The 2026 World Cup Groups

I did not watch the draw event. It was bound to be an extravagant and irrelevant event, and it appears it was since what everyone is talking about seems to be Mr. Trump. So let me start by congratulating Mr. Trump for achieving that everyone is talking about him, and not about the football draw, which is what interests me, and not all the other stuff.

The final setup of the groups still depends on the remaining playoff matches that will take place in March. I include the teams that I think will qualify in parenthesis:

Group A: 

• Mexico
• South Corea
• South Africa
• (Czech Republic)

The Mexican hosts drew a group where they should qualify, although they will have to play better than in their latest friendlies. The opening match will be a repeat of the 2010 opening match in South Africa in an upgraded Azteca stadium. South Corea is probably the other team to watch, although an UEFA side is set to qualify: Czech Republic, Ireland, Denmark or North Macedonia. Although I hope it will be Denmark, I think it will be either the Czechs or Irish, who have the spirit and commitment to qualify in what will be a final at home for each of them.

Group B:

• Canada
• Qatar
• Switzerland
• (Italy)

The Canadian hosts will be looking to progressing from a difficult group, perhaps in a third spot they will have to fight for against Qatar. In the meantime I think Switzerland will be group winners, even though it seems that the last team will be Italy, or maybe, Wales, Northern Ireland or Bosnia-Hercegovina. But another World Cup without Italy...?

Group C:

• Brazil
• Morocco
• Scotland
• Haiti

One of the most interesting groups, in particular because giants Brazil will be facing the African powerhouse, Morocco, who in 2022 were the first African team to make it to a World Cup semifinal and were recently crowned U-23 World Champions. Probably these two sides will play for the first spot, but will also face two teams that will attract a lot of neutral support: the Haitians who are back in a World Cup for the first time since 1974, and the charming Scots whose fans are some of the best in the world.

Group D:

•  USA
• Paraguay
• Australia
• (Turkey)

The North Americans are probably optimistic in this group, but may struggle because of arrogance. Although none of the other teams appear as the best, they are certainly strong. Australia have shown they are competitive and an always-fighting Paraguay are both teams that can defeat anyone on a good day. In the meantime we are looking at a UEFA team to qualify among Turkey, Kosovo, Slovakia and Romania.

Group E:

• Germany
• Ecuador
• Curacao
• Cote d'Ivoire

On paper this should be an easy group for the Germans, and if they do not win it, it will be a surprise. Ecuador and Cote d'Ivoire seem to be the teams that will fight to be runner-ups, and perhaps take a third place to go to the last-32. In the meantime small Curacao is playing its first World Cup, and there will be limited expectations, although if they pull a surprise, it will surely make them the darlings of the tournament.

Group F:

• Netherlands
• Japan
• Tunisia
• (Poland)

The two sides to watch in this group are the Netherlands and Japan, although Tunisia are certainly a competitive side that could also make it to the next round. In the meantime the last team is to be found among Poland, Ukraine, Sweden and Albania, where all, except Sweden, appear as strong sides. On paper the Dutch are favourites, but I think this will be one of the closest groups.

Group G:

• Belgium
• Egypt
• Iran
• New Zealand 

A group where the Belgians enter as big favourites, and anything but them winning the group would be disappointing. That said, Belgium has disappointed before, and in particular Iran and Egypt will be sides with a lot of spirit and strong players, and could surprise. New Zealand I do not expect much from; I may be wrong.

Group H:

• Spain
• Saudi Arabia
• Uruguay
• Cape Verde

Spain and Uruguay are huge favourites in this group, and the match between these two former World Champions will be one of the most expected matches in the group stages. In the meantime Saudi Arabia have already shown before that they are able to pull a surprise (they memorably defeated Argentina in 2022), while Cape Verde will be playing their first World Cup ever, and can only surprise, but it will be great if the do!

Group I:

• France
• Senegal
• Norway
• (Bolivia)

This could be the "group of Death". France may be slight favourites, but they are facing Senegal, who with a lot of French-born and -based players will be eager to repeat their legendary 2002 victory against the then-World Champions. In the meantime Norway are considered one of the Dark Horses this year having qualified in style. The last team will be found among Bolivia, Surinam and Iraq, all sides that should be capable of pulling a surprise.

Group J:

• Argentina
• Algeria
• Austria
• Jordan

The defending World Champions have pulled what on paper appears to be a very easy group. But it is becoming a tradition that the defending champions do bad in defending the title, and the Argentineans will also struggle against their own arrogance, in particular against Algeria and Austria, two competitive sides that may surprise. In the meantime Jordan, in their first World Cup ever, can only surprise.

