Resources
World Cup
● Brazil’s dream: Brazil are hot favourites but can they win in Europe? History is not on their side
● England expects: With or without Rooney, England are among a raft of half dozen potential winners
● Bet on it: Britain’s bookies are looking forward to their first billion pound sporting event - -
Content
Nationalism, yes. But the game’s the thing
In the breathless hush before the opening game, Matthew Engel hopes that football will come first.
Germany: On the right day with the right support ...
...the host nation can over-achieve once again, says Richard Milne.
Brazil: Talent compares with teams past
But will ageing stars have the workrate to go all the way? Tim Vickery reports.
South America: Can the teams of the Americas win?
Or might their bravado be a disadvantage against Europe’s pragmatists, asks David Owen.
Argentina: Youth squad philosophy is hallmark
Beautiful tangoing may not be enough, says Marcela Mora y Araujo.
Group of death: Van Basten’s fans in football boots
The Dutch crave a team who’ll wear the orange shirts for free, writes Simon Kuper
Serbia-Montenegro: Petkovic’s pragmatic selections
A 6ft 7in target man is in the mix and the team has heart, says Jonathan Wilson.
England: Rooney absence is a poser
But the loss of such a talent may not be as bad as feared, argues Jonathan Wilson.
Trinidad and Tobago: Hislop hopes for happy ending
The Caribbean veteran praises Dutch coach Leo Beenhakker when he talks to Jonathan Wilson.
France: Why their team is built around Zidane
Simon Kuper assesses the chances of Les Bleus and their old campaigners.
