The Argentine national team may not have succeeded in bringing home the title as promised, but they were still welcomed home as heroes on arrival at Buenos Aires’ Ezeiza Airport by thousands of Albiceleste fans in the early hours of Monday morning.

“C’mon, C’mon Ar-gen-tina, we will never stop supporting you,” the loyal supporters chanted.
What a relief.

For the first time since 1990, the nation was actually proud of its team’s World Cup performance. Although coach José Pekerman‘s side was unable to reach its goal, it made several friends along the way.

The reason, quite simply, was that Argentina was the most exciting team of the competition and captivated its fans with all the components that make great entertainment. Skill, teamwork and creativity were some of them, not to mention some outstanding goals.

In previous World Cups, most notably in ’02, the Albiceleste projected a negative image of itself, mostly based on the idea of playing defensive soccer to achieve favorable results. Former managers such as Marcelo Bielsa faced scrutiny for adopting lackluster systems that solely focused on the efforts of high-profile individuals.

But the ’06 version of the Albiceleste proved that’s all in the past. Much of the credit should go to Pekerman, who, shortly after Argentina’s elimination confirmed, “It’s the end of an era, and I definitely won’t be staying on.”

His work ethic, however, will definitely be valued for many years to come. Pekerman carried a refined mentality, a quality his predecessors lacked, and that translated to the team. After leading Argentina to three World Youth Cup championships (’95, ’97 and ’01), he was appointed first-team manager, and promoted several of his youth players into the senior team – most notably attacking midfielder Juan Román Riquelme, the player around whom Argentina’s game was centered in Germany.

Pekerman drilled home a standard that saw Argentina playing an attractive style of soccer, something that was likely to bring back the glory days to a nation that has traditionally been amongst the elite of the world game.

He respected, but modified the traditional conventions used by past managers, and it paid dividends. In its five matches, Argentina played extremely high-quality, teamwork-heavy soccer that had the nation at a standstill for several weeks.

In the end, Pekerman used the tournament as a stage to demonstrate to the world all the good work he had been doing since he took over as manager a little less than two years ago. The side completely played in accordance to his rules, and only modified its structure in order to adjust to sudden changes in the passage of play.

Coming into the competition, everyone knew that Argentina’s main strength was its forward line. Hernán Crespo & Co. made Pekerman’s controversial roster choices look wise, producing some brilliant displays that made Argentina the attacking menace of the competition with 10 goals in its first four games.

The midfield also consisted of several players with a natural tendency to attack, including Riquelme, Maxi Rodriguez and Pablo Aimar. But it was still a balanced, well-equipped side that was one of the strongest of the competition. Argentina was the protagonist in all its matches, playing some creative but effective soccer. The players dominated their opponents, even if they were at times physically inferior, and were able to handle the pressure to the extent that they looked like worthy title candidates.

Unlike Brazil, England and Spain, they played to their full capacity. They were able to adapt to changes in the flow of the game, and demonstrated this when they went behind for the first time in the competition against Mexico in the round of 16. But they proved their worth by playing intelligently and eventually grabbing a late victory on an amazing Rodriguez goal.

It was no wonder Argentina came into its quarterfinal clash with Germany riding a wave of confidence. The Albiceleste proved its superiority throughout most part of the 120 minutes. The Argentines didn’t allow the Germans to play their game, and when they took the lead, thanks to a Roberto Ayala header early in the second half, it seemed there would be no stopping them. They seemed to have the game in control, and it stayed that way until the 72nd minute.

That’s when things got dicey. Pekerman made some unconventional decisions that severely dented his side’s chances. Had Argentina continued to attack the leaky Germans, it might have increased its lead. But for once Pekerman went against his usual attacking methods, preferring a more conservative approach to maintain the slender advantage.

We all know what happened next. Argentina is a side that likes to play with the ball, and it suffers when it has a minimal lead – as it demonstrated in several of its pre-World Cup friendlies and in its opener with Ivory Coast.

For all of his impeccable preparation and tactical know-how, Pekerman’s inexperience at the highest level showed. He went with a defensive system and insisted on sitting back, effectively soaking heavy German pressure for more than 20 minutes. The Germans leveled in the 80th minute and Argentina went on to lose a heartbreaker on penalty kicks.

Restricting Lionel Messi to the bench could have been the biggest mistake any manager made in the competition, but it would be unfair to pinpoint this as the reason why Argentina was eliminated.

After all, although Pekerman failed in the moment of truth, he worked wonders during his time with the national team. Argentina failed to win the title, but the nation respects itself as a soccer power once again. That’s an achievement few could argue.

