The World Cup began amidst the controversy over the re-election of Sepp Blatter to the post of FIFA presidency. The opener between the cup holders France and newcomers Senegal provided a taste of things to come. The 1-0 win by Senegal was another reminder that the club form of players involved has little bearing on their form with their national teams. France's team included the top scorers of three European leagues in Arsenal's Thierry Henry, Auxerre's Djibril Cisse and Juventus' David Trezeguet.
The group's early games were officiated well and it seemed that the fears of many in the manner by which the referees are selected was unfounded. A few years earlier FIFA had decided to select referees based on their national origin/confederation as opposed to their experience. This was one of the more obvious ways high-ranking FIFA officials; not only the president 'bought' votes.
The first instance of poor officiating occurred during the tenth game of the World Cup. The Brazil-Turkey game was an embarrassment to the larger game. To see a big star of the game like Rivaldo, attempt to fool a referee was bad enough, but even worse was to see the officials, both the Korean ref. and the linesman, fall for his poor acting job was reprehensible especially when the linesman was standing right beside him as he prepared to take the corner!
The major surprise of the game was that of Senegal, and not only because they beat France. Their game against Denmark provided an example of shrewd coaching by Bruno Metsu. Having fallen behind to the Danes in the first half the coach introduced two attacking players in Souleymane and Henri Camara at the start of the second half. Olsen unwillingly or otherwise did not make any adjustments and leveled the score within 7 minutes of the restart.
Among the games that featured poor officiating was the Italy-Croatia game and the Germany-Cameroon game. The latter featured so many cards that one felt one was given for each foul.
Linesmen continued their usual blind flag raising. Once upon time FIFA had instructed the linesmen to give the benefit of the doubt to the attacking player when not sure of an offside call, one wonders if FIFA actually gave that order or not. One of the 'excuses' that was actually voiced by some was that 'the game is faster these days', a truly sad testament to the low standards of officiating.
Shocks and upsets dominated most groups. France's inability to score a single goal was the most surprising. The absence of a fit Zidane is not enough to explain their lack of success. If a team cannot deliver without any one player then that team is not only poor but also not deserving of any accolades. The group of death provided the most curious finish. Sweden, the team picked by many to finish last, topped a group where England, Argentina and Nigeria were all disappointing. The game between England and Nigeria was perhaps the most boring and lackluster of the group stages. The second stage provided more upsets but one game stands out as an example. The Italy-Korea game didn't only feature the usual wrong calls by the officials but also provided the blunder of the World Cup. Coach Trapattoni's decision to replace a forward, Alex Del Piero, with a midfielder while ahead by only one goal and with 30 minutes to go was mind-boggling. That game should be remembered as a day of triumph for positive, attacking football, it should also contribute to the feeling that the Italian defensive style does not work at the highest level. The so-called counter-attacking tactics are even less effective when the forwards necessary to supply the finishing touches at the end of those runs are not even on the field. The anger over poor officiating has forced FIFA to 'propose' some changes, whether any are seriously under consideration is open to question. The first option is to add a fourth official somewhere on the field perhaps behind the goals. 'Technological' aids to help with offside calls are also a possibility. The most important and realistic of the options is to choose referees based on experience and to make the job a full time one. Anybody who follows soccer year round knows that the more 'experienced' referees of the European leagues are make only slightly less likely to make mistakes but the idea of having full time referees is a good move because one hopes that the threat of getting fired from their one and only job will have the refs more prepared. The cries of sore losers directed at the likes of Italy and Spain are justified but don't detract from the fact that both have reasons to feel angered at the many wrong calls made against them. FIFA have also felt the pressure and have hit back at the big soccer powers by making the case that their poor showing was due to their jam-packed domestic and European schedules. FIFA have even threatened to limit the size of top European leagues, surely one more way for Sepp Blatter to hit back at his old enemy, the UEFA president Lennart Johansson.
LongLiveSoccer Awards:

Team of the World Cup: Turkey
Surprise of the World Cup: Senegal
Disappointing Team of the World Cup: Tie between Italy/Argentina/France
Best player: Ronaldo (Brazil)
Worst player: Al-Deayea (Saudi Arabia)
LongLiveSoccer.com Team of the World Cup

