Mike's World Cup Preview: Part II

I have to admit, I've watched maybe a combined hour of NBA action this year, so I can't really chip in as to who the NBA MVP should be. I've also been told I'm the "soccer guy" on this blog, so I guess I'll stick with what I know best. Having said that, let's take a look at Groups C and D in the World Cup, due to kick off in 32 days.

Group C: Argentina, Cote d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Holland, Serbia & Montenegro.
First off, Group C is totally up for grabs. Any one of these teams is capable of knocking off any of the others, and any combination could be winners and runners-up, earning a ticket to the knockout rounds. Argentina has proven that they can play with anybody. They finished in a tie with Brazil for first place in their South American qualifiers. They also beat the World Champs 3-1. The South Americans will be looking to avenge their early exit at Korea/Japan 2002, but their defense is a little shaky. Their goal differential is the lowest in the group at +12, and they played more qualifying matches than anyone in the group (18, as opposed to 10 or 12). The Argentinians are my dark horse in this group, but I don't see them getting out of the first round.
This may be the most powerful Holland team to ever come to a World Cup. Their numbers from qualifying are simply staggering. Their defense is anchored with goalkeeper Edwin Van Der Saar of Manchester United, and have only given up 3 goals in 12 qualifying matches, the most impressive included a 2-0 shutout of the Czech Republic. The Oranjes should make it through to the next round, but after that, it's anyone's guess. Holland has a tendency of bringing talented teams to the World Cup, but sputtering in their pursuit of greatness. Serbia & Montenegro's offense is suspect, having scored only 16 goals in 10 qualifying matches, but their defense is top of the line, surrendering only one goal in qualifying. While defense wins championships, if a fast-moving high-scoring team gets an early goal, Serbia & Montenegro will find themselves in trouble to score. Serbia also had easily the easiest group to qualify from in Europe.Ivory Coast has the chance to be this year's Senegal. The Elephants have a goal differential of +13, and scored an average of 2 goals a game in qualifying. As in past World Cups, 2 goals may be enough to win, and maybe advance. My issues with Ivory Coast is they really haven't played anyone outside of Africa (although they did have wins against continental powers Egypt and Cameroon in qualifying.), but should fix that with a slate of pre-World Cup friendlies against Spain, Switzerland, and Slovenia. The Elephants are lead by Chelsea's Digidier Drogba, and I'm going to go out on a limb and say that the Elephants make it to the second round, likely by tiebreaker (goal differential?) over Serbia & Montenegro. I like Ivory Coast, and I like the Dutch.

Group D: Angola, Mexico, Iran, Portugal
Mexico has a lot to live up to this World Cup if El Tricolor want to erase the shame of losing to the United States in Korea four years ago. As a seeded team, they are supposed to make it into the next round, and likely will. My only concerns with Mexico is if they can avoid looking past Angola and Iran to their showdown with Portugal. Mexico tends to get in trouble that way. While their goal differential of +57 in 18 matches seems astronomical, keep in mind that 18 of them came in an 18-0 aggregate romp over lowly Dominicana, coupled with 7-0 and 8-0 romps over St. Kitts & Nevis, and St. Vincent & the Grenadines. Regardless of their somewhat soft qualifying schedule, I like El Tri because they are in a weak group.
Angola really doesn't blow me away despite their inspirational triumph over perennial power Nigeria in the qualifiers. Their goal differential of +6 is the lowest in the group, and they only scored 15 goals in 12 matches. The one thing Angola may have going for them is their 14 yellow cards in 12 qualifying matches is the lowest in a group of hotheads, and some teams may have a problem with discipline and keeping their composure. That being said, Angola just doesn't have the talent level. Portugal is poised to take the World Cup stage once again after their early exit in 2002. Luis Figo's last appearance in a Portugal shirt should add some inspiration, and teams will have a hard time keeping up with Portugal's goal-scoring machine (35 goals in 12 qualifying matches). Iran is my dark horse in this group. I like their goal differential from qualifying (+22 in 12 matches), but I think they have discipline problems (21 cards in 12 matches- highest ratio in the group). If they can keep their heads cool, and not make too many mistakes, don't discount Iran sneaking into the second round at the expense of Portugal or Mexico. With that being said, traditionally, European sides perform much better in European World Cups than those held elsewhere in the world. I like El Tri, and I like the Portugese.