Group K:

• Portugal
• Colombia
• Uzbekistan
• (RD Congo)

Portugal and Colombia will be one of the most awaited matches in the first round, with both teams being huge favourites in a group that count the debutantes of Uzbekistan, as well as one of the following: Jamaica, New Caledonia and RD Congo. I think the Congolese will make it, although appears to be a final against Jamaica.

Group L:

• England
• Croatia
• Ghana
• Panama

A quite exciting group with Croatia and England as favourities, but (my dear) Ghana will also be a side to watch, and magnificent to have their great fans back in the World Cup. Panama are playing their second World Cup ever, and seems like it could be a repeat of 2018 when they were trashed by England.  

World Cup draw

 I have been busy with work, traveling, and non-football things in my head and heart, but I have nevertheless followed last week's World Cup draw, which points at some very interesting matches in Qatar (that should never have had the World Cup):

Group A:

• Qatar
• Ecuador
• Senegal
• Netherlands

This group could plausibly be the most difficult one to predict. Qatar are playing their first World Cup, but as hosts they have been preparing for years and will not want to disappoint at home (even though I will not support them). Senegal are African champions and with a strong core of experienced Europe-based players. Netherlands are always strong, but can also disappoint, while Ecuador has sufficient experience and skills to upset any team. Watch this group, and support all but Qatar.

Group B:

• England
• USA
• Iran
• Scotland/Ukraine/Wales

This is an interesting group that could potentially be the Anglo-Saxon world against Iran. Iran are surely not to be underestimated, having qualified with style, and will recall their 1998 group win over USA. England are probably favourites to win the group, but USA will recall that they have never been defeated by England in a World Cup, and most famously recall the 1950 miracle in Belo Horizonte. If Ukraine qualify, the group will be watched even more closely for political reasons in an already highly politicized World Cup.

Group C:

• Argentina
• Mexico
• Poland
• Saudi Arabia

This is a good draw for Argentina, although of course they should never underestimate any of the teams in the group. But Argentina is playing excellently, have a hungry Lionel Messi likely in his last World Cup, so should hopefully (I fully support Argentina) pull through. Mexico has looked very poor in qualification, so Poland and Saudi Arabia have good chances in pulling through, where expectations to Lewandowski's Poland will probably be highest.

Group D: 

• France
• Denmark
• Tunisia
• Peru/Australia

This group is curiously a 75% repeat of the 2018 group C, which included France, Denmark, Peru and Australia. That group was won by France (who went on to become World Champions), with Denmark as runners-up, and an excellent Peru was unlucky to be eliminated. France are surely favourites, but note that the defending winners tend to do badly when they have to defend their title (Denmark notably defeating France in 2002), and that may be a hope for the other teams. Denmark are surely much better than they were in 2018, but Peru will be looking to avenge their rather unfair 2018 defeat. Tunisia are the most unwritten chapter of the group, but never to be underestimated.

Group E:

• Spain
• Germany
• Japan
• Costa Rica/New Zealand

This could potentially be the "Group of Death". Two former World Champions Spain and Germany, and both teams are also contenders for the title. At the same time Japan is always highly competitive, growing stronger in every World Cup (remember their spectacular match against Belgium in 2018). In the meantime neither Costa Rica or New Zealand are to be underestimated: remember in 2014 when Costa Rica won the "Group of Death ahead of England, Italy and Uruguay?

Group F:

• Belgium
• Canada
• Morocco
• Croatia

This group has four exciting teams. Belgium is at the end of its most golden generation, and while they are still ranked number 1 in the world, one no longer has the feeling that they are able to go all the way. That said, they should be favourites in a group that sees the exciting Canadians, in the first World Cup since 1986, as well as Croatia, finalists and the world's darlings from 2018. Morocco is never to be underestimated, and may have hopes of fighting it out in the group.

Group G:

• Brazil
• Serbia
• Switzerland
• Cameroun

Brazil are surely huge favourites in the group, and contenders for the title that they have not taken since 2002. Of course they cannot underestimate any of the other teams, which have their strengths, but will have to fight it out between them. Switzerland may have a slight edge: a very strong team that eliminated France from the Euros, and won qualification ahead of European champions Italy, they have shown that they can take on everyone. Serbia has a strong base of experienced players but have never made it past the group stages since 1998. The same can be said of Cameroun; it is great to see the Lions in the World Cup again, but they have not made it past the group stages since 1990!

