Take a lot at my Second ever entry in this blog title "Come on England"
"The years 2010. a brave new England have taken the world by storm and reached the World cup final.
A few months ago people would have thought that sentence had a reasonable chance of being made in July this year, such has been the football teams improvement under Fabio Capello, but today it's not the Italian getting the plaudits, instead another Foregin coach, Andy Flower leads his cricket team into their first ICC final since 1992, and the first against the old enemy since 1987
For too long England have been looking in from the outside on occasions like this, but finally they have lived up to their pre-tournament talk of playing without fear, and whatever the result this afternoon they deserve plenty of praise for the way they have gone about this tournament. "
Today, Englands football team, need to follow in the footsteps of their crcket counterparts, when they take to the field they must be fearless, willing to take risks in order to create something, they need to play with conviction.
So far in this tournament, England have looked scared to try something out of the ordinary, only once has a Central Midfielder gotten himself ahead of the strikers, it resulted in a goal. We need to take more of these gambles.
We know they can do it, we've seen them do it in the qualifiers, we see them do it in the league for their clubs week in week out.
I'm fed up of hearing the tactics don't suit the players. They are the same tactics we used in the qualifiers.
I don't care who Capello picks as the 11 chosen ones this afternoon, whoever is out there is good enough, they wouldn't be in the squad if they weren't.
Last night England's cricketers showed the way once again, with another superb victory against the Australians. England should take note of the way they played, agressive, passionate and always willing to try something out of the ordinary.
If we play the same way today, then we should have no problems.
Wednesday, 23 June 2010
Thursday, 10 June 2010
World Cup Preview - Group H
Spain
Coach: Vicente del Bosque
Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), José Manuel Reina (Liverpool), Víctor Valdés (Barcelona)
Defenders: Raul Albiol (Real Madrid), Alvaro Arbeloa (Real Madrid), Joan Capdevila (Villarreal), Carlos Marchena (Valencia), Gerard Piqué (Barcelona), Carles Puyol (Barcelona), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid)
Midfielders:Xavi Alonso (Real Madrid), Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Cesc Fábregas (Arsenal), Andrés Iniesta (Barcelona), Javi Martínez (Athletic Club), Xavi Hernández (Barcelona)
Strikers: David Jiménez Silva (Valencia), Jesus Navas González (Sevilla), Juan Manuel Mata (Valencia), Pedro Rodríguez (Barcelona), Fernando Llorente (Athletic Club), Fernando Torres (Liverpool), David Villa (Valencia)
The most aesthetically pleasing team in the tournament. They play "the beautiful game" and make it look easy. Just youtube David Silva's goal against Poland, from a game they won 6-0 two days ago. It truly is majestic stuff.
After winning Euro 2008, they shedded their unwanted tag of "bottlers" and have the quality to go all the way again, not only in the first 11, but the whole squad, with the likes of Valdes, Reina, Fabregas, Navas and Pedro all likely to start on the bench.
It will take something special to beat Spain in this tournament, especially as they boast two of the best strikers in the world in David Villa and Fernando Torres.
Key Man
Andres Iniesta - in my view, the best player in the world. Iniesta can play anywhere across the middle, and can boss the game in whatever position he plays in.
Iniesta can do it all, dribble, pass, shoot and the understanding between him and Xavi is key for both Barcelona and Spain.
Switzerland
Coach: Ottmar Hitzfeld
Goalkeepers: Diego Benaglio (Wolfsburg), Johnny Leoni (Zurich), Marco Woelfli (Young Boys)
Defenders: Stephan Lichtsteiner (Lazio), Philippe Senderos (Everton), Stephane Grichting (Auxerre), Steve von Bergen (Hertha Berlin), Mario Eggimann (Hannover 96), Reto Ziegler (Sampdoria), Christoph Spycher (Eintracht Frankfurt)
Midfielders: Valon Behrami (West Ham), Gokhan Inler (Udinese), Benjamin Huggel (Basel), Pirmin Schwegler (Eintracht Frankfurt), Gelson Fernandes (Saint-Etienne), Tranquillo Barnetta (Bayer Leverkusen), Xherdan Shaqiri (Basel), Marco Padalino (Sampdoria)
Strikers: Alexander Frei (Basel), Blaise Nkufo (Twente), Eren Derdiyok (Bayer Leverkusen), Marco Streller (Basel), Hakan Yakin (Luzern)
With Switzerland, you know what you are going to get. They will be highly organised and tight at the back, if not a little drab going forward.
Switzerland are likely to feel the odd-ones out in this group due to both their style of play, and the fact they are the only non-Spanish speaking nation of the 4.
Switzerland made history in Germany 06, by being eliminated despite not conceding a goal all tournament, and despite their efficiency at the back, their struggle for goals will be a hindrance once again.
Key Man
Gökhan Inler - The defensive midfielder has established himself as Switzerlands best player in recent times, and if he continues his form I expect a move to a bigger club will be on the cards after the tournament.
Honduras
Coach: Reinaldo Rueda
Goalkeepers: Ricardo Canales (Motagua), Noel Valladares (Olimpia), Donis Escober (Olimpia)
Defenders: Victor Bernardez (Anderlecht), Maynor Figueroa (Wigan), Oscar Garcia (Olimpia), Sergio Mendoza (Motagua), Emilio Izaguirre (Motagua), Johnny Palacios (Olimpia), Mauricio Sabillon (Hangzhou Luchen), Osman Chavez (Platense)
Midfielders: Edgard Alvarez (Bari), Julio Cesar de Leon (Torino), Roger Espinoza (Kansas City Wizards), Amado Guevara (Motagua), Ramon Nunez (Olimpia), Wilson Palacios (Tottenham Hotspur), Hendry Thomas (Wigan), Danilo Turcios (Olimpia)
Forwards: David Suazo (Genoa), Georgie Welcome (Motagua), Carlos Pavon (Real Espana), Walter Martinez (Marathon).
Haven't won in their last 5 games, and it's hard to see where they will end that poor run of form in this tournament.
David Suazo is a calm finisher, but it's hard to imagine that the creatively limited side will carve out many chances for him.
Fitness doubts linger over Spurs man Wilson Palacios.
Key Man
David Suazo - The experienced Inter Milan man will need to be at his clinical best to save his side form embarrassment. Suazo has recently been sent on loan to Benfica and Genoa due to limited opportunities at Inter.
Chile
Coach: Marcelo Bielsa
Goalkeepers: Claudio Bravo (Real Sociedad), Miguel Pinto (Universidad de Chile), Luis Marín (Union Espanola)
Defenders: Waldo Ponce (Universidad Catolica), Gonzalo Jara (West Bromwich Albion), Gary Medel (Boca Juniors), Mauricio Isla (Udinese), Arturo Vidal (Bayer Leverkusen), Pablo Contreras (PAOK Thessaloniki), Ismael Fuentes (Universidad Catolica)
Midfielders: Marco Estrada (Universidad de Chile), Carlos Carmona (Reggina), Rodrigo Millar (Colo Colo), Jorge Valdivia (Al Ain, United Arab Emirates), Matias Fernandez (Sporting Lisbon), Gonzalo Fierro (Flamengo),Rodrigo Tello (Besiktas)
Strikers: Humberto Suazo (Real Zaragoza), Alexis Sanchez (Udinese), Mark Gonzalez (CSKA Moscow), Fabian Orellana (Xerez), Esteban Paredes (Colo Colo), , Jean Beausejour (America)
Playing a 3-4-3 I fully expect Chile to be one of the most exciting sides in the tournament. Chile attack, attack and then attack some more, and I expect them to be involved in some of the most open games of the tournament.
Having only lost one game from 7 this year, Chile go into the tournament in good form, and I expect this to conintiue easpecially as coach Marcelo Bielsa has unfinished business with the World Cup after his Argentina side failed in 2002.
Key Man
Alexis Sanchez - known as "El Niño Maravilla" (the Wonder Boy), Sanchez is widely regarded as one of the most exciting yougnsters at the tournament.
Sanchez has scored 11 goals in 26 goals international games, and can play as a winger, attacking midfielder and striker
Prediction
1. Spain
2. Chile
3. Switzerland
4. Honduras
Coach: Vicente del Bosque
Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), José Manuel Reina (Liverpool), Víctor Valdés (Barcelona)
Defenders: Raul Albiol (Real Madrid), Alvaro Arbeloa (Real Madrid), Joan Capdevila (Villarreal), Carlos Marchena (Valencia), Gerard Piqué (Barcelona), Carles Puyol (Barcelona), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid)
Midfielders:Xavi Alonso (Real Madrid), Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Cesc Fábregas (Arsenal), Andrés Iniesta (Barcelona), Javi Martínez (Athletic Club), Xavi Hernández (Barcelona)
Strikers: David Jiménez Silva (Valencia), Jesus Navas González (Sevilla), Juan Manuel Mata (Valencia), Pedro Rodríguez (Barcelona), Fernando Llorente (Athletic Club), Fernando Torres (Liverpool), David Villa (Valencia)
The most aesthetically pleasing team in the tournament. They play "the beautiful game" and make it look easy. Just youtube David Silva's goal against Poland, from a game they won 6-0 two days ago. It truly is majestic stuff.
After winning Euro 2008, they shedded their unwanted tag of "bottlers" and have the quality to go all the way again, not only in the first 11, but the whole squad, with the likes of Valdes, Reina, Fabregas, Navas and Pedro all likely to start on the bench.
It will take something special to beat Spain in this tournament, especially as they boast two of the best strikers in the world in David Villa and Fernando Torres.
Key Man
Iniesta can do it all, dribble, pass, shoot and the understanding between him and Xavi is key for both Barcelona and Spain.