Group G includes Italy, Ecuador, Croatia and Mexico.
Italy's national team has been mainly unsuccessful and a World Cup final appearance against Brazil at USA '94 was not enough for a nation longing for a repeat performance of Spain '82. The attacking players on this year's team are impressive. Totti, Vieri , Del Piero, Delvecchio, and Filippo Inzaghi provide coach Trapattoni with lots of options. The midfield also provides plenty of quality in Tomassi, Gattuso, Di Livio and Di Biagio. Toldo and Buffon provide the team with two super star keepers, something that no other team can seriously claim to have.
Ecuador have qualified for their first World Cup. The attack is in the 'good feet' of Kaviedes and Delgado. Coach Gomez has World Cup experience with Colombia but Ecuador's first involvement in the tournament is unlikely to be a successful one.
Croatia surprised many by their semi-final achievement at France '98 The star players, Suker and Prosinecki, of '98 are older and at the end of their playing careers. The new, young players lack experience but the likes of Niko and Robert Kovac provide promise. One player missing through injury is defender Igor Tudor, arguably their most important player. The ability of coach Jozic to find a replacement for the physical defender is crucial.
The ever-present Mexico come into this World Cup having struggled to qualify through the CONCACAF campaign. The team looked certain to miss the World Cup until coach Aguirre took over midway through the final qualifying phase. Veterans like Garcia Aspe and Blanco must play up to their capabilities if Mexico is going to make the second round.

LongLiveSoccer.com Prediction:
1.Italy
2.Croatia
3.Mexico
4.Ecuador

Group H features Japan, Belgium, Russia and Tunisia.
Japan made the right decision when they hired Philippe Troussier as coach. He is the kind that can develop young players and is a smart tactician as well. Under Troussier's guidance Japan have been good and have improved. Of course having players such as Hidetoshi Nakata and Shinji Ono on the team helps but the coach's work in developing the likes of koji Nakata and Atsushi Yanagisawa has been impressive as well. The France'98 experience gives them a chance to advance.
Belgium and Russia are hard to read. Their qualifying campaigns were solid if not impressive, in a group which also features Japan (at home) it is very difficult to separate the three teams. Injuries and nerves will be the deciding factors of this group. Key players for Belgium will be the likes of forward Sonck and defender Deflandre and for Russia forward Beschastnykh and goalkeeper Nigmatullin.
It is highly unlikely that Tunisia will offer much of a resistance after the exit of coach Henri Michel who left the team amid poor results and selection controversy.

LongLiveSoccer.com Prediction:
1.Belgium
2.Japan
3.Russia
4.Tunisia

Group F the newest edition of the 'group of death' features Argentina , England, Sweden and Nigeria.
Based on results and on paper Argentina are the favorites. The list of players reads like a all star team. There is so much talent that players like Riquelme and Saviola are on the outside looking in. This team includes names like Crespo, Batistuta, Veron, Ortega and 'Kily' Gonzalez. In goal they have the very impressive Burgos. Vivas will be missed in but the quality in midfield will more than compensate for any missing defenseman. Almeyda and/or Simeone will play the defensive midfield role and Ortega will create and score.
England, under coach Eriksson, are a young and somewhat unpredictable. One must remember that despite destroying Germany 5-1 they needed a last minute equalizer against Greece to qualify directly for the World Cup. The pace of Owen and the strength of Heskey means that the Liverpool teammates will provide the goals. In midfield a fit Beckham and Scholes will create the chances. The defense lacks experience but is better off without the somewhat unreliable Neville brothers.
Sweden are a solid team that rely on their collective strength. The team also includes individual stars such as Larsson and Ljungberg. Their success will depend on the form of goalkeeper Hedman and most importantly the ability of the aforementioned stars to reproduce their spectacular club form.
Nigeria carry some of Africa's hopes-along with Cameroon. Coach Onigbinde's tactics have drawn criticism because he has been using unknown players and not calling up on stars like Oliseh for the recent friendlies. All should change in time for the real games and important players like Kanu and Okocha will play but they may not have the means to advance from this group.

