Category: Notice and Updates

Group G

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

 

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Teams: BRAZIL (1), PORTUGAL (3), IVORY COAST (27), NORTH KOREA (105)

 

Brazil will obviously be the firm favourites to win this group, though Portugal might have something to say about that. Ivory Coast, too, would be keen to prove their credentials in their home continent. North Korea do not seem to have much chance and would do well to earn even a single point.

 
BRAZIL (BRA):
 
FIFA Ranking: 1
 

19th World Cup Finals. (Only team to appear in all Finals so far.)

 

Previous World Cups: 1930 – R1, 1934 – R1, 1938 – SF (3rd), 1950 (hosts) – Runners’ up, 1954 – QF, 1958 – Winners, 1962 – Winners, 1966 – R1, 1970 – Winners, 1974 – SF (4th), 1978 – SF (3rd), 1982 – PQF, 1986 – QF, 1990 – PQF, 1994 – Winners, 1998 – Runners’ up, 2002 – Winners, 2006 – QF.

 

2010 – qualified on Sep-05, 2009; 7th team to qualify.

 

Head Coach: Carlos DUNGA (BRA – age 46)

 
Squad:
 

01. Julio Cesar SOARES (G – age 30) Inter Milan (ITA) (06)

02. Maicon SISENANDO (D – age 28) Inter Milan (ITA)

03. Lucio DA SILVA (D – age 32) Inter Milan (ITA) (C) (02) (06)

04. Juan DOS SANTOS (D – age 31) Roma (ITA) (06)

05. Felipe MELO (M – age 26) Juventus (ITA)

06. Michel BASTOS (D – age 26) Lyon (FRA)

07. Blumer ELANO (M – age 29) Galatasaray (TUR)

08. Gilberto SILVA (M – age 33) Panathinaikos (GRE) (02) (06)

09. Luis FABIANO (F – age 29) Sevilla (ESP)

10. Ricardo ‘Kaka’ DOS SANTOS (M – age 28) Real Madrid (ESP) (02) (06)

11. Robinho DE SOUZA (F – age 26) Santos (BRA) (06)

12. Heurelho GOMES (G – age 29) Tottenham Hotspur (ENG)

13. Daniel ALVES (D – age 27) Barcelona (ESP)

14. Luisao DA SILVA (D – age 29) Benfica (POR) (06)

15. Thiago DA SILVA (D – age 25) AC Milan (ITA)

16. Gilberto MELO (D – age 34) Cruzeiro (BRA) (06)

17. Josue DE OLIVEIRA (M – age 30) Wolfsburg (GER)

18. Ramires DO NASCIMENTO (M – age 23) Benfica (POR)

19. Julio BAPTISTA (M – age 28) Roma (ITA)

20. Jose Kleberson PERREIRA (M – age 31) Flamengo (BRA) (02)

21. Nilmar DA SILVA (F – age 25) Villarreal (ESP)

22. Doni MARANGON (G – age 30) Roma (ITA)

23. Grafite LIBANIO (F – age 31) Wolfsburg (GER)

 

Brazil starts any World Cup as favourites, and this time is no exception. Under Dunga the team has developed into a ruthless unit capable of steamrolling any opposition.

 

Julio Cesar of Inter will keep goal for Brazil, if fit. He is regarded as one of the best in the world. His deputies, Gomes of Spurs and Doni of Roma are also superb keepers. In fact it is hard to remember Brazil ever having three such talented goalkeepers in their squad.

 

The heart of the defence is controlled by the captain Lucio of Inter and Juan of Roma. Luisao of Benfica is there as a world class back-up. Maicon of Inter will play at right back and the veteran Gilberto Melo of Cruzeiro and young Michel bastos of Lyon will vie for the left back’s spot. Daniel Alves of Barcelona and Thiago Silva of Milan are also in contention.

 

The most important player in the Brazil midfield is Kaka of Real Madrid. If fully fit, he can change the course of a match in a flash. Gilberto Silva of Panathinaikos and Felipe Melo of Juventus play more defensive roles and control the middle of the park. Elano of Galasataray is a sublime playmaker, while players like Julio Baptista of Roma, Kleberson of Flamengo, Josue of Wolfsburg and Ramires of Benfica are all brilliant players.

 

Up front Luis Fabiano of Sevilla is the current number one striker of Brazil, alongside the immensely talented Robinho of Santos. Some believe that Robinho is just about ready to step up from being a great talent to a really great player. Nilmar of Villarreal and Grafite of Wolfsburg are two other lethal strikers.

 

All in all Brazil have the components to lift this World Cup with ease. However, it will be interesting to see how they handle the pressure and perform as a team.

 
PORTUGAL (POR):
 
FIFA Ranking: 3
 
5th World Cup Finals.
 

