Who Ate All The Bratwurst

Zinedine Zidane - genius at work

Zinedine Zidane's performance against Brazil last night was arguably the finest individual display we have seen at Germany 2006 to date. Sit back and enjoy this compilation of the skills on show. A man truly at the top of his game when it mattered.

Rob Parker

5 Conclusions: Brazil v France

1 All the pundits said performances in the group stage didn't matter as long as you turn it on in the knockout rounds. It is quite true, but sadly France took the initiative and not England.

2 What a performance from Zinedine Zidane. He seemed to have hunted out his old magnetic boots from the late 1990s. A scintillating display.

3 Germany 2006 is obviously not a tournament to be named as a favourite in. Argentina, England and now Brazil. How will Germany cope now they are no longer underdogs?

4 We have quite rightly had a moan about England's big-name players not finding their feet in the tournament, but Ronaldinho, Kaka (30 minutes against Croatia excluded) and Adriano have been off-form for Brazil.

5 Anyone who put money on France to win the tournament after the South Korea game must be getting pretty excited!

Rob Parker

5 Conclusions: Brazil v Ghana

1 Ghana's innocent and naive football is a joy to behold. Sadly I think they will need the nous and cynicism of more established footballing nations to make the next step up.

2 Brazil definitely look beatable despite a comfortable win in the end. I suspect, though, that the optimists among the Brazilian faithful will be following the theories on tournament progression devised by the great philosopher Rio Ferdinand.

3 After a shaky start against Italy, Richard Kingson has turned out to be one of the most reliable African goalkeepers EVER!!!

4 Record-breaking Ronaldo is now finding the net, but we could see a return to the desolate figure of the first two games once he comes up against a defence which is not determined to commit suicide.

5 Strike partner Adriano (pictured) didn't look much more mobile than Rotundo today. Carlos Alberto Parreira obviously favours the old big man, bigger man attacking combination!

Rob Parker

Bratwurst awards ceremony for the World Cup losers

Just like the headteacher at a failing school's awards evening, here at Bratwurst we want to make sure that nobody goes home empty handed. This is our awards ceremony full of token prizes for those teams whose World Cup dream is now over after first round elimination.

Join us in this celebration of mediocrity and allow me to hand you over to our host with most: Mr Mick McCarthy.

The Award for having most players in the second round without qualifying
And the winner is: Poland
The Poles may be out, but Lukas Podolski and Miroslav Klose are still flying the flag (the German flag though).

The Award for best Premiership blast from the past
And the winner is: Paulo Wanchope (Costa Rica)
The gangly forward is reportedly angling for a return too.

The Award for talking a good game
And the winner is: Paraguay
They were all mouth before the tournament and didn't deliver.

The Award for outstanding effort
And the winner is: Trinidad and Tobago
Nobody expect anything other than three heavy defeats for T&T and they proved everyone wrong.

The Award for being the best team not to qualify for the second round
And the winner is: Ivory Coast
Gave an excellent account of themselves, but the Group of Death was a bit too deadly for them.

The Award for messiest World Cup divorce
And the winner is: Serbia & Montenegro
S&M will go their separate ways now. Not sure who gets the kids.

The Award for worst World Cup haircut
And the winner is: Loco (Angola)
No need for any comment here.

The Award for the participating country most likely to get bombed by America
And the winner is: Iran
Unless George Dubya has been wooed by their carpet pennants.

The Award for furthest distance travelled downhill after an opening match
And the winner is: Czech Republic
So full of promise after whipping the USA, but it all ended in tears.

The Award for the coach with the more plausible name for a World Cup venue
And the winner is: Bruce Arena (USA)
"Welcome to the Bruce Arena in Frankfurt for today's game between..."

The Award for most referees eliminated from the World Cup
And the winner is: Croatia
With a little help from Mr Poll himself, of course!

The Award for giving Brazil a scare before getting thrashed
And the winner is: Japan
You can never keep Ronaldo down. Weebles wobble but they don't fall down.

The Award for most French hearts put in mouths
And the winner is: South Korea
They nearly sneaked through after that late equaliser against Les Bleus.

The Pierre van Hooijdonk Award for most strikes threatened
And the winner is: Togo
If only they had spent as much time on the training ground as they had at the negotiation table.

The Award for packing midfield and not scoring enough goals
And the winner is: Tunisia
Couldn't change their system even when they needed a win against Ukraine.

The Award for most surnames in a squad beginning with 'Al'
And the winner is: Saudi Arabia
No fewer than 12 of the Saudi squad were Al something.

