World Cup Part 1
FreeSeeing as there’s very little happening today, I’ve decided to fill today’s post with my thoughts on the World Cup so have a browse below if you feel inclined before it all kicks off tomorrow! If you just want to see today’s picks then scroll to the end of World Cup Part 2. I’ve posted World Cup Part 1 after World Cup Part 2 to make it easier reading – should just be able to scroll down the page that way. Unfortunately WordPress nearly exploded when I tried to put all this text into one post so our wonderful Tech guy Toby bailed me out!
First of all – the squads are below (shamefully stolen from Wikipedia!) with my verdict about each squad listed beneath:
South Africa
Coach: Carlos Alberto Parreira
1 GK Shu-Aib Walters 26 December 1981 (aged 28) 0 Maritzburg United
2 DF Siboniso Gaxa 6 April 1984 (aged 26) 35 Mamelodi Sundowns
3 DF Tsepo Masilela 5 May 1985 (aged 25) 29 Maccabi Haifa
4 DF Aaron Mokoena (c) 25 November 1980 (aged 29) 100 Portsmouth
5 DF Lucas Thwala 19 October 1981 (aged 28) 21 Orlando Pirates
6 MF MacBeth Sibaya 25 November 1977 (aged 32) 56 Rubin Kazan
7 MF Lance Davids 11 April 1985 (aged 25) 23 Ajax Cape Town
8 MF Siphiwe Tshabalala 25 September 1984 (aged 25) 44 Kaizer Chiefs
9 FW Katlego Mphela 29 November 1984 (aged 25) 29 Mamelodi Sundowns
10 MF Steven Pienaar 17 March 1982 (aged 28) 46 Everton
11 MF Teko Modise 22 December 1982 (aged 27) 50 Orlando Pirates
12 MF Reneilwe Letsholonyane 9 June 1982 (aged 28) 10 Kaizer Chiefs
13 MF Kagisho Dikgacoi 24 November 1984 (aged 25) 32 Fulham
14 DF Matthew Booth 14 March 1977 (aged 33) 27 Mamelodi Sundowns
15 FW Bernard Parker 16 March 1986 (aged 24) 26 Twente
16 GK Itumeleng Khune 20 June 1987 (aged 22) 25 Kaizer Chiefs
17 MF Surprise Moriri 20 March 1980 (aged 30) 29 Mamelodi Sundowns
18 FW Siyabonga Nomvethe 2 December 1977 (aged 32) 75 Moroka Swallows
19 DF Anele Ngcongca 20 October 1987 (aged 22) 3 Racing Genk
20 DF Bongani Khumalo 6 January 1987 (aged 23) 11 Supersport United
21 DF Siyabonga Sangweni 29 September 1981 (aged 28) 9 Golden Arrows
22 GK Moeneeb Josephs 19 May 1980 (aged 30) 16 Orlando Pirates
23 MF Thanduyise Khuboni 22 May 1986 (aged 24) 6 Golden Arrows
The World Cup hosts have qualified for the second round of the World Cup for as long as I can remember but I think it’s time for a change. If this South Africa side makes it to the latter stages then I’ll be astounded. They’re quite well-organised defensively and they certainly have a great support in their native country as well as home advantage. However, man-for-man, they’re one of the weakest sides in the tournament. The fact that the vast majority of their goals in friendlies have come from the penalty spot should tell you about how weak they are in attack, so much so that you have to feel that Pareira has taught the South Africans the Brazilian way of diving! I’ll be genuinely surprised if this side can muster up a goal against any of the other sides in their group – well, providing they don’t get a penalty, of course!
Star players?
Everton’s Steven Pienaar is the stand-out player for me. He’s got quick feet, tremendous pace, and good ability to beat his man. For South Africa to do anything from open play, he has to be involved.
Verdict?
I think at most South Africa are capable of claiming a goalless draw somewhere along the line but I don’t see them escaping this group – they don’t have enough in attack to do so. However, if you can find odds on South Africa to be awarded the most penalties then I’d take them, or even just to obtain a penalty in each game they play in – they’re such diving bastards!
Mexico
Coach: Javier Aguirre
1 GK Óscar Pérez 1 February 1973 (aged 37) 51 Chiapas
2 DF Francisco Rodríguez 20 October 1981 (aged 28) 47 PSV
3 DF Carlos Salcido 2 April 1980 (aged 30) 72 PSV
4 DF Rafael Márquez 13 February 1979 (aged 31) 90 Barcelona
5 DF Ricardo Osorio 30 March 1980 (aged 30) 75 Stuttgart
6 MF Gerardo Torrado 30 April 1979 (aged 31) 113 Cruz Azul
7 MF Pablo Barrera 21 June 1987 (aged 22) 20 UNAM
8 MF Israel Castro 29 December 1980 (aged 29) 30 UNAM
9 FW Guillermo Franco 3 November 1976 (aged 33) 21 West Ham United
10 FW Cuauhtémoc Blanco (c) 17 January 1973 (aged 37) 117 Veracruz
11 FW Carlos Vela 1 March 1989 (aged 21) 27 Arsenal
12 DF Paul Aguilar 6 March 1986 (aged 24) 9 Pachuca
13 GK Guillermo Ochoa 13 July 1985 (aged 24) 37 América
14 FW Javier Hernández 1 June 1988 (aged 22) 11 Manchester United
15 DF Héctor Moreno 17 January 1988 (aged 22) 9 AZ
16 DF Efraín Juárez 22 February 1988 (aged 22) 18 UNAM
17 FW Giovani dos Santos 11 May 1989 (aged 21) 25 Galatasaray
18 MF Andrés Guardado 28 September 1986 (aged 23) 55 Deportivo La Coruña
19 DF Jonny Magallón 21 November 1981 (aged 28) 52 Guadalajara
20 DF Jorge Torres Nilo 17 January 1988 (aged 22) 8 Atlas
21 MF Adolfo Bautista 15 May 1979 (aged 31) 37 Guadalajara
22 MF Alberto Medina 29 May 1983 (aged 27) 55 Guadalajara
23 GK Luis Ernesto Michel 21 July 1979 (aged 30) 4 Guadalajara
I’ve been massively impressed with the thorough preparations that Aguirre has put his side through to prepare them for this World Cup. They’ve played just about every nation on earth over the past few months so I expect them to deal with the contrasting footballing styles with more ease than the majority of sides. Mexico’s quick, attacking football is superb to watch at times and I expect plenty of goals from them as a result. Unfortunately, they’re weak in defence, particularly from set pieces, so I don’t see them going too far in this tournament.
