![](\"http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/SPORTS/Projects/World_Cup/Head_WorldCupRundown.gif\")
";
WorldCup2006_Groups.appFooter = "Source: APComplete roster:
Goalkeepers: Jens Lehmann (Arsenal), Oliver Kahn (Bayern Munich), Timo Hildebrand (VfB Stuttgart)
Defenders: Arne Friedrich (Hertha Berlin), Robert Huth (Chelsea), Marcell Jansen (Borussia Moenchengladbach), Philipp Lahm (Bayern Munich), Per Mertesacker (Hanover 96), Christoph Metzelder (Borussia Dortmund), Jens Nowotny (Bayer Leverkusen)
Midfielders: Michael Ballack (Bayern Munich), Tim Borowski (Werder Bremen), Torsten Frings (Werder Bremen), Sebastian Kehl (Borussia Dortmund), Bernd Schneider (Bayer Leverkusen), Bastian Schweinsteiger (Bayern Munich), Thomas Hitzlsperger (VfB Stuttgart), David Odonkor (Borussia Dortmund)
Forwards: Gerald Asamoah (Schalke 04), Miroslav Klose (Werder Bremen), Oliver Neuville (Borussia Moenchengladbach), Lukas Podolski (Cologne), Mike Hanke (Werder Bremen).";
WorldCup2006_Groups[i++] = new Array("","Costa Rica (21)","Paulo Cesar Wanchope","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photos/051008/051008_worldcup_vmed_9p.vmedium.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "Mayela Lopez", "AFP - Getty Images", "296", "198", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
WorldCup2006_Groups[i-1].body = "
Coach: Alexandre Guimaraes.
Key players: Paulo Wanchope, Danny Fonseca, Ronald Gomez.
World Cup record and best finish: Third appearance; second round (1990). Last appearance: First round 2002.
World Cup odds: 750-1.
How qualified: Third in CONCACAF's final group.
Scoop: The Costa Ricans won their qualifying group four years ago, but a third-place finish this time shows their aging stars may be past their prime.
Complete roster:
Goalkeepers: Wardy Alfaro (Alajuelense), Jose Porras (Saprissa), Alvaro Mesen (Herediano)
Defenders: Gilberto Martinez (Brescia, Italy), Luis Marin (Alajuelense), Michael Rodriguez (Alajuelense), Harold Wallace (Alajuelense), Jervis Drummond (Saprissa), Douglas Sequeira (Real Salt Lake City, U.S.), Leonardo Gonzalez (Herediano), Michael Umana (Brujas), Gabriel Badilla (Saprissa)
Midfielders: Carlos Hernandez (Alajuelense), Walter Centeno (Saprissa), Christian Bolanos (Saprissa), Randall Azofeifa (Saprissa), Mauricio Solis (Comunicaciones, Guatemala), Danny Fonseca (Cartagines)
Forwards: Ronald Gomez (Saprissa), Alvaro Saborio (Saprissa), Victor Nunez (Cartagines), Kurt Bernard (Puntarenas), Paulo Wanchope (Herediano)
";
WorldCup2006_Groups[i++] = new Array("","Poland (23)","","","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "Gary M. Prior", "Getty Images", "277", "198", "", "", "", "", "");
WorldCup2006_Groups[i-1].body = "
Coach: Pawel Janas.
Key players: Maciej Zurawski, Kamil Kosowski.
World Cup record and best finish: Sixth appearance; third place (1974, 1982). Last appearance: First round 2002.
World Cup odds: 80-1.
How qualified: One of two best European group runners-up.
Scoop: Poland qualified strongly from a weak group and, yet even with few stars, it could reach the second round thanks to a weak draw.
Complete roster:
Goalkeepers: Artur Boruc (Celtic), Tomasz Kuszczak (West Bromwich Albion), Lukasz Fabianski (Legia Warsaw)
Defenders: Jacek Bak (Al Rayan), Mariusz Jop (FK Moscow), Michal Zewlakow (Anderlecht), Marcin Baszczynski (Wisla Krakow), Seweryn Gancarczyk (Metallist Charkow), Mariusz Lewandowski (Shakhtar Donetsk), Dariusz Dudka (Wisla Krakow)
Midfielders: Jacek Krzynowek (Bayer Leverkusen), Miroslaw Szymkowiak (Trabzonspor), Radoslaw Sobolewski (Wisla Krakow), Euzebiusz Smolarek (Borussia Dortmund), Kamil Kosowski (Southampton), Arkadiusz Radomski (Austria Vienna), Sebastian Mila (Austria Vienna), Damian Gorawski (FK Moscow), Piotr Giza (Cracovia).
Forwards: Maciej Zurawski (Celtic), Grzegorz Rasiak (Southampton), Pawel Brozek (Wisla Krakow), Ireneusz Jelen";
WorldCup2006_Groups[i++] = new Array("","Ecuador (37)","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
WorldCup2006_Groups[i-1].body = "
Coach: Luis Fernando Suarez.
Key players: Agustin Delgado, Ivan Hurtado, Geovanny Espinoza.
World Cup record and best finish: Second appearance; first round (2002). Last appearance: First round 2002.
World Cup odds: 150-1.
How qualified: Third in South American qualifying.
Scoop: Ecuador finished third in its qualifying group by earning the majority of its points playing at high altitude at home in Quito. It might struggle in low-altitude Germany.
Complete roster:
Goalkeepers: Edwin Villafuerte (Deportivo Quito), Cristian Mora (Liga de Quito), Damian Lanza (Aucas)
Defenders: Ivan Hurtado (Al Arabi, Qatar), Geovanny Espinoza (Liga de Quito), Paul Ambrossi (Liga de Quito), Neicer Reasco (Liga de Quito), Ulises de la Cruz (Aston Villa, England), Jorge Guagua (El Nacional), Jose Luis Perlaza (Olmedo)
Midfielders: Marlon Ayovi (Deportivo Quito), Edwin Tenorio (Barcelona), Edison Mendez (Liga de Quito), Patricio Urrutia (Liga de Quito), Cristian Lara (El Nacional), Segundo Castillo (El Nacional), Antonio Valencia (Recreativo Huelva, Spain), Luis Saritama (Deportivo Quito)
Forwards: Felix Borja (El Nacional), Christian Benitez (El Nacional), Ivan Kaviedes (Argentinos Juniors, Argentina), Agustin Delgado (Liga de Quito), Carlos Tenorio (Al Sadd, Qatar) ";
WorldCup2006_Groups[i++] = new Array("","Group B","","","","", "sub", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
WorldCup2006_Groups[i-1].body = "
Another weak draw for the top seed, England, which means the real race is for the other advancing spot. Paraguay played well in South American qualifying, but will have a hard time containing Swedish stars Zlatan Ibrahimovich and Fredrik Ljungberg). If the Swedes do prevail, the final group game will be interesting for English coach Sven-Goran Eriksson, who will face his home country of Sweden. Trinidad and Tobago don’t have a chance.";
WorldCup2006_Groups[i++] = new Array("","England (9)","Wayne Rooney ","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photos/z_Projects_in_progress/WorldCup2006/051220_wayne_rooney.standard.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "Philippe Merle", "AFP - Getty Images file", "211", "298", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
WorldCup2006_Groups[i-1].body = "
Coach: Sven-Goran Eriksson.
