The clock is ticking, the kick-off for Germany 2006 is drawing ever nearer and the 32 participants are arriving at their training camps to prepare for the impending global showdown. At least that is the theory.
Italy and the Czech Republic start as favourites in Group E but both Ghana and the United States will fancy their chances of springing a surprise and making it to the second round of the World Cup finals.
Brazil have failed to win any of their last meetings against Group F opponents Croatia, Japan and Australia, suggesting their first round progess will not be as easy as anticipated.
Spain and Ukraine breathed a sigh of relief when they were drawn alongside Tunisia and Saudi Arabia in Group H for the World Cup.
With the clock ticking to the World Cup kickoff in Munich, France are upbeat after they finally hit form but Italy complained of rough treatment in a stuttering draw with Switzerland.
Japan's defence have pledged to tighten up and cut out the silly errors in their final World Cup warm-up game against Malta on Sunday.
Brazil coach Carlos Alberto Parreira has reacted peevishly to claims by Pele that his famous 1970 World Cup-winning side would be too strong for the class of 2006.
Brazil is so loaded with talent that it could probably field the best two teams in the World Cup.
The Netherlands overcame Jared Borgetti's first-half goal to beat Mexico 2-1 Thursday night in an exhibition game between teams expected to reach the second round of the World Cup.
An under-strength South Korea were held to a goalless draw by Norway in a World Cup warm-up match.
Before heading to the World Cup, several members of the U.S. soccer team gathered in New York on Thursday and talked about the expectations generated by the team's No. 5 ranking.
Prince William paid a surprise visit to England's World Cup squad Thursday and was treated to a demonstration of the goal-celebration dance that has amused the nation.
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