Month: June 2010

FIFA thinking of introducing Video Technology

FIFA president Sepp Blatter has apologised to England and Mexico for the refereeing errors that helped eliminate them from the World Cup and says FIFA will reopen the debate on introducing video technology. Earlier Nicolas Maignot informed the media that the International FA Board, which Fifa is a member of along with the four British associations, dealt with this topic in March. A clear decision on the use of technology was taken at the time.

on 29th June Blatter apologized to the team officials of England and Mexico, and informed the media that the delegations of both teams accepted his apology.

The International Football Association Board (IFAB) convened at the Home of FIFA in Zurich for the 124th Annual General Meeting decided that the goal-line technology would not be pursued. FIFA sticks to its stand for the same.

 

Blatter said FIFA will "reopen the file" on video technology at a meeting of its rule-making panel in Wales next month.

He added that it would be "a nonsense" not to consider changes.

 

END OF PHASE ONE

We’ve now entered the knock-out stage of the 2010 World Cup. To many, this is now the “business end” of the tournament, where one “off-day” may shatter your dreams and render all your long preparations meaningless.

After 48 matches, 16 of the 32 teams have been eliminated. These include the two finalists from 2006, Italy and France. All the five South American teams in action have qualified for the knock-out stage, four of them as group champions. Of these, Brazil and Chile meet each other in the pre-quarter finals, which means that there could be as many as 4 South American teams in the quarter finals. 
 
 
Of the 13 European teams in fray, only 6 have survived. In general, this has been a dismal tournament for Europe, albeit a few exceptions. Strangely, each of the 6 remaining European teams play other European teams in the pre-quarter finals! The most intriguing contest should be the one between Germany and England, while Spain play their Iberian neighbours Portugal. The Netherlands take on Slovakia. Thus there will be three teams from Europe in the quarter finals, come what may.
 
 
Of the 5 other teams still in action, there are 2 each from North America and Asia, leaving Ghana as the only team carrying the banner from Africa. The 5 other teams from the home continent have all been eliminated, most of them without much flourish. The 2 Asian teams both play South American opponents in the pre-quarter finals, and it would be interesting to see if either of them manage to reach the next round.
 
 
The 48 group matches have produced 101 goals at an average of 2.10 goals per match. (At this stage the 2002 tournament produced 130 goals, and the 2006 version saw 117 goals.) Argentina and Portugal have scored 7 goals each, while South Korea, Germany, Netherlands and Brazil have scored 5 each. Of the 32 teams, only Algeria and Honduras have failed to score. Of the 16 teams that have qualified for the knock-out stage, Ghana and England have scored just 2 goals each. Three players, namely Gonzalo Higuain of Argentina, Robert Vittek of Slovakia and David Villa of Spain are currently the joint highest scorers in the tournament, with 3 goals each. 
 
 
Defensively, Uruguay and Portugal have emerged as the best teams so far, not having conceded any goals in their group matches. Argentina, England, Germany, Netherlands, Paraguay and Switzerland have conceded just 1 goal each. North Korea have conceded 12 goals, while South Korea, Australia and Denmark have conceded 6 each.
 
 
Of the 16 surviving teams, 8 are as yet undefeated. Of these, Argentina and the Netherlands have the best records, with three wins in three matches each. Brazil and Uruguay each have two wins and a draw. England, Paraguay, Portugal and USA have one win and two draws each. Of the remaining 8 teams, Germany, Spain, Chile and Japan each have two wins and one defeat, while Mexico, Ghana, South Korea and Slovakia each have a 1-1-1 win-draw-loss record.
 
Rajat Subhra Banerjee

From Jo’burg

Abhijit Ray shares his experience in the World Cup 2010

Finally the dream day came on 17th June,2010.
We started the journey from home – destination was soccer city stadium,Johannesburg.
 
It’s not very far – we calculated the distance and it was just 35KM from our home.
 
But who knew that traffic of johannesburg roads is going to challenge us in each square inch!!
 
That day probably all roads of Johannesburg were merging towards single destination – and that was soccer city stadium.
 
We started our journey at 10:30AM, some how we managed to park our car in pre-booked car parking area at 12:30PM, and from parking lot we walked around 5KM,finally we (me,my spouse debamitra my friend and his spouse) were there exactly at 1:30PM when the match was just about to start.
 
While coming from parking lot towards stadium,multi-colored atmospthere and consistent enchanting melody of vuvuzelas (well somebody might find it noisy but that day I was just hipnotized by all of these) inspired me to buy one big sky blue flag of argentina – the guy who was selling flag initialy told for R100,me started from R15 then we made the deal at R40 🙂 (win win deal indeed)
 
It was the soccer city stadium where Nelson Mandela delivered his  first speech in Johannesburg after his release from prison.
 
It underwent a major upgrade for the 2010 tournament,earlier capacity was 80,000 and current capacity is 94,700.
 
Anyway,on 17th June,2010, 83,000 crownd was present to watch the argentina-south korea match.
 
It’s really a world class stadium with huge infrastructure including all modern facilities.
 
Colorful soccer city was really blooming under the blue sky,it was a sunny winter day,temp was around 3-4 degree with heavily cold storm.
 
This is not my first visit of any football stadium which is situated in a foreign country,in 2004 I was there in boca-juniors stadium argentina.
 
Anyway,I was crazy to see mesi,tevez,veron etc in flesh and blood,well to see my childhood hero,the ‘God’ of football maradona too.
 
But I already saw him in flesh and blood in Mohun Bagan ground and in Salt Lake stadium,Calcutta in the year 2008,when he came to india.
 
Inside atmpsphere of the stadium and the holistic ambience was really splendid!83,000 ‘disciplined’ crowd was all set with all their colorful identities, flyamboyant appearances,with vuvuzelas etc etc..
 
Game started…and in the gallery we the spectators started cheering our favourite team..
Messi was just awesome – my observation is normally he roams around center circle and towards opponent mid-field area,but whenever he gets any smell of attack,he starts showing his tremendous skill along with his inborn ‘latin’ dribbling power – which is very much satisfactory for the eye of the football lovers.
 
Our seat was just behind the argentina goal post (in second half it was korean side indeed),which was very much near to the ground.
This we can not imagine in any of the Indian football stadium where spectators normally seats literally miles away from the play ground.
 
Messi’s skill,Tevez’s powerful run,higuain’s poetic execution – gave immense pleasure to me specially,I am an Argentine supporter since 1986,when a just 7 year boy saw Maradona magic in black & white idiot box that also in neighbour’s house (and also during mid-night as well 🙂
 
Each of my expected and intended ‘will’ won finally – saw 5 goals in a world cup match,argentina won,messi was just awesome,higuain did hattrick what else
I could have been prayed from football god !
 
After the match finished we saw their restrained emotions of joy – some were dancing,some were singing in chorus.
 
This is definitely going to be the most overwhelming and most memorable event which I have ever seen in my life!
 
I am attaching  one snap here..
 
Viva Argentina !
 
Cheers
Abhijit

From the heaven of the game ‘Soccer’

Abhijit Ray shares his feelings from Jo’burg

In our middle-class childhood when we used to collect each single pieces of photographs of football galaxy from the newspaper/magazines,that time in our rarest/wildest of dream also I never even dare to think that I might be so fortunate who can ever be presentin any of the mega event – and it is football world cup ! But today my tongue is shivering to utter that – yessss,I am here in South  Africa,Jo’Burg the host city of 2010 world cup !

 
Last few days I am endowed with blissful experience  to taste the multi-dimensional cream of delicious cosmopolitan environment – ummmm, in my every breath I tried to smell the football – only football,and that is also in an world class arena.
 
In one of the elite shopping mall here in Jo’Burg,is called Sandton Mall – we can say this area is central nervous system of the city.
 
This area becomes ‘Mohakumbh’ of football – all diff. nationalities mingles here with their N number of colourful identities.
 
My keyboard is getting stucked – really I am not sure how to arrange and share  this colourful experience  with you !
 
They all are jovial,vibrant,pulsating,energetic,vivid,bright,flamboyant,effervescent – woooowww, even I do not find many adjectives   to describe the whole thing.
 
Brazilians,Argentine,Dutch,British,Ghanaian,mexican – all, they all are keeping their symbol of identity,their flag -> very high..
 
I wish to quote few lines,from a poem written by one unknown bengali poet –
 
"Nishan Sekhay, Ei somotol-Porbot-Nodi kar?
 
Priyo Swadesh er Dhuloy amar – Ujjol odhikkar"
 
South African nationality is depicted by one terminology called ‘rainbow nation’ (mixture of ‘whites’,’black’,’browns’ etc.)
 
And since 11 June,2010, in each and every moment so many rainbows are creating here on african soil,by mixing of not only with white,black and brown but also with green (brazil),sky blue (argentina),Yellow (africans),Red (danish),dark blue (french,japanese) etc etc…with N number of combinations.
 
1.Africans are blowing ‘vuvuzelas’ with fathomless tenacity
 
2.Brazilians are dancing and singing with apparently awkard dresses,with drums etc
 
3.Argentines are cheering like anything
 
4.Dutch people are shouting like a melody
 
5.British people are drinking gallons of beer
 
etc etc….
 
I am attaching two snaps – guys please feel the vibe !!
 
Cheers
 
 Abhijit
 
 
Read Rajat Subhra Banerjee’s Analysis

FIFA World Cup – Kickoff June 11th

The FIFA World Cup begins on 11 June 2010. A preview from Rajat Subhra Banerjee.

 The 2010 FIFA World Cup will be the 19th FIFA World Cup, the premier international football tournament. It is scheduled to take place between 11 June and 11 July 2010 in South Africa. This will be the first time that the tournament has been hosted by an African nation. Italy are the defending champions, after winning the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany. The draw for the finals took place on 4 December 2009 in Cape Town.  

 Rajat Subhra Banerjee reviews all 32 teams and analyses them in each group –

Group A | Group B | Group C | Group D | Group E | Group F | Group G | Group H

Click here for the Group Table (opens in a new window)

 Click here to go to official site of the FIFA World Cup 2010 (opens in a new window)

 For latest news Click here (opens in a new window)

 

 

Group A

Group A | Group B | Group C | Group D | Group E | Group F | Group G | Group H

 Back to Article

 

Teams: FRANCE (10), URUGUAY (16), MEXICO (17), SOUTH AFRICA (83)

 

France are the firm favourites to win this group, with Uruguay and Mexico expected to fight it out for the second pre-quarter finals berth. However, the hosts of any international tournament can never be counted out, and South Africa reached the semi finals of last years FIFA Confederations’ Cup when the tournament was also held there. Thus this group may eventually become tougher and much more competitive than it looks and may throw up some surprises.

 

FRANCE (FRA):

 
FIFA Ranking: 10
 
13th World Cup Finals.
 

Previous World Cups: 1930 – R1, 1934 – R1, 1938 (hosts) – QF, 1954 – R1, 1958– SF (3rd), 1966 – R1, 1978 – R1, 1982 – SF (4th), 1986 – SF (3rd), 1998 (hosts) – Winners, 2002 – R1, 2006 – Final.

 

2010 – qualified on Nov-18, 2009; 31st team to qualify.