Key players: David Beckham, Wayne Rooney, Michael Owen.
World Cup record and best finish: 12th appearance; champion (1966). Last appearance: Quarterfinals 2002.
World Cup odds: 13-2.
How qualified: Won European Group 6.
Scoop: An underachiever since winning its only title, England has the flair and spirit to trouble opponents, but a habit of faltering in the knockout stages.
Complete roster:
Goalkeepers: Robert Green (Norwich), David James (Manchester City), Paul Robinson (Tottenham).
Defenders: Wayne Bridge (Chelsea), Jamie Carragher (Liverpool), Sol Campbell (Arsenal), Ashley Cole (Arsenal), Rio Ferdinand (Manchester United), Gary Neville (Manchester United), John Terry (Chelsea).
Midfielders: David Beckham (Real Madrid, captain), Michael Carrick (Tottenham), Joe Cole (Chelsea), Stewart Downing (Middlesbrough), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Owen Hargreaves (Bayern Munich), Jermaine Jenas (Tottenham), Frank Lampard (Chelsea), Aaron Lennon (Tottenham).
Forwards: Peter Crouch (Liverpool), Michael Owen (Newcastle), Wayne Rooney (Manchester United), Theo Walcott (Arsenal).";
WorldCup2006_Groups[i++] = new Array("","Paraguay (30)","","","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "Paul Gilham", "Getty Images", "215", "298", "", "", "", "", "");
WorldCup2006_Groups[i-1].body = "
Coach: Anibal Ruiz.
Key players: Roque Santa Cruz, Nelson Haedo Valdez, Nelson Cuevas.
World Cup record and best finish: Seventh appearance; second round (1998, 2002). Last appearance: Second round 2002.
World Cup odds: 250-1.
How qualified: Fourth in South American qualifying.
Scoop: Without retired goalkeeper Jose Luis Chilavert, the Paraguayans will find it difficult to reach the second round for the third straight time.
Complete roster:
Goalkeepers: Justo Villar (Newell's Old Boys), Derlis Gomez (Sportivo Luqueno), Aldo Bobadilla (Libertad)
Defenders: Denis Caniza (Cruz Azul), Carlos Gamarra (Palmeiras), Julio Cesar Caceres (River Plate), Delio Toledo (Real Zaragoza), Jorge Nunez (Estudiantes), Julio Manzur (Santos), Paulo da Silva (Toluca)
Midfielders: Edgar Barreto (NEC Nijmegen), Roberto Acuna (Deportivo Coruna), Carlos Paredes (Reggina), Julio dos Santos (Bayern Munich), Carlos Bonet (Libertad), Cristian Riveros (Libertad), Diego Gavilan (Newell's Old Boys), Jose Montiel (Olimpia)
Forwards: Nelson Haedo Valdez (Werder Bremen), Roque Santa Cruz (Bayern Munich), Nelson Cuevas (Pachuca), Salvador Cabanas (Chiapas), Jose Cardozo (no club)";
WorldCup2006_Groups[i++] = new Array("","Trinidad and Tobago (51)","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "110", "87", "", "", "", "", "");
WorldCup2006_Groups[i-1].body = "
Coach: Leo Beenhakker.
Key player: Dwight Yorke, Russell Latapy.
World Cup record and best finish: First appearance.
World Cup odds: 1,000-1.
How qualified: Beat Bahrain in playoff.
Scoop: Short on players with major experience, anything other than three straight defeats will be a surprise.
Complete roster:
Kelvin Jack (Dundee), Shaka Hislop (West Ham United), Clayton Ince (Coventry City), Dennis Lawrence (Wrexham) Cyd Gray (CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh), Marvin Andrews (Glasgow Rangers), Brent Sancho (Gillingham), Ian Cox (Gillingham), Atiba Charles (W Connection), Avery John (New England Revolution), Silvio Spann (unattached), Chris Birchall (Port Vale), Aurtis Whitley (CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh), Anthony Wolfe (Jabloteh), Densill Theobald (Falkirk), Carlos Edwards (Luton Town), Dwight Yorke (Sydney FC), Russell Latapy (Falkirk), Stern John (Coventry City), Kenwyne Jones (Southampton FC), Collin Samuel (Dundee United), Jason Scotland (St Johnstone), Cornell Glen (LA Galaxy)";
WorldCup2006_Groups[i++] = new Array("","Sweden (14)","Zlatan Ibrahimovic","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/afp/bar99-0318212953.vmedium.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "CARLO BARONCINI", "AFP/Getty Images", "252", "198", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
WorldCup2006_Groups[i-1].body = "
Coach: Lars Lagerback.
Key players: Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Fredrik Ljungberg, Henrik Larsson.
World Cup record and best finish: 11th appearance; runner-up (1958). Last appearance: Second round 2002.
World Cup odds: 40-1.
How qualified: One of two best European group runners-up.
Scoop: Sweden often outperforms higher-ranked and favored nations at the World Cup and, with the likes of Ibrahimovich and Ljungberg, could do so again.
Complete roster:
Goalkeepers: Andreas Isaksson (Stade Rennes), John Alvbage (Viborg), Rami Shaaban (Fredrikstad)
Defenders: Erik Edman (Stade Rennes), Petter Hansson (Heerenveen), Teddy Lucic (BK Hacken), Olof Mellberg (Aston Villa), Karl Svensson (IFK Gothenburg), Mikael Nilsson (Panathinaikos), Fredrik Stenman (Bayer Leverkusen)
Midfielders: Daniel Andersson (Malmo), Niclas Alexandersson (IFK Gothenburg), Kim Kallstrom (Stade Rennes), Tobias Linderoth (FC Copenhagen), Christian Wilhelmsson (Anderlecht), Anders Svensson (Elfsborg), Fredrik Ljungberg (Arsenal)
Forwards: Marcus Allback (FC Copenhagen), Johan Elmander (Brondby), Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Juventus), Mattias Jonson (Djurgarden), Henrik Larsson (Barcelona), Markus Rosenberg (Ajax Amsterdam) ";
WorldCup2006_Groups[i++] = new Array("","Group C","","","","", "sub", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
WorldCup2006_Groups[i-1].body = "
Pity Serbia-Montenegro. After finishing ahead of Spain in qualifying (the Spaniards were the top seed for Group H), they face one of the world’s best teams (Argentina), FIFA’s third-ranked team and arguably a No. 1 seed (Netherlands) and the most dangerous African team (Ivory Coast), in the World Cup’s toughest group. Ivory Coast, with English Premier league stars Didier Drogba (who plays for Chelsea) and Kolo Toure (who plays for Arsenal), will give both Argentina and the Netherlands tough games, but also will be out after the first round. When Argentina and the Netherlands play in the group’s final game, it would be worthy of the World Cup final.";
WorldCup2006_Groups[i++] = new Array("","Argentina (4)","Carlos Tevez","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photos/z_Projects_in_progress/WorldCup2006/051220_carlos_tevez.standard.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "Evaristo Sa", "AFP - Getty Images file", "298", "209", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
WorldCup2006_Groups[i-1].body = "
Coach: Jose Pekerman.
Key players: Hernan Crespo, Juan Roman Riquelme, Carlos Tevez.
