Why is Croatia gonna have to beat Brazil in the opening game and then meet them again in the finals????????
340270
Because it would be too easy otherwise and Croats like to do things the hard way.  this way, there can be no arguement who the BEST team really is!
420147
Brazil will be the first to qualify.. if Japan show the same class they showed in 2002, then it will be a good fight with croatia for second place.. Aussie fans, i am sorry, not strong enough to move to the next round..
233748
It all depends on who is at the top of their game when cup time rolls around.  You would have to say that Brazil obviously has the edge, but don't count out any of the top 10 world teams.  A tie here or there and they could find themselves in the runner up spot in pool play and have to play one of the other powerhouses in the quarter finals.  That would definitely help out the other teams to have one of them eliminated early.  You never really know.
1171205
Croatia played extremely well and have areas they can and will improve on and for that reason alone I don't think we have see Croatia play to their maximum ability. They definitely appeared more committed to the game than the Brazilians and often had them worried I believe.They will have learnt a lot today and will take many positives with them from their game V's Brazil. Many reasons are being offered for the lack lustre performance of Brazil, but we will have to wait and see what eventuates.\n\nI hope nothing great eventuates when they play the Socceroo's...lol\nGo Australia.. we are all so proud of you.
465066
of course they can.. but croatia is a very strong team.. it will be a nice battle for second place..
1164841
There's no way for Brazil and France to be in the final 4. They will play against each other in the quarter final, and Brazil is going to win that.
1163341
Yes, everything is in their hands. All they need is a point from Croatia- which eliminate the European side.\n\nJapan will not beat Brazil, that's a guarantee.
596542
Five times world champions Brazil meet two times champions Argentina in the 7th Confederations Cup Football dream final today at 0045 hours (BST) in Frankfurt, Germany. Both the teams won Confederations Cup once each with Brazil landing in final thrice while Argentina twice including this year.\n\nBrazil sailed to the final beating Germany 3-2 in Nuremberg on Saturday and Argentina needed sudden death penalty shoot-out against stubborn Mexico for a berth in final. The two losing semifinalists will now battle for bronze at 2200 hours.\n\nTired Brazil will be depending on Adriano, Robinho, Ronaldinho and Kaka for goals while Argentine supporters will look to Riquelme, Rodriguez Gonzalo, Figueroa and Juan Sorin for goals.\n\nThe Samba defence will consist of Roque Junior (captain), Emerson, Lucio, Gilberto, Ze Roberto, Cicinho and Renato. Coach Pareirra has equal potentialities in the reserve bench and hence has no anxiety. \n\nThe Argentine defence has Pablo Aymer, Sorin, Delgado, Heinze, Coloccini and Rodriguez with equal talents in the waiting list. But Argentina's attack diminishes as Saviola will not play for being red-carded on Sunday.\n\nMatch between Brazil and Argentina adds extra romance and thrills. Argentina lead Brazil 34-33 in head to head result but recent clashes favour Brazil. In the Copa America Football final, Brazil showed magnitude of football beating full strength Argentina, fielding a second-string side. Their world cup qualifying meets are tied 1-1.\n\nAfter first round matches, Germany coach Clinsman said, "The Brazilians are not serious about the tournament. So, we have fairer chance to move to final." Perhaps, this comment awoke the Samba fighters from hibernation and Germany lost the battle to final. Ronaldinho said, "We have got to go out and enjoy it."\n\nPareirra said, "If we follow Brazilian style, we shall win the festival of champions."\n\nBut Argentina are not afraid of playing Brazil. They know how to face them. However, whoever win, it will be their second title.\n\nThe world of sports will be keenly watching the final match.
995112
Anything can happen in football is true.  What you have to take into account though is how many mistakes must the Brazilians make as opposed to the Croatians for us to see a tragedy? Football is all about mistakes and taking advantage of them; and Brazil need to make many, which they don't. So the upset will rely on Croatia making the most of the least, not an easy feat against a team that can beat you on every inch of the pitch. The clime is almost 90degrees for Croatia, or any other team for that matter.
1140247
Germany should not but they can ! \nbe cause they play in their own country and the fans are ready ! they have the most fans and every thing is ready for them ! they just should play their best !
1025172
Totally unfair!  This has always been my main worry.  I smell another ploy from FIFA to manipulate the game so that the favorite (Brazil) can make it to the next round.  It is obvious that the Spanish referee is going to be on the side of Brazil.   Vieira, Ribery and Zidane had already been given a yellow card.  Another game where we will see one team down with only ten players.  This year World Cup is so screwed!!!
649132
Controversy!!!! Croatia to win 1-0 Dado Prso to score the winner in the 2nd half. Yes that's right, put your money on it.
1163641
They have a serious chance, with all resting on the game vs. Croatia. Hopefully, Japan will do them a favour by beating the Croats. I think the battle for 2nd spot is up for grabs!
1081706
Because they came out flat against the Ivory Coast.  They've got to find some intesity or they'll be done.  They've got a match with Holland coming up, so they've got the get their @$$es in line.  Plus, it's Serbia & Montenegro, they're awful.
1146338
Yeah, I agree. When Ronaldo is healthy, they will play better. Croatia didn't play above expectations, Brazil played below expectations.
1141791
yeah i seriously believe that it will Brazil and Germany in the final once again after 4 years. The Germans are playing in their home so they will whatever they can to not let down their supporters and the Brazilians will be looking for their 6th title in the world cups so they have a huge determination going on for them.
1022713
I think Australia will get the second qualifying spot in this round. But it will not be an easy match against Croatia. Strategies need to be changed for each opponent and I'm sure both sides will have watched replays of each others games and be well prepared for each other. Kewell has made it hard for Australia now. Although I understand his frustration, he should not have vented it that way. I think the referee's were already judging Australia negatively due to pre cup press about their aggressive play, which by the way was grossly inaccurate, and will look to us far more critically and harshly now. So it's not going to be easy. But cool heads and the steely determination they have produced so far will get them through in the end.