As the 2006 soccer world cup approaches there are may that believe Brazil will once again emerge winnners and collect their record breaking sixth world cup. But can anyone challenge the samba stars of Brazil? Let's have a look at some possible contenders for the 2006 world cup.
Germany
The host nataion always tend to perform well as witnessed by the famous French victory in 1998 and the amazing South Korean team reaching the semi finals in 2002.
It is also noted that England triumphed for the only time in 1966 as they played every game at their famous Wembley stadium.
But are the Germany world cup squad good enough to lift the 2006 world cup? I seriously doubt it, indeed they have a pretty tough group with Poland, Costa Rica and Ecuador.
The Germans always start world cups at a slow pace and tend to improve as the tournament progresses but I think they will have to be at their very 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 list just one class player, their captian Michael Ballack who has been linked with a big money move to Chelsea. Their other world class player, goalkeeper Oliver Kahn is out of favour with manager Jurgen Klinsmann.
Despite the advantage of home soil I predict the Germans will probably reach the quarter final at the very best.
Argentina
Argentina have some real quality players and must be a real threat to their rivals Brazil. Class players include Veron, Messi, Crespo, Sorin, Ayala and the class of Villa real star Juan Roman Riquelme.
Since the glorious days of Diego Maradona the Argentina squad have failed to make much of an impact at the World Cup but they must be regarded as possible contenders if their team can gel together and keep their discipline.
England
England are always one of the fancied teams in the world cup but often fail to deliver when it comes to the crunch . However, they do have some real quality players including Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard, David Beckham, John Terry and the strikeforce of Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen.
But there is some question marks against their defence, Rio Ferdinand and Sol Campbell have had their problems this year and I am not convinced about their goalkeeper Paul Robinson. However they do have the strong John Terry at the heart of their defence.
I expect England to reach at least the semi finals and if Wayne Rooney plays to the best of his ability he could be the player of the tournament.
Holland
The Dutch always have some talented players but are guilty of under achieving and are often at the centre of in-house fighting within a squad with lots of large egos!
This may be the last chance for many of their start players to lift a world cup and I expect them to do well if they can win a tough group which includes Argentina.
With quality players such as Ruud van Nistelrooy( Man Utd ) and Robben ( Chelsea ) the Dutch team must be respected but will do well to reach the semi finals.
France
1998 World Cup winners France will hope to improve on their terrible 2002 world cup but with many players now coming to the end of their career it was no surprise that the French struggled to win a pretty poor qualifying group.
However, the French do have one of the best players in the World and Tierry Henry can win any game for the French with one moment of class. Other star players include Vierra and the brilliant Zidane.
The majority of the French team have achived world cup fame and may not have the desire to repeat that achievement but should reach the quarter finals at least. If Henry turns on the skill they could even be potentail winners again if they avoid the big guns until the later stages.
Brazil
Everybody loves the Brazilians with their brand of pure football and they are strongly tipped to win the 2006 world cup.
The Brazilians have the best player in the world in Ronaldinho and can also call upon world class stars such as Cafu, Ronaldo, Adriano, Carlos, Kaka and Robinho.
Brazil won the 1958 world cup when it was hosted in Europe and it would be no surprise if they won the 2006 world cup in Germany.
Italy
The Italians are always expected to do well and breezed through qualification although they did have a very easy draw. Italian football is well know for it's defensive strength and once again the Italians will be very hard to beat, especially with one of the finest goalkeepers in the world.
The Italians are strong in defence and attack with Francesco Totti and Luca Toni the star men but they are not as strong in midfield and this may be their downfall when they face teams with a strong midfield such as England, Argentina or France.
Italy will expect to reach at least the semi finals and don't be surprised to see them involved in a few penalty shoot outs.
The 2006 Soccer World Cup will no doubt have many shocks and surprises!
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