Gregory Sica

Article at Si.com

Argentina has undoubtedly been the most impressive of the three South American nations still remaining in the World Cup.

The Argentines edged the Ivory Coast in a tight game, then sent shockwaves around the world with a 6-0 humiliation of Serbia and Montenegro.

At the moment they are hot, and eager to continue their winning streak against the Netherlands in their final group game on Wednesday.

A victory would give them reason to start believing this may just be their year.

“I don’t like to talk about candidates. It’s great that we have shown signs of our potential. The team has the characteristics to keep going,” said Argentina manager Jose Pekerman.

The Argentines have played entertaining soccer, and have lived up to expectations so far. They booked a spot in the second round with two outstanding victories, but they still have a long way to go.

They knew their match against the Ivory Coast would be tough and it was. Their two-goal lead going into the break was fundamental for the victory, since even though they couldn’t match the Africans’ strength they were able to use their speed and collective play to unsettle the opponent.

Still, there are things to be corrected. I didn’t like the way Pekerman played defensively in the second half; it meant the Ivory Coast settled in Argentina’s end and came very close to forcing a draw. The positive side is that the Argentines have already faced a difficult side and this should help them for the crucial knockout matches.

No one imagined the clash with Serbia and Montenegro would be so one-sided. Argentina was amazing, totally dominating the Serbs. Some may think they faced a weak side, but I think they would have trampled anybody that day. The Argentines were brilliant; it appeared they had rehearsed almost every move in advance.

A prime example was the second goal, my favorite of the tournament. After Argentina kept possession with more than 20 fine passes, Hernán Crespo expertly back-heeled the ball to substitute Esteban Cambiasso, who culminated the move with an outstanding finish. From then on the match was Argentina’s, and unlike the previous game Pekerman didn’t push-back his side. The introduction of Carlos Tevez and Lionel Messi paid dividends; both found the back of the net, playing some outstanding soccer. If Argentina continues this form it will most definitely win the title.

The clash with the Dutch promises to be the most exciting match of the tournament, with the victor winning the group. Pekerman is likely to make a dozen changes to his side, and while Tevez should start, it seems there is no room for an impatient Messi.

What’s the matter with Brazil?

One can say that Argentina has been the best team in the Cup, but this can not be said about defending World Cup champion Brazil.

Many people, including the great Pele, expected Brazil to ease past its supposedly weak group opponents. But it has been far from easy. The Brazilians have looked ordinary and could have easily lost both matches. I especially couldn’t believe their play against Croatia; Brazil was dominated for huge periods and were fortunate keeper Dida made several fine saves.

The only attacking player who has his ground was goal-scorer Kakà, the rest of the players played well below their potential. Ronaldo and Adriano did little to threaten the Croatian goal, while Ronaldinho was non-existent. But even the best team in the world can have a bad day, right?

In fact let’s make it two bad days, as Brazil’s match against Australia was more of the same. The Brazilians lacked creativity and speed, and their customary individual genius was absent. I did see a slight improvement, but once again Ronaldinho was a non-factor, while Ronaldo and Adriano were a touch livelier than in the opener. Still, the Australians could have easily earned a draw if it wasn’t for some poor finishing.

Brazil must improve if it wants to be a force. Many wonder if the Brazilians have lost their edge; the team looks unorganized and lack that spark we have all come to love. After the victory over Australia, Roberto Carlos said, “We don’t have to thrash teams to win the Cup. With one or two per match we will reach the final.” He may be right, but we all expect much more from the overwhelming favorites.

Having already locked up a spot in the second round, the Brazilians should be more relaxed for Thursday’s clash with Japan. I’m imagining a clear victory with Ronaldo finally scoring — if he isn’t replaced by Robinho, of course.

How far can Ecuador go?

Ecuador demonstrated its depth in its first two matches, scoring five goals and booking its first spot in the second round. Perhaps the biggest surprise of the World Cup so far, Ecuador’s main strength is team unity, thanks in part to the fact that many on the team also play for local club Liga de Quito.

What I particularly liked about their game was their collective play, consistency and effectiveness on the wings. A good showing had definitely given them a huge confidence boost and even led some local journalists to think the title was in their reach.

But on Tuesday Ecuador surely got a reality check in a 3-0 loss to Germany. Ecuador manager Luis Suarez was clearly looking ahead to the round of 16 by making five changes to the side, but he still must have expected a better showing. At least he’s now aware he must reshuffle his side in order to play a more defensive game against the traditional heavyweights.

