Group B continued...

Paraguay

This will be the South American side's third successive World Cup, and they've progressed to the second round in all of those three. This time they hope to go beyond the round of 16, but it won't be easy.

There's the gang. If there were WC points awarded for tight-knit-group team photos they'd already be ahead of the game.

World Cup Pedigree: Solid. Have qualified seven times overall and for the last three in succession.

Historical Significance: Fuckall.

Star Player: A few mentionables. Carlos Gamarra, as well as sharing the name of Godzilla's rival, has been a rock-solid defender for many years at both club and country level. He was also a very worthwhile purchase for my Winning Eleven 6 team. Forward Roque Santa Cruz, as well as having a very cool name, is an exciting forward who is currently battling injury and may or may not play the first match against England. Carlos Paredes, as well as having a last name that means "stops" in Spanish, is an all-action midfielder.

Strengths: Good mixture of trusted veterans and up-and-coming youngsters.

Weaknesses: No Jose Luis Chilavert, their former star goalkeeper, means their trademark stifling defense is no longer worthy of the name.

Expectations: Having comfortably qualified from a strong region and with ample cup experience, they fully expect at least a second round berth.

Fun Fact: Paraguay spelled backwards is Yaugarap.

The Prognosis: Paraguay are known for their strong defensive tactics. At France 98 they lost 1-0 to the hosts in the latter stages of extra-time, and in 2002 they conceded the same score to eventual finalists Germany in what was unquestionably the most boring game of the tournament. This time they are not so solid at the back but have quality in attack to compensate. Will give England and Sweden a real battle for the second round.

Sweden

The Swedes have become a fixture at the World Cup, this being their 11th finals appearance. In 2002 they lost to Senegal in extra-time at the round of 16.

World Cup Pedigree: Quite good. Lost in the final as hosts in 58 to Pele's Brazil. Made the semi-finals at USA 94 where they fell to Romario's Brazil.

Historical Significance: Abba

Star Man: Take your pick. Juventus forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic is a real talent, as is Arsenal midfielder Freddie Ljungberg. Celtic legend and current Barcelona hero Henrik Larsson is no slouch either.

Strengths: The aforementioned trio provide a lot of firepower going forward. Goalkeeper Andreas Isaksson was a rock in qualifying.

Weaknesses: Nothing of note. Ibrahimovic has a volatile temper that could cost his team dearly if he is not careful.

Expectations: The Swedes have been here many times and fully expect to make the round of 16 and beyond. They don't fear England one bit.

Fun Fact: Swedish Meatballs are made from ground-up Norwegians.

The Prognosis: The Swedes are known for their unflappable Scandinavian efficiency. At one point their defensive style was dubbed Swedenaccio, a take on the patented Italian catenaccio defense whereby a team loads up at the back and scavenges for counterattack opportunities. Very frustrating stuff. Just ask England, who haven't beaten them in a very long time. In 2002 England were lucky to come away with a 1-1 draw. Well-equipped to make the second round and beyond, though Paraguay may have something to say about that, probably something like: "No way Jose, we going to second round, ok amigo?"