LongLiveSoccer.com Prediction:
1.Argentina
2.England
3.Sweden
4.Nigeria

Group C features Brazil, Turkey, Costa Rica and China.
Brazil's struggles have continued in the past 4 years. Criticism of their style has also become louder especially since an openly aggressive coach, Felipe Scolari, is coaching them. The truth is Brazil hasn't really played their famous flowing style for over 10 years and has managed to win a World Cup without it. The lack of action of Ronaldo, due to long term injuries, should be Brazil's main concern. In the few matches that Ronaldo played for Inter Milan this past season there he showed signs of being able to hit top form quickly; partnered with an in-form Ronaldinho attack is not going to be Brazil's problem. Defence, their old Achilles heel, will be a problem.
Turkey gained valuable experience at Euro 2000 and that may be enough for them to be able to finish second in this group. Much will depend on goalkeeper Rustu Recber's form and the ability of midfielders Basturk and Emre to provide the quality balls for forwards Sukur and Sas.
China has qualified for their first World Cup and teams coached by Bora Milutinovic can not be underestimated. Additionally China actually has players with European experience in Fan Zhiyi and Sun Jihai. However the lack of experience at such a high level will make this World Cup a learning experience more than anything else.
Costa Rica surprised many at Italia '90 by progressing to the second round. The draw makes a repeat a possibility. The form of star forward, Paulo Wanchope, will be crucial as he has been battling injury and defensive players like Mauricio Silos have to play at their best if Costa Rica are to have a chance.

LongLiveSoccer.com Prediction:
1.Brazil
2.Turkey
3.Costa Rica
4.China

Group D features co-hosts South Korea, Poland, United States and Portugal.
South Korea being one of the hosts were seeded in the FIFA draw which opened the possibility of an easy group, one that does not feature the likes of Argentina and France for example.
The co-hosts have improved under the coaching of former Holland boss Guus Hiddink. What they have gained in discipline and tactical play will be more offset by the pressure of playing at home and the expectations that come with it.
Poland raced through the qualifiers due mainly to the goal scoring form of the naturalized forward Emmanuel Olisadebe but their recent form, admittedly only at friendlies, gives reason for concern. Having Jerzy Dudek in goal will insure that score lines stay low and it is up to Olisadebe and Kryszalowicz to provide the offence.
Portugal's current generation have promised a lot and began to show that promise at Euro 2000. One hopes that they have learnt from their mistakes and take what could be their last chance. Important players like Figo and especially Rui Costa had difficult seasons and the team's progress will depend on their form. One player that has had an excellent season is Pauleta-playing for Bordeaux and finishing the season joint top scorer- could be the surprise of the World Cup.
The US failed to improve on their USA '94 performance during the 1998 World Cup where they finished last overall. In goal they have two solid, experienced goalies but the defence is somewhat slow where opposing strikers have an easy time attacking through the middle. The loss, due to injury, of promising midfielder Chris Armas has lowered expectations further. The US will need to be at their very best if they are to score enough goals to win.

LongLiveSoccer.com Prediction:
1.Portugal
2.Poland
3.S.Korea
4.USA

Group B features Spain, Paraguay, South Africa and Slovenia.
Spain is always one of the favorites but is also always one of the more disappointing. A team that includes the likes of Raul, Tristan, Hierro and Helguera must be considered a favorite whatever past experiences show. The only component that is required is a mental one. The players have to be taught that they are capable of beating any team and that they should beat any team. Coach Camacho's personality may be the thing needed to provide the players with that belief.
Paraguay is a solid team led by the Italian Cesare Maldini who was appointed their coach after the qualification process had concluded. In Chilavert they have a leader unlike any, his reputation as a journalist-punching keeper is well publicized but on the field he is the man that carries the team. His suspension for the first two group games is a huge blow so players like Gamarra have to play well until he comes back for the last group game against Slovenia.
The experience gained by South Africa in France '98 is invaluable. Shaun Bartlett who scored at France '98 will play alongside Benny McCarthy and their goals will be crucial if South Africa is going to have any chance. The disappointing result at the African Nations Cup resulted in the hiring of a new coach. Jomo Sono, a South African with no big match coaching experience, has the task of continuing the good job started by the former coach, the Portuguese Carlos Queiroz.
As mentioned the World Cup has not been kind to rookies. Slovenia, coached by the World Cup veteran Katanec surprised many by qualifying for Euro 2000 and now the World Cup. Slovenia has to play a team game and not rely on their only 'superstar' -Zahovic- if they are to have any chance at all. A lot will depend on the play of the likes of Pavlin and Osterc. The recent experience gained at Euro 2000 may be helpful but the World Cup is a completely different competition.

