>  for distinct team :
> In XSL, I can use
>      <xsl:variable name="teams" select = 
> "//team[not(.=preceding::team)]"/>
> to get
>      Brazil
>      Argentina
> 
> However, if I want to get distinct team, group, that is
>      Brazil A
>      Brazil B
>      Argentina A
> 

the [not(.=preceding::X)] construct is only useful where the grouping value
is the string value of a node. This is because it relies on the implicit "if
there exists" semantics of the "=" operator.

For grouping on more complex expressions, use the Muenchian technique with a
key: see www.jenitennison.com. Alternatively use proprietary extensions such
as saxon:distinct().

Mike Kay 

 XSL-List info and archive:  http://www.mulberrytech.com/xsl/xsl-list