World Cup Part 2
Free(World Cup Part 2)
Serbia
Coach: Radomir Antic
1 GK Vladimir Stojkovic 29 July 1983 (aged 26) 30 Wigan Athletic
2 DF Antonio Rukavina 26 January 1984 (aged 26) 19 1860 Munich
3 DF Aleksandar Kolarov 10 November 1985 (aged 24) 10 Lazio
4 MF Gojko Kacar 26 January 1987 (aged 23) 15 Hertha Berlin
5 DF Nemanja Vidic 21 October 1981 (aged 28) 44 Manchester United
6 DF Branislav Ivanovic 22 February 1984 (aged 26) 29 Chelsea
7 MF Zoran Tošic 28 April 1987 (aged 23) 18 Köln
8 FW Danko Lazovic 17 May 1983 (aged 27) 34 Zenit Saint Petersburg
9 FW Marko Pantelic 15 September 1978 (aged 31) 29 Ajax
10 MF Dejan Stankovic (c) 11 September 1978 (aged 31) 86 Internazionale
11 MF Nenad Milijaš 30 April 1983 (aged 27) 15 Wolverhampton Wanderers
12 GK Bojan Isailovic 25 March 1980 (aged 30) 3 Zag??bie Lubin
13 DF Aleksandar Lukovic 23 October 1982 (aged 27) 19 Udinese
14 MF Milan Jovanovic 18 April 1981 (aged 29) 24 Standard Liège
15 FW Nikola Žigic 25 September 1980 (aged 29) 42 Birmingham city
16 DF Ivan Obradovic 25 July 1988 (aged 21) 10 Real Zaragoza
17 MF Miloš Krasic 1 November 1984 (aged 25) 29 CSKA Moscow
18 MF Miloš Ninkovic 25 December 1984 (aged 25) 7 Dynamo Kiev
19 MF Radosav Petrovic 8 March 1989 (aged 21) 6 Partizan
20 DF Neven Subotic 10 December 1988 (aged 21) 10 Borussia Dortmund
21 FW Dragan Mrdja 23 January 1984 (aged 26) 3 Vojvodina
22 MF Zdravko Kuzmanovic 22 September 1987 (aged 22) 25 Stuttgart
23 GK An?elko ?uri?i? 21 November 1980 (aged 29) 1 União Leiria
As usual, Serbia have a great qualifying campaign and then fuck it up right before the event starts. They’ve been terrible in their friendlies leading upto the World Cup and are yet to even score, losing against New Zealand and drawing with Poland. Serbia have massive problems if they’re not going to find the net. They’re as strong as ever in defence and have a good manager in Raddy Antic but I fear for them with goals drying up rapidly.
Star players?
New Birmingham City acquisition Nikola Zigic’s towering frame will be vital in the Serbia attack if they indeed intend to score goals. Kuzmanovic is poised to have a good campaign with his pace and trickery down the flanks. Subotic is a rock at the heard of the Serbia defence and along with Vidic could provide an almost immovable object of Serbia employ the correct tactics. The pace of Krasic is essential in a fairly stagnant side and Tosic’s sublime set pieces are going to be important as Serbia create little from open play. Stankovic’s experience in the middle of the park is vital for Serbia to maintain their composure.
Verdict?
Should make the second round if they actually showcase their level of ability. If they don’t start to wake up and score goals then they could face what would only be described as an embarassing exit from this competition in the groups. Really should make the second round but no further due to a fairly impotent and predictable attack. Likely to go unders in most games.
Ghana
Coach: Milovan Rajevac
1 GK Daniel Adjei 10 November 1989 (aged 20) 2 Liberty Professionals
2 DF Hans Sarpei 28 June 1976 (aged 33) 23 Bayer Leverkusen
3 FW Asamoah Gyan 22 November 1985 (aged 24) 32 Rennes
4 DF John Paintsil 15 June 1981 (aged 28) 65 Fulham
5 DF John Mensah 29 November 1982 (aged 27) 58 Sunderland
6 MF Anthony Annan 21 July 1986 (aged 23) 38 Rosenborg
7 DF Samuel Inkoom 22 August 1989 (aged 20) 15 Basel
8 DF Jonathan Mensah 13 July 1990 (aged 19) 3 Free State Stars
9 MF Derek Boateng 2 April 1983 (aged 27) 19 Getafe
10 MF Stephen Appiah (c) 24 December 1980 (aged 29) 56 Bologna
11 MF Sulley Muntari 27 August 1984 (aged 25) 52 Internazionale
12 FW Prince Tagoe 9 November 1986 (aged 23) 17 Hoffenheim
13 MF André Ayew 17 December 1989 (aged 20) 15 Arles-Avignon
14 FW Matthew Amoah 24 October 1980 (aged 29) 31 NAC
15 DF Isaac Vorsah 21 June 1988 (aged 21) 6 Hoffenheim
16 GK Stephen Ahorlu 10 May 1989 (aged 21) 0 Heart of Lions
17 DF Abdul Rahim Ayew 16 April 1988 (aged 22) 15 Zamalek
18 FW Dominic Adiyiah 29 November 1989 (aged 20) 4 Milan
19 DF Lee Addy 26 September 1985 (aged 24) 3 Bechem Chelsea
20 MF Quincy Owusu-Abeyie 15 April 1986 (aged 24) 12 Al-Sadd
21 MF Kwadwo Asamoah 9 September 1988 (aged 22) 29 Udinese
22 GK Richard Kingson 13 June 1978 (aged 31) 58 Wigan Athletic
23 MF Kevin-Prince Boateng 6 March 1987 (aged 23) 0 Portsmouth
There was the potential for Ghana to do well in this tournament but they’ve sadly lost the heartbeat of their team due to injury – Michael Essien. They don’t look anything like as good without him as he’s their leader, their inspiration, their engine. The remaining players are workers and are arguably one of the more competent defensive sides in Africa but they do lack in front of goal, in my opinion. They’re the stereotypical African side in most ways so I don’t expect much from them this year.
Star players?
Michael Essien – not there!
Muntari has to step up to the plate in the absence of Essien. He’s not as good but he remains a very competent midfielder, a great worker and ball-winner and will be essential for Ghana to do anything in this group. Stade Rennais’ Gyan could have a great tournament given chance because of his pace and finishing and Ghana need him to be on top form to have a hope of exiting the group. Annan could surprise a few people with his skills and Paintsil has had a great season with Fulham so I expect him to continue that form and help Ghana maintain their “reasonably solid defensively” status that I’ve granted them!
Verdict?
It’s hard for me to see them escaping this group. I think their pace will trouble Serbia and Germany but they’re not clinical enough to do them damage. I can’t see them having the tactical prowess to outwit Serbia or Germany and I can’t see them beating a tough Australia so I’d imagine them to finish bottom of the group.
