ODDS ARE EVEN

The way pool games have shaped up, any of the top teams could win the World Cup

- NEERU BHATIA

It is a World Cup with no outright favourite. Just look at the initial pool games. While defending champions Belgium and former winners Germany played out a lively 2-2 draw at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, three-time champions Australia were held to a 3-3 draw by a resurgent Argentina at the same venue. More than 300km away, at the new Birsa Munda Stadium in Rourkela, the clash between hosts India and England ended in an entertaining draw-0-0.

Yes, Spain beat Wales 5-1 and Belgium beat South Korea 5-0, but the stronger teams were made to work hard for each goal. As of now, it seems that eight of the 16 teams can go on to lift the trophy.

Said Belgium captain Felix Denayer: "We are really well prepared. We have been to a training camp in Spain, where we won all our games. So, there is a lot of confidence in our camp that we will do well in the tournament."

He did admit, though, that retaining the trophy would not be easy, despite the lengthy preparations. "There are a lot of favourites, I think," he said. "Obviously Australia.

Then the Netherlands, Germany and India at home are always strong opponents. Then there are teams who are performing well-such as England and Argentina-so I think it will not be easy for anyone."