Previous World Cups: 1966 – SF (3rd), 1986 – R1, 2002 – R1, 2006 – SF (4th).

 

2010 – qualified on Nov-18, 2009; 29th team to qualify.

 

Head Coach: Carlos QUEIROZ (POR – age 57)

 
Squad:
 

01. Eduardo CARVALHO (G – age 27) Braga (POR)

02. Bruno ALVES (D – age 28) Porto (POR)

03. Paolo FERREIRA (D – age 31) Chelsea (ENG) (06)

04. Rolando FONSECA (D – age 24) Porto (POR)

05. Duda BARBOSA (D – age 30) Malaga (ESP)

06. Ricardo CARVALHO (D – age 32) Chelsea (ENG) (06)

07. Cristiano RONALDO (F – age 25) Real Madrid (ESP) (C) (06)

08. Pedro MENDES (M – age 31) Sporting CP (POR)

09. Liedson MUNIZ (F – age 32) Sporting CP (POR)

10. Danny ALVES (M – age 26) Zenit St. Petersburg (RUS)

11. Simao SABROSA (M – age 30) Atletico Madrid (ESP) (06)

12. Beto BASTOS (G – age 28) Porto (POR)

13. Miguel MONTEIRO (D – age 30) Valencia (ESP) (06)

14. Miguel VELOSO (M – age 24) Sporting CP (POR)

15. Pepe FERREIRA (D – age 27) Real Madrid (ESP)

16. Raul MEIRELES (M – age 27) Porto (POR)

17. Ruben AMORIM (F – age 25) Benfica (POR)

18. Hugo ALMEIDA (F – age 26) Werder Bremen (GER)

19. Tiago MENDES (M – age 29) Atletico Madrid (ESP) (06)

20. Deco DE SOUZA (M – age 32) Chelsea (ENG) (06)

21. Ricardo COSTA (D – age 29) Lille (FRA) (06)

22. Daniel FERNANDES (G – age 26) Iraklis (GRE)

23. Fabio COENTRAO (M – age 22) Benfica (POR)

 

Portugal have great hopes of doing very well in the forthcoming World Cup. Led by the mercurial Cristiano Ronaldo and coached by the phlegmatic Carlos Queiroz, they have several world class players and are capable of beating any team on a given day.

 

The Portugal attack revolves round Ronaldo. He is certainly one of the best players in the world, and the role of captain may help him produce a better performance. Hugo Almeida of Werder Bremen is another Portuguese striker who is in form. Ruben Amorin of Benfica and Liedson of Sporting are other strikers in the squad.

 

The Portugal midfield is also massively talented. They have experienced players like Chelsea’s Deco, Simao and Tiago Mendes of Atletico Madrid and Pedro Mendes of Sporting along with the highly rated Raul Meireles of Porto and Miguel Veloso of Sporting.

 

The defence revolves around the two experienced central defenders Ricardo Carvalho of Chelsea and Pepe of Real Madrid. As sidebacks Paolo Ferreira of Chelsea and Bruno Alves of Porto are more than efficient. Ricardo Costa of Lille, Duda of Malaga and Rolando of Porto provide cover.

 

Goalkeeping may turn out to be Portugal’s weakness, as none of the keepers in the squad have much international exposure. Eduardo of Braga is likely to play as first choice. 

 
 
IVORY COAST (CIV):
 
FIFA Ranking: 27
 
2nd World Cup Finals.
 
Previous World Cups: 2006 – R1.
 

2010 – qualified on Oct-10, 2009 –13th team to qualify.

 

Head Coach: Sven-Goran ERIKSSON (SWE – age 62)

 
Squad:
 