Rob Parker

Bet of the Day: Draws galore in Group F

The way the World Cup seems to be going for France at the moment I am tempted to go for a draw with Togo at 11/2. A safer bet is perhaps a draw between Switzerland and South Korea at 19/10. That result would see both teams progress from Group F at the expense of France unless Les Bleus beat Togo by more than a two goal margin. [Odds via Paddy Power]

Rob Parker

5 conclusions Japan vrs Brazil

1. Rotundo is looking more and more like Ronaldo. Scoring an easy confidence booster, and then a blistering strike from outside the box. If he's not match fit, his brain is still streets ahead.

2. Lawro continued his 'off mic laughing' with an impressive EIGHT guffaws for the viewers at home.

3. Every single team in the world should have a Robinho. He's exciting, quick, inventive... and plays with a smile on his face.

4. Japan did the worst thing and took the lead. This gave Brazil a kick start and were promptly slaughtered.

5. Brazil have a long way to go if they're going to match Argentina.

Mof Gimmers

5 Conclusions: Croatia v Australia

1 What a cracking match! Very entertaining.

2 Graham Poll has probably just blown his chance of refereeing any further in this competition after sending Simunic off for his third bookable offence. It is a shame as he was excellent for the first 80 minutes.

3 Newcastle United have found Alan Shearer's replacement penalty taker in the cool-headed Craig Moore.

4 If Mark Viduka played in a top four side and applied himself fully, nobody would be able to stop him.

5 Australia v Italy will be another great game with plenty more history involved.

Day 14 preview & predictions

At last, two groups with it still all to play for. Groups A-D were pretty much done & dusted after the second round of group matches, so we got some pretty lame games (Holland v Argentina being a prime example). Today it's all up for grabs:

3pm Czech Republic v Italy, Group E, Hamburg (BBC1)
3pm Ghana v USA, Group E, Nuremberg (BBC Interactive)
8pm Japan v Brazil, Group F, Dortmund (BBC1)
8pm Croatia v Australia, Group F, Stuttgart (BBC3)

Day 14 preview & predictions cont…

3pm Czech Republic v Italy, Group E, Hamburg (BBC1)

Italy just need a draw to progress. Czech Republic can only be sure of making the last 16 with a win. Will Italy sit back and play for the draw though? It's in their blood, but it's a very risky tactic against such a strong attacking team as the Czechs. A real dilemma for the Azzurri. Milan Baros has resumed training and could figure from the start. Daniele De Rossi is suspended after his horror elbow against the States. Should be a thriller.
Player cam: Can't see many goals in this one, partly because of the Buffon v Cech goalkeeping match-up - two of the world's best going head to head. Won't be many goals around.
Prediction: Czech Republic 0 – 0 Italy

* * * * *

3pm Ghana v USA, Group E, Nuremberg (BBC Interactive)

A Ghana win would see them qualify for sure. The States are relying on a lot of luck though: they need to beat Ghana and hope that Italy bounces the Czechs. After that, it gets complicated. One thing is sure: the States start the day as rank outsiders to escape from Group E. Losing the suspended Pablo Mastroeni and Eddie Pope hasn't helped. The Yanks' one ray of sunshine is that Ghanaian stars Sulley Muntari and Asamoah Gyan are suspended too.
Player cam: Cometh the hour… can U.S golden boy Landon Donovan finally prove himself at the highest level? I've got a sneaky feeling he can.
Prediction: Ghana 1 – 2 USA

* * * * *

8pm Japan v Brazil, Group F, Dortmund (BBC1)

Stuttering Brazil just need a draw to top Group F. Japan are on the plane home, almost certainly: Zico's men need to beat Brazil and then rely on the other result in the group. Brazil may decide to rest a couple of stars, safe in the knowledge that they've already qualified for the second round.
Player cam: Like to see Robinho in from the start for Brazil but I've a feeling Rotundo will start again. Shame.
Prediction: Japan 0 – 3 Brazil

* * * * *

8pm Croatia v Australia, Group F, Stuttgart (BBC3)

This is gonna be fierce. Two tough-tackling sides with a whole load of national history in the mix:  Croatia have three players with an Australian background. Joe Didulica and Josip Simunic were born in Australia whilst Anthony Seric is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Sport. Australia have a remarkable seven players of Croatian background in their squad: Mark Viduka, Zeljko Kalac, Ante Covic, Tony Popovic, Josip Skoko, Jason Culina and Marco Bresciano. Wow. A draw should be enough for Australia, unless Japan shock Brazil, whilst Croatia have to win, simple as that. One thing is 99% sure: there won't be 11 versus 11 when the final whistle goes.
Player cam: Mark Viduka will be so up for this.
Prediction: Croatia 0 – 0 Australia

5 Conclusions: Brazil v Australia

1 I expected plenty of bookings, but I didn't expect Brazil to pick up more than Australia.
2 There has been so many exotic Brazilian nicknames in World Cup football that they have now run out. Step forward Fred.
3 Adriano is possibly the most one-footed player ever. He even crosses from the right with the outside of his left foot.
4 Rotundo at least did a bit of running  this time to justify his melodramatic dabbing of sweat upon being substituted, but he is still far from his best and not worthy of a starting berth.
5 Australia v Croatia was already likely to be a good match because of the links between the two countries. Now it should be a cracker.

