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SPORTS> Team News
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A look at all 32 teams
(AP)
Updated: 2006-06-04 11:09 Capsules of the World Cup field (teams listed alphabetically by group): GROUP A ADVERTISEMENT
Key Player: With an opener against host Germany, Costa Rica's goalkeeper, likely Alvaro Mesen, will be under stress immediately. Coach: Alexandre Guimaraes. Outlook: If Costa Rica avoids a demoralizing rout in the first game, it could emerge from this group behind Germany. It needs more consistent defense and goalkeeping than it got in qualifying, and some key goals from veteran Paulo Wanchope and 21-year-old striker Cristian Bolanos. Germany
Key Player: Midfielder Michael Ballack, headed to Chelsea next season, will be the focal point of the offense and one of the team leaders. Coach: Juergen Klinsmann. Outlook: The German squad has been in transition since finishing runner-up to Brazil four years ago. Klinsmann has alienated some by living in California and using American training methods. But the Germans have been overlooked before, then had a strong tournament. Plus, they are at home. Ecuador
Key Player: Defender Ivan Hurtado must organize the back line that will be challenged by Germany and Costa Rica. Coach: Luis Fernando Suarez. Outlook: Ecuador almost never wins on the road, yet has managed to make two straight World Cups. It's been rocked by an immigration scandal, and doesn't have a lot of depth. Getting out of this group would be a surprise. Poland
Key Player: Keeper Artur Boruc of Celtic is capable of stealing games, and might be needed to do so for Poland to advance. Coach: Pawel Janas. Outlook: After one of the more impressive qualifying efforts, Poland has looked ordinary in exhibition matches. But Janas rarely has had a full team available. The Poles will need to keep scoring down and rely on their goalie to make a difference. GROUP B England
Key Player: Newcastle striker Michael Owen must spark the attack with Wayne Rooney sidelined. Coach: Sven-Goran Eriksson. Outlook: The English always find a way to lose after advancing beyond the first round, even when they are the more talented team. There's lots of skill here, led by Owen, Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard -- plus Rooney if he returns from a broken right foot. Paraguay
Key Player: Roque Santa Cruz of Bayern Munich is the most creative attacker, but he missed five months with torn knee ligaments. His being fit is critical. Coach: Anibal Ruiz. Outlook: In its third straight World Cup, a nice feat for any South American country that isn't Brazil or Argentina, Paraguay has some scoring prowess in Santa Cruz and Nelson Haedo Valdez of Werder Bremen, who should feel at home in Germany. But beating out Sweden or England is a difficult challenge. Sweden
Key Player: Midfielder Fredrik Ljungberg of Arsenal, who has been plagued by injuries throughout his career and currently is bothered by a sore right foot. Coach: Lars Lagerback. Outlook: Never count out the Swedes, who always are a force early in the World Cup. Even with an aching Ljungberg, they have firepower in Juventus striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Barcelona forward Henrik Larsson. And this team has experience under pressure. Trinidad and Tobago
Key Player: Striker Dwight Yorke is the best hope to provide offense, but like the rest of his teammates, he is very inconsistent. Coach: Leo Beenhakker. Outlook: One of the tournament's longest shots, T and T qualified in a special playoff with Bahrain, hardly a strong recommendation for its chances. Trinidad and Tobago opens with powerful England. |