Star players?
Deportivo La Coruna winger Andres Guardado has excellent pace and trickery so should cause plenty of problems down the left-hand side. Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez has a lot to his game for a young player but occasionally lacks the required composure in front of goal but overall he’s a real handful, particularly in the attacking trio of himself, Giovani Dos Santos, and Carlos Vela.. Guille Franco is an experienced (and thus required) head in this team despite not actually being Mexican. Barcelona defender Rafael Marquez is someone I view in a similar light to Franco for the above reasons and tricky playmaker Giovanni Dos Santos will be vital for this side when it comes to unlocking sides providing his tempremental nature doesn’t get the best of him, particularly after his brother was controversially ousted from the Mexican team.
Verdict?
I can see them making the second round but ultimately they can consider themselves to have done well if they go any further as I don’t believe they’ve got what it takes to progress any further. Expect plenty of goals in their games for both sides so over 2.5 goals in most of their games is worthy of consideration.
Uruguay
Coach: Oscar Tabárez
1 GK Fernando Muslera 16 June 1986 (aged 23) 5 Lazio
2 DF Diego Lugano (c) 2 November 1980 (aged 29) 41 Fenerbahçe
3 DF Diego Godín 16 February 1986 (aged 24) 37 Villarreal
4 DF Jorge Fucile 19 November 1984 (aged 25) 24 Porto
5 MF Walter Gargano 27 July 1984 (aged 25) 27 Napoli
6 DF Andrés Scotti 14 December 1974 (aged 35) 25 Colo-Colo
7 FW Edinson Cavani 14 February 1987 (aged 23) 13 Palermo
8 MF Sebastián Eguren 8 January 1981 (aged 29) 26 AIK
9 FW Luis Suárez 24 January 1987 (aged 23) 29 Ajax
10 FW Diego Forlán 19 May 1979 (aged 31) 61 Atlético Madrid
11 MF Álvaro Pereira 28 January 1985 (aged 25) 14 Porto
12 GK Juan Castillo 17 April 1978 (aged 32) 11 Deportivo Cali
13 FW Sebastián Abreu 17 October 1976 (aged 33) 55 Botafogo
14 MF Nicolás Lodeiro 21 March 1989 (aged 21) 3 Ajax
15 MF Diego Pérez 18 May 1980 (aged 30) 49 Monaco
16 DF Maxi Pereira 8 June 1984 (aged 26) 36 Benfica
17 MF Ignacio González 14 May 1982 (aged 28) 16 Valencia
18 MF Egidio Arévalo Ríos 27 September 1982 (aged 27) 5 Peñarol
19 FW Sebastián Fernández 23 May 1985 (aged 25) 6 Banfield
20 DF Mauricio Victorino 11 October 1982 (aged 27) 4 Universidad de Chile
21 MF Álvaro Fernández 11 October 1985 (aged 24) 7 Universidad de Chile
22 DF Martín Cáceres 7 April 1987 (aged 23) 18 Barcelona
23 GK Martín Silva 25 March 1983 (aged 27) 1 Defensor
They’re a strange side, Uruguay. Out of all the sides in this group, they’re the ones most likely to not beat South Africa but somehow manage to beat France 5-0 or something else equally as outlandish! They’ve got some tremendous attacking options but like most hispanic nations they do lack defensively. I rate them about par with Mexico in this tournament and will be surprised to see them progress in this tournament.
Star players?
Atletico Madrid’s Diego Forlan will be quintessential for Uruguay in this tournament with his experience, composure, and goals tally so expect him to play a big role. Diego Lugano has bags of experience at the bag and will be vital for their fragile defence to have any chance of success. Edinson Cavani has had a great year at Palermo in Serie A and the scene is set for him to make a name for himself if allowed the minutes in this tournament. Luis Suarez has been linked with various moves this year following a scintillating year with Ajax and the scene is set for him to make this year his year if he plays to the potential that he’s shown in Netherlands this season with his relentless tenacity, pace, ability to beat a man, and composure.
Verdict?
I rate Uruguay about par with Mexico – weak at the back, strong in attack. Capable of scoring a lot but also conceding a lot. Uruguay are a tad better than Mexico defensively and have marginally better individuals so I’d favour them to go through over Mexico although again, I’d be surprised to see them make it past the second round.
