World Cup 2006 Preview: Group C
*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.*
Group C at World Cup 2006 has been billed as the Group of Death, the term given to the toughest group in the tournament. Two-time world cup champions, Argentina, are the favorites, along with European powerhouse, Holland. Joining them in the group are the Ivory Coast, or Cote d’Ivoire, and Serbia & Montenegro. All six games in this group should be incredible to watch.
Twenty years after Diego Maradona led Argentina to their most recent world cup triumph, Argentina has a new wizard. His name is Lionel Messi, and at 18 years of age, he may already be the best player on the planet. His absurd skills will dazzle and disturb you. You may find yourself wanting to drink rice wine or take up fencing.
Last summer Messi led the Argentine youth team to a world championship, where he was named the player of the tournament. Since then he has helped make his club team, Barcelona, the best in the world. Now, in perhaps the world’s craziest soccer culture, he is the new messiah. Joined by a superb supporting cast, Messi may lead Argentina all the way to the title.
Frequently among the favorites to lift the World Cup trophy, Holland has never succeeded to do so. The heyday of Dutch soccer was in the 1970’s when they reached back to back World cup championship matches. During that time the Dutch developed their style of Total Football, in which every player is capable of playing any position on the field. At its best, Dutch football is breathtaking, producing brilliant team goals. However, the Dutch seem plagued by a lack of consistency, a fatal flaw in a single elimination tournament. This time around the Dutch had a nearly perfect qualifying campaign, winning 11 of their 12 matches, and drawing the other. Perhaps this is a good omen for their young and skillful team. A first round exit may be just as likely as a world cup triumph.
The Ivory Coast arrives at its first World Cup with an exciting team that seems to have a bit of magic on their side. The Elephants, as the Ivorians are known, qualified out of the toughest group in Africa, surpassing World Cup perennials Cameroon and African Champions, Egypt. On the final day of qualifying, Cameroon missed a last second penalty, vaulting the Ivory Coast into the tournament. The Elephants are coached by Frenchman Henri Michel, who has already led teams to the World Cup on three previous occasions (France, Cameroon, and Tunisia). He will have the talented Ivorian team attacking at every chance. Led by world class striker, Didier Drogba, the Elephants will be wonderful to watch.
Billed as the worst team in Group C, Serbia & Montenegro, has an outstanding record that should not be overlooked. Undefeated in ten qualifying games, the Serbians surrendered only one goal in those matches. The team plays with a harmonious flow to their game, with an emphasis on defense. Their style may be frustrating for a group filled with attacking teams.
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.
