Group A | Group B | Group C | Group D | Group E | Group F | Group G | Group H
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.
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)
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.
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)
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.
2010 – qualified on Oct-14, 2009; 21st team to qualify.
Head Coach: Vladimir WEISS (SVK – age 45)
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.
2010 – qualified on Nov-14, 2009 – 24th team to qualify.
Head Coach: Ricki HERBERT (NZL – age 49)
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.
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.
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)
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.
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)
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.
Group A | Group B | Group C | Group D | Group E | Group F | Group G | Group H 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. 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) 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. 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) 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. 2010 – qualified on Oct-10, 2009 –13th team to qualify. Head Coach: Sven-Goran ERIKSSON (SWE – age 62) 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. 2010 – qualified on Jun-17, 2009; 6th team to qualify. Head Coach: KIM Jong-Hun (PRK – age 53) 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) 16. NAMSong Chol (D – age 28) April 25 (PRK) 17. AHN Young Hak (M – age 31) Omiya Ardija (JPN) 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. Group A | Group B | Group C | Group D | Group E | Group F | Group G | Group H Teams: SPAIN (2), CHILE (18), SWITZERLAND (24), HONDURAS (38) Spain are the outright favourites to win this group. Chile are likely to fight it out with Switzerland for second place. Honduras are not expected to achieve much, but could upset one of the stronger teams to affect the final outcome of this group. Previous World Cups: 1934 – QF, 1950 – SF (4th), 1962 – R1, 1966 – R1, 1978 – R1, 1982 (hosts) – PQF, 1986 – QF, 1990 – PQF, 1994 – QF, 1998 – R1, 2002 – QF, 2006 – PQF. 2010 – qualified on Sep-05, 2009; 7th team to qualify. Head Coach: Vicente DEL BOSQUE (ESP – age 59) 01. Iker CASILLAS (G – age 29) Real Madrid (ESP) (C) (02) (06) 05. Carles PUYOL (D – age 32) Barcelona (ESP) (02) (06) 08. Xavi HERNANDEZ (M – age 30) Barcelona (ESP) (02) (06) 11. Joan CAPDEVILA (D – age 32) Villarreal (ESP) 20. Javi MARTINEZ(M – age 21) Athletic Bilbao (ESP) Spain, the current European champions, are looking forward to the 2010 World Cup as their best ever opportunity to win the ultimate prize in football. They have a balanced all round team consisting of world class players in practically every position. They had the best record among all teams in qualification, winning each and every match, and they hope to continue that form during the forthcoming campaign. In goal captain Iker Casillas of Real Madrid is one of the very best in the world. His deputies Pepe Reina of Liverpool and Victor Valdes of Barcelona are also splendid keepers. In defence, veterans Carles Puyol of Barcelona, Carlos Marchena of Valencia and Joan Capdevilla of Villarreal are joined by the younger Gerard Pique of Barcelona, and Sergio Ramos, Alvaro Arbeloa and Raul Albiol of Real Madrid, to form a formidable bank of defenders to choose from. In spite of having a solid defence, the midfield is Spain’s real strength, though. The Barcelona pair of Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta form the hub of the midfield. Alongside them are such ball players like Cesc Fabregas of Arsenal, Xabi Alonso of Real Madrid and David Silva of Valencia. Talented youngsters like Juan Manuel Mata of Valencia, Sergio Busquets of Barcelona, Javi Martinez of Bilbao and the slightly older Jesus Navas of Sevilla are also in contention. The attack consists of Fernando Torres