France
Coach: Raymond Domenech
1 GK Hugo Lloris 26 December 1986 (aged 23) 10 Lyon
2 DF Bacary Sagna 14 February 1983 (aged 27) 19 Arsenal
3 DF Éric Abidal 11 September 1979 (aged 30) 53 Barcelona
4 DF Anthony Réveillère 10 November 1979 (aged 30) 5 Lyon
5 DF William Gallas 17 August 1977 (aged 32) 80 Arsenal
6 DF Marc Planus 3 July 1982 (aged 27) 1 Bordeaux
7 MF Franck Ribéry 7 April 1983 (aged 27) 44 Bayern Munich
8 MF Yoann Gourcuff 11 July 1986 (aged 23) 19 Bordeaux
9 FW Djibril Cissé 12 August 1981 (aged 28) 39 Panathinaikos
10 FW Sidney Govou 27 July 1979 (aged 30) 45 Lyon
11 FW André-Pierre Gignac 5 December 1985 (aged 24) 12 Toulouse
12 FW Thierry Henry(c) 17 August 1977 (aged 32) 120 Barcelona
13 DF Patrice Evra 15 May 1981 (aged 29) 29 Manchester United
14 MF Jérémy Toulalan 10 September 1983 (aged 26) 33 Lyon
15 MF Florent Malouda 13 June 1980 (aged 29) 53 Chelsea
16 GK Steve Mandanda 28 March 1985 (aged 25) 13 Marseille
17 DF Sébastien Squillaci 11 August 1980 (aged 29) 20 Sevilla
18 MF Alou Diarra 15 July 1981 (aged 28) 25 Bordeaux
19 MF Abou Diaby 11 May 1986 (aged 24) 4 Arsenal
20 MF Mathieu Valbuena 28 September 1984 (aged 25) 1 Marseille
21 FW Nicolas Anelka 14 March 1979 (aged 31) 66 Chelsea
22 DF Gaël Clichy 26 July 1985 (aged 24) 4 Arsenal
23 GK Cédric Carrasso 30 December 1981 (aged 28) 0 Bordeaux
What can I say about this side that isn’t already known? They don’t score enough goals so manager Raymond Domenech figured in his inifinte wisdom to only take one top goalscorer – Anelka. Govou isn’t a striker by nature, Gignac has been virtually a ghost for Toulouse this year, Henry isn’t what he was due to age and not enough games, and Cisse hasn’t been anything for years. Ousting Karim Benzema irrespective of the football he has or hasn’t played for Real Madrid this year was an incredibly stupid decision, in my opinion. I don’t care about the guy’s match fitness – I care about his ability to win games, which he has in abundance, and France will miss him this year. They’re quite well-organised but are fortunate to be placed in a group where the sides that they face struggle to defend or France may not even make it out of the group because they simply don’t score enough goals.
Star players?
Nicolas Anelka, Franck Ribery, Patrice Evra, and Hugo Lloris. They’re nothing without Anelka’s experience, goals, and composure. France are unable to make chances without Ribery’s tremendous ability to beat his man and make something happen although don’t be surprised if Gourcuff makes a name for himself in this tournament after some great seasons at Girondins de Bordeaux. Evra, without any bias here, is the best left-back in the world. Somehow Domenech puts Abidal ahead of him, which again is suicidal, but he’s truly phenomenal and is vital for France to break their usual boring and ineffective football. Lloris hasn’t convinced me massively yet consistency-wise but he’s a good goalkeeper and could become brilliant over the forthcoming years. He’ll be vital for French dreams to survive so expect a big year for him. Toulalan deserves a mention too because I expect France to lose the ball a lot and he’s the engine that works to get it back so he should be key for them too.
Verdict?
Hard to place France this year. On one hand, I wouldn’t be surprised if they didn’t make it out of the groups because they rely too much on individuals instead of a collective display. On the other hand, they could easily make the quarter-finals if they show their true potential. Anything further than that is a great campaign for this rather lacking side but don’t ever write them off – their individuals can do more damage than they’ve shown during the qualifiers!
Argentina
Coach: Diego Maradona
1 GK Diego Pozo 16 February 1978 (aged 32) 3 Colón
2 DF Martín Demichelis 20 December 1980 (aged 29) 25 Bayern Munich
3 DF Clemente Rodríguez 31 July 1981 (aged 28) 11 Estudiantes
4 DF Nicolás Burdisso 12 April 1981 (aged 29) 28 Roma
5 MF Mario Bolatti 17 February 1985 (aged 25) 4 Fiorentina
6 DF Gabriel Heinze 19 April 1978 (aged 32) 63 Marseille
7 MF Ángel Di María 14 February 1988 (aged 22) 7 Benfica
8 MF Juan Sebastián Verón 9 March 1975 (aged 35) 69 Estudiantes
9 FW Gonzalo Higuaín 10 December 1987 (aged 22) 4 Real Madrid
10 FW Lionel Messi 24 June 1987 (aged 22) 44 Barcelona
11 FW Carlos Tévez 5 February 1984 (aged 26) 51 Manchester City
12 DF Ariel Garcé 14 July 1979 (aged 30) 3 Colón
13 DF Walter Samuel 23 March 1978 (aged 32) 54 Internazionale
14 MF Javier Mascherano (c) 8 June 1984 (aged 26) 56 Liverpool
15 DF Nicolás Otamendi 12 February 1988 (aged 22) 6 Vélez Sársfield
16 FW Sergio Agüero 2 June 1988 (aged 22) 20 Atlético Madrid
17 MF Jonás Gutiérrez 5 July 1983 (aged 26) 15 Newcastle United
18 FW Martín Palermo 7 November 1973 (aged 36) 13 Boca Juniors
19 FW Diego Milito 12 June 1979 (aged 30) 20 Internazionale
20 MF Maxi Rodríguez 2 January 1981 (aged 29) 35 Liverpool
21 GK Mariano Andújar 30 July 1983 (aged 26) 4 Catania
22 GK Sergio Romero 22 February 1987 (aged 23) 5 AZ
23 MF Javier Pastore 20 June 1989 (aged 20) 0 Palermo
Great team; shit manager. Maradona is the one causing the problems and doubt over the longevity of Argentina’s quest for the World Cup. His inept tactics could and should have cost Argentina their World Cup place but fortune was on their side. I expect them to get found out in this tournament against the right sides, however, and should face a rather early exit, which is no more than Maradona has earned for somehow leaving out Argentina’s best holding midfielder Esteban Cambiasso and overlooking experienced full-back Javier Zanetti, both of which incredulously didn’t make the final thirty, let alone the final twenty-three. Argentina’s group is so easy that they really should walk this group and look like potential World Cup winners but frankly I wouldn’t be surprised if they exited the tournament in the second round depending on who they face. If they reach the quarters then they can consider this tournament a success in my opinion because for all their attacking wealth, they look very short at the back.
