When play begins for the 2006 World Cup in Germany, 32 teams will compete for a chance at the title. As with any other sport, bettors can choose to lay their money on favorites or the underdogs. Here are some teams to look at if you want to take a chance on a long shot.

Head coach Bruce Arena and the Americans are showing everyone that North America is capable of competing on the world stage. In 2002 the States had an impressive showing as they went 1-1-1 in the early stages and made it to the quarters where they bowed out to the runner up Germans.

This time around Arena’s boys are every bit as talented and even more experienced. Many of the heroes from 2002 are back in 2006 including DaMarcus Beasley, Claudio Reyna, Eddie Pope and Landon Donovan which can only help the States’ chances.

But if the Yanks are to build on their 2002 experience they’ll have to be at the top of their game especially in the early goings. The Italians, Ghanaians and Czechs are in the same Group and will be difficult opposition.

The Mexicans, like the Americans, are the pride of North American soccer. They have made the last four straight World Cups and didn’t do to poorly in 2002. They went 2-0-1 in the early stages and beat the Croatians and Ecuador along the way before losing to the Americans in the Round of 16.

The team features a blend of veterans and youth. Rafael Marquez and the likes will be there to show youngsters like Carlos Salcido the ropes. Youngster Andres Guardado could shine if given a chance.

Mexico should only have trouble with Portugal early on as the other teams in their Group are Iran and Angola. A trip to the Group of 16 is a distinct possibility.

The Croatians fared very well in their maiden World Cup voyage in 1998 as they ended up in third place when all was said and done. Their encore in 2004 failed to live up to expectations as they failed to advance to the Group of 16 with a 1-2-0 record.

The roster will have its fair share of talent. Igor Tudor, Marko Babic and Srna Darijo will team with rising star Niko Kranjcar, whose father Zlatko is coach of the team.

Being in a Group with Brazil, Croatia probably won’t grab top spot but shouldn’t have trouble with Australia and Japan.

Odds for the rest of the teams.

Costa Rica (+38384)

Poland (+8409)

Ecuador (+20044)

Paraguay (+14766)

Trinidad and Tobago (+38384)

Sweden (+3789)

Ivory Coast (+4972)

Serbia and Montenegro (+5190)

Group D

Iran (+38384)

Angola (+40175)

Group E

Ghana (+9890)

Australia (+6552)

Japan (+14766)

Switzerland (+8007)

South Korea (+19586)

Togo (+38384)

Group H

Ukraine (+4373)

Tunisia (+20044)

Saudi Arabia (+38384)