Group C continued...

Holland

Holland are known as "the greatest team never to win the World Cup." Anybody who saw the heartbreaking 1974 Final loss to hated rivals Germany would agree, as the Dutch side that year looked invincible but fell victim to overconfidence, not to mention the brilliance of Franz Beckenbauer. Having missed out on the 2002 Cup, this bunch will be rearing to go in June.

World Cup Pedigree: Superb. Two-time finalists and late round appearances on other occasions, but never won it all.

Country's Cultural Contributions: Wooden shoes and legal drugs.

Strengths: This technically gifted squad appears to gel, something that hasn't always happened with past Dutch national sides.

Weaknesses: Without the likes of veteran players Edgar Davids and Clarence Seedorf(both not selected), these guys look very young and a little raw.

Star Player: Striker Ruud van Nistelrooy had a nightmare season with Manchester United but will be relied upon to work his former magic in Germany. When on form there are few as lethal in front of goal.

Expectations: Coming so close on many occasions has made the Dutch fans a cynical, wary lot. Nevertheless, a wealth of talent means they are rightfully among the favorites.

Fun Fact: Legal drugs and prostitution. What could be more fun than that?

The Prognosis: Holland didn't make the 2002 World Cup having lost out to Ireland in qualifying(thank God). The Cup just isn't the same without them though, as their fans are always among the most colorful and boisterous. Their football is regularly attractive too and they wouldn't mind emulating the form of the last Dutch team to play a World Cup in Germany. The '74 squad led by Johan Cruyff played a new brand of game labeled "total football" that will never be forgotten. This time they've been drawn into the dreaded group of death so even second round qualification is not a given. Nevertheless, they have more than enough talent to go far and will be extra-motivated by playing in historical nemesis Germany's back yard.

Ivory Coast

Amazingly, all five African representatives in this World Cup are debutantes and Ivory Coast look like the cream of that crop.

World Cup Pedigree: None. First time qualifiers.

Historical Significance: By the beard of Beelzebub, I do not know of any. Lots of ivory apparently.

Strengths: Well balanced, with Didier Drogba in attack and Kolo Toure in defense. Physically strong to boot.

Weaknesses: A perceived lack of discipline. They nearly missed out on qualification by allowing a goal to Cameroon late in the African qualifiers.

Star Man: Drogba starts for all-world Chelsea and was instrumental in securing the country's qualification. Kolo Toure has been outstanding in Arsenal's defense and played a superb match in the Champions League Final against Barcelona.

Expectations: African football was never respected until Cameroon beat Argentina in the opening match of the 1990 World Cup. Since then other African sides have done well at the tournament, most notably Senegal and Nigeria. This Ivory Coast team is solid and the home fans expect great things.

Fun Facts: The Ivory Coast is neither ivory nor a coast. Discuss.

The Prognosis: African teams, generally speaking, represent an unpredictbable element in World Cup competitions. They tend to bring a combination of athleticism and flair that frequently unsettles the more favored European and South American sides. If any African country is going to make a run this time, it's Ivory Coast.