Star players?
Lionel Messi – enough said. If Argentina get anywhere in this tournament, it’s down to him. Walter Samuel will provide invaluable experience in a rather average-looking defence, Sergio Aguero is next in line behind Messi to make something happen, and tenacious Carlos Tevez will no doubt be a complete nuisance and score the vital goals where required. Milito has had a good campaign for Inter but I don’t expect him to be given chance to shine by that fuckwit Maradona. Higuain has been excellent for Real Madrid and should be a good goalscorer for Argentina in this tournament. Veron’s experience and passing range will be key for Argentina if he’s given time on the ball.
Potential flops?
Mascherano and Di Maria. Di Maria has been touted to move an awful lot this year and it looked to be affecting his displays towards the end of the season. I don’t think he’s ready for this tournament and I expect it to show too. The lad’s got ability but too much is being made of him at the moment, in my humble opinion. Mascherano also looked weak towards the end of Liverpool’s campaign as his thoughts appear firmly fixed upon a transfer to Barcelona. Pressure is on him following the unbelievable omission of Cambiasso and he could crumble as a result despite his obvious talent.
Verdict?
You can never write off a big side like Argentina with such fantastic attackers but Maradona is so utterly inept that I don’t see Argentina making it past the quarters. Hell, they could even go out in the second round and I wouldn’t be surprised. I’d say quarters at best and anything past that is pure luck.
Nigeria
Coach: Lars Lagerbäck
1 GK Vincent Enyeama 29 August 1982 (aged 27) 51 Hapoel Tel Aviv
2 DF Joseph Yobo (c) 6 September 1980 (aged 29) 64 Everton
3 DF Taye Taiwo 16 April 1985 (aged 25) 35 Marseille
4 FW Kanu 1 August 1976 (aged 33) 72 Portsmouth
5 DF Rabiu Afolabi 18 April 1980 (aged 30) 12 Red Bull Salzburg
6 DF Danny Shittu 2 September 1980 (aged 29) 23 Bolton Wanderers
7 FW Chinedu Obasi 1 June 1986 (aged 24) 17 Hoffenheim
8 FW Yakubu 22 November 1982 (aged 27) 47 Everton
9 FW Obafemi Martins 28 October 1984 (aged 25) 27 Wolfsburg
10 MF John Obi Mikel 22 April 1987 (aged 23) 27 Chelsea
11 FW Peter Odemwingie 15 July 1981 (aged 28) 43 Lokomotiv Moscow
12 MF Kalu Uche 15 November 1982 (aged 27) 18 Almería
13 MF Ayila Yussuf 4 November 1984 (aged 25) 24 Dynamo Kyiv
14 MF Sani Kaita 2 May 1986 (aged 24) 16 Alania Vladikavkaz
15 DF Dele Adeleye 25 December 1988 (aged 21) 5 Sparta Rotterdam
16 GK Austin Ejide 8 April 1984 (aged 26) 16 Hapoel Petah Tikva
17 DF Chidi Odiah 17 December 1983 (aged 26) 21 CSKA Moscow
18 FW Victor Obinna 25 March 1987 (aged 23) 30 Málaga
19 MF Lukman Haruna 12 April 1990 (aged 20) 1 Monaco
20 MF Dickson Etuhu 8 June 1982 (aged 28) 11 Fulham
21 DF Uwa Echiéjilé 20 January 1988 (aged 22) 9 Rennes
22 MF John Utaka 8 January 1982 (aged 28) 41 Portsmouth
23 GK Dele Aiyenugba 20 November 1983 (aged 26) 9 Bnei Yehuda
I can sum up this squad in two words; “oh dear”. Nigeria are a name nowadays, nowhere near what they used to be. They don’t play well enough, there isn’t enough creativity, and thus not enough goals are scored. They’re inept defensively and I can’t see them getting anything out of this group as a result.
Star players?
It’s all down to Yakubu and Martins. Yakubu has spent much of the season on the sidelines or playing ineffectually and Martins has had a mixed campaign so you have to worry for Nigeria as these two have to be firing on all cylinders for Nigeria to have any chance of doing anything in this group.
Verdict?
Will be surprised to see them win a game. Not enough overall ability or creativity, inability to defend, should lose heavily against most opponents.
South Korea
Coach: Huh Jung-Moo
1 GK Lee Woon-Jae 26 April 1973 (aged 37) 130 Suwon Bluewings
2 DF Oh Beom-Seok 29 July 1984 (aged 25) 37 Ulsan Hyundai
3 DF Kim Hyung-Il 27 April 1984 (aged 26) 2 Pohang Steelers
4 DF Cho Yong-Hyung 3 November 1983 (aged 26) 31 Jeju United
5 MF Kim Nam-Il 14 March 1977 (aged 33) 92 Tom Tomsk
6 DF Kang Min-Soo 14 February 1986 (aged 24) 31 Suwon Bluewings
7 MF Park Ji-Sung (c) 25 February 1981 (aged 29) 88 Manchester United
8 MF Kim Jung-Woo 9 May 1982 (aged 28) 54 Gwangju Phoenix
9 FW Ahn Jung-Hwan 27 January 1976 (aged 34) 70 Dalian Shide
10 FW Park Chu-Young 10 July 1985 (aged 24) 40 Monaco
11 FW Lee Seung-Ryul 6 March 1989 (aged 21) 8 FC Seoul
12 DF Lee Young-Pyo 23 April 1977 (aged 33) 112 Al-Hilal
13 MF Kim Jae-Sung 3 October 1983 (aged 26) 7 Pohang Steelers
14 DF Lee Jung-Soo 8 January 1980 (aged 30) 24 Kashima Antlers
15 DF Kim Dong-Jin 29 January 1982 (aged 28) 61 Ulsan Hyundai
16 MF Ki Sung-Yong 24 January 1989 (aged 21) 21 Celtic
17 MF Lee Chung-Yong 2 July 1988 (aged 21) 23 Bolton Wanderers
18 GK Jung Sung-Ryong 4 January 1985 (aged 25) 15 Seongnam Ilhwa
19 FW Yeom Ki-Hun 30 March 1983 (aged 27) 33 Suwon Bluewings
20 FW Lee Dong-Gook 29 April 1979 (aged 31) 83 Jeonbuk Motors
21 GK Kim Young-Kwang 28 June 1983 (aged 26) 14 Ulsan Hyundai
22 DF Cha Du-Ri 25 July 1980 (aged 29) 46 Freiburg
23 MF Kim Bo-Kyung 6 October 1989 (aged 20) 6 Oita Trinita
Interesting side! Lots of pace and tenacity; not much in front of goal. There’s plenty of experience here and they’re a well-organised bunch but I can’t see them getting too far in this tournament due to an overall lack of quality when it matters.