 

Head Coach: Raymond DOMENECH (FRA – age 58)

 
Squad:
 

01. Hugo LLORIS (G – age 23) Lyon (FRA)

02. Bacary SAGNA (D – age 27) Arsenal (ENG)

03. Eric ABIDAL (D – age 30) Barcelona (ESP) (06)

04. Anthony REVEILLERE (D – age 30) Lyon (FRA)

05. William GALLAS (D – age 32) Arsenal (ENG) (06)

06. Marc PLANUS (D – age 27) Bordeaux (FRA)

07. Franck RIBERY (M – age 27) Bayern Munich (GER) (06)

08. Yoann GOURCUFF (M – age 23) Bordeaux (FRA)

09. Djibril CISSE (F – age 28) Panathinaikos (GRE) (02)

10. Sidney GOUVOU (F – age 30) Lyon (FRA) (06)

11. Andre-Pierre GIGNAC (F – age 24) Toulouse (FRA)

12. Thierry HENRY (F – age 32) Barcelona (ESP) (C) (98) (02) (06)

13. Patrice EVRA (D – age 29) Manchester United (ENG)

14. Jeremy TOULALAN (M – age 26) Lyon (FRA)

15. Florent MALOUDA (M – age 30) Chelsea (ENG) (06)

16. Steve MANDANDA (G – age 25) Marseille (FRA)

17. Sebastien SQUILLACI (D – age 29) Sevilla (ESP)

18. Alou DIARRA (M – age 28) Bordeaux (FRA) (06)

19. Abou DIABY (M – age 24) Arsenal (ENG)

20. Mathieu VALBUENA (M – age 25) Marseille (FRA)

21. Nicolas ANELKA (F – age 31) Chelsea (ENG)

22. Gael CLICHY (D – age 24) Arsenal (ENG)

23. Cedric CARRASSO (G – age 28) Bordeaux (FRA)

 

Though France are favourites in this group, their form in qualification was anything but convincing, culminating in a controversial home draw with Ireland which finally saw them through. However, they are now in the Finals and are expected to do well – the French supporters shall be hoping a second successive final appearance.

 

On paper the French attack looks quite convincing. In Thierry Henry of Barcelona, Nicolas Anelka of Chelsea, Andre-Pierre Gignac of Toulouse and Sidney Gouvou of Lyon they seem to possess plenty of fire-power and big-match experience. Djibril Cisse of Panathinaikos has been recalled to give cover.

 

The support from midfield is also expected to be substantial, what with the presence of stalwarts like Franck Ribery of Bayern, Florent Malouda of Chelsea and Alou Diarra of Bordeaux. Younger talents like Yoann Gourcuff of Bordeaux, Jeremy Toulalan of Lyon, Abou Diaby of Arsenal and the exciting Mathieu Valbuena of Marseille can provide the energy and flair if given opportunities.

 

The central defence shall revolve round the experienced Eric Abidal of Barcelona and William Gallas of Arsenal, now recovered fully from injury. Full backs Bacary Sagna of Arsenal and Patrice Evra of Manchester United should provide dour defence with attacking flair down the wings. The ought to be adequately covered by Anthony Reveillere of Lyon, Gael Clichy of Arsenal, Marc Planus of Bordeaux and Sebastien Squillaci of Sevilla.

 

In goal France seem to lack international experience – both Hugo Lloris of Lyon and Steve Mandanda of Marseille are young, though both are talented keepers. Cedric Carrasso of Bordeaux provides cover.

 
 
URUGUAY (URU):
 
FIFA Ranking: 16
 
11th World Cup Finals.
 

Previous World Cups: 1930 (hosts) – Winners, 1950 – Winners, 1954 – SF (4th), 1962 – R1, 1966 – QF, 1970 – SF (4th), 1974 – R1, 1986 – PQF, 1990 – PQF, 2002 – R1.

 

2010 – qualified on Nov-18, 2009; 32nd (last) team to qualify.

 

Head Coach: Oscar TABAREZ (URU – age 63)

 
Squad:
 

01. Fernando MUSLERA (G – age 24) Lazio Roma (ITA)

02. Diego LUGANO (D – age 29) Fenerbahce (TUR) (C)

03. Diego GODIN (D – age 24) Villarreal (ESP)

04. Jorge FUCILE (D – age 25) Porto (POR)

05. Walter GARGANO (M – age25) Napoli (ITA)

06. Mauricio VICTORINO (D – age 27) Universidad de Chile (CHI)

07. Edinson CAVANI (F – age 23) Palermo (ITA)

08. Sebastian EGUREN (M – age29) AIK Solna (SWE)

09. Luis SUAREZ (F – age 23) Ajax Amsterdam (NED)

10. Diego FORLAN (F – age 31) Atletico Madrid (ESP) (02)

11. Alvaro PEREIRA(M – age25) Porto (POR)

12. Juan CASTILLO (G – age 32) Deportivo Cali (COL)

13. Sebastian ABREU (F – age 33) Botafogo (BRA) (02)

14. Nicolas LODEIRO (M – age21) Ajax Amsterdam (NED)

15. Diego PEREZ (M – age30) Monaco (FRA)

16. Maxi PEREIRA (D – age 26) Benfica (POR)

17. Egidio AREVALO (M – age27) Penarol (URU)

18. Ignacio GONZALEZ (M – age28) Valencia (ESP)

19. Andres SCOTTI (D – age 35) Colo Colo (CHI)

20. Alvaro FERNANDEZ (M – age24) Universidad de Chile (CHI)

21. Sebastian FERNANDEZ (F – age 25) Banfield (ARG)

22. Martin CACERES(D – age 23) Juventus (ITA)

23. Martin SILVA (G – age 27) Defensor Sporting (URU)

 

Uruguay were the very last team to qualify for this World Cup after finishing fifth in South America and then defeating Costa Rica in the play offs. They are expected to be one of the main contenders for a pre-quarter final berth from Group A, but they are not really expected to progress much further.

 

Like many countries this year, Uruguay seem to lack a really experienced international goalkeeper. Both Fernando Muslera of Lazio and Juan Castillo of Deportivo Cali are talented keepers, but have played only a handful of international matches. The third keeper Martin Silva of Defensor is even less experienced.

 

The defence seems better served, with the presence of captain Diego Lugano of Fenerbahce, Diego Godin of Villarreal, Jorge Fucile of Porto and Maxi Perreira of Benfica. Young Martin Caceres of Barcelona is also in the squad, as also are Chile based Mauricio Victorino and Andres Scotti.

 

In midfield Uruguay has one of South America’s most skilful players in Diego Perez of Monaco. Around him there are players like Walter Gargano of Napoli, Sebastian Eguren of AIK, Ignacio Gonzalez of Valencia and the exciting Alvaro Perreira of Porto.

 

The attack seems to be Uruguay’s strength. The Botafogo veteran Sebastian Abreu shall add experience to the mercurial duo of Diego Forlan of Atletico Madrid and Luis Suarez of Ajax, giving the attack a real menacing look. Edinson Cavani of Palermo is another interesting prospect.

 
 
MEXICO (MEX):
 
FIFA Ranking: 17
 
14th World Cup Finals.
 

Previous World Cups: 1930 – R1, 1950 – R1, 1954 – R1, 1958 – R1, 1962– R1, 1966 – R1, 1970 (hosts) – QF, 1978 – R1, 1986 – QF, 1994 – PQF, 1998 – PQF, 2002 – PQF, 2006 – PQF.

 

2010 – qualified on Oct-10, 2009; 18th team to qualify.

 

Head Coach: Javier AGUIRRE (MEX – age 51)

 
Squad:
 

01. Oscar PEREZ (G – age 37) Chiapas (MEX) (98) (02)

02. Francisco RODRIGUEZ (D – age 28) PSV Eindhoven (NED) (06)

03. Carlos SALCIDO (D – age 30) PSV Eindhoven (NED) (06)

04. Rafael MARQUEZ (D – age 31) Barcelona (ESP) (C) (02) (06)

05. Ricardo OSORIO (D – age 30) Stuttgart (GER) (06)

06. Gerardo TORRADO (M – age 31) Crux Azul (MEX) (02) (06)

07. Pablo BARRERA (M- age 23) Pumas UNAM (MEX)

08. Israel CASTRO (M – age 29) Pumas UNAM (MEX)

09. Guillermo FRANCO (F – age 33) West Ham United (ENG) (06)

10. Cuauhtemoc BLANCO (F – age 37) Veracruz (MEX) (98) (02)

11. Carlos VELA (F – age 21) Arsenal (ENG)

12. Paul AGUILAR (D – age 24) Pachuca (MEX)

13. Guillermo OCHOA (G – age 24) America (MEX) (06)

14. Javier HERNANDEZ (F – age 22) Guadalajara (MEX)

15. Hector MORENO(D – age 22) Alkmaar Z (NED)

16. Efrain JUAREZ (D – age 22) Pumas UNAM (MEX)

17. Giovani DOS SANTOS (F – age 21) Galatasaray (TUR)

18. Andres GUARDADO (M – age 23) Deportivo La Coruna (ESP) (06)

19. Jonny MAGALLON (D – age 28) Guadalajara (MEX)

20. Jorge TORRES NILO (D – age 22) Atlas (MEX)

21. Adolfo BAUTISTA (M – age 31) Guadalajara (MEX)

22. Alberto MEDINA(M – age 27) Guadalajara (MEX)

23. Luis Ernesto MICHEL (G – age 30) Guadalajara (MEX)

 

Mexico has played some splendid football recently under Javier Aguirre, who has recalled a few veterans to add to the pool of talented youngsters to produce a team that look quite balanced and powerful.

 

The experienced Guillermo Blanco of West Ham and the exciting young Carlos Vela of Arsenal and the immensely talented Giovani Dos Santos form this mixture of experience and youth in attack. The veteran Cuauhtemoc Blanco of Veracruz has been added to the attack to provide big match experience, while Javier Hernandez provides the youthful zest.

 

In midfield another most experienced player – Gerardo Torrado of Cruz Azul shall be the kingpin. Alongside him are players like Andres Guardado of La Coruna, Israel Castro of Pumas to provide youth, with the Guadalajara duo Adolfo Bautista and Alberto Medina providing experience.

 

The Mexican defence revolves round the captain, Rafael Marquez of Barcelona. He is regarded as one of the best centre backs in world football. Other highly experienced defenders in the team are the PSV duo of Carlos Salcido and Francisco Rodriguez, Jonny Magallon of Guadalajara and Ricardo Osorio of Stuttgart. Hector Moreno of Alkmaar, Jorge Nilo of Atlas and Paul Aguilar of Pachuca provide the energy of youth.

 

In Guillermo Ochoa, Mexico has a splendid goalkeeper who is young as well as experienced. Oscar Perez is also widely experienced, and it will be interesting to see who gets the job in South Africa.

 
 
SOUTH AFRICA (RSA):
 
FIFA Ranking: 83
 
3rd World Cup Finals.
 

Previous World Cups: 1998 – R1, 2002 – R1.

 

2010 – qualified on May-15, 2004 – as hosts; 1st team to qualify.