Having finished second in its group, Ecuador will most likely face England in the next round. It will definitely be a challenge, and you can be certain that the Ecuadorians will look for team unity as their main inspiration, even though the odds are against them.

One can only wait to see how long Ecuador will last, but with the critical part of the competition coming closer you can be assured that this time both Argentina and Brazil will be in with a good shot.

Gregory Sica

Article at Si.com

It seems like an obvious fact, but it’s still amazing: No World Cup has ever been won by a country outside of Europe or South America. In fact, nine of the 17 finals have been battles between representatives of each continent.

This year’s Cup isn’t likely to be any different. In fact, the majority of the countries from the remaining four continents don’t stand a chance, and it’s more than likely that Brazil will win a record sixth championship. That would put South America two up on Europe.

Sounds easy, right? Not exactly.

The Europeans seem to have a notable advantage over their South American counterparts. Not only will the World Cup be played on European soil, but also the continent will be represented by 14 teams, compared to South America’s four.

The World Cup has been hosted by a European nation on nine occasions, and all but one (Brazil in 1958, in Sweden) were won by Europeans. Realistically, South America’s only hopes this year lie with Brazil and Argentina, countries that have won a combined seven Cups and look as strong as ever.

“It would be better if Ronaldinho is the star, while Argentina claims the World Cup, possibly defeating the Brazilians in the final,” says Argentina’s Lionel Messi. Has “The Flea” given us an insight into what might be the championship match?

It’s much too early to anticipate Messi’s dream final, but we can assess the possibilities of both sides, as well as those of fellow South Americans Paraguay and Ecuador.

Paraguay, which will take part in its third consecutive World Cup, knows that inexperience isn’t an excuse anymore. Much of its squad participated in the ’98 and ’02 campaigns, when Paraguay bowed out in the round of 16 against top-quality opposition in France and Germany, respectively.

Traditionally defensive, Paraguay has kept its solidarity but has improved significantly in an attacking sense. The emergence of Roque Santa Cruz, Nelson Haedo Valdez and Julio Dos Santos makes the team more dynamic than in past World Cups. Head coach Anibal Ruiz has promised his side won’t stay back too much, preferring to adopt attacking tactics in order to make the most of the speed he has up front.

Paraguay finds itself in what is likely to be a highly contested group that includes England, Sweden and debutantes Trinidad and Tobago. Although both European teams are favorites to advance to the second round, Paraguay has enough talent to proceed.

It’s crucial that the Paraguayans have a positive result in its first group match against England, which should help facilitate its passage to the second round. Expect a compact Paraguay to play on the counterattack, while slowly advancing to control the midfield and looking for empty spaces to exploit England’s defense.

Ecuador enters its second World Cup low with morale — it has only won once in its past nine matches, including a disappointing 2-1 loss against lowly Macedonia last week. Signs don’t look good for the Ecuadorians, although surprisingly, they have a good chance of advancing to the second round.

Besides host Germany, they face manageable competition in Poland and Costa Rica. A victory over the Poles in their opener is essential, although they must be aware that Poland is very quick on the counterattack, something La Tri struggles to cope with. The clash with Costa Rica promises to be an open contest, as both teams play a similar type of game. Ecuador is highly unlikely to upset the Germans on home soil.

Unless something goes very wrong, Brazil will win a historic sixth World Cup. This is by far the strongest team in the tournament. The Brazilians are brilliant in all aspects of their game, and it seems they can only get better. Although they faced relatively weak sides in preparation matches, they displayed some awesome attacking soccer. If that trend continues, it should get them through to the second round without breaking a sweat.

The Seleção is the team to beat, meaning that it is under enormous pressure. At 5-2 odds, there hasn’t been such a clear favorite since the outstanding Brazil side of 1982, which won its group in style before being eliminated in the quarterfinals by eventual champion Italy.

The Brazilians are highly aware of the possible threat from their group opponents. In fact, they were held to draws by Croatia and Japan last year and often meet up with tough sides that are similar in characteristics to Australia. Still, Brazil is clearly superior to its rivals and should find its rhythm as early.

On paper, Argentina is the second-most capable side in the tournament. But  that doesn’t guarantee results. As was the case in ’02, the Argentines find themselves in the Group of Death alongside Ivory Coast, the Netherlands and Serbia and Montenegro. It’s going to be a fight, but the Albiceleste have a good chance to claim the top spot. In order for that to happen, head coach José Pekerman knows his team must not only play attractive soccer, but effective soccer as well.