World Cup record and best finish: 14th appearance; champion (1978, 1986). Last appearance: First round 2002.
World Cup odds: 10-1.
How qualified: Second in South American qualifying.
Scoop: Argentina has skill at all positions, and is believed to be one of the few teams that can beat Brazil.
Complete roster:
Goalkeepers: Roberto Abbondanzieri (Boca Juniors), Leonardo Franco (Atletico de Madrid, Spain), Oscar Ustari (Independiente).
Defenders: Roberto Ayala (Valencia, Spain), Nicolas Burdisso (Inter Milan, Italy), Fabricio Coloccini (Deportivo de La Coruna, Spain), Leandro Cufre (AS Roma, Italy), Gabriel Heinze (Manchester United, England), Gabriel Milito (Zaragoza, Spain), Lionel Scaloni (West Ham, England), Juan Pablo Sorin (Villarreal, Spain).
Midfielders: Pablo Aimar (Valencia, Spain), Esteban Cambiasso (Inter Milan, Italy), Julio Cruz (Inter Milan, Italy), Luis Gonzalez (Porto, Portugal), Javier Mascherano (Corinthians, Brazil), Juan Roman Riquelme (Villarreal, Spain), Maximiliano Rodriguez (Atletico de Madrid, Spain).
Forwards: Hernan Crespo (Chelsea, England), Lionel Messi (Barcelona, Spain), Rodrigo Palacio (Boca Juniors), Javier Saviola (Sevilla, Spain), Carlos Tevez (Corinthians, Brazil).";
WorldCup2006_Groups[i++] = new Array("","Ivory Coast (41)","Didier Drogba","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photos/050807/050807_drogba_hmed_1p.standard.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "Ben Radford", "Getty Images", "190", "298", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
WorldCup2006_Groups[i-1].body = "
Coach: Robert Nouzarat.
Key players: Didier Drogba, Kolo Toure, Aruna Dindane.
World Cup record and best finish: First appearance.
World Cup odds: 80-1.
How qualified: Won African Group 3.
Scoop: Led by Drogba, Ivory Coast is believed to be the African team with the best chance to repeat Senegal's quarterfinal performance from 2002.
Complete roster:
Goalkeepers: Boubacar Barry (Beveren, Belgium), Gerard Gnanhouan (Montpellier, France), Jean-Jacques Tizie (Esperance, Tunisia)
Defenders: Arthur Boka (Racing Strasbourg), Guy Demel (SV Hamburg), Cyrille Domoraud (Creteil), Emmanuel Eboue (Arsenal), Blaise Kossi Kouassi (Troyes), Abdoulaye Meite (Olympique Marseille), Kolo Toure (Arsenal), Marc Zoro (Messina).
Midfielders: Kanga Akale (AJ Auxerre), Emerse Fae (Nantes), Christian Koffi Ndri (Le Mans), Gneri Yaya Toure (Olympiakos), Gilles Yapi Yapo (Young Boys Berne), Didier Zokora (St Etienne)
Forwards: Aruna Dindane (Lens), Didier Drogba (Chelsea), Bonaventure Kalou (Paris Saint-Germain), Abdelkader Keita (Lille), Bakari Kone (Nice), Arouna Kone (PSV Eindhoven).";
WorldCup2006_Groups[i++] = new Array("","Serbia-Montenegro (47)","","","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "New Press", "Getty Images", "229", "198", "", "", "", "", "");
WorldCup2006_Groups[i-1].body = "
Coach: Ilija Petkovic.
Key players: Mateja Kezman, Dejan Stankovic.
World Cup record and best finish: First appearance (as Yugoslavia: nine appearances, semifinals 1930, 1962). Last appearance: Second round 1998.
World Cup odds: 125-1.
How qualified: Won European Group 7.
Scoop: Although it won its qualifying group ahead of Spain, the team's failure to beat the more favored Spaniards suggests it might struggle against the big-name teams.
Complete roster:Goalkeepers: Dragoslav Jevric (Anakaraspor), Oliver Kovacevic (CSKA Sofia), Vladimir Stojkovic (Nantes)
Defenders: Goran Gavrancic (Dynamo Kiev), Ivica Dragutinovic (Sevilla), Mladen Krstajic (Schalke), Nemanja Vidic (Manchester United), Milan Dudic (Red Star Belgrade), Nenad Djordjevic (Partizan Belgrade), Dusan Basta (Red Star Belgrade)
Midfielders: Dejan Stankovic (Inter Milan), Igor Duljaj (Shakhtar Donetsk), Predrag Djordjevic (Olympiakos Piraeus), Ognjen Koroman (Portsmouth), Albert Nadj (Partizan Belgrade), Sasa Ilic (Galatasaray), Zvonimir Vukic (Partizan Belgrade), Ivan Ergic (Basel)
Forwards: Savo Milosevic (Osasuna), Mateja Kezman (Atletico Madrid), Nikola Zigic (Red Star Belgrade), Danijel Ljuboja (VFB Stuttgart), Mirko Vucinic (Lecce)";
WorldCup2006_Groups[i++] = new Array("","Netherlands (3)","Coach Marco van Basten of Holland ","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photos/z_Projects_in_progress/WorldCup2006/051220_marco_van_basten.standard.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "Andreas Rentz", "Getty Images file", "195", "298", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
WorldCup2006_Groups[i-1].body = "
Coach: Marco van Basten.
Key players: Ruud van Nistelrooy, Edwin van der Sar, Phillip Cocu.
World Cup record and best finish: Eighth appearance; runner-up (1974, 1978). Last appearance: Semifinals 1998.
World Cup odds: 18-1.
How qualified: Won European Group 1.
Scoop: One of the few European nations to be a genuine contender, the Netherlands' young team may lack the experience needed to win the country's first title.
Complete rosters
Goalkeepers: Edwin van der Sar (Manchester United), Maarten Stekelenburg (Ajax), Henk Timmer (AZ Alkmaar).
Defenders: Johnny Heitinga (Ajax), Khalid Boulahrouz (Hamburg), Giovanni van Bronckhorst (FC Barcelona), Tim de Cler (AZ Alkmaar), Kew Jaliens (AZ Alkmaar), Jan Kromkamp (Liverpool), Joris Mathijsen (AZ Alkmaar), Andre Ooijer (PSV Eindhoven).
Midfielders: Mark van Bommel (FC Barcelona), Phillip Cocu (PSV Eindhoven), Denny Landzaat (AZ Alkmaar), Hedwiges Maduro (Ajax), Wesley Sneijder (Ajax), Rafael van der Vaart (Hamburg).
Forwards: Ryan Babel (Ajax), Dirk Kuyt (Feyenoord), Ruud van Nistelrooy (Manchester United), Robin van Persie (Arsenal), Arjen Robben (Chelsea), Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink (PSV Eindhoven).";
WorldCup2006_Groups[i++] = new Array("","Group D ","","","","", "sub", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
WorldCup2006_Groups[i-1].body = "
Top seed Mexico shouldn’t have any trouble advancing to the second round, but it may not win its group. Perennial underachiever Portugal seems poised to finally make a run in the Cup, with a nice mix of experienced players and young talent coming off a run to the 2004 Euro final. Angola and Iran aren’t expected to put up much of a challenge. ";
WorldCup2006_Groups[i++] = new Array("","Mexico (7)","Rafael Marquez","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photos/z_Projects_in_progress/WorldCup2006/051220_rafael_marquez.standard.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "Jonathan Daniel", "Getty Images file", "298", "220", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
WorldCup2006_Groups[i-1].body = "
Coach: Ricardo Lavolpe.
