The tables were drawn earlier on Friday US time. The tables are here and for your convenience:
GROUP A:
Germany
Costa Rica
Poland
Ecuador
GROUP B
England
Paraguay
Trinidad & Tobago
Sweden
GROUP C
Argentina
Ivory Coast
Serbia & Montenegro
Holland
GROUP D
Mexico
Iran
Angola
Portugal
GROUP E
Italy
Ghana
USA
Czech Republic
GROUP F
Brazil
Croatia
Australia
Japan
GROUP G
France
Switzerland
South Korea
Togo
GROUP H
Spain
Ukraine
Tunisia
Saudi Arabia
I'd say the Group of Death this time around is Group B. The only weak team is Trinidad & Tobago who can always pull off an upset. The U.S. can advance out of Group E, they're getting stronger each time around. I have high hopes for South Korea as well. I really haven't been following national team football lately. Gotta get more up to date on it in the next half year leading up to the Cup. Any other World Cup fans here?
Oh, Argentina! Es un sentimiento, no puedo parar!
Posted by: KT | December 11, 2005 at 02:42 PM
It seems like Group C is actually the 'group of death'. You can make a case that all four teams would be in the 2nd rd if they weren't in the same group. Argentina and Holland are a given, while Serb & Mont and Ivory Coast are better than Paraguy and T & T. If you would like to participate in a great soccer forum to get ready for the WC, you should visit www.bigsoccer.com/forum
Posted by: sixer1 | December 11, 2005 at 06:24 PM
I disagree. Trinidad sucks, and Group B is not that tough. England can be great, but they are probably the least consistent of the seeded teams. The U.S. is in the toughest group, and if they advance in the runner up spot they may have to face Brazil. Not exactly a recipe for a quarter finals berth.
Posted by: Pele | December 12, 2005 at 01:29 AM
I have a lot of confidence the U.S. can not only get out of this group, but win the group. I'm not sold on Italy's ability (or willingness) to score or their defensive depth. The Czech's may not have Nedved next year, which would be a huge blow for them. And as for Ghana, other than Essien, I don't know much about their team. I'd image the awe of being in their first World Cup will have faded by the time they face the U.S. in the third match.
Posted by: Jay T | December 12, 2005 at 05:00 PM