Netherlands
Coach: Bert van Maarwijk
1 GK Maarten Stekelenburg 22 September 1982 (aged 27) 25 Ajax
2 DF Gregory van der Wiel 3 February 1988 (aged 22) 8 Ajax
3 DF John Heitinga 15 November 1983 (aged 26) 51 Everton
4 DF Joris Mathijsen 5 April 1980 (aged 30) 53 Hamburg
5 DF Giovanni van Bronckhorst (c) 5 February 1975 (aged 35) 97 Feyenoord
6 MF Mark van Bommel 22 April 1977 (aged 33) 54 Bayern Munich
7 FW Dirk Kuyt 22 July 1980 (aged 29) 60 Liverpool
8 MF Nigel de Jong 30 November 1984 (aged 25) 40 Manchester City
9 FW Robin van Persie 6 August 1983 (aged 26) 41 Arsenal
10 MF Wesley Sneijder 9 June 1984 (aged 26) 59 Internazionale
11 FW Arjen Robben 23 January 1984 (aged 26) 46 Bayern Munich
12 DF Khalid Boulahrouz 28 December 1981 (aged 28) 28 Stuttgart
13 DF André Ooijer 11 July 1974 (aged 35) 53 PSV
14 MF Demy de Zeeuw 26 May 1983 (aged 27) 23 Ajax
15 DF Edson Braafheid 8 April 1983 (aged 27) 5 Celtic
16 GK Michel Vorm 20 October 1983 (aged 26) 3 Utrecht
17 FW Eljero Elia 13 February 1987 (aged 23) 5 Hamburg
18 MF Stijn Schaars 11 January 1984 (aged 26) 11 AZ
19 FW Ryan Babel 19 December 1986 (aged 23) 38 Liverpool
20 MF Ibrahim Afellay 2 April 1986 (aged 24) 20 PSV
21 FW Klaas-Jan Huntelaar 12 August 1983 (aged 26) 30 Milan
22 GK Sander Boschker 20 October 1970 (aged 39) 0 Twente
23 MF Rafael van der Vaart 11 February 1983 (aged 27) 75 Real Madrid
Van Maarwijk has massively impressed me because Netherlands have been super under his rule. They’ve looked incisive, they’re scored goals from all over the pitch, and their work-rate is high. Defensively they’re not convincing due to pure samba attacking football but it’s worth it if you can outscore your opponents and that philosophy has served Netherlands very well indeed both during the qualifiers and their friendlies prioer to this World Cup. I expect this side to do very well indeed!
Star players?
Robben is untouchable on his day, drifting from flank to flank, beating men at will, playing fantastic crosses, incisive passes – and that’s just when he’s not smashing them in from thirty yards! He’ll miss at least the first game through injury but he’s vital for Netherlands, hence Van Maarwijk’s decision to keep him in the squad irrespective of his injury. Van Persie – brilliant striker, had a lot of games missed this season due to injury but played the last few weeks for Arsenal so should be fresh and raring to go for this tournament. Sneijder and Van Der Vaart – expert playmakers and Netherlands utilise them really well. Both are lethal from distance, both from open play and set pieces, and are great passers of the ball. I’d also add that Elia could make a name for himself this year if allowed to – there’s a lot of potential in the Hamburg man!
Verdict?
At last there’s a worthy challenger to Spain’s “clear favourites” pre-World Cup status! Netherlands are scoring goals for fun in their admirable “Total Football” games and look capable of beating anyone in this tournament – could very well reach the final this year if they keep up their potent displays. Their attacking football leaves them shaky at the back so expect a lot of their games to go over 2.5 goals.
Denmark
Coach: Morten Olsen
1 GK Thomas Sørensen 12 June 1976 (aged 33) 86 Stoke City
2 MF Christian Poulsen 28 February 1980 (aged 30) 72 Juventus
3 DF Simon Kjær 26 March 1989 (aged 21) 9 Palermo
4 DF Daniel Agger 12 December 1984 (aged 25) 30 Liverpool
5 DF William Kvist 24 February 1985 (aged 25) 13 København
6 DF Lars Jacobsen 20 September 1979 (aged 30) 29 Blackburn Rovers
7 MF Daniel Jensen 25 June 1979 (aged 30) 47 Werder Bremen
8 MF Jesper Grønkjær 12 August 1977 (aged 32) 76 København
9 FW Jon Dahl Tomasson (c) 29 August 1976 (aged 33) 108 Feyenoord
10 MF Martin Jørgensen 6 October 1975 (aged 34) 94 AGF
11 FW Nicklas Bendtner 16 January 1988 (aged 22) 32 Arsenal
12 MF Thomas Kahlenberg 20 March 1983 (aged 27) 30 Wolfsburg
13 DF Per Krøldrup 31 July 1979 (aged 30) 28 Fiorentina
14 MF Jakob Poulsen 7 July 1983 (aged 26) 11 AGF
15 DF Simon Poulsen 7 October 1984 (aged 25) 4 AZ
16 GK Stephan Andersen 26 November 1981 (aged 28) 5 Brøndby
17 MF Mikkel Beckmann 24 October 1983 (aged 26) 3 Randers
18 FW Søren Larsen 6 September 1981 (aged 28) 17 MSV Duisburg
19 MF Dennis Rommedahl 22 July 1978 (aged 31) 94 Ajax
20 MF Thomas Enevoldsen 27 July 1987 (aged 22) 4 Groningen
21 MF Christian Eriksen 14 February 1992 (aged 18) 2 Ajax
22 GK Jesper Christiansen 24 April 1978 (aged 32) 11 København
23 DF Patrick Mtiliga 28 January 1981 (aged 29) 2 Málaga
This Denmark side has really left me cold this year. I don’t think they deserve to be there in the first place – I think they’re here purely because Sweden had a bad tournament. Denmark are virtually impotent in front of goal and although they’re solid at the back, even the best defence can concede from a fluke goal and falling behind makes Denmark look like losing every time. They did that against both Australia and South Africa in pre-World Cup friendlies and lost both games 1-0 despite Denmark boasting better players than both sides. I’ve a lot of respect for Denmark after having produced the likes of the Laudrups and Schmeichel in the past but they’re in the doldrums ability-wise at the moment.
Star players?
Kjaer and Agger form the only stable and reliable part of this team in the centre of defence. Whereas I don’t see Denmark doing anything in this tournament, those two are set for a tremendous campaign and should help Denmark avoid being beaten on the handicap more often than not, if indeed at all. Bendtner is key (never thought I’d say that!) because he’s the only Danish striker with any sense about him and without him they look like they’ve never seen the opposing goal before! Poulsen is a vital engine in the middle of the park and Gronkjaer’s creativity, pace, and dribbling is vital down the flanks to get the crosses in for Bendtner to attempt to score.
Verdict?
Purely because they’re in a group with at least one inferior opponent, Denmark have a chance of making the second phase if they score for a change but anything beyond that is a miracle.
Japan
Coach: Takeshi Okada
1 GK Seigo Narazaki 15 April 1976 (aged 34) 76 Nagoya Grampus
2 MF Yuki Abe 6 September 1981 (aged 28) 44 Urawa Red Diamonds
3 DF Y?ichi Komano 25 July 1981 (aged 28) 52 Júbilo Iwata
4 DF Marcus Tulio Tanaka 24 April 1981 (aged 29) 38 Nagoya Grampus
5 DF Yuto Nagatomo 12 September 1986 (aged 23) 25 FC Tokyo
6 DF Atsuto Uchida 27 March 1988 (aged 22) 31 Kashima Antlers
7 MF Yasuhito End? 28 January 1980 (aged 30) 93 Gamba Osaka
8 MF Daisuke Matsui 11 May 1981 (aged 29) 23 Grenoble
9 FW Shinji Okazaki 16 April 1986 (aged 24) 27 Shimizu S-Pulse
10 MF Shunsuke Nakamura 24 June 1978 (aged 31) 96 Yokohama F. Marinos
11 FW Keiji Tamada 11 April 1980 (aged 30) 69 Nagoya Grampus
12 FW Kisho Yano 5 April 1984 (aged 26) 18 Albirex Niigata
13 DF Daiki Iwamasa 30 January 1982 (aged 28) 2 Kashima Antlers
14 MF Kengo Nakamura 31 October 1980 (aged 29) 46 Kawasaki Frontale
15 DF Yasuyuki Konno 25 January 1983 (aged 27) 36 FC Tokyo
16 FW Yoshito ?kubo 9 June 1982 (aged 28) 48 Vissel Kobe
17 MF Makoto Hasebe (c) 18 January 1984 (aged 26) 30 Wolfsburg
18 MF Keisuke Honda 13 June 1986 (aged 23) 14 CSKA Moscow
19 FW Takayuki Morimoto 7 May 1988 (aged 22) 5 Catania
20 MF Junichi Inamoto 18 September 1979 (aged 30) 79 Kawasaki Frontale
21 GK Eiji Kawashima 20 March 1983 (aged 27) 9 Kawasaki Frontale
22 DF Yuji Nakazawa 15 February 1978 (aged 32) 104 Yokohama F. Marinos
23 GK Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi 15 August 1975 (aged 34) 116 Júbilo Iwata
Japan have had mixed friendlies prior to the World Cup but it’s left me feeling that my previous expectations of them to do well this year were foolish. They had such a strong qualifying campaign and even beat some good sides in friendlies surrounding that time but their friendlies of late have disappointed massively. They’re a talented side, they’re well-organised, but they do lack in front of goal more often than not and that’s a sure way of struggling to do anything!
