Dutch left out of elite eight
WORLD CUP DRAW Brazil, Germany atop list of seeds Mexico, England also included
LEIPZIG, GERMANY—
The Netherlands was left out of the top seedings for Friday’s World Cup draw (Sportsnet, 2 p.m.) and could end up in the same group as perennial rival Germany or defending champion Brazil. The omission of the world’s third- ranked team was the biggest surprise during yesterday’s announcement of the seedings. Mexico and Spain were the only teams never to win the World Cup that were picked for the top eight, which also included host Germany, Brazil, England, France, Argentina and Italy. Germany and Brazil were automatically seeded for Friday’s draw and will head groups A and F, allowing the powerhouses to play in Berlin, Munich and Dortmund, the three biggest stadiums.
Seeded teams are each placed in their own first- round groups, meaning the heavyweights are kept apart in the early stages. Jim Brown, FIFA’s director of competitions, said “economic factors” played a leading role in putting the defending champion and the host team at the biggest arenas. England was happy to be among the seeded teams after it was picked to play Argentina, Nigeria and Sweden in the first round at the 2002 World Cup.
“ This is a big boost but, when the tournament starts, we must show on the pitch why we have been seeded,” England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson told the English federation website.
For Brazil, which is going for its sixth championship, first- round opponents matter little.
“ I don’t have any preference,” Real Madrid defender Roberto Carlos said. “ I have already participated in two World Cups and I did play against all teams. So, I don’t know and I don’t have any preference.” The Netherlands had been lobbying for a top seeding but its non- qualification for the World Cup three years ago made sure it fell short. The Dutch lost to Brazil in the semifinals in a penalty shootout at France 1998.
“ It appears that our current third place in FIFA’s world rankings is no guarantee of getting seeded,” Dutch federation director Henk Kesler said. FIFA based its seedings on results at the last two World Cups and the world rankings of the past three years. Based on that rule, Brazil topped the standings with 64 points, ahead of England with 51, Spain with 50 and Germany with 48. The fifth- ranked team was Mexico with 47, followed by France with 46 and Argentina and Italy tied in seventh with 44 points. The U. S. fell just short of the top eight with 43 points.