Rajesh's column: View from the stands

Wait before you judge Argentina

24-carat diamond. That's how a newspaper headlined Argentina's 24-pass goal. After Argentina's 6-0 drubbing of Serbia and Montenegro, everyone is predicting the Latin American team's triumph.

Favourites they are, but they still have a long way to go. And one shouldn't read much into the 24-pass goal. Because no other team other than Serbia and Montenegro would have been generous enough to let the Argentinians hold on to the ball for such a long time.

Samba without rhythm

After all the hype, that's what we are getting to see. An out-of-shape Ronaldo, an Adriano who can shoot only with his left foot, a subdued Ronaldinho... Add to it the 30-plus defence, made of Roberto Carlos and Cafu. Brazilian fans must be already getting the jitters. But things, I hope, can only get better. But they could get worse too, like a defeat at the hands of Italy in the second round if they fail to top their group.

Germany's new avatar

The German team this time is quite different from what we have seen in the past. For the first time we are seeing a German team which is more attacking than defensive. The coach, Jeurgen Klinsmann, himself a very good striker in his time, has even faced criticism from the captain Michael Ballack on this count.

French toast

All brawl and no brains. That says it all about the French team, led by the most uninspiring of coaches, Raymond Domenech. Hand him the Brazilian team, and he will ensure they never win the Cup. Even a child would have said a 1-0 lead is never unassailable, especially in this World Cup. Yet the French sat back against the Koreans. Passing mindlessly and wasting time, theirs and mine. It pains more, because I have been a French fan since the days of Michel Platini.

Matadors on a mission

Spain have started as they do always. Scoring heavily. But will they last? Hmm... On the paper they look formidable, just like the Indian cricket team. And that's worrying. Just like the Indians, they lack the killer instinct. Always the pretenders, that's what Spain are.