For some reason, Argentina sees Ivory Coast as being its most difficult group opponent, while paying little attention to the Netherlands or Serbia, sides that are hoping to win back fans after their notable absences in ’02.

Argentina looks particularly strong and demonstrated its depth in last week’s clear 2-0 victory over Angola. The Argentines dominated the match with good collective play, as well as some early signs of things to come in the attack.

If South America is to retain its World Cup dominance, it will likely be up to Argentina or Brazil to work their magic. In Germany, that task is going to be a fun challenge to watch.

Gregory Sica


Article at Si.com

It’s about time someone steps up. That’s what all Argentines have been impatiently saying for some time.

Their country’s national team boasts one of the richest squads in the World Cup, but since the championship side of 1986, it hasn’t been able to reproduce the kind of success that has developed its history in soccer’s ultimate competition.

One reason is that besides all-time high scorer Gabriel Batistuta, Argentina hasn’t been able to produce a top-quality striker who performs on the big occasion.

Some may argue that Lionel Messi, Rodrigo Palacio and Carlos Tévez all promise to make an impact on the world stage, but there is one striker in particular who has the responsibility to put Argentina back on the map.

Hernán Crespo, a veteran of two World Cups, is hoping the third time’s the charm. He’ll turn 31 during the World Cup and is well aware that this is probably his last opportunity to stamp his name in the history books.

We recently caught up with a confident Crespo at the Argentine Federation headquarters in Buenos Aires to discuss his past World Cup experiences, the nation’s prospects and his hunger to succeed in Germany.

SI.com: Will your third World Cup be the most special?

Crespo: All World Cups are special. This time it’s different for me because of my age and because I’ve played in other World Cups, so these things don’t surprise me. I think I will enjoy the World Cup much more than the previous ones this time because I’ve already played them and know exactly what to expect. But the World Cup is always something special for everyone and I will try to make the most of the opportunity.

SI.com: Being one of the veterans, do you think you will have more responsibilities than in the past?

Crespo: Yes, I’ll have more responsibilities. I can’t hide the fact that I’ve already played in two World Cups and am more experienced than the other guys, and I will definitely have more responsibilities than before both on and off the pitch. I will try my best to help the younger guys in the group, but the decision whether I play or not is up to the manager. The important thing is that Argentina does well.

SI.com: Argentina is in what many regard as the Group of Death (with Ivory Coast, Netherlands and Serbia and Montenegro).

Crespo: Obviously, I wouldn’t have chosen our group if I had the choice, as we have to face three difficult sides. But the situation is what it is and we must confront it. But at the same time we are calm, knowing that our World Cup starts with the first match.

SI.com: Do you think the pressure will be less if Argentina reaches the second round?

Crespo: We must see — first there is the group phase. We must take it slowly, first thinking about the Ivory Coast game, and then going match by match.

SI.com: With so much talent up front — including six high-profile strikers — do you expect to start against the Ivory Coast?

Crespo: I am confident that I will play the first match, and hopefully if everything goes well it will mean that I will stay on the pitch for the next games. But I’m aware that we have six good strikers and everyone can play. So you can’t afford to relax.

SI.com: You will face your Chelsea attacking partner Didier Drogba in the first match. What can you tell me about him?

Crespo: He is a very strong player and he likes physical contact. I think Ivory Coast’s attack depends a lot on him. We must be aware of him, but the most important part is to try to stop those who supply him with the ball.

SI.com: Describe the pressure that Argentine players must deal with at the World Cup.

Crespo: Maybe someone who experiences it for the first time takes it differently. I try to enjoy it. I try to enjoy certain matches. I’ve reached a point in my career and in my life where I am more mature when confronting these situations. It is definitely lots of pressure, but I try to stay as calm as possible and try to enjoy it.

SI.com: How does it feel to represent a soccer nation with so much World Cup history?

Crespo: Lots of people dream of becoming a professional and to play a World Cup, so it makes me very proud. You see the way people look up to you and it makes you want to perform to the best of your ability. It’s great to be part of this, but we aren’t extraterrestrials that feel nothing; on the contrary, we find ourselves in a privileged position, we enjoy this and know we have a huge responsibility.

SI.com: The only thing on the mind of most Argentines is the World Cup, especially because of the extensive media coverage. Can it get to your head?

Crespo: It makes me happy, but I try not to watch too much television because it can make you go crazy; if you look at the real dimension of things and its significance, it can scare you.

SI.com: Argentina was eliminated in the group stage in ’02, a huge surprise. Is there a chance history will repeat itself?