Star players?
Honda. He’s pivotal to the Japanese side with his passing, creativity, and set pieces – without him they’re nothing in attack. Inamoto and Nakamura bring bags of experience and ability to the table and all in all, midfield is Japan’s dominant area so expect them to use their star players to frustrate sides.
Verdict?
A small chance of qualifying if they beat Denmark when they meet. Japan lack in front of goal like Denmark do but Japan look a little more shaky in defence but a bit stronger in midfield so it balances quite well between the two sides. However, the Danes have a physical edge over the Asians so I think the Japanese will go out in the groups or if they miraculously qualify for the second round then they should be out then.
Cameroon
Coach: Paul Le Guen
1 GK Idriss Carlos Kameni 18 February 1984 (aged 26) 58 Espanyol
2 DF Benoît Assou-Ekotto 24 March 1984 (aged 26) 4 Tottenham Hotspur
3 DF Nicolas N’Koulou 27 March 1990 (aged 20) 6 Monaco
4 DF Rigobert Song 1 July 1976 (aged 33) 133 Trabzonspor
5 DF Sébastien Bassong 9 July 1986 (aged 23) 3 Tottenham Hotspur
6 MF Alexandre Song 9 September 1987 (aged 22) 20 Arsenal
7 MF Landry N’Guémo 28 November 1985 (aged 24) 17 Celtic
8 DF Geremi 20 December 1978 (aged 31) 109 Ankaragücü
9 FW Samuel Eto’o (c) 10 March 1981 (aged 29) 92 Internazionale
10 FW Achille Emana 5 June 1982 (aged 28) 32 Real Betis
11 MF Jean Makoun 29 May 1983 (aged 27) 46 Lyon
12 DF Gaëtan Bong 25 April 1988 (aged 22) 0 Valenciennes
13 DF Aurélien Chedjou 20 June 1985 (aged 24) 8 Lille
14 FW Eric Choupo-Moting 23 March 1989 (aged 21) 0 Nuremberg
15 FW Pierre Webó 20 January 1982 (aged 28) 39 Mallorca
16 GK Souleymanou Hamidou 22 November 1973 (aged 36) 40 Kayserispor
17 FW Mohammadou Idrissou 8 March 1980 (aged 30) 28 Freiburg
18 MF Eyong Enoh 23 March 1986 (aged 24) 12 Ajax
19 DF Stephane Mbia 20 May 1986 (aged 24) 29 Marseille
20 MF Georges Mandjeck 9 December 1988 (aged 21) 4 Kaiserslautern
21 MF Joel Matip 8 August 1991 (aged 18) 1 Schalke
22 GK Guy N’dy Assembé 28 February 1986 (aged 24) 0 Valenciennes
23 FW Vincent Aboubakar 22 January 1992 (aged 18) 0 Cotonsport Garoua
Cameroon really haven’t prepared for this World Cup well at all. The fixtures and locations have been perfect for their World Cup preparations but the atmosphere in the camp certainly hasn’t been. The rift between star striker Samuel Eto’o and Cameroon legend Roger Milla has cast doubt over the whole Cameroonian campaign with Milla accusing Eto’o of not giving as much to his country as he did for both Barcelona and Internazionale respectively. Eto’o then said he was considering not playing for Cameroon during the World Cup, hence the problems. I don’t think Eto’o is as good as everyone else seems to but he’s pivotial to this side and without him they’re simply an average side. They’re one of the strongest sides in the competition in terms of stamina but their defending is weak and they lack the ability to break good sides down so should struggle in this tournament.
Star players?
Eto’o. I don’t rate him that much, as I said, but his pace is the only weapon that Cameroon can offer that few other sides can match or even deal with. Webo has been excellent in the friendlies so he could cause an upset by being Cameroon’s main striker goals-wise. Rigobert Song and Geremi’s experience is invaluable for Cameroon to have any chance of taking anything from this tournament and the engines that are Emana and Makoun will be quintessential for Cameroon to win any midfield battles.
Verdict?
I don’t rate this Cameroonian side too much and yet I have a bizarre feeling that they could do well. They’ve got so much tenacity that sometimes that can propel a side to success without ability being ever-present i.e. Greece in the European Championships a few years ago. I don’t think Cameroon are good enough at the back, which is surprising because they’ve got the right mixture of pace, experience, game-reading, and timing – they just don’t link up well enough, however. I don’t expect them to score enough goals, however, so I think we’ll see them exit the tournament in the group stages.
Italy
Coach: Marcello Lippi
1 GK Gianluigi Buffon 28 January 1978 (aged 32) 101 Juventus
2 DF Christian Maggio 11 February 1982 (aged 28) 4 Napoli
3 DF Domenico Criscito 30 December 1986 (aged 23) 6 Genoa
4 DF Giorgio Chiellini 14 August 1984 (aged 25) 28 Juventus
5 DF Fabio Cannavaro (c) 13 September 1973 (aged 36) 133 Juventus
6 MF Daniele De Rossi 24 July 1983 (aged 26) 53 Roma
7 MF Simone Pepe 30 August 1983 (aged 26) 14 Udinese
8 MF Gennaro Gattuso 9 January 1978 (aged 32) 71 Milan
9 FW Vincenzo Iaquinta 21 November 1979 (aged 30) 36 Juventus
10 FW Antonio Di Natale 13 October 1977 (aged 32) 32 Udinese
11 FW Alberto Gilardino 5 July 1982 (aged 27) 40 Fiorentina
12 GK Federico Marchetti 7 February 1983 (aged 27) 4 Cagliari
13 DF Salvatore Bocchetti 30 November 1986 (aged 23) 4 Genoa
14 GK Morgan De Sanctis 27 March 1977 (aged 33) 3 Napoli
15 MF Claudio Marchisio 19 January 1986 (aged 24) 4 Juventus
16 MF Mauro Camoranesi 4 October 1976 (aged 33) 53 Juventus
17 MF Angelo Palombo 25 September 1981 (aged 28) 16 Sampdoria
18 FW Fabio Quagliarella 31 January 1983 (aged 27) 19 Napoli
19 DF Gianluca Zambrotta 19 February 1977 (aged 33) 93 Milan
20 FW Giampaolo Pazzini 2 August 1984 (aged 25) 7 Sampdoria
21 MF Andrea Pirlo 19 May 1979 (aged 31) 66 Milan
22 MF Riccardo Montolivo 18 January 1985 (aged 25) 12 Fiorentina
23 DF Leonardo Bonucci 1 May 1987 (aged 23) 2 Bari
I really fear for Italy in this World Cup. They’ve been on a slippery slope downwards ever since they won the last World Cup and their squad now looks very old and vulnerable. They’ve been terrible in their pre-World Cup friendlies, losing to a reserve Mexico team and drawing with an impotent Switzerland. I don’t understand why Lippi thinks that Italy playing just two friendlies is enough to prepare themselves for defending their World Cup crown! It definitely isn’t! They don’t know how to deal with pace or strength and they’ve shown that in each game they’ve played in! Italy have been threatening to be embarrassed for a while now and I think this may be the tournament for it to occur, just like France in the 2002 World Cup despite them having won the World Cup in 1998.
Star players?
Pirlo – injured at the moment but one of the most gifted passers of the ball that I have ever seen in my life. His technical ability is second to none and he’ll be essential for Italy to do anything in this tournament. Cannavaro – his experience at the back is absolutely vital for Italy to deal with the inevitable pace problems that they almost certainly will encounter as that’s their weak point.
Verdict?