Group H:

• Portugal
• Ghana
• Uruguay
• South Corea

Portugal may be favourites in this group, even though nothing is written, of course, and Portugal can lose to all of these teams. That said, the match everyone thought about when they saw the draw was the legendary 2010 World Cup quarterfinal between Ghana and Uruguay, which saw Uruguay through after penalty kicks and Luis Suarez' infamous hand ball save. Ghana will look for revenge, but will have to keep their heads cool against an experienced Uruguay side, while Ghana at times has looked shaky (most recently in their disappointing Africa Cup of Nations). In the meantime South Corea is most certainly a team to reckon with, having qualified for every World Cup since 1986 they have the experience, although they have struggled to get past the group stages (That said, in 2018 they knocked out the defending champions of Germany).

2018 World Cup groups

After the highly awaited draw the groups are as follows:
Group A:

• Russia
• Saudi Arabia 
• Uruguay
• Egypt

The hosts are opening against Saudi Arabia, the first time an Asian side will be playing the opening match. But the favourites of the group are likely Uruguay, who should be happy about the draw. 

Group B:

• Portugal 
• Spain
• Moroccob
• Iran

Portugal versus Spain is already one of the most highly expected matches of the tournament, and these sides are surely the favourites to win the group, although Morocco and Iran will have everything to play for and low expectations. Surprises could happen in this group.

Group C:

• France
• Australia
• Peru
• Denmark

The French are surely huge favourites in this group where the other three teams (who all qualified through play-offs) are to play for the scraps. Don’t expect much from Australia, but likely Peru and Denmark will play for second spot.

Group D:

• Argentina
• Iceland
• Croatia
• Nigeria

One of the most interesting groups: Argentina’s eternal non-performing favourites again drew the African giants of Nigeria (Argentina-Nigeria is now a modern mini classic), Croatia’s incredible midfield, and the highly expected debutants from Iceland. This is one of the groups to watch.

Group E:

• Brazil
• Costa Rica
• Switzerland
• Serbia

Brazil’s favourites for the title got a good draw, where the Serbians are a team to watch. Expect Costa Rica and Switzerland to fight for the scraps, although both teams are capable of surprising (something the Ticos surely showed in 2014).

Group F:

• Germany
• Sweden
• Mexico
• South Corea

There is always a group of death, and this is it with the defending champions of Germany against three strong sides from Europe, Asia and North America. While Germany are favourites all of them could take points from Germany, and one another.

Group G:

• Belgium
• Panama
• Tunisia
• England

Another group where the two European sides are huge favourites and will likely fight between them for first and second spot. The debutants from Panama will be an interesting addition, while Tunisia could make some upset.

Group F:

• Poland
• Senegal
• Colombia
• Japan

Expect ugly things from Polish fans in a group where Poland (who were the weakest side in pot 1) are only weak favourites. Colombia and Japan have solid sides, while Senegal is highly capable of surprising.

The 2014 World Cup draw

On a day where the passing away of the greatest man of our century was announced (and indeed, Nelson Mandela was also a keen football fan), I must admit that it was rather halfheartedly that I watched the World Cup draw.
The groups look as follows:

Group A: Brazil, Cameroun, Mexico, Croatia
A fine draw for the hosts, in a group where all three remaining sides will be fighting for second place

Group B: Spain, Chile, Netherland, Australia
A thrilling group with a repeat of the 2010 World Cup final, and a Chilean side that, if anything, is better than four years ago.

Group C: Colombia, Greece, Ivory Coast, Japan
Some very interesting sides in a group where the favourites seem to be Colombia and Ivory Coast, but where Japan could be an outsider. Greece Perhaps, but unlikely.

Group D: Uruguay, England, Italy, Costa Rica
Another thrilling group with three former World Champions and then a Costa Rican side that without pressure could surprise.

Group E: Switzerland, Ecuador, Honduras, France
It may look to some France is favourite, but I would put my money on Ecuador. That said, Switzerland is also a team that can cause havoc against anyone. Didn't they defeat Spain four years ago?

Group F: Argentina, Iran, Nigeria, Bosnia-Hercegovina
It seems to be a fine draw for Argentina, who have nevertheless had some epic clashes against the African champions of Nigeria. Iran and Bosnia are rather unwritten, but not sure they could threaten Argentina and Nigeria.

Group G: Germany, Ghana, Portugal, USA
This is perhaps the most difficult group with four very strong sides. USA is perhaps the biggest underdog, but that is also where the North Americans are most comfortable.

