Soccer: World Cup

08:59 PM CDT on Monday, June 5, 2006

By STEVE DAVIS / The Dallas Morning News

FIFA rank: 9

Looks good: Outstanding depth, talent equal to Brazil.

Trouble spot: Good but not exceptional forwards.

Overview: Tightly packed with expert skill, this two-time winner also has motivation after a first-round choke in 2002. Only internal upheaval or the lack of a defined system could undermine a title challenge. The burden of expectation does weigh heavily, however, on a team that hasn't passed the quarters since Maradona, et al won in '86.

FIFA rank: 3

Looks good: Balance of grit, skills; plentiful options.

Trouble spot: Concerning lack of big-game experience.

Overview: While upholding Holland's tradition for silky-smooth players, this version is not as canny as the '74 Dutch, who fell to the hosts in the final in Germany. Sharpshooting Ruud van Nistelrooy fronts the attack. Cerebral, risk-taking manager Marco van Basten drove the KNVB through qualifying using hungry, unsung defenders and midfield ball-winners.

FIFA rank: 32

Looks good: Best talent among the African nations.

Trouble spot: Questionable mental toughness.

Overview: This is enormously cathartic for a nation split by civil war. The Elephants outlasted Cameroon and Egypt in the increasingly fierce African qualifying hunt. Most regulars play in the underrated French Ligue 1. The World Cup debutantes lean heavily on powerful, determined striker Didier Drogba – and any team with a difference-making scorer can cause trouble.

FIFA rank: 44

Looks good: Commitment to defense.

Trouble spots: Thin in spots, no big stars.

Overview: The stingiest of back lines allowed one goal in 10 qualifiers as "The Blues" overtook a group that included Cup regulars Spain and Belgium. The former Yugoslav republics could be the next Eastern European surprise team. Or, given the ridiculously tough group, they might not even see second-round light.

• Argentine attacker Lionel "Leo" Messi, 18, the brightest young star in Germany, is battling a leg injury and may be limited.

• Depending on his current form, Serbia and Montenegro striker Mateja Kezman can be unreliable or utterly unbelievable.

• Count on Argentina's mighty midfield to conduct a clinic on the merits of short, sharp passing.

• Argentina was a huge bust in World Cup 2002, but the Dutch didn't even qualify.

Juan Riquelme, Argentina: Argentina's substantial options for formations and personnel are dizzying. Whatever manager Jose Pekerman chooses, this is certain: it will center on the pass and possession maestro.

To watch Argentina's inventive midfield playmaker is to study a man who understands, with crystal clarity, the moment around him. His effectiveness stems from a keen awareness of where his teammates are (and where they are going) and from "feeling" where pressure is coming from.

Because he processes scenes so quickly, Riquelme can tear open defenses with surprise passes, unseen by even the savviest defender.

Riquelme, 27, guided unfashionable Spanish club Villarreal to the Champions League semifinals. Hauling such a small club up such steep heights sent the giants of Italy and England scurrying, checkbooks in hand, although Riquelme will apparently stay in Spain.

Ever wondered why soccer players are sometimes referred to as "artists?" Watch this man.

Argentina vs. The Netherlands: Frankfurt, a buttoned-up business center, landed the World Cup party plum of the first round. This is a potential goal-fest, a clash of lands with a history of classic meetings.

This is hands-down the tough thug of a group you'd cross the street to avoid. Any team could advance. Old favorites Argentina and Holland have a slight edge – but don't go betting the house on it.