Key players: Rafael Marquez, Jared Borgetti.
World Cup record and best finish: 13th appearance; quarterfinals (1970, 1986). Last appearance: Second round 2002.
World Cup odds: 50-1.
How qualified: Second in CONCACAF's final group.
Scoop: Mexico goes into every World Cup thinking it has a chance to win it, but with few players with European experience it's not likely to happen this time.
Complete rosters
Goalkeepers: Oswaldo Sanchez (Guadalajara/Chivas), Guillermo Ochoa (America), Jesus Corona (UAG/Tecos)
Defenders: Jose Antonio Castro (America), Rafael Marquez (Barcelona), Mario Mendez (Monterrey), Ricardo Osorio (Cruz Azul), Francisco Rodriguez (Guadalajara/Chivas), Carlos Salcido (Guadalajara/Chivas), Claudio Suarez (Chivas USA), Andres Guardado (Atlas), Gonzalo Pineda (Guadalajara/Chivas)
Midfielders: Luis Perez (Monterrey), Pavel Pardo (America), Antonio Naelson (Toluca), Rafael Garcia (Atlas), Gerardo Torrado (Cruz Azul), Ramon Morales (Guadalajara/Chivas)
Forwards: Jared Borgetti (Bolton Wanderers), Guillermo Franco (Villarreal), Francisco Fonseca (Cruz Azul), Omar Bravo (Guadalajara/Chivas), Jesus Arellano (Monterrey)";
WorldCup2006_Groups[i++] = new Array("","Iran (19)","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
WorldCup2006_Groups[i-1].body = "
Coach: Branko Ivankovic.
Key players: Ali Daei, Mohammad Nosrati.
World Cup record and best finish: Third appearance; first round (1978, 1998). Last appearance: First round 1998.
World Cup odds: 750-1.
How qualified: Second in Asian Group B.
Scoop: Iran's ranking more reflects the standard of teams it plays rather than the impact it can make at the World Cup. It might not finish last in its group, but is unlikely to do much better.
Complete rosters
Goalkeepers: Ebrahim Mirzapour (Foolad Khuzestan), Vahid Talebloo (Esteghlal Teheran), Hassan Roudbarian (Pas).
Defenders: Yahya Golmohammadi (Saba Battery), Mohammad Nosrati (Pas), Rahman Rezaei (AC Messina), Sattar Zare (Bargh Shiraz), Hossein Kaabi (Foolad Khuzestan), Sohrab Bakhtiarizadeh (Saba Battery), Amir Hossein Sadeqi (Esteghlal Teheran).
Midfielders: Javad Nekounam (Sharjah/VAE), Anderanik Teymourian (Abomoslem Khorasan), Mehdi Mahdavikia (Hamburg SV), Fereydoon Zandi (Kaiserslautern), Ali Karimi (Bayern Munich), Mehrzad Madanchi (Persepolis), Javad Kazemian (Persepolis).
Forwards: Ali Daei (Saba Battery), Vahid Hashemian (Hannover 96), Reza Enayati (Esteghlal Teheran), Arash Borhani (Pas), Masoud Shojai (Saipa), Rasoul Khatibi (Sepahan Isfahan).";
WorldCup2006_Groups[i++] = new Array("","Angola (62)","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
WorldCup2006_Groups[i-1].body = "
Coach: Luis Oliveira Goncalvez.
Key players: Fabrice Akwa, Flavio Amado.
World Cup record and best finish: First appearance.
World Cup odds: 500-1.
How qualified: Won African Group 4.
Scoop: Angola qualified ahead of Nigeria, but it is not expected to make it out of the first round.
Complete rosters
Goalkeepers: Joao Ricardo (unattached), Lama (Petro Atletico), Mário (InterClube)
Defenders: Delgado (Petro Atletico), Jamba (AS Aviacao), Kali (FC Barreirense, Portugal), Lebo Lebo (Petro Atletico), Loco (Primeiro Agosto), Marco Abreu (Portimonense, Portugal), Marco Airosa FC Barreirense, Portugal), Rui Marques (Hull City, England)
Midfielders: Andre (Kuwait SC, Kuwait), Edson (Pacos Ferreira, Portugal), Figueiredo, Mendonca (Varzim, Portugal), Miloy (InterClube), Ze Kalanga (Petro Atletico)
Strikers: Fabrice Akwá (unattached), Andre Titi Buengo (Clermont Foot, France), Flávio (Al Ahli, Egypt), Love (AS Aviacao), Mantorras (Benfica, Portugal), Mateus (Gil Vicente, Portugal).";
WorldCup2006_Groups[i++] = new Array("","Portugal (10)","Luis Figo","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photos/050727/050727_figo_vmed_8a.vmedium.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "Kimimasa Mayama", "Reuters", "297", "198", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
WorldCup2006_Groups[i-1].body = "
Coach: Luiz Felipe Scolari.
Key players: Luis Figo, Cristiano Ronaldo, Pauleta.
World Cup record and best finish: Fourth appearance; third place (1966). Last appearance: First round 2002.
World Cup odds: 20-1.
How qualified: Won European Group 3.
Scoop: Portugal is going strong after reaching the 2004 European Championship final. It may lack the discipline to win, but with Figo and its own Ronaldo, it has the talent.
Complete rosters
Goalkeepers: Ricardo Pereira (Sporting), Quim Silva (Benfica), Bruno Vale (Estrela Amadora)
Defenders: Paulo Ferreira (Chelsea), Miguel Monteiro (Valencia), Ricardo Carvalho (Chelsea), Fernando Meira (VfB Stuttgart), Marco Caneira (Sporting), Ricardo Costa (Porto), Nuno Valente (Everton)
Midfielders: Armando Petit (Benfica), Costinha (Dynamo Moscow), Tiago Mendes (Olympique Lyon), Maniche Ribeiro (Chelsea), Hugo Viana (Valencia), Luis Figo (Inter Milan), Deco (Barcelona), Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United), Simao Sabrosa (Benfica)
Forwards: Luis Boa Morte (Fulham), Pauleta (Paris ST Germain) Nuno Gomes (Benfica), Helder Postiga (Saint Etienne)";
WorldCup2006_Groups[i++] = new Array("","Group E ","","","","", "sub", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
WorldCup2006_Groups[i-1].body = "
The tournament’s other difficult group features a traditional power (Italy), a high-scoring European squad (Czech Republic) and dangerous African squad (Ghana) and a team hoping to establish itself as one of the world’s elite (United States). Ghana, with Europeans stars Michael Essien and Stephen Appiah, will be a difficult foe for any team, but seems like the longest shot of any team to advance. Italy has its usual stellar defense and some scoring punch for once, and figures to be the group’s top dog. The Czechs, with standout midfielder Pavel Nedved, scored more qualifying goals than any other European club, should be able to challenge Azzurri for the top spot. Where does that leave the U.S.? As the potential odd-man out. The team is just 1-7-2 against European team under coach Bruce Arena.";
WorldCup2006_Groups[i++] = new Array("","Italy (12)","Andrea Pirlo","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photos/z_Projects_in_progress/WorldCup2006/051220_andrea_pirlo.standard.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "Luca Bruno", "AP", "215", "298", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
WorldCup2006_Groups[i-1].body = "
Coach: Marcello Lippi.
