WM Post: Group G as in Guess

The French are already imploding. The Swiss are -- kinda dull. Korea is back, but this time there's no millions of fans, Hiddink and suspect refereeing in their corner. Togo makes their debut, so first go find them on a map.

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Zizou's ready to say farewell.

Group G, top to bottom, is the blandest gathering in this whole World Cup. Even when they're feuding, like with France, it's all slamming doors and driving off, then returning and the cycle begins anew. The French and the Swiss are renewing ties, too, having faced each other in the same group in qualifying where they were 0-0 and 1-1 against each other, which gives you an idea what we're in store for.
But what the hell, we're here, Zidane will get a heartfelt salute and perhaps Thierry Henry will do something under these bright lights, unless, that is, Ji-Sung Park upstages him - and he could. Let's take a stab:

1 France ... Starting in goal, it's Bananarama on Barthez.

3 South Korea ... If it wasn't for manager Dick Advocaat, I'd pick them to win this group.

2 Switzerland ... Any country whose No. 1 all-time selling song is by Scorpions has some explaining to do.

4 Togo ... A staple on the old SCTV News, they've already triumphed in the Miss World Cup competition.

Comments

[Baldy Cotton]

Arrogant Domenech and Foggy (fogey?) Barthez will sink France . . . either early or in the second stage (sorry Zizou). Is Barthez a distant relative of Kelly Gruber?

The Swiss and Korea have nothing, but wouldn't it be hilarious if they both accidentally topped a tailspinning Bleus squad. It would of course help if the Swiss could utilize Paul DiPietro as sweeper.

I'd pick Togo to go all the way if Earl Camembert and Tawny Beaver were co-managers.