 

Head Coach: Carlos Alberto PARREIRA (BRA – age 67)

 
Squad:
 

01. Moeneeb JOSEPHS (G – age 30) Orlando Pirates (RSA)

02. Siboniso GAXA (D – age 26) Mamelodi Sundowns (RSA)

03. Tsepo MASILELA (D – age 25) Maccabi Haifa (ISR)

04. Aaron MOKOENA (D – age 29) Portsmouth (ENG) (C) (02)

05. Anele NGCONGCA (D – age 22) Racing Genk (BEL)

06. MacBeth SIBAYA (M – age 32) Rubin Kazan (RUS) (02)

07. Lance DAVIDS (M – age 25) Ajax Cape Town (RSA)

08. Siphiwe TSHABALALA (M – age 25) Kaizer Chiefs (RSA)

09. Katlego MPHELA (F – age 25) Mamelodi Sundowns (RSA)

10. Steven PIENAAR (M – age 28) Everton (ENG) (02)

11. Teko MODISE (M – age 27) Orlando Pirates (RSA)

12. Reneilwe LETSHOLONYANE (M – age 28) Kaizer Chiefs (RSA)

13. Kagisho DIKGACOI (M – age 25) Fulham (ENG)

14. Matthew BOOTH (D – age 33) Mamelodi Sundowns (RSA)

15. Lucas THWALA (D – age 28) Orlando Pirates (RSA)

16. Itumeleng KHUNE (G – age 23) Kaizer Chiefs (RSA)

17. Bernard PARKER (F – age 24) Twente (NED)

18. Siyabonga NOMVETHE (F – age 32) Moroka Swallows (RSA) (02)

19. Surprise MORIRI (M – age 30) Mamelodi Sundowns (RSA)

20. Bongani KHUMALO (D – age 23) Supersport United (RSA)

21. Siyabonga SANGWENI (D – age 28) Golden Arrows (RSA)

22. Shu-Aib WALTERS (G – age 28) Maritzburg United (RSA)

23. Thanduyise KHUBONI (M – age 24) Golden Arrows (RSA)

 

South Africa’s Brazilian coach Carlos Alberto Parreira is truly excited by his team’s prospects in the World Cup, hoping to make it a memorable one for the hosts. Few outside South Africa give the Bafana Bafana much chance, but they do have the passion and skill to deliver. Home support could also be an immense factor.

 

In goal South Africa are well served by Itumeleng Khune of Chiefs, who is one of Africa’s best young keepers. Moeneeb Josephs of Arrows is also a superb keeper.

 

The defence is led by the captain Aaron Mokoena of Portsmouth, whose EPL experience shall be invaluable. The Sundowns duo of Matthew Booth and Siboniso Gaxa are both strong no-nonsense defenders. Tsepo Masilela of Maccabi Haifa and Lucas Thwala of Pirates are also capable defenders.

 

In midfield there is the dynamic Steven Pienaar of Everton, alongside such talents as MacBeth Sibaya of Rubin Kazan, Siphiwe Tshabalala of Chiefs, Kagisho Dikcagoi of Fulham and Teko Modise of Pirates.

 

The attack shall be led by Bernard Parker of Twente and Siyabonga Nomvethe of Swallows. Katlego Mphela of Sundowns is another exciting prospect.

 

All in all South Africa is quite capable of upsetting the applecart of higher rated teams and provide the spark in this group. 

 

 Back to Article

 

Group B

Group A | Group B | Group C | Group D | Group E | Group F | Group G | Group H

 Back to Article

 

 

Teams: ARGENTINA (7), GREECE (13), NIGERIA (21), SOUTH KOREA (47)

 

Argentina are expected to win this group without much trouble. Greece and Nigeria are likely to fight for second place. Though South Korea will always try hard, few experts outside Korea are giving them much chance to go through. Nigeria will probably enjoy playing in Africa and create a flutter in this group.

 
ARGENTINA (ARG):
 
FIFA Ranking: 7
 
15th World Cup Finals.
 

Previous World Cups: 1930 – runners’ up, 1934 – R1, 1958 – R1, 1962 – R1, 1966 – QF, 1974 – QF, 1978 (hosts) – Winners, 1982 – PQF, 1986 – Winners, 1990 – runners’ up, 1994 – PQF, 1998 – QF, 2002 – R1, 2006 – QF.

 

2010 – qualified on Oct-14, 2009; 22nd team to qualify.

 

Head Coach: Diego MARADONA (ARG – age 49)

 
Squad:
 

01. Diego POZO (G – age 32) Colon (ARG)

02. Martin DEMICHELIS (D – age 29) Bayern Munich (GER)

03. Clemente RODRIGUEZ (D – age 28) Estudiantes (ARG)

04. Nicolas BURDISSO (D – age 29) Roma (ITA) (06)

05. Mario BOLATTI (M – age 25) Fiorentina (ITA)

06. Gabriel HEINZE (D – age 32) Marseille (FRA) (06)

07. Angel DI MARIA (M – age 22) Benfica (POR)

08. Juan Sebastian VERON (M – age 35) Estudiantes (ARG) (98) (02)

09. Gonzalo HIGUAIN (F – age 22) Real Madrid (ESP)

10. Lionel MESSI (F – age 23) Barcelona (ESP) (06)

11. Carlos TEVEZ (F – age 26) Manchester City (ENG) (06)

12. Ariel GARCE (D – age 30) Colon (ARG)

13. Walter SAMUEL (D – age 32) Inter Milan (ITA) (02)

14. Javier MASCHERANO (M – age 25) Liverpool (ENG) (C) (06)

15. Nicolas OTAMENDI (D – age 22) Velez Sarsfield (ARG)

16. Sergio AGUERO (F – age 22) Atletico Madrid (ESP)

17. Jonas GUTIERREZ (M – age 26) Newcastle United (ENG)

18. Martin PALERMO(F – age 36) Boca Juniors (ARG)

19. Diego MILITO (F – age 31) Inter Milan (ITA)

20. Maxi RODRIGUEZ (M – age 29) Liverpool (ENG) (06)

21. Mariano ANDUJAR (G – age 26) Catania (ITA)

22. Sergio ROMERO (G – age 23) Alkmaar Z (NED)

23. Javier PASTORE (M – age 21) Palermo (ITA)

 

Argentina are one of the favourites to win the Cup. They have a superb attack, led by the mercurial Lionel Messi of Barcelona, expected to be a star of the forthcoming competition. Messi is arguably the best footballer in the world at present and has the potential to win matches single handedly – a rare ability these days. Messi will be well supported in attack by Carlos Tevez, who has enjoyed a splendid season with Manchester City, and Diego Milito of Inter Milan, who played a leading role for his club in winning a treble, including the European Champions’ League. Gonzalo Higuain of Real Madrid is more than an able cover for the other strikers.

 

The Argentine midfield is also very strong on paper, led by the squad captain Javier Mascherano of Liverpool. His club-mate Maxi Rodriguez is expected to play a leading role too, along with Manuel Bolatti of Fiorentina. Maradona has recalled the veteran Juan Veron to add experience to the squad – he will be playing in his 3rd World Cup, after missing the last edition.

 

It is in defence that Argentina appear somewhat shaky. To shore the defence, Maradona has recalled Walter Samuel of Inter Milan, who had also missed the 2006 Cup. The highly experienced Gabriel Heinze is also there, along with Martin Demichelis of Bayern and Nicolas Burdisso of Roma to lend solidity to the defence.

 

The real weakness for Argentina could be in goal, where all three goalkeepers lack international experience. However, Argentine supporters are hoping that the attacking fire-power coupled with a strong and creative midfield will adequately make up for any defensive weakness.

 
 
GREECE (GRE):
 
FIFA Ranking: 13
 
2nd World Cup Finals.
 
Previous World Cups: 1994 – R1.
 

2010 – qualified on Nov-18, 2009; 28th team to qualify.

 

Head Coach: Otto REHHAGEL (GER – age 71)

 
Squad:
 

01. Kostas CHALKIAS (G – age 36) PAOK Salonika (GRE)

02. Giourkas SEITARIDIS (D – age 29) Panathinaikos (GRE)

03. Christos PATSATZOGLOU (D – age 31) Omonia (CYP)

04. Nikos SPIROPOULOS (D – age 26) Panathinaikos (GRE)

05. Vangelis MORAS (D – age 28) Bologna (ITA)

06. Alexandros TZIOLIS (M – age 25) Siena (ITA)

07. Georgios SAMARAS (F – age 25) Glasgow Celtic (SCO)

08. Avraam PAPADOPOULOS (D – age 26) Olympiakos (GRE)

09. Angelos CHARISTEAS (F – age 30) Nuremburg (GER)

10. Georgios KARAGOUNIS (M – age 33) Panathinaikos (GRE) (C)

11. Loukas VYNTRA (D – age 29) Panathinaikos (GRE)

12. Alexandros TZORVAS (G – age 27) Panathinaikos (GRE)

13. Michalis SIFAKIS (G – age 25) Aris Salonika (GRE)

14. Dimitris SALPIGIDIS (F – age 28) Panathinaikos (GRE)

15. Vasilis TOROSIDIS (D – age 25) Olympiakos (GRE)

16. Sotirios KYRGIAKOS (D – age 30) Liverpool (ENG)

17. Theofanis GEKAS (F – age 30) Hertha Berlin (GER)

18. Sotiris NINIS (M – age 20) Panathinaikos (GRE)

19. Sokratis PAPASTATHOPOULOS (D – age 22) Genoa (ITA)

20. Pantelis KAPETANOS (F – age 27) Steaua Bucharest (ROM)

21. Kostas KATSOURANIS (M – age 31) Panathinaikos (GRE)

22. Stelios MALEZAS (D – age 25) PAOK Salonika (GRE)

23. Sakis PRITTAS (M – age 31) Aris Salonika (GRE)

 

Greece showed great character and flair to qualify from Europe after a play-off with fancied Ukraine. This strength in character, honed by their shrewd and canny coach Otto Rehhagel, is giving much hope to Greek supporters.

 

The Greek attack shall be led by their two experienced German based strikers, Angelos Charisteas of Nuremburg and Theofanis Gekas of Hertha Berlin. They are likely to be assisted in offence by Georgios Samaras of Celtic.

 

The Greek midfield general is their captain Georgios Karagounis of Panathinaikos, who is regarded as one of the best midfielders in Europe. Alexandros Tziolis of Siena is another midfielder to watch.

 

The Greek defence is well organised, led by the solid Sotirios Kyrgiakos of Liverpool. Vangelis Moras of Bologna and the Australian born Avraam Papadopoulos add strength and confidence to the defence. In goal Kostas Chalkias is regarded as a safe and confident keeper.  

 
 
NIGERIA (NGA):
 
FIFA Ranking: 21
 
4th World Cup Finals.
 

Previous World Cups: 1994 – PQF, 1998 – PQF, 2002 – R1.

 

2010 – qualified on Nov-14, 2009 – 26th team to qualify.

 

Head Coach: Lars LAGERBACK (SWE – age 61)

 
Squad:
 

01. Vincent ENYEAMA (G – age 27) Hapoel Tel Aviv (ISR) (02)

02. Joseph YOBO (D – age 29) Everton (ENG) (02)

03. Taye TAIWO (D – age 25) Marseille (FRA)

04. Nwankwo KANU (F – age 33) Portsmouth (ENG) (C) (98) (02)

05. Rabiu AFOLABI (D – age 30) Red Bull Salzburg (AUT) (02)

06. Danny SHITTU (D – age 29) Bolton Wanderers (ENG)

07. Chinedu OBASI OGBUKE (F – age 24) Hoffenheim (GER)

08. Yakubu AIYEGBENI (F – age 27) Everton (ENG)

09. Obafemi MARTINS (F – age 25) Wolfsburg (GER)

10. Ideye BROWN (F – age 21) Sochaux (FRA)

11. Peter ODEMWINGIE (F – age 28) Lokomotiv Moscow (RUS)

12. Kalu UCHE (M – age 27) Almeria (ESP)

13. Ayila YUSSUF (M – age 25) Dynamo Kyiv (UKR)

14. Sani KAITA (M – age 24) Alania Vladikavkaz (RUS)

15. Dele ADELEYE (D – age 21) Sparta Rotterdam (NED)

16. Austin EJIDE (G – age 26) Hapoel Petah Tikva (ISR) (02)

17. Chidi ODIAH (D – age 26) CSKA Moscow (RUS)

18. Victor OBINNA (F – age 23) Malaga (ESP)

19. Lukman HARUNA (M – age 20) Monaco (FRA)

20. Dickson ETUHU (M – age 28) Fulham (ENG)

21. Uwa ECHIEJILE (D – age 22) Rennes (FRA)

22. John UTAKA (M – age 28)  Portsmouth (ENG) (02)

23. Dele AIYENUGBA (G – age 26) Bnei Yehuda (ISR)

 

Nigeria coach Lars Lagerback of Sweden is hoping to combine a wide bunch of immensely talented footballers into a team that will play for each other as a unit. If he can achieve that, Nigeria could well emerge as the dark horses of the 2010 World Cup.