Switzerland
Coach: Ottmar Hitzfeld
Goalkeepers: Diego Benaglio (Wolfsburg), Johnny Leoni (Zurich), Marco Woelfli (Young Boys)
Defenders: Stephan Lichtsteiner (Lazio), Philippe Senderos (Everton), Stephane Grichting (Auxerre), Steve von Bergen (Hertha Berlin), Mario Eggimann (Hannover 96), Reto Ziegler (Sampdoria), Christoph Spycher (Eintracht Frankfurt)
Midfielders: Valon Behrami (West Ham), Gokhan Inler (Udinese), Benjamin Huggel (Basel), Pirmin Schwegler (Eintracht Frankfurt), Gelson Fernandes (Saint-Etienne), Tranquillo Barnetta (Bayer Leverkusen), Xherdan Shaqiri (Basel), Marco Padalino (Sampdoria)
Strikers: Alexander Frei (Basel), Blaise Nkufo (Twente), Eren Derdiyok (Bayer Leverkusen), Marco Streller (Basel), Hakan Yakin (Luzern)
With Switzerland, you know what you are going to get. They will be highly organised and tight at the back, if not a little drab going forward.
Switzerland are likely to feel the odd-ones out in this group due to both their style of play, and the fact they are the only non-Spanish speaking nation of the 4.
Switzerland made history in Germany 06, by being eliminated despite not conceding a goal all tournament, and despite their efficiency at the back, their struggle for goals will be a hindrance once again.
Key Man
Honduras
Coach: Reinaldo Rueda
Goalkeepers: Ricardo Canales (Motagua), Noel Valladares (Olimpia), Donis Escober (Olimpia)
Defenders: Victor Bernardez (Anderlecht), Maynor Figueroa (Wigan), Oscar Garcia (Olimpia), Sergio Mendoza (Motagua), Emilio Izaguirre (Motagua), Johnny Palacios (Olimpia), Mauricio Sabillon (Hangzhou Luchen), Osman Chavez (Platense)
Midfielders: Edgard Alvarez (Bari), Julio Cesar de Leon (Torino), Roger Espinoza (Kansas City Wizards), Amado Guevara (Motagua), Ramon Nunez (Olimpia), Wilson Palacios (Tottenham Hotspur), Hendry Thomas (Wigan), Danilo Turcios (Olimpia)
Forwards: David Suazo (Genoa), Georgie Welcome (Motagua), Carlos Pavon (Real Espana), Walter Martinez (Marathon).
Haven't won in their last 5 games, and it's hard to see where they will end that poor run of form in this tournament.
David Suazo is a calm finisher, but it's hard to imagine that the creatively limited side will carve out many chances for him.
Fitness doubts linger over Spurs man Wilson Palacios.
Key Man
Chile
Coach: Marcelo Bielsa
Goalkeepers: Claudio Bravo (Real Sociedad), Miguel Pinto (Universidad de Chile), Luis Marín (Union Espanola)
Defenders: Waldo Ponce (Universidad Catolica), Gonzalo Jara (West Bromwich Albion), Gary Medel (Boca Juniors), Mauricio Isla (Udinese), Arturo Vidal (Bayer Leverkusen), Pablo Contreras (PAOK Thessaloniki), Ismael Fuentes (Universidad Catolica)
Midfielders: Marco Estrada (Universidad de Chile), Carlos Carmona (Reggina), Rodrigo Millar (Colo Colo), Jorge Valdivia (Al Ain, United Arab Emirates), Matias Fernandez (Sporting Lisbon), Gonzalo Fierro (Flamengo),Rodrigo Tello (Besiktas)
Strikers: Humberto Suazo (Real Zaragoza), Alexis Sanchez (Udinese), Mark Gonzalez (CSKA Moscow), Fabian Orellana (Xerez), Esteban Paredes (Colo Colo), , Jean Beausejour (America)
Playing a 3-4-3 I fully expect Chile to be one of the most exciting sides in the tournament. Chile attack, attack and then attack some more, and I expect them to be involved in some of the most open games of the tournament.
Having only lost one game from 7 this year, Chile go into the tournament in good form, and I expect this to conintiue easpecially as coach Marcelo Bielsa has unfinished business with the World Cup after his Argentina side failed in 2002.
Key Man
Sanchez has scored 11 goals in 26 goals international games, and can play as a winger, attacking midfielder and striker
Prediction
1. Spain
2. Chile
3. Switzerland
4. Honduras
World Cup Preview - Group G
Brazil
Coach: Dunga
Goalkeepers: Julio Cesar (Inter Milan), Doni (AS Roma), Heurelho Gomes (Tottenham Hotspur)
Defenders: Maicon (Inter Milan), Dani Alves (Barcelona), Lucio (Inter Milan), Juan (Roma), Luisao (Roma), Thiago Silva (AC Milan), Gilberto (Cruzeiro), Michel Bastos (Lyon)
Midfielders: Gilberto Silva (Panathinaikos), Felipe Melo (Juventus), Josue (Wolfsburg), Elano (Galatasaray), Ramires (Benfica), Kleberson (Flamengo), Kaka (Real Madrid), Julio Baptista (Roma)
Strikers: Robinho (Santos), Nilmar (Villarreal), Luis Fabiano (Sevilla), Grafite (Wolfsburg).
Forget people telling you that this Brazil team are boring to watch, they're not, they play some beautfiul attacking football, usually on a fast paced counter-attack, they just have a bit more regard for defending nowadays too.
Four years ago, Brazil tried cramming all of their attacking superstars into their first eleven, and it ended in failure. This time around they have adapted their system, and realised that holding midfielders are key to the modern game, Brazil line up with 2 in their new system in Melo and Gilberto Silva.
This Brazil side is bigger, stronger and faster than ever before, and whilst it hasn't gone down too well with the Brazillian faithfulm who still dream of replicating the 1970's "Joga Bonito" style of play, but it is very hard to argue with the results.
With the 2014 world cup being hosted in Brazil, there will be an extra incentive, as they will no doubt want to be reigning champions as well as hosts.
Key Man
Kaka - The forgotten star to some extent. Whilst the world drools over the propect of Messi, Rooney, Drogba, Ronaldo, Torres etc, not many pundits are mentioning Kaka. Four years ago, he looking the ultiamte player, set to become an unstoppable force for both AC Milan and Brazil, but after a stop-start season for Real Madrid, he finished just 6th in the Balloon D'or voting this year. Kaka won the award in 2007.
Kaka insists the injury problems are behind him, and that he is ready to re-establish his credentials.
North Korea
Coach: Kim Jong-Hun
Goalkeepers: Kim Myong Gil (Amrokgang), Kim Myong Won (Amrokgang), Ri Myong Guk (Pyongyang City)
Defenders: Cha Jong Hyok (Amrokgang), Ri Jun Il (Sobaeksu), Ri Kwang Chon (April 25), Nam Song Chol (April 25), Pak Nam Chol (Amrokgang), Ri Kwang Hyok (Kyonggongop), Pak Chol Jin (Amrokgang)
Midfielders: Ji Yun Nam (April 25), Mun In Guk (April 25), Pak Sung Hyok (Sobaeksu), Ri Chol Myong (Pyongyang City), Pak Nam Chol (April 25), An Yong Hak (Omiya Ardija), Kim Kyong Il (Rimyongsu), Kim Yong Jun (Pyongyang City)
Strikers: Hong Yong Jo (FC Rostov), An Chol Hyok (Rimyongsu), Jong Tae Se (Kawasaki Frontale), Choe Kum Chol (April 25), Kim Kum Il (April 25)
For obvious reasons, there hasn’t been much media coverage about the North Korean team, who return to the World Cup after a 44 year absence (hopeful England fans will take this as an omen, seeing as the last world cup they were involved in was 1966)
Reports from their qualification suggest they play the most defensive gameplan imaginable, and that they play with a 6 man defence. But in their warm up game with Greece they played a 3-5-2 formation and showed good character to come back from behind twice.
Key Man
Jong Tae Se - Scorer of both goals in the friendly against Greece which UEFA.com describe as "eye-catching", The man dubbed "Rooney of Korea" could be a star of the tournament.
Ivory Coast
Coach: Sven Goran Eriksson
Goalkeepers: Boubacar Barry (Lokeren), Daniel Yeboah (ASEC Mimosas), Aristide Zogbo (Maccabi Netanya)
Defenders: Sol Bamba (Hibernian), Arthur Boka (Stuttgart), Emmanuel Eboue (Arsenal), Siaka Tiene (Valenciennes), Kolo Toure (Manchester City), Guy Demel (Hamburg), Steve Gohouri (Wigan), Benjamin Angoua (Valenciennes)
Midfielders: Didier Zokora (Seville), Romaric (Seville), Cheick Tiote (FC Twente), Yaya Toure (Barcelona), Jean-Jacques Gosso (Monaco), Abdel Kader Keita (Galatasaray)
Strikers: Aruna Dindane (Lekhwiya), Seydou Doumbia (CSKA Moscow), Didier Drogba (Chelsea, Salomon Kalou (Chelsea), Gervinho (Lille), Emmanuel Kone (CFR Cluj)
For the second World Cup in a row, Ivory Coast are widely-regarded as the most fancied African team, unfortunately for them, for the second world cup in a row they have been drawn in a group with 2 other top class teams (in 2006 they faced Holland and Argentina)
Didier Drogba's broken arm is a big hinderence to Eriksson's men, as even if he does play it is hard to imagine that the injury won't impair the Chelsea frontman. His replacement is likely to be Aruna Dindane, add with the greatest repect to Dindane, he just isnt in the same class, and plays a completely different role due to being a lot smaller than Drogba.
With Drogba at full-fitness I expected Ivory Coast to push Portugal all the way for second spot in this group, now I see Portugal cruising through to the Second Round.
Key Man
Didier Drogba - To describe Ivory coast as a one-man team would be very harsh, but with Drogba they pose much more of a threat. If he can recover and is able to play at full fitness he will be hard to stop, and it will lift the rest of the squad meaning they will perform better too
Portugal
Coach: Carlos Queiroz
Goalkeepers: Eduardo (FC Braga), Beto (FC Porto), Daniel Fernandes (Iraklis)
Defenders: Duda (Malaga), Bruno Alves (FC Porto), Paulo Ferreira (Chelsea), Miguel Brito (Valencia), Ricardo Carvalho (Chelsea), Rolando (FC Porto), Fabio Coentrao (Benfica), Pepe (Real Madrid), Ricardo Costa (Lille)
Midfielders: Deco (Chelsea), Tiago (Atletico Madrid), Raul Meireles (FC Porto), Pedro Mendes (Sporting), Miguel Veloso (Sporting Lisbon)
Strikers:Nani (Manchester United), Simao Sabrosa (Atletico Madrid), Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid), Hugo Almeida (Werder Bremen), Danny (Zenit St. Petersburg), Liedson (Sporting Lisbon)
For a team with all their attaching talent, Portugal make hard work of scoring goals, and because of this they made hard work of qualifying. Therefore what better way to enter a tournament than on the back of a confidence-boosting friendly against Cape Verde, which would surely see the likes of Ronaldo (without an international goal since Euro 2008 - Even Emile Heskey has scored for England since then) fill their boots.
