The Epoch Times previews and analyzes World Cup Soccer tournament groups G and H.
Group G features France, Switzerland, South Korea and Togo.
France won as hosts in 1998, but four years later they self-destructed, finishing dead last in their group without scoring a single goal. This is the last we'll see of Zinedine Zidane, who will retire completely after the tournament. Zidane actually came out of retirement to guide France through a difficult situation in qualifying. Thierry Henry again has the chance to prove himself on the biggest stage. Unlike Zidane, he is in the prime of his career. He has now committed himself to Arsenal, and can focus one hundred percent on the World Cup.
Switzerland last reached the World Cup in 1994, losing in the round of 16. This year's team is young, hardworking and very familiar with their French rivals. France and Switzerland were in the same qualifying group, where they drew both matches. The two countries were also matched up in Euro 2004, where France won 3-1. The Swiss have never been granted the attention of a top European team, but with talent like Johan Vogel, Alexander Frei and young central defender Philippe Senderos, the Swiss will be competitive.
South Korea co-hosted the 2002 tournament and used home crowd support, favorable refereeing and Guus Hiddink's acumen to reach the semi finals. Now in Germany, they won't be able to count on at least two of those things. A different Dutch coach, Dick Advocaat, leads South Korea this year. Ji-Sung Park and Young-Pyo Lee both had solid seasons in the Premiership with Manchester United and Tottenham respectively. South Korea employs a tremendous work rate but it's hard to see a repeat of 2002 here.
Togo qualified for their first ever World Cup ahead of Senegal. German coach Otto Pfister leads the Togolese, who rely heavily on lanky Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor. Togo performed poorly in the African Cup of Nations in January, losing all three matches, and the Togolese have not tested themselves against European opposition recently. Realistically, getting a draw or two would be respectable for them. Advancing is highly unlikely.
France should win Group G and Switzerland should edge South Korea for second place. This group kicks off on June 13, as France and Switzerland renew acquaintances and South Korea battles Togo.
Finally, group H features Spain, Ukraine, Saudi Arabia and Tunisia.
Spain, the consummate underachievers, again bring a world-class squad to Germany. In 2002, Spain lost on penalty kicks in the quarter finals. This year's Spanish team will feature a different strike force as Valencia's David Villa is the main man. Raul, the leading scorer in Spanish history, has had a difficult time in the past two seasons with Real Madrid. Exciting striker Fernando Torres should also get plenty of action. Defensively, Carles Puyol, Sergio Ramos and Michel Salgado are solid. It is hard to find a real weakness on this talented team.
Ukraine was the first team to qualify out of Europe. This will be their first appearance at the World Cup. Ukraine relies heavily on Andriy Shevchenko, although they have a decent supporting cast. Shevchenko has been suffering with a knee injury lately and hasn't had much match play. A good portion of the national side play was for Dynamo Kiev. The Ukrainians may not have the depth in this squad but if Shevchenko is healthy enough, he is capable of carrying the team.
Saudi Arabia began the 2002 World Cup by getting hammered 8-0 against Germany. The Saudis have reached the last four World Cup finals, something not too many teams can claim. Their best result came in 1994 when they reached the round of 16. Sami Al-Jaber, 33, is the greatest Saudi player and keeper Mohamed Al-Deayea brings vast experience to the squad.
Tunisia was the only African team to qualify for the 2002 World Cup. In a tense final qualifying match, they drew against their rivals, the Moroccans. Central defender Radhi Jaidi made a name for himself with Bolton in the Premiership. Hatem Trabelsi has had a solid career in Europe with Ajax and did generate some interest from Arsenal not long ago. Tunisia is led by former French coach Roger Lemerre. Their un-African style tends to make them relatively solid although unspectacular.
Group H is a fairly weak group, as it combines mediocre teams from Africa and Asia, so it is hard not to see Spain advancing here. Tunisia and Ukraine will also be competitive while the Saudis don't have enough quality to take advantage of this favorable group. Play begins June 14, with Spain versus Ukraine and Saudi Arabia versus Tunisia.
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