World Cup
Day 5
Previews, Predictions, Team and Group Rankings

But first...
Azzurri Breaking News
Like all breaking news, it has to deal with Francesco Totti. After an x-ray earlier today team physcian Enrico said there were no problems on the surgically repaired knee that still has not aloud Totti to regain his form. Also Zambrotta, the key along with Nesta for an Italian world cup run is cleared to play Saturday vs the US. The only piece missing from the Azzurris World Cup puzzle is Gennaro Gattuso. He along with npoc are growing the World Cup beards. He is 60% for the Saturday game against the 0-1 US.










South Korea (-130)
Togo (+290)

Togo is surrounded by turmoil with the coach leaving then returning, players squabbling over money and it has been described as shemballic preparation by one of the ESPN commentators. But Italy was also surrounded by controversy entering their game.

Prati Draw
nandez South Korea
npoc Draw

France (-175)
Switzerland (+450)

Its time for Thierry Henry and Zindane. It is always good to see one of the super powers in action and we'll get to see two today. The tie in this game is being favored according to the sportsbooks.

Prati France
nandez France
npoc France

Brazil (-370)
Croatia (+850)

One of the biggest underdogs of the first round, it seems this game is only a manner of how much the win will be. The only game of the day expected to reach 3 goals this could be a high scoring affair. Ronaldinho is worth the price of admission but how much fun will it be to cheer against the Brazilians.

Prati Brazil
nandez Brazil
npoc Brazil

Record after 4 days
Prati 5-1
npoc 5-1
nandez 4-2

npocs Official World Cup Rankings
After 4 days and 11 matches
6/13 8:55 a.m.
No. 1 Brazil 5
No. 2 England 10
No. 3 Argentina 12
No. 4 Italy 13 51
No. 5 Germany 14 6 1
No. 6 Netherlands 22
No. 7 France 27
No. 8 Spain 28
No. 9 Czech 30 5 1
No. 10 Portugal 41 6 1
No. 11 Mexico 79
No. 12 Croatia 95
No. 13 Sweden 99
No. 14 Australia 154 5 4 Biggest Gainer
No. 15 Ivory Coast 165
No. 16 Ukraine 168 6 2
No. 17 Switzerland 201
No. 18 Ecuador 298 5 1
No. 19 Korea 301 5 2
No. 20 USA 372 6 4 Biggest Loser
No. 21 Paraguay 398 5 1
No. 22 Poland 406
No. 23 Serbia 415
No. 24 Tunisia 487
No. 25 Ghana 708
No. 26 Japan 719
No. 27 Costa Rica 984
No. 28 Iran 1028
No. 29 Trinidad 1234
No. 30 Saudi Arabs 1562
No. 31 Togo 1672
No. 32 Angola 3042

Italy climbs into the top four, while the Czechs can get no respect. Then again it is always tough to surpass teams that have not played yet. The Socceroos appear to be serious contenders vaulting all the way to 14 while the USA and Julie Foundy are all out of hope, plummeting to No. 20. Any hiccup by France of Spain coming up this week could launch the Czechs up the standings and how will Brazils point total change after their game today? The Ivory Coast and Croatia are getting plenty of respect both in the top 15, they will have to prove they belong in their second games. Check back for new rankings tomorrow.

Who is the Real Group of Death?
Group C
Argentina
Netherlands
Ivory Coast
Serbia
Average Ranking 11.75

Group F
Brazil
Croatia
Australia
Japan
Average Ranking 13.25

Group E
Italy
Czech
USA
Ghana
Average Ranking 14.50

Group B
England
Sweden
Parauay
Trinidad
Average Ranking 16.25

-n