Fred De Jong: Big teams look ominous, but Oh Ronaldo!

A little over a week of 2006 World Cup is behind us but already I have been struck by two noticeable features in looking back at the 20 or so games played so far.

In contrast to the finals in Japan/Korea four years ago, the number of upsets has been remarkably low.

If I was one of the less fancied nations I would not be looking to extend my hotel booking just yet as the major players are looking ominous.

However, the most pleasing aspect of the tournament so far has been the willingness of teams to attack. This has led to some cracking games and plenty of goals.

The trend was set in the opening match in which the Germans displayed a much more positive attitude than they too often show.

Even the underdogs have been prepared to push forward rather than get players back and attempt to grind out results.

If this attacking attitude persists this may be a World Cup to rival the vintages of 1982, 1986 and 1998.

We have now had a look at all teams. Even at this early stage the cream is starting to rise to the top. Argentina, Brazil, Germany and Spain have all done enough to justify their pre-tournament tags as favourites.

The Argentinians especially showed they have the quality and depth to go far.

If they would just get rid of the diving and histrionics I'm sure they would make many more fans along the way.

Brazil appears to be playing well within themselves. It remains to be seen if they are the slumbering giant everyone is expecting or a side that will ultimately disappoint as France did so spectacularly in Korea four years ago.

It will also be interesting to see how long Brazilian coach Alberto Carlos Parreira keeps faith with Ronaldo. The Real Madrid striker is obviously struggling for form and Parreira has a wealth of riches on the bench waiting to make an impact.

But for me the most impressive side to date has been the Czech Republic. Karel Bruckner's side has continued where they left off at Euro 2004.

Open, entertaining football remains the hallmark for the Czechs. Pavel Nedved's decision to return to international duty after a premature retirement has been an important ingredient. Nedved's combination with the superb Tomas Rosicky guarantees this side is to be feared.

However the loss of the giant striker Jan Koller to a hamstring injury could be a serious blow as his physical presence does much to provide Nedved and Rosicky the space in which to be effective.

The most disappointing team has been Poland. In the qualifying rounds they pushed England all the way for the top spot and much was expected from them. Two games, no goals and an early exit is on the cards for a side lacking firepower up front.

The tournament has once again highlighted the strength of European football.

The confederation has 13 places at the World Cup banquet plus hosts Germany. Of the 16 teams to win through to the knock-out phase, I expect 11, possibly 12 will come from Europe.

It shows the other confederations still have a way to go to catch up with the depth of the real engine room of world football.

The contest between Europe and South America is very much alive. At this stage I am leaning towards Europe to take out the spoils.