World Cup: Brazil

Brazil's high-flying Ronaldo (r), widely considered the greatest soccer player in the world, fights off Germany's Andreas Moeller in a World Cup exhibition match in March. Brazil and Germany are ranked No.1 and 2 in the world entering World Cup action. Source: Wide World Photos

Brazil (Group A)

FIFA World Ranking: 1

Players to Watch: Ronaldo (F), Edmundo (F), Roberto Carlos (D)

Prospects: Don't get any better. The defending World Cup Champions are looking to repeat. The recent loss of their brilliant forward Romario to a calf injury is a bad hit but Brazil is so deep it shouldn't be a huge factor. This will be Ronaldo's show regardless. Look for big things from the 21-year-old striker (he'll be wearing number 9 on his jersey) who has already been named the World Player of the Year twice.

First Round opponents: Scotland (6/10), Morocco (6/16), Norway (6/23)