Shifts in Power as Champions Fall

This World Cup, more than any other, has shown a lack of respect for history and myth.

First World and European champions France, then heavily-favored Argentina fell to the likes of Senegal and Sweden and took early leave of the tournament.

From the moment the championships opened with a form-shattering 1-0 win for the Africans over the French, the hierarchy of international football has been rocked by a series of mini revolutions that could quite possibly result in a major coup come July.

Lacklustre French defence of trophy starts the upheaval

Les Bleus eventually crashed out after capitulating to another set of rising stars in this World Cup, Denmark.

The 2-0 score line showed another shift in power; France had not scored a single goal despite fielding the top scorers from the English, French and Italian leagues as their strike force.

Meanwhile the Danes scored more goals in one match against the out-going champions than the French managed in the whole tournament. Strong and well organised, the Danish could well be outsiders with championship credentials.

Argentina exposed as the bubble bursts

Big noises were made of the challenge of Argentina this time around. With an expensive and talented squad, the South American millionaires followed up an unconvincing win against Nigeria with a 1-0 defeat by England.

Another team of strong Scandinavians rocked Argentina's world when, five days later, Sweden held them to a 1-1 draw, leaving only time for tears and packing before catching the flight home.

Other big names have been scared witless by teams on the rise. Italy had to rely on an 85th minute equaliser from Alessandro Del Piero against Mexico to secure their passage to the next round.

African minnows exceed expectations

So who will challenge the remainding big guns as the knockout stages kick off on Saturday?

It would be a good bet that Senegal will continue to do their best to fulfil Pele’s prophecy that an African winner is just around the corner.

After the African Cup winners Cameroon and former Olympic Champions Nigeria self destructed, the erratic but explosive Senegalese will be the continent's sole competitors in the latter stages.

Their combination of flair and unpredicatability will no doubt cause the rigid Swedes problems when they meet on Sunday.

And who would rule out an Asian champion?

After dispensing with Russia and Tunisia, Japan have gone from strength to strength on the back of phenomenal local support and the driving force of Inamoto and Nakata.

Turkey will find themselves up against unexpectedly worthy opposition when they take on the co-hosts in Miyagi. A great result against the battling Turks will see Japan in the quarter finals for the first time.

Meanwhile South Korea have proved a surprise package capable of making fools of anyone. It will be a brave coach who underestimates Guus Hiddink's youngsters.

Portugal's Antonio Oliveira's medal of valour will be of little comfort after his flamboyant side were knocked out by the Koreans. Another one bites the dust...

One thing has emerged as a certainty from this uncertain championship. The belief in a ‘big six’ and the indulgence of seeding positions hold no sway with the emerging nations who have watched and learned while the dominant teams of old have congratulated each other.

It now truly is a world cup.