Star players?
Park Ji-Sung – bags of experience, able to play anywhere across the middle, decent dribbler, great at closing down. Lee Chung-Yong – good pace, ability to beat his man, good crosser of the ball – he makes things happen, basically. Lee Young-Pyo, Ahn Jung-Hwan, Lee Woon-Jae, and Kim Nam-Il provide some much-needed experience all over the park which works in Korea’s favour massively.
Verdict?
I think they can get through this group due to their tenacity and efficiency. I’d be surprised to see them make it past the second round but Korean football has advanced a lot over the past twelve months so don’t be surprised if these guys cause a shock or two this year.
Greece
Coach: Otto Rehhagel
1 GK Kostas Chalkias 30 May 1974 (aged 36) 27 PAOK
2 DF Giourkas Seitaridis 4 June 1981 (aged 29) 67 Panathinaikos
3 MF Christos Patsatzoglou 19 March 1979 (aged 31) 41 Omonia
4 DF Nikos Spiropoulos 10 October 1983 (aged 26) 17 Panathinaikos
5 DF Vangelis Moras 18 August 1981 (aged 28) 10 Bologna
6 MF Alexandros Tziolis 13 February 1985 (aged 25) 17 Siena
7 FW Georgios Samaras 21 February 1985 (aged 25) 32 Celtic
8 DF Avraam Papadopoulos 3 January 1984 (aged 26) 12 Olympiakos
9 FW Angelos Charisteas 9 February 1980 (aged 30) 82 Nuremberg
10 MF Giorgos Karagounis (c) 3 June 1977 (aged 33) 91 Panathinaikos
11 DF Loukas Vyntra 5 February 1981 (aged 29) 27 Panathinaikos
12 GK Alexandros Tzorvas 12 August 1982 (aged 27) 6 Panathinaikos
13 GK Michalis Sifakis 9 September 1984 (aged 25) 1 Aris
14 FW Dimitris Salpigidis 18 August 1981 (aged 28) 34 Panathinaikos
15 DF Vasilis Torosidis 10 June 1985 (aged 25) 25 Olympiakos
16 DF Sotirios Kyrgiakos 23 July 1979 (aged 30) 56 Liverpool
17 FW Theofanis Gekas 23 May 1980 (aged 30) 46 Hertha Berlin
18 MF Sotiris Ninis 3 April 1990 (aged 20) 3 Panathinaikos
19 DF Sokratis Papastathopoulos 9 June 1988 (aged 22) 10 Genoa
20 FW Pantelis Kapetanos 8 June 1983 (aged 27) 3 Steaua Bucure?ti
21 MF Kostas Katsouranis 21 June 1979 (aged 30) 67 Panathinaikos
22 DF Stelios Malezas 11 March 1985 (aged 25) 0 PAOK
23 MF Sakis Prittas 9 January 1979 (aged 31) 0 Aris
Formerly the toughest side in the world to beat; now they look aged and susceptible. They’ve leaked too many goals in friendlies so their last remaining strength is gone. They offer little in attack although they make up for it with vast levels of experience. Greece won’t lie down and be beaten but they’ve looked so poor at the back of late that they won’t need to do that to get beat.
Star players?
Karagounis – if anything happens and the Greeks decide to break their brainwashing brand of boring football then this man will be the reason for it. Bags of experience, gifted passer of the ball, lovely shot on him from distance – always a threat. The stage is set for Sotiris Ninis to make a name for himself on the world stage too, given chance, as the feisty winger has bags of potential and plenty of pace. It’s hard to imagine Otto fielding him because he’s a boring manager but if he does then the potential is definitely there.
Verdict?
There’s a chance of them making it out of the group but I don’t see it. If they were as strong at the back as they used to be then I’d believe it more but they’re simply not. They lack pace in most areas of the field and the youth to inspire the side. I wouldn’t handicap against Greece too often but they should lose most games, which should be profitable in-play due to their solid banks of four right from kick-off.