Crespo: Hopefully it won’t. Every World Cup has its own story. No one knows what would have happened if we had passed the group stage, just if one of those thousands of goal-scoring opportunities against Sweden went into the back of the net.

SI.com: You were ranked No. 1 in ’02 and were favored to win the whole thing. Will it be an advantage that you aren’t coming into the tournament as favorites this time around?

Crespo: I don’t know if one feels more or less comfortable. At the end of the day, that label doesn’t reflect on the outcome of who will be the eventual world champions.

SI.com: But Argentina has a rich history in this competition and has one of the strongest squads. Doesn’t that make you a contender?

Crespo: Yes, we can be considered contenders. But the favorite is Brazil because they deserve it. After all, they are defending champions, the last Copa America champions and the last Confederations Cup champions. They have won important titles that make them the firm favorite. They have excellent, high-quality players, but still anything can happen. One morning one can wake up badly while the other can wake up well. There’s a very fine line between the top teams.

Gregory Sica

Article at Si.com

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina – Four years can be a very long wait. Right before the 2002 World Cup, a then-ranked world No. 1 Argentina team came into the tournament as the firm favorite. It then bowed out, somewhat surprisingly, in the first round in what can be regarded as the greatest setback in the history of the soccer-proud nation.

Strangely enough, there’s even greater expectation this time around for the new-look side to succeed and lift soccer’s greatest prize for a third time.

Argentina’s last triumph was in 1986 when it was led by the attacking wizardry of the great Diego Maradona. Just a few days ago, the controversial Maradona was in the headlines once again, but this time for expressing his support and best wishes for the national team and his desire to coach his country after José Pekerman‘s reign.

“If we win the World Cup, as well as being happy I will strive to be the new manager,” Maradona said. “And if we lose, with more reason.”

But the soccer legend was missing on Wednesday night when the Albicelestes said farewell to their enthusiastic fans jam-packed into Monumental stadium, an evening that was reminiscent of the celebrations in 1978 when Argentina lifted its first World Cup.

Fittingly, several of the stars of Argentina’s ’78 and ’86 teams were invited to the ceremony, including all time greats Ubaldo Fillol, Jorge Olguin, Rene Houseman, Nery Pumpido, Sergio Batista, Oscar Ruggeri and Jorge Burruchaga. Their job was to individually hand out the jerseys to Argentina’s new generation during the presentation, but the main intention of their presence was to motivate the 23-man squad that could possibly be doing the exact thing in the years to come.

The quality of Pekerman’s squad means that Argentina is arguably the second-strongest team in the World Cup behind archrival Brazil, and much is expected of them. If the World Cup is to be won by the team with the most potent attack, Argentina would certainly have an upper hand. Pekerman has several options in the front line, not to mention plenty in the midfield.

The national team demonstrated its proficiency in a friendly match after the ceremony, with a convincing 4-0 thrashing of Argentina’s under-20 world champions. With two halves of 25 minutes, Pekerman chose to start Julio Cruz and Carlos Tévez as his attacking partnership. Surprisingly, the dull half ended scoreless, although fans were treated to some individual genius from Tévez, who was a constant threat to the defense. And although he was also fairly active Cruz, seemed to have missed out on an opportunity to win himself a first-team place.

In the second period, the game livened up, particularly with the presence of Boca Juniors striker Rodrigo Palacio and Sevilla’s Javier Saviola. They both proved they’re capable of playing together. While Palacio marked a sensational display with a superb hat trick, Saviola netted the other goal in a performance that reinforced his recent return to form.

Eighteen-year-old Lionel Messi may have been out of action for more than two months, but his introduction also did plenty to show that he is one of the most talented strikers in the game, and if fully fit, it will be impossible for Pekerman to leave him out.

The experienced Hernán Crespo was rested due a stomach bug, but he’s most likely to start in Argentina’s first group game against Ivory Coast alongside Tévez and Messi. But Pekerman still has time to make adjustments depending on Argentina’s success in its final preparation match against Angola early next week.

“I am confident that I will play the first match, and hopefully if everything goes well it will mean that I will stay on the pitch for the next games,” said two-time World Cup veteran Crespo of his health. “But I’m aware that we have six good strikers and everyone can play. I will try my best to help the younger guys in the group, but the decision of whether I play or not is up to the manager. The important thing is that Argentina does well.”

When Pekerman first took charge of Argentina almost two years ago, his idea of the ideal attacking partnership was that of the seemingly irreplaceable Crespo alongside Saviola. In the last week Pekerman has confessed that a return to that lineup could well be a serious option.