Rob Parker

How Socceroos fans celebrated Australia's 3-1 win against Japan. A must-watch video

They sure know how to celebrate Down Under. Wonderful video…

3’s SeeMeTV service is calling for fans to upload their video blogs of and about the World Cup. …Contributors earn 1p every time their video is watched by someone else on 3. More info at www.three.co.uk

Lay off Ronaldo already!

No wonder the poor lad's had to see a doctor, complaining of dizziness and headaches – so would you if most of the world pointed at you and called you 'Fatty fatty fat fat'. The man's a World Cup legend – lay off him! OK, he was poor against Croatia and he's carrying a few extra pounds (Adriano has a double chin too, you know), but his team-mates weren't much better. This is bullying on a global scale – how would you like it if your country's president had a pop at your waistline. Leave the man alone.

Virtual World Cup: Brazil 1 – 2 Croatia

A major shock for the samba boys, with Croatia picking up a 2-1 win, thanks to first-half goals by Prso (he was great yesterday, a tireless workhorse up front for Croatia) and Pranjic. Adriano pulled one back in the 60th minute, but it wasn't enough for the Brazilians, who put in a lethargic performance (sound familiar?).

5 Conclusions: Brazil vs Croatia

1 Croatia deserve a lot of credit for a game played when all eyes were on their opponents. Organised and strong, the Croats may feel a little hard done to coming away with nothing.

2 Ronaldo is an out of shape sham. Not interested in the ball, slow and lardy. A pal viewing the match with me referred to him as 'Rotundo'. Apt.

3 Kaka is brilliant. No wonder Milan think so much of him. His sublime strike was worthy of the gold shirt.

4 Croatia's fans were Man of the Match. They sang throughout, even though the game was slipping away from them.

5 Brazil didn't look like world beaters, but write them off at your peril.

Mof Gimmers

The trouble with Brazil

Brazil are the jewel in FIFA's crown, its star turn, its favourite son – and that's bad for football. Brazil just don't seem to play on a level playing field any more. How do you explain their delayed entry to the competition, or the fact they don't have to play an energy-sapping, 3pm group game, like everyone else?

The trouble with Brazil cont…

Brazil increasingly come across like football's version of the Harlem Globetrotters. Brazil is a football team valued more these days for its brand position and marketing power – they are essentially Nike FC – than its (undoubtedly impressive) contribution to the game. And that's a shame.

Brazil today are the team for neutrals and fairweather fans and people who call the game 'soccer'. If you see a non-Brazilian wearing a Brazil shirt, it's usually for fashion reasons, rather than footballing ones. Most of them wouldn't know Dunga from Dida, or Zico from Ze Roberto. Don't get me wrong – I love watching Brazil, but I think it would only be good for the rest of the football world if they failed at this World Cup.

Bet of the Day: Brazil to make a point but Croatia to give them a match

World champions Brazil get their Germany 2006 campaign underway against Croatia in tonight's 8pm BST match. After all the hype, I am sure Brazil will want to show they mean business. It is not worth betting on them to win, but you can get 21-10 from Blue Square on there being more than four goals in the match. Sounds pretty good to me with Brazil's attack and Croatia capable a grabbing a goal too.

Rob Parker

LIVE BLOG: Australia v Japan

Click below to access the Live Blog for Group F opener Australia v Japan (don't forget to refresh your browser for updates). Post your comments as the match progresses… FYI, 3 subscribers can check out the highlights of the game for free on their mobile.

LIVE BLOG: Australia v Japan

Pre-match A warm welcome to Bratwurst's third LIVE BLOG. A scorching hot day in Kaiserslautern, Gareth Southgate in the commentator's box for ITV (with Clive Tyldesley, alas), Harry Kewell starting for the Socceroos… the anthems playing now… let's go!

Fans blasted out the Aussie national anthem. In fine voice. Much, much quieter for the Japanese anthem.

Bloody ITV ad-break - they really know how to interrupt the build-up…

No place in the starting line-ups for either Tim Cahill or Junichi Inamoto.

1min Nasty foul by Bresciano, free-kick for Japan on edge of the box… taken by Celtic's Nakamara but blocked by the wall… looks just as hot as it was for England's game.

3min Clive Tyldesley's voice is just about the most annoying sound in the known universe.

4min Another bad tackle, by Luke Wilkshire, but no card, yet. Fast pace to the match, both teams look up for it.

6min Two great saves by Kawaguchi from Mark Viduka's powerful double shot. Corner to Australia… Viduka in the mix again but a foul given against the Socceroos. Lively stuff.