I really don’t rate this side! There’s no questioning their individual ability but they’re old and slow and every side is exposing that and thus defending against them a lot more eaisly. They’ve not scored more than one goal in a game for their last five games consecutively and are suffering as a result. We all know Italy don’t concede many goals as a rule but I think that might change this year as age really catches up with them. Everyone expects Italy to win the group – I’m not so sure. They’re in a tricky group and may even face a very early group exit indeed if they’re not careful. I’ll say they’ll progress to the next round but I think they might just go out in the second round depending on who they face.
Paraguay
Coach: Gerardo Martino
1 GK Justo Villar 30 June 1977 (aged 32) 71 Real Valladolid
2 DF Darío Verón 26 June 1979 (aged 30) 27 UNAM
3 DF Claudio Morel 2 February 1978 (aged 32) 25 Boca Juniors
4 DF Denis Caniza (c) 29 August 1974 (aged 35) 95 León
5 DF Julio César Cáceres 5 October 1979 (aged 30) 59 Atlético Mineiro
6 DF Carlos Bonet 2 October 1977 (aged 32) 60 Olimpia
7 FW Oscar Cardozo 20 May 1983 (aged 27) 29 Benfica
8 MF Édgar Barreto 15 July 1984 (aged 25) 47 Atalanta
9 FW Roque Santa Cruz 16 August 1981 (aged 28) 66 Manchester City
10 FW Édgar Benítez 8 November 1987 (aged 22) 12 Pachuca
11 MF Jonathan Santana 19 October 1981 (aged 28) 21 Wolfsburg
12 GK Diego Barreto 16 July 1981 (aged 28) 2 Cerro Porteño
13 MF Enrique Vera 10 March 1979 (aged 31) 25 LDU Quito
14 DF Paulo da Silva 1 February 1980 (aged 30) 67 Sunderland
15 MF Víctor Cáceres 25 March 1985 (aged 25) 25 Libertad
16 MF Cristian Riveros 16 October 1982 (aged 27) 45 Cruz Azul
17 DF Aureliano Torres 16 June 1982 (aged 27) 25 San Lorenzo
18 FW Nelson Haedo Valdez 28 November 1983 (aged 26) 38 Borussia Dortmund
19 FW Lucas Barrios 13 November 1984 (aged 25) 3 Borussia Dortmund
20 MF Néstor Ortigoza 7 October 1984 (aged 25) 3 Argentinos Juniors
21 DF Antolín Alcaraz 30 July 1982 (aged 27) 5 Club Brugge
22 GK Aldo Bobadilla 20 April 1976 (aged 34) 18 Independiente Medellín
23 FW Rodolfo Gamarra 10 December 1988 (aged 21) 2 Libertad
I just don’t know what to think about this team! They’re the best tactical side in South America and they’ve got some tremendous strikers but the games they’ve played of late suggest that they struggle to deal with other cultures’ approach to footbll and they even looked lethargic. They’ve been exposed in defence of late and I fear for them despite initially feeling they could cause a few shocks in this tournament. There’s no question that they’re capable, particularly with their attacking prowess, but I feel they’ll be outdone by pace in defence and that might just cost them.
Star players?
Santa Cruz, Cabanas, Cardozo – three fantastic strikers with many different levels of ability to change a game and they’ll be untouchable if they’re in-form, as well as being key to Paraguay being a threat. Da Silva, Caniza, and Veron at the back are key for Paraguay’s decent defence to hold strong with their experience and Barreto is a useful engine for them in the middle of the park if they want to run the game down.
Verdict?
Capable of qualifying for the second round with ease but recent form suggests that they’ll make it but laboriously. Capable of making the Quarter-Finals if they play to their full potential but are also capable of being humbled in the second round so I’m a bit undecided here.
New Zealand
Coach: Ricki Herbert
1 GK Mark Paston 13 December 1976 (aged 33) 22 Wellington Phoenix
2 DF Ben Sigmund 3 February 1981 (aged 29) 14 Wellington Phoenix
3 DF Tony Lochhead 12 January 1982 (aged 28) 28 Wellington Phoenix
4 DF Winston Reid 3 July 1988 (aged 21) 2 Midtjylland
5 DF Ivan Vicelich 3 September 1976 (aged 33) 66 Auckland City
6 DF Ryan Nelsen (c) 18 October 1977 (aged 32) 40 Blackburn Rovers
7 MF Simon Elliott 10 June 1974 (aged 36) 62 Unattached
8 MF Tim Brown 6 March 1981 (aged 29) 25 Wellington Phoenix
9 FW Shane Smeltz 29 September 1981 (aged 28) 29 Gold Coast United
10 FW Chris Killen 8 October 1981 (aged 28) 31 Middlesbrough
11 MF Leo Bertos 20 December 1981 (aged 28) 33 Wellington Phoenix
12 GK Glen Moss 19 January 1983 (aged 27) 15 Melbourne Victory
13 MF Andy Barron 24 December 1980 (aged 29) 11 Team Wellington
14 FW Rory Fallon 20 March 1982 (aged 28) 6 Plymouth Argyle
15 MF Michael McGlinchey 7 January 1987 (aged 23) 5 Motherwell
16 MF Aaron Clapham 1 January 1987 (aged 23) 0 Canterbury United
17 MF David Mulligan 24 March 1982 (aged 28) 25 Unattached
18 DF Andrew Boyens 18 September 1983 (aged 26) 15 New York Red Bulls
19 DF Tommy Smith 31 March 1990 (aged 20) 3 Ipswich Town
20 FW Chris Wood 7 December 1991 (aged 18) 8 West Bromwich Albion
21 MF Jeremy Christie 22 May 1983 (aged 27) 21 Tampa Bay
22 MF Jeremy Brockie 7 October 1987 (aged 22) 17 Newcastle Jets
23 GK James Bannatyne 30 June 1975 (aged 34) 3 Team Wellington
A lot of people are underestimating this side to a dangerous level. True, they’re not great goalscorers and they have few household names but they’re well-organised and hard to beat so don’t go big on the handicaps against these guys unless they’re facing the likes of Spain (unlikely at best, however!). They are still progressing as a footballing nation but they’re progressing rather rapidly in the grand scheme of things. They’re capable of frustrating sides and even scoring the odd goal so be prepared to be surprised by some of their displays although perhaps not the outcome of their games, such is the way of luck.
Star players?
Ryan Nelsen – towering pillar in the centre of defence, a real rock. He’s upped his game a lot since joining Blackburn Rovers and he’s now experienced too. He’ll be vital in New Zealand frustrating sides and will be a constant threat from set pieces too. Rory Fallon has experience in the English Championship and should therefore be used to taking his chances and battling for everything, which makes him rather useful for New Zealand. Last but not least – Shane Smeltz has been scoring goals for fun in the A-League for a long time and he just seems to attract goals whoever he plays so don’t underestimate him in this tournament.
Verdict?
The tournament has come a year or two too early for New Zealand so I do expect them to go out in the group stages. I don’t expect them to concede as many as most people think they will and they should offer the odd threat in attack too – capable of finishing third.