 

In attack, Nigeria has strong and forceful strikers like Obafemi Martins of Wolfsburg and Yakubu Aiyegbeni of Everton. The talismanic captain Nwankwo Kanu of Portsmouth has been included to lend experience and height to the attack – he will be playing in his 3rd Cup, after 1998 and 2002. Peter Odemwingie of Lokomotiv Moscow is another splendid striker, while young Chinedu Obasi of Hoffenheim could deliver if selected to play.

 

The kingpin of the Nigerian midfield, John Obi Mikel of Chelsea, is now sadly out of the finals owing to injury. In his absence, John Utaka of Portsmouth and Dickson Etuhu of Fulham will have to marshal the Nigerian midfield. Kalu Uche of Almeria and Ayila Yussuf of Dynamo Kyiv are others to watch.

 

The defence will be led by Joseph Yobo of Everton and Rabiu Afolabi of Salzburg. Goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama of Hapoel Tel Aviv is regarded as one of the best in Africa.

 

All in all, Nigeria has the ability to cause problems to any team on their day. Their opponents shall be well advised not to take them lightly.

 
 
SOUTH KOREA (KOR):
 
FIFA Ranking: 47
 
8th World Cup Finals.
 

Previous World Cups: 1954 – R1, 1986 – R1, 1990 – R1, 1994 – R1, 1998 – R1, 2002 (hosts) – SF (4th), 2006 – R1.

 

2010 – qualified on Jun-06, 2009; 4th team to qualify.

 

Head Coach: HUH Jung-Moo (KOR – age 55)

 
Squad:
 

01. LEE Woon Jae (G – age 37) Suwon Bluewings (KOR) (94) (02) (06)

02. OH Beom Seok (D – age 25) Ulsan Hyundai (KOR)
03. KIM Hyung Il (D – age 26) Pohang Steelers (KOR)
04. CHO Yong Hyung (D – age 26) Jeju United (KOR)
05. KIM Nam Il (M – age 33) Tom Tomsk (RUS) (02) (06)
06. KIM Bo Kyung (M – age 20) Oita Trinita (JPN)

07. PARK Ji Sung (M – age 29) Manchester United (ENG) (C) (02) (06)

08. KIM Jung Woo (M – age 28) Gwangju Phoenix (KOR)
09. AHN Jung Hwan (F – age 34) Dalian Shide (CHN) (02) (06)
10. PARK Chu Young (F – age 24) Monaco (FRA) (06)
11. LEE Seung Ryul (F – age 21) Seoul (KOR)
12. LEE Young Pyo (D – age 33) Al Hilal (KSA) (02) (06)
13. KIM Jae Sung (M – age 26) Pohang Steelers (KOR)
14. LEE Jung Soo (D – age 30) Kashima Antlers (JPN)
15. KIM Dong Jin (D – age 28) Ulsan Hyundai (KOR) (06)
16. KI Sung Yong (M – age 21) Glasgow Celtic (SCO)
17. LEE Chung Yong (M – age 21) Bolton Wanderers (ENG)
18. JUNG Sung Ryong (G – age 25) Seongnam Ilhwa (KOR)
19. YEOM Ki Hun (F – age 27) Suwon Bluewings (KOR)
20. LEE Dong Gook (F – age 31) Jeonbuk Motors (KOR) (98)
21. KIM Young Kwang (G – age 27) Ulsan Hyundai (KOR) (06)
22. CHA Du Ri (D – age 29) Freiburg (GER) (02)
23. KANG Min Soo (D – age 24) Suwon Bluewings (KOR)
 

South Korea are expected to be the weakest team in Group B. However, they are certain to play disciplined football at full pace, as ever, and they have a few players of flair and experience to cause an upset or two.

 

Their captain and midfield general Park Ji Sung of Manchester United is one of their most well known players. Lending him support in midfield shall be the young Celtic player Ki Sung Yong and the highly experienced Kim Nam Il of Tom Tomsk. Lee Chung Yong of Bolton is another talented young midfielder.

 

Up front is the talented veteran Ahn Jung Hwan of Dalian, along with the Monaco star Park Chu Young. Lee Seung Ryul is seen as a future star by many Korean and may shine if given the opportunity.

 

The defence is well marshalled by Cha Du Ri of Freiburg, along with the former Tottenham player Lee Young Pyo, who now plays for Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia. Japan based Lee Jung Soo is another experienced Defender.

 

In goal it will be interesting to see if Lee Woon Jae gets to play – this is his 4th World Cup – he played one game in the 1994 World Cup!GROUP B

 

Teams: ARGENTINA (7), GREECE (13), NIGERIA (21), SOUTH KOREA (47)

 

Argentina are expected to win this group without much trouble. Greece and Nigeria are likely to fight for second place. Though South Korea will always try hard, few experts outside Korea are giving them much chance to go through. Nigeria will probably enjoy playing in Africa and create a flutter in this group.

 
ARGENTINA (ARG):
 
FIFA Ranking: 7
 
15th World Cup Finals.
 

Previous World Cups: 1930 – runners’ up, 1934 – R1, 1958 – R1, 1962 – R1, 1966 – QF, 1974 – QF, 1978 (hosts) – Winners, 1982 – PQF, 1986 – Winners, 1990 – runners’ up, 1994 – PQF, 1998 – QF, 2002 – R1, 2006 – QF.

 

2010 – qualified on Oct-14, 2009; 22nd team to qualify.

 

Head Coach: Diego MARADONA (ARG – age 49)

 
Squad:
 

01. Diego POZO (G – age 32) Colon (ARG)

02. Martin DEMICHELIS (D – age 29) Bayern Munich (GER)

03. Clemente RODRIGUEZ (D – age 28) Estudiantes (ARG)

04. Nicolas BURDISSO (D – age 29) Roma (ITA) (06)

05. Mario BOLATTI (M – age 25) Fiorentina (ITA)

06. Gabriel HEINZE (D – age 32) Marseille (FRA) (06)

07. Angel DI MARIA (M – age 22) Benfica (POR)

08. Juan Sebastian VERON (M – age 35) Estudiantes (ARG) (98) (02)

09. Gonzalo HIGUAIN (F – age 22) Real Madrid (ESP)

10. Lionel MESSI (F – age 23) Barcelona (ESP) (06)

11. Carlos TEVEZ (F – age 26) Manchester City (ENG) (06)

12. Ariel GARCE (D – age 30) Colon (ARG)

13. Walter SAMUEL (D – age 32) Inter Milan (ITA) (02)

14. Javier MASCHERANO (M – age 25) Liverpool (ENG) (C) (06)

15. Nicolas OTAMENDI (D – age 22) Velez Sarsfield (ARG)

16. Sergio AGUERO (F – age 22) Atletico Madrid (ESP)

17. Jonas GUTIERREZ (M – age 26) Newcastle United (ENG)

18. Martin PALERMO(F – age 36) Boca Juniors (ARG)

19. Diego MILITO (F – age 31) Inter Milan (ITA)

20. Maxi RODRIGUEZ (M – age 29) Liverpool (ENG) (06)

21. Mariano ANDUJAR (G – age 26) Catania (ITA)

22. Sergio ROMERO (G – age 23) Alkmaar Z (NED)

23. Javier PASTORE (M – age 21) Palermo (ITA)

 

Argentina are one of the favourites to win the Cup. They have a superb attack, led by the mercurial Lionel Messi of Barcelona, expected to be a star of the forthcoming competition. Messi is arguably the best footballer in the world at present and has the potential to win matches single handedly – a rare ability these days. Messi will be well supported in attack by Carlos Tevez, who has enjoyed a splendid season with Manchester City, and Diego Milito of Inter Milan, who played a leading role for his club in winning a treble, including the European Champions’ League. Gonzalo Higuain of Real Madrid is more than an able cover for the other strikers.

 

The Argentine midfield is also very strong on paper, led by the squad captain Javier Mascherano of Liverpool. His club-mate Maxi Rodriguez is expected to play a leading role too, along with Manuel Bolatti of Fiorentina. Maradona has recalled the veteran Juan Veron to add experience to the squad – he will be playing in his 3rd World Cup, after missing the last edition.

 

It is in defence that Argentina appear somewhat shaky. To shore the defence, Maradona has recalled Walter Samuel of Inter Milan, who had also missed the 2006 Cup. The highly experienced Gabriel Heinze is also there, along with Martin Demichelis of Bayern and Nicolas Burdisso of Roma to lend solidity to the defence.

 

The real weakness for Argentina could be in goal, where all three goalkeepers lack international experience. However, Argentine supporters are hoping that the attacking fire-power coupled with a strong and creative midfield will adequately make up for any defensive weakness.

 
 
GREECE (GRE):
 
FIFA Ranking: 13
 
2nd World Cup Finals.
 
Previous World Cups: 1994 – R1.
 

2010 – qualified on Nov-18, 2009; 28th team to qualify.

 

Head Coach: Otto REHHAGEL (GER – age 71)

 
Squad:
 

01. Kostas CHALKIAS (G – age 36) PAOK Salonika (GRE)

02. Giourkas SEITARIDIS (D – age 29) Panathinaikos (GRE)

03. Christos PATSATZOGLOU (D – age 31) Omonia (CYP)

04. Nikos SPIROPOULOS (D – age 26) Panathinaikos (GRE)

05. Vangelis MORAS (D – age 28) Bologna (ITA)

06. Alexandros TZIOLIS (M – age 25) Siena (ITA)

07. Georgios SAMARAS (F – age 25) Glasgow Celtic (SCO)

08. Avraam PAPADOPOULOS (D – age 26) Olympiakos (GRE)

09. Angelos CHARISTEAS (F – age 30) Nuremburg (GER)

10. Georgios KARAGOUNIS (M – age 33) Panathinaikos (GRE) (C)

11. Loukas VYNTRA (D – age 29) Panathinaikos (GRE)

12. Alexandros TZORVAS (G – age 27) Panathinaikos (GRE)

13. Michalis SIFAKIS (G – age 25) Aris Salonika (GRE)

14. Dimitris SALPIGIDIS (F – age 28) Panathinaikos (GRE)

15. Vasilis TOROSIDIS (D – age 25) Olympiakos (GRE)

16. Sotirios KYRGIAKOS (D – age 30) Liverpool (ENG)

17. Theofanis GEKAS (F – age 30) Hertha Berlin (GER)

18. Sotiris NINIS (M – age 20) Panathinaikos (GRE)

19. Sokratis PAPASTATHOPOULOS (D – age 22) Genoa (ITA)

20. Pantelis KAPETANOS (F – age 27) Steaua Bucharest (ROM)

21. Kostas KATSOURANIS (M – age 31) Panathinaikos (GRE)

22. Stelios MALEZAS (D – age 25) PAOK Salonika (GRE)

23. Sakis PRITTAS (M – age 31) Aris Salonika (GRE)

 

Greece showed great character and flair to qualify from Europe after a play-off with fancied Ukraine. This strength in character, honed by their shrewd and canny coach Otto Rehhagel, is giving much hope to Greek supporters.