10min Japan looking to Alex on the left wing. He's already caused Luke Wilkshire a few problems… offside against Japan in the left corner… promising Aussia attack broken up by Miyamoto and then Japan counter. Corner to Japan… Nakamura's ball in was dangerous but Mark Schwarzer was fouled. Aus free-kick.

12min Clive and Gareth Southgate talking about Schwarzer's cheekbone operation… Nice rising shot from Fukinishi, just over the bar. Very fast pace to the game.

14min Lovely run by Viduka, loads of pressure on Japan here. Tyldsley actually said that Viduka has 'wonderful touch for a big man'. Twat.

17min Viduka dominating the match so far. Looks very sharp… Southgate thinks Aussies are 'a bit open at the back', much like a hospital gown.

19min Clive Tyldesley's first plug, for the ITV website. Wonder when he'll mention Man Utd's Champions League win in 1999? … match a bit scrappy now, pace has slowed too…

21min Hope our server can handle this… apologies if you can't access the site right now (I know I can't) – you won't be able to read this apology of course, but the gesture is what counts… Takahara drives a shot just past Schwarzer's right-hand post. Japan having a good spell… foul by Craig Moore on Yanigasawa.

24min Bresciano bursts into the box and goes close but his tame shot is saved. Viduka is on fire! (not literally)

25min Nakamura GOAL!!! Japan 1-0 Australia. Ball swung into the box, glancing header, was Schwarzer fouled? Gareth Southgate think so… then Kewell goes very close at the other end, clipping the bar with a fierce strike.

29min Southgate still banging on about how unlucky Australia have been. He was barged in the penalty area but the Egyptian ref let the goal stand.

31min Actually, Nakamura crossed it and it floated over everyone into the back of the net. My mistake.

33min Guus Hiddink very angry, having a go at the fourth official… shot on goal by Yanigasawa, scuffed wide, he looks very sharp though… Yellow Card for Grella of Australia.

37min First plug for ITV coverage of England v Trinidad on Thursday. ITV are such tarts.

40min Half-time approaches… very entertaining half, plenty of fouls by the robust Aussies, loads of skill by Viduka (man of the half, no question) and a dodgy goal for Japan. More of the same in the second half please… Yellow Card for Takahara for delaying play.

42min Marco Bresciano's intelligent free-kick around the right side of the Japanese wall almost creeps in… Nakata told to get up after a dive… Culina wastes good field position for Australia with a loose pass.

45min Australia very good at winning the ball, not so hot at pinpoint passes… Harry Kewell having a good spell, doesn't look to be suffering from any injury problems… Japan will be very happy to go in a goal up.

HALF-TIME 8/10 for entertainment, Aussies will feel aggrieved at the goal though. Australia 1 – 0 Japan.

Back in 15 minutes…

46min Why have ITV commentators been so one-eyed - their pro-Australia bias is frankly embarrassing. Schwarzer cocked up, simple as that.

48min Harry Kewell picked up a knock, looks to be struggling a bit…

52min Play stopped because there are two balls on the field. Tim Cahill set to come on for Kewell, who is labouring… UPDATE No, Cahill has come on for Bresciano instead. Kewell is battling on… Tsuboi is now down with cramp… it's all happening!

56min Just feel an Australia goal coming… Japanese attacking threat is diminishing by the minute… can only see a Socceroo equaliser…

57min Yellow Card for Australia's Craig Moore. Not his first foul, probably deserved it.

59min Awful clearing header by Mark Schwarzer on the edge of his box, but Japan couldn't capitalise. Don't want to hit a man when he's down but I've always felt that Schwarzer is overrated.

62min Mostly one-way traffic now, with Japan repelling Aussie attacks… good run by Alex down the left but play breaks up and Australia come again through Culina… Kewell well-tackled by Nakamara and Japan counter-attack. Australia leaving bigger holes at the back now in their search for an equaliser.

64min Tall striker Josh Kennedy on for Craig Moore. Australia looking very tired now. Heat is taking its toll.

67min Japan struggling to cope with Kennedy's height and physical presence. Clive Tyldesley now plugging ITV's red button interactive service and its website. Oh shut up Clive.

69min Kennedy felled by Japanese sub Moniwa on the edge of the Japanese box. Free-kick… Viduka's hard low shot is well-saved by Kawaguchi… Cahill picks up a Yellow Card for a late tackle.

72min Japan defending extremely well but there's still 20 minutes to go. The Asians are not suffering in the heat (38 degrees Celsius at kick-off!) as much as their opponents. Alex goes down holding his leg after a skirmish with Wilkshire but he's OK.

75min John Aloisi about to come on, for Luke Wilkshire. Aussies going for the long-ball game and who can blame them – Japan are a short team.