England
Coach: Fabio Capello
1 GK David James 1 August 1970 (aged 39) 50 Portsmouth
2 DF Glen Johnson 23 August 1984 (aged 25) 20 Liverpool
3 DF Ashley Cole 20 December 1980 (aged 29) 77 Chelsea
4 MF Steven Gerrard 30 May 1980 (aged 30) 78 Liverpool
5 DF Matthew Dawson 7 November 1978 (aged 25) 4 Tottenham Hotspur
6 DF John Terry 7 December 1980 (aged 29) 59 Chelsea
7 MF Aaron Lennon 16 April 1987 (aged 23) 15 Tottenham Hotspur
8 MF Frank Lampard 20 June 1978 (aged 31) 77 Chelsea
9 FW Peter Crouch 30 January 1981 (aged 29) 37 Tottenham Hotspur
10 FW Wayne Rooney 24 October 1985 (aged 24) 58 Manchester United
11 MF Joe Cole 8 November 1981 (aged 28) 53 Chelsea
12 GK Robert Green 18 January 1980 (aged 30) 9 West Ham United
13 DF Stephen Warnock 12 December 1981 (aged 28) 1 Aston Villa
14 MF Gareth Barry 23 February 1981 (aged 29) 36 Manchester City
15 DF Matthew Upson 18 April 1979 (aged 31) 19 West Ham United
16 MF James Milner 4 January 1986 (aged 24) 7 Aston Villa
17 MF Shaun Wright-Phillips 25 October 1981 (aged 28) 30 Manchester City
18 DF Jamie Carragher 28 January 1978 (aged 32) 34 Liverpool
19 FW Jermain Defoe 7 October 1982 (aged 27) 39 Tottenham Hotspur
20 DF Ledley King 12 October 1980 (aged 29) 19 Tottenham Hotspur
21 FW Emile Heskey 11 January 1978 (aged 32) 57 Aston Villa
22 MF Michael Carrick 28 July 1981 (aged 28) 21 Manchester United
23 GK Joe Hart 19 April 1987 (aged 23) 1 Manchester City
One of just three sides in the tournament to have all of their players playing in their native country! Over the past twelve months I’ve had high hopes for England as Capello has proven just how good a manager he is on every level, stamping his authority everywhere. However, there’s only so much you can do with this side and it’s beginning to show. God only knows how England overcame Japan and Mexico in their friendlies because England didn’t look like scoring. The fact is that England are a side of a couple of world-class players and some decent others, which is a pretty big problem! They don’t defend well enough, they’re particularly suspect in the full-back areas, and don’t create enough in attack.
Star players?
Wayne Rooney and Steven Gerrard. For England to have any hopes of getting anywhere these two players need to be on top form for obvious reasons. I’d even add Peter Crouch here because somehow this guy attracts goals to him be it with his freakish height or his lumbering feet. You simply cannot overlook his goals-to-game ratio, however, so he has to be in this list.
Verdict?
England should make it out of the group and even past the second round but anything after that is a bonus, much as though I’d love to see them win it, of course!
USA
Coach: Bob Bradley
1 GK Tim Howard 6 March 1979 (aged 31) 49 Everton
2 DF Jonathan Spector 1 March 1986 (aged 24) 24 West Ham United
3 DF Carlos Bocanegra (c) 25 May 1979 (aged 31) 77 Rennes
4 MF Michael Bradley 31 July 1987 (aged 22) 41 Borussia Mönchengladbach
5 DF Oguchi Onyewu 13 May 1982 (aged 28) 51 Milan
6 DF Steve Cherundolo 19 February 1979 (aged 31) 57 Hannover 96
7 MF DaMarcus Beasley 24 May 1982 (aged 28) 90 Rangers
8 MF Clint Dempsey 9 March 1983 (aged 27) 60 Fulham
9 FW Herculez Gomez 6 April 1982 (aged 28) 2 Puebla
10 MF Landon Donovan 4 March 1982 (aged 28) 121 Los Angeles Galaxy
11 MF Stuart Holden 1 August 1985 (aged 24) 12 Bolton Wanderers
12 DF Jonathan Bornstein 7 November 1984 (aged 25) 29 Chivas USA
13 MF Ricardo Clark 10 March 1983 (aged 27) 27 Eintracht Frankfurt
14 FW Edson Buddle 21 May 1981 (aged 29) 1 Los Angeles Galaxy
15 DF Jay DeMerit 4 December 1979 (aged 30) 17 Watford
16 MF José Francisco Torres 29 October 1987 (aged 22) 8 Pachuca
17 FW Jozy Altidore 6 November 1989 (aged 20) 24 Hull City
18 GK Brad Guzan 9 September 1984 (aged 25) 15 Aston Villa
19 MF Maurice Edu 18 April 1986 (aged 24) 12 Rangers
20 FW Robbie Findley 4 August 1985 (aged 24) 4 Real Salt Lake
21 DF Clarence Goodson 17 May 1982 (aged 28) 11 Start
22 MF Benny Feilhaber 19 January 1985 (aged 25) 31 AGF
23 GK Marcus Hahnemann 15 June 1972 (aged 37) 6 Wolverhampton Wanderers
As we saw in the Confederations Cup, USA are more than capable of springing some surprises. They’re a very well-organised unit and are very hard to break down as England should discover in their opening group game. USA don’t lack stamina or determination – they have both in abundance. They do lack some composure at very awkward times, however, which can shatter their usual well-organised defence in horrific fashion. They don’t score as many goals as they should and that often ends up burning them as a result. Overall though, they’re a good side and are damn hard to beat!
Star players?
Altidore. Didn’t get much chance to shine at Hull but his pace, strength, and finishing is very good indeed for his age. Could very well have a very good tournament indeed! Tim Howard, Landon Donovan, and Clint Dempsey – bags of experience here, and it’ll be essential for USA too. Howard’s an excellent shot-stopper and he’ll be a massive part of USA’s push for success in this tournament as a result. Donovan and Dempsey must keep adding to USA’s goals tally though or they will struggle.
Verdict?
Bizarrely, I do think this USA side is capable of going far for the same reason that Greece did in the European Championships – they’re simply very hard to beat. I expect USA to make it out of the groups and possibly even the second round depending on who they face but I wouldn’t be surprised to see them go far in this tournament because there aren’t many sides in it that have the capability to unlock this side when they’re at their defensive best.