Group H: Belgium, Algeria, Russia, South Corea
Belgium are the team to watch, and seem to have had a doable draw. South Corea is always dangerous and Russia can do well on a good day. However, nobody in this group will be world champions!

The best and the worse of the group stages

The group stages are over of an interesting World Cup but with some observations:

• The African teams have disappointed, with only one, Ghana, progressing on to the next round.
• While Africans have disappointed, Europe has as well: only six European sides have made it to the last-16 which is also the worse performance of Europe ever. And it is certain that only three teams from Europe will make it to the quarterfinals, so this is already the worse World Cup for Europe ever....
• All South American teams have progressed to the last-16 and thus this has been by far the best continent. South American is the powerhouse of the world! With USA and Mexico there as well, the western hemisphere has emerged as the dominant footballing power.
• Asia, with two teams, is doing surprisingly well, but the continental power is surely Oceania (Australia is now qualifying through Asia), whose only participant, New Zealand, has been undefeated!
• All this said, this has been a very low-scoring tournament, with an average in the first round of 2.10 goals per match, potentially making it the tournament with the least goals ever.

In my view, the best teams of the tournament have been:

• Argentina: has been excellent under Maradona
• Uruguay: surprised many, but their attacking power and strong and organised defense should be a surprise to nobody.
• Spain: Started badly, but certainly deserve to be in the last-16, and remain huge favourites as true strength is shown in the face of adversity.
• USA: Won a difficult group, with disciplined and organised football, as well as a good fight. They will be extremely difficult to defeat.
• Germany: I was very surprised about the young side who cruised through Australia, was unlucky against Serbia and organised against the Ghanaians. They are surely one of the most exciting teams.

The most disappointing sides have in my view been:

• France: simply a soap opera and a lousy joke.
• Italy: they have been absolutely pathetic in their matches, and deserved the loss to Slovakia, although they showed some will towards the end of the match.
• Serbia: Serbia was awesome in qualification and came in with a very experienced and strong team. Nevertheless, they played poorly and their early exit was well-deserved but unexpected.
• Cameroon: African sides have disappointed, but perhaps most of all Cameroon, with three consecutive defeats.
• South Africa: The first hosts ever to get eliminated in the group stages, and that says it all.

The last-16 will be really exciting!

The last-16 and predictions

The World Cup has passed the initial group stages and there are 16 teams left for the following play-off matches:

• 26/6: Uruguay-South Corea
• 26/6: USA-Ghana
• 27/6: Germany-England
• 27/6: Argentina-Mexico
• 28/6: Netherlands-Slovakia
• 28/6: Brazil-Chile
• 29/6: Paraguay-Japan
• 29/6: Portugal-Spain

It is a wonderfully diverse group of teams, with 5 South American sides, two from North America, two Asian, six European (who will all be facing one another...) and disappointingly only one team from Africa, Ghana, who will have all the support of Africa and from most of the world for their match against the USA.

My tips are the following:

I believe that Uruguay, who has been strong and disciplined, will defeat a Corean side that has not been convicing, although they have been well-organised. Still, I believe Uruguay are by far the better team.

I support Ghana, but their poor striking force will be their doom against a strong USA side, where Landon Donovan has been the saviour. USA will make it to the quarterfinals.

Germany-England will be a repeat of one of the most classic matches of international football, and the match will be another drama to go over to history. That said, neither team is as brilliant as their history, but I believe that a slightly more cynical England side will win against a German team that I would nevertheless much rather see through.

Argentina has been great, and I believe that they will carry the day against Mexico, although as in 2006, it will not be easy, and likely be a close match where the Mexicans will be their usual dirty.

The Netherlands should be in the quarterfinals, and I see them as the greatest favourites in the last-16 against Slovakia, although the Slovakians showed that they should not be underestimated!

Chile and Brazil will be a great South American encounter, but Brazil will surely win. Chile are charming and offensive, but as inefficient up front as a team full of grandmothers, and with so many mistakes in defense that Brazil will surely win.

Paraguay-Japan is sure to be an exciting and close match, but an organised Japan team, with some extraordinary and quick players, should carry the day against an organised but at times inefficient Paraguayan side.

Portugal-Spain is, with England-Germany, to be one of the most exciting matches of the tournament. Spain is by far the better side than the Portuguese, but the latter will be very excited for this match. I believe the sensation will be there, and Portugal will win a close match, perhaps after extra time and penalties.

