World Cup 2006

As the FIFA world cup draws closer, here is my review on the top 10 teams, in alphabetical order:

Argentina

A bunch of drama queens who are more interested in play acting than playing football. Who could have forgotten the saga of 1998 which led to Beckham's sending off? Although you could expect strong performances from Saviola, Crespo and Riquelme upfront, do not lay a finger on them, because they will throw themselves on the groud and start rolling... (my prediction: maybe in final 8)

Australia

Just because I live on this soil, I have to give some credit to them as the whole nation is following with great interest. They are the opposite of Argentina, and they could be better off picking up Karate or Kickboxing, or Aussie rules! They will go in hard and strong and might upset some big names like Brazil. Watch out for Emerton, Kewell, Bresciano and Cahill... (my prediction: won't go through group stage)

Brazil

Favourites for this world cup... but then again world cup has a nasty curse of not letting any favourites win. 94, 98, 02? Did any of the favourites win??? All star team (almost) and they will be a delight to watch doing salsa, rumba and tango on football with great precision. But football is football! - a game of unpredictability. Ronaldinho is the man to watch (along with 22 others!)... (my prediction: Finals)

Czech Republic

Underrated underdogs. Tactically strong and technical team who has a great capability to upset any of the big names. Pavel Nedved has always been my favourite midfield wizard and poachers like Milan Baros makes the team more lively at times. Watch out also for talents like Tomas Rosicky. You can expect a lot of emotions, especially if your team is playing against them... (my prediction: Final 8 or even final 4)

England

Screwed is the word. Forever tormented by metatarsal injuries during world cup. Going in once again with virtually no striker. Owen is off form, God knows when Rooney will return, Crouch is too inconsistent, and Walcott has never played international before! Strong midfields but Gerrard and Lampard never link up. Sven, you have screwed England once again. However there might be surprises... (my prediction: Final 16 or even Final 8)

France

Pretty strong squat. But I could not fathom enough faith in them, especially after crashing out of group stage in the last world cup. A lot of technically gifted players like Henry who will torment the opponents upfront and strong towering players like Vieira who would not let any opponents through. And there are many new talents as well... but too bad, they don't look as good as Italians and they are not sponsored by Louis Vuitton or Chanel to attract female supporters! (my prediction: Final 8 or even Final 4)

Germany

As runner-up of '02 world cup, they deserve some respect but no, I am not gonna give any to them. Traditionally, German football is boring, physical, boring and did I say boring? Although Michael Ballack is in midfield to liven things up every now and then, they will probably play a conservative football as their forefathers did. Besides, their first choice keeper is a loser from Arsenal - Jens Lehmann (bad choice Klinsmann, bad bad choice! you ditched Kahn, you will pay the price)... (my prediction: Final 16)

Italy

A team for girls to drool. 11 players who look like Armani models will crowd around in the penalty box and perpetually defend the ball. And I just recently found out that Fabio Cannavaro designs the sexy Italian jerseys. Wonder if they are from AX? Anyway, back to football. Gifted players like Totti will spark up the otherwise defensive mindset of Italian team... (my prediction: Final 8)

Netherlands

Another favourites. Another technical and delightful and traditionally strong team, but perpetual losers. To add to that, Australia recently killed three of Dutch key players with their assorted karate kicks. Watch out for the "vans" - van Nistelrooy, van Persie, van Bommel. And of course Arjen Robben the magician in midfield. They will be my team for this world cup, needless to say... Go Oranje!!! (my prediction: Final 4, though I would like them to be in the Finals)

Spain

Raul raul raul... For some strange reasons, Spain is another perpetual loser. La Liga play the most lucrative and attractive football in the world, but their grounds are infested by Brazilians, Argentinians and Eastern Europeans. Their home grown talents never have a chance to shine. I would like to see them do well but not putting too much faith in them. Players to watch: Reyes, Raul, Cesc Fabregas... (my prediction: Final 8)