Algeria
Coach: Rabah Saâdane
1 GK Lounès Gaouaoui 28 September 1977 (aged 32) 48 ASO Chlef
2 DF Madjid Bougherra 7 October 1982 (aged 27) 40 Rangers
3 DF Nadir Belhadj 18 June 1982 (aged 27) 44 Portsmouth
4 DF Antar Yahia 21 March 1982 (aged 28) 43 Bochum
5 DF Rafik Halliche 2 September 1986 (aged 23) 15 Nacional
6 MF Yazid Mansouri (c) 25 February 1978 (aged 32) 66 Lorient
7 MF Ryad Boudebouz 19 February 1990 (aged 20) 1 Sochaux
8 MF Mehdi Lacen 5 March 1984 (aged 25) 2 Racing Santander
9 FW Abdelkader Ghezzal 5 December 1984 (aged 25) 18 Siena
10 FW Rafik Saïfi 7 February 1975 (aged 35) 59 Istres
11 FW Rafik Djebbour 8 March 1984 (aged 26) 15 AEK
12 DF Habib Bellaid 28 March 1986 (aged 24) 1 Eintracht Frankfurt
13 FW Karim Matmour 25 June 1984 (aged 25) 21 Borussia Monchengladbach
14 DF Carl Medjani 15 May 1985 (aged 25) 0 Ajaccio
15 MF Karim Ziani 17 August 1982 (aged 27) 54 Wolfsburg
16 GK Faouzi Chaouchi 5 December 1984 (aged 25) 9 ES Sétif
17 MF Adlène Guedioura 12 November 1985 (aged 24) 1 Wolverhampton Wanderers
18 DF Abdelkader Laïfaoui 29 July 1981 (aged 28) 6 ES Sétif
19 MF Hassan Yebda 14 April 1984 (aged 26) 9 Portsmouth
20 DF Djamel Mesbah 9 October 1984 (aged 25) 1 Lecce
21 MF Foued Kadir 5 December 1983 (aged 26) 1 Valenciennes
22 MF Djamel Abdoun 14 February 1986 (aged 24) 6 Nantes
23 GK Raïs M’Bohli 25 April 1986 (aged 24) 1 Slavia Sofia
Algeria are a frustrating side. The potential is there for them to be the best African side this year because they’re tactically the best by a mile. However, they’re so tempremental that they’re going to have men dismissed unnecessarily and add lots of pressure to their already inept defence and thus end up losing a lot. They play some good attacking football and aren’t short of pace however so should make for interesting viewing if little else.
Star players:
Belhadj for his pace and driving runs from left-back. There aren’t many quicker than he is in this tournament and should be a real handful if not dealt with properly. Ziani should be a good addition experience-wise and his creativity is vital for Algeria acheive anything in front of goal.
Verdict?
A capable side but likely to end up with less men on the field than their opponents and thus are likely to lose. They struggle to defend properly and often concede heavily. Overs should be a natural when betting on these guys.
Slovenia
Coach: Matjaž Kek
1 GK Jasmin Handanovic 28 January 1978 (aged 32) 3 Mantova
2 DF Mišo Brecko 1 May 1984 (aged 26) 30 Köln
3 DF Elvedin Džini? 25 August 1985 (aged 24) 0 Maribor
4 DF Marko Šuler 9 March 1983 (aged 27) 16 Gent
5 DF Boštjan Cesar 9 July 1982 (aged 27) 41 Grenoble
6 DF Branko Ili? 6 February 1983 (aged 27) 36 Lokomotiv Moscow
7 FW Nejc Pecnik 3 January 1986 (aged 24) 7 Nacional
8 MF Robert Koren (c) 20 September 1980 (aged 29) 45 West Bromwich Albion
9 FW Zlatan Ljubijankic 15 December 1983 (aged 26) 16 Gent
10 FW Valter Birsa 7 August 1986 (aged 23) 33 Auxerre
11 FW Milivoje Novakovic 18 May 1979 (aged 31) 37 Köln
12 GK Samir Handanovic 14 July 1984 (aged 25) 38 Udinese
13 DF Bojan Jokic 17 May 1986 (aged 24) 33 Chievo
14 FW Zlatko Dedic 10 May 1984 (aged 26) 23 Bochum
15 MF Rene Krhin 21 May 1990 (aged 20) 3 Internazionale
16 GK Aleksander Šeliga 1 February 1980 (aged 30) 1 Sparta Rotterdam
17 MF Andraž Kirm 6 September 1984 (aged 25) 25 Wis?a Kraków
18 MF Aleksander Radosavljevic 25 April 1979 (aged 31) 14 Larissa
19 DF Suad Filekovic 16 September 1978 (aged 31) 14 Maribor
20 MF Andrej Komac 4 December 1979 (aged 30) 40 Maccabi Tel Aviv
21 MF Dalibor Stevanovic 27 September 1984 (aged 25) 15 Vitesse
22 DF Matej Mavric 29 January 1979 (aged 31) 32 TuS Koblenz
23 FW Tim Matavž 13 January 1989 (aged 21) 0 Groningen
A very interesting side here. When I saw them drawn against Russia to qualify for the World Cup, I pretty much said goodbye to Slovenia. I respected what they’d achieved but didn’t for one minute think they’d overcome Russia but they did by being very composed and efficient. There’s a lot of talent in this side although it’s really a rather young side, lacking in experience in some key areas. Their pace is hard to handle and they’re hard to break down but pressure of the big stage could affect them.
Star players?
WBA’s Robert Koren pulls the strings in the middle, as does Stevanovic – these two are vital to Slovenia’s creative process. Slovenia have a lot of pace up front and tend to utilise it which makes the likes of Birsa essential to their style. Could be the platform for Matavaz to enhance his reputation with his excellent pace too, given opportunity.
Verdict?
Capable of causing surprises. I expect them to score against most (if not all) sides that they encounter in this tournament but I think their lack of experience could and should hurt them. They’re capable of making it out of the group but not further although in all honesty I expect them to finish behind USA in the group and thus not quality for the second round.