Key players: Francesco Totti, Luca Toni, Alessandro Nesta, Andrea Pirlo.
World Cup record and best finish: 16th appearance; champion (1934, 1938, 1982). Last appearance: Second round 2002.
World Cup odds: 10-1.
How qualified: Won European Group 5.
Scoop: Having disappointed at recent tournaments, the attacking power of Totti, Antonio Cassano and Luca Toni may spur Italy to rival its past deeds.
Complete rosters
Goalkeepers: Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus), Angelo Peruzzi (Lazio), Marco Amelia (Livorno)
Defenders: Cristian Zaccardo (Palermo), Alessandro Nesta (AC Milan), Fabio Cannavaro (Juventus), Gianluca Zambrotta (Juventus), Marco Materazzi (Inter Milan), Fabio Grosso (Palermo), Massimo Oddo (Lazio), Andrea Barzagli (Palermo).
Midfielders: Andrea Pirlo (AC Milan), Gennaro Gattuso (AC Milan), Daniele De Rossi (AS Roma), Mauro Camoranesi (Juventus), Simone Perrotta (AS Roma), Simone Barone (Palermo).
Forwards: Luca Toni (Fiorentina), Alessandro Del Piero (Juventus), Francesco Totti (AS Roma), Alberto Gilardino (AC Milan), Filippo Inzaghi (AC Milan), Vincenzo Iaquinta (Udinese).";
WorldCup2006_Groups[i++] = new Array("","Ghana (50)","Michael Essien","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/getty/53397580me008_fulham_v_chel.standard.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "Phil Cole", "Getty Images", "245", "298", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
WorldCup2006_Groups[i-1].body = "
Coach: Ratomir Dujkovic.
Key players: Michael Essien, Stephen Appiah.
World Cup record and best finish: First appearance.
World Cup odds: 300-1.
How qualified: Won African Group 2.
Scoop: If Essien shines, the team could surprise some others, as Senegal, Nigeria and Cameroon did at past tournaments.
Complete rosters
Goalkeepers: Sammy Adjei (Moadan Sport Ashdod, Israel), Richard Kingston (Ankaraspor, Turkey), George Owu (AsantiGold).
Defenders: Eric Addo (PSV Eindhoven, Netherlands), Issah Ahmed (Randers, Denmark), Shilla Alhassan Illiasu (Asante Kotoko), Samuel Osei Kuffour (AS Roma, Italy), John Mensah (Stade Rennes, France), Habib Mohammed (King Faisal Babes, Ghana), John Painstil (Hapoel Tel Aviv, Israel), Emmanuel Pappoe (Hapoel Kfar Saba, Israel), Daniel Quaye (Hearts of Oak), Hans Sarpei (VfL Wolfsburg, Germany)
Midfielders: Otto Addo (FSV Mainz, Germany), Stephen Appiah (Fenerbahce, Turkey), Derek Boateng (AIK Stockholm, Sweden), Haminu Dramani (Red Star Belgrade, Serbia and Montenegro), Michael Essien (Chelsea, England), Sulley Ali Muntari (Udinese, Italy)
Forwards: Matthew Amoah (Borussia Dortmund, Germany), Asamoah Gyan (Modena, Italy), Razak Pimpong (FC Copenhagen, Denmark), Alex Tachie-Mensah (St. Gallen, Switzerland) ";
WorldCup2006_Groups[i++] = new Array("","United States (8)","Landon Donovan","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photos/z_Projects_in_progress/WorldCup2006/051220_landon_donovan.standard.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "Victor Decolongon", "Getty Images", "298", "237", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
WorldCup2006_Groups[i-1].body = "
Coach: Bruce Arena.
Key players: Landon Donovan, Claudio Reyna, DaMarcus Beasley.
World Cup record and best finish: Eighth appearance; semifinals (1930). Last appearance: Quarterfinals 2002.
World Cup odds: 125-1.
How qualified: Won CONCACAF's final group.
Scoop: The Americans must show they can win in Europe, where they are 1-7-2 under Arena.
Complete rosters
Goalkeepers: Marcus Hahnemann (Reading, England), Tim Howard (Manchester United, England), Kasey Keller (Borussia Moenchengladbach, Germany)
Defenders: Chris Albright (Los Angeles), Carlos Bocanegra (Fulham, England), Steve Cherundolo (Hannover 96, Germany), Jimmy Conrad (Kansas City), Cory Gibbs (ADO Den Haag, Netherlands), Eddie Lewis (Leeds, England), Oguchi Onyewu (Standard Liege, Belgium), Eddie Pope (Salt Lake)
Midfielders: DaMarcus Beasley (PSV Eindhoven, Netherlands), Bobby Convey (Reading, England), Clint Dempsey (New England), Landon Donovan (Los Angeles), Pablo Mastroeni (Colorado), John O’Brien (Chivas USA), Ben Olsen (D.C. United), Claudio Reyna (Manchester City, England)
Forwards: Brian Ching (Houston), Eddie Johnson (Kansas City), Brian McBride (Fulham, England), Josh Wolff (Kansas City)";
WorldCup2006_Groups[i++] = new Array("","Czech Republic (2)","","","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "New Press", "Getty Images", "298", "295", "", "", "", "", "");
WorldCup2006_Groups[i-1].body = "
Coach: Karel Bruckner.
Key players: Pavel Nedved, Jan Koller, Peter Cech.
World Cup record and best finish: First appearance (as Czechoslovakia: eight appearances, runner-up 1938, 1962). Last appearance: Quarterfinals 1990.
World Cup odds: 28-1.
How qualified: Beat Norway in European playoffs.
Scoop: No team scored more goals in European qualifying than the European Championship semifinalists. Jan Koller, Rosicky and Baros are sure to trouble defenses.
Complete roster
Goalkeepers: Jaromir Blazek (Sparta Prague), Petr Cech (Chelsea), Antonin Kinsky (Saturn Ramenskoye)
Defenders: Zdenek Grygera (Ajax Amsterdam), Marek Jankulovski (AC Milan), Martin Jiranek (Spartak Moscow), Radoslav Kovac (Spartak Moscow), Pavel Mares (Zenit St Petersburg), David Rozehnal (Paris St Germain), Tomas Ujfalusi (Fiorentina)
Midfielders: Tomas Galasek (Ajax Amsterdam), David Jarolim (Hamburg SV), Pavel Nedved (Juventus), Jaroslav Plasil (Monaco), Karel Poborsky (Ceske Budejovice), Jan Polak (Nuremberg), Tomas Rosicky (Borussia Dortmund), Vladimir Smicer (Girondins Bordeaux)
Forwards: Milan Baros (Aston Villa), Marek Heinz (Galatasaray), Jan Koller (Borussia Dortmund), Vratislav Lokvenc (Red Bull Salzburg), Jiri Stajner (Hanover 96)";
WorldCup2006_Groups[i++] = new Array("","Group F","","","","", "sub", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
WorldCup2006_Groups[i-1].body = "
The race is for second – no one will touch Brazil. The smart money’s on Croatia, a solid, but unspectacular team, though Australia could make things interesting. The Aussies’ players are seasoned in the European leagues and will be looking to make a statement in their first World Cup appearance since 1974. The European media loves Japan, but they haven’t done much outside of their own borders.";
WorldCup2006_Groups[i++] = new Array("","Brazil (1)","Ronaldinho","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photos/z_Projects_in_progress/WorldCup2006/051220_ronaldinho.standard.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "Albert Gea", "Reuters", "230", "298", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
WorldCup2006_Groups[i-1].body = "
Coach: Carlos Alberto Parreira.