Slovakia
Coach: Vladimír Weiss
1 GK Ján Mucha 5 December 1982 (aged 27) 14 Legia Warszawa
2 DF Martin Petráš 2 November 1979 (aged 30) 38 Cesena
3 DF Martin Škrtel 15 December 1984 (aged 25) 37 Liverpool
4 DF Marek ?ech 26 January 1983 (aged 27) 38 West Bromwich Albion
5 DF Radoslav Zabavník 16 September 1980 (aged 29) 42 Mainz
6 MF Zdeno Štrba 9 June 1976 (aged 34) 20 Skoda Xanthi
7 MF Vladimír Weiss 30 November 1989 (aged 20) 7 Bolton Wanderers
8 MF Ján Kozák 22 April 1980 (aged 30) 22 Timi?oara
9 MF Stanislav Šesták 16 December 1982 (aged 27) 29 Bochum
10 MF Marek Sapara 31 July 1982 (aged 27) 24 Ankaragücü
11 FW Róbert Vittek 1 April 1982 (aged 28) 69 Ankaragücü
12 GK Dušan Perniš 28 November 1984 (aged 25) 1 Dundee United
13 FW Filip Hološko 17 January 1984 (aged 26) 37 Be?ikta?
14 FW Martin Jakubko 26 February 1980 (aged 30) 21 Saturn Moscow
15 MF Miroslav Stoch 19 October 1989 (aged 20) 10 Twente
16 DF Ján Durica 10 December 1981 (aged 28) 35 Hannover 96
17 MF Marek Hamšík (c) 27 July 1987 (aged 22) 30 Napoli
18 FW Erik Jendrišek 26 October 1986 (aged 23) 13 Kaiserslautern
19 MF Juraj Kucka 26 February 1987 (aged 23) 5 Sparta Prague
20 MF Kamil Kopúnek 18 May 1984 (aged 26) 7 Spartak Trnava
21 DF Kornel Saláta 4 January 1985 (aged 25) 3 Slovan Bratislava
22 GK Dušan Kuciak 21 May 1985 (aged 25) 2 FC Vaslui
23 DF Peter Pekarík 30 October 1986 (aged 23) 19 Wolfsburg
Slovakia are definitely a nation on the rise but they’re also frustrating with it. They love their narrow victories but narrow leads often lead to crushing equalisers, much like the game against Cameroon a couple of weeks ago. They’ve got bags of potential but sometimes lack a little innovation. They’re good in front of goal and well-organised at the back but I question the tactics of Weiss sometimes because they’re capable of scoring more goals but he prefers to hold their narrow leads rather than push on to confirm the victory – a very dangerous game to play and it may well be their downfall this year.
Star players?
Hamsik is the heartbeat of the team. He’s a really good playmaker that a lot of big clubs are sniffing around because he’s quick, confident, a good passer of the ball, and is hard to mark out of the game as he always finds space. Vittek and Sestak provide very good outlets for the ball in attack with their dogged tenacity and frightening pace so they’ll be key to Slovakia’s game plan. The experence of Durica and Skrtel will be vital, as will the ability of Jan Mucha in goal, which should make Slovakia hard to score against. There’s a good possibility that young Weiss can set the tournament alight if allowed because he’s a fantastic dribbler of the ball and makes things happen – something very useful in an occasionally-stale Slovakia side.
Verdict?
Should make the second round but no further than the third at a push. They need to take all of their chances and finish sides off properly to be successful, however. They’ve got more than enough ability to make the next round though so I do expect them to do so.
Brazil
Coach: Dunga
1 GK Júlio César 3 September 1979 (aged 30) 47 Internazionale
2 DF Maicon 26 July 1981 (aged 28) 56 Internazionale
3 DF Lúcio (c) 8 May 1978 (aged 32) 89 Internazionale
4 DF Juan 1 February 1979 (aged 31) 73 Roma
5 MF Felipe Melo 26 August 1983 (aged 26) 16 Juventus
6 DF Michel Bastos 2 August 1983 (aged 26) 3 Lyon
7 MF Elano 14 June 1981 (aged 28) 41 Galatasaray
8 MF Gilberto Silva 7 October 1976 (aged 33) 86 Panathinaikos
9 FW Luís Fabiano 8 November 1980 (aged 29) 36 Sevilla
10 MF Kaká 22 April 1982 (aged 28) 76 Real Madrid
11 FW Robinho 25 January 1984 (aged 26) 73 Santos
12 GK Gomes 15 February 1981 (aged 29) 9 Tottenham Hotspur
13 DF Daniel Alves 6 May 1983 (aged 27) 33 Barcelona
14 DF Luisão 13 February 1981 (aged 29) 40 Benfica
15 DF Thiago Silva 22 September 1984 (aged 25) 4 Milan
16 DF Gilberto 25 April 1976 (aged 34) 32 Cruzeiro
17 MF Josué 19 July 1979 (aged 30) 26 Wolfsburg
18 MF Ramires 24 March 1987 (aged 23) 11 Benfica
19 MF Júlio Baptista 1 October 1981 (aged 28) 45 Roma
20 MF Kléberson 19 June 1979 (aged 30) 31 Flamengo
21 FW Nilmar 14 July 1984 (aged 25) 15 Villarreal
22 GK Doni 22 October 1979 (aged 30) 10 Roma
23 FW Grafite 2 April 1979 (aged 31) 2 Wolfsburg
You can never write these bastasrds off, can you?! They’ve not impressed in anything particularly, including their stint in the Confederations Cup and their qualifying campaign for this World Cup. They decided it would be apt to warm up for this World Cup by playing Tanzania and Zimbabwe. Why?! We all know Brazil can beat those sides! I can only imagine that it was a morale-booster for them and also aided them in getting used to the terrain in Africa, albeit neither game being played in South Africa. Brazil have bags of ability all over the field, particularly when it comes to goalscoring, so I think it’s safe to say that they’re going to do well in this tournament!
Star players?
Christ, I could pick any of these guys and tell you why they’re brilliant but there’s no way I’m doing all of their squad! I fancy Julio Cesar to have a great tournament because Brazil are questionable at the back and thus will need him at his best and let’s face it – he’s one of the best goalkeepers in the world currently so I fancy him to do very well. The experience of Lucio is essential for Brazil, as is the brilliance and creativity of Kaka. Lastly, Robinho – he can be the best or the worst player on the pitch in an instant, depending on whether he keeps his dummy in or not – a brilliant goalscorer though.
Verdict?
I don’t see Brazil winning this one although they’re unquestionably capable of doing so. I think there are better sides in this tournament and that they’re susceptible against strong tactical sides so they could be undone towards the end of the tournament. I’ll say that they’ll hit the Semi-Finals and possibly even the Final depending on who they face.
North Korea
Coach: Kim Jong-Hun
1 GK Ri Myong-Guk 9 September 1986 (aged 23) 28 Pyongyang City
2 DF Cha Jong-Hyok 25 September 1985 (aged 24) 31 Amrokgang
3 DF Ri Jun-Il 24 August 1987 (aged 22) 26 Sobaeksu
4 MF Pak Nam-Chol 2 July 1985 (aged 24) 35 April 25
5 DF Ri Kwang-Chon 4 September 1985 (aged 24) 41 April 25
6 FW Kim Kum-Il 10 October 1987 (aged 22) 11 April 25
7 GK Kim Myong-Won* 15 July 1983 (aged 26) 9 Amrokgang
8 DF Ji Yun-Nam 20 November 1976 (aged 33) 23 April 25
9 MF Ri Chol-Myong 18 February 1988 (aged 22) 10 Pyongyang City
10 FW Hong Yong-Jo (c) 22 May 1982 (aged 28) 40 Rostov
11 MF Mun In-Guk 29 September 1978 (aged 31) 42 April 25
12 MF Kim Kyong-Il 11 December 1988 (aged 21) 7 Rimyongsu
13 DF Pak Chol-Jin 5 September 1985 (aged 24) 34 Amrokgang
14 MF Pak Sung-Hyok 30 May 1990 (aged 20) 3 Sobaeksu
15 MF Kim Yong-Jun 19 July 1983 (aged 26) 52 Pyongyang City
16 DF Nam Song-Chol 7 May 1982 (aged 28) 41 April 25
17 FW Choe Kum-Chol 9 February 1987 (aged 23) 16 April 25
18 GK Kim Myong-Gil 16 October 1984 (aged 25) 10 Amrokgang
19 FW An Chol-Hyok 27 June 1985 (aged 24) 16 Rimyongsu
20 DF Ri Kwang-Hyok 17 August 1987 (aged 22) 15 Kyonggongop
21 DF Pak Nam-Chol 3 October 1988 (aged 21) 12 Amrokgang
22 MF Ahn Young-Hak 25 October 1978 (aged 31) 24 Omiya Ardija
23 FW Jong Tae-Se 2 March 1984 (aged 26) 20 Kawasaki Frontale
I don’t know as much about the North Koreans as I’d like to, unfortunately! I’m sure you’re all well aware of the situation surrounding North Korea with the privacy of the country so there’s very little I can tell you here. However, what I have seen of them makes them such an interesting side for this competition because they can be both dogged in defence and also gritty little fuckers who can score goals too. They’re the kind of side that can beat Brazil and lose to New Zealand (obviously theoretically – they’re not in the same group as New Zealand!). I expect a lot of their games to go over due to their ability to score goals versus playing superior sides although make no mistake – these guys can defend a lead if given the chance.
