars of the tournament.

Sweden also has the potential to be very exciting with one of the top strikers in the world in Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Barcelona’s Henrik Larrson and Arsenal’s Freddie Ljunberg in attack. They finished ahead of England in the group stages in 2002 and could very well pip them to the top, again on goal differential. But, like England, the Swedes are worried about the health of one of their top men, Ljunberg. He has only just returned from injury and has been advised by the team doctor to not play in the group stages.

Paraguay are a somewhat unknown entity which could scare and maybe surprise their opponents. They are certainly the third best team in South America, but are unbalanced, with an exciting strikeforce but many questions in defense. Adding to their problems is the questionable health of star man Roque Santa Cruz who plays for Bayern Munich. A recurring knee injury has kept the striker out of training and he is still a doubt for the group stages.

Trinidad & Tobago are one of the many teams who are just happy to have qualified for Germany and should serve as the whipping boys in this group. The Soca Warriors shouldn’t worry anyone but seeing former Man Unted star Dwight Yorke and several others playing in the English lower divisions should make for an entertaining match.

England are the team most likely to recover from the injuries that will keep major players out of the group stages. Sweden and Paraguay will battle it out for second with the winner of their battle on June 15 certain to move on.

Predicted Order of Finish: Germany, Poland, Costa Rica, Ecuador

Germany are firm favorites to win this group, not only because they are easily the most talented of the four, but because they will be inspired to perform in front of their home fans.

The other three teams all come to the Finals with something to prove and are looking to atone for dissapointments four years ago.

Poland went into the last World Cup expecting to make a strong showing but failed to get out of their group as the USA and South Korea advanced. They are now stronger although coach Pawel Janas raised more than a few eyebrows by not bringing to Germany Liverpool’s Champions League hero Jerzy Dudek and striker Tomasz Frankowski who lead the Poles in scoring during qualifying.

Costa Rica are one of the most entertaining of the 32 teams in this years Finals and were just a goal difference away from advancing from their group in 2002. They will be a pleasure to watch again with Paolo Wanchope up front looking to impress, World Club Championship MVP Chrstian Bolanos playing on either wing, and Alvaro Saborio, who has averaged 20 goals the last 5 years for Saprissa FC.

Ecuador qualified for the World Cup by finishing third behind Brazil and Argentina, but an asterisk will always accompany them as they play their home matches in their capital, Quito, which has an elevation over 9000 feet. When they play closer to sea level, their form drops significantly, winning only once away from home during qualification and recently drawing with Columbia, and losing to Macedonia in friendlies. In 2002 they defeated Croatia but it was meaningless as they had already been humbled by Italy and Mexico.

Expect the Germans to get 7 points to lead the group, with Poland and Costa Rica battling it out for second. As eventual semifinalist Turkey did to them in 2002, the Poles are likely to finish just ahead of the Costa Ricans on goal difference. Ecuador will not fall easily but don’t have enough quality (at sea level) to get more than a draw or two.

Tomorrow: Group B

Wayne Rooney will undergo a scan on his broken metatarsal injury today as England team doctors try to ascertain whether their talismanic striker will play any part in this summer’s World Cup.

While the results won’t be known until tomorrow there is an understandable edginess surrounding the whole episode as the hopes of the squad, and the nation at large, rest squarely on the shoulders of the Manchester United man.

The findings from today’s MRI scan will be studied by specialists as well as Manchester United’s assistant team doctor Tony Gill before being handed to the England doctors to allow them to complete their requisite reports to FIFA on each player’s physical and mental health which must be handed in before May 30th.

Even if Wayne Rooney doesn’t fully recover in time after being named in this latest squad list, Sven Goran Eriksson has until the 9th June to replace him in his squad under FIFA regulations. England are hoping that they won’t even have to consider it.

The 2006 World Cup is filled with countries who have historically failed to live up to their potential. For example, England, Portugal, and Holland have all found ways to scupper their chances during the Finals, be it playing defensively with a man advantage and a one-goal lead, not showing enough respect for Americans and South Koreans, or in the case of the Dutch, not even qualifying despite a surplus of talent.

But it?s the Spanish who one thinks of when it comes to teams not living up to their abilities. Every four years the Spanish are billed (possibly too much in their own heads) as one of the favorites to lift the Cup (or at least to advance past the quarterfinals) and every tournament they find a way to disappoint.

But coach Luis Aragones is determined that this year will be different, telling the Spanish sports daily AS, “We’ve got to banish the excuse mentality. I’ve never liked alibis to justify anything. We have to go into every game convinced that we can win.”

Talent is not the area where Spain is lacking. In fact an overabundance has caused Aragones to leave the experienced Ruben Baraja and Fernando Morientes (both with 43 caps) at home in favor of Cesc Fabregas, Marcos Senna, and Andres Iniesta who have a total of 2 caps between them. But the Spaniards are spoilt for choice with Xavi, Xabi Alonso, David Albeda, Jose Antonio Reyes and Luis Garcia all making cases to start in a strong attacking midfield. This is why Aragones felt comfortable only naming three strikers (Raul, David Villa, and Fernando Torres) in his squad.

In defense, Spain are steady and reliable with Iker Casillas in goal and Barcelona captain Carlos Puyol partnering Pablo in the middle of defense. Sergio Ramos and Antonio Lopez take up the right and left back spots respectively with Chelsea’s Asier Del Horno and Real Madrid’s Michel Salgado as more than able replacements.

The Spanish are once again very deep and there is no question that they can play with anyone in the world. But they haven’t made it past the quarterfinals since 1950 and its likely this will be their stopping point once again.

They should get out of a group that includes Tunisia, the Ukraine and Saudi Arabia. And either Switzerland or South Korea are certainly beatable in the Round of 16. After making it to the quarterfinals though, they are almost certain to face Brazil. It is here that Aragones will have to live up to his passion and determination. As he said this week, “”I have 23 good reasons to believe in this team and in Spanish football. But we have to keep our feet on the ground and take things one step at a time. That is the only way we will be able to get close to the favorites.”