 

The Greek attack shall be led by their two experienced German based strikers, Angelos Charisteas of Nuremburg and Theofanis Gekas of Hertha Berlin. They are likely to be assisted in offence by Georgios Samaras of Celtic.

 

The Gree

Group C

Group A | Group B | Group C | Group D | Group E | Group F | Group G | Group H

 Back to Article

 


Teams: ENGLAND (8), UNITED STATES (14), SLOVENIA (25), ALGERIA (30)

 

England are the favourites to win Group C, with United States and Slovenia expected to fight for second place, though only Algeria are also quite capable of troubling all the other three teams and earn a surprise berth for themselves in the knock-out stage.

 
ENGLAND (ENG):
 
FIFA Ranking: 8
 
13th World Cup Finals.
 

Previous World Cups: 1950 – R1, 1954 – QF, 1958 – R1, 1962 – QF, 1966 (hosts) – Winners, 1970 – QF, 1982 – PQF, 1986 – QF, 1990 – SF (4th), 1998 – PQF, 2002 – QF, 2006 – QF.

 

2010 – qualified on Sep-09, 2009; 9th team to qualify.

 

Head Coach: Fabio CAPELLO (ITA – age 64)

 
Squad:
 

01. David JAMES (G – age 39) Portsmouth (ENG) (02) (06)

02. Glen JOHNSON (D – age 25) Liverpool (ENG)

03. Ashley COLE (D – age 29) Chelsea (ENG) (02) (06)

04. Steven GERRARD (M – age 30) Liverpool (ENG) (C) (06)

05. Michael DAWSON (D – age 26) Tottenham Hotspur (ENG)

06. John TERRY (D – age 29) Chelsea (ENG) (06)

07. Aaron LENNON (M – age 23) Tottenham Hotspur (ENG) (06)

08. Frank LAMPARD (M – age 32) Chelsea (ENG) (06)

09. Peter CROUCH (F – age 29) Tottenham Hotspur (ENG) (06)

10. Wayne ROONEY (F – age 24) Manchester United (ENG) (06)

11. Joe COLE (M – age 28) Chelsea (ENG) (02) (06)

12. Robert GREEN (G – age 30) West Ham United (ENG)

13. Stephen WARNOCK (D – age 28) Aston Villa (ENG)

14. Gareth BARRY (M – age 29) Manchester City (ENG)

15. Matthew UPSON (D – age 31) West Ham United (ENG)

16. James MILNER (M – age 24) Aston Villa (ENG)

17. Shaun WRIGHT-PHILLIPS (M – age 28) Manchester City (ENG)

18. Jamie CARRAGHER (D – age 32) Liverpool (ENG) (06)

19. Jermain DEFOE (F – age 27) Tottenham Hotspur (ENG)

20. Ledley KING (D – age 29) Tottenham Hotspur (ENG)

21. Emile HESKEY (F – age 32) Aston Villa (ENG) (02)

22. Michael CARRICK (M – age 28) Manchester United (ENG) (06)

23. Joe HART (G – age 23) Manchester City (ENG)

 

Fabio Capello’s England were most impressive in qualification, and are being considered one of the favourites to win the trophy by many pundits. There strength lie in the successful amalgamation of Italian style and technique with the usual English running game that was so apparent in some of their qualifying matches.

 

England always have had quality goalkeepers, and this time Robert Green of West Ham is expected to be the first choice, though veteran David James, playing in his third Cup, could also start. Young Joe Hart of Manchester City is the third keeper.

 

The heart of the defence will be manned by the duo of former captain John Terry of Chelsea and possibly Ledley King of Spurs. Glenn Johnson of Liverpool and Ashley Cole of Chelsea, now fully fit, are likely to be the side backs – both are good defenders as well as splendid attackers. Matthew Upson of West Ham, Jamie Carragher of Liverpool and the inexperienced Michael Dawson of Tottenham Stephen Warnock of Aston Villa shall cover for the top four in defence.

 

England’s midfield shall largely depend on how Chelsea’s Frank Lampard gels with captain Steven Gerrard of Liverpool. Joe Cole of Chelsea is back from injury and could create some magic with his sublime skills. Aaron Lennon of Spurs and Manchester City’s Shaun Wright-Phillips are the recognised wingers in the squad, though the energetic James Milner of Aston Villa could also fill that role if required. Gareth Barry of Manchester City is a much improved player under Capello, and if fit, can lend much needed solidity to the midfield. Otherwise Michael Carrick of Manchester United can step into the holding role.

 

The attack revolves mostly round Wayne Rooney of Manchester United – one of the best English strikers in history. If he plays at his best then England can beat any team on a given day. The tall gangling Peter Crouch could be his partner up front. Crouch never looks like a truly international class striker, yet his scoring record for England is one of the best ever. Jermain Defoe, Crouch’s club mate from Spurs and Emile Heskey are there for cover.

 
 
UNITED STATES (USA):
 
FIFA Ranking: 14
 
9th World Cup Finals.
 

Previous World Cups: 1930 – SF (3rd), 1934 – R1, 1950 – R1, 1990 – R1, 1994 (hosts) – PQF, 1998 – R1, 2002 – QF, 2006 – R1.

 

2010 – qualified on Oct-10, 2009; 19th team to qualify.

 

Head Coach: Bob BRADLEY (USA – age 52)

 
Squad:
 

01. Tim HOWARD (G – age 31) Everton (ENG) (06)

02. Jonathan SPECTOR (D – age 24) West Ham United (ENG)

03. Carlos BOCANEGRA (D – age 31) Rennes (FRA) (C) (06)

04. Michael BRADLEY (M – age 22) Borussia Monchengladbach (GER)

05. Oguchi ONYEWU (D – age 28) AC Milan (ITA) (06)

06. Steve CHERUNDOLO (D – age 31) Hannover (GER) (02) (06)

07. DaMarcus BEASLEY (M – age 28) Glasgow Rangers (SCO) (02) (06)

08. Clint DEMPSEY (M – age 27) Fulham (ENG) (06)

09. Herculez GOMEZ (F – age 28) Puebla (MEX)

10. Landon DONOVAN (M – age 28) Los Angeles Galaxy (USA) (02) (06)

11. Stuart HOLDEN (M – age 24) Bolton Wanderers (ENG)

12. Jonathan BORNSTEIN (D – age 25) Chivas (USA)

13. Ricardo CLARK(M – age 27) Eintracht Frankfurt (GER)

14. Edson BUDDLE (F – age 29) Los Angeles Galaxy (USA)

15. Jay DEMERIT (D – age 30) Watford (ENG)

16. Francisco TORRES (M – age 22) Pachuca (MEX)

17. Jozy ALTIDORE (F – age 20) Hull City (ENG)

18. Brad GUZAN (G – age 25) Aston Villa (ENG)

19. Maurice EDU (M – age 24) Glasgow Rangers (SCO)

20. Robbie FINDLEY (F – age 24) Real Salt Lake (USA)

21. Clarence GOODSON (D – age 28) Start (NOR)

22. Benny FEILHABER (M – age 25) Aarhus (DEN)

23. Marcus HAHNEMANN (G – age 38) Wolverhampton Wanderers (ENG) (06)

 

United States are one of the most under-rated teams in world football today. Their FIFA ranking and their performance in the last Confederations’ Cup (where they reached the final) merit praise, yet most pundits are writing them off as also-rans even before the start of the competition.

 

Tim Howard of Everton is likely to be the first choice keeper in the Finals, with Marcus Hahnemann of Wolves and Brad Guzan of Aston Villa as his understudies. All are experienced and skilful keepers.

 

In defence the captain Carlos Bocanegra is an experienced player, as are players like Steve Cherundolo of Hannover, playing in his third Cup, and Oguchi Onyewu of Milan. They shall be ably supported by Jonathan Spector of West Ham, Jay DeMerit of Watford, and Jonathan Bornstein of Chivas. Between them they give the American defence much strength and character, as was demonstrated in the Confederations’ Cup.

 

The midfield general for the Americans is Landon Donovan of LA Galaxy, playing in his third cup. Other important players in the US midfield are Clint Dempsey of Fulham, DaMarcus Beasley and Maurice Edu of Rangers, Ricardo Clark of Frankfurt and Benny Feilhaber of Aarhus. Michael Bradley of Monchengladbach, son of coach Bob, is also a splendid young midfielder.

 

The attack will rely heavily on young Jozy Altidore of Hull City, who was quite a revelation during the Confederations’ Cup. The other forwards in the squad are all quiet inexperienced, though Herculez Gomez of Puebla is considered a great prospect.

 
 
SLOVENIA (SVN):
 
FIFA Ranking: 25
 
2nd World Cup Finals.
 
Previous World Cups: 2002 – R1.
 

2010 – qualified on Nov-18, 2009 –30th team to qualify.

 

Head Coach: Matjaz KEK (SVN – age 48)

 
Squad:
 

01. Samir HANDANOVIC (G – age 25) Udinese (ITA)

02. Miso BRECKO (D – age 26) Cologne (GER)

03. Elvedin  DZINIC (D – age 24) Maribor (SVN)

04. Marko SULER (D – age 27) Gent (BEL)

05. Bostjan CESAR (D – age 27) Grenoble (FRA)

06. Branko ILIC (D – age 27) Lokomotiv Moscow (RUS)

07. Nejc PECNIK (F – age 24) Nacional (POR)

08. Robert KOREN (M – age 29) West Bromwich Albion (ENG) (C)

09. Zlatan LJUBIJANKIC (F – age 26) Gent (BEL)

10. Valter BIRSA (F – age 23) Auxerre (FRA)

11. Milivoje NOVAKOVIC (F – age 31) Cologne (GER)

12. Jasmin HANDANOVIC (G – age 32) Mantova (ITA)

13. Bojan JOKIC (D – age 24) Chievo (ITA)

14. Zlatko DEDIC (F – age 26) Bochum (GER)

15. Rene KRHIN (M – age 20) Inter Milan (ITA)

16. Aleksander SELIGA (G – age 30) Sparta Rotterdam (NED)

17. Andraz KIRM (M – age 25) Wisla Krakow (POL)

18. Aleksander RADOSAVLJEVIC (M – age 31) Larissa (GRE)

19. Suad FILEKOVIC (D – age 31) Maribor (SVN)

20. Andrej KOMAC (M – age 30) Maccabi Tel Aviv (ISR)

21. Dalibor STEVANOVIC (M – age 25) Vitesse (NED)

22. Matej MAVRIC (D – age 31) Koblenz (GER)

23. Tim MATAVZ (F – age 21) Groningen (NED)

 

Slovenia qualified by defeating fancied Russia in the European Play-offs to underline their growth as a major European football team. The team appears well balanced, consisting of a few very skilful players who are undoubtedly keen to make a mark in the World Cup. This makes Slovenia a dangerous opponent in the forthcoming competition.

 

The acrobatic Samir Handanovic of Udinese is the main goalkeeper for Slovenia. His understudy is his elder cousin Jasmin Handanovic of Mantova. The third keeper is Aleksander Seliga of Sparta Rotterdam.