Thus, my predictions for the quarterfinals are these:

• Uruguay-USA
• England-Argentina
• Netherlands-Brazil
• Japan-Portugal

Thank you Honduras!

Spain managed to defeat Chile 2-1 in a match that in the end did not turn out as dramatic as one was expecting. Still, Spain's victory could put Chile out of the tournament in case Switzerland, as most expected, could defeat Honduras by at least two goals (unless Spain had scored more against Chile). But the mighty defenders of Switzerland were unable to create a match against Honduras, who in the end came closest to winning.

In spite of the sympathy with the Swiss victory against Spain, Swizterland is a boring defensive side, and the World Cup is only better without them in the last-16, where Chile and Spain are the wish of any football fan!

Thank you Honduras!

Denmark run over by a Honda

I was in Copenhagen today and the city was as always wonderful in a gorgeous sun and people were expectant about today's important match against Japan: Denmark had never been eliminated before in the first round of a World Cup and Japan did not seem an awfully frightening opponent although Denmark had not been too convicing in the first two matches.

Better and easier to be an optimist on such a beautiful day in Copenhagen!

However, the Japanese were far superior to a Danish national team that was indeed eliminated for the first time. The Japanese were very organised, disciplined, ran like machines and scored three beautiful goals, two of which were on free kicks, something that has not been done often in this World Cup! In particular the CSKA player Keisuke Honda ran around the Danish players, and stands out as one of the players to continue watching during this tournament.

It is always disappointing to see your team fall, but it makes it easier when it happens to a far better team, such as Japan was today (well, just grab a beer!). Congratulations to Japanese fans, who will see their team with very good chances against a Paraguayan side that could only manage a 0-0 with New Zealand and which is looking far less dangerous than Japan! I think Japan will make it to the quarterfinal!

Banzai!

The champions are out

The defending world champions of Italy have been a huge disappointment during this tournament, where in particular their match against New Zealand was a pathetic display. However, Slovakia had not been much better, and everyone expected that Italy, only needing a tie (in case New Zealand didn't defeat Paraguay), would pull their usual result and progress to the next round. However, I am not sure what the greatest surprise of the match was: that the Slovakians were so aggressive, or that the Italians were so poor.

What Italy did in the first half was simply one of the worse performances of this world cup, and the Slovakian 1-0 lead was fully deserved. Only in the second half, when Slovakia went ahead 2-0, did the Italians seem to wake up, and the entrance of Andrea Pirlo surely helped. The last minutes of the match were some of the most exciting we have seen in this World Cup, but the Slovakian victory of 3-2 was surely not expected. In any case, I really wish that I were in Bratislava as the party must have been a blast!

The defending world champions are out in the first round, and Italian fans have every reason to be angry with their national team, and I am certain that the reception of the team in Italy will not be quiet!

Congratulations to Slovakia though, who will be facing the Netherlands in a very difficult last-16!

Thank Argentina Greece is out

Before today's match against Argentina Greece actually had a chance of going to the next round: defeating Argentina and/or hoping that Nigeria-South Corea would go in its favour. However, at no point during the match did Greece seem like a team that wanted to continue in the tournament, and as such are the most deserved team to be sent home so far, for either lack of quality or lack of ambition. Although with 11 men in defence the Greeks made it difficult for the Argentineans to score, it was clear that the development of the Nigeria-South Corea match (which finally ended 2-2, sending the Asians through) would demand more risk from the Greeks. However, this never came, and it seemed only a deserved punishment when Argentina finally scored by Demichelis.

Greece is probably the team that will be least missed.

Argentina in the meantime has gone through with 3 victories, and will be facing Mexico in a repeat of the 2006 quarterfinal. It will surely not be easy, but Argentina has indeed looked strong, and has won the last 8 matches they have played under Diego Maradona, whom many continue to doubt, more because of spite than because of his results!

GO ARGENTINA!

World champions in missed chances

Chila and Spain are two of the most see-worthy teams of the World Cup. Chile, under Marcelo Bielsa, is considered one of the outsiders for the title, and has started rather well with two 1-0 victories before their final crucial encounter with Spain. However, in both their matches, Chile has created many chances, but made so many misses that it will probably cost them the progress to the final 16, and surely will not make them world champions.

Another team that has stood out for its missed chances is Spain: against Switzerland they made no goals, and their 2-0 victory against Spain hides the fact that Spain missed tons of chances, including a rather poorly shot penalty by Daid Villa (whose first goal was nevertheless extraordinary!). This is very thoughtful considering that Portugal scored 7 goals with less chances against a better team than Honduras.

