Brazil-mania

It's interesting to see the love for Brazil's soccer team from fans who aren't even Brazilian. Everywhere you walk, people are wearing canary yellow jerseys and lime green track tops. They're painting they're faces like a lemon and lime ice-cream, and investing in those sparkly tinsel wigs—you know the ones.

Fanaticism for Brazil is this year's World Cup must-do. (You may recall that in 2002 it was mohawking your hair like David Beckham). Boy did that die quickly.

Certainly Brazil has the personnel to back-up the attention. Ronaldinho alone could steal a press gallery away from a bikini-clad Heidi Klum. Ok, not quite—but almost.

There's nothing wrong with jumping on the bandwagon of the most successful World Cup sides in history, or cheering for the clear-cut favourites, or dumping your only bet on the owners of the world's finest player; but I beg of you, where's the fun in it?

There are 31 other nations on the leaderboard folks, each with a chance of winning something—even if it isn't the Cup. So here are my top 5 "other teams" to support during the 2006 World Cup, should you feel all Braziled-out.

5. France - they have skill, style, intellect and great wine, but perhaps not the staying power anymore.

4. USA - can talk the talk, especially with Bruce Arena at the helm, but can they really walk the walk?

3. Trinidad and Tobago - they're the quintessential underdog and their captain, Dwight Yorke, is cool. He dated, um, er, a model…Jordan.

2. Portugal - they're always in the trophy mix and have some of the most passionate fans you'll ever meet. Trust me, crash this party.

1. Germany - c'mon, they're the host—they know where the best bars are, and where to find a decent schnitzel. Plus, I was wrong; Heidi Klum can steal a press gallery away from absolutely anyone.