Following a dismal World Cup four years ago which saw first round elimination, Argentina will look to make a serious impact at this years finals.
World Cup 2006 Preview – Brazil
What else is there to be said about Brazil? They are the only team to have participated in every World Cup finals and are five times winners in 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994 and 2002. They have also finished as runners up twice in 1950 and 1998.
World Cup 2006 Preview – France
France were required to call on the cavalry to ensure qualification to the finals. Stuck in fourth place in their group, retired veterans Zinedine Zidane, Claude Makelele and Lilian Thuram returned to the side in an attempt to turn around the fortunes of the failing side.
World Cup 2006 Preview – Holland
New coach Marco van Basten has proven to be a revelation off the pitch as much as he was on it since taking over the Dutch national team.
World Cup 2006 Preview – Iran
Irans last appearance in the World Cup, back in 1998, produced a shock 2-1 victory over the United States, in what could have been described as a very diplomatic result.
World Cup 2006 Preview – Ivory Coast
The Ivory Coast topped their qualifying group but the margins between success and failure were so intense it came down to a single penalty kick with just four minutes of qualification remaining.
World Cup 2006 Preview – Japan
Japan are a difficult team to predict. Last year they beat European champions Greece and earned a credible draw with Brazil in last years Confederations Cup but their qualifying campaign was less than convincing.
World Cup 2006 Preview – Mexico
As per usual, Mexico, ranked in the Worlds top 10, had an impossibly easy qualifying path to the finals in Germany.
World Cup 2006 Preview – Portugal
After a disastrous 2002 World Cup, in which they finished bottom of their group following defeats by both the United States and South Korea, Portugal will be looking to finally live up to their potential on the international stage.