Group A

Match	Date	Local Time	Teams	Venue	Score
1	31 May	20:30	France: Senegal	Seoul
3	01 Jun	18:00	Uruguay: Denmar	Ulsan
18	06 Jun	20:30	France: Uruguay	Busan
20	06 Jun	15:30	Denmark: Senegal	Daegu
33	11 Jun	15:30	Denmark: France	Incheon	tba
34	11 Jun	15:30	Senegal: Uruguay	Suwon	tba

Defending champions France, the class of this group, have the depth and skill to guarantee getting off to a great start against newcomers Senegal. The toughest task for Roger Lemerre will be to decide who sits on the bench. However, Uruguay with history on their side and Denmark with their natural flare for the unexpected will be a much stiffer challenge. Especially if France's Zinedine Zidane is not 100% fit.
Look for France and Denmark to advance.

Group B

Habitual underachievers Spain have been drawn in one of the weaker groups and are confident they'll progress to the round of 16. With their multi-talented roster who'd dare argue. Paraguay, with ex-Italian coach Cesare Maldini at the helm, and the charismatic Jose Luis Chilavert in goal are the likeliest to accompany Spain to the next round. Slovenia and South Africa will be no pushovers but lack experience at this level. For my money Spain and Paraguay will move on.

Group C

Four-time champions Brazil would appear to have a walk-over into the next round but their unusually poor form in qualifying has given the other three teams a glimmer of hope. Turkey face Brazil first and a win for Coach Senol Gunes is not out of the question with striker Hakan Sukur in his side. Costa Rica who qualified first from CONCACAF also boast a top class goal getter in Paulo Wanchope and cannot be taken lightly. Bora Milutinovic, the coach of many colours, will need all his World Cup experience to give China even the slightest hope in this group. In my book Brazil and Turkey will go forward.

Group D

Portugal have had more than their share of bad luck in previous World Cup and Euro 2000 competitions but coach Antonio Oliveira must have thought his luck had changed when he saw Group D. World class players like Rui Costa, Luis Figo, Nuno Gomes et al make Portugal seemingly easy winners of this group. Who accompanies them through is not so easy. Poland have a strong squad. The USA are improving every season and the Korea Republic have the luxury of playing in their own ball park(s). I have to fancy Portugal and Poland to go through.

Group E

There's not much to pick between the four teams in Group E despite the presence of some pretty big names. Germany's form is not what you'd expect from a country with a hattrick of World Cup wins, but tradition is on their side. Cameroon is the most popular outsider and certainly has the skill and talent to win but not the composure. Mick McCarthy's much publicized flare up with skipper Roy Keane has to damage the Republic's chances and Saudi Arabia's third World Cup appearance should bring little more than further experience. Germany and Cameroon are my picks.

Group F

Argentina are the seeds in this "group of death" and the favourites to advance but there will be no easy pickings here. All four teams are well balanced, strong, fit, skillful and experienced. Argentina would appear to have the most depth. England's optimism and confidence after an impressive qualifying campaign have taken a severe knock due to several untimely injuries. Nigeria are physically the strongest and like Cameroon seem due to live up to their potential. Sweden are clever and adaptable. Pick any two from four and you can't be far off. I'll go out on a limb for Argentina and Nigeria.

Group G

Three time winners Italy have the ability to raise their level of play in big games, and none are bigger than the World Cup finals. Coach Giovanni Trapattoni has great goalkeeping, a strong and stubborn defense, hard ball winners and clever playmakers in midfield and strikers who love to mix it up in the box. Italy's main threat should come from Croatia who despite failing to qualify for Euro 2000 still draw confidence from their third place finish in France '98. Unlike France, this time round they will have superstar Alen Boksic to rely on. Mexico and debutants Ecuador will be awkward opponents but they shouldn't be able to prevent Italy and Croatia from going to the final sixteen.

Group H

On paper Belgium and Russia look the likeliest to advance but the home crowd may have an influence on that. Co-hosts Japan will surely benefit from the tremendous local support. Add the team's enthusiasm and much improved skills and they have a good chance of playing more than three games. If they can avoid defeat in their first two games against Belgium and Russia they will have the confidence to overcome an ill-prepared Tunisia. It's a tough call but Belgium and Japan get my vote.

Round of 16

We will fill in the teams as soon as round one is completed.