Well that was the plan anyway. The actual result was an embarrassing 0-0, since that thought Potugal have scored 6 goals in two games against Cameroon and Mozambique
Key Man
Cristian Ronaldo - If Ronaldo can get his scoring boots back, then Portugal will go far. Their strong defence should see them through this group, but to go further they need someone they can rely on to score goals consistently.
Ronaldo should be that man, but he has struggled to convert his club form to the national stage. If he scores one I fully expect him to go on and score a fair few more
Prediction
1. Brazil
2. Portugal
3. Ivory Coast
4. North Korea
Coach: Dunga
Goalkeepers: Julio Cesar (Inter Milan), Doni (AS Roma), Heurelho Gomes (Tottenham Hotspur)
Defenders: Maicon (Inter Milan), Dani Alves (Barcelona), Lucio (Inter Milan), Juan (Roma), Luisao (Roma), Thiago Silva (AC Milan), Gilberto (Cruzeiro), Michel Bastos (Lyon)
Midfielders: Gilberto Silva (Panathinaikos), Felipe Melo (Juventus), Josue (Wolfsburg), Elano (Galatasaray), Ramires (Benfica), Kleberson (Flamengo), Kaka (Real Madrid), Julio Baptista (Roma)
Strikers: Robinho (Santos), Nilmar (Villarreal), Luis Fabiano (Sevilla), Grafite (Wolfsburg).
Forget people telling you that this Brazil team are boring to watch, they're not, they play some beautfiul attacking football, usually on a fast paced counter-attack, they just have a bit more regard for defending nowadays too.
Four years ago, Brazil tried cramming all of their attacking superstars into their first eleven, and it ended in failure. This time around they have adapted their system, and realised that holding midfielders are key to the modern game, Brazil line up with 2 in their new system in Melo and Gilberto Silva.
This Brazil side is bigger, stronger and faster than ever before, and whilst it hasn't gone down too well with the Brazillian faithfulm who still dream of replicating the 1970's "Joga Bonito" style of play, but it is very hard to argue with the results.
With the 2014 world cup being hosted in Brazil, there will be an extra incentive, as they will no doubt want to be reigning champions as well as hosts.
Key Man
Kaka insists the injury problems are behind him, and that he is ready to re-establish his credentials.
North Korea
Coach: Kim Jong-Hun
Goalkeepers: Kim Myong Gil (Amrokgang), Kim Myong Won (Amrokgang), Ri Myong Guk (Pyongyang City)
Defenders: Cha Jong Hyok (Amrokgang), Ri Jun Il (Sobaeksu), Ri Kwang Chon (April 25), Nam Song Chol (April 25), Pak Nam Chol (Amrokgang), Ri Kwang Hyok (Kyonggongop), Pak Chol Jin (Amrokgang)
Midfielders: Ji Yun Nam (April 25), Mun In Guk (April 25), Pak Sung Hyok (Sobaeksu), Ri Chol Myong (Pyongyang City), Pak Nam Chol (April 25), An Yong Hak (Omiya Ardija), Kim Kyong Il (Rimyongsu), Kim Yong Jun (Pyongyang City)
Strikers: Hong Yong Jo (FC Rostov), An Chol Hyok (Rimyongsu), Jong Tae Se (Kawasaki Frontale), Choe Kum Chol (April 25), Kim Kum Il (April 25)
For obvious reasons, there hasn’t been much media coverage about the North Korean team, who return to the World Cup after a 44 year absence (hopeful England fans will take this as an omen, seeing as the last world cup they were involved in was 1966)
Reports from their qualification suggest they play the most defensive gameplan imaginable, and that they play with a 6 man defence. But in their warm up game with Greece they played a 3-5-2 formation and showed good character to come back from behind twice.
Key Man
Ivory Coast
Coach: Sven Goran Eriksson
Goalkeepers: Boubacar Barry (Lokeren), Daniel Yeboah (ASEC Mimosas), Aristide Zogbo (Maccabi Netanya)
Defenders: Sol Bamba (Hibernian), Arthur Boka (Stuttgart), Emmanuel Eboue (Arsenal), Siaka Tiene (Valenciennes), Kolo Toure (Manchester City), Guy Demel (Hamburg), Steve Gohouri (Wigan), Benjamin Angoua (Valenciennes)
Midfielders: Didier Zokora (Seville), Romaric (Seville), Cheick Tiote (FC Twente), Yaya Toure (Barcelona), Jean-Jacques Gosso (Monaco), Abdel Kader Keita (Galatasaray)
Strikers: Aruna Dindane (Lekhwiya), Seydou Doumbia (CSKA Moscow), Didier Drogba (Chelsea, Salomon Kalou (Chelsea), Gervinho (Lille), Emmanuel Kone (CFR Cluj)
For the second World Cup in a row, Ivory Coast are widely-regarded as the most fancied African team, unfortunately for them, for the second world cup in a row they have been drawn in a group with 2 other top class teams (in 2006 they faced Holland and Argentina)
Didier Drogba's broken arm is a big hinderence to Eriksson's men, as even if he does play it is hard to imagine that the injury won't impair the Chelsea frontman. His replacement is likely to be Aruna Dindane, add with the greatest repect to Dindane, he just isnt in the same class, and plays a completely different role due to being a lot smaller than Drogba.
With Drogba at full-fitness I expected Ivory Coast to push Portugal all the way for second spot in this group, now I see Portugal cruising through to the Second Round.
Key Man
Portugal
Coach: Carlos Queiroz
Goalkeepers: Eduardo (FC Braga), Beto (FC Porto), Daniel Fernandes (Iraklis)
Defenders: Duda (Malaga), Bruno Alves (FC Porto), Paulo Ferreira (Chelsea), Miguel Brito (Valencia), Ricardo Carvalho (Chelsea), Rolando (FC Porto), Fabio Coentrao (Benfica), Pepe (Real Madrid), Ricardo Costa (Lille)
Midfielders: Deco (Chelsea), Tiago (Atletico Madrid), Raul Meireles (FC Porto), Pedro Mendes (Sporting), Miguel Veloso (Sporting Lisbon)
Strikers:
For a team with all their attaching talent, Portugal make hard work of scoring goals, and because of this they made hard work of qualifying. Therefore what better way to enter a tournament than on the back of a confidence-boosting friendly against Cape Verde, which would surely see the likes of Ronaldo (without an international goal since Euro 2008 - Even Emile Heskey has scored for England since then) fill their boots.
Well that was the plan anyway. The actual result was an embarrassing 0-0, since that thought Potugal have scored 6 goals in two games against Cameroon and Mozambique
Key Man
Ronaldo should be that man, but he has struggled to convert his club form to the national stage. If he scores one I fully expect him to go on and score a fair few more
Prediction
1. Brazil
2. Portugal
3. Ivory Coast
4. North Korea
World Cup Preview - Group F
Italy
Coach: Marcello Lippi
Goalkeepers: Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus), Morgan De Sanctis (Napoli), Federico Marchetti (Cagliari)
Defenders: Salvatore Bocchetti (Genoa), Leonardo Bonucci (Bari), Fabio Cannavaro (Juventus), Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus), Domenico Criscito (Genoa), Christian Maggio (Napoli), Gianluca Zambrotta (AC Milan)
Midfielders: Mauro Camoranesi (Juventus), Daniele De Rossi (AS Roma), Gennaro Gattuso (AC Milan), Claudio Marchisio (Juventus), Riccardo Montolivo (Fiorentina), Angelo Palombo (Sampdoria), Simone Pepe (Udinese), Andrea Pirlo (AC Milan)
Strikers: Antonio Di Natale (Udinese), Alberto Gilardino (Fiorentina), Vincenzo Iaquinta (Juventus), Giampaolo Pazzini (Sampdoria), Fabio Quagliarella (Napoli)
The defending Champions have one of the easiest groups in the tournament, which will please the traditional slow starters as they bid to equal Brazil's record of 5 World cup victories.
The Azzuri's warm up games have not gone as well as planned, with a recent loss to Mexico being followed up with a 1-1 against Switzerland.
The poor performances were blamed on fatigue, after Lippi focused the Italians training on Altitude training rather than match sharpness, in a move which he hopes will see the Italians in peak condition come the finals, but the Italian press are not happy with that excuses, branding the peformances "a flop" and "worrying".
Key Man
Alberto Giladrino - The Fiorentina front man has scored 16 goals in 41 games for his country and is expected to lead the line in this tournament.
As a youngster, Gilardino was often likened to Filippo Inzaghi and Christian Vieri for his natural goalscoring ability, which he proved by becoming Italy Under 21's all-time leading goalscorer., and again by scoring teh goal which meant Italy qualified for the world cup (an 89th Minute equalizer against Ireland).
Paraguay
Coach: Gerardo Martino
Goalkeepers: Justo Villa (Valladolid), Aldo Bobadilla (Independiente Medellin), Diego Barreto (Cerro Porteno)
Defenders: Julio Cesar Caceres (Atletico Mineiro), Denis Caniza (Leon), Dario Veron (Pumas), Paulo Da Silva (Sunderland), Claudio Morel (Boca Juniors), Carlos Bonet (Olimpia), Aureliano Torres (San Lorenzo), Antolin Alcaraz (Brugge)
Midfielders: Cristian Riveros (Sunderland), Jonathan Santana (Wolfsburg), Enrique Vera (Liga de Quito), Victor Caceres (Libertad), Nestor Ortigoza (Argentinos Juniors), Edgar Barreto (Atalanta)
Strikers: Roque Santa Cruz (Manchester City), Oscar Cardozo (Benfica), Nelson Haedo Valdez (Borussia Dortmund), Rodolfo Gamarra (Libertad), Lucas Barrios (Borussia Dormund), Edgar Benitez (Pachuca)
Coach Martino has used his sides friendlies to experiment with formations and personnel, which has provided them with mixed results (1 win, 1 draw and 1 loss) in their 3 warm-up games.
