We know it happens in every tournament. A big team that was predicted to go far stumbles and falls in the group phase.

In this years tournament it is hard to look past Argentina, after their struggles in qualifying. They have a drawn a group which I think they may struggle in.

Nigeria took third place in this years African Nation Cup and depending on who they get in as coach could do well.

Greece are not the side that won the Euro's in 2004 that shocked the world. They did however qualify well finishing only one point behind group winners Switzerland. Will be a tough side to break down.

Finally The Korea Republic won their qualifying group and we will be no push overs.

On paper and looking at the talent available to Argentina the above matches should prove no problem at all but I just get the sneaky feeling they are going to struggle.

Who is your prediction for a shock exit?

I thinks, its gonna' be Argentina and France.
With Maradona as coach, they have reached the World cup. This itself a big achievement for him. So With maradona in charge they may suffer a shock exit.
And I want France to be knocked out in the first round itself for what they have done to Ireland. They don't even deserve to be in there so they should be knocked out

England

France could very easily fail in the first round. They only barely scraped through into the World Cup behind Serbia, and won against Ireland with that wonderful inventive control by Henry and the blind FIFA officials

Argentina have a savior in Messi, though maradona with his antics can go all the way in making sure they do not go beyond knock out stage! My bet is on France or Portugal, they've got difficult groups by their standards this time around

My bet goes to the Portuguese. Even though the Ivory Coast disappointed in the African Cup of Nations in Angola, Drogba is still on fire for Chelsea and there isn't any reason why he shouldn't be doing that internationally when the world cup comes around. Brazil of course will be on top form, and if Ronaldinho goes to South africa aswell, you can guarantee them as group toppers. The Portuguese will lose to Cote D'Ivoire in the group stage 2-1 and not recover.

Also on my mind -

France have a tough group. Mexico, Uruguay, South Africa.... The most unpredictable group is group A. Why?

Even though I think France will finish in pole position, they had a tough qualifying group and had to win their place on the plane via an Henry handball. I think they will have increased their confidence though by June, and hopefully (or not hopefully, depends if your Irish) will find their way up to number 1.

South Africa don't provide much of threat, but they are hosts and the hosts are always destined to do well. If they can overcome their challenges in Round 1, who knows what could happen.

Uruguay did not qualify for Germany 2006, but Diego Forlan finished top scorer in la Liga last season and provides a hefty goal threat worthy of a win or two for the South Americans. If he performs then they could bag a place.

Mexico are the favourites to finish behind or even infront of France. They have strength in every part of the field including in goal and don't mess about on the ball. Who knows, really, who knows?

I think Argentina will pack their bags earlier. Maradona is a euphoric one, so I think in the world cup he will be less aware about the rivals especially for the underdog teams...

Brazil. I think they're weaker than usual, but most importantly, anything can happen when playing vs drogba and ronaldo. Probably less likely to happen, but it would still be the largest shock. I also secretly want to see them go, and an african team advance

I agree with a lot of people, I'm betting Brasil and Argentina. Argentina aren't really doing well enough anyways so I think They'll be out, and Brasil will probably get lazy and lose to someone again. Thankfully, I want them out - Spain's the better side anyways

I would go with Portugal on this one! The only teams that were bigger disappointment during qualifies are Argentina and France, but these two giants have much easier groups, on the paper off course...

I'd say poertugal or/and argentina because of the hard group for portugal and argentina because of maradonna

I believe that Germany will be this year's shock exit. Miroslav Klose is struggling to find form for Bayern. Ballack is aging and may struggle with the physicality of Ghana, Australia, and Serbia. Germany, like England, does not have a solid #1 goalie

I think it will be France, but it won't be much of a shock really =/ Germany is the mr. Consistency team I doubt they will be knocked out in the group phase. England.... I think they will do well, if they get knocked out in the group phase, that will be a shock

Shock! Spain!

Judging by the form they are going through at the moment, no sane person would bet that they'll be going out, but since they didn't really have a fantastic record in the World cup proper, it won't be impossible to say they were knock out again in another quarter finals jinx.

However, millions of people who bet their $ on Spain will be knocked out (faint) along with them if it happens

Spain:if they don't make it at least to the semifinal it would be a shock