Germany
Coach: Joachim Löw
1 GK Manuel Neuer 27 March 1986 (aged 24) 3 Schalke
2 DF Marcell Jansen 4 November 1985 (aged 24) 30 Hamburg
3 DF Arne Friedrich 29 May 1979 (aged 31) 70 Hertha Berlin
4 DF Dennis Aogo 14 January 1987 (aged 23) 1 Hamburg
5 DF Serdar Tasci 24 April 1987 (aged 23) 11 Stuttgart
6 MF Sami Khedira 4 April 1987 (aged 23) 3 Stuttgart
7 MF Bastian Schweinsteiger 1 August 1984 (aged 25) 74 Bayern Munich
8 MF Mesut Özil 15 October 1988 (aged 21) 8 Werder Bremen
9 FW Stefan Kießling 25 January 1984 (aged 26) 4 Bayer Leverkusen
10 FW Lukas Podolski 4 June 1985 (aged 25) 71 Köln
11 FW Miroslav Klose 9 June 1978 (aged 32) 94 Bayern Munich
12 GK Tim Wiese 17 December 1981 (aged 28) 2 Werder Bremen
13 FW Thomas Müller 13 September 1989 (aged 20) 1 Bayern Munich
14 DF Holger Badstuber 13 March 1989 (aged 21) 0 Bayern Munich
15 MF Piotr Trochowski 22 March 1984 (aged 26) 29 Hamburg
16 DF Philipp Lahm (c) 11 November 1983 (aged 26) 64 Bayern Munich
17 DF Per Mertesacker 29 September 1984 (aged 25) 60 Werder Bremen
18 MF Toni Kroos 4 January 1990 (aged 20) 2 Bayer Leverkusen
19 FW Cacau 27 March 1981 (aged 29) 6 Stuttgart
20 DF Jérôme Boateng 3 September 1988 (aged 21) 4 Hamburg
21 MF Marko Marin 13 March 1989 (aged 21) 7 Werder Bremen
22 GK Hans-Jörg Butt 28 May 1974 (aged 36) 3 Bayern Munich
23 FW Mario Gómez 10 July 1985 (aged 24) 32 Bayern Munich
And the award for most non-native strikers in a side goes to…Germany! You can never write these cheating bastards off due to their highly-respectable efficiency but they’re looking weak on the quality front. There are no strong international goalscorers barring Klose, who may as well have been injured this season for all he contributed to Bayern’s campaign. Their midfield looks talented but very young and inexperienced; dangerously so. They’re weak at the back by German standards and could get caught out there due to a lack of pace.
Star players?
Klose. If he turns up, he’ll drive Germany forward with his excellent goal-poaching ability. Lahm’s driving runs from full-back are essential in tearing opponents apart so he too is essential as a result. Neuer could be set to light up the World Cup in goal for Germany, given chance, as he’s a very good goalkeeper indeed. Schweinsteiger is important if used in the right position (central midfield) or he just looks out of place.
Verdict?
I cannot possibly write Germany off because of who they are, simply. They’re lacking in some areas but you know what they’re like – they’ll still win the group and probably the second round too. These guys can easily make the quarters or semis but I think even their luck will run out at that point and I don’t see them making the final as a result.
Australia
Coach: Pim Verbeek
1 GK Mark Schwarzer 6 October 1972 (aged 37) 74 Fulham
2 DF Lucas Neill (c) 9 March 1978 (aged 32) 55 Galatasaray
3 DF Craig Moore 12 December 1975 (aged 34) 49 Unattached
4 MF Tim Cahill 6 December 1979 (aged 30) 39 Everton
5 MF Jason Culina 5 August 1980 (aged 29) 48 Gold Coast United
6 DF Michael Beauchamp 8 March 1981 (aged 29) 21 Al-Jazira
7 MF Brett Emerton 22 February 1979 (aged 31) 72 Blackburn Rovers
8 DF Luke Wilkshire 1 October 1981 (aged 28) 41 Dynamo Moscow
9 FW Joshua Kennedy 20 August 1982 (aged 27) 18 Nagoya Grampus
10 FW Harry Kewell 22 September 1978 (aged 31) 45 Galatasaray
11 DF Scott Chipperfield 30 December 1975 (aged 34) 64 Basel
12 GK Adam Federici 31 January 1985 (aged 25) 1 Reading
13 MF Vince Grella 5 October 1979 (aged 30) 44 Blackburn Rovers
14 FW Brett Holman 27 March 1984 (aged 26) 31 AZ
15 MF Mile Jedinak 3 August 1984 (aged 25) 11 Antalyaspor
16 MF Carl Valeri 14 August 1984 (aged 25) 21 Sassuolo
17 FW Nikita Rukavytsya 22 June 1987 (aged 22) 3 Roeselare
18 GK Brad Jones 19 March 1982 (aged 28) 2 Middlesbrough
19 MF Richard Garcia 4 September 1981 (aged 28) 6 Hull City
20 DF Mark Milligan 4 September 1985 (aged 24) 10 JEF United
21 DF David Carney 3 November 1983 (aged 26) 25 Twente
22 MF Dario Vidoši? 12 April 1987 (aged 23) 6 MSV Duisburg
23 MF Mark Bresciano 11 February 1980 (aged 30) 54 Palermo
Verbeek’s a good and honest manager and his sides are hard to beat. Australia are compact and well-organised and thus don’t concede many. They lack in front of goal more often than not which will obviously underpin their overall displays but they’re generally a tough nut to crack and shouldn’t be treated with any level of contempt when betting.
Star players?
Tim Cahill’s goals and workrate from midfield are essential for Australia to function as a unit. Kewell, Neill, Emerton, Schwarzer, and Bresciano are all vital because of their experience and individual ability, two things that Australia lack a good deal of without any of those players.
Verdict?
Capable of escaping the group with some inspired displays but I don’t see them making it past the second round if they do due to a lack of threat in front of goal. Their games are likely to be a mass of unders as a result.