One cannot become world champion by merely creating chances!

Obrigado and gracias

A World Cup is exciting partly because in the first round you sometimes have some smaller nations come and make a great result against some of the big teams, like it happened recently for New Zealand against Italy. It is fun, and everyone feels a certain rejoice at the "big guys" getting taken down. And as much as I agree with this, it is an awful fact that it takes excitement out of the World Cup's later stages: teams like New Zealand or Australia would just get to the play-off matches to defend and hope for penalty kicks. And while this often happens with the big teams as well (notably Italy) there is surely a much higher quality in the game.
Football is the only loser when too many second-rate teams progress.

It is therefore refreshing that, at a time when "smaller teams" just defend (heroically or not) against bigger teams, suddenly, a great team comes along to put things right. Portugal did this today against North Corea. In spite of the matches' historical precedents, there was no doubt who was the greater team. In their first match the North Coreans had defended 11 man against Brazil and managed only to lose 2-1. This tactic was fortunately not followed against Portugal, and in spite of a fine first half, Portugal showed that they are hugely a better team than the hapless North Coreans: 7-0, and I would have loved for the Portuguese to put the ageing Eusebio on the pitch and score four goals again! (I am certain he could have done it!).
In spite of the sympathy North Corea may have because of their 1966 exploits, today they are simply a poor side that will not be missed in the World Cup.

Switzerland is another matter: they are a brilliant team that plays the most boring defensive style, and who surprised everyone playing exactly like that against Spain. In fact, in today's match against Chile, Switzerland managed to go into the history books of World Cup football, as they set the record for most minutes played in World Cups without conceding a goal (565 minutes).
However, the Swiss did lose 1-0 anyway to an offensive, entertaining but inefficient Chilean side that contrary to Switzerland plays the kind of football every football fan wants to watch! No matter how much sympathy one may have for the Swiss, their style is such a bore that I don't want to see them in a play-off match like the one we saw in 2006.
Life is simply too short for matches like that.

No matter your favourites, Portugal and Chile deserve a big thank you today from all us fans of good football around the world!

The good thing about France...

This World Cup is turning into a similar nightmare for France as the one in 2002, when the then-world champions opened by losing 1-0 to Senegal, then tied Uruguay 0-0, and ended by a humilliating 2-0 defeat to Denmark. This year has seen a repeat of the 0-0 to Uruguay, and today France lost 2-0 to Mexico (this was also the first time France lost to Mexico in a World Cup match).
Considering the difficulties that France had qualifying, only making it by a hand-goal and the scandals surrounding the team, the defeat was perhaps not too surprising (I tipped Uruguay and Mexico to go to the next round!). But to this, one has to add the perhaps worse coach in French national football history, Raymond Domenech, who has been unable to forge a strong team from a country that truly spits out hugely talented players, who play in the best clubs in the world. With its solid clubs and a league that does not overly rely on buying players, France is one of the greatest footballing nations on earth, but has been appallingly bad.
So the good thing about France losing is that Mr. Domenech will hopefully end his way too long career as French coach!

Diego Armando Maradona's team

There have been and still are many bad things said about Diego Armando Maradona. The latest was from Pelé, who in a strange and unnecessary spat of gossip spoke very badly about the controversial Argentinean coach, who has also been heavily criticised for his (apparent lack of) tactical skills, arrogance, inexperience and former drug addiction (funny how people who live in countries where recreational drugs are very normal, and where addiction to any drug is often considered a disease, has no qualm about raising a man's previous addiction as a definite proof of his character - no wonder people are treated badly in those societies! I have no doubt Mr. Maradona has a bigger Heart than any of the people who criticize him about this!).

Notwithstanding that I wholeheartedly support Argentina, I am also delighted to see Mr. Maradona being vindicated after the first two matches, which have both been won. Against Nigeria, Argentina should have won more than 1-0, but against South Corea today, the Argentinean 4-1 victory was not one goal too small. And today, Maradona even chose to spare his midfield general Juán Sebastián Verón, and played with Messi a bit more behind the strikers, where Gonzalo Higuaín with three goals showed his skills for being at the right place at the right time. Angel Di Maria was ever-present on the Argentinean left side, while Carlos Tevez, Javier Mascherano and Gabriel Heinze fought with a spirit that can take Argentina far. They commit mistakes, surely (Demichelis...), but they are all confident enough to see it as part of the game.
And perhaps Maradona's greatest achievement is that after many wonderful players that have never really hit it off on the Argentinean national team, Maradona has consolidated a team of more than stars, but also friends, who obviously feel comfortable with one another and about their skills. Maradona, himself the star above them all knows his own controversial image, and like another great coach, José Mourinho, uses his charisma to take the attention and pressure away from the Argentinean super-stars. Nobody is interested in hearing what Messi, Verón, Tevez or Higuaín has to say: everyone wants to hear Maradona! Instead, the players can focus only on football, while Maradona does and will take all the attention and blame.
Finally, I was originally fearing that Maradona would be more "Bilardista" in his style, but in truth, he has used the fact well that he has an awesome attacking power by concentrating there. The four central defenders still look too slow and shaky (and may still be Argentina's bitter downfall against the defensive counter-attacking style of the tournament so far), but their experience is unquestionable, and that seems to be Maradona's creed: experience in defence and creativity in attack.

