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.

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

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

Head Coach: Joachim LOW (GER – age 50)

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

Head Coach: Radomir ANTIC (SRB – age 61)

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)

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.

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

Head Coach: Pim VERBEEK (NED – age 54)

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

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

Head Coach: Milovan RAJEVAC (SRB – age 56)

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

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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.

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

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

Head Coach: Fabio CAPELLO (ITA – age 64)

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.

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

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

Head Coach: Bob BRADLEY (USA – age 52)

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.

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

Head Coach: Matjaz KEK (SVN – age 48)

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.

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

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

Head Coach: Rabah SADAANE (ALG – age 64)

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

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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.

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; 22^nd team to qualify.

Head Coach: Diego MARADONA (ARG – age 49)

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 3^rd 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.

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

Head Coach: Otto REHHAGEL (GER – age 71)

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.  

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

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

Head Coach: Lars LAGERBACK (SWE – age 61)

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 3^rd 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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 4^th 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.

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; 22^nd team to qualify.

Head Coach: Diego MARADONA (ARG – age 49)

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 3^rd 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.

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

Head Coach: Otto REHHAGEL (GER – age 71)

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