77min Loads of Aus pressure followed by rapid Japanese counter-attacks. That's the game's pattern now… Viduka, Aloisi and Kennedy up front for the Socceroos… Yellow Card for sub Aloisi, who cynically tripped Nakazawa.

79min Ono on for Japan, in place of Yanigasawa, who's run his proverbial socks off. Japan making hay down the right but their final ball into the box has been, in a word, shit.

82min Audacious curling shot by Lucas Neill, but it goes a couple of foot over the bar… Aussie fans in the crowd looking dejected… Kennedy shoved in the back, free-kick 30 yards out to Australia… Cahill wants a piece of this… taken by Aloisi though and well-saved by Kawaguchi - well, it was hit straight at him. GOAL for Australia!!!!!! Tim Cahill pounces in the box with seven minutes to go. 1-1

86min Komano fouled in the box by Cahill. Should have been a penalty to Japan and Cahill should have picked up a second yellow. Very lucky for Australia but they deserve it.

87min A draw would be the fair result. Cracking game this.

88min Fukinishi almost scores the winner for Japan but blasts his shot just wide… GOAL for Australia!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! A cracker from Tim Cahill wins it for the Socceroos. 2-1 to Australia.

91min Amazing comeback, feel v sorry for Japan though. Have to admire Australia's fighting spirit. They never give up, ever. Can Japan snatch a late, late equaliser?

92min GOOOOAALLLLLLLLLLL for Australia, again! John Aloisi waltzed into the box and slotted the ball into the net. 3-1 to the Socceroos. Quite remarkable!

FULL-TIME Australia 3 – 1 Japan. The World Cup's best match so far, I'm sure you'll agree. For Australia, it's bring on Brazil! Great comeback but scoreline is very harsh on the plucky Japanese.

FYI, 3 subscribers can check out the highlights of the game for free on their mobile. Thanks for following the game with us. We'll be live blogging Korea v Togo tomorrow at 2pm…

Virtual World Cup: Australia 0 – 0 Japan

Very few chances in this Group F opener. I wouldn't be suprised if the score this afternoon was also 0-0 – neither team has a world-class striker to rub between them. In fact, I'm off to bet on a nil-nil draw right now (thereby completely ruining any chance of that happening)…

LIVE BLOG: Australia v Japan, today @ 2pm

For those of you stuck in an office or simply unable to get access to a TV or radio, Bratwurst will be live blogging Australia v Japan this afternoon. Check back at 2pm to follow the game here. Early reports suggest Everton star Tim Cahill (pictured) will start for the Socceroos, with Harry Kewell on the bench. Should be a fascinating match-up.

Australia do Argentina a favour with a little game of kick the Dutchman

With all the attention on ensuring the Australian public get as excited about Germany 2006 as they do about rugby World Cups, a few of the players seem to have got a bit confused as to which sport they were playing.

With all the vigour of a side who had not qualified, the Socceroos tore into Holland during a 1-1 draw today. Holland's Wesley Sneijder (pictured) and Gio van Bronckhorst both picked up ankle injuries, while Philip Cocu injured his thigh. Luke Wilkshire was sent off for the tackle which injured van Bronckhorst during a distinctly unfriendly friendly.

Click here to read more from the BBC.

Rob Parker

Kit Parade: Australia retro kit

Retro kits are a fine way to enjoy style that today's polyester kits sometimes don't offer. They also give you the opportunity to relive your country's footballing golden age. That is why UK Soccer Shop has produced this Australia retro kit to remind Aussies of a time when they were a truly dominant football nation. Oh, wait a minute…
Rob Parker

Kit Parade: Japan away kit

Poor Japan. The Cameroon lion has got its claws on their brand spanking new Adidas kit. The white change kit now has scratch marks all down one side of it. Adidas, meanwhile, are behind both Nike and Puma in the kit supplying stakes. You can buy the Japan away shirt from UK Soccer Shop.

Rob Parker

GROUP F: The Verdict

Group F is the home of tournament favourites Brazil, the durable Croatians, speedy Japan and plucky underdog Australia. We all know who'll win the group, but who finishes in second? Click below to find out…

GROUP F: HOW THEY'LL FINISH

1st Brazil Unless something very dramatic happens – like Ronaldinho and Ronaldo's legs falling off – they'll win the group with three wins and the maximum nine points.

2nd Croatia A solid, experienced team who could be inspired to great things by prodigious young forward Niko Kranjcar. Will have too much quality for Japan and the Socceroos.

3rd Japan A fast and skillful team but will struggle to qualify. Good enough at least to beat Australia and grab third place.

4th Australia Fully deserve their place after play-off victory against Uruguay but out of their depth in this company, especially if Tim Cahill doesn't recover from injury. Can't doubt their competitive spirit but they don't have the players to make an impact (more famous last words).