There is still a long way to go, indeed, and Maradona's Argentina could still fall apart. But what has been seen in the first two matches is surely a delight to Argentina and Maradona fans like myself, but should also be good to watch for fans of good football in general.

The best and the worse of the first round

With Spain and Switzerland's match today all the participants in the World Cup have been in action, and we get an idea of the best and the worse so far.
Let me start with the worse:

• Defensiveness and goals: 25 goals in the first 16 matches gives an average of 1.56 goals per match, an incredibly low average, which is only a sad showing of teams that are afraid to lose (good post on this on http://www.elfutbolesinjusto.com/2010/06/miedo-perder.html), take risks, and playing awfully defensive football. Add to this the fact that many of the goals followed grave mistakes, and the quality of many matches have been outright second-rate, barely reaching levels of a second-tier European league.
• The goalkeepers, or the ball? English goalkeeper Robert Green made a huge blunder giving away a goal to the USA, but he is not alone, as other goalkeepers have given goals away and had problems. It may be the controversial ball, and this seems likely, as many players have also seemed to struggle with the jumpy ball.
• Gonzalo Higuaín's misses
• Zlatko Kizmanovic's handball that otherwise gave the Black Stars a well-deserved victory.
• The many injured players.
  
• Empty seats in the stadiums.
• Pelé talking about other people for no reason whatsoever.
  

The biggest worry is the low quality of the football and few goals. But there are many great things to be happy about.

• Mesut Ozil, the German youngster was in my view the revelation of the first round (http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/jun/15/mesut-ozil-germany-world-cup)
• Victor Enyeama was the sole reason Argentina didn't destroy Nigeria, and he has by far been the best goallie of the tournament.
• Lionel Messi was great, giving hopes to see his brilliance in the tournament, that surely will be a joy for any fan, although the Nigerians made it easy for him.
  
• The fans: All fans have been great, in particular the South Africans making noise with vuvuzelas. But the best and happiest have been the Ghanaians: "Feel it! Ghana is here!"
• The referees: Totally unexpected, the referees have been great - the off-side calls have been outstanding (yes, you Mexicans, the annulled goal against South Africa was correct), and although there have been controversial calls, I tend to see them all as vindicated.
• South American teams: on a continental basis, not a single of the South American teams lost, and the unlikely fact that all five South Americans will go to the last-16 seems a bit closer to reality.
  
• A quote from the great Diego Armando Maradona, Argentina's coach, after their victory against Nigeria, commenting on the many missed chances and why they needed to concentrate more in the next matches: "In football it is never the one that deserves it who wins. It is the one that scores the most goals."
  

I have the top five of what I found the most disappointing teams.

1. Cameroun: they are having internal problems and played really bad against Japan. A huge African disappointment.
   
2. Greece: The way they played against South Corea one questions how in the world they qualified, as there are many better European teams.
   
3. Nigeria: Played with fear against Argentina, and gave the Argentineans too much space. An African giant that should do better, but I doubt they will get beyond the first round. But a great goalkeeper!
   
4. Spain: Has seemed to forget that all teams are good, and that they need to win against "smaller" teams to get to the next round. Their mind was already in the quarterfinals. But the loss to Switzerland may wake up "la furia".
   
5. Australia: They were up against the best team of the tournament, but considering the qualified as the best of Asia, they were a huge disappointment.
   

What I found to be the top five best teams:

1. Germany: Played extraordinary attacking football, the only team to do so, against Australia. They don't play what people connect with "typical" German style, and are with many young players, but they surely put themselves at the center. Will be exciting to watch them!
   
2. Ghana: Surely the best African team until now, they won an important victory against the strong Serbians. They are the youngest, and surely one of the most exciting teams of the tournament.
   
