Least hygienic habit: The players exchange jerseys after each match. This will be particularly unpleasant after The Sweatiest Contest: Germany vs. Korea, June 27 in the Dallas swelter.
Match most anticipated by purists: Brazil vs. Cameroon, June 24 in Palo Alto.
Least likely “Pele” to replace the true Pele: Majed Abdullah, of Saudi Arabia, the “Pele of the Desert,” At 35, he has slowed down.
Lothar Matthaus, 33, was Germany’s field leader in its 1990 championship. As a concession to age, he has retreated from midfield to defensive sweeper, soccer’s free safety position.