Star players?
Rather embarrassingly on my part, I can’t really shed any light here – I’ve only really seen Tae-Se from Kawasaki Frontale and he’s a good player but this team strikes me as more of a “team” than individual brilliance based on their displays thus far.
Verdict?
It’s a shame that they’re in such a tough group or I’d give them a chance of making the second round but they’ve got too many difficult oppnents on different levels so I think they’ll go out here. However, I expect them to play quite a big part in potentially derailing Portugal this year so don’t write these guys off – they’re dangerous if you underestimate them!
Ivory Coast
Coach: Sven-Göran Eriksson
1 GK Boubacar Barry 30 December 1979 (aged 30) 45 Lokeren
2 DF Benjamin Angoua 28 November 1986 (aged 23) 7 Valenciennes
3 DF Arthur Boka 2 April 1983 (aged 27) 54 Stuttgart
4 DF Kolo Touré 19 March 1981 (aged 29) 76 Manchester City
5 MF Didier Zokora 14 December 1980 (aged 29) 80 Sevilla
6 MF Yaya Touré 13 May 1983 (aged 27) 47 Barcelona
7 FW Seydou Doumbia 31 December 1987 (aged 22) 5 Young Boys
8 FW Salomon Kalou 5 August 1985 (aged 24) 28 Chelsea
9 MF Cheick Tioté 21 June 1986 (aged 23) 8 Twente
10 FW Gervinho 27 May 1987 (aged 23) 15 Lille
11 FW Didier Drogba (c) 11 March 1978 (aged 32) 63 Chelsea
12 DF Steve Gohouri 8 February 1981 (aged 29) 11 Wigan Athletic
13 MF Jean-Jacques Gosso 15 March 1983 (aged 27) 6 Monaco
14 MF Koffi Romaric 4 June 1983 (aged 27) 38 Sevilla
15 FW Aruna Dindane 26 November 1980 (aged 29) 54 Portsmouth
16 GK Aristide Zogbo 30 December 1981 (aged 28) 6 Maccabi Netanya
17 DF Siaka Tiéné 22 March 1982 (aged 28) 55 Valenciennes
18 MF Abdul Kader Keïta 6 August 1981 (aged 28) 55 Galatasaray
19 MF Emmanuel Koné 31 December 1986 (aged 23) 12 International
20 DF Guy Demel 13 June 1981 (aged 28) 26 Hamburg
21 DF Emmanuel Eboué 4 June 1983 (aged 27) 52 Arsenal
22 DF Sol Bamba 13 January 1985 (aged 25) 16 Hibernian
23 GK Daniel Yeboah 13 November 1984 (aged 25) 4 ASEC Mimosas
This is quite the comibination, isn’t it? Eriksson’s tactical brilliance versus the samba antics of Ivory Coast. It’s either going to be brilliant or horrendous and I’m not sure which it is yet! The Ivorians are deadly in attack as goalscoring is their forté but they’re a little suspect defensively. They’ve got tremendous stamina and pace so I don’t expect them to be ripped apart by anyone but I’d question the longevity of their quest in this tournament purely because I’m not convinced that they can play out a tactical game for ninety minutes, which makes them likely to lose leads etc. so I don’t quite know what to make of this side!
Star players?
Drogba – suffering from injury, which is a massive blow for the Ivorians. He is 70% of their potency – without him they’re not the same side. It’s unknown how long he’ll be out with this injury but that’s the question that needs answering before we decide if Ivory Coast can make the next round or not. Kolo Toure is their defensive rock and will be key to any success that they have, as will midfield engine Zokora. There’s a chance for Doumbia to really make his name in this tournament after a tremendous season with Young Boys Bern in Switzerland, a season which earned him a move to CSKA Moscow in Russia after the World Cup.
Verdict?
This side could do very well if they gel with Eriksson’s tactics well. They’ve got tenacity, strength, ability, and potency so they could even hit the Quarter-Finals this year. I fancy them to edge Portugal out of the tournament this year if they play as well as they are capable of and anything after that is a bonus.
Portugal
Coach: Carlos Queiroz
1 GK Eduardo 19 September 1982 (aged 27) 12 Braga
2 DF Bruno Alves 27 November 1981 (aged 28) 28 Porto
3 DF Paulo Ferreira 18 January 1979 (aged 31) 59 Chelsea
4 DF Rolando 31 August 1985 (aged 24) 7 Porto
5 DF Duda 27 June 1980 (aged 29) 14 Málaga
6 DF Ricardo Carvalho 18 May 1978 (aged 32) 60 Chelsea
7 FW Cristiano Ronaldo (c) 5 February 1985 (aged 25) 69 Real Madrid
8 MF Pedro Mendes 26 February 1979 (aged 31) 5 Sporting CP
9 FW Liédson 17 December 1977 (aged 32) 7 Sporting CP
10 MF Danny 7 August 1983 (aged 26) 8 Zenit Saint Petersburg
11 MF Simão 31 October 1979 (aged 30) 79 Atlético Madrid
12 GK Beto 1 May 1982 (aged 28) 1 Porto
13 DF Miguel 4 January 1980 (aged 30) 53 Valencia
14 MF Miguel Veloso 11 May 1986 (aged 24) 10 Sporting CP
15 DF Pepe 26 February 1983 (aged 27) 24 Real Madrid
16 MF Raul Meireles 17 March 1983 (aged 27) 31 Porto
17 FW Nani 17 November 1986 (aged 23) 34 Manchester United
18 FW Hugo Almeida 23 May 1984 (aged 26) 23 Werder Bremen
19 MF Tiago 2 May 1981 (aged 29) 49 Atlético Madrid
20 MF Deco 27 August 1977 (aged 32) 71 Chelsea
21 DF Ricardo Costa 16 May 1981 (aged 29) 6 Lille
22 GK Daniel Fernandes 25 September 1983 (aged 26) 2 Iraklis
23 DF Fábio Coentrão 11 March 1988 (aged 22) 3 Benfica
Portugal have really disappointed me for some years now because they have utterly impotent attackers! Their midfield is outstanding, their defence is decent, but their attack is beyond woeful. Thank God Liedson swayed allegiance because he’s at least marginally better than their current options and he’s got good experience. Portugal’s midfield is really very good and can create chances but it’s hard to achieve anything with little to finish off their chances, hence resilient sides causing the Portuguese so many problems.
Star players?
Ronaldo – enough said. This guy carries the team! He’s their only consistent threat from every conceivable situation and the only reason that I have any doubts over Ivory Coast usurping them in this group. Simao – Nani has gone home injured so the impetus is now on Simao to use his experience and be his usual brilliant self. Carvalho and Alves need to use their experience at the back (presuming Portugal are smart enough to play their best two centre-backs and not play the tempremental idiot Pepe, who frankly shouldn’t be playing football anymore) because I don’t see Portugal scoring many goals so they need to keep clean sheets and they’re both extremely strong in the air from set pieces, which is a key part of any side playing a 4-5-1 formation. Real Meireles is as important as Ronaldo, for me, but in a different way as Ronaldo is the creator and scorer whereas Meireles is the worker and ball-winner, something Portugal cannot do without him so doesn’t underestimate his importance in this side.
Verdict?
They’ve got the individual brilliance to make the second round but I don’t see them going further than that. In all honesty, I don’t see them making it out of the group without a lot of luck because there are sides in this group that will expose Portugal’s weakness both in front of goal and in front of their own goal very well indeed so I fancy a surprise early exit for Portugal this year, or at the very least a second round exit.