3. South Corea: Although up against an appalling Greek side, the South Coreans were efficient, physically superior and disciplined. Anyone who underestimates them will have difficulties.
   
4. Chile: They won their first match in a World Cup since 1962, and although only winning 1-0 against Honduras, they were faithful to a possessing and attacking style that got them to South Africa. Will surely be interesting to watch.
5. Argentina: they were good against a poor opposition, but missed too many chances. Maradona's team nevertheless seems confident and with a very optimistic attitude that can carry them far. In spite of all the negativity against Maradona, I am certain that he is a good coach (with the reservation that is not always enough to win a tournament... But I could write an entire post on this...)

Anyway, this is only the first round of an epic tournament. For the next matches everything may be totally on its head!

The own-goal, the surprise and the usual...

Denmark's defeat against the Netherlands wasn't as bad as I had feared: in fact, I felt quite good at some point, feeling I might even have a little celebration with myself in the restaurant in Caracas I was having breakfast at during the match.
But it wasn't to be; after a fine first half the Danes went one down by a silly own goal by Daniel Agger/Simon Poulsen, and after this, Denmark was unable to create a chance, and lost 2-0.
And the group is not looking easy: Japan surprised many by winning 1-0 over Cameroon, and the Africans are now playing an all-or-nothing match with Denmark on Saturday (and I will be in Denmark then!). But just shows that there is no reason to underestimate the Asian teams (although Australia got killed by the extraordinary Germans), and it will be interesting to see North Corea against Brazil tomorrow!
Finally, Italy and Paraguay tied 1-1. While a fine result for the South Americans, the world champions were probably expecting more, although they often seem to start a world cup with rather poor results (just remember 1982...). Everyone is rightfully expecting that Italy will take care of it all in their next matches against New Zealand and Slovenina, and things will be as usual.

The World Cup draw

The draw for the World Cup in South Africa was today, and there are some very interesting matches to look forward to!

Group A:

• South Africa
• Mexico
• Uruguay
• France

The hosts of South Africa will be playing their opening match against Mexico in what is arguably one of the most difficult groups to predict. France may seem like the favourites, but neither Mexico or Uruguay should be underestimated!

Group B:

• Argentina
• Nigeria
• South Corea
• Greece

A very interesting group where Argentina and Nigeria are undoubtedly favourites; both teams have faced one another in very interesting matches before, for instance in USA 1994, where both teams also defeated Greece. The best Asian team will have its hands full in this group.

Group C:

• England
• USA
• Algeria
• Slovenia

A group where England are undoubtedly favourites in what will be a repeat of the legendary 1950 sensation where USA defeated England in the British team's first world cup ever. Algeria are participating again after 1986, while Slovenia are looking to improve their meager participation of 2002.

Group D:

• Germany
• Australia
• Serbia
• Ghana

Undoubtfully one of the most interesting groups. Germany are always strong, but will have their hands full against the Australians, who have been steadily improving for the last decade, Serbia, who have been awesome in their qualifying group ahead of France, and Ghana, who are surely Africa's most serious candidate for a finalist.

Group E:

• Netherlands
• Denmark
• Japan
• Cameroun

Netherlands look as favourites against three teams that should undoubtfully not be underestimated, but in particularly Cameroun and Denmark will likely be fighting between them for the second spot.

Group F:

• Italy
• Paraguay
• New Zealand
• Slovakia

The defending world champions have had a lucky draw: the only team that apparently can threaten them are Paraguay, but then you have to be a staunch Paraguay supporter. Italy will probably go through on one 0-0 and two 1-0 victories.... It will be interesting to see the only debutants in the tournament, Slovakia.

Group G:

• Brazil
• North Corea
• Cote d'Ivoire
• Portugal

An extremely interesting group: the two lusophone powers Portugal and Brazil face one another, while Cote d'Ivoire is the African dark horse of the group, that could in fact take first place. North Corea is a totally unwritten team in all this, whose main asset seem to be their sensational tournament of 1966.

Group H:

• Spain
• Honduras
• Chile
• Switzerland

Spain enter the tournament as favourites yet again, but with a European Championship title. In 1982 at home, they totally missed their chance, for instance against Honduras, who will be looking to upset the Spaniards yet again in their second World Cup (I wouldn't put my money on it though...). Switzerland look strong yet again, but the really interesting team of this group is Chile, who under Marcelo Bielsa has bloomed into one of the teams to keep an eye on in this tournament!

The World Cup is on the way!