Despite naming 6 forwards in their squad, it seems unlikely that Paraguay are going to rid themselves of the tag of "least exciting South American team", and its hard to see them making any real shakes in the tournament.
A committed but technically lacking defence, shepherded by an ultra-defensive midfield, makes me think they will struggle to win games.
Key Man
Lucas Barrios - The Argentine-born striker has scored 3 goals in 3 games since receiving Paraguayan nationality in March this year. Boasting an impressive strike-rate at Borrussia Dortmund has seen the lieks of AC Milan be linked with him. If Paraguay are to progress they need him on top of his game
New Zealand
Coach: Ricki Herbert
Goalkeepers: Mark Paston (Wellington Phoenix), James Bannatyne (Team Wellington), Glen Moss (Melbourne Victory)
Defenders: Ben Sigmund (Wellington Phoenix), Winston Reid (FC Midtjylland), Ryan Nelsen (Blackburn Rovers), Tony Lochhead (Wellington Phoenix), Ivan Vicelich (Auckland City), Tommy Smith (Ipswich Town), Andrew Boyens (New York Red Bulls)
Midfielders: Simon Elliott (free agent), Aaron Clapham (Canterbury United), Tim Brown (Wellington Phoenix), Andy Barron (Team Wellington), Jeremy Christie (FC Tampa Bay), David Mulligan (free agent), Michael McGlinchey (Motherwell FC), Leo Bertos (Wellington Phoenix) Jeremy Brockie (Newcastle Jets)
Strikers: Chris Killen (Middlesbrough FC), Rory Fallon (Plymouth Argyle), Shane Smeltz (Gold Coast United), Chris Wood (West Bromwich Albion)
The All-whites come into their second ever World Cup hoping to get their first ever point on the biggest stage of all, after qualifying thanks to Rory Fallon's goal in their play-off victory over Bahrain.
A win over Serbia has been the highlight of their warm up campaign, which concludes today against Chile, before they take on Slovakia in their opening game in Bafokeng.
They maintain a 3-4-3 formation, and there should at least be a good understanding between the team, as not only is it well settled, 5 of the 11 play together at Wellington Phoenix, where they are managed by Ricki Herbert, who also is the manager of the National Side.
Key Man
Ryan Nelsen - The Blackburn man will have his work cut out, plying with 3 strikers high up the pitch will leave acres of space behind them, which could see team rip New Zealand to pieces, so Nelsen and the rest of his defence will need to be at the very top of their games in order to try and shut teams out.
Slovakia
Coach: Vladimir Weiss
Goalkeepers: Jan Mucha (Legia Warsaw), Dusan Kuciak (Vaslui), Dusan Pernis (Dundee United)
Defenders: Peter Pekarik (Wolfsburg), Martin Petras (Cesena), Martin Skrtel (Liverpool), Jan Durica (Hannover), Radoslav Zabavnik (Mainz), Marek Cech (West Bromwich Albion), Kornel Salata (Slovan Bratislava)
Midfielders: Kamil Kopunek (Spartak Trnava), Jan Kozak (Timisoara), Juraj Kucka (Sparta Prague), Marek Sapara (Ankaragucu), Marek Hamsik (Napoli), Vladimir Weiss (Manchester City), Miroslav Stoch (Chelsea), Zdeno Strba (Xanthi)
Strikers: Erik Jendrisek (Schalke), Robert Vittek (Ankaragucu), Martin Jakubko (Saturn Moscow), Filip Holosko (Besiktas), Stanislav Sestak (Bochum)
Tis wll be Solvakia's first ever appearance at a major tournament, and their suprise factor could help them extend their stay past the group stages.
Not only is the team, as a whole, relatively unknown Only Marik Hamsik and Martin Skrtel are really household names, whilst the likes of widemen Vladimir Weiss and Miroslav Stoch are highly rated by their clubs, and both have been loaned out during the season to gain first-team experience.
Unbeated in their warm-up games (drawing with Cameroon, before a convincing 3-0 win over Costa Rica) the Slovaks should be coming into this tournament full of confidence, and with the kind draw I think they have a great chance of getting into the Second Round.
Key Man
Marek Hamsik - Undoubtedly the star of this team, Hamsik is the creative force of the team, and scores at an average of 1 goal every 4 games for his national side.
Italy have a knack for conceding important goals to players who play in Serie A, and with Slovakia meeting Italy in the final game of the group stages, history could be set to repeat itself.
Prediction
1. Italy
2. Slovakia
3. Paraguay
4. New Zealand
Coach: Marcello Lippi
Goalkeepers: Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus), Morgan De Sanctis (Napoli), Federico Marchetti (Cagliari)
Defenders: Salvatore Bocchetti (Genoa), Leonardo Bonucci (Bari), Fabio Cannavaro (Juventus), Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus), Domenico Criscito (Genoa), Christian Maggio (Napoli), Gianluca Zambrotta (AC Milan)
Midfielders: Mauro Camoranesi (Juventus), Daniele De Rossi (AS Roma), Gennaro Gattuso (AC Milan), Claudio Marchisio (Juventus), Riccardo Montolivo (Fiorentina), Angelo Palombo (Sampdoria), Simone Pepe (Udinese), Andrea Pirlo (AC Milan)
Strikers: Antonio Di Natale (Udinese), Alberto Gilardino (Fiorentina), Vincenzo Iaquinta (Juventus), Giampaolo Pazzini (Sampdoria), Fabio Quagliarella (Napoli)
The defending Champions have one of the easiest groups in the tournament, which will please the traditional slow starters as they bid to equal Brazil's record of 5 World cup victories.
The Azzuri's warm up games have not gone as well as planned, with a recent loss to Mexico being followed up with a 1-1 against Switzerland.
The poor performances were blamed on fatigue, after Lippi focused the Italians training on Altitude training rather than match sharpness, in a move which he hopes will see the Italians in peak condition come the finals, but the Italian press are not happy with that excuses, branding the peformances "a flop" and "worrying".
Key Man
As a youngster, Gilardino was often likened to Filippo Inzaghi and Christian Vieri for his natural goalscoring ability, which he proved by becoming Italy Under 21's all-time leading goalscorer., and again by scoring teh goal which meant Italy qualified for the world cup (an 89th Minute equalizer against Ireland).
Paraguay
Coach: Gerardo Martino
Goalkeepers: Justo Villa (Valladolid), Aldo Bobadilla (Independiente Medellin), Diego Barreto (Cerro Porteno)
Defenders: Julio Cesar Caceres (Atletico Mineiro), Denis Caniza (Leon), Dario Veron (Pumas), Paulo Da Silva (Sunderland), Claudio Morel (Boca Juniors), Carlos Bonet (Olimpia), Aureliano Torres (San Lorenzo), Antolin Alcaraz (Brugge)
Midfielders: Cristian Riveros (Sunderland), Jonathan Santana (Wolfsburg), Enrique Vera (Liga de Quito), Victor Caceres (Libertad), Nestor Ortigoza (Argentinos Juniors), Edgar Barreto (Atalanta)
Strikers: Roque Santa Cruz (Manchester City), Oscar Cardozo (Benfica), Nelson Haedo Valdez (Borussia Dortmund), Rodolfo Gamarra (Libertad), Lucas Barrios (Borussia Dormund), Edgar Benitez (Pachuca)
Coach Martino has used his sides friendlies to experiment with formations and personnel, which has provided them with mixed results (1 win, 1 draw and 1 loss) in their 3 warm-up games.
Despite naming 6 forwards in their squad, it seems unlikely that Paraguay are going to rid themselves of the tag of "least exciting South American team", and its hard to see them making any real shakes in the tournament.
A committed but technically lacking defence, shepherded by an ultra-defensive midfield, makes me think they will struggle to win games.
Key Man
New Zealand
Coach: Ricki Herbert
Goalkeepers: Mark Paston (Wellington Phoenix), James Bannatyne (Team Wellington), Glen Moss (Melbourne Victory)
Defenders: Ben Sigmund (Wellington Phoenix), Winston Reid (FC Midtjylland), Ryan Nelsen (Blackburn Rovers), Tony Lochhead (Wellington Phoenix), Ivan Vicelich (Auckland City), Tommy Smith (Ipswich Town), Andrew Boyens (New York Red Bulls)
Midfielders: Simon Elliott (free agent), Aaron Clapham (Canterbury United), Tim Brown (Wellington Phoenix), Andy Barron (Team Wellington), Jeremy Christie (FC Tampa Bay), David Mulligan (free agent), Michael McGlinchey (Motherwell FC), Leo Bertos (Wellington Phoenix) Jeremy Brockie (Newcastle Jets)
Strikers: Chris Killen (Middlesbrough FC), Rory Fallon (Plymouth Argyle), Shane Smeltz (Gold Coast United), Chris Wood (West Bromwich Albion)
The All-whites come into their second ever World Cup hoping to get their first ever point on the biggest stage of all, after qualifying thanks to Rory Fallon's goal in their play-off victory over Bahrain.
A win over Serbia has been the highlight of their warm up campaign, which concludes today against Chile, before they take on Slovakia in their opening game in Bafokeng.
They maintain a 3-4-3 formation, and there should at least be a good understanding between the team, as not only is it well settled, 5 of the 11 play together at Wellington Phoenix, where they are managed by Ricki Herbert, who also is the manager of the National Side.
Key Man
Slovakia
Coach: Vladimir Weiss
Goalkeepers: Jan Mucha (Legia Warsaw), Dusan Kuciak (Vaslui), Dusan Pernis (Dundee United)
Defenders: Peter Pekarik (Wolfsburg), Martin Petras (Cesena), Martin Skrtel (Liverpool), Jan Durica (Hannover), Radoslav Zabavnik (Mainz), Marek Cech (West Bromwich Albion), Kornel Salata (Slovan Bratislava)
Midfielders: Kamil Kopunek (Spartak Trnava), Jan Kozak (Timisoara), Juraj Kucka (Sparta Prague), Marek Sapara (Ankaragucu), Marek Hamsik (Napoli), Vladimir Weiss (Manchester City), Miroslav Stoch (Chelsea), Zdeno Strba (Xanthi)
Strikers: Erik Jendrisek (Schalke), Robert Vittek (Ankaragucu), Martin Jakubko (Saturn Moscow), Filip Holosko (Besiktas), Stanislav Sestak (Bochum)
Tis wll be Solvakia's first ever appearance at a major tournament, and their suprise factor could help them extend their stay past the group stages.