So Brazil and Croatia make it to the second round from Group F, where they join Germany and Poland from Group A, England and Sweden from Group B, Argentina and Holland from Group C, Portugal and Mexico from Group D and the USA and Ghana from Group E.

Keep posted for the first of our Group G team guides, starting on Monday.

BTW, this is how the bookies (Blue Square) rate the group:

Brazil 1-3
Croatia 11-2
Australia 7-1
Japan 10-1

Surprised that Japan are behind Australia in the betting. Nothing worth digging into your wallet for - some may argue that at 1-3 for Brazil is a gimme and you're just buying money at 33% interest, but I'd never recommend odds-on bets - remember France in 2002, no goals, bottom of the group.

Team Guide: JAPAN

And so another set of Bratwurst team guides are complete. We round up another group with a visit to the Land of the Rising Sun - Japan. Remember, Group F is for life not just for Christmas.

JAPAN, Group F

12 June vs AUSTRALIA (2pm*, Kaiserslauten)

18 June vs CROATIA (2pm, Nuremberg)

22 June vs BRAZIL (8pm, Dortmund)

*all times BST

World Ranking 18 (I think not!)

How they qualified

Japan were the first team to secure qualification for the World Cup (excluding hosts Germany). They topped their qualifying group ahead of Iran, Bahrain and North Korea, with defeat in Iran the only blemish on their record. Minimal fuss as you would expect.

World Cup history

First qualified in 1998. Entered into a marriage of convenience with South Korea to co-host the 2002 World Cup. Although Japan qualified for the last 16, the unthinkable happened as they were overshadowed by the performance of their bitter rivals.

Star man

Former Feyenoord midfielder Shinji Ono is the man who can. Despite being part of the Dutch club's UEFA Cup winning team in 2002 in his first season at the club, after a string of injuries they wanted to offload Ono last summer. He eventually moved back to Urawa Red Diamonds in January. Ono is still an important part of the national team, although the aforementioned injuries meant he played in just one match in the qualifying group.

This is Ono's third World Cup even though he is still only 26. If he is fit, expect him to dominate Japan's midfield and take over from Hidetoshi Nakata as the team's superstar. Sadly he has grown his hair back and no longer looks like a Buddhist monk (pictured above), but we live in hope that he will shave it off again for the tournament.

Strengths

Excellent defensive partnership of Tsuneyasu Miyamoto and Yuji Nakazawa.

Plenty of skillful midfield players including Ono, Nakata and Celtic's Shunsuke Nakamura.

Weaknesses

They lack a top quality striker.

The Japanese public wanted coach Zico sacked during qualifying.

Did you know?

In Japan the number four is considered unlucky because it is pronounced the same as the word for death. Spare a thought then for Gamba Osaka midfielder Yasuhito Endo, who will be wearing four in Germany.

Odds 250-1 (Blue Sq)

Verdict

Hosting the World Cup does not seem to have given Japanese football the impetus it was supposed to just yet. If anything they have taken a step backwards since then. They are rank outsiders even in comparison to Australia and are unlikely to be involved in the scrap for second-place. A striker who could guarantee them goals would give them more of a chance.

Rob Parker

Team Guide: CROATIA

With Croatia's plans to hyptnotise the opposition revealed, it is time for Bratwurst to assess how they will get on in Germany. Check them out by clicking the link below.

CROATIA, Group F

13 June vs BRAZIL (8pm*, Berlin)

18 June vs JAPAN (2pm, Nuremberg)

22 June vs AUSTRALIA (8pm, Stuttgart)

*all times BST

World Ranking 23

How they qualified

Croatia qualified for the tournament unbeaten. They pushed Sweden - who finished level on points - into the play-offs by beating them home and away. Of more concern was the draw away at Malta, but with two other draws and seven wins they qualified regardless.

World Cup history

Three qualifications from three attempts in 1998, 2002 and now 2006. Finished third in 1998 having taken the lead against eventual winners France in the semi-final.

Star man

It is a tough call between two men lacking in vowels but abundant in goals - Dado Prso and Darijo Srna. Srna gets the nod for creating as many goals as he scores. The midfielder plays for Shakhtar Donetsk in Ukraine. He scored five goals during qualifying including both of the winners against Sweden. He seems to have been around for a while now, but is still only 24 years old. An excellent crosser of the ball with pace to burn.

Strengths

An excellent defence built around Juventus pair Robert Kovac and Igor Tudor (who has been on loan at Siena).

Niko Krancjar, the 21-year-old son of coach Zlatko, is tipped to make his mark on the tournament.

Weaknesses

Struggled for goals against the better opponents in their qualifying group.

The golden generation of Boban, Prosinecki, Suker, Asanovic and Jarni are now all retired.

Did you know?

Dalmatians, cravats and Marco Polo all come from Croatia.