Key players: Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Kaka.
World Cup record and best finish: 18th appearance; champion (1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, 2002). Last appearance: Champion 2002.
World Cup odds: 11-4.
How qualified: Won in South American qualifying.
Scoop: The favorite yet again, the world's top-ranked team has the most talented players and is expected to have an easy time reaching its fourth straight final.
Complete roster
Goalkeepers: Dida (AC Milan), Julio Cesar (Inter Milan), Rogerio Ceni (Sao Paulo)
Defenders: Cafu (AC Milan), Cicinho (Real Madrid), Lucio (Bayern Munich), Juan (Bayer Leverkusen), Roberto Carlos (Real Madrid), Gilberto (Hertha Berlin), Cris (Olympique Lyon), Luisao (Benfica)
Midfielders: Edmilson (Barcelona), Juninho Pernambucano (Olympique Lyon), Emerson (Juventus), Ze Roberto (Bayern Munich), Gilberto Silva (Arsenal), Kaka (AC Milan), Ricardinho (Corinthians)
Forwards: Ronaldo (Real Madrid), Robinho (Real Madrid), Ronaldinho (Barcelona), Adriano (Inter Milan), Fred (Olympique Lyon).";
WorldCup2006_Groups[i++] = new Array("","Croatia (20)","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
WorldCup2006_Groups[i-1].body = "
Coach: Zlatko Kranjcar.
Key players: Dado Prso, Niko Kovac, Josip Simunic.
World Cup record and best finish: Third appearance; third place (1998). Last appearance: Third round 2002.
World Cup odds: 66-1.
How qualified: Won European Group 8.
Scoop: Croatia's unbeaten record in qualifying should mean it will improve on its first-round elimination from 2002.
Complete roster
Goalkeepers: Tomislav Butina (Club Bruges), Stipe Pletikosa (Hajduk Split), Joe Didulica (Austria Vienna)
Defenders: Robert Kovac (Juventus), Stjepan Tomas (Galatasaray), Dario Simic (AC Milan), Mario Tokic (Austria Vienna), Josip Simunic (Hertha Berlin), Igor Tudor (Siena), Marijan Buljat (Dinamo Zagreb)
Midfielders: Jerko Leko (Dynamo Kiev), Niko Kranjcar (Hajduk Split), Niko Kovac (Hertha Berlin), Marko Babic (Bayer Leverkusen), Darijo Srna (Shakhtar Donetsk), Ivan Leko (Club Bruges), Luka Modric (Dinamo Zagreb), Jurica Vranjes (Werder Bremen), Anthony Seric (Panathinaikos)
Forwards: Dado Prso (Rangers), Ivan Klasnic (Werder Bremen), Bosko Balaban (Club Bruges), Ivica Olic (CSKA Moscow), Ivan Bosnjak (Dinamo Zagreb).";
WorldCup2006_Groups[i++] = new Array("","Australia (49)","","","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "Dave Thompson", "AP", "259", "198", "", "", "", "", "");
WorldCup2006_Groups[i-1].body = "
Coach: Guus Hiddink.
Key players: Tim Cahill, Mark Viduka, Harry Kewell.
World Cup record and best finish: Second appearance; first round (1974). Last appearance: First round 1974.
World Cup odds: 150-1.
How qualified: Beat Uruguay in playoff.
Scoop: Hiddink led the Netherlands to the semifinals in 1998 and South Korea to the last four in 2002. Taking the Aussies as far would be a minor miracle.
Complete roster
Goalkeepers: Mark Schwarzer (Middlesbrough), Zeljko Kalac (AC Milan), Ante Covic (Hammarby)
Defenders: Michael Beauchamp (Central Coast), Craig Moore (Newcastle United), Lucas Neill (Blackburn Rovers), Tony Popovic Crystal Palace), Mark Milligan (Sydney FC)
Midfielders: Marco Bresciano (Parma), Tim Cahill (Everton), Scott Chipperfield (Basel), Jason Culina (PSV Eindhoven), Brett Emerton (Blackburn Rovers), Vince Grella (Parma), Stan Lazaridis (free agent), Josip Skoko (Stoke City on loan from Wigan Athletic), Mile Sterjovski (Basel), Luke Wilkshire (Bristol City)
Forwards: John Aloisi (Alaves), Harry Kewell (Liverpool), Archie Thompson (PSV Eindhoven), Mark Viduka (Middlesbrough), Josh Kennedy (Dinamo Dresden) ";
WorldCup2006_Groups[i++] = new Array("","Japan (15)","","","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "Martin Rose", "Bongarts/Getty Images", "203", "198", "", "", "", "", "");
WorldCup2006_Groups[i-1].body = "
Coach: Zico.
Key players: Hidetoshi Nakata, Naohiro Takahara.
World Cup record and best finish: Third appearance; second round (2002). Last appearance: Second round 2002
World Cup odds: 250-1.
How qualified: Won Asian Group B.
Scoop: Japan has several players in Europe and a Brazilian coach with extensive World Cup experience, but it might not make a difference.
Complete roster
Goalkeepers: Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi (Jubilo Iwata), Yoichi Doi (FC Tokyo), Seigo Narazaki (Nagoya Grampus Eight)
Defenders: Tsuneyasu Miyamoto (Gamba Osaka), Alex (Urawa Reds), Yuji Nakazawa (Yokohama F-Marinos), Makoto Tanaka (Jubilo Iwata), Akira Kaji (Gamba Osaka), Keisuke Tsuboi (Urawa Reds), Yuichi Komano (Sanfrecce Hiroshima), Koji Nakata (FC Basel)
Midfielders: Hidetoshi Nakata (Bolton Wanderers), Shunsuke Nakamura (Celtic), Shinji Ono (Urawa Reds), Junichi Inamoto (West Bromwich Albion), Takashi Fukunishi (Jubilo Iwata), Mitsuo Ogasawara (Kashima Antlers), Yasuhito Endo (Gamba Osaka)
Forwards: Atsushi Yanagisawa (Kashima Antlers), Naohiro Takahara (Hamburg), Masashi Oguro (Grenoble), Keiji Tamada (Nagoya Grampus Eight) Seiichiro Maki (JEF United Chiba)";
WorldCup2006_Groups[i++] = new Array("","Group G","","","","", "sub", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
WorldCup2006_Groups[i-1].body = "
France shouldn’t have any trouble advancing, though if it’s struggles from qualifying carry over, the Blues won’t have much luck in the second round. The interesting question from the group will be the battle for second between South Korea and Switzerland. The Swiss never looked good during qualifying and have never been among Europe’s elite, but South Korea won’t have the amazing crowd behind it like it did during its 2002 run. ";
WorldCup2006_Groups[i++] = new Array("","France (5)","Zinedine Zidane","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photos/z_Projects_in_progress/WorldCup2006/051220_zinedane_zidane.standard.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "Stu Forster", "Getty Images file", "298", "213", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
WorldCup2006_Groups[i-1].body = "
Coach: Raymond Domenech.