Spain
Coach: Vicente del Bosque
1 GK Iker Casillas (c) 20 May 1981 (aged 29) 103 Real Madrid
2 DF Raúl Albiol 4 September 1985 (aged 24) 22 Real Madrid
3 DF Gerard Piqué 2 February 1987 (aged 23) 15 Barcelona
4 DF Carlos Marchena 31 July 1979 (aged 30) 57 Valencia
5 DF Carles Puyol 13 April 1978 (aged 32) 82 Barcelona
6 MF Andrés Iniesta 11 May 1984 (aged 26) 41 Barcelona
7 FW David Villa 3 December 1981 (aged 28) 56 Valencia
8 MF Xavi 25 January 1980 (aged 30) 85 Barcelona
9 FW Fernando Torres 20 March 1984 (aged 26) 72 Liverpool
10 MF Cesc Fàbregas 4 May 1987 (aged 23) 47 Arsenal
11 DF Joan Capdevila 3 February 1978 (aged 32) 44 Villarreal
12 GK Víctor Valdés 14 January 1982 (aged 28) 0 Barcelona
13 MF Juan Manuel Mata 28 April 1988 (aged 22) 7 Valencia
14 MF Xabi Alonso 25 November 1981 (aged 28) 67 Real Madrid
15 DF Sergio Ramos 30 March 1986 (aged 24) 58 Real Madrid
16 MF Sergio Busquets 16 July 1988 (aged 21) 12 Barcelona
17 DF Álvaro Arbeloa 17 January 1983 (aged 27) 14 Real Madrid
18 FW Pedro 28 July 1987 (aged 22) 1 Barcelona
19 FW Fernando Llorente 26 February 1985 (aged 25) 6 Athletic Bilbao
20 MF Javi Martínez 2 September 1988 (aged 21) 1 Athletic Bilbao
21 MF David Silva 8 January 1986 (aged 24) 34 Valencia
22 MF Jesús Navas 21 November 1985 (aged 24) 4 Sevilla
23 GK Pepe Reina 31 August 1982 (aged 27) 19 Liverpool
Immaculate. That’s the only way I can describe this team. They failed to impress in friendlies against Saudi Arabia and South Korea, to the point where even I thought they’d bottled the best chance of their lives to win the World Cup but then they hosted Poland and things changed dramatically! It was a tough game as Poland were playing well under Smuda, especially in defence, so I didn’t think the Spanish would enjoy the game too much. Wrong! Xavi and Iniesta dominated the game like only they can and Spain’s seven shots on target turned into a 6-0 win. Unbelievable. This side has bags of ability in front of goal and many players to change a game so I really fancy them to go far this year despite their occasionally suicidal defence.
Star players?
Xavi and Iniesta (doubt for the first match with injury) – when these two playmakers run the midfield, any side will concede goals. They’re phenomenally good players and have such a good understanding with each other, although the fitness of Iniesta is as much of a concern as it has been all season due to consistent muscle problems, which could hurt Spain. Capdevilla – not a particularly good player but he’s the only left-back in the Spanish national team so that makes him pretty damn important in my eyes. Torres – carries an inferior Villa, always a threat with pace and tremendous finishing. Casillas – one of the best shot-stoppers in the world and bails his defence out from time to time as a result of it. Llorente – won’t see much of him but he provides a very useful alternative that Spain haven’t had in their side since the late 90’s when Ismael Urzaiz was in the squad – aerial dominance. Very clever move by Del Bosque to take him as he’s already proven a useful addition to the squad when things aren’t going their way by heading home a set piece in the dying seconds against Saudi Arabia to win the game in a pre-World Cup friendly.
Flops?
Javi Martinez and Sergio Busquets. Harsh for me to call them flops as they’re not on my “favoured” list purely because I don’t understand why they’re here due to their youth and thus inexperience. They’re both set to become very good players indeed but that time is not now and both have a lot of players who will be played ahead of them in this squad so why wasn’t one sacrified for another left-back? Hopefully this decision won’t become a mistake for Del Bosque but I do have my reservations about these two.
Verdict?
Winners. In the past twelve months I’d have said it’d be because of their superior footballing style – and they certainly do still have that in their arsenal – but now it’s because I can’t see who is going to stop them. They’ve been a tad disappointing when averaged over their recent friendlies but I can’t see anyone good enough to outplay them or outscore them so I have to favour them to win the World Cup.
Switzerland
Coach: Ottmar Hitzfeld
1 GK Diego Benaglio 8 September 1983 (aged 26) 25 Wolfsburg
2 DF Stephan Lichtsteiner 16 January 1984 (aged 26) 26 Lazio
3 DF Ludovic Magnin 20 April 1979 (aged 31) 61 Zürich
4 DF Philippe Senderos 14 February 1985 (aged 25) 38 Everton
5 DF Steve von Bergen 10 June 1983 (aged 27) 10 Hertha Berlin
6 MF Benjamin Huggel 7 July 1977 (aged 32) 36 Basel
7 MF Tranquillo Barnetta 2 May 1985 (aged 25) 50 Bayer Leverkusen
8 MF Gökhan Inler 27 June 1984 (aged 25) 34 Udinese
9 FW Alexander Frei (c) 15 July 1979 (aged 30) 73 Basel
10 FW Blaise Nkufo 25 May 1975 (aged 35) 29 Twente
11 MF Valon Behrami 19 April 1985 (aged 25) 26 West Ham United
12 GK Marco Wölfli 22 August 1982 (aged 27) 4 Young Boys
13 DF Stéphane Grichting 30 March 1979 (aged 31) 33 Auxerre
14 MF Marco Padalino 8 December 1983 (aged 26) 7 Sampdoria
15 MF Hakan Yakin 22 February 1977 (aged 33) 80 Luzern
16 MF Gelson Fernandes 2 September 1986 (aged 23) 21 Saint-Étienne
17 DF Reto Ziegler 16 January 1986 (aged 24) 10 Sampdoria
18 FW Albert Bunjaku 29 November 1983 (aged 26) 1 Nuremberg
19 FW Eren Derdiyok 12 June 1988 (aged 21) 19 Bayer Leverkusen
20 MF Pirmin Schwegler 9 March 1987 (aged 23) 3 Eintracht Frankfurt
21 GK Johnny Leoni 30 June 1984 (aged 25) 0 Zürich
22 DF Mario Eggimann 24 January 1981 (aged 29) 8 Hannover 96
23 MF Xherdan Shaqiri 10 October 1991 (aged 18) 1 Basel
Never write off a side that has Hitzfeld in charge but this side is really going to test his ability. They’re well-organised but that’s about all I can put in favour of the Swiss. They’re impotent in front of goal, they lack innovation more often than not, and don’t have enough individual brilliance to give them a hope in hell of making anything of themselves in the tournament this year, in my humble opinion.
Star players?
As Switzerland aren’t blessed with talent en mass, those with talent like Barnetta are going to be pivotal to their displays. Barnetta makes things happen and his crosses will be imperative to Switzerland’s success as their front line will need the ball in front of goal to make anything happen as generally they can’t get it anywhere near. Senderos and Magnin are needed at the back both for experience and composure as Switzerland have to keep clean sheets to get anywhere due to a lack of goalscoring ability. Derdiyok is vital to liven up a stale Swiss side when required due to his youthful approach and ability to beat a man. Inler and Behrami are vital in midfield as engines to win the ball back as Switzerland must prioritise keeping other sides out.
Verdict?
I hate going against Hitzfeld sides but I can’t see the Swiss making it out of this group because their opponents are too damn good at goalscoring. They’ll do well to take three points from this group but don’t go big on the handicaps against them – they’re not bad defensively at all.