Odds 66-1 (Blue Sq)

Verdict

On paper they are a stronger team than Australia. Second place in the group behind Brazil and a place in the knockout stages would not be a surprise then. But I think a full-strength Australia will edge them out and progress to the second round. Australia-Croatia on 22 June might not sound like the most glamorous match of the tournament, but expect a corker if both teams are still playing for second place.

Rob Parker

Team Guide: BRAZIL

The Bratwurst team guides have looked at 21 of the 32 nations competing at the World Cup (17 days!). In that time we have looked at some outsiders and underdogs. Brazil definitely don't fall into either category, which must make them insiders and overdogs.

BRAZIL, Group F

13 June vs CROATIA (8pm*, Berlin)
18 June vs AUSTRALIA (5pm, Munich)
22 June vs JAPAN (8pm, Dortmund)
*all times BST

World Ranking 1 (they got one right!)

How they qualified
They had a tougher workout than all previous reigning champions, FIFA having abolished the double-edged sword of automatic qualification and, therefore, a lack of competitive games. Brazil topped South American qualifying, but only on goal difference from rivals Argentina. They lost two games - away to Argentina and Ecuador - and drew seven. Although that record sounds pretty unimpressive for a team considered to be invincible, they did qualify easily.

World Cup history
It's a little known fact that Brazil have won the World Cup five times. You knew that, of course. Brazil are World Cup history. Brazil have never missed a World Cup - Germany 2006 is there 18th tournament.

Star man

I have to narrow it down to one? Well, it might as well be the best player in the world then. Ronaldinho almost unanimously claims that title. Deceptively quick and able to do things with the ball other players couldn't dream of, Ronaldinho seems to ghost past defenders. He has had some big matches lately (including the Champions League semi-final and final) and despite flashes of brilliance, was not at his mesmerising best. I expect that to change when the World Cup starts. With Kaka to share the creative burden, Ronaldinho will be the star of the show. Here he is in action. And he always does the best adverts.

Strengths

The quinteto magico of Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Kaka, Adriano and Robinho.

Sheer strength in depth of attacking talent.

Weaknesses

They are expected to beat everybody.

Question marks over goalkeeper Dida.

A defence which is not terrible, but certainly doesn't match up to the attacking talent on display.

Did you know?

Brazil got its name from the nut, not the other way round.

Odds 5-2 (Blue Sq)

Verdict

In theory they should have been able to cruise to the final without the easy group they were drawn in. Its difficult to imagine Australia, Croatia or Japan posing any problems for Brazil. The tournament is Brazil's to lose, and the outcome will probably depend on how well they cope with that pressure. If all their stars perform they will take some stopping.

Rob Parker

Team Guide: AUSTRALIA

Do you come from a land down under, where women glow and men plunder? If so, you might be interested in the link below. If not, then read the Bratwurst team guide to find out everything you need to know about Australia.

AUSTRALIA, Group F

12 June vs JAPAN (2pm*, Kaiserslauten)
18 June vs BRAZIL (5pm, Munich)
22 June vs CROATIA (8pm, Stuttgart)
*all times BST

World Ranking 42

How they qualified
Australia's qualification basically boiled down to the play-off against Uruguay. The group stage of Oceania qualification was never likely to test them (they have now switched to the Asian federation). They topped the qualifying group easily, then beat second-placed Solomon Islands 9-1 on aggregate in a play-off. When they were eventually tested, they squeezed past Uruguay on penalties after 1-0 home wins for either side.

World Cup history
It is the second time Australia have qualified. In 1974 they went home after the first round without scoring a goal.

Star man

They have two and they are both struggling for fitness. Tim Cahill pips Harry Kewell on the basis of consistency. Cahill was expected to miss the World Cup with a knee injury, but has been included in the the Socceroos squad. As well as being a very good midfield player in general, Cahill weighs in with plenty of important goals and was joint-top scorer in Oceania qualifying. Despite being only 5ft 10in tall, he possesses the leap of a salmon and is an aerial threat against even the largest of defenders. He would be an enormous loss for Australia if he is unfit for any of their games.

Strengths

They are Australian and as such thrive on top level sport.

Several attack-minded players from top European clubs.

World Cup specialist Guus Hiddink as coach.

Weaknesses

A lack of quality in defence.

Probably would not have qualified if they happened to be situated anywhere else in the world.

Injury problems threatening the availability of Cahill, Kewell and John Aloisi.

Did you know?

Koala fingerprints are virtually impossible to distinguish from human fingerprints.

Odds 125-1 (Blue Sq)

Verdict

Second spot in Group F is definitely up for grabs and it is there for the Aussies' taking. There is not a great deal to choose between Australia, Croatia and Japan compared with the gulf in quality in some groups. The fitness of Cahill and Kewell could be decisive. The final group game against Croatia in Stuttgart will probably have a place in the second round resting on its outcome.

