After a successful campaign in Asia in 2002, the World Cup returns to a European host country. The Germans came close in 2002 and look to go one step farther in 2006 on home turf. Here are some countries to keep an eye on.

Germany (+700) – Group A

Germany is still trying to wipe the bitter taste of defeat from their taste buds after losing 2-0 to Brazil in the 2002 title game. This time around they’ll have rabid fan support as they try to do what France did in 1998. Take the title on home soil.

2002 German coach Rudi Voller stepped down after disappointing showing at Euro 2004 and former German great Jurgen Klinsmann takes over a talented crew. National captain Michael Ballack missed the championship in 2002 due to suspension and looks to make amends to German supporters. Aiding the captain will be youngsters Bastian Schweinsteiger and Lukas Podolski.

The Germans shouldn’t have much trouble advancing to the Round of 16 as they are in a Group that consists of Poland, Costa Rica and Ecuador.

Italy (+800) – Group E

The Italians won the World Cup in 1982 beating West Germany. Twelve years later they lost to Brazil in the United States. Twelve years have past since U.S. 1994; will the Azzurri make another trip to the finals in 2006?

Paolo Rossi was instrumental for the Italians in 1982 and another Rossi may be ready to step it up in 2006. Roma’s Daniele De Rossi has been making waves in Serie A and could shine on the world stage. That is of course, if he heals up from an ankle injury suffered in mid March. He is expected to miss two weeks of action and should return in April.

The Azzurri are in a Group that consists of Ghana, the United States and the Czech Republic. Save for the Czech’s, Italy shouldn’t have trouble in the early goings.

England (+650) – Group B

The 2006 World Cup will be coach Sven-Goran Ericksson’s swan song with the English side. Will he go out with a whimper or a bang?

Going into the tournament, England is certainly one of the favorites and for very good reason too. The roster is laden with top rate talent featuring David Beckham, Steven Gerrard, Michael Owen and Wayne Rooney. The defense is solid too, anchored by the likes of Sol Campbell.

Like the Germans and Italians, the English shouldn’t see much competition in the early stages. Other teams in England’s group include Paraguay, Trinidad and Tobago, and Sweden, with the Swedes posing the biggest threat to Ericksson’s lads.

Brazil (+250) – Group F

What a difference four years makes. Going into 2002, Brazil was smarting from a loss to France in the 1998 title game. Headed into 2006 Brazil is on top of the soccer world after taking the World Cup from Germany in Japan.

Studs like Ronaldo and Ronaldinho return from the 2002 squad and former coach Carlos Alberto Parreira returns to the fold, hoping to repeat the results he achieved with the team at the 1994 Cup in the U.S.

Headed into Germany, Brazil finds itself in a pool with Croatia, Australia and Japan. Though Brazil is clearly the class of the Group, the Croatians may give them trouble.

Argentina (+700) – Group C

The days of Diego Maradona may be long gone, but Argentina is still a powerhouse. After a disappointing showing in Asia last time around, the Argentineans want a better showing in Germany.

Young Lionel Messi looks to aid veterans such as Hernan Crespo and Roberto Ayala in the team’s effort to knock off rival Brazil and make their first World Cup final appearance since 1990.

Argentina looks to be the dominant team in a Group that consists of Serbia and Montenegro, the Netherlands and Côte d'Ivoire.

Next time: World Cup 2006 Dark Horses