Honduras
Coach: Reinaldo Rueda
1 GK Ricardo Canales 30 May 1982 (aged 28) 2 Motagua
2 DF Osman Chávez 29 July 1984 (aged 25) 26 Platense
3 DF Maynor Figueroa 2 May 1983 (aged 27) 66 Wigan Athletic
4 DF Johnny Palacios 20 December 1986 (aged 23) 4 Olimpia
5 DF Víctor Bernárdez 24 May 1982 (aged 28) 40 Anderlecht
6 MF Hendry Thomas 23 February 1985 (aged 25) 39 Wigan Athletic
7 MF Ramón Núñez 14 November 1984 (aged 25) 16 Olimpia
8 MF Wilson Palacios 29 July 1984 (aged 25) 69 Tottenham Hotspur
9 FW Carlos Pavón 19 October 1973 (aged 36) 98 Real España
10 MF Julio César de León 13 September 1979 (aged 30) 74 Torino
11 FW David Suazo 5 November 1979 (aged 30) 50 Genoa
12 FW Georgie Welcome 9 March 1985 (aged 25) 11 Motagua
13 FW Roger Espinoza 25 October 1986 (aged 23) 10 Kansas City Wizards
14 DF Oscar García 4 September 1984 (aged 25) 42 Olimpia
15 FW Walter Martínez 29 March 1982 (aged 28) 34 Marathón
16 DF Mauricio Sabillón 11 November 1978 (aged 31) 25 Hangzhou Greentown
17 MF Edgar Álvarez 9 January 1980 (aged 30) 46 Bari
18 GK Noel Valladares 3 May 1977 (aged 33) 71 Olimpia
19 MF Danilo Turcios 8 May 1978 (aged 32) 82 Olimpia
20 MF Amado Guevara (c) 2 May 1976 (aged 34) 133 Motagua
21 DF Emilio Izaguirre 10 May 1986 (aged 24) 39 Motagua
22 GK Donis Escober 3 February 1980 (aged 30) 11 Olimpia
23 DF Sergio Mendoza 23 May 1981 (aged 29) 46 Motagua
Having watched Honduras during the qualifiers for the World Cup, I was utterly convinced that they were going to be a really good addition to the World Cup by surprising sides and playing some great attacking football despite their international inexperience. However, having watched them take on various different European opponents in recent times in friendlies, I really fear for Honduras as they simply cannot defend and they look impotent against a semi-decent defence. They concede heavily and offer so little in front of goal that I really feel that they’re going to concede more goals than anyone else in this tournament.
Star players?
Palacios is the driving force behind this side with his box-to-box runs, his contagious energy, his influence, and ability to beat a man. Without him, Honduras are nothing more than cannon fodder. With him…they’re not as big cannon fodder. Alvarez’s pace and experience is vital to launch any Honduran attacks. Pavon and Suazo have to use their experience and goalscoring instinct to give Honduras any hope here and both are very capable so don’t underestimate them if Honduras turn up. Figueroa is useful too at full-back as he provides experience and composure that Honduras often lack.
Verdict?
I’ll be surprised to see the get more than a point in this group, if indeed that. They’re so weak in defence and ineffectual in attack that they’re going to take some beatings here, in my opinion.
Chile
Coach: Marcelo Bielsa
1 GK Claudio Bravo (c) 13 April 1983 (aged 27) 41 Real Sociedad
2 DF Ismael Fuentes 4 August 1981 (aged 28) 25 Universidad Católica
3 DF Waldo Ponce 4 December 1982 (aged 27) 23 Universidad Católica
4 DF Mauricio Isla 12 June 1988 (aged 21) 10 Udinese
5 DF Pablo Contreras 11 September 1978 (aged 31) 49 PAOK
6 MF Carlos Carmona 21 February 1987 (aged 23) 18 Reggina
7 FW Alexis Sánchez 19 December 1988 (aged 21) 26 Udinese
8 DF Arturo Vidal 22 May 1987 (aged 23) 21 Bayer Leverkusen
9 FW Humberto Suazo 10 May 1981 (aged 29) 41 Real Zaragoza
10 MF Jorge Valdivia 19 October 1983 (aged 26) 36 Al-Ain
11 FW Mark González 10 July 1984 (aged 25) 38 CSKA Moscow
12 GK Miguel Pinto 4 July 1983 (aged 26) 13 Universidad de Chile
13 MF Marco Estrada May 28, 1983 (aged 27) 20 Universidad de Chile
14 MF Matías Fernández 15 May 1986 (aged 24) 35 Sporting CP
15 FW Jean Beausejour 1 June 1984 (aged 26) 23 América
16 FW Fabián Orellana 27 January 1986 (aged 24) 13 Xerez
17 DF Gary Medel 3 August 1987 (aged 22) 23 Boca Juniors
18 DF Gonzalo Jara 29 August 1985 (aged 24) 31 West Bromwich Albion
19 MF Gonzalo Fierro 21 March 1983 (aged 27) 16 Flamengo
20 MF Rodrigo Millar 3 November 1981 (aged 28) 19 Colo-Colo
21 MF Rodrigo Tello 14 October 1979 (aged 30) 32 Be?ikta?
22 FW Esteban Paredes 1 August 1980 (aged 29) 12 Colo-Colo
23 GK Luis Marín 18 May 1983 (aged 27) 2 Unión Española
I’ve been really impressed with Chile in the qualifiers and their recent friendlies as they look as good as they use to when Salas and Zamorano led the line, something I never thought I’d be saying. They don’t have the same killer instinct in attack but what they do have is a wide variety of talented attacking players, which makes them a constant threat in front of goal despite a relatively young squad. Like most South American sides, they can be exposed in defence from time to time but to their credit they’ve looked good defensively in friendlies of late, although that of course could be largely down to the opponents that they’ve faced. Either way, I think we could see a very good tournament for the Chileans this year.
Star players?
They’ve got two magical playmakers in Fernandez and Valdivia. Both are very capable on the ball in beating men, playing incisive passes, and even breaking with pace – fantastic little players with bags of ability. The pace and creativity of Tello, Gonzalez, and Sanchez is an extremely useful outlet down the flanks when their midfield innovation isn’t as productive as normal. Suazo is the only genuine striker Chile have so his ability and experience is important for the South Americans. Lastly, I have to add Medel to this list purely because he has a miraculous ability to pop up and score goals from nowhere!
Verdict?
I genuinely believe Chile can go far in this tournament. They’re going to be caught out at the back from time to time and they only have one genuine striker but their overall potency is tremendous as they threaten from all over the park. They’re one of the quickest sides in the tournament and I expect them to outscore a great deal of their opponents in this tournament. I think they could surprise a few people and make the Quarter-Finals although I have no doubts whatsoever that they’ll qualify for the second round.
Attractive bets?
Well, there are a lot of bets out there to be had with everything from the length of the grass to the top goalscorer being wagered upon but below are some picks that look good value to me in no particular order. Incidentally, I’ve browsed a lot of the Paddy Power markets for the below odds as they have the most interesting bets for the World Cup:
Chile to get further than Paraguay – evens.
Most goals to be scored by one player in a game = two – 2/1.
Most assists = Messi – 7/1.
Most goals scored: Robin Van Persie vs Cristiano Ronaldo = RVP at 7/5.
Not to qualify from group = France – 2/1.
Not to qualify from group = Italy – 11/2.
Not to qualify from group = Nigeria – 8/11.
Not to qualify from group = Serbia – evens.
Not to qualify from group = Portugal – 6/4.
Goalkeeper of the tournament = Julio Cesar – 6/1.
Team with the most yellow cards = Algeria – 25/1.
To win the World Cup = Spain – 4/1.
Lowest scoring side = Honduras – 15/2.
Team to concede the most goals = Honduras – 9/1.
Winners & top goalscorer doubles = Spain and Ven Persie – 50/1.
Top regional team = Spain – 12/5.
Top regional team = Brazil – evens.
All of the reasons are listed above so I’ve not written out individual explanations. Some bets may contradict what I have written above slightly but that can happen when seeking the value so please don’t point that out to me! Please don’t also nitpick with information I’ve used here because some may be incorrect with injuries etc.
I’m now exhausted so I can’t do today’s betting tips other than to say that the only game I like is Fram Reykjavik to beat KR Reykjavik in the Urvalsdeild!
Enjoy your free betting tips!