LongLiveSoccer.com Prediction:
1.Spain
2.Paraguay
3.S.Africa
4.Slovenia

For many years clubs have been reluctant to release their players for national team freindlies. The club team say that they are the ones paying the players' wages and therefore do want to lose their players during the season. Other excuses used by the clubs include the risk of injury to the player and others.
The shocking thing to me is that some of the Soccer media seem to take the clubs' side (see World Soccer March 2000) eventhough I seem to remember the same columnists argue for the importance of the national team only a few years back. Sure those same columnists now claim that freindlies are 'unnecessary' and that they have nothing against legitimate tournaments. To this I say the following, you need those 'unnecessary' games to prepare for the real thing and freindlies are better than the mini tournaments masked as genuine championships (too numerous to mention).
It gets even worse when clubs refuse to let the player go to proper continental championships (Kanu (Arsenal) to African Cup of Nations etc.) now that's indefensible.

It is prediction time! The Euro 2000 draw is behind us and the groups live up to their designation, group D can again be called the "group of death" with Holland, Czech rep., France and Denmark. My betting is on Holland, by virtue of being co-hosts, and the Czechs, based on recent form, to make it to the quarters.
Group A features the two World Cup bidders-England and Germany- in the same group again (see 2002 qualifying) both of which must be considered favorites since Romania and Portugal are not as effective in big tournaments.
Group B features the 'other' host matched up with Italy, improving Turkey and Sweden in arguably the easiest group. Italy have been playing poorly as of yet but will get the results and progress; Belgium on the other hand show signs of improvement with the likes of Strupar but will struggle to go through. Sweden will be the other team to progress unless home support for blocks their way at the expense of Belgium.
Group C features last minute qualifiers Yugoslavia, revelations Slovenia, alongside Norway and Spain. My bets are on Yugoslavia and Spain going through but Norway may make at the expense of Yugoslavia.
Jumping ahead I still feel that Spain will finally fulfill their potential and win a major senior tournament in a final against the Netherlands.

The reigning Serie A champs have not been playing to their expected potential this season. Following last year's narrow championship victory many were expecting more from Milan this season, especially since they had secured several signings that were considered significant (Shevchenko, …) .
More than a third of the season has passed Milan are sitting in sixth place, out of European competition, not taking care of the opposition in the Coppa and Zac has been close to being fired. Most surprising is the number of goals allowed or maybe that should be the least surprising considering the 3-4-3 system is often used.
The forwards are often having difficulty connecting with the midfield therefore many counterattacks are going to waste. The weakness of the midfield was evident in many games over the past few years and not much has been done to remedy that hopefully the next signings will address the lack of midfield quality before anything else so that the midfield players can compliment the quality and strength of the forwards.

With 12 of the 16 teams already decided and the other 4 soon to be it is prediction time. First to the playoffs that will determine the final 4 qualifiers.
The England - Scotland match up:
This is the most anticipated because of the rivalry that goes back some 100 years. Scotland are the more stable and organized team whereas England are more out of sorts and could not come with good results against much weaker teams in their group. Injuries are also of concern to England as was the case during most of the qualifying phase. Still the edge goes to England because of their overall performance and talent level.
Ukraine vs. Slovenia:
These 2 teams don't have much of a history for obvious reasons and probably wouldn't have a chance to qualify if the European championship wasn't expanded to its current 16-team format. As far as talent goes there is no comparison, Slovenia doesn't have the players of Rebrov's or Shevchenko's talents; however, Ukraine also had to struggle through some of its matches (vs. Iceland…) and are anything but consistent. Edge goes to Ukraine.
Turkey vs. Rep. of Ireland:
The highly unpredictable Turkey make it impossible to guess the outcome of this playoff, Turkey have beaten Germany and lost to Finland 4 days later. The key to the outcome is the result in Turkey as the atmosphere there has intimidated many in recent times therefore the qualifier will be the one that manages that game to their advantage. Edge Turkey.
Denmark vs. Israel
Denmark started the post Laudrups era poorly but have bounced back nicely recently. Their 3-2 win in Italy is a moral booster. Israel's lack of experience of this level of competition will be their biggest handicap therefore Denmark are the clear favorites here.
As far the actual competition goes the usual suspects are the favorites, any team from England to Germany can win the tournament. Something tells me that the time has come for Spain to bury their underachieving past and win a major championship for only their second time.