One major difference between this World Cup and that in Japan and Korea 4 years ago is the fact that no major surprises were present here.

Beckenbauer’s request, that every championship should be finished one month before the World Cup gave players a good rest before coming to Germany. This meant that best players, that play for best teams, could really make the magic and win the games for their teams.

Spain’s 4-0 win over Ukraine in FIFA World Cup Stadium Leipzig today meant that only France, of the eight top-seeded teams at 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany™, were unable to win their opening fixture.

France were disappointed with their 0-0 draw with Switzerland in Stuttgart but for all the rest – Germany, England, Argentina, Mexico, Italy, Brazil and Spain – a winning start justified their ranking ahead of the tournament.

You would have to notice, more, that France is the only top seeded that played with the second seeded in the group and this might be another reason for the draw.

Source: WCoffsite