01. Boubacar BARRY (G – age 30) Lokeren (BEL) (06)

02. Benjamin ANGOUA (D – age 23) Valenciennes (FRA)

03. Arthur BOKA (D – age 27) Stuttgart (GER) (06)

04. Kolo TOURE (D – age 29) Manchester City (ENG) (06)

05. Didier ZOKORA (M – age 29) Sevilla (ESP) (06)

06. Steve GOHOURI (D – age 29) Wigan Athletic (ENG)

07. Seydou DOUMBIA (F – age 22) Young Boys (SUI)

08. Salomon KALOU (F – age 24) Chelsea (ENG)

09. Cheick TIOTE (M – age 24) Twente (NED)

10. Gervinho KOUASSI (F – age 23) Lille (FRA)

11. Didier DROGBA (F – age 32) Chelsea (ENG) (C) (06)

12. Jean-Jacques GOSSO (M – age 27) Monaco (FRA)

13. Romaric NDRI (M – age 27) Sevilla (ESP) (06)

14. Emmanuel KONE (M – age 23) International (ROM)

15. Aruna DINDANE (F – age 29) Portsmouth (ENG) (06)

16. Aristide ZOGBO (G – age 28) Maccabi Netanya (ISR)

17. Siaka TIENE (M – age 28) Valenciennes (FRA)

18. Kader KEITA (M – age 28) Galatasaray (TUR) (06)

19. Yaya TOURE (M – age 27) Barcelona (ESP) (06)

20. Guy DEMEL (D – age 29) Hamburg (GER) (06)

21. Emmanuel EBOUE (D – age 27) Arsenal (ENG) (06)

22. Sol BAMBA (D – age 25) Hibernian (SCO)

23. Daniel YEBOAH (G – age 25) ASEC Mimosas (CIV)

 

Sven-Goran Eriksson’s Ivory Coast squad contains 11 players from their 2006 squad, which means that he has put together an experienced team. Their talismanic captain Didier Drogba, however, may not participate in the finals due to injury, thus putting preparations in disarray, somewhat. Still, the team has enough talent to shine, even without Drogba.

 

Goalkeeper Boubacar Barry of Lokeren is experienced as well as skilful. He was in the 2006 team. In front of him, the defence boasts of such splendid players like Kolo Toure of Manchester City, Guy Demel of Hamburg, Arthur Boka of Stuttgart and Emmanuel Eboue of Arsenal, all from the 2006 squad.

 

The midfield also consists of some talented players, including Yaya Toure of Barcelona, who is perhaps the kingpin. The Sevilla pair of Didier Zokora and Romaric provide the solidity and flair, respectively. Those three, along with Kader Keita of Galatasaray are from the 2006 squad, too.

 

The forward line usually revolves aroung Drogba, naturally. But even without him, Ivory Coast shall have Salomon Kalou of Chelsea and Aruna Dindane of Portsmouth – both of whom are supremely talented. Gervinho of Lille is another player to watch. 

 
 
NORTH KOREA (PRK):
 
FIFA Ranking: 105
 
2nd World Cup Finals.
 
Previous World Cups: 1966 – QF.
 

2010 – qualified on Jun-17, 2009; 6th team to qualify.

 

Head Coach: KIM Jong-Hun (PRK – age 53)

 
Squad:
 
01. RI Myong Guk (G – age 23) Pyongyang City (PRK)
02. CHA Jong Hyok (D – age 24) Amrokgang (PRK)
03. RI Jun Il (D – age 22) Sobaeksu (PRK)
04. PAK Nam Chol (D – age 24) April 25 (PRK)
05. RI Kwang Chon (D – age 24) April 25 (PRK)
06. KIM Kul Il (F – age 22) April 25 (PRK)
07. AN Chol Hyok (F – age 25) Rimyongsu (PRK)

08. JI Yun Nam (D – age 33) April 25 (PRK)

09. JONG Tae Se (F – age 26) Kawasaki Frontale (JPN)

10. HONG Yong So (F – age 28) Rostov (RUS) (C)

11. MUN In Guk (M – age 31) April 25 (PRK)
12. CHOE Kum Chol (F – age 23) April 25 (PRK)
13. PAK Chol Jin (D – age 24) Amrokgang (PRK)
14. PAK Nam Chol (D – age 21) Amrokgang (PRK)
15. KIM Yong Jun (M – age 26) Pyongyang City (PRK)

16. NAMSong Chol (D – age 28) April 25 (PRK)

17. AHN Young Hak (M – age 31) Omiya Ardija (JPN)

18. KIM Myong Gil (G – age 25) Amrokgang (PRK)
19. RI Chol Myong (M – age 22) Pyongyang City (PRK)
20. KIM Myong Won (G – age 26) Amrokgang (PRK)**
21. RI Kwang Hyok (D – age 22) Kyonggongop (PRK)
22. KIM Kyong Il (M – age 21) Rimyongsu (PRK)

23. PAK Sung Hyok (M – age 20) Sobaeksu (PRK)

 

(** KIM Myong Won (20) is a forward, but he has been registered as a goalkeeper, and thus he will be allowed to play only as a goalkeeper!!!)

 

North Korea are not being given any chance to progress beyond the group stage – in fact, even winning a point may be almost impossible for them, experts say! However, in their only other World Cup appearance, in 1966 in England, they started with similar predictions, but stunned the world by reaching the quarter finals!!! This time the North Korean supporters are hoping for some similar miracles!

 

North Korea have come to the finals with just two keepers, of whom Ri Myong Guk of Pyongyang is likely to play as first choice. The defence is well organised, including young and energetic players like Cha Jong Hyok of Amrokgang, Ri Jun Il of Sobaeksu and Ri Kwang Chon of April 25. The experience and stability is provided by the veterans Pak Chol Jin of Amrokgang and Ji Yun Nam of April 25.

