World Cup group profiles

Group A

Defending champions France should be relatively untroubled in progressing to the knockout stage, but that apart, this could be a tricky group. Uruguay, the last of the 32 qualifiers to be confirmed, after beating Australia in their home-and-away playoff, are invariably skilled, but with a rugged edge to their game. Their key figure will be Inter Milan playmaker Alvaro Recoba. Expect them to be difficult opponents. Denmark, managed by former star sweeper Morten Olsen, roared through their qualifying programme undefeated and have a strong chance of repeating their progress of four years ago to the quarter-finals. Senegal, on their first trip to the finals, are an unknown quantity, but lack the reputation of their West African neighbours Nigeria and Cameroon.

Group B

Spain, the great under-achievers of the World Cup, should have sufficient class to get through, but the big question is who will join them. Paraguay have hired former Italian coach Cesare Maldini since qualifying fourth from the 10-nation South American group. They conceded just 23 goals in 18 games, but goals were hard to come by – a pointer to a counter-attacking philosophy. Not exciting, but often effective. Slovenia surprised by qualifying for Euro 2000, their first appearance in a major finals. Coached by savvy Srecko Katanec, the youngest manager at the finals, they will be worth a look. South Africa are unlikely to get past the pool stage, but watch for Manchester United's Quinton Fortune and Benny McCarthy of Porto up front.

Group C

A distinctly wobbly qualifying campaign notwithstanding, four-times champions Brazil should be untroubled to progress. Star striker Ronaldo's form will be the major talking point. This is the easiest of the eight groups, with Turkey, quarter-finalists for the first time at a major tournament at Euro 2000, the best bet to join Brazil in the last 16. Look for heavy numbers in their midfield. The colourful Bora Milutinovic will take his fifth team to the World Cup finals, and the previous four all reached the second round. China are not likely to continue that record. Costa Rica made the second round in their only previous finals, 12 years ago. Don't bet on a second success.

Group D

Ink Portugal in as one of the qualifiers here, but the identity of the second survivor is far from clearcut. Joint hosts South Korea, coached by seasoned Dutchman Guus Hiddink, drew with England in a practice game last week, but it would surprise if they are alive after the pool round. United States manager Bruce Arena has spent four years building to the finals, so they should at least be well prepared. The most likely to succeed are Poland, back at the finals for the first time since 1986. A good mix of experience and youth, workers and players with flair.

Group E

Germany, who have qualified for every World Cup they have entered, scraped in via a 5-2 aggregate win over Ukraine. They are a shadow of their former selves, but should still get through an intriguing group. Expect Cameroon and Ireland to battle for the second spot. The 'Indomitable Lions' of Africa have been at five of the last six finals and while the temperament is suspect, they are capable of dazzling football. Ireland, at the finals after beating Iran in a playoff, suffered a heavy blow with combative captain Roy Keane kicked out of the squad last week. But in Leeds United's Robbie Keane and Ian Harte, Damien Duff of Blackburn Rovers and Jason McAteer of Sunderland, they have a solid core of talent. Saudi Arabia will make up the numbers.

Group F

The toughest group of all. Circle June 7 for compulsive viewing as England tackle Argentina, with Sir Alf Ramsey's "animals" tag of 1966, the Falklands, Hand of God and Beckham's sending off four years ago as the backdrop. The difference is Argentina will progress, and are among the favourites to lift the title. No one says that about Sven Goran–Eriksson's team, with the awkward Swedes and unpredictable but dangerous Nigeria serious knockout contenders. Provided they manage at least a draw in their opener against Sweden, the draw is reasonable for England, ending against the Nigerians, who by then may be out of the reckoning. But don't put the house on it.

Group G

Another contest full of possibilities, with the rider that Italy, chockful of quality attackers, and anchored by a skilled, crafty defence, should romp through to the knockout stage. Croatia have much to live up to after making the semifinals in 1998, but the issue is whether class can cover for ageing legs. Mexico, who have made two quarter-final appearances in 11 finals, will lean heavily on gifted striker Cuauhtemoc Blanco, who scored nine goals in seven appearances in qualifying. Similarly, Ecuador, in the finals for the first time, will turn to Southampton striker Agustin Delgado. Nine goals in qualifying – including the only goal in the historic win over Brazil – showed Delgado's allround talents. Whether he gets the right support could decide how far they progress.

Group H

The least inspiring of the groups. No team stands out, but the odds are Russia and Belgium will progress. Russia have an ageing defence and their standout pair are playmaker Alexander Mostovoi and striker Vladimir Beschastnykh, who scored seven times in qualifying. Belgian captain Marc Wilmots is playing in his fourth finals. They have lost their best striker, Emile Mpenza, through injury and invariably lack colour. Japan are searching for their first World Cup win, and Parma midfielder Hidetoshi Nakata is the star act for the joint hosts. Tunisia qualified unbeaten, but don't expect a startling return.

nzherald.co.nz/fifaworldcup

Groups and teams | Stars | Schedule | Previous winners

Interactive graphics:
Groups and team profiles