| GROUP F | |||
|---|---|---|---|
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Brazil | Australia | Croatia | Japan |
The Big Match
Croatia vs. Australia: The Australians and Croats meet in the Group E finale in a game that could decide second place. Look for an open contest as both sides will need to score goals - second place will more than likely come down to goal difference. These two sides have met four times since 1992 with Australia leading the series (2 wins, 1 draw, 1 loss). Croatia crushed Australia 7-0 in their last game, a June 6, 1998 friendly.
| Date | Teams | City |
|---|---|---|
| June 12 | 
Australia vs. 
Japan |
Kaiserslautern |
| June 13 | 
Brazil vs. 
Croatia |
Berlin |
| June 18 |
Brazil vs.
Australia |
Munich |
|
Japan vs.
Croatia |
Nuremberg | |
| June 22 |
Japan vs.
Brazil |
Dortmund |
|
Croatia vs.
Australia |
Stuttgart |
What the experts say:
John F. Molinaro, Editor, World Cup 2006, CBC Sports Online:
If Brazil doesn't finish in first place, I would be very surprised. They have
such great depth that they could field two teams that could meet in the finals
at the World Cup. They're going to easily samba their way to first place in
Group F.
Second place is a bit of a toss up. Australia is very hungry after being away
from the World Cup for 32 years, but I don't think Dutch coach Guus Hiddink,
the architect behind South Korea's semifinal run four years ago, will be able
to pull off the same magic with the Aussies. Croatia has a point to prove
after disappointing at the 2002 World Cup and Euro 2004 and will edge Australia
for second place.
Even with Brazilian icon Zico serving as coach, I don't see Japan being able
to overcome its lack of goal scoring.
Predicted finish: 1) Brazil, 2) Croatia, 3) Australia, 4) Japan
Peter Mallet, Soccer reporter, Globe and Mail:
Brazil technical director Mario Zagallo is bang-on in his assertion that the
rest of the nations at this year's tournament "fear" facing the
defending champions. Although their biggest danger is slipping into cruise
control, the 'samba masters' appear even stronger than before with veterans
such as free-wheeling defender Roberto Carlos (Real Madrid), clinical striker
Ronaldo (Real Madrid) and magician Ronaldinho (Barcelona), as well as some
newer faces - teen sensation Robinho (Real Madrid) and midfielder Kaka (AC
Milan).
The other big story in Group F could be the rise to prominence of 2002 World Cup hosts Japan who are coached by former Brazilian wizard Zico and will field a number of established stars such as midfielders Shunsuke Nakamura (Celtic), Hidetoshi Nakata (Bolton) and Shinji Ono (Urawa Reds).
Little is expected from Australia, who feature no fewer than nine English based players including strikers Harry Kewell (Liverpool) and Mark Viduka (Middlesbrough). Despite a dramatic penalty kicks playoff qualifying win over Uruguay and they should find it difficult to advance.
The same fate awaits Croatia who was the talk of France 1998 when Davor Suker
beat out Ronaldo for the Golden Boot, but this time the Croats will face an
uphill battle with target man Dado Prso (Rangers) as their key offensive weapon.
Predicted finish: 1) Brazil, 2) Japan, 3) Croatia, 4) Australia
David Pye, Soccer reporter, Grimsby Telegraph:
Favourites Brazil should dance their way through this group with ease with
stars the calibre of world player of the year Ronaldinho pulling the strings.
Ably supported by Kaka, Ronaldo, Adriano and Robinho, the 'Famous Five' will be looking to increase Brazil's World Cup haul even further.
Australia finally made it through a playoff to reach the World Cup and a squad filled with European-based players will be invaluable. Japan is improving all the time and will also surprise a few but Croatia may surprisingly struggle in this group.
The big game will be between the Australians and the Japanese to try and snatch second spot.
Predicted finish: 1) Brazil, 2) Japan, 3) Australia, 4) Croatia