Are you ready for some FUTBOL!

FIFA WORLD CUP SOCCER 2006

For those of us who don't read ANT, I have placed the brackets below with some key commentary explaining what I think could possibly transpire after all the matches are said and done. Now keeping in mind that Germany is the host country, it is very likely that they will win... Ok, ok, you can stop laughing now too. Germany is like the Cubs of the WC. They come in early and perform really well, only to then get knocked silly by the UK or some obscure team. I would really like to see them do well so that my brother-in-law doesn't cry himself to sleep after the first round. In any case, please see commentary below, and get ready to go crazy at 3:30AM PT, because that's about the only time ESPN will give this event air time.

Key Commentary: The WC is one of the special occasions every four years when the nations of the world that support FUTBOL get together and mask their absolute hatred and disdain for one another by supporting their home countries squad in this soccer extravaganza. Unfortunately for me Belgium didn't qualify this year- so my hopes of seeing the Dutch team beat the living piss out of them on the field (literally and figuratively) have vanished.

All of the brackets are actually fairly competitive this year and should prove to be exciting to see. Germany will have their work cut out for them- Not only because they are the host nation, also because Poland is a strong opponent this time around and could knock them out early. All the usual suspects (England, Portugal, Argentina, Sweden, Netherlands, France, and Spain) wil do well, but may find it a tougher road this series. However, the teams to watch (laugh all you will) are: Ghana, Angola, and Mexico!

While I am NO expert - I think that this year could see Spain or Argentina taking it all. Deep down I would love to see the Netherlands win it all- but I know that won't happen.

In parting.. sing it with me.. Oh lay, oh lay oh lay, oh lay...

Group A
Germany
Costa Rica
Poland
Ecuador

Group B
England
Paraguay
Trinidad and Tobago
Sweden
Group C
Argentina
Côte d'Ivoire
Serbia and Montenegro
Netherlands
Group D
Mexico
Iran
Angola
Portugal
Group E
Italy
Ghana
USA
Czech Republic
Group F
Brazil
Croatia
Australia
Japan
Group G
France
Switzerland
Korea Republic
Togo
Group H
Spain
Ukraine
Tunisia
Saudi Arabia