Rob Parker

Kit Parade: Brazil

The reigning champions have got themselves a great kit in which to chase back-to-back World Cups. Brazil have toned down the yellow of their last kit for something a little easier on the eyes. Ronaldinho and co will be hoping to make it shades of 1970 - and they have definitely got the shade of the 1970 kit. The collar looks as though it was designed for a vicar though. Buy it from kitbag.

Rob Parker

Brazil's new Nike World Cup ad

Nike's done Brazil at the airport and the beach. Now it's time for… the changing room!

Zico: how the mighty have fallen

Check out this amusing pic of Zico, Japan's coach – he can't even be bothered to jump! Not how I want to remember the great Brazilian. [via Fantasy EPL]

All 32 squads announced. Here are the full details…

So all 32 World Cup squads have now been announced. Sven wasn't joking: Theo Walcott (pictured) is still in there! World Cup Blog has done the groundwork and compiled an exhaustive list of all the squads, which you can see by visiting Bob and co's excellent site…

Angola, Holland, Mexico, Japan squads announced

Woah woah, slow down a minute, I've only got one par of hands to type with! With the 15 May deadline for announcing your 23-man squad now upon us, World Cup coaches have been unveiling their choices left, right and centre. So now we know the 23-player rosters of Mexico, Japan, Holland (no George Boateng, Boro fans) and Angola.

Wait, wait… the Czech squad has also been annouced. It's all happening.

Socceroos could travel to World Cup like Greased Lightning with John Travolta as pilot

Film star John Travolta is apparently the one that Australia wants (ooh, ooh, ooh, honey) to get the Socceroos to the World Cup.  The Sydney Morning Herald has reported that qualified pilot Travolta might be drafted in by Australia's sponsors, the airline Qantas, to fly the squad to Germany.

Travolta - the star of Saturday Night Fever, Grease and, erm, Battlefield Earth - is known to be a Socceroos fan.  He entered the team's dressing room after the play-off victory against Uruguay to help them celebrate.  Aussie striker John Aloisi told the Official World Cup website: "He was singing our national anthem and we began singing songs from Grease.  He told us he'd never seen anything like it before."

John Travolta in an international football team's dressing room, singing Advance Australia Fair and a medley from Grease?  Nah, that's an everyday occurrence.

Rob Parker

Ze Roberto: Brazil are masters of the universe etc.

'I am convinced that we will achieve it [win the World Cup] because we will field the strongest team Brazil has ever had,' Ze Roberto told Germany's Sport Bild. The Bayern Munich midfielder continued, modestly: 'We are sensational on every position, even in goal.'

Maybe something has been lost in translation here, but I doubt it and instead suspect that ole Ze is just 'a cocky shit'.

Hiddink 'does a Sven' over injured Tim Cahill

England are not the only team hoping to patch up their star player in time for the World Cup finals. Australia coach Guus Hiddink has gambled on injured Everton midfielder Tim Cahill and included him in the Socceroos' squad. Cahill was widely expected to miss the World Cup with a knee injury.

Middlesbrough's Brad Jones has missed out, but nine other British-based players are included. Click here to read about the squad.

Rob Parker

Ronaldinho's diary

'I would like to wish a happy Easter to everyone in the world regardless of beliefs, race or religion. Lots of unity, lots of love and health for the whole world…'

Ronaldinho's diary reveals him to be nothing less than a modern-day Mother Theresa, spreading peace and love wherever he goes. What a guy!

Loadsa Reffin' Money!

There aren't many good referees about are there? I quite liked Paul Durkin, but he's retired. I really don't like Mike Riley. Thankfully, he's not going to the World Cup finals.

The lucky sods that are taking part are going to be smiling. It's more than mere prestige I can tell you.

You see, the World Cup refs have been given a 100% pay rise, which will see them earn £22,500 each!

The total refereeing bill for the month-long tournament will top £2,250,000, the Daily Mirror said yesterday.

There will be twenty three refs officiating the 64 World Cup matches, and their assistants will be paid the same amount. Bloody Nora!

Refs got £11,250 for the finals in Japan and South Korea four years ago, and of course, there wasn't a dodgy decision in sight... apart from the really ropey ones that saw Spain bow out to the hosts. And loads of others.

Still, FIFA love them and have thought it a good idea to give them an even greater (self inflated) opinion of themselves.

Keep an eye out for Russian linesmen.

Romario heading Stateside?

Now 40 years old, World Cup legend Romario (what a wonderful finisher he was) is reportedly set for a career swansong in America, with Brazilian-run club Miami F.C. Romario is currently in his third stint with Rio de Janeiro's Vasco da Gama but he's fallen out with the coach and could soon be off to Florida. He's currently stuck on 966 career goals – I guess he figures that the American second division, where Miami play, is as good a place as any to make the final push towards 1000 career goals.