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)

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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: 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):

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

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

Head Coach: Raymond DOMENECH (FRA – age 58)

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.

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

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

Head Coach: Oscar TABAREZ (URU – age 63)

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.

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; 18^th team to qualify.

Head Coach: Javier AGUIRRE (MEX – age 51)

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)

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.

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

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

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

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. 

 

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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