Not only is the team, as a whole, relatively unknown Only Marik Hamsik and Martin Skrtel are really household names, whilst the likes of widemen Vladimir Weiss and Miroslav Stoch are highly rated by their clubs, and both have been loaned out during the season to gain first-team experience.
Unbeated in their warm-up games (drawing with Cameroon, before a convincing 3-0 win over Costa Rica) the Slovaks should be coming into this tournament full of confidence, and with the kind draw I think they have a great chance of getting into the Second Round.
Key Man
Italy have a knack for conceding important goals to players who play in Serie A, and with Slovakia meeting Italy in the final game of the group stages, history could be set to repeat itself.
Prediction
1. Italy
2. Slovakia
3. Paraguay
4. New Zealand
Monday, 7 June 2010
World Cup Preview - Group E
Holland
Coach: Bert van Marwijk
Goalkeepers: Sander Boschker (FC Twente), Maarten Stekelenburg (Ajax), Michel Vorm (FC Utrecht)
Defenders: Khalid Boulahrouz (Stuttgart), Edson Braafheid (Celtic), John Heitinga (Everton), Joris Mathijsen (Hamburg), Andre Ooijer (PSV Eindhoven), Giovanni van Bronckhorst (Feyenoord), Gregory van der Wiel (Ajax)
Midfielders: Ibrahim Afellay (PSV Eindhoven), Nigel de Jong (Manchester City), Demy de Zeeuw (Ajax), Stijn Schaars (AZ Alkmaar), Wesley Sneijder (Inter Milan), Mark van Bommel (Bayern Munich), Rafael van der Vaart (Real Madrid)
Strikers: Ryan Babel (Liverpool), Eljero Elia (Hamburg), Klaas Jan Huntelaar (AC Milan), Dirk Kuyt (Liverpool), Arjen Robben (Bayern Munich), Robin van Persie (Arsenal)
Saturday, 5 June 2010
World Cup Preview - Group D
Germany
Coach: Joachim Loew
Goalkeepers: Hans-Joerg Butt (Bayern Munich), Manuel Neuer (Schalke), Tim Wiese (Werder Bremen)
Defenders: Dennis Aogo (Hamburger SV), Holger Badstuber (Bayern Munich), Arne Friedrich (Hertha Berlin), Jerome Boateng (Hamburger SV), Marcell Jansen (Hamburger SV), Philipp Lahm (Bayern Munich), Per Mertesacker (Werder Bremen), Serdar Tasci (Stuttgart)
Midfielders: Sami Khedira (Stuttgart), Toni Kroos (Bayer Leverkusen), Marko Marin (Werder Bremen), Mesut Ozil (Werder Bremen), Bastian Schweinsteiger (Bayern Munich), Piotr Trochowski (Hamburger SV)
Strikers: Cacau (Stuttgart), Mario Gomez (Bayern Munich), Stefan Kiessling (Bayer Leverkusen), Miroslav Klose (Bayern Munich), Thomas Mueller (Bayern Munich), Lukas Podolski (Cologne)
The loss of Michael Ballack is a huge blow for German hopes. His performance in the 2006 quarter-final against Argentina, whilst hardly being able to run was superb. Ballack showed great desire, and a brilliant reading of the game to make sure he was always involved, and popped up with some vital interceptions as the Argentinians were pouring forward in extra-time.
At a time when Germany needed someone, Ballack was the man they could rely on, and so without him they hope someone else will step forward. For me this is a big tournament for the talented, yet often enigmatic Bastien Schweinsteiger. A few years ago he was billed as Germany's next big hope, and despite having some fantastic games for the Germans, he often flatters to deceive. Schweinsteiger needs to grab this squad by the neck as one of the senior figures and drag them through if they are struggling.
Germany went through all their qualifiers without defeat, and seasled qualification with a 1-0 win in Moscow, thanks to a goal from Miroslaw Klose, who will no doubt have his sights set on becoming the top goal scorer in world cup history (Currently held by Ronaldo with 15, Klose has 10) and if Germany go far, it would be a brave man to bet against Klose reaching it.
Key Man
Mesut Ozil - The new sensation of German football has earned himself the nickname "Der Neue Diego" (the new Diego) not because of his likeness to Diego Maradona, but the fact he has taken on the mantle of Werder Bremen's fans favourite.
At just 21, Ozil seems to have it all, pace, power, size, and great technical ability. Capable of playing central or on the left flank. He was man of the match in last years under 21 European Championship final as Germany beat England 4-0.
Australia
Coach: Pim Verbeek
Goalkeepers: Mark Schwarzer (Fulham), Adam Federici (Reading), Brad Jones (Middlesbrough).
Defenders: Scott Chipperfield (FC Basel), David Carney (FC Twente), Lucas Neill (Galatasaray,captain), Michael Beauchamp (Al-Jazira), Craig Moore (no contract), Mark Milligan (JEF United), Luke Wilkshire (Dinamo Moscow).
Midfielders: Mark Bresciano (Palermo), Tim Cahill (Everton), Jason Culina (Gold Coast Utd), Brett Emerton (Blackburn Rovers), Richard Garcia (Hull City), Vince Grella (Blackburn Rovers), Brett Holman (AZ Alkmaar), Mile Jedinak (Antalyaspor Kulubu), Carl Valeri (US Sassuolo Calcio), Dario Vidosic (FC Nurnberg).
Strikers: Josh Kennedy (Nagoya Grampus), Harry Kewell (Galatasaray), Nikita Rukavytsya (FC Twente).
The Australians will no doubt be dreaming of a potential second-round date with England, and it is a very plausible outcome.
The Socceroo's qualified for South Africa without losing a game, and only conceding one goal (in a 2-1 win over Japan), but I feel there aren't enough goals in the squad, and this could prevent them qualifying for the second round.
A lot of pressure will be on Tim Cahill to continue his goal-scoring exploits from midfield, and Harry Kewell is a talented performer, but once again comes into the tournament with a few fitness doubts.
Australia have warmed up for the tournament with two wins, one over neighbours New Zealand, and then beating Denmark 1-0 earlier in the week thanks to a goal from Josh Kennedy, and take on the Americans in their final friendly later this afternoon.
Key Man
Tim Cahill - A goalscoring ratio of 19 goals in 39 games, would see most strikers, happy, but for a midfielder it is superb. Cahill has an uncanny knack of finding himself in the right place at the right time, and is a big threat from set pieces.
The Aussies need Cahill to continue this sort of form if they are to have any chances of progressing.
Serbia
Coach: Raddy Antic
Goalkeepers: Vladimir Stojkovic (Sporting Lisbon), Bojan Isailovic (Zaglebie Lubin), Andjelko Djuricic (Uniao Leiria)
Defenders: Branislav Ivanovic (Chelsea), Antonio Rukavina (1860 Munich), Nemanja Vidic (Manchester United), Neven Subotic (Borussia Dortmund), Aleksandar Lukovic (Udinese), Ivan Obradovic (Real Zaragoza), Aleksandar Kolarov (Lazio)
Midfielders: Dejan Stankovic (Inter Milan), Gojko Kacar (Hertha Berlin), Nenad Milijas (Wolves), Zdravko Kuzmanovic (Stuttgart), Radosav Petrovic (Partizan Belgrade), MilosKrasic (CSKA Moscow), Zoran Tosic (Manchester United) , Milos Ninkovic (Dynamo Kiev), Milan Jovanovic (Standard Liege)
Strikers: Nikola Zigic (Birmingham), Marko Pantelic (Ajax), Danko Lazovic (Zenit St Petersburg), Dragan Mrdja (Vojvodina Novi Sad)
Serbia finished first in its first ever qualifying campaign as an independent nation, winning their group ahead of favorites France. They sealed their place in 2010 World Cup finals in South Africa with a 5 – 0 win against Romania on 11 October 2009.
Standard Liege star Milan Jovanovic was the star of their qualifiers, weighing in with 5 goals, and is set to join Liverpool on a bosman free after the tournament. Jovanovic is assured a warm welcome to Anfield after scoring the penalty that knocked Everton out of the Europa cup in 2008.
Serbia's warm up games for the tournament have not gone well. in their two games they have failed to score a goal, and lost 1-0 to New Zealand, before drawing 0-0 with Poland.
Key Man
Nikola Zigic - Birmingham fans will be keeping a keen eye on the tall striker after he signed for the Blues a few weeks ago from Valencia.
Standing at a giant 6ft 8inches, Zigic uses his physique to his advantage, and whilst on loan at Racing Santander he scored 13 goals in 19 appearances.
Zigic compares himself to Peter Crouch, but claims to be better than the England hitman.
Ghana
Coach: Milovan Rajevac
Goalkeepers: Richard Kingson (Wigan), Daniel Agyei (Liberty Professionals), Stephen Ahorlu (Hearts of Lions)
Defenders: John Pantsil (Fulham), John Mensah (Lyon), Samuel Inkoom (Basle), Hans Adu Sarpei (Bayer Leverkusen), Rahim Ayew (Zamalek), Lee Addy (Bechem Chelsea), Isaac Vorsah (Hoffenheim), Jonathan Mensah (Granada);
Midfielders: Kwadwo Asamoah (Udinese), Anthony Annan (Rosenborg), Sulley Muntari (Inter Milan), Kevin-Prince Boateng (Portsmouth), Quincy Owusu-Abeyie (Al Sadd), Stephen Appiah (Bologna), Andre Ayew (Marseille), Derek Boateng (Getafe)
Strikers: Matthew Amoah (NAC Breda), Asamoah Gyan (Rennes), Prince Tagoe (Hoffenheim), Dominic Adiyiah (AC Milan)
Ghana has fallen victim of the "Chelsea Curse" with Micheal Essien joining Michael Ballack, John-Obi Mikel and Didier Drogba all leaving their respective countries without their star-man for the tournament.
