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FIFA ranking (in brackets) as of the 20th March

Here is a list of the World Cup groups in ranking order.

If we were to take that ranking and play out the results based on then the qualifiers from each group would be as follows:

Group A Germany (22), Costa Rica (25)
Group B England (9), Sweden (16)
Group C Holland (3), Argentina (4)
Group D Mexico (7), Portugal (10)
Group E Czech Republic (2), USA (5)
Group F Brazil (1), Japan (19)
Group G France (8), South Korea (31)
Group H Spain (6), Tunisia (24)

Therefore the second round would surprisingly not feature Italy, Poland, Switzerland, Ukraine or Croatia and also surprising would be that Argentina and Portugal did not win their groups. Second round matches would be:

So bitter disappointment for Germany as they crash out of the competition at the hands of Sweden, and an early bath for World Cup wannabes USA as Brazil breeze past them. The quarter-final line up is would be:

England out to old rivals Argentina and France out to the might of the Czech Republic. Holland would ease past Sweden, as would Brazil past Spain. This would set up a huge semi-final match between Argentina and Brazil, ‘the final come early’ is what the media say.

The Czech Republic continues to prove the doubters wrong with a victory over Holland for a final against Brazil. Now I have nothing against the Czech Republic, but if this is the final I will –as the old saying goes – eat my hat!

The final:

Brazil wins the World Cup again. Congratulations lads!

Other observations from these rakings

Highest total FIFA ranking: Group G (132) - Part-timers!
Lowest total FIFA ranking: Group F (82) - THE Professional!
Crappest team: Angola (60)

Coming soon… The 2006 World Cup based on the bookies!