France 98 - The Groups

The time is here, the date is set, and the World Cup is just around the corner.  The showpiece of the Beautiful Game comes to historic France this time around, sixty years after Les Bleus last hosted the competition in 1938, the last World Cup to take place before the Second World War.  This time around Europe is at peace, and the French public are throwing their support behind their national heroes, and flinging their doors to the world, with a greater number of teams competing in this World Cup than ever before.  Between 10 June and 12 July, 32 nations will set up camp in the country bringing their cultures and colours with them from across the globe.  As well as the old stalwarts of international football – Germany, Italy, Brazil, Argentina, England and the Netherlands – there’s also a few new flavours in town – Croatia, Jamaica, Japan and South Africa have qualified for the very first time, adding their shirts to the dazzling festival that awaits.

The Groups

For the first time, the World Cup finals have been expanded to include 32 teams, and the tournament will have eight groups of four teams, with the top two sides from each group qualifying for the second round.  We’re particularly looking forward to a tasty little affair in Group E, where the Netherlands and Belgium resume familiar hostilities, whilst over in Group F, the clash between the USA and Iran is bound to see fireworks – many are already calling it “the most politically charged match in football history.”  Meanwhile, over in Group H, Croatia make their first ever appearance as an independent state, having broken away from Yugoslavia – there’s a possibility that these two nations could meet in the Quarter Finals, in what would be a footballing powder keg.

Casting our eye over these eight groups, there's not an easy one among them.  "Group of Death" status this time possibly goes to Group E, with four excellent teams competing for the two qualifying places; and Group D, a hard group to call with tenacious Bulgaria, flamboyant Nigeria, skilful Paraguay, and everybody's "dark horse" Spain making it anyone's guess.  The first match kicks off on 10 June, and will see the defending champions Brazil begin the defence of their crown against Scotland in Paris.