The Black Stars were very impressive in 2006, until facing Brazil in the second round, and boast a goalkeeper who has scored for them in Wigans Richard Kingson.
Earlier in the week Ghana played their second warm-up game, where quite frankly they were torn to pieces by a very impressive Dutch side, this followed a 2-0 win over Slovenia with goals from Asamoah Gyan, and Sulley Muntari.
Key Man
Kevin-Prince Boateng - Having Represented Germany at every level upto and including their under 21's, Boateng recently changed nationality, a move that finally was approved by FIFA on May 12th.
Boateng was one of the star's of Portsmouths run to the cup final and ironically it was his tackle that put Michael Ballack out of the tournament, and, if both are selected, will line up against his half-brother Jerome when Ghana play against Germany.
Prediction
1. Germany
2. Australia
3. Serbia
4. Ghana
Coach: Joachim Loew
Goalkeepers: Hans-Joerg Butt (Bayern Munich), Manuel Neuer (Schalke), Tim Wiese (Werder Bremen)
Defenders: Dennis Aogo (Hamburger SV), Holger Badstuber (Bayern Munich), Arne Friedrich (Hertha Berlin), Jerome Boateng (Hamburger SV), Marcell Jansen (Hamburger SV), Philipp Lahm (Bayern Munich), Per Mertesacker (Werder Bremen), Serdar Tasci (Stuttgart)
Midfielders: Sami Khedira (Stuttgart), Toni Kroos (Bayer Leverkusen), Marko Marin (Werder Bremen), Mesut Ozil (Werder Bremen), Bastian Schweinsteiger (Bayern Munich), Piotr Trochowski (Hamburger SV)
Strikers: Cacau (Stuttgart), Mario Gomez (Bayern Munich), Stefan Kiessling (Bayer Leverkusen), Miroslav Klose (Bayern Munich), Thomas Mueller (Bayern Munich), Lukas Podolski (Cologne)
The loss of Michael Ballack is a huge blow for German hopes. His performance in the 2006 quarter-final against Argentina, whilst hardly being able to run was superb. Ballack showed great desire, and a brilliant reading of the game to make sure he was always involved, and popped up with some vital interceptions as the Argentinians were pouring forward in extra-time.
At a time when Germany needed someone, Ballack was the man they could rely on, and so without him they hope someone else will step forward. For me this is a big tournament for the talented, yet often enigmatic Bastien Schweinsteiger. A few years ago he was billed as Germany's next big hope, and despite having some fantastic games for the Germans, he often flatters to deceive. Schweinsteiger needs to grab this squad by the neck as one of the senior figures and drag them through if they are struggling.
Germany went through all their qualifiers without defeat, and seasled qualification with a 1-0 win in Moscow, thanks to a goal from Miroslaw Klose, who will no doubt have his sights set on becoming the top goal scorer in world cup history (Currently held by Ronaldo with 15, Klose has 10) and if Germany go far, it would be a brave man to bet against Klose reaching it.
Key Man
At just 21, Ozil seems to have it all, pace, power, size, and great technical ability. Capable of playing central or on the left flank. He was man of the match in last years under 21 European Championship final as Germany beat England 4-0.
Australia
Coach: Pim Verbeek
Goalkeepers: Mark Schwarzer (Fulham), Adam Federici (Reading), Brad Jones (Middlesbrough).
Defenders: Scott Chipperfield (FC Basel), David Carney (FC Twente), Lucas Neill (Galatasaray,captain), Michael Beauchamp (Al-Jazira), Craig Moore (no contract), Mark Milligan (JEF United), Luke Wilkshire (Dinamo Moscow).
Midfielders: Mark Bresciano (Palermo), Tim Cahill (Everton), Jason Culina (Gold Coast Utd), Brett Emerton (Blackburn Rovers), Richard Garcia (Hull City), Vince Grella (Blackburn Rovers), Brett Holman (AZ Alkmaar), Mile Jedinak (Antalyaspor Kulubu), Carl Valeri (US Sassuolo Calcio), Dario Vidosic (FC Nurnberg).
Strikers: Josh Kennedy (Nagoya Grampus), Harry Kewell (Galatasaray), Nikita Rukavytsya (FC Twente).
The Australians will no doubt be dreaming of a potential second-round date with England, and it is a very plausible outcome.
The Socceroo's qualified for South Africa without losing a game, and only conceding one goal (in a 2-1 win over Japan), but I feel there aren't enough goals in the squad, and this could prevent them qualifying for the second round.
A lot of pressure will be on Tim Cahill to continue his goal-scoring exploits from midfield, and Harry Kewell is a talented performer, but once again comes into the tournament with a few fitness doubts.
Australia have warmed up for the tournament with two wins, one over neighbours New Zealand, and then beating Denmark 1-0 earlier in the week thanks to a goal from Josh Kennedy, and take on the Americans in their final friendly later this afternoon.
Key Man
The Aussies need Cahill to continue this sort of form if they are to have any chances of progressing.
Serbia
Coach: Raddy Antic
Goalkeepers: Vladimir Stojkovic (Sporting Lisbon), Bojan Isailovic (Zaglebie Lubin), Andjelko Djuricic (Uniao Leiria)
Defenders: Branislav Ivanovic (Chelsea), Antonio Rukavina (1860 Munich), Nemanja Vidic (Manchester United), Neven Subotic (Borussia Dortmund), Aleksandar Lukovic (Udinese), Ivan Obradovic (Real Zaragoza), Aleksandar Kolarov (Lazio)
Midfielders: Dejan Stankovic (Inter Milan), Gojko Kacar (Hertha Berlin), Nenad Milijas (Wolves), Zdravko Kuzmanovic (Stuttgart), Radosav Petrovic (Partizan Belgrade), MilosKrasic (CSKA Moscow), Zoran Tosic (Manchester United) , Milos Ninkovic (Dynamo Kiev), Milan Jovanovic (Standard Liege)
Strikers: Nikola Zigic (Birmingham), Marko Pantelic (Ajax), Danko Lazovic (Zenit St Petersburg), Dragan Mrdja (Vojvodina Novi Sad)
Serbia finished first in its first ever qualifying campaign as an independent nation, winning their group ahead of favorites France. They sealed their place in 2010 World Cup finals in South Africa with a 5 – 0 win against Romania on 11 October 2009.
Standard Liege star Milan Jovanovic was the star of their qualifiers, weighing in with 5 goals, and is set to join Liverpool on a bosman free after the tournament. Jovanovic is assured a warm welcome to Anfield after scoring the penalty that knocked Everton out of the Europa cup in 2008.
Serbia's warm up games for the tournament have not gone well. in their two games they have failed to score a goal, and lost 1-0 to New Zealand, before drawing 0-0 with Poland.
Key Man
Standing at a giant 6ft 8inches, Zigic uses his physique to his advantage, and whilst on loan at Racing Santander he scored 13 goals in 19 appearances.
Zigic compares himself to Peter Crouch, but claims to be better than the England hitman.
Ghana
Coach: Milovan Rajevac
Goalkeepers: Richard Kingson (Wigan), Daniel Agyei (Liberty Professionals), Stephen Ahorlu (Hearts of Lions)
Defenders: John Pantsil (Fulham), John Mensah (Lyon), Samuel Inkoom (Basle), Hans Adu Sarpei (Bayer Leverkusen), Rahim Ayew (Zamalek), Lee Addy (Bechem Chelsea), Isaac Vorsah (Hoffenheim), Jonathan Mensah (Granada);
Midfielders: Kwadwo Asamoah (Udinese), Anthony Annan (Rosenborg), Sulley Muntari (Inter Milan), Kevin-Prince Boateng (Portsmouth), Quincy Owusu-Abeyie (Al Sadd), Stephen Appiah (Bologna), Andre Ayew (Marseille), Derek Boateng (Getafe)
Strikers: Matthew Amoah (NAC Breda), Asamoah Gyan (Rennes), Prince Tagoe (Hoffenheim), Dominic Adiyiah (AC Milan)
Ghana has fallen victim of the "Chelsea Curse" with Micheal Essien joining Michael Ballack, John-Obi Mikel and Didier Drogba all leaving their respective countries without their star-man for the tournament.
The Black Stars were very impressive in 2006, until facing Brazil in the second round, and boast a goalkeeper who has scored for them in Wigans Richard Kingson.
Earlier in the week Ghana played their second warm-up game, where quite frankly they were torn to pieces by a very impressive Dutch side, this followed a 2-0 win over Slovenia with goals from Asamoah Gyan, and Sulley Muntari.
Key Man
Boateng was one of the star's of Portsmouths run to the cup final and ironically it was his tackle that put Michael Ballack out of the tournament, and, if both are selected, will line up against his half-brother Jerome when Ghana play against Germany.
Prediction
1. Germany
2. Australia
3. Serbia
4. Ghana
Thursday, 3 June 2010
World Cup Preview - Group C
England
Coach: Fabio Capello
Goalkeepers: Joe Hart (Manchester City), David James (Portsmouth), Robert Green (West Ham)
Defenders: Jamie Carragher (Liverpool), Ashley Cole (Chelsea), Ledley King (Tottenham), Rio Ferdinand (Manchester United), Glen Johnson (LIverpool), John Terry (Chelsea), Matthew Upson (West Ham), Stephen Warnock (Aston Villa)
Midfielders: Gareth Barry (Manchester City), Michael Carrick (Manchester United), Joe Cole (Chelsea), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Frank Lampard (Chelsea), Aaron Lennon (Tottenham), James Milner (Aston Villa), Shaun Wright-Phillips (Manchester City)
Strikers: Peter Crouch (Tottenham), Jermain Defoe (Tottenham), Emile Heskey (Aston Villa), Wayne Rooney (Manchester United)
On their day there aren't many better teams, yet when England fail, they do so in some style.
After recent quarter final failures under Sven Goran Eriksson, Steve Mclarens England failed to qualify for Euro 2008, which meant he was relieved of his duties and Fabio Capello was appointed.
