First Cycle Completed...

With Spain's impressive 4-0 thrashing of Ukraine and Tunisia's last-second draw with Saudi Arabia, the World Cup Round Robin has passed through it's first complete cycle.

With ALL of teams played and accounted for, it is now time to assess favorites, upsets, teams on the rise, those on the fall, and the glory games to come in the week ahead.

Favorites By my estimations, England is still the team to beat. Despite having a weak outing on Saturday, they still looked much stronger than any of their high-ranking counter-parts. England's team is STACKED. They have Beckham comfortably captaining, keeper Robinson firmly in charge in the rear, and a host of top-notch talent at every position. Everytime the ball is passed, it switches into the possesion of one of the World's best. Rumors have it that Rooney will even be ready to go by tomorrow's match against Trinidad & Tobago. England will easily rock its Group, and proceed with full strength into elimination soccer.

On Brazil Am I the only one in the world who thinks the Brazilians are overrated? After winning 1-0 over Croatia, on a lucky goal from Kaka, I think that Brazil is a shadow of its former self. Sure the Boys from Rio have the FINEST footballers in the world. But they, like many of their high ranking counterparts, seeming uninspired in their play. If the former World Champions and heavy favorites can play to 1-0 against Croatia, who knows what they'll do with a stronger opponent. The Three Lions of England will surely crush the Brazilians.

Teams to Watch The Czech Republic embarassed the US, and looked confident while doing it. I agree with Claudio Reyna's assessment that the Czechs will go far in the tournament. If they manhandle Ghana like they manhandled the US, Italy will not stand in the way of a Prague Summer.

The Netherlands looked very good against the Serbians, and I will expect only greater things this weekend. Watch for van Persie to step up his game, and for Robben to start sharing the ball. If Arjen can share with his fellow Oranje, the Dutch will easily escape the Round Robin.

Spain is the only team among the European favorites that played to their potential. Rocking 3 goals with Raul on the sidelines, and 1 with him on the pitch, the Spainards have nowhere to go but up. Sure, they may have beat up on a weaker squad, but England, Brazil and France were surely no beating anyone up as they confronted their own share of weaker nations.

Disappointments It seems almost unecessary to repeat the enormous disappointment from Team USA's thrashing at the hands of the Czechs. Still, the point needs repeating. The US would be lucky indeed to get out of Group E, and will most likely be taking an early trip back to a disappointed and yet uncaring host nation.

About six months ago, Zidane returned to Les Bleus amidst an expolsion of French Patriotism. Following in his footsteps were a number of equally talented international players that had quit because of problems with the administration. Theirry Henry, France's darling and the star striker of Arsenal stood at the center of the team Europe was wary of for World Cup championship contention. There less than inspired play against Switzerland was regrettable to put it nicely. Not only did the French fail to perform, they blamed the grass and its "stickiness" for their difficulties in the match. They won't have to worry about sticky grass when they're watching the rest of the tournament in a bar in Paris.