 

Veteran Mun In Guk of April 25 is one of their most influential players in midfield, along with Japan based Ahn Young Hak of Omiya. Kim Yong Jun of Pyongyang is a busy playmaker with plenty of experience. Pak Nam Chol (senior) of April 25 is another hard working midfielder. (The other Pak Nam Chol, of Amrokgang, is a young defender.)

 

Up front Russia based Hong Yong Jo of Rostov is the captain and principal goal-getter. He will be supported by Japan based Jong Tae Se of Kawasaki.

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Group F

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

 

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Teams: ITALY (5), PARAGUAY (30), SLOVAKIA (34), NEW ZEALAND (78)

 

The defending champions Italy are hot favourites to win Group F. Paraguay will fight with Slovakia to gain the other spot. New Zealand are not really expected to do much, and winning even a point shall be quite an achievement.

 
ITALY (ITA):
 
FIFA Ranking: 5
 
17th World Cup Finals.
 

Previous World Cups: 1934 (hosts) – Winners, 1938 – Winners, 1950 – R1, 1954 – R1, 1962 – R1, 1966 – R1, 1970 – Runners’ up, 1974 – R1, 1978 – SF (4th), 1982 – Winners, 1986 – PQF, 1990 (hosts) – SF (3rd), 1994 – Runners’ up, 1998 – QF, 2002 – PQF, 2006 – Winners.

 

2010 – qualified on Oct-10, 2009; 16th team to qualify.

 

Head Coach: Marcello LIPPI (ITA – age 62)

 
Squad:
 

01. Gianluigi BUFFON (G – age 32) Juventus (ITA) (98) (02) (06)

02. Christian MAGGIO (D – age 28) Napoli (ITA)

03. Domenico CRISCITO (D – age 23) Genoa (ITA)

04. Giorgio CHIELLINI (D – age 25) Juventus (ITA)

05. Fabio CANNAVARO (D – age 36) Juventus (ITA) (C) (98) (02) (06)

06. Daniele DE ROSSI (M – age 26) Roma (ITA) (06)

07. Simone PEPE (M – age 26) Udinese (ITA)

08. Gennaro GATTUSO (M – age 32) AC Milan (ITA) (02) (06)

09. Vincenzo IAQUINTA (F – age 30) Juventus (ITA) (06)

10. Antonio DI NATALE (F – age 32) Udinese (ITA)

11. Alberto GILARDINO (F – age 27) Fiorentina (ITA) (06)

12. Federico MARCHETTI (G – age 27) Cagliari (ITA)

13. Salvatore BOCCHETTI (D – age 23) Genoa (ITA)

14. Morgan DE SANCTIS (G – age 33) Napoli (ITA)

15. Claudio MARCHISIO (M – age 24) Juventus (ITA)

16. Mauro CAMORANESI (M – age 33) Juventus (ITA) (06)

17. Angelo PALOMBO (M – age 28) Sampdoria (ITA)

18. Fabio QUAGLIARELLA (F – age 27) Napoli (ITA)

19. Gianluca ZAMBROTTA (M – age 33) AC Milan (ITA) (02) (06)

20. Giampaolo PAZZINI (F – age 25) Sampdoria (ITA)

21. Andrea PIRLO (M – age 31) AC Milan (ITA) (06)

22. Riccardo MONTOLIVO (M – age 25) Fiorentina (ITA)

23. Leonardo BONUCCI (D – age 23) Bari (ITA)

 

Defending champions Italy start as one of the favourites to win the Cup, though it is always difficult to defend a title. They have a balanced team, with plenty of experienced players along with several new talents to make their supporters extremely hopeful.

 

In goal Gianluigi Buffon of Juventus is there for his 4th Cup to provide a superb last line of defence for Italy – probably the best in the world. Both his deputies are however lagely inexperienced in the international arena.

 

The defence is led by captain Fabio Cannavaro of Juventus, also playing in his 4th successive Cup. Age has failed to diminish the incredible talent of this man. Alongside him in central defence is his young club-mate Giorgio Chiellini, on whom Lippi places great hope. Gianluca Zambrotta of Milan is another experienced defender, though apart from these players, there seem to be a lack of established stars in defence – something most unusual for an Italian World Cup squad.

 

Any shortcoming in defence is adequately made up by the hugely talented Italian midfield, arguably the best in the world. Andrea Pirlo of Milan, the free-kick expert, is an influential midfielder, along with such players like Daniele de Rossi of Roma, Gennaro Gattuso of Milan and Mauro Camoranesi of Juventus. They are covered by such talented young players like Simone Pepe of Udinese, Ricardo Montovlio of Fiorentina and Angelo Palombo of Sampdoria.

