Yellow fever: Brazil dribbles through the qualifying matches with ease

Kanai saha,
Address not given

Brazil has played 87 games in the World Cup, out of which it has won 74. The team spirit of the Brazilians is exemplary. Their professionalism, skill, mental strength and consistency are outstanding. And they have a good coach to guide them. Its chief opponents ? namely France, Italy, England and Argentina ? lack these qualities.

 

 

Ramit Das,
Achena Park

It is difficult to pick one potential winner of the World Cup. Traditionally, the favourite does not fare well in the tournament. The exit of erstwhile champions France and Argentina in the first round of the Cup are cases in point. On the other hand, Brazil which had barely managed to squeeze through the qualifying rounds last year, came up with a superlative display to lift the trophy. This time, too, the team that plays well through the tournament stands the best chance.

A. Chatterjee,
Lake Town

All-time favourites Brazil is my pick for this year?s World Cup. They have five players with the potential to win the tournament on their own ? Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Adriano, Kaka and Robinho. They cannot easily be marked out of a game. In addition, the squad is energetic and is led by an able coach.

Sudipta Sur,
Ramgarh

Italy looks the best bet to win. The team has recently been hit by allegations of match-fixing and gambling in the domestic league, but it still has the firepower to lift the coveted trophy for the third time. Marcello Lippi, a master strategist, has on his rolls a wonderful blend of youth and experience. An array of striking options ? Totti, Del Piero, Gilardino, Toni, Inzaghi, Iaquinta ? and creative midfield players in the form of Pirlo, De Rossi, Gattuso and Camoranesi backed by the defensive ability of Nesta and Cannavarro. Add to that the irrepressible Buffon in goal. The Azzurris, indeed, have a strong foundation. There isn?t a shadow of doubt that they are one of the favourites in the Cup.

Sahid Pervez,
Lake Gardens

I?ll cheer for Argentina in the World Cup. With attacking players like Messi, Crespo, Saviola and Riquelme, the team will pose a potent threat to Brazil?s dreams of retaining the Cup. The Argentinian defence, consisting of the likes of Ayala, Sorin and Heinze, will also be difficult to breach. A clash between Brazil and Argentina would be the battle royale.

Rahul Roy,
Dum Dum

Brazil is the foremost contender for World Cup 2006. The agility of Ronaldinho, the skill of Ronaldo and Adriano and the experience of Roberto Carlos and Cafu make the squad virtually invincible. It is Brazil versus the rest of the world.

Veena Sreelalan,
Gol Park

My favourite team is Brazil. The team members are energetic and focussed and constitute a cohesive unit. I don?t think there is any team that can stop them from winning the world title for the sixth time.

Pampa Guha Roy,
Haldia

The small countries are doing well in this edition of the World Cup, but I believe that Brazil will eventually triumph. It is apparent from the way the team is playing that they have worked hard on its game.

Samyak Nandy,
Bangur Avenue

Germany is a strong contender for the World Cup. Not only is it improving match by match, the team also has the home support. There is excellent understanding up front between Klose and Podolski, along with a solid midfield and defence line-up.

Satyen Biswas,
Behala

It is difficult to predict the outcome of sporting competitions. There are a number of teams that are very good, but I will support Brazil because it plays the most attractive football.