 

The core of the solid Slovenian defence is formed by Branko Ilic of Lokomotiv Moscow, Bojan Jokic of Chievo, Bostjan Cesar of Grenoble and Miso Brecko of Cologne. Marko Suler of Gent and Matej Mavric of Koblenz provide adequate cover.

 

The midfield is controlled by the captain Robert Koren of WBA. Andraz Kirm of Wisla is another influential player in midfield, while Maccabi Tel Aviv’s Andrej Komac provides experience and skills. Dalibor Stevanovic of Vitesse is another rising talent, regarded very highly in French football.

 

Up front, Germany based Zlatko Dedic of Bochum and Milivoje Novakovic of Cologne form a fairly lethal attacking duo, backed up by Valter Birsa of Auxerre and Zlatan Ljubijankic of Gent.

 

All in all, Slovenia have the team and players to produce entertaining football and challenge strongly for a berth in the knock-out stage.

 
ALGERIA (ALG):
 
FIFA Ranking: 30
 
3rd World Cup Finals.
 

Previous World Cups: 1982 – R1, 1986 – R1.

 

2010 – qualified on Nov-18, 2009; 27th team to qualify.

 

Head Coach: Rabah SADAANE (ALG – age 64)

 
Squad:
 

01. Lounes GAOUAOUI (G – age 32) ASO Chlef (ALG)

02. Madjid BOUGHERRA (D – age 27) Glasgow Rangers (SCO)

03. Nadir BELHADJ (D – age 28) Portsmouth (ENG)

04. Antar YAHIA (D – age 28) Bochum (GER)

05. Rafik HALLICHE (D – age 23) Nacional (POR)

06. Yazid MANSOURI (M – age 32) Lorient (FRA) (C)

07. Ryad BOUDEBOUZ (M – age 20) Sochaux (FRA)

08. Mehdi LACEN (M – age 26) Racing Satander (ESP)

09. Abdelkader GHEZZAL (F – age 25) Siena (ITA)

10. Rafik SAIFI (F – age 35) Istres (FRA)

11. Rafik DJEBBOUR (F – age 26) AEK Athens (GRE)

12. Habib BELLAID (D – age 24) Eintracht Frankfurt (GER)

13. Karim MATMOUR (F – age 25) Borussia Monchengladbach (GER)

14. Abdelkader LAIFAOUI (D – age 28) ES Setif (ALG)

15. Karim ZIANI (M – age 27) Wolfsburg (GER)

16. Faouzi CHAOUCHI (G – age 25) ES Setif (ALG)

17. Adlene GUEDIOURA (M – age 24) Wolverhampton Wanderers (ENG)

18. Carl MEDJANI (D – age 25) Ajaccio (FRA)

19. Hassan YEBDA (M – age 26) Portsmouth (ENG)

20. Djamel MESBAH (M – age 25) Lecce (ITA)

21. Foued KADIR (M – age 26) Valenciennes (FRA)

22. Djamal ABDOUN (M – age 24) Nantes (FRA)

23. Rais M’BOHLI (G – age 24) Slavia Sofia (BUL)

 

The Algerian team is primarily made up of players based in Europe, many of them being French by birth. Their hard earned place in the Finals was achieved after a superb display against Egypt in the Play-off, and it send signals to their opponents that they are going to be very competitive, to say the least.

 

In Lounes Gaouaoui Algeria have one of the finest goalkeepers in African football, particularly famous for his spectacular leaps to collect aerial balls. Faouzi Chaouchi is an able understudy, playing particularly well in the play-off match against Egypt in Gaouaoui’s absence. Rais M’Bohli of Slavia Sofia is the third keeper.

 

The Algerian defence is also more than competent, with British based players in Nadir Belhadj of Portsmouth and Madjid Bougherra of Rangers. Bochum’s Antar Yahia is another solid defender, as is young Rafik Halliche of Nacional. Yahia is also adept in scoring from set pieces – he also scored the winning goal against Egypt.

 

The captain Yazid Mansouri of Lorient is their midfield general who can control the game almost at will. Around him there are talented and creative players like Karim Ziani of Wolfsburg and Hassan Yebda of Portsmouth.

 

The veteran striker Rafik Saifi of Istres is now 35, but he is still capable of troubling any defence. Alongside him young Rafik Djebbour of AEK, Karim Matmour of Monchengladbach and Abdelkader Ghezzal of Siena are three other skilful forwards.

 

With all these skilled players, Algeria are hoping to make a mark in the first ever African World Cup.

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Group D

Group A | Group B | Group C | Group D | Group E | Group F | Group G | Group H

 

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Teams: GERMANY (6), SERBIA (15), AUSTRALIA (20), GHANA (32)

 

Germany are favourites to win this group, and Serbia are expected to accompany them in the next round. But both Australia and Ghana are strong teams quite capable of upsetting the top two, makin this group potentially the most competitive group in this year’s World Cup.

 
GERMANY (GER):
 
FIFA Ranking: 6
 
17th World Cup Finals.
 

Previous World Cups: 1934 – SF (3rd), 1938 – R1, 1954 – Winners, 1958 – SF (4th), 1962 – QF, 1966 – Runners’ up, 1970 – SF (3rd), 1974 (hosts) – Winners, 1978 – PQF, 1982 – Runners’ up, 1986 – Runners’ up, 1990 – Winners, 1994 – QF, 1998 – QF, 2002 – Runners’ up, 2006 – SF (3rd).

 

2010 – qualified on Oct-10, 2009; 12th team to qualify.

 

Head Coach: Joachim LOW (GER – age 50)

 
Squad:
 
01. Manuel NEUER (G – age 24) Schalke (GER)
02. Marcell JANSEN (D – age 24) Hamburg (GER) (06)
03. Arne FRIEDRICH (D – age 31) Hertha Berlin (GER) (06)
04. Dennis AOGO (D – age 23) Hamburg (GER)
05. Serdar TASCI (D – age 23) Stuttgart (GER)
06. Sami KHEDIRA (M – age 23) Stuttgart (GER)

07. Bastian SCHWEINSTEIGER (M – age 25) Bayern Munich (GER) (06)

08. Mesut OZIL (M – age 21) Werder Bremen (GER)
09. Stefan KIESSLING (F – age 26) Bayer Leverkusen (GER)
10. Lukas PODOLSKI (F – age 25) Cologne (GER) (06)

11. Miroslav KLOSE (F – age 32) Bayern Munich (GER) (02) (06)

12. Tim WIESE (G – age 28) Werder Bremen (GER)
13. Thomas MULLER (F – age 20) Bayern Munich (GER)
14. Holger BADSTUBER (D – age 21) Bayern Munich (GER)
15. Piotr TROCHOWSKI (M – age 26) Hamburg (GER)

16. Philipp LAMM (D – age 26) Bayern Munich (GER) (C) (06)

17. Per MERTESACKER (D – age 25) Werder Bremen (GER) (06)
18. Toni KROOS (M – age 20) Bayer Leverkusen (GER)
19. Cacau BARRETO (F – age 29) Stuttgart (GER)
20. Jerome BOATENG (D – age 21) Hamburg (GER)
21. Marko MARIN (M – age 21) Werder Bremen (GER)
22. Hans-Joerg BUTT (G – age 36) Bayern Munich (GER) (02)
23. Mario GOMEZ (F – age 24) Bayern Munich (GER)
 

The loss of Michael Ballack and a few other players through injury may cost Germany plenty during the forthcoming World Cup, but still they are expected to do well, as German teams invariably do in major competitions. For starters, they are clear favourites to win Group D.

 

In goal Germany seem to have a real weakness with the lack of true international class keepers, forcing Joachim Low to recall the Bayern veteran Hans-Joerg Butt. The other keepers in the squad are both competent, though inexperienced.

 

The defence have a few experienced players, led by captain Philipp Lamm of Bayern, one of the best full backs in the world. In Arne Friedrich of Hertha, Per Mertesacker of Bremen and Marcell Jansen of Hamburg, they have players with previous World Cup experience. Alongside these, they also have a crop of young talents like Serdar Tasci of Stuttgart, Jerome Boateng and Dennis Aogo of Hamburg and Holger Badstuber of Bayern.

 

In midfield, without the leadership of Ballack, Germany look a bit thin, but they still boast of such players as Bastian Schweinsteiger of Bayern and Piotr Trochowski of Hamburg, both of whom possess the ability to turn a game on their own.

 

Miroslav Klose of Bayern, playing in his third Cup, leads the German attack, alongside the brilliant Lukas Podolski of Cologne. Brazilian Cacau Barreto of Stuttgart is another who can make a mark in these finals. Mario Gomez of Bayern is a splendid cover for the frontline strikers.

 

But apart from players, the traditional German strengths of organisation and discipline are also going to play a major part in the team’s performance, as also their never-say-die attitude.

 
 
SERBIA (SRB):
 
FIFA Ranking: 15
 

11th World Cup Finals (1st as SERBIA).

 

Previous World Cups: (1930 to 2002 as YUGOSLAVIA, 2006 as SERBIA & MONTENEGRO) 1930 – SF (4th), 1950 – R1, 1954 – QF, 1958 – QF, 1962 – SF (4th), 1974 – PQF, 1982 – R1, 1990 – QF, 1994 (hosts) – PQF, 1998 – PQF, 2006 – R1.

 

2010 – qualified on Oct-10, 2009; 14th team to qualify.

 

Head Coach: Radomir ANTIC (SRB – age 61)

 
Squad:
 

01. Vladimir STOJKOVIC (G – age 26) Wigan Athletic (ENG) (06)

02. Antonio RUKAVINA (D – age 26) 1860 Munich (GER)

03. Aleksandar KOLAROV (D – age 24) Lazio Roma (ITA)

04. Gojko KACAR (M – age 23) Hertha Berlin (GER)

05. Nemanja VIDIC (D – age 28) Manchester United (ENG) (06)

06. Branislav IVANOVIC (D – age 26) Chelsea (ENG)

07. Zoran TOSIC (M – age 23) Cologne (GER)

08. Danko LAZOVIC (F – age 27) Zenit St. Petersburg (RUS)

09. Marko PANTELIC (F – age 31) Ajax Amsterdam (NED)

10. Dejan STANKOVIC (M – age 31) Inter Milan (ITA) (C) (98) (06)

11. Nenad MILIJAS (M – age 27) Wolverhampton Wanderers (ENG)

12. Bojan ISAILOVIC (G – age 30) Zaglebie Lubin (POL)

13. Aleksandar LUKOVIC (D – age 27) Udinese (ITA)

14. Milan JOVANOVIC (F – age 29) Standard Liege (BEL)

15. Nocola ZIGIC (F – age 29) Valencia (ESP) (06)

16. Ivan OBRADOVIC (D – age 21) Real Zaragoza (ESP)

17. Milos KRASIC (M – age 25) CSKA Moscow (RUS)

18. Milos NINKOVIC (M – age 25) Dynamo Kyiv (UKR)

19. Radosav PETROVIC (M – age 21) Partizan Belgrade (SRB)

20. Neven SUBOTIC (D – age 21) Borussia Dortmund (GER)

21. Dragan MRDA (F – age 26) Vojvodina (SRB)

22. Zdravko KUZMANOVIC (M – age 22) Stuttgart (GER)

23. Andelko DURICIC (G – age 29) Uniao Leiria (POR)

 

Serbia have the ability and the skill to emerge as one of the dark horses of the competition. Their performance in the qualifiers have left experts with no doubt that they are at least capable of troubling any team on their day.