of Liverpool and David Villa of Valencia – a duo that can cause serious damage to any defence in the world. Fernando Llorente of Bilbao and Pedro Rodriguez of Barcelona provide adequate cover for the top two. With all these talented footballers, Spain are looking ominous indeed. Previous World Cups: 1930 – QF, 1950 – R1, 1962 (hosts) – SF (3rd), 1966 – R1, 1974 – R1, 1982 – R1, 1998 – PQF. 2010 – qualified on Oct-10, 2009; 17th team to qualify. Head Coach: Marcelo BIELSA (ARG – age 54) 01. Claudio BRAVO (G – age 27) Real Sociedad (ESP) (C) 02. Ismael FUENTES (D – age 28) Universidad Catolica (CHI) 03. Ponce WALDO (D – age 27) Universidad Catolica (CHI) 04. Mauricio ISLA (D – age 22) Udinese (ITA) 05. Pablo CONTRERAS (D – age 31) PAOK Salonika (GRE) 06. Carlos CARMONA (M – age 23) Reggina (ITA) 07. Alexis SANCHEZ (F – age 21) Udinese (ITA) 08. Arturo VIDAL (M – age 23) Bayer Leverkusen (GER) 09. Humberto SUAZO (F – age 29) Real Zaragoza (ESP) 10. Jorge VALDIVIA (M – age 26) Al Ain (UAE) 11. Mark GONZALEZ (F – age 25) CSKA Moscow (RUS) 12. Miguel PINTO (G – age 26) Universidad de Chile (CHI) 13. Marco ESTRADA (M – age 27) Universidad de Chile (CHI) 14. Matias FERNANDEZ (M – age 24) Sporting CP (POR) 15. Jean BEAUSEJOUR (F – age 26) America (MEX) 16. Fabian ORELLANA (F – age 24) Xerez (ESP) 17. Gary MEDEL (D – age 22) Boca Juniors (ARG) 18. Gonzalo JARA (D – age 24) West Bromwich Albion (ENG) 19. Gonzalo FIERRO (M – age 27) Flamengo (BRA) 20. Rodrigo MILLAR (M – age 28) Colo Colo (CHI) 21. Rodrigo TELLO (M – age 30) Besiktas (TUR) 22. Esteban PAREDES (F – age 29) Colo Colo (CHI) 23. Luis MARIN (G – age 27) Union Espanola (CHI) Under their Argentine coach Marcelo Bielsa, Chile are one of the most improved sides in world football recently. They finished second to Brazil in the South American Qualifying competition and come to the World Cup buoyant and confident, expecting to upset a few fancied sides. Captain Claudio Bravo of Real Sociedad is a superb keeper. He has two competent understudies in Luis Marin of Espanola and Miguel Pinto of Universidad. The defence consists of players like Pablo Contreras of PAOK, Gonzalo Jara of WBA, Gary Medel of Boca Juniors and the Catolica pair of Waldo Ponce and Ismael Fuentes. Young Mauricio Isla of Udinese is a recent addition to the side – he is highly rated in Italy. Arturo Vidal of Leverkusen is another promising defender. Matias Fernandez of Sporting CP, Jorge Valdivia of Al Ain and Rodrigo Tello of Besiktas form the core of the Chilean midfield. Gonzalo Fierro of Flamengo is a superb ball player, while Rodrigo Millar of Colo Colo is known for his versatility. Up front Humberto Suazo of Real Zaragoza is Chile’s main striker, ably assisted by Mark Gonzalez of CSKA Moscow. Gonzalez is one of the fastest runners in international football and is popularly known as “Speedy” Gonzalez. Alexis Sanchez of Udinese is another striker of class in the squad. Previous World Cups: 1934 – QF, 1938 – QF, 1950 – R1, 1954 (hosts) – QF, 1962 – R1, 1966 – R1, 1994 – PQF, 2006 – PQF. 2010 – qualified on Oct-14, 2009 –20th team to qualify. Head Coach: Ottmar HITZFELD (GER – age 61) 01. Diego BENAGLIO (G – age 26) Wolfsburg (GER) (06) 02. Stephan LICHTSTEINER (D – age 26) Lazio Roma (ITA) 03. Ludovic MAGNIN (D – age 31) Zurich (SUI) (06) 04. Philippe SENDEROS (D – age 25) Everton (ENG) (06) 05. Steve VON BERGEN (D – age 27) Hertha Berlin (GER) 06. Benjamin HUGGEL (M – age 32) Basel (SUI) 07. Tranquillo BARNETTA (M – age 25) Bayer Leverkusen (GER) (06) 08. Gokhan INLER (M – age 25) Udinese (ITA) 09. Alexander FREI (F – age 30) Basel (SUI) (C) (06) 10. Blaise NKUFO (F – age 35) Twente (NED) 11. Valon BEHRAMI (M – age 25) West Ham United (ENG) (06) 12. Marco WOLFLI (G – age 27) Young Boys (SUI) 13. Stephane GRICHTING (D – age 31) Auxerre (FRA) (06) 14. Marco PADALINO (M – age 26) Sampdoria (ITA) 15. Hakan YAKIN (M – age 33) Lucerne (SUI) (06) 16. Gelson FERNANDES (M – age 23) Saint-Etienne (FRA) 17. Reto ZIEGLER (D – age 24) Sampdoria (ITA) 18. Albert BUNJAKU (F – age 26) Nuremburg (GER) 19. Eren