“I think it’s because we are players with very different characteristics, but we understand each other very well,” Saviola said of that possibility. “I think the manager will see what choice will best benefit the team. I hope we can have a good World Cup no matter who plays with Crespo.”

Having so many options in attack is a problem any manager would love to have, so you can understand if the players pay little attention to Pekerman’s last-minute tinkering. Really, there’s only one thing for Argentina to focus on. Perhaps Tévez said it best.

“I will not look at the World Cup from a personal point of view,” said the Corinthians star and South American Player of the Year. “I don’t think anyone will remember if we reach the quarterfinals, the semifinals or if we finish in second place. We have to be the world champions.”

Gregory Sica

Article at Si.com

By Gregory Sica, SI.com

FIFA world ranking: No. 33.

How they qualified for Germany: Finished 8-4-6 for fourth place in CONMEBOL qualifying, with the same point total as Ecuador but an inferior goal differential.

Previous World Cups: Six appearances (1930, 1950, 1958, 1986, 1998, 2002). Reached the final 16 in ’98, ’02.

Manager: Aníbal Ruiz, fourth year with team.

Key players

Nelson Valdez is one of the brightest talents of South American soccer, and since his Werder Bremen debut in 2001, he has also become one of the most highly-rated strikers in the German Bundesliga. His speed, determination and awesome individual skills won him a starting spot in Ruiz’s lineup. In last year’s World Cup-qualifying victory over Argentina, Valdez put on a marvelous performance that attracted envious glances from top European clubs – most notably FC Barcelona. At only 22, Valdez is likely to be one of the revelations of the ’06 World Cup, and much of Paraguay’s chances lie on his shoulders.

On the back line, Carlos Gamarra is an experienced defender who captains the team with his strong leadership skills and stability. Although “El Colorado” is a hard tackler, his timely interventions rarely earn him a booking. A veteran of two World Cups, Gamarra is the heart of the Paraguayan defense. Although he is the main organizer of the team, one of his greatest abilities is scoring headers from dead-ball situations. The much-traveled leader – now with Brazil’s Palmeiras — has played in seven different countries over his career, and has picked up several different styles of play that have helped him become one of the most successful players to ever wear a Paraguay jersey.

What to watch for

The Paraguayans may be the most underrated side in the World Cup. After losing out to top opposition in their last two World Cup appearances, they hope to go a step further and reach the final eight. Although many of their players are not widely recognized around the world, they have become a very solid group in recent years — winning the silver medal at the 2004 Athens Olympics and surpassing Uruguay as the third-strongest side in South America. Manager Ruiz must be delighted with the progress of striker Roque Santa Cruz, who is back in action after a lengthy knee injury and is almost certain to lead a threatening strike force alongside Valdez, while Nelson Cuevas (a player who impressed with a magnificent two-goal performance against Slovenia in the ’02 World Cup) will be a healthy option from the bench. Paraguay’s main strength is its strong teamwork and consistency, but it also employs solid defensive tactics. Its main weakness is a difficulty to find the back of the net, especially when up against tough defenses.

Group: B (England, Trinidad & Tobago, Sweden).

Key match in group stage: June 15 vs. Sweden. These are two well-matched teams that both expect to advance to the knockout phase. The winner of this match will join England in the next round.

Oddsmakers’ line: 125-1.

By Gregory Sica, SI.com

FIFA world ranking: No. 32.

How they qualified for Germany: Won Africa’s Group 3 with a 7-1-2 record, one point in front of Cameroon.

Previous World Cups: None.

Manager: Henri Michel, third year with team.

Key players

Star striker Didier Drogba is easily Ivory Coast’s most important player, and he’ll take most of the responsibility if the African minnows are to advance to the knockout phase of the World Cup. Since arriving at Chelsea in 2004 from Marseille in what was the second-biggest transfer in English soccer history, he has been in stunning form, helping lead the club to the Premiership title and the League Cup during the ’04-05 season. Drogba’s greatest attribute is his speed, although his solid build (6-foot-2, 185 pounds) makes him a player who doesn’t fall to the ground easily. Having found the back of the net on nine occasions in World Cup qualifying, Drogba is destined to make his mark on the world stage.

Defender Kolo Touré has become an integral part of the defensive unit at Arsenal. Though he’s only 25, he has gained a wealth of experience in the Premier League, and much is expected of him at the World Cup. Touré is most known for his venomous shot, but his greatest ability is precisely timed tackling that makes him one of the most sought-after defenders in European soccer. If Touré finds his best form in Germany, Ivory Coast could be a tough nut to crack.

