The World of Soccer is a weekly column by international soccer columnist Alex Johnson. His e-mail address is: alex_johnson@ bigfoot.com. Include your full name and home town. Because of the volume of mail, he may not be able to respond to all messages.

The World Cup begins June 10 and while it is notable for being the last of the 20th century, it is also gaining notoriety for being the last overseen by Joao Havelange. The president of FIFA retires next month after 24 years on the job, and after making soccer one of the biggest and richest sports in the world. And this World Cup is the quintessential Joao Havelange production.

In a special edition of the World of Soccer, Alex Johnson profiles Havelange and the upcoming tournament.

COMMENTARY
Two Decades That Changed the World of Soccer
Joao Havelange transformed FIFA into a significant political, social and economic player on the world stage and became one of the most powerful men in international sports. In July, he steps aside.

HISTORY
Once Upon a Time in America
It's almost criminal how few American soccer fans know that the United States once made it all the way to the World Cup semifinals. Really.

THE TOURNAMENT
The Glittering Prize at the End of the Road
The irresistible force of Yugoslavia will smash into the immovable object of Argentina in the final. Emerging with the Jules Rimet trophy will be ...

THE TEAMS

Group A A Stiff Challenge for Brazil Watch out for Norway, a good bet to upset the defending champions. 1. Brazil | 2. Norway 3. Scotland | 4. Morocco Group B The Italians Find a Way Chile will provide a strong challenge, but Italy has enough. Barely. 1. Italy | 2. Chile 3. Cameroon | 4. Austria Group C Home Cooking for France The hosts will breeze through the group – and a lot further. 1. France | 2. Denmark 3. Saudi Arabia | 4. South Africa Group D The Group of Death All four teams could finish first, but Spain looks the strongest. 1. Spain | 2. Nigeria 3. Paraguay | 4. Bulgaria

Group E Early Test for the Dutch Holland and Belgium, those not-so- friendly neighbors, decide it early. 1. Holland | 2. Belgium 3. Mexico | 4. South Korea Group F Yugoslavia? Yes, Yugoslavia Even if it weren't old and fractious, Germany would still be second best. 1. Yugoslavia | 2. Germany 3. United States | 4. Iran Group G Romania, With Guns Blazing Powerful offenses will mean a lot of goals. Romania's is one of the best. 1. Romania | 2. England 3. Colombia | 4. Tunisia Group H Argentina's Walk in the Parc The world's best team has a walkover in the World Cup's easiest group. 1. Argentina | 2. Croatia 3. Japan | 4. Jamaica