Key players: Zinedine Zidane, Thierry Henry, David Trezeguet.
World Cup record and best finish: 11th appearance; champion (1998). Last appearance: First round 2002.
World Cup odds: 12-1.
How qualified: Won European Group 4.
Scoop: France struggled to qualify until veterans Zidane, Lilian Thuram and Claude Makelele returned to the team and is unlikely to be the force it once was.
Complete roster
Goalkeepers: Fabien Barthez (Olympique Marseille), Gregory Coupet (Olympique Lyon), Mickael Landreau (Nantes)
Defenders: Eric Abidal (Olympique Lyon), Jean-Alain Boumsong (Newcastle United), Pascal Chimbonda (Wigan Athletic), William Gallas (Chelsea), Gael Givet (Monaco) Willy Sagnol (Bayern Munich), Mikael Silvestre (Manchester United), Lilian Thuram (Juventus)
Midfielders: Vikash Dhorasoo (Paris St Germain), Alou Diarra (Racing Lens), Claude Makelele (Chelsea), Florent Malouda (Olympique Lyon), Patrick Vieira (Juventus), Zinedine Zidane (Real Madrid).
Forwards: Djibril Cisse (Liverpool), Thierry Henry (Arsenal), Franck Ribery (Olympique Marseille), Louis Saha (Manchester United), David Trezeguet (Juventus), Sylvain Wiltord (Olympique Lyon).";
WorldCup2006_Groups[i++] = new Array("","Switzerland (36)","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
WorldCup2006_Groups[i-1].body = "
Coach: Koebi Kuhn.
Key players: Alexander Frei, Philippe Senderos.
World Cup record and best finish: Eighth appearance; quarterfinals (1934, 1938, 1954). Last appearance: Second round 1994.
World Cup odds: 100-1.
How qualified: Beat Turkey in European playoff.
Scoop: Having missed the past two tournaments and with no major stars, Switzerland will rely on the spirit it showed to beat Turkey in the playoffs to get it past the first round.
Complete roster
Goalkeepers: Pascal Zuberbuehler (FC Basel), Fabio Coltorti (Grasshoppers Zurich), Diego Benaglio (CD Nacional)
Defenders: Johan Djourou (Arsenal), Ludovic Magnin (VfB Stuttgart), Philippe Senderos (Arsenal), Stephane Grichting (Auxerre), Christoph Spycher (Eintracht Frankfurt), Valon Behrami (Lazio), Patrick Mueller (Olympique Lyon), Philipp Degen (Borussia Dortmund)
Midfielders: Xavier Margairaz (FC Zurich), Johann Vogel (AC Milan), Ricardo Cabanas (Cologne), Raphael Wicky (Hamburg SV), 1Daniel Gygax (Lille), David Degen (FC Basel), Blerim Dzemaili (FC Zurich), Tranquillo Barnetta (Bayer Leverkusen)
Forwards: Alex Frei (Rennnes), Marco Streller (Cologne), Mauro Lustrinelli (Sparta Prague), Johan Vonlanthen (NAC Breda)";
WorldCup2006_Groups[i++] = new Array("","South Korea (29) ","","","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "Jon Super", "AP", "257", "198", "", "", "", "", "");
WorldCup2006_Groups[i-1].body = "
Coach: Dick Advocaat.
Key players: Park Ji-sung, Lee Woon-Jae.
World Cup record and best finish: Seventh appearance; semifinals (2002). Last appearance: Semifinals 2002.
World Cup odds: 500-1.
How qualified: Second in Asian Group A.
Scoop: The South Koreans struggled in qualifying and brought on Dutch coach Dick Advocaat after reaching the tournament for the seventh time. A return trip to the semifinals will be a tall order.
Complete roster
Goalkeepers: Lee Woon-Jae (Suwon Bluewings), Kim Yong-Dae (Seongnam Chunma), Kim Young-Kwang (Chunnam Dragons)
Defenders: Lee Young-Pyo (Tottenham Hotspurs), Kim Sang-Shik (Seongnam Chunma), Kim Dong-Jin (FC Seoul), Cho Won-Hee (Suwon Bluewings), Song Chong-Gug (Suwon Bluewings), Choi Jin-Cheul (Chonbuk Motors), Kim Jin-Kyu (Jubilo Iwata), Kim Young-Chul (Seongnam Chunma)
Midfielders: Park Ji-Sung (Manchester United), Kim Do-Heon (Seongnam Chunma), Kim Nam-Il (Suwon Bluewings), Lee Eul-Yong (Trabzonspor), Lee Ho (Ulsan Horang-i), Baek Ji-Hoon (FC Seoul)
Forwards: Ahn Jung-Hwan (MSV Duisburg), Cho Jae-Jin (Shimizu S-Pulse), Park Chu-Young (FC Seoul), Seol Ki-Hyeon (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Lee Chun-Soo (Ulsan Horang-i), Chung Kyung-Ho (Gwangju Sangmu)";
WorldCup2006_Groups[i++] = new Array("","Togo (56) ","","","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "Phil Cole", "Getty Images", "199", "298", "", "", "", "", "");
WorldCup2006_Groups[i-1].body = "
Coach: Stephen Keshi.
Key players: Emmanuel Adebayor, Eric Akoto.
World Cup record and best finish: First appearance.
World Cup odds: 400-1.
How qualified: Won African Group 1.
Scoop: Possibly the biggest surprise of the African qualifying campaign, Togo will be an even bigger surprise if it makes it out of the first round.
Complete roster
Goalkeepers: Kossi Agassa (FC Metz, France), Ouro-Nimini Tchangirou (Djoliba, Mali), Kodjovi Dodji Obilale (Etoile Filante, Togo)
Defenders: Jean Paul Yaovi Abalo (Apoel Nicosia, Cyprus), Eric Akoto (Admira Wacker, Austria), Richmond Forson (Jeanne d’Arc Poire, France), Karim Guede (Hamburg SV II, Germany), Ludovic Assemoassa (Ciudad Murcia, Spain), Toure Assimiou (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany), Dare Nibombe (Mons-Bergen, Belgium), Kuami Agboh (KSK Beveren, Belgium), Affo Cerlmont Erassa (AS Moulins, France)
Midfielders: Cherif Toure Mamam (Metz, France), Alaixys Romao (Louhans-Cuiseaux, France), Thomas Dossevi (Valenciennes, France), Yao Kaka Aziawonou (Young Boys, Suisse), Junior Senaya (YF Juventus, Switzerland), Adekanmi Olufade (Al Sailiya, Qatar)
Forwards: Emmanuel Adebayor (Arsenal, England), Mohamed Kader Coubadja (Guingamp, France), Robert Malm (Brest, France), Massamasso Tchangai (Benevento, Italy), Moustapha Salifou (Stade Brestois, France).";
WorldCup2006_Groups[i++] = new Array("","Group H","","","","", "sub", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
WorldCup2006_Groups[i-1].body = "
Spain should easily advance from one of the tournament’s weaker groups. Ukraine has one of the world’s top strikers in Andriy Shevchenko and could surprise the perennially underachieving Spaniard, but it’s unlikely. If Tunisia catches a few breaks, it could give the Ukraine a run for second-place, but that’s one of the few intriguing aspects of the group. Saudi Arabia will just be looking for a few goals.
