Soccer: Beckenbauer says Dutch are ones to watch

Franz Beckenbauer, the head of the 2006 World Cup organising committee, believes the Netherlands will be the side the seeded teams will want to avoid in Friday's World Cup draw while tipping Brazil for the title.

"It's something we don't want but if we're drawn against them, then we'll have to play the Dutch," Beckenbauer, a World Cup winner as a player and then a coach for West Germany, said.

Germany, as hosts, and champions Brazil were named on Tuesday as the eight seeded teams for the draw along with England, Spain, Mexico, France, Argentina and Italy.

There is no place at the top table for the Netherlands, who are third in the Fifa world rankings and who beat the second-placed Czech Republic home and away in qualifying.

Beckenbauer said Brazil were clearly the team to beat at the World Cup, which runs from June 9 to July 9.

"At the moment I'd say Brazil are playing the best football. They showed that at the Confederations Cup. Or perhaps you could say whoever beats Brazil has the best chance to be world champions," he told Reuters.

Home advantage, Beckenbauer added, should boost the chances of Germany.

England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson welcomed his team's seeding, telling the FA website:

"We are one of the teams that have the potential to do very well in Germany and we have some of the best players in the world.

"Finishing top of our qualification group with the second best record in the whole of Europe was a big achievement and I'm sure that has played a part in this decision."

Italy coach Marcello Lippi told RAI TV: "It seems that Italy's prestige and history have been recognised once again.

"However, I don't consider this selection of seeds to be too important. If we hadn't been seeded it would have only been a psychological problem."

Polish assistant national coach Maciej Skorza said: "This is very good news for the national team. It means that we will definitely not wind up with teams like Netherlands and the Czech Republic.

"Of the seeded teams, it seems like the best option would be Mexico, although this may be very deceptive."

Dutch coach Marco van Basten said: "The Netherlands were not at the last World Cup and I think it's logical that we are not in the top group for this one.

"Our task remains unchanged -- to prepare the boys so that they are at their peak in June."

Sweden coach Lars Lagerback said: "All of the seeded teams belong to good football nations. It is still obvious that Brazil are a bit better and the hardest team to meet if you are drawn in a group with them."

"But the teams are strong across the board, both in the group of seeded teams and among the teams ranked lower than us, so Friday will be exciting."

The draw ceremony begins at 8.30am (NZ time) on Saturday.

- REUTERS