 

The attack is also very powerful on paper, with forwards like Alberto Gilardino of Fiorentina, Vincenzo Iaquinta of Juventus, Fabio Quagliarella of Napoli and Antonio di Natale of Udinese. Young Giampaolo Pazzini of Sampdoria is another promising striker.

 
 
PARAGUAY (PAR):
 
FIFA Ranking: 30
 

8th World Cup Finals (1st as SERBIA).

 

Previous World Cups: 1930 – R1, 1950 – R1, 1958 – R1, 1986 – PQF, 1998 – PQF, 2002 – PQF, 2006 – R1.

 

2010 – qualified on Sep-09, 2009; 11th team to qualify.

 

Head Coach: Gerardo MARTINO (ARG – age 47)

 
Squad:
 

01. Justo VILLAR (G – age 33) Real Valladolid (ESP) (C) (02) (06)

02. Dario VERON (D – age 30) Pumas UNAM (MEX)

03. Claudio MOREL (D – age 32) Boca Juniors (ARG)

04. Denis CANIZA (D – age 35) Leon (MEX) (98) (02) (06)

05. Julio Cesar CACERES(D – age 30) Atletico Mineiro (BRA) (02) (06)

06. Carlos BONET (D – age 32) Olimpia (PAR) (02) (06)

07. Oscar CARDOZO (F – age 27) Benfica (POR)

08. Edgar BARRETO (M – age 25) Atalanta (ITA) (06)

09. Roque SANTA CRUZ(F – age 28) Manchester City (ENG) (02) (06)

10. Edgar BENITEZ (F – age 22) Pachuca (MEX)

11. Jonathan SANTANA (M – age 28) Wolfsburg (GER)

12. Diego BARRETO (G – age 28) Cerro Porteno (PAR)

13. Enrique VERA (M – age 31) LDU Quito (ECU)

14. Paulo DA SILVA (D – age 30) Sunderland (ENG) (06)

15. Victor CACERES(M – age 25) Libertad (PAR)

16. Cristian RIVEROS (M – age 27) Cruz Azul (MEX) (06)

17. Aureliano TORRES (D – age 28) San Lorenzo (ARG)

18. Nelson VALDEZ(F – age 26) Borussia Dortmund (GER) (06)

19. Lucas BARRIOS (F – age 25) Borussia Dortmund (GER)

20. Nestor ORTIGOZA (M – age 25) Argentinos Juniors (ARG)

21. Antolin ALCARAZ (D – age 27) Brugge (BEL)

22. Aldo BOBADILLA (G – age 34) Independiente Medellin (COL) (06)

23. Rodolfo GAMARRA (F – age 21) Libertad (PAR)

 

Paraguay will be playing in their 8th Cup finals, and their fourth in succession. They have a balanced squad with lots of experienced players.

 

Captain Justo Villar of Real Valladolid is an outstanding keeper, one of the best in South America. His deputy Aldo Bobadilla of Medellin is also a superb keeper.

 

In defence there is Denis Caniza of Leon, playing in his 4th Cup. Two other defenders shall be playing their 3rd Cups – Julio Cesar Caceres of Mineiro and Carlos Bonet of Olimpia. Claudio Morel of Boca Juniors and Paolo da Silva of Sunderland are also there, while Aurelio Torres of San Lorenzo is another versatile defender.

 

The midfield revolves around Edgar Barreto of Atalanta and Cristian Riveros of Cruz Azul. Jonathan Santana of Wolfsburg provides the finesse. Victor Caceres of Libertad and Enrique Vera of LDU Quito are other midfielders in the fray.

 

The main striker for Paraguay is of course Roque Santa Cruz of Manchester City. If fit, he can be a lethal striker and a real menace in the opposition box. Oscar Cardozo of Benfica and Nelson Valdez of Dortmund are expected to support him up front.

 
SLOVAKIA (SVK):
 
FIFA Ranking: 34
 
1st World Cup Finals.
 
Previous World Cups: None.
 

2010 – qualified on Oct-14, 2009; 21st team to qualify.

