world cup draw

It's official, folks...the World Cup is ready to go!!!

For those who didn't have the pleasure of following it live, you can check out the results of the 2006 FIFA World Cup draw here. ESPN also has a cool printable version.

It looks like there are two possible "Groups of Death" this time around. The U.S.A got a brutal draw, and is stuck with Italy, the Czech Republic and Ghana in Group E. All three of those teams are capable of handling the Americans, and we'll have to be both good AND lucky to make it out of the group stage. Unfortunately, a second place finish in our group (which we would be lucky to grab) would most likely see us come up against Brazil. Ouch.

The other Group of Death has to be Group C. Argentina, Netherlands, Ivory Coast and Serbia & Montenegro all face off in the first round. Argentina and the Dutch are both good enough to come out of their group and go far, but they have a very tough group, probably the toughest all-around in the tournament. The winner of the group will have it a little easier once past the group stage, though, as they'll likely face either Mexico or Portugal. Both are good teams, but not overly intimidating. Argentina should be pretty motivated to avoid another first-round exit, and I think they'll make it into the round of 16. It's very possible that they don't win the group, but even if they finish second, I don't think Mexico or Portugal will stop them. They've already beaten Mexico once this year, albeit in a close-fought game decided by penalty kicks, and they have too much talent for Portugal.

On the other side of the bracket, Brazil managed to come away with a pretty easy draw once again. They should have little trouble dispatching Croatia, Japan or Australia, and they might only be slowed down by a potential meeting with Italy in the second or third round. Though it would be pretty amazing if the U.S. managed to take down the champs in the second round!

Of all the seeded teams, Germany and France got easily the weakest first round competition. If either team fails to make it to the second round, it will be a huge disappointment. Spain should also be able to handle their group with little trouble, as only Ukraine should pose a real challenge to them.

It looks like a pretty tough tournament for my two favorites, America and Argentina, but there's definitely a chance for both. I'm pulling hard for anyone to knock off the Brazilians, and nothing would be sweeter than having the boys from the U, S and A take care of them early on, unless it was Argentina beating them in the final!

The hardest part now is waiting until June.

Oh well...it's just that much more time to prepare.