World Cup

OK, it isn't college sports, its pro sports. But college athletes are essentially professionals now anyway, so the line is one I am willing to step over.

So who is going to win the World Cup in 2006.

USA - no chance. I will be cheering for them, but they are unlikely to win a game and wont escape from their group.

England - nope. With all their strikers hobbled, they will be toothless. Expect a noble effort and start thinking 2010.

Brazil - unlikely. Sure, they have the talent, but only once has a South American team ever won the cup when the tournament was held in Europe. OK, that team was Brazil...still.

France - maybe. If Henry and Trez get going, France is always dangerous. But the midfield will not be what it was in 1998.

Holland - maybe. Like Brazil, they have the talent, and they are close to home.

Italy - a fair bet. Plenty of goal scoring potential, and traditionally good defense, though perhaps not what it was. Still, should Italy keep most of its players out of prizon, they will be tough.

Germany - the favorite. They are at home, and Close can still score. Their midfield is very strong, goal tending excellent (when the keeper isn't red carded) and they always offer a well organized defense.

What of Spain, Argentina, Africa, Asia or Eastern Europe? Yeah, yeah. If you want to put your money there go ahead, but don't blame me. If I was a betting man (which I am) I would look to the central European powers in this order: Germany, Italy, France, Holland. OK, put Brazil in there too. God knows they have more talent than all four of those teams combined.