 

Head Coach: Vladimir WEISS (SVK – age 45)

 
Squad:
 

01. Jan MUCHA (G – age 27) Legia Warsaw (POL)

02. Peter PEKARIK (D – age 23) Wolfsburg (GER)

03. Martin SKRTEL (D – age 25) Liverpool (ENG)

04. Marek CECH (D – age 27) West Bromwich Albion (ENG)

05. Radoslav ZABAVNIK (D – age 29) Mainz (GER)

06. Zdeno STRBA (M – age 34) Skoda Xanthi (GRE)

07. Vladimir WEISS (M – age 20) Bolton Wanderers (ENG)

08. Jan KOZAK (M – age 30) Timisoara (ROM)

09. Stanislav SESTAK (F – age 27) Bochum (GER)

10. Marek SAPARA (M – age 27) Ankaragucu (TUR)

11. Robert VITTEK (F – age 28) Ankaragucu (TUR)

12. Dusan PERNIS (G – age 25) Dundee United (SCO)

13. Filip HOLOSKO (F – age 26) Besiktas (TUR)

14. Martin JAKUBKO (F – age 30) Saturn Moscow (RUS)

15. Miroslav STOCH (M – age 20) Twente (NED)

16. Jan DURICA (D – age 28) Hannover (GER)

17. Marek HAMSIK (M – age 22) Napoli (ITA) (C)

18. Erik JENDRISEK (F – age 23) Kaiserslautern (GER)

19. Juraj KUCKA (M – age 23) Sparta Prague (CZE)

20. Kamil KOPUNEK (M – age 26) Spartak Trnava (SVK)

21. Kornel SALATA (D – age 25) Slovan Bratislava (SVK)

22. Martin PETRAS (D – age 30) Cesena (ITA)

23. Dusan KUCIAK (G – age 25) Vaslui (ROM)

 

Slovakia surprised many pundits by winning their European qualifying group ahead of teams like Slovenia, Czach Republic and Poland. They are now preparing to surprise few others in their World Cup group!

 

In goal Slovakia has Jan Mucha of Legia Warsaw, a highly competent keeper. In front of him the strong Slovak defence is led by Liverpool’s gangling Martin Skrtel and Marek Cech of WBA. Other important players in the defence are Germany based Peter Pekarik of Wolfsburg, Jan Durica of Hannover and Radoslav Zabavnik of Mainz, along with Italy based veteran Martin Petras of Cesena.

 

The midfield will surely miss Miroslav Karhan of Mainz, who is their most capped player ever, and led the team during qualification. In his absence the brilliant young Napoli playmaker Marek Hamsik has been named captain – at 22, he’ll probably be the youngest captain in the World Cup this year. Marek Sapara of Ankaragucu and Jan Kozak of Timisoara are other influential players in the Slovak midfield. Young Vladimir Weiss of Bolton, the son of the Slovak coach, and Miroslav Stoch of Twente are two other players with great potential.

 

The Slovak attack is likely to be led by Stanislav Sestak of Bochum, who scored 6 goals in qualification, in six games! Robert Vittek of Ankaragucu is another splendid striker. Filip Holosko of Besiktas and the experienced Martin Jakubko of Saturn are also in the squad.

 
NEW ZEALAND (NZL):
 
FIFA Ranking: 78
 
2nd World Cup Finals.
 
Previous World Cups: 1982 – R1.
 

2010 – qualified on Nov-14, 2009 – 24th team to qualify.

 

Head Coach: Ricki HERBERT (NZL – age 49)

 
Squad:
 

01. Mark PASTON (G – age 33) Wellington Phoenix (NZL)

02. Ben SIGMUND (D – age 29) Wellington Phoenix (NZL)

03. Tony LOCHHEAD (D – age 28) Wellington Phoenix (NZL)

04. Winston REID (D – age 21) Midtjylland (DEN)

05. Ivan VICELICH (D – age 33) Auckland City (NZL)

06. Ryan NESLEN (D – age 32) Blackburn Rovers (ENG) (Captain)

07. Simon ELLIOTT (M – age 36) San Jose Earthquakes (USA)

08. Tim BROWN (M – age 29) Wellington Phoenix (NZL)

09. Shane SMELTZ (F – age 28) Gold Coast United (AUS)

10. Chris KILLEN (F – age 28) Middlesbrough (ENG)

11. Leo BERTOS (M – age 28) Wellington Phoenix (NZL)

12. Glen MOSS (G – age 27) Melbourne Victory (AUS)

13. Andy BARRON (M – age 29) Team Wellington (NZL)

14. Rory FALLON (F – age 28) Plymouth Argyle (ENG)

15. Michael McGLINCHEY (M – age 23) Motherwell (SCO)

16. Aaron CLAPHAM (M – age 23) Canterbury United (NZL)

17. David MULLIGAN (M – age 28) Wellington Phoenix (NZL)

18. Andrew BOYENS (D – age 26) New York Red Bulls (USA)

19. Tommy SMITH (D – age 20) Ipswich Town (ENG)

20. Chris WOOD (F – age 18) West Bromwich Albion (ENG)

21. Jeremy CHRISTIE (M – age 27) Tampa Bay (USA)

22. Jeremy BROCKIE (M – age 22) Newcastle Jets (AUS)

23. James BANNATYNE (G – age 34) Team Wellington (NZL)

 

Not many experts expect New Zealand to earn even a point in the forthcoming World Cup. However, they qualified finally at the expense of Bahrain – a strong upcoming Asian side, and possess a few hardened professionals to trouble the more fancied teams they play.

