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World Cup 2006 Preview: Group B

cuplogo.jpg*This post comes from Austinist Special World Cup Correspondent Ben Gardner, Co-Host of KOOP’s SoccerMad, who will be traveling to Germany for this year’s Cup.*

Elvis and Liz Taylor are dancing the tango. The Merry Pranksters stop at the Fillmore to catch Jefferson Airplane. Dr. Zhivago hits the screens, and “The Newlywed Game” premieres on ABC. The year is 1966 and the Beatles are more famous than Jesus.

It has been forty years since England, the originators of the modern game of soccer, claimed their only world cup title, defeating West Germany 4-2 in London’s Wembley stadium. As World Cup 2006 approaches, English fans are desperate to end their world cup drought.

England travel to Germany this summer as one of the favorites to lift the trophy. Their tournament begins with a game on June 10th against Paraguay. Joining them in Group B are European rivals, Sweden, and World Cup rookies, Trinidad & Tobago.

Can you say Metatarsal? If you’re English you can. Over the weekend England’s young star, Wayne Rooney, fractured this little bone in his right foot. It is the same injury that has kept England’s other starting striker, Michael Owen, out of action. Rooney’s injury is a devastating blow to the English team and their supporters. At 20 years of age, Rooney is already one of the best players in the world, as well as the inspirational leader of the national team. (Ed. note: And if you think American sports fans are crazy, check out the story on this English fanatic who has insured himself with a £1m poilcy should he suffer any "psychological trauma" from an early English exit from the Cup.)

Without Rooney to rely on, midfielders Steven Gerrard, and Frank Lampard, will need to play at their highest level. Poster boy David Beckham will join them in the midfield. Beckham’s form over the last two years has been fantastic, and if he can maintain his top form, England may still have a shot at the title.

Sweden is a team loaded with top class players who will believe that a World Cup title is not out of their reach. As always, the Swedes are solid at every position. This year they bring a world class attacking trio: Freddie Ljundberg, Henrik Larsson, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Ibrahimovic is a flamboyant footballing legend. When asked after a recent game if he believed that he would become a great player, he responded, “I am already a great player.” Zlatan’s arrogance may be the missing ingredient to a technically solid Swedish team.

Paraguay brings a team full of experience that should provide a strong challenge to Sweden and England. They are led by Julio Dos Santos and Roque Santa Cruz, whose sweet names and brilliant skills make them the envy of players worldwide. Paraguay has qualified for three consecutive world cups, an impressive feat, considering the strength of their South American rivals. They reached the second round in 1998, and again in 2002. They will have no doubts that they can do the same again.

Last year nobody outside of Trinidad & Tobago would have bet on them to reach the world cup. Even local Zilker Park soccer legends, Tony Joseph and Chamba Alfred, natives of Trinidad, laughed at the thought. In spite of that, the “Soca Warriors”, defeated Bahrain in a playoff to book their place in Germany. Chamba and Alfred point to veteran world class striker, Dwight Yorke, and new coach, Dutchman Leo Beenhakker, as the keys to the team’s recent success. On June 10th Trinidad & Tobago will play their first ever world cup game. The 1.1 million people of this island nation can hardly believe how happy and proud they are of their team. If they get a win, the islands may not be able to contain the celebration. See it, Believe it!

If you love soccer, or would like to learn more about it, check out Ben Gardner and Chris Gaffney on Soccer Mad, every Thursday at 6:00 pm on 91.7 fm KOOP or online.

Official World Cup Site

Contact the author of this article or email tips@austinist.com with further questions, comments or tips.
By matthewodam in on May 4, 2006 12:12 AM 0 Comments

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