Capello's England struggled in their first qualifying game, away to Andorra, until the Italian brought Joe Cole on as a sub at half time, within 10 minutes Cole had scored twice to give England the three points and leave the English public relieved. After that result the Three Lions never looked back and qualified with consumate ease, collecting 27 points out of a possible 30. Only a loss away in the Ukraine, when they went down to 10 men, and qualification was already guaranteed blotted the copybook.
England qualified with a goal difference of +27, with Wayne Rooney the top scorer in the European qualifiers. They dismantled a highly-rated Croatia both away from home (4-1) and at Wembley (5-1) and with that sort of form you would expect them to do well.
However this year, England have not looked as impressive. Capello still appears undecided as to who his first choice between the sticks is, and it is reflected in the fact the England have failed to keep a clean sheet in 8 of their last 9 games.
England should still have enough about them to win the group, but as long as they qualify, and Gareth Barry returns for the latter stages they will be happy.
Key Man
Aaron Lennon - The likes of Rooney, Gerrard and Lampard are all obvious picks, but for me Lennon is a key man as to how England perform. After impressing as a substitue in Germany 4 years ago Lennon found himself in the international wilderness, and when Walcott scored the hat-trick away to Croatia, Lennon seemed well down the pecking order.
But the Spurs wide-man has worked hard at his game, especially his final ball, and fought back to claim the Number 7 borth his own. Lennon was scintillating last season, and his performance at Wembley against the croatians showed how vital he is for England. If he can perform at a similar standard, then England could go far.
U.S.A
Coach: Bob Bradley
Goalkeepers: Brad Guzan (Aston Villa), Tim Howard (Everton), Marcus Hahnemann (Wolves)
Defenders: Carlos Bocanegra (Rennes), Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA), Steve Cherundolo (Hannover), Jay DeMerit (Watford), Clarence Goodson (IK Start), Oguchi Onyewu (AC Milan), Jonathan Spector (West Ham)
Midfielders: DaMarcus Beasley (Rangers), Michael Bradley (Borussia Moenchengladbach), Ricardo Clark (Eintracht Frankfurt), Clint Dempsey (Fulham), Landon Donovan (Los Angeles Galaxy), Maurice Edu (Rangers), Benny Feilhaber (AGF Aarhus), Stuart Holden (Bolton), Jose Torres (Pachuca)
Strikers: Jozy Altidore (Hull), Edson Buddle (Los Angeles Galaxy), Robbie Findley (Real Salt Lake), Herculez Gomez (Pachuca)
The US team's player bonus scheme for the tournament is the largest for any nation in World Cup history, potentially worth $20.6m, or $895,000 per man for winning, and despite their rapid improvement over the last decade or so, I can't imagine they will be receiving the money.
The Americans topped their qualification group winning 6 out of 10 of their games, finishing a point ahead of Mexico, and should have enough about them to qualify from the group.
Only 4 players out of the 23 are still plying their trade in MLS, one of which is Landon Donovan who dipped his toe into Premier League waters last season with an impressive loan spell at Everton, and no doubt if he continues to impress several other European teams will be after him this summer.
The United States come in to the tournament struggling for form, having won only 2 of their 5 friendlies this year, losing to Honduras, Holland and the Czech Republic.
Key Man
Clint Dempsey - A very technically gifted player, Dempsey will be looking to get one over the country where he plays his league football.
Demspey's international record isn't as impressive as someone of his obvious talents should be, but his experience of Fulhams superb Europa Cup run should lead him in good stead in the tournament.
Algeria
Coach: Rabah Saadane
Goalkeepers: Lounes Gaouaoui (ASO Chlef), Faouzi Chaouchi (Entente Setif), M'bohi Rais Ouheb (Slavia Sofia, Bulgaria)
Defenders: Abdelkader Laifaoui (Entente Setif), Madjid Bougherra (Rangers), Carl Medjani (Ajaccio), Rafik Halliche (Nacional Madeira), Anther Yahia (Bochum), Habib Belaid (Boulogne-sur-Mer), Nadir Belhadj (Portsmouth), Djamel Mesbah (Lecce)
Midfielders: Hassan Yebda (Portsmouth), Medhi Lacen (Racing Santander), Yazid Mansouri (Lorient), Adlene Guedioura (Charleroi), Riad Boudebouz (Sochaux), Djamel Abdoun (Nantes), Fouad Kadir (Valenciennes), Karim Ziani (Wolfsburg), Karim Matmour (Borussia Moenchengladbach)
Strikers: Abdelkader Ghezzal (Siena), Rafik Djebbour (AEK Athens), Rafik Saifi (Istres)
After watching Algeria's first game in the African Cup of Nations, I was expecting them to be the whipping boys of the group, but to their credit, they turned their performances round and managed to reach the final, where they were battered by Egypt, and since that they have once again looked poor,especially in their 3-0 defeat to the Irish last week.
A poor defence, and lack of goals make up the Algerian team. They have only scored 4 goals in their 8 games this year, and have conceded 16.
I expect their stay in South Africa to be a very short one.
Key Man -
Antar Yahia - Algeria's qualifying hero. Yahia scored the goal which meant Algeria qualified for their first World Cup since 1986, at the expense of bitter rivals Egypt, and in 2009 was named Arab player of the year.
Goalkeepers: Samir Handanovic (Udinese), Jasmin Handanovic (Mantova), Aleksander Seliga (Sparta Rotterdam)
Defenders: Miso Brecko (FC Cologne), Bostjan Cesar (Grenoble), Branko Ilic (Lokomotiv Moscow), Matej Mavric-Rozic (Koblenz), Bojan Jokic (Chievo), Marko Suler (Ghent), Suad Filekovic (NK Maribor), Elvedin Dzinic (NK Maribor)
Midfielders: Andraz Kirm (Wisla Krakow), Robert Koren (Unattached), Valter Birsa (AJ Auxerre), Andrej Komac (Maccabi Tel Aviv), Dalibor Stevanovic (Vitesse Arnhem), Aleksander Radosavljevic (Larissa), Rene Krhin (Inter Milan)
Strikers: Milivoje Novakovic (FC Cologne), Zlatko Dedic (VfL Bochum), Zlatan Ljubijankic (Ghent), Nejc Pecnik (Nacional Funchal), Tim Matavz (Groningen)
A suprise victory of Russia saw the Slovenians qualify for South Africa. Currently ranked 25th in the world, Slovenia boast a very tight defence, as shown by the fact they only conceded 4 goals in their ten qualifiers, only one goal was conceded at home.
England and the USA should be wary of Slovenia's reputation as giant-killers, and no doubt the Slovenians will be looking to add some more famous scalps to their collection when the action starts next week.
Key Man
Milivoje Novakovič - The tall striker has scored 14 in his 37 caps for his country, and averages a goal in just over every other game for Cologne (51 in 108).
Prediction
1. England
2. U.S.A
3. Slovenia
4. Algeria
Coach: Fabio Capello
Goalkeepers: Joe Hart (Manchester City), David James (Portsmouth), Robert Green (West Ham)
Defenders: Jamie Carragher (Liverpool), Ashley Cole (Chelsea), Ledley King (Tottenham), Rio Ferdinand (Manchester United), Glen Johnson (LIverpool), John Terry (Chelsea), Matthew Upson (West Ham), Stephen Warnock (Aston Villa)
Midfielders: Gareth Barry (Manchester City), Michael Carrick (Manchester United), Joe Cole (Chelsea), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Frank Lampard (Chelsea), Aaron Lennon (Tottenham), James Milner (Aston Villa), Shaun Wright-Phillips (Manchester City)
Strikers: Peter Crouch (Tottenham), Jermain Defoe (Tottenham), Emile Heskey (Aston Villa), Wayne Rooney (Manchester United)
On their day there aren't many better teams, yet when England fail, they do so in some style.
After recent quarter final failures under Sven Goran Eriksson, Steve Mclarens England failed to qualify for Euro 2008, which meant he was relieved of his duties and Fabio Capello was appointed.
Capello's England struggled in their first qualifying game, away to Andorra, until the Italian brought Joe Cole on as a sub at half time, within 10 minutes Cole had scored twice to give England the three points and leave the English public relieved. After that result the Three Lions never looked back and qualified with consumate ease, collecting 27 points out of a possible 30. Only a loss away in the Ukraine, when they went down to 10 men, and qualification was already guaranteed blotted the copybook.
England qualified with a goal difference of +27, with Wayne Rooney the top scorer in the European qualifiers. They dismantled a highly-rated Croatia both away from home (4-1) and at Wembley (5-1) and with that sort of form you would expect them to do well.
However this year, England have not looked as impressive. Capello still appears undecided as to who his first choice between the sticks is, and it is reflected in the fact the England have failed to keep a clean sheet in 8 of their last 9 games.
England should still have enough about them to win the group, but as long as they qualify, and Gareth Barry returns for the latter stages they will be happy.
Key Man
But the Spurs wide-man has worked hard at his game, especially his final ball, and fought back to claim the Number 7 borth his own. Lennon was scintillating last season, and his performance at Wembley against the croatians showed how vital he is for England. If he can perform at a similar standard, then England could go far.
U.S.A
Coach: Bob Bradley
Goalkeepers: Brad Guzan (Aston Villa), Tim Howard (Everton), Marcus Hahnemann (Wolves)
Defenders: Carlos Bocanegra (Rennes), Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA), Steve Cherundolo (Hannover), Jay DeMerit (Watford), Clarence Goodson (IK Start), Oguchi Onyewu (AC Milan), Jonathan Spector (West Ham)
Midfielders: DaMarcus Beasley (Rangers), Michael Bradley (Borussia Moenchengladbach), Ricardo Clark (Eintracht Frankfurt), Clint Dempsey (Fulham), Landon Donovan (Los Angeles Galaxy), Maurice Edu (Rangers), Benny Feilhaber (AGF Aarhus), Stuart Holden (Bolton), Jose Torres (Pachuca)
Strikers: Jozy Altidore (Hull), Edson Buddle (Los Angeles Galaxy), Robbie Findley (Real Salt Lake), Herculez Gomez (Pachuca)
The US team's player bonus scheme for the tournament is the largest for any nation in World Cup history, potentially worth $20.6m, or $895,000 per man for winning, and despite their rapid improvement over the last decade or so, I can't imagine they will be receiving the money.
