Group D continued......

Mexico

Ok, it's been a few days but I'm back. So are Mexico, one of football's most colorful sides, literally and figuratively. They have a good combination of youth and experience, plus they are riding high on their 2005 Confederations Cup performance in which they beat the mighty Brazilians.

Here we see the prolific Jared Borgetti congratulated by teammates after a goal. Unfortunately he hasn't been scoring much, or playing for that matter, with Bolton in the EPL but he will still be heavily relied upon this summer by los tricolores.

World Cup Pedigree: Very good. Have qualified numerous times and twice made the quarterfinals as hosts.

Country's Cultural Significance: Lovely food and ancient ruins.

Star Player: Defender Rafael Marquez is a wall in Barcelona's defense and intends to stifle Mexico's opponents in Germany.

Strengths: Only a handful of the squad play overseas(outside Mexico) so they have been able to play many matches together, making them a very cohesive unit. Very organized and let's not forget the fighting spirit they are known for.

Weaknesses: Striker Cuauhtemoc Blanco, despite being a very prolific scorer was not selected apparently because he's a dick, which doesn't fit with their team spirit. His absence combined with Borgetti's rustiness could spell a goal drought.

Entertainment Value: 7. Mexico always come to play and never say die.

Fun Fact: A Mexican college professor of mine was incredulous when I informed him that the USA had in fact defeated Mexico in competition before. That was in 2000. He looked at me with a patronising smile and said, Cuando? Man if I could have seen his face after the US knocked them out in 2002. On a side note, the most memorable play of that game for me was Marquez clobbering Cobi Jones with the most egregious foul I've ever seen, a combined aerial headbutt and kick. Jones lay prostrate, Marquez was sent packing. That was some Street Fighter shit.

Expectations: They fully expect to qualify from this relatively weak group, and perhaps have designs on the quarterfinals.

The Prognosis: Should get out of the group but no further.

IRAN

Last but not least we have Iran. Certain politicos wanted to kick them out of the cup, and half the world is trying to squeeze their nuclear ambitions. They should be extra motivated this summer.

World Cup Pedigree: Not much. This is their third WC. They've only won one game out of six played, but that was against the USA in 98. Prior to that match the Iranian players offered the stunned Americans flowers and chocolates before beating them 2-1. I'll never forget ABC tv commentator Brent Musberger's emphatic pre-game prediction: "USA all the way baby. 3 nil." Stick to college football Brent.

Historical Significance: The Persian Empire

Strengths: Good in attack with legendary forward Ali Daei, who is old as hell but has scored a hell of a lot in his career. Have several players based with German clubs, so they won't be fazed by the atmosphere.

Weaknesses: They don't have a lot of experience at this level.

Star Player: Ali Karimi was the 2004 Asian Footballer of the Year and currently plays for Bayern Munich. Bayern just lost their all-world playmaker Michael Ballack to Chelsea. Karimi is so highly rated that the club expect him to fill those shoes.

Entertainment Value: 7. They like to get forward.

Fun Fact: Iran President Ahmadinejad has expressed an interest in attending the Cup, and was even invited by a German politician. Germany, however, has anti-Holocaust denial laws that could put him in hot water so he'll probably watch from the comfort of the couch.

Expectations: They qualified rather easily so they fancy their first ever second round berth.

The Prognosis: If they beat Angola and sneak a point off either Portugal or Mexico they could advance. I wouldn't bet on it though.