 

In Mark Paston of Phoenix, New Zealand have a reliable keeper. His deputy Glenn Moss of Melbourne is also a competent keeper.

 

The defence is led by the seasoned Blackburn captain Ryan Nelsen, who also captains the New Zealand side. Alongside him, Ivan Vicelich of Auckland, Tony Lochhead of Phoenix and Andy Boyens of New York form a solid defence. Talented young Tommy Smith of Ipswich has been included in the squad, and it would be interesting to see if he gets to play.

 

Simon Elliott of San Jose has been the centre of the New Zealand midfield for years. Tim Brown and Leo Bertos of Phoenix are also influential players, while Jeremy Christie of Tampa is controls play from the centre.

 

Shane Smeltz of Gold Coast is New Zealand’s main striker, alongside Chris Killen of Middlesbrough. Also in the squad is the exciting young WBA striker Chris Wood, only 18, who might make a mark if given the opportunity. Rory Fallon of Plymouth is another striker in the squad.

 GROUP F
 

Teams: ITALY (5), PARAGUAY (30), SLOVAKIA (34), NEW ZEALAND (78)

 

The defending champions Italy are hot favourites to win Group F. Paraguay will fight with Slovakia to gain the other spot. New Zealand are not really expected to do much, and winning even a point shall be quite an achievement.

 
ITALY (ITA):
 
FIFA Ranking: 5
 
17th World Cup Finals.
 

Previous World Cups: 1934 (hosts) – Winners, 1938 – Winners, 1950 – R1, 1954 – R1, 1962 – R1, 1966 – R1, 1970 – Runners’ up, 1974 – R1, 1978 – SF (4th), 1982 – Winners, 1986 – PQF, 1990 (hosts) – SF (3rd), 1994 – Runners’ up, 1998 – QF, 2002 – PQF, 2006 – Winners.

 

2010 – qualified on Oct-10, 2009; 16th team to qualify.

 

Head Coach: Marcello LIPPI (ITA – age 62)

 
Squad:
 

01. Gianluigi BUFFON (G – age 32) Juventus (ITA) (98) (02) (06)

02. Christian MAGGIO (D – age 28) Napoli (ITA)

03. Domenico CRISCITO (D – age 23) Genoa (ITA)

04. Giorgio CHIELLINI (D – age 25) Juventus (ITA)

05. Fabio CANNAVARO (D – age 36) Juventus (ITA) (C) (98) (02) (06)

06. Daniele DE ROSSI (M – age 26) Roma (ITA) (06)

07. Simone PEPE (M – age 26) Udinese (ITA)

08. Gennaro GATTUSO (M – age 32) AC Milan (ITA) (02) (06)

09. Vincenzo IAQUINTA (F – age 30) Juventus (ITA) (06)

10. Antonio DI NATALE (F – age 32) Udinese (ITA)

11. Alberto GILARDINO (F – age 27) Fiorentina (ITA) (06)

12. Federico MARCHETTI (G – age 27) Cagliari (ITA)

13. Salvatore BOCCHETTI (D – age 23) Genoa (ITA)

14. Morgan DE SANCTIS (G – age 33) Napoli (ITA)

15. Claudio MARCHISIO (M – age 24) Juventus (ITA)

16. Mauro CAMORANESI (M – age 33) Juventus (ITA) (06)

17. Angelo PALOMBO (M – age 28) Sampdoria (ITA)

18. Fabio QUAGLIARELLA (F – age 27) Napoli (ITA)

19. Gianluca ZAMBROTTA (M – age 33) AC Milan (ITA) (02) (06)

20. Giampaolo PAZZINI (F – age 25) Sampdoria (ITA)

21. Andrea PIRLO (M – age 31) AC Milan (ITA) (06)

22. Riccardo MONTOLIVO (M – age 25) Fiorentina (ITA)

23. Leonardo BONUCCI (D – age 23) Bari (ITA)

 

Defending champions Italy start as one of the favourites to win the Cup, though it is always difficult to defend a title. They have a balanced team, with plenty of experienced players along with several new talents to make their supporters extremely hopeful.

 

In goal Gianluigi Buffon of Juventus is there for his 4th Cup to provide a superb last line of defence for Italy – probably the best in the world. Both his deputies are however lagely inexperienced in the international arena.

