Group B poll favours European pair
2 May 2006
by FIFAworldcup.com
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As you would expect, the upcoming 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany™ is set to have a markedly European flavour, and we are not just talking about Germany's delicious sausages or countless varieties of refreshing beer.
Once more, FIFAworldcup.com readers have put their faith in Europe's finest as they bid for world football's biggest prize.
In response to the question "Which teams will qualify from Group B at Germany 2006?", an overwhelming 62 per cent of the 53,061 voters believe England and Sweden will prove too stiff a test for group rivals Paraguay and Trinidad and Tobago. In an even more resounding result than last month's poll regarding which sides would make it through from Group A, the tournament pedigree of the European teams involved continues to set them apart in the eyes of our readers.
For Sven-Goran Eriksson's England squad, this vote of confidence could not have come at a better time, given the tidal wave of negativity that greeted this weekend's injury to Wayne Rooney. In spite of that worrying news, history favours the 1966 winners, who have qualified from the first phase at every FIFA World Cup appearance, with the exceptions of 1950 and 1958.
Sweden meanwhile, under the astute guidance of Lars Lagerback, have done more than enough to earn their place among the group favourites. At Korea/Japan 2002, the Swedes qualified from their group at the expense of Argentina and Nigeria, and took second spot in Group 8 of European qualifying for Germany 2006.
Playing catch-up
The two European sides may have held sway in the voting, but Paraguay are confident of springing a surprise. "Playing England in our opening game is the best thing that could have happened to us," explained Albirroja coach Anibal Ruiz after December's draw. With 23 per cent of the votes, Ruiz's team make up the second favourite pairing in the poll alongside David Beckham and Co.
It would be foolish to discount the Paraguayans, who defied the odds to reach the last 16 at both France 98 and Korea/Japan 2002. Third place in the survey went to the Sweden-Paraguay pairing with seven per cent of the votes cast.
Predictably, the last three places went to Trinidad and Tobago, paired with England, Sweden and Paraguay respectively. These results are not going to deter the side led by experienced Dutchman Leo Beenhakker who, with the pressure off and no previous FIFA World Cup experience, could have all the ingredients to be one of this year's surprise packages.
Poll results
England and Sweden - 64 per cent
England and Paraguay - 23 per cent
Paraguay and Sweden - 7 per cent
England and Trinidad and Tobago - 4 per cent
Trinidad and Tobago and Sweden - 3 per cent
Paraguay and Trinidad and Tobago - 2 per cent
