The other football

In general, I'm a pretty casual soccer fan. It's hard, in Canada, to really properly follow European league soccer. It can be done, but involves a lot of time and effort that I really can't spare, not to mention extended cable packages and watching games in the middle of the night. If I lived in Europe, though, I'd go nuts. I think it's one of the most entertaining sports to watch. Consequently, I am super-duper excited about the 2006 FIFA World Cup, which begins play on 9 June. It's a chance to watch a bunch of soccer at once in an uncomplicated tournament system.

I have my expectations, and my hopes, of which teams will advance out of the group round. Sometimes they coincide, sometimes they don't.
Group A: Poland, Germany, Costa Rica, Ecuador
It looks here like the host team will sail smoothly into the second round. Germany would be a contender in any group, but they shouldn't see much trouble getting out of this one especially. The race is for second-place in the group. I think Poland is one of those teams that will try really hard, and win everyone's heart before being eliminated later on. I think they might have an edge over both South American teams, but maybe that's just wishful thinking, because I would like to see them advance.

Group B: England, Paraguay, Trinidad & Tobago, Sweden
What I would love to see in this group is England and Sweden advancing, though it's always nice to see the little countries make good. If T&T were in a different group, maybe I could bother to like them, but not when there's competition like this for my affections. Now, for reality. Much hangs for England on the fate of Wayne Rooney, the young Man U striker who was so indespensible at the European Cup 2 years ago, and who broke his foot last month. Pending his MRI results, we still don't know if he'll play. I think they can get out of group without him, but could have serious problems later on if he isn't able to suit up. (For a hilarious column on the causes of his foot problems, read this). England's also had some other injuries, including Sol Campbell and Michael Owen, but I think they're healing up.
Paraguay isn't bad, but T&T will get slammed, and Sweden and England will advance. Yay.

Group C: Argentina, Cote d'Ivoire, Serbia-Montenegro, Netherlands (i.e. this year's Group of Death)
I love the Netherlands. I loved visiting the country, and I love the Oranje. I think I would put my money on them and Argentina (who I don't particularly like) advancing...but who knows. S-M is a good team, and I've heard some definite talk that Cote could be this year's Senegal. Edge-of-seat stuff.

Group D: Mexico, Iran, Angola, Portugal
I don't like Iran. I don't like their human rights record, and I don't like their soccer team. So there. Luckily, they won't advance. Portugal, who were so much fun to watch two years ago, will, as will Mexico, who are very good.

Group E: Italy, Ghana, USA, Czech Republic
Maybe it's that they have nice uniforms and pretty blond hair, but I like the Czechs. I'm not so sure about the Italians. They're not usually one of my favourites, despite also being named after a colour, but I think if they don't advance this year, the entire Italian soccer community will collectively jump off a bridge. They've had it hard in the last few weeks. I like little African countries too, though, so it's a tough call. The US can go home, I don't care.
Just like I don't know who I like better, I don't know for sure who'll advance in this one. All of them seem pretty good to me, and I don't know enough to make a really good guess. Let's say... the US and Italy. Don't quote me on it, though.

Group F: Brazil, Japan, Croatia, Australia
Brazil is the almost unanimous favourite for the entire tournament, and one of their players is named Robinho (and another named Kaka), so I have to like them too. They'll advance with Croatia, I think. That'd be fine with me.

Group G: France, Switzerland, Korea, Togo
I don't particularly like France, though I think they have a good chance. I'd love to see Togo advance, as well, but they won't. It'll be France and Switzerland, unless Korea gets lucky.

Group H: Spain, Ukraine, Tunisia, Saudi Arabia
Again, my dislike for a country colours my opinion of their soccer team, so those sneaky oligarchs are dead to me. But who doesn't love Ukraine here? First time in the tournament, becoming more democratic every day...I wish them the best. Neither Tunisia nor SA is anything particularly special, so I see Spain advancing, with either Ukraine or Tunisia behind them.

So there you have it; extremely biased and highly unscientific guesses. Do not, under any circumstances, make wagers based on these estimations. Unless you're betting on Brazil. You can bet your house on them.