 

The defence is led by captain Fabio Cannavaro of Juventus, also playing in his 4th successive Cup. Age has failed to diminish the incredible talent of this man. Alongside him in central defence is his young club-mate Giorgio Chiellini, on whom Lippi places great hope. Gianluca Zambrotta of Milan is another experienced defender, though apart from these players, there seem to be a lack of established stars in defence – something most unusual for an Italian World Cup squad.

 

Any shortcoming in defence is adequately made up by the hugely talented Italian midfield, arguably the best in the world. Andrea Pirlo of Milan, the free-kick expert, is an influential midfielder, along with such players like Daniele de Rossi of Roma, Gennaro Gattuso of Milan and Mauro Camoranesi of Juventus. They are covered by such talented young players like Simone Pepe of Udinese, Ricardo Montovlio of Fiorentina and Angelo Palombo of Sampdoria.

 

The attack is also very powerful on paper, with forwards like Alberto Gilardino of Fiorentina, Vincenzo Iaquinta of Juventus, Fabio Quagliarella of Napoli and Antonio di Natale of Udinese. Young Giampaolo Pazzini of Sampdoria is another promising striker.

 
 
PARAGUAY (PAR):
 
FIFA Ranking: 30
 

8th World Cup Finals (1st as SERBIA).

 

Previous World Cups: 1930 – R1, 1950 – R1, 1958 – R1, 1986 – PQF, 1998 – PQF, 2002 – PQF, 2006 – R1.

 

2010 – qualified on Sep-09, 2009; 11th team to qualify.

 

Head Coach: Gerardo MARTINO (ARG – age 47)

 
Squad:
 

01. Justo VILLAR (G – age 33) Real Valladolid (ESP) (C) (02) (06)

02. Dario VERON (D – age 30) Pumas UNAM (MEX)

03. Claudio MOREL (D – age 32) Boca Juniors (ARG)

04. Denis CANIZA (D – age 35) Leon (MEX) (98) (02) (06)

05. Julio Cesar CACERES(D – age 30) Atletico Mineiro (BRA) (02) (06)

06. Carlos BONET (D – age 32) Olimpia (PAR) (02) (06)

07. Oscar CARDOZO (F – age 27) Benfica (POR)

08. Edgar BARRETO (M – age 25) Atalanta (ITA) (06)

09. Roque SANTA CRUZ(F – age 28) Manchester City (ENG) (02) (06)

10. Edgar BENITEZ (F – age 22) Pachuca (MEX)

11. Jonathan SANTANA (M – age 28) Wolfsburg (GER)

12. Diego BARRETO (G – age 28) Cerro Porteno (PAR)

13. Enrique VERA (M – age 31) LDU Quito (ECU)

14. Paulo DA SILVA (D – age 30) Sunderland (ENG) (06)

15. Victor CACERES(M – age 25) Libertad (PAR)

16. Cristian RIVEROS (M – age 27) Cruz Azul (MEX) (06)

17. Aureliano TORRES (D – age 28) San Lorenzo (ARG)

18. Nelson VALDEZ(F – age 26) Borussia Dortmund (GER) (06)

19. Lucas BARRIOS (F – age 25) Borussia Dortmund (GER)

20. Nestor ORTIGOZA (M – age 25) Argentinos Juniors (ARG)

21. Antolin ALCARAZ (D – age 27) Brugge (BEL)

22. Aldo BOBADILLA (G – age 34) Independiente Medellin (COL) (06)

23. Rodolfo GAMARRA (F – age 21) Libertad (PAR)

 

Paraguay will be playing in their 8th Cup finals, and their fourth in succession. They have a balanced squad with lots of experienced players.

 

Captain Justo Villar of Real Valladolid is an outstanding keeper, one of the best in South America. His deputy Aldo Bobadilla of Medellin is also a superb keeper.

 

In defence there is Denis Caniza of Leon, playing in his 4th Cup. Two other defenders shall be playing their 3rd Cups – Julio Cesar Caceres of Mineiro and Carlos Bonet of Olimpia. Claudio Morel of Boca Juniors and Paolo da Silva of Sunderland are also there, while Aurelio Torres of San Lorenzo is another versatile defender.

 

The midfield revolves around Edgar Barreto of Atalanta and Cristian Riveros of Cruz Azul. Jonathan Santana of Wolfsburg provides the finesse. Victor Caceres of Libertad and Enrique Vera of LDU Quito are other midfielders in the fray.

 

The main striker for Paraguay is of course Roque Santa Cruz of Manchester City. If fit, he can be a lethal striker and a real menace in the opposition box. Oscar Cardozo of Benfica and Nelson Valdez of Dortmund are expected to support him up front.

 
SLOVAKIA (SVK):
 
FIFA Ranking: 34
 
1st World Cup Finals.
 
Previous World Cups: None.
 

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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