DERDIYOK (F – age 22) Bayer Leverkusen (GER) 20. Pirmin SCHWEGLER (M – age 26) Eintracht Frankfurt (GER) 21. Johnny LEONI (G – age 25) Zurich (SUI) 22. Mario EGGIMANN (D – age 29) Hannover (GER) 23. Xherdan SHAKIRI (M – age 18) Basel (SUI) Under German coach Ottmar Hitzfeld, the Switzerland team has a distinctly German flavour – with several Germany based players in the squad. They won their qualifying group easily enough, and are now hoping to make a mark on the finals. In goal the Swiss have Diego Benaglio of Wolfsburg, a competent keeper. His deputies Marco Wolfli of Young Boys and Johnny Leoni of Zurich are also steady, solid keepers. The defence has players of experience like Philippe Senderos of Everton, Ludovic Magnin of Zurich and Stephane Grichting of Auxerre. Italy based Stephan Lichtsteiner of Lazio and Reto Ziegler of Sampdoria provide youthful zest and energy. Veteran Hakan Yakin of Lucerne is the Swiss midfield dynamo. Helping him are the trio of Tranquillo Barnetta of Bayer Leverkusen, Gokhan Inler of Udinese and Valon Behrami of West Ham who provide skill and experience. Other midfielders in the squad include the experienced Benjamin Huggel of Basel, young Gelson Fernandes of Saint Etienne and Marco Padalino of Sampdoria. 18 year old Xherdan Shaqiri of Kosovo Albanian origin is also there – a surprising choice, though he is rated very highly in his club, Basel. The veteran captain Alexander Frei leads the Swiss attack. He scored 5 goals in qualifying matches, as did the second striker, Blaise Nkufo of Twente. Born in Zaire, the 35 year old Nkufo came rather late into the Swiss national team, but is now regarded as a major player in the squad. Germany based Eren Derdiyok of Leverkusen and Albert Bunjaku of Nuremburg are two other strikers in the squad. 2010 – qualified on Oct-14, 2009; 23rd team to qualify. 01. Ricardo CANALES (G – age 28) Motagua (HON) 02. Osman CHAVEZ (D – age 25) Platense (HON) 03. Maynor FIGUEROA (D – age 27) Wigan Athletic (ENG) 04. Johnny PALACIOS (D – age 23) Olimpia (HON) 05. Victor BERNARDEZ (D – age 28) Anderlecht (BEL) 06. Hendry THOMAS (M – age 25) Wigan Athletic (ENG) 07. Ramon NUNEZ (M – age 25) Olimpia (HON) 08. Wilson PALACIOS (M – age 25) Tottenham Hotspur (ENG) 09. Carlos PAVON (F – age 36) Real Espana (HON) 10. Julio Cesar DE LEON (M – age 30) Torino (ITA) 11. David SUAZO (F – age 30) Genoa (ITA) 12. George WELCOME (F – age 25) Motagua (HON) 13. Roger ESPINOZA (F – age 23) Kansas City Wizards (USA) 14. Oscar GARCIA (D – age 25) Olimpia (HON) 15. Walter MARTINEZ(M – age 28) Marathon (HON) 16. Mauricio SABILLON (D – age 31) Hangzhou Greentown (CHN) 17. Edgar ALVAREZ (M – age 30) Bari (ITA) 18. Noel VALLARDES (G – age 33) Olimpia (HON) 19. Danilo TURCIOS (M – age 32) Olimpia (HON) 20. Amado GUEVARA (M – age 34) Motagua (HON) (C) 21. Emilio IZAGUIRRE (D – age 24) Motagua (HON) 22. Donis ESCOBAR (G – age 30) Olimpia (HON) 23. Sergio MENDOZA (D – age 29) Motagua (HON) Honduras have qualified for their second World Cup finals, their first since 1982. They are expected to be the chopping blocks of this group. However, under their Colombian coach Reinaldo Rueda, they are an organised team, and they have quite a few players to cause problems to their opposition, if taken lightly. In goal is Noel Vallardes of Olimpia, an experienced keeper of class and skill. The defence includes Wigan’s Maynor Figueroa at left back, Victor Bernardez of Anderlecht and Mauricio Sabillon of Hangzhou, all with top level professional experience. The midfield is honduras’ real strength. Wilson Palacios of Tottenham and Thomas Hendry of Wigan controls the centre while captain Amado Guevara of Matagua and Julio Cesar de Leon of Torino provide the attacking flair. De Leon is also a free-kick expert. Edgar Alvarez of Bari is an exciting winger. Genoa striker David Suazo leads the Honduran attack, alongside the veteran Carlos Pavon of Real Espana. US based Roger Espinoza of Kansas City is another promising striker. Walter Martinez of Marathon is an experienced support striker. Group G
Group H