What to watch for

In the past few years, Ivory Coast has emerged as one of the most powerful soccer nations in all of Africa. The Elephants knocked out Cameroon and Egypt — both traditional African powers — on their way to the World Cup, and were the runners-up at the African Cup of Nations, eventually falling to the host Egyptians in the final on penalty kicks. It’s entirely possible that this talented group could go further at the Cup than surprise quarterfinalist Senegal did in ’02.

Much of Ivory Coast’s recent success is due to the rise of talented players who are excelling in top European leagues. The main strength of this side is its power in attack, but the Ivorians are no slouches when it comes to defense. But, as is common with most African sides, they tend to get out of focus very easily, which could seriously damage their chances of qualifying for the second round. The Elephants seem capable, but they must keep full concentration if they want to remain part of Africa’s elite.

Group: C (Argentina, Serbia & Montenegro, Netherlands).

Key match: June 10 vs. Argentina. An upset here will bring back memories of Senegal’s heroic ’02 campaign, and will most definitely set up the Ivorians for a second-round spot.

Oddsmakers’ line: 66-1.

By Gregory Sica, SI.com

FIFA world ranking: No. 42.

How they qualified for Germany: As champions of the Oceania World Cup qualifying tournament, the Aussies went on to play South America’s fifth-ranked team, Uruguay, in a two-leg playoff. After losing the first leg 1-0 in Montevideo, they tied the series with a 1-0 win in Sydney and went on to book a spot in the World Cup after a 4-2 victory in a penalty shootout.

Previous World Cups: One appearance (1974).

Manager: Guus Hiddink, second year with team.

Key players

Midfielder Mark Bresciano has proven to be a player who appears at the right moment — he demonstrated this once again when he scored the vital goal against Uruguay that allowed the Socceroos to reach the crucial shootout. Bresciano’s technical ability and never-give-up approach have helped him to establish himself as the first Australian player to succeed in Italy’s Serie A, arguably the toughest league in the world.

Australia’s main target, Mark Viduka, may be big in stature (6-foot-2, 199 pounds), but he possesses a unique kind of prowess that has become the trademark of his game. The Melbourne-born striker has proven to be a handful for some of the world’s finest defenders — he has incredible shot accuracy. Although he’s been plagued by injuries through much of his career, his recent form for English Premier League club Middlesbrough suggests that he is back to his all-time best. Viduka is Australia’s most potent attacking weapon and his form could determine whether his country advances to the knockout round.

What to watch for

Australia still possesses the same traditional tactics of intimidating and pressuring opponents, but since the arrival of Dutch mastermind Hiddink, the Socceroos have become a much more solid unit. Not only do they try to disrupt opponents from playing their game, but the emergence of talented attacking players Bresciano and Tim Cahill has also added an extra dimension to their game, alleviating pressure from the defense. As they proved against Uruguay, they have what it takes to match up with top opposition. If star striker Harry Kewell is on top of his game, a one-two punch with Viduka will give Australia a good chance of advancing.

This team’s main weakness heading into the World Cup is its injuries: Veteran defender Tony Vidmar is out and Cahill, Viduka, Kewell and goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer are also banged up. The Aussies’ defensive unit is also aging and may run out of steam as the tournament progresses — add to that few options from the bench and Australia definitely has an Achilles heel.

The World Cup will be Hiddink’s swan song with the Socceroos, as the Dutchman will take over the Russian national team as his next reclamation project. His last gasp with Australia could be as interesting as his final go-around with South Korea in ’98.

Group: F (Brazil, Croatia, Japan).

Key match in group stage: June 22 vs. Croatia. This is the final match of the group, and it’s very likely the winner will advance to the knockout round, along with Brazil.

Oddsmakers’ line: 125-1.

By Gregory Sica, SI.com

FIFA world ranking: No. 9.

How they qualified for Germany: Finished 10-4-4 for second place in CONMEBOL qualifying, with the same point total as Brazil but an inferior goal differential.

Previous World Cups: 13 appearances (1930, 1934, 1958, 1962, 1966, 1974, 1978, 1982, 1986, 1990, 1994, 1998 and 2002). Champions in ’78 and ’86, runners-up in ’30, ’90.

Manager: José Pekerman, second year with team.