 

In Vladimir Stojkovic of Wigan, Serbia have an excellent keeper, in front of a well organised defence. Nemanja Vidic of Manchester United leads the defence – having established himself as a truly accomplished international class defender. Alongside him Branislav Ivanovic of Chelsea is another splendid defender. Others to watch in the Serbian defence are Aleksandar Lukovic of Udinese, Antonio Rukavina of Munich and Neven Subotic of Dortmund.

 

The midfield dynamo is the veteran captain Dejan Stankovic of Inter Milan. He will be ably assisted by the likes of Milan Jovanovic of Liege, Milos Krasic of CSKA Moscow, Nenad Milijas of Wolves and Zoran Tosic of Cologne. Gojko Kacar of Hertha Berlin is another talented midfielder.

 

The attack relies heavily on Marko Pantelic of Ajax and Nikola Zigic of Valencia, with Danko Lazovic of Zenit also laying his claims for a place in the first eleven.

 

Serbian supporters are looking forward to some Balkan magic from their squad, and the team could well provide it.

 
 
AUSTRALIA (AUS):
 
FIFA Ranking: 20
 
3rd World Cup Finals.
 
Previous World Cups: 1974 – R1, 2006 – PQF.
 

2010 – qualified on Jun-06, 2009; 3rd team to qualify.

 

Head Coach: Pim VERBEEK (NED – age 54)

 
Squad:
 
01. Mark SCHWARZER (G – age 37) Fulham (ENG) (06)

02. Lucas NEILL (D – age 32) Galatasaray (TUR) (C) (06)

03. Craig MOORE (D – age 34) AO Kavala (GRE) (06)
04. Tim CAHILL (M – age 30) Everton (ENG) (06)
05. Jason CULINA (M – age 29) Gold Coast United (AUS) (06)
06. Michael BEAUCHAMP (D – age 29) Al Jazira (UAE) (06)
07. Brett EMERTON (M – age 31) Blackburn Rovers (ENG) (06)
08. Luke WILKSHIRE (D – age 28) Dynamo Moscow (RUS) (06)
09. Joshua KENNEDY (F – age 27) Nagoya Grampus (JPN) (06)
10. Harry KEWELL (F – age 31) Galatasaray (TUR) (06)
11. Scott CHIPPERFIELD (D – age 34) Basel (SUI) (06)
12. Adam FEDERICI (G – age 25) Reading (ENG)
13. Vince GRELLA (M – age 30) Blackburn Rovers (ENG) (06)
14. Brett HOLMAN (F – age 26) Alkmaar Z (NED)
15. Mile JEDINAK (M – age 25) Antalyaspor (TUR)
16. Carl VALERI (M – age 25) Sassuolo (ITA)
17. Nikita RUKAVYTSYA (F – age 23) Twente (NED)
18. Brad JONES (G – age 28) Middlesbrough (ENG)
19. Richard GARCIA (M – age 28) Hull City (ENG)
20. Mark MILLIGAN (D – age 24) JEF United (JPN) (06)
21. David CARNEY (D – age 26) Twente (NED)
22. Dario VIDOSIC (M – age 23) Duisburg (GER)
23. Marco BRESCIANO (M – age 30) Palermo (ITA) (06)
 

Australia were placed in the Asian Zone this time, and they qualified quite easily. They have come to the finals with an experienced squad, with 14 of their players from the 2002 squad that did so well. There are quiet expectations that Australia will do even better this time.

 

The splendid Mark Schwarzer of Fulham is a veritable tower of strength in the Oz goal, with Adam Federici of Reading and Brad Jones of Middlesbrough as capable deputies.

 

The defence is also full of players with plenty of big-match experience. Captain Lucas Neill of Galatasaray, Craig Moore of Kavala, Michael Beauchamp of Al Jazira, Luke Wilkshire of Dynamo Moscow, Scott Chipperfield of Basel and Mark Milligan of JEF United are all from the 2002 squad. David Carney of Twente is another talented defender.

 

The midfield powerhouse is Tim Cahill of Everton, who is now fully fit. Marco Bresciano of Palermo, Jason Culina of Gold Coast and Brett Emerton and Vince Grella of Blackburn are also experienced campaigners. Duisberg’s Dario Vidosic is an exciting prospect, while Richard Garcia of Hull is another skilful player.

 

Harry Kewell of Galatasaray is expected to lead the Oz attack, alongside Josh kennedy of Nagoya. Brett Holman of Alkmaar is also a superb striker.

 
 
GHANA (GHA):
 
FIFA Ranking: 32
 
2nd World Cup Finals.
 
Previous World Cups: 2006 – PQF.
 

2010 – qualified on Sep-06, 2009 –8th team to qualify.

 

Head Coach: Milovan RAJEVAC (SRB – age 56)

 
Squad:
 

01. Daniel ADJEI (G – age 20) Liberty (GHA)

02. Hans SARPEI (D – age 34) Bayer Leverkusen (GER) (06)

03. Asamoah GYAN (F – age 24) Rennes (FRA) (06)

04. John PAINTSIL (D – age 29) Fulham (ENG) (06)

05. John MENSAH (D – age 27) Sunderland (ENG) (06)

06. Anthony ANNAN (M – age 23) Rosenborg (NOR)

07. Samuel INKOOM (D – age 20) Basel (SUI)

08. Jonathan MENSAH (D – age 19) Free State Stars (RSA)

09. Derek BOATENG (M – age 27) Getafe (ESP) (06)

10. Stephen APPIAH (M – age 29) Bologna (ITA) (C) (06)

11. Sulley MUNTARI (M – age 25) Inter Milan (ITA) (06)

12. Prince TAGOE (F – age 23) Hoffenheim (GER)

13. Andre AYEW (M – age 20) Arles-Avignon (FRA)

14. Matthew AMOAH (F – age 29) NAC Breda (NED) (06)

15. Isaac VORSAH (D – age 22) Hoffenheim (GER)

16. Stephen AHORLU (G – age 21) Heart of Lions (GHA)

17. Abdul Rahim AYEW (D – age 22) Zamalek (EGY)

18. Dominic ADIYIAH (F – age 20) AC Milan (ITA)

19. Lee ADDY (D – age 24) Bechem Chelsea (GHA)

20. Qunicy OWUSU-ABEYIE (M – age 24) Al Sadd (QAT)

21. Kwadwo ASAMOAH (M – age 21) Udinese (ITA)

22. Richard KINGSON (G – age 32) Wigan Athletic (ENG) (06)

23. Kevin-Prince BOATENG (M – age 23) Portsmouth (ENG)

 

Ghana was the first African team to qualify (apart from the hosts, of course). However, their talismanic midfielder Michael Essien of Chelsea is injured, and will miss the Cup. In spite of that heavy blow, Ghana supporters are expecting their team to do well, as there is no dearth of talent in the squad.

 

Richard Kingson of Wigan is expected to keep goal for Ghana – he is a competent and experienced keeper. In front of him, the defence is also quite strong, full of players with top level European experience. Players like John Paintsil of Fulham, John Mensah of Sunderland and Hans Sarpei of Leverkusen will give the defense solidity, while youngsters like Samuel Inkoom of Basel, Isaac Vorsah of Hoffenheim and Abdul Rahim Ayew are also very talented.

 

The captain Stephen Appiah of Bologna is now Ghana’s midfield general, in the absence of Essien. He has the talent and the experience to carry his team. Sulley Muntari of Inter is also going to be an important cog in the wheel, while Derek Boateng og Getafe, Anthony Annan of Rosenborg, Kwadwo Asamoah of Udinese are also skilled midfielders. Also vying for places are Kevin-Prince Boateng of Portsmouth and the highly rated Andre Ayew of Arles-Avignon, the son of the legendary Abedi Pele.

 

The attack revolves round Asamoah Gyan of Rennes and Matthew Amoah of Breda. Prince Tagoe of Hoffenheim is also rated highly, while young Dominic Adiyiah of Milan is an exciting talent on whom experts in Italy have great hopes.

 

All these factors, as well as a Cup in their home continent make Ghana a formidable opposition for any team.

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Group E

Group A | Group B | Group C | Group D | Group E | Group F | Group G | Group H

 

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Teams: NETHERLANDS (4), CAMEROOM (19), DENMARK (35), JAPAN (45)
 

The Netherlands are the clear favourites too win Group E. Denmark and Cameroon are expected to fight for second place, while Japan are the potential chopping blocks.

 
NETHERLANDS (NED):
 
FIFA Ranking: 4
 
9th World Cup Finals.
 

Previous World Cups: 1934 – R1, 1938 – R1, 1974 – Runners’ up, 1978 – Runners’ up, 1990 – PQF, 1994 – QF, 1998 – SF (4th), 2006 – PQF.

 

2010 – qualified on Jun-06, 2009; 5th team to qualify.

 

Head Coach: Bert VAN MARWIJK (NED – age 58)

 
Squad:
 

01. Maarten STEKELENBURG (G – age 27) Ajax Amsterdam (NED) (06)

02. Gregory VAN DER WIEL (D – age 22) Ajax Amsterdam (NED)

03. John HEITINGA (D – age 26) Everton (ENG) (06)
04. Joris MATHIJSEN (D – age 30) Hamburg (GER) (06)

05. Giovanni VAN BRONCKHORST (D – age 35) Feyenoord (NED) (C) (98) (06)

06. Mark VAN BOMMEL (M – age 33) Bayern Munich (GER) (06)
07. Dirk KUYT (F – age 29) Liverpool (ENG) (06)
08. Nigel DE JONG (M – age 25) Manchester City (ENG)
09. Robin VAN PERSIE (F – age 26) Arsenal (ENG) (06)
10. Wesley SNEIJDER (M – age 26) Inter Milan (ITA) (06)
11. Arjen ROBBEN (F – age 26) Bayern Munich (GER) (06)
12. Khalid BOULAHROUZ (D – age 28) Stuttgart (GER) (06)

13. Andre OOIJER (D – age 35) PSV Eindhoven (NED) (98) (06)

14. Demy DE ZEEUW (M – age 27) Ajax Amsterdam (NED)

15. Edson BRAAFHEID (D – age 27) Glasgow Celtic (SCO)
16. Michel VORM (G – age 26) Utrecht (NED)
17. Eljero ELIA (F – age 23) Hamburg (GER)
18. Stijn SCHAARS (M – age 26) Alkmaar Z (NED)

19. Ryan BABEL(F – age 23) Liverpool (ENG) (06)

20. Ibrahim AFELLAY (M – age 24) PSV Eindhoven (NED)
21. Klaas-Jan HUNTELAAR (F – age 26) AC Milan
22. Sander BOSCHKER (G – age 39) Twente (NED)
23. Rafael VAN DER VAART (M – age 27) Real Madrid (ESP) (06)
 

The Netherlands were the first European team to qualify for these finals. They were absolutely splendid in qualification, and their current form make them a probable contender for the title.

 

In the absence of Edwin van der Saar of Manchester United, the experienced Maarten Stekelenburg of Ajax will be their keeper in South Africa. His deputies shall be the largely untried Michel Vorm of Utrecht and Sander Boschker of Twente.

 

The defence looks solid and experienced, with captain Giovanni van Bronckhorst of Feyenoord the kingpin. Alongside him are players like Khalied Boulahrouz of Stuttgart, Andre Ooijer of PSV, John Heitinga of Everton and Joris Mathijsen of Hamburg, making the Dutch defence potentially one of the best in the finals.