";
WorldCup2006_Groups[i++] = new Array("","Spain (6)","Raul Gonzalez","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photos/z_Projects_in_progress/WorldCup2006/051220_raul_gonzalez.standard.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "Sergio Perez", "Reuters file", "211", "298", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
WorldCup2006_Groups[i-1].body = "
Coach: Luis Aragones.
Key players: Raul Gonzalez, Xavi, Carles Puyol.
World Cup record and best finish: 12th appearance; fourth place (1950). Last appearance: Quarterfinals 2002.
World Cup odds: 14-1.
How qualified: Beat Slovakia in European playoffs.
Scoop: The most famous underachiever of all World Cup regulars, Spain looks to have the same mercurial talent and fragile mentality that frustrates fans every four years.
Complete roster
Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), Pepe Reina (Liverpool), Santiago Canizares (Valencia)
Defenders: Antonio Lopez (Atletico Madrid), Pablo Ibanez (Atletico Madrid), Carles Puyol (Barcelona), Juanito (Real Betis), Asier del Horno (Chelsea), Michel Salgado (Real Madrid), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Carlos Marchena (Valencia)
Midfielders: Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal), Jose Antonio Reyes (Arsenal), Andres Iniesta (Barcelona), Xavi (Barcelona), Joaquin (Real Betis), Luis Garcia (Liverpool), Xabi Alonso (Liverpool), David Albelda (Valencia), Marcos Senna (Villarreal)
Forwards: Fernando Torres (Atletico Madrid), Raul (Real Madrid), David Villa (Valencia)";
WorldCup2006_Groups[i++] = new Array("","Ukraine (40)","","","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "Luca Bruno", "AP", "215", "298", "", "", "", "", "");
WorldCup2006_Groups[i-1].body = "
Coach: Oleh Blokhin.
Key players: Andriy Shevchenko, Andrii Voronin.
World Cup record and best finish: First appearance.
World Cup odds: 66-1.
How qualified: Won European Group 2.
Scoop: Ukraine is not considered a serious contender for the title, but powered by Shevchenko's goals, it could upset a team or two at its first World Cup.
Complete roster
Goalkeepers: Oleksander Shovkovsky (Dynamo Kiev), Andriy Pyatov (Vorskla Poltava), Bogdan Shust (Shakhtar Donetsk)
Defenders: Andriy Nesmachny (Dynamo Kiev), Vladyslav Vashchyuk (Dynamo Kiev), Serhiy Fyodorov (Dynamo Kiev), Volodymyr Yesersky (Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk), Andriy Rusol (Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk), Dmytro Chigrinsky (Shakhtar Donetsk), Vyacheslav Svidersky (Arsenal Kiev)
Midfielders: Anatoly Tymoshchyuk (Shakhtar Donetsk), Oleg Gusiev (Dynamo Kiev), Ruslan Rotan (Dynamo Kiev), Serhiy Nazarenko (Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk), Oleg Shelayev (Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk), Andriy Husin (Krylya Sovietov Samara), Maxim Kalinichenko (Spartak Moscow)
Forwards: Andriy Shevchenko (AC Milan), Andriy Voronin (Bayer Leverkusen), Serhiy Rebrov (Dynamo Kiev), Artyom Milevsky (Dynamo Kiev), Andriy Vorobei (Shakhtar Donetsk), Olexiy Belik (Shakhtar Donetsk)";
WorldCup2006_Groups[i++] = new Array("","Tunisia (28) ","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
WorldCup2006_Groups[i-1].body = "
Coach: Roger Lemerre.
Key players: Francileudo dos Santos, Radhi Jaidi.
World Cup record and best finish: Fourth appearance; first round (1978, 1998, 2002). Last appearance: First round 2002.
World Cup odds: 400-1.
How qualified: Won African Group 5.
Scoop: The African Cup champion has improved with Brazilian-born players Silva dos Santos and Jose Clayton and could reach the second round with a few breaks.
Complete roster
Goalkeepers: Ali Boumnijel (Club Africain), Hamdi Kasraoui (Esperance), Adel Nefzi (US Monastir).
Defenders: Hatem Trabelsi (Ajax Amsterdam), Anis Ayari (Samsunspor), Karim Saidi (Lecce), Alaeddine Yahia (St Etienne), Radhi Jaidi (Bolton Wanderers), Karim Hagui (Racing Strasbourg), David Jemmali (Girondins Bordeaux), Mehdi Meryeh (Etoile Etoile)
Midfielders: Mehdi Nafti (Birmingham City), Adel Chedli (FC Nuremberg), Kais Ghodhbane (Konyaspor), Karim Essediri (Rosenborg), Joahar Mnari (FC Nuremberg), Riadh Bouazizi (Erciyespor), Hamed Namouchi (Glasgow Rangers)
Forwards: Yassine Chikhaoui (Etoile Etoile), Ziad Jaziri (Troyes), Sofiane Militi (Gaziantepspor), Issam Jomaa (Racing Lens), Francileudo dos Santos (Toulouse)";
WorldCup2006_Groups[i++] = new Array("","Saudi Arabia (32)","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
WorldCup2006_Groups[i-1].body = "
Coach: Gabriel Calderon.
Key players: Sulley Ali Muntari, Sami al-Jaber.
World Cup record and best finish: Fourth appearance; second round (1994). Last appearance: First round 2002.
World Cup odds: 1,000-1.
How qualified: Won Asian Group A.
Scoop: The Saudis edged South Korea in their final qualifying group, but don't expect them to make waves in Germany.
Complete roster
Goalkeepers: Mohammad Al-Deayea (Al-Hilal), Mabrouk Zayed (Al-Ittihad), Mohammad Khouja (Al-Shabab)
Defenders: Ahmad Al-Doukhi (Al-Ittihad), Redha Takar (Al-Ittihad), Hamad Al-Montashari (Al-Ittihad), Ahmad Al-Bahri (Al-Ittifak), Mohammad Masaad (Al-Ahli), Nayef Al-Kadhi (Al-Ahli), Hussein Abdul Ghani (Al-Ahli), Abdul Aziz Al-Khathran (Al-Hilal)
Midfielders: Saoud Kariri (Al-Ittihad), Mohammad Nour (Al-Ittihad), Mohammad Amin (Al-Ittihad), Khaled Aziz (Al-Hilal), Omar Al-Ghamdi (Al-Hilal), Nawaf Al-Temyat (Al-Hilal), Mohammad Al-Shalhoub (Al-Hilal)
Forwards: Sami Al-Jaber (Al-Hilal), Yasser Al-Qahtani (Al-Hilal), Mohammad Al-Anbar (Al-Hilal), Saad al-Harthi (Al-Nasr), Malek Maath (Al-Ahli)";
WorldCup2006_Groups[i++] = new Array("","Vote","","","","", "sub", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
WorldCup2006_Groups[i++] = new Array("spt_world_cup_champ","Who will win?","","","","", "lv2", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
// END editorial data