The Americans topped their qualification group winning 6 out of 10 of their games, finishing a point ahead of Mexico, and should have enough about them to qualify from the group.
Only 4 players out of the 23 are still plying their trade in MLS, one of which is Landon Donovan who dipped his toe into Premier League waters last season with an impressive loan spell at Everton, and no doubt if he continues to impress several other European teams will be after him this summer.
The United States come in to the tournament struggling for form, having won only 2 of their 5 friendlies this year, losing to Honduras, Holland and the Czech Republic.
Key Man
Demspey's international record isn't as impressive as someone of his obvious talents should be, but his experience of Fulhams superb Europa Cup run should lead him in good stead in the tournament.
Algeria
Coach: Rabah Saadane
Goalkeepers: Lounes Gaouaoui (ASO Chlef), Faouzi Chaouchi (Entente Setif), M'bohi Rais Ouheb (Slavia Sofia, Bulgaria)
Defenders: Abdelkader Laifaoui (Entente Setif), Madjid Bougherra (Rangers), Carl Medjani (Ajaccio), Rafik Halliche (Nacional Madeira), Anther Yahia (Bochum), Habib Belaid (Boulogne-sur-Mer), Nadir Belhadj (Portsmouth), Djamel Mesbah (Lecce)
Midfielders: Hassan Yebda (Portsmouth), Medhi Lacen (Racing Santander), Yazid Mansouri (Lorient), Adlene Guedioura (Charleroi), Riad Boudebouz (Sochaux), Djamel Abdoun (Nantes), Fouad Kadir (Valenciennes), Karim Ziani (Wolfsburg), Karim Matmour (Borussia Moenchengladbach)
Strikers: Abdelkader Ghezzal (Siena), Rafik Djebbour (AEK Athens), Rafik Saifi (Istres)
After watching Algeria's first game in the African Cup of Nations, I was expecting them to be the whipping boys of the group, but to their credit, they turned their performances round and managed to reach the final, where they were battered by Egypt, and since that they have once again looked poor,especially in their 3-0 defeat to the Irish last week.
A poor defence, and lack of goals make up the Algerian team. They have only scored 4 goals in their 8 games this year, and have conceded 16.
I expect their stay in South Africa to be a very short one.
Antar Yahia - Algeria's qualifying hero. Yahia scored the goal which meant Algeria qualified for their first World Cup since 1986, at the expense of bitter rivals Egypt, and in 2009 was named Arab player of the year.
Slovenia
Coach: Matjaz Kek
Goalkeepers: Samir Handanovic (Udinese), Jasmin Handanovic (Mantova), Aleksander Seliga (Sparta Rotterdam)
Defenders: Miso Brecko (FC Cologne), Bostjan Cesar (Grenoble), Branko Ilic (Lokomotiv Moscow), Matej Mavric-Rozic (Koblenz), Bojan Jokic (Chievo), Marko Suler (Ghent), Suad Filekovic (NK Maribor), Elvedin Dzinic (NK Maribor)
Midfielders: Andraz Kirm (Wisla Krakow), Robert Koren (Unattached), Valter Birsa (AJ Auxerre), Andrej Komac (Maccabi Tel Aviv), Dalibor Stevanovic (Vitesse Arnhem), Aleksander Radosavljevic (Larissa), Rene Krhin (Inter Milan)
Strikers: Milivoje Novakovic (FC Cologne), Zlatko Dedic (VfL Bochum), Zlatan Ljubijankic (Ghent), Nejc Pecnik (Nacional Funchal), Tim Matavz (Groningen)
A suprise victory of Russia saw the Slovenians qualify for South Africa. Currently ranked 25th in the world, Slovenia boast a very tight defence, as shown by the fact they only conceded 4 goals in their ten qualifiers, only one goal was conceded at home.
England and the USA should be wary of Slovenia's reputation as giant-killers, and no doubt the Slovenians will be looking to add some more famous scalps to their collection when the action starts next week.
Key Man
Prediction
1. England
2. U.S.A
3. Slovenia
4. Algeria
Wednesday, 2 June 2010
World Cup Preview - Group B
Coach: Diego Maradona
Goalkeepers: Sergio Romero (AZ Alkmaar ), Mariano Andujar (Catania ), Diego Pozo (Colon
Defenders: Nicolas Otamendi (Velez Sarsfield), Martin Demichelis (Bayern Munich), Walter Samuel (Inter Milan ), Gabriel Heinze (Marseille), Nicolas Burdisso (AS Roma), Clemente Rodriguez (Estudiantes), Ariel Garce (Colon
Midfielders: Jonas Gutierrez (Newcastle), Maximiliano Rodriguez (Liverpool), Javier Mascherano (Liverpool), Juan Sebastian Veron (Estudiantes), Angel Di Maria (Benfica), Javier Pastore (Palermo), Mario Bolatti (Fiorentina)
Forwards: Lionel Messi (Barcelona ), Gonzalo Higuain (Real Madrid ), Martin Palermo (Boca Juniors), Sergio Aguero (Atletico Madrid ), Diego Milito (Inter Milan ), Carlos Tevez (Manchester City
A lot was made about how Argentina
Maradona seems to grow in stature during World Cups, and I expect that Argentina
Key Player
Juan Sebastian Veron - Maradona recalled Veron wehen Argentina
Coach: Lars Lagerback
Goalkeepers: Dele Aiyenugba (Bnei Yehuda), Austin Ejide (Hapoel Petah Tikvah), Vincent Enyeama (Hapoel Tel Aviv)
Defenders: Dele Adeleye (Sparta Rotterdam), Rabiu Afolabi (Red Bull Salzburg), Elderson Echiejile (Stade Rennes), Chidi Odiah (CSKA Moscow), Danny Shittu (Bolton Wanderers), Taye Taiwo (Olympique Marseille), Joseph Yobo (Everton)
Midfielders: Yusuf Ayila (Dynamo Kiev), Dickson Etuhu (Fulham), Sani Kaita (Alania Vladikavhaz), Nwankwo Kanu (Portsmouth), Haruna Lukman (Monaco), John Obi Mikel (Chelsea), Kalu Uche (Almeria), John Utaka (Portsmouth)
Strikers: Yakubu Aiyegbeni (Everton), Obafemi Martins (VfL Wolfsburg), Obinna Nsofor (Malaga), Chinedu Obasi (Hoffenheim), Peter Odemwingie (Lokomotiv Moscow)
Came 3rd in this years African Cup of Nations, only defeated by Ghana and eventual champions Egypt Monaco midfield Lukman in Milton Keynes against Colombia
In such a weak group, failure to reach the second round would be very disappointing for the Nigerian Public, but I just can't see them advancing.
Key Player
Taye Taiwo - An attacking left back who has a thunderous shot on him. In January Taiwo made a few noises about wanting a move to England to play for one of "the Big 4" and this tournament will give him the perfect showcase to show whether he deserves it or not.
Coach: Huh Jung-Moo
Goalkeepers: Kim Young-kwang (Ulsan ), Lee Woon-jae (Suwon
Defenders: Kim Dong-jin (Ulsan), Kim Hyung-il (Pohang), Oh Beom-seok (Ulsan), Lee Young-pyo (Al Hilal), Lee Jung-soo (Kashima), Cha Doo-ri (Freiburg) Cho Yong-hyung (Jeju), Kang Min-soo (Suwon)
Midfielders: Ki Sung-yong (Celtic), Kim Bo-kyung (Oita, Japan), Kim Nam-il (Tomsk), Kim Jae-sung (Pohang), Kim Jung-woo (Gwangju), Lee Chung-yong (Bolton, England), Ji-sung Park (Manchester United)
Forwards: Park Chu-young (Monaco ), Ahn Jung-hwan (Dalian , China
(Seoul ), Yeom Ki-hun (Suwon
The 2002 semi-finalists are another team that will fancy there chance of grabbing second place in this group. They were unlucky not to qualify from the group stages in Germany
Before losing their last match, the South Koreans had won 4 straight games, including beating Japan twice, and winning against a highly-rated Ivory Coast
Key Player
Lee Chung-Yong - Has the potential to become a big star. I'm sure bolton fans would've been quite happy for Lee to have missed the world cup as he has been impressing all season for them under the radar, and if he continues to play like he has been then the world cup will raise his profile.
A very tricky player, he has the ability to run past people, and depsite his slender frame Lee is also a tireless worker for the team.
Coach: Otto Rehhagel
Goalkeepers: Michalis Sifakis (Aris Salonika), Alexandros Tzorvas (Panathinaikos), Kostas Chalkias (PAOK Salonika )
Defenders: Giorgos Seitaridis (Panathinaikos), Loukas Vintra (Panathinaikos), Evangelos Moras (Bologna), Socrates Papastathopoulos (Genoa), Sotiris Kyrgiakos (Liverpool), Avraam Papadopoulos (Olympiakos), Vasilis Torosidis (Olympiakos), Nikos Spiropoulos (Panathinaikos), Stelios Malezas (PAOK Salonika)
Midfielders: Kostas Katsouranis (Panathinaikos), Alexandros Tziolis (Siena), Giorgos Karagounis (Panathinaikos), Sotiris Ninis (Panathinaikos), Christos Patsatzoglou (Omonia), Sakis Prittas (Aris Salonika)
Strikers: Angelos Charisteas (Nuremberg ), Dimitris Salpigidis (Panathinaikos), Pantelis Kapetanos (Steaua Bucharest), Theofanis Gekas (Hertha Berlin
Having yet to live-up to the hype that surrounded them since winning Euro 2004 in their home country, Greece have qualified for their first world cup sine USA 94.
Greek hopes have been raised by recent emergence of exciting Panathinaikos teenager Sotiris Ninis, who has already been dubbed ‘the Greek Kaka’. He will look to provide some flair in an otherwise very defensive minded team.
Key Player
Sotiris Ninis - The youngest player in the squad at 20. Panathinaikos Team-mate Djibril Cisse christened him the "future of Greek Football" after Ninis scored one and set up Cisse's two goals against Roma in a Europa League game back in Febraury
Group B Prediction
1. Argentina
2. South Korea
3. Nigeria
4. Greece
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