Key players

Classy Juan Román Riquelme is a technically gifted attacking midfielder who has proven to be deadly when given a dead-ball opportunity. Since arriving at Villarreal from Barcelona in 2003, he has become one of the biggest stars in world soccer, mainly because of his awesome vision and his lethal right foot. His outstanding play caught the eye of Pekerman, who chose him over several other big-name stars to fill Argentina’s playmaker role.

It’s been only recently that 18-year-old Lionel Messi exploded onto the world stage, but after several outstanding displays for Barcelona this season, he has cemented himself in Argentina’s strong starting XI. Blessed with majestic dribbling skills, uncanny vision and exhilarating speed the wunderkind is likely to be one of the stars of the tournament. Last year he guided Argentina to the Under-20 World Championship, but will he succeed in translating that success to the senior side?

The greatest talent on the Argentine squad is undoubtedly Carlos Tévez. When “Carlitos” is at his best, his explosive pace can penetrate any defense. When Brazilian giant Corinthians snapped him up for a record $18 million last year, it was unknown whether he would make his mark on rival territory, but Tévez left the Brazilians with open mouths when he led the club to the national championship, winning the MVP award. Tévez’s most valuable attribute is his ability to put the ball in the net, but he is more than capable of setting up scoring opportunities for his teammates.

What to watch for

It has become customary to label Argentina as one of the favorites to win the Word Cup — not just because of the wealth of talent that Pekerman has at his disposal, but also because of tradition. This current squad looks quite different than the one that was effectively knocked out in the group stage by England in ’02, and Pekerman is the main reason for this change. The coach has brought in a youthful blend, changing up Argentina’s usual reliance on star power. This team’s main attraction is its one-touch passing, which cuts through tough defenses with effectiveness. Argentina’s main weakness is that there is just too much national pressure on the players to perform, as well as the fact that they lack a mature captain who can assume control when the team is out of ideas.

Group: C (Netherlands, Ivory Coast, Serbia & Montenegro)

Key match in group stage: June 21 vs. Netherlands. This is a traditional classic and a rematch of the ’78 World Cup Final. But more recently, the Dutch knocked out the Argentines in ’98. Whoever wins this match is likely to win the group.

Oddsmakers’ line: 7-1.

By Gregory Sica, SI.com

FIFA world ranking: No. 39.

How they qualified for Germany: Finished 8-4-6 for third place in CONMEBOL qualifying, with the same point total as Paraguay but with a superior goal differential.

Previous World Cups: One appearance (2002). They were eliminated in the first round.

Manager: Luis Suárez, third year with squad.

Key players

Imposing striker Agustín Delgado is an irreplaceable figure in Ecuador’s starting lineup, and his form will play an important part in determining whether his team will get beyond the first round. Although back problems have troubled him for much of his career, he has proven that he has what it takes to spearhead the side, having notched five goals in World Cup qualifying. “Tin” is Ecuador’s main target man, and his powerful shot, combined with an awesome heading ability, is likely to unsettle opposing defenders.

Like Delgado, Edison Méndez scored five times in qualifying, and he has become an instrumental part of Ecuador’s midfield — in fact it was Méndez who scored in La Tri’s only World Cup victory, over Croatia in ’02. He is a very intelligent player who is generally responsible for the creative side of Ecuador’s game. While his awesome vision triggers scoring opportunities for his teammates, his most notable attribute is his exceptional long-distance shot accuracy, whether off a free-kick or on the run.

What to watch for

Ecuador shocked South America by beating both Brazil and Argentina on its way to reaching its second successive World Cup. Suárez’s side went undefeated at home during qualifying, due in no small part to the home-field advantage of Quito’s high altitude (9,350 feet). Even so, La Tri is confident it can go beyond the first round for the first time, and the fact that more than half the side plays for dominant local club Liga Deportiva Universitaria de Quito significantly boosts its chances. Team unity, obviously, is this squad’s main strength, but the side is also balanced and hard-working, with the potential to upset high-profile teams.

Although the Ecuadorians lack quality in certain aspects of their game, their main weakness is inconsistency, as they proved time and again in their qualifying campaign. Since securing a spot in Germany last October, they were thrashed 3-0 by Poland and 4-1 by local club Barcelona of Guayaquil .

Group: A (Germany, Costa Rica, Poland).

Key match in group stage: June 9 vs. Poland. Besides hosts Germany, the Ecuadorians have been matched up with relatively assessable sides in Poland and Costa Rica. Avenging the Poles in their first group match is crucial — it should set them up nicely for the clash with the Ticos. If La Tri picks up a good result in that match, it should guarantee passage into the second round, no matter the result of its final group match against the Germans.

Oddsmakers’ line: 125-1.