 

The midfield is as formidable as the defence, led by the in-form Wesley Sneijder of Inter and Mark van Bommel of Bayern. Nigel de Jong of Manchester City plays the central holding role, while Rafael van der Vaart of Real Madrid can weave magical passes to all corners of the field. Young talents like Ibrahim Afellay of PSV, Stijn Schaars of Alkmaar and Demy de Zeeuw of Ajax are also waiting to ply their wares.

 

The attack has wide players like Arjen Robben of Bayern, Dirk Kuyt and Ryan Babel of Liverpool to provide service for classy strikers like Robin van Persie of Arsenal and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar of Milan. Eljero Elia of Hamburg is also a talented striker.

 

All in all, the Duch team seems to possess a truly talented bunch of footballers quite capable of reproducing their golden form of the 70s.

 
 
CAMEROON (CMR):
 
FIFA Ranking: 19
 

6th World Cup Finals (1st as SERBIA).

 

Previous World Cups: 1982 – R1, 1990 – QF, 1994 – R1, 1998 – R1, 2002 – R1.

 

2010 – qualified on Nov-14, 2009; 25th team to qualify.

 

Head Coach: Paul LE GUEN (FRA – age 46)

 
Squad:
 
01. Idriss KAMENI (G – age 26) Espanyol (ESP) (02)

02. Benoit ASSOU-EKOTTO (D – age 26) Tottenham Hotspur (ENG)

03. Nicolas N’KOULOU (D – age 20) Monaco (FRA)

04. Rigobert SONG (D – age 33) Trabzonspor (TUR) (94) (98) (02)

05. Sebastien BASSONG (D – age 23) Tottenham Hotspur (ENG)

06. Alexandre SONG (M – age 22) Arsenal (ENG)
07. Landry N’GUEMO (M – age 24) Glasgow Celtic (SCO)
08. Geremi NJITAP (D – age 31) Ankaragucu (TUR) (02)

09. Samuel ETO’O (F – age 29) Inter Milan (ITA) (C) (98) (02)

10. Achille EMANA (F – age 28) Real Betis (ESP)
11. Jean MAKOUM (M – age 27) Lyon (FRA)
12. Gaetan BONG (D – age 22) Valenciennes (FRA)
13. Eric CHOUPO-MOTING (F – age 21) Nuremburg (GER)
14. Aurelien CHEDJOU (D – age 25) Lille (FRA)
15. Pierre WEBO (F – age 28) Mallorca (ESP)
16. Souleymanou HAMIDOU (G – age 36) Kayserispor (TUR)
17. Mohammadou IDRISSOU (F – age 30) Freiburg (GER)
18. Eyong ENOH (M – age 24) Ajax Amsterdam (NED)
19. Stephane MBIA (D – age 24) Marseille (FRA)
20. Georges MANDJEK (M – age 21) Kaiserslautern (GER)
21. Joel MATIP (M – age 18) Schalke 04 (GER)
22. Guy N’DY ASSEMBE (G – age 24) Valenciennes (FRA)

23. Vincent ABOUBAKAR (F – age 18) Cotonsport Garoua (CMR)

 

Cameroon will be playing in their 6th World Cup and will be hoping to repeat, if not better, their best performance of reaching the quarter finals in 1990 in this first finals in Africa. They have several world class players, it is now only a question of peaking in tandem and playing as a team.

 

Cameroon have always had great goalkeepers, and this time Idriss Carlos Kameni of Espanyol will try to exhibit his sublime skills to the world. His deputy Souleymanou Hamidou of Kayserispor is also a splendid keeper.

 

The former captain Rigobert Song of Trabzonspor will be playing in his 4th Cup and will lead the defence. Alongside him are the Tottenham pair of Sebastien Bassong and Benoit Assou-Ekotto and the experienced Geremi Njitap of Ankaragucu. Stephane Mbia of Marseilles is another solid defender.

 

Young Alexandre Song of Arsenal is expected to be the midfield general, alongside such talents like Jean Makoum of Lyon and Landry N’Guemo of Celtic. Eyong Enoh of Ajax is another talented young midfielder.

 

The attack is led by the captain Samuel Eto’o of Inter, arguably the best striker in Africa today. Supporting him shall be Achille Emana of Real Betis and Pierre Webo of Mallorca. Mohammadou Idrissou of Freiburg is another striker in form for his club.

 
 
DENMARK (DEN):
 
FIFA Ranking: 35
 
4th World Cup Finals.
 

Previous World Cups: 1986 – PQF, 1998 – QF, 2002 – PQF.

 

2010 – qualified on Oct-10, 2009; 15th team to qualify.

 

Head Coach: Morten OLSEN (DEN – age 60)

 
Squad:
 

01. Thomas SORENSEN (G – age 34) Stoke City (ENG) (02)

02. Christian POULSEN (M – age 30) Juventus (ITA) (02)

03. Simon KJAER (D – age 21) Palermo (ITA)

04. Daniel AGGER (D – age 25) Liverpool (ENG)

05. William KVIST (D – age 25) Copenhagen (DEN)

06. Lars JACOBSEN (D – age 30) Blackburn Rovers (ENG)

07. Daniel JENSEN (M – age 31) Werder Bremen (GER)

08. Jesper GRONKJAER (M – age 32) Copenhagen (DEN) (02)

09. Jon Dahl TOMASSON (F – age 33) Feyenoord (NED) (C) (02)

10. Martin JORGENSEN (M – age 34) Aarhus (DEN) (98) (02)

11. Nicklas BENDTNER (F – age 22) Arsenal (ENG)

12. Thomas KAHLENBERG (M – age 27) Wolfsburg (GER)

13. Peter KROLDRUP (D – age 30) Fiorentina (ITA)

14. Jakob POULSEN (M – age 26) Aarhus (DEN)

15. Simon POULSEN (D – age 25) Alkmaar Z (NED)

16. Stefan ANDERSEN (G – age 28) Brondby (DEN)

17. Mikkel BECKMANN (M – age 26) Randers (DEN)

18. Soren LARSEN (F – age 28) Duisburg (GER)

19. Dennis ROMMEDAHL (M – age 31) Ajax Amsterdam (NED) (02)

20. Thomas ENEVOLDSEN (M – age 22) Groningen (NED)

21. Christian ERIKSEN (M – age 18) Ajax Amsterdam (NED)

22. Jesper CHRISTIANSEN (G – age 32) Copenhagen (DEN)

23. Patrick MTILIGA (D – age 29) Malaga (ESP)

 

Denmark were the surprise team of the European qualifying zone in the ease with which they eventually qualified from a tough group. They have competent footballers in all departments and are likely to provide stiff opposition to any team they play.

 

Stoke City’s Thomas Sorensen is a wonderful goalkeeper who on his day can be as good as anyone. He has capable deputies in Jesper Christiansen of Copenhagen and Stefan Andersen of Brondby.

 

Daniel Agger of Liverpool plays a central role in the Danish defence, alongside such splendid defenders like Lars Jacobsen of Blackburn, Per Kroldrup of Fiorentina and Simon Kjaer of Palermo. Defensive midfielder Christian Poulsen of Juventus also helps in the solidity of the defense.

 

Martin Jorgensen of Aarhus, Daniel Jensen of Bremen and Thomas Kahlenberg of Wolfsburg form the backbone of the Danish midfield. The highly experienced Dennis Rommedahl of Ajax and Jesper Gronkjaer of Copenhagen provide the width with their adept wing-play.

 

The attack contains the experienced captain Jon Dahl Tomasson, one of the best Danish strikers in years. Young Nicklas Bendtner of Arsenal has also developed into a superb striker. But the most influential striker for Denmark in South Africa could well be Soren Larsen of Duisberg, who has been in lethal form recently.

 
 
JAPAN (JPN):
 
FIFA Ranking: 45
 
4th World Cup Finals.
 

Previous World Cups: 1998 – R1, 2002 (hosts) – PQF, 2006 – R1.

 

2010 – qualified on Jun-06, 2009 –2nd team to qualify.

 

Head Coach: Takeshi OKADA (JPN – age 53)

 
Squad:
 

01. Seigo NARAZAKI (G – age 34) Nagoya Grampus (JPN) (98) (02) (06)

02. Yuki ABE (M – age 28) Urawa Red Diamonds (JPN)

03. Yuichi KOMANO (D – age 28) Jubilo Iwata (JPN) (06)

04. Marcus Tulio TANAKA (D – age 29) Nagoya Grampus (JPN)

05. Yuto NAGATOMO (D – age 23) Tokyo (JPN)

06. Atsuto UCHIDA (D – age 22) Kashima Antlers (JPN)

07. Yasuhito ENDO (M – age 30) Gamba Osaka (JPN) (06)

08. Daisuke MATSUI (M – age 29) Grenoble (FRA)

09. Shinji OKAZAKI(F – age 24) Shimizu S-Pulse (JPN)

10. Shunsuke NAKAMURA (M – age 32) Yokohama Marinos (JPN) (06)

11. Keiji TAMADA (F – age 30) Nagoya Grampus (JPN) (06)

12. Kisho YANO (F – age 26) Albirex Niigata (JPN)

13. Daiki IWAMASA (D – age 28) Kashima Antlers (JPN)

14. Kengo NAKAMURA (M – age 29) Kawasaki Frontale (JPN)

15. Yasuyuki KONNO (D – age 27) Tokyo (JPN)

16. Yoshito OKUBO (F – age 28) Vissel Kobe (JPN)

17. Makoto HASEBE (M – age 26) Wolfsburg (GER) (C)

18. Keisuke HONDA (M – age 24) CSKA Moscow (RUS)

19. Takayuki MORIMOTO (F – age 22) Catania (ITA)

20. Junichi INAMOTO (M – age 30) Kawasaki Frontale (JPN) (02) (06)

21. Eiji KAWASHIMA (G – age 27) Kawasaki Frontale (JPN)

22. Yuji NAKAZAWA (D – age 32) Yokohama Marinos (JPN) (06)

23. Yoshikatsu KAWAGUCHI(G – age 34) Jubilo Iwata (JPN) (98) (02) (06)

 

Even their strongest supporters aren’t expecting Japan to progress beyond the group stage. However, they do possess some fine footballers to cause problems for any team, as they have demonstrated in their warm-up matches.

 

In Seigo Narazaki of Nagoya and Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi of Iwata, Japan have two experienced goalkeepers who have both appeared in their three previous Cup finals. Kawaguchi played in all Japan’s matches in 1998 and 2006, while Narazaki played in all four matches in 2002, and is also expected to be the first choice this time.

 

The Japanese defence is fast, fit and well organised. With players like Yuichi Komano of Iwata, Marcus Tulio Tanaka of Nagoya and the veteran Yuji Nakazawa of Yokohama, they also have the experience to combat most attacks.

 

The midfield is Japan’s strength, with the experienced and skilled Shunsuke Nakamura of Yokohama very much the kingpin, along with Junichi Inamoto and Kengo Nakamura of Kawasaki. Yashuhito Endo of Osaka and the young captain Makoto Hasebe of Wolfsburg are other men to watch. Another young midfielder Keisuke Honda of CSKA Moscow is also highly rated. Yuki Abe of Urawa is also in the running for a place in the team.

 

In attack lies Japan’s weakness, perhaps. They lack a super striker who can really trouble opposition defence regularly. Yet, players like the experienced Keiji Tamada of Nagoya, Yoshito Okubo of Kobe and the young Shinji Okazaki of Shimizu will try and rise to the occasion. The young and talented Catania striker Takayuki Morimoto may also be a revelation.

  

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