World Cup Guide
Group A (South Africa, Mexico, Uruguay, France)
The host nation will face stiff competition with some World Cup heavyweights in France and Uruguay, while Mexico looms as a shadowy threat.
The French squad is crammed with talent, and despite lingering doubts over coach Raymond Domenech, they should dominate the pool. In Nicolas Anelka, Thierry Henry and Frank Ribery up front, Les Bleus possess one of the classiest attacks in the competition. France can either stride through to the final in style, or crumble early in a disorganised, divided heap. If they are stable in their opening games, they’ll make the semis.
The remaining three are tough to split. Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez has assembled a solid, cohesive team and Diego Forlan will lead from the front. Their northern rivals Mexico have a strong backline, but with a relatively young squad and no established strikers, the Mexicans may find themselves playing out draws rather than taking much-needed three point results. South Africa will be spurred on by a fanatical home crowd, but will need to perform above and beyond the ability of their relatively unknown squad.
Result: France to top the group with Mexico prevailing over Uruguay in a final leg classic for second.
Group B (Argentina, Nigeria, South Korea, Greece)
Argentina appear to have an easy draw, but plucky South Korea can surprise and Greece and Nigeria are known giant-slayers.
Cup legend Maradona is back as coach of Argentina, but his flamboyant behaviour and seemingly flippant attitude to selection and tactics has led many to question his credentials in charge. The squad has the talent to go all the way. Lionel Messi is an inspirational midfielder, and like his coach, can single-handedly turn matches. If they can channel Maradona’s magnetic emotional charge positively, expect them to feature in the final. But, they’ll need their coach to rely on advice from more experienced tacticians on staff to ensure the Argentinian technical game runs smoothly.
Then we have an enigmatic bunch. Greece have a strong, experienced backbone in Sotirios Kyrgiakos and Giorgos Karagouris, but lack a visible attacking threat. South Korea will rely heavily on Man United star Park Ji-Sung to spark a repeat of their 2002 heroics. The Koreans are fast and skilled, and can blitz opponents on the counter, but their conversion rate in front of goal is shaky. Nigeria meanwhile, look to be top heavy, spoilt for choice in attack but featuring a loose defence that will likely be exposed by the speedy Koreans and crafty Argentineans.
Result: Argentina to top the group (with an early scare) and South Korea to shade Greece for second.
Group C (England, USA, Algeria, Slovenia)
England arrive with genuine aspirations for success, and won’t face daunting prospects in a rag-tag group.
With a strong-willed new coach, England come to south Africa boasting cohesion, confidence and class. Expectations from home are high for Fabio Capello’s men, but his squad is skilled, experienced and disciplined – the latter being a recent addition to England’s national squad. Wayne Rooney is at the height of his powers and could contend for golden boot, while behind him the likes of Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard and John Terry form a rock-solid spine. This is the first time is a long time that the lions have genuine designs on the trophy.
Their pool rivals will squabble amongst eachother for a second round birth, but none look likely to advance any further. The USA performed well at the Confederations Cup, and Landon Donovan is a class player, but the Americans play long-ball football – not idea at World Cup level. Algeria are feisty and have a decent attack, but will struggle at the back, and Slovenia are a well-drilled squad who should be able to get results against the unpredictable Algerians and Americans.
Result: England to stroll through with a massive goal tally and Slovenia to advance ahead of the USA.
Group D (Germany, Australia, Ghana, Serbia)
The Germans are confident of going all the way, but are in a group where an upset is always a danger.
Germany boast a proud World Cup record. Twice winners and regular contenders in the latter stages. Germany are team renowned for competition performance, and must be considered a chance to take the crown. Losing midfield stalwart Michael Ballack was a blow, but there is depth in the squad that still features stars such as Bastien Schweinstieger and Miroslav Klose. Anything less than the semis would be a disaster.
Australia will be eager to repeat their 2006 performance and reach the second round, and a full-strength squad should enable that. The Socceroos will pack the midfield, and talisman Tim Cahill is an instinctive livewire. Star Harry Kewell and towering Josh Kennedy can and have put balls in the back of the net, but it is the flanks where Australia will be dangerous, with the reliable and underrated wing-backs Scott Chipperfield and Brett Emerton bringing attacking and defensive credentials. Ghana will suffer in the absence of their nucleus Michael Essien, but Serbia are well-drilled, tactically sound and full of proficient playing talent.
Result: Germany to top the table, but Australia will find themselves locking horns with Serbia in what is sure to be a classic playoff. The Socceroos will scrape through.
Group E (The Netherlands, Japan, Denmark, Cameroon)
The Dutch superstars steamrolled all in their path on the way to South Africa and show no signs of slowing. Japan and Cameroon are desperate to restore some pride, but Denmark are an overachieving unit.
Holland have been on the cusp of World Cup victory since 1974, and this year are arriving with a run of form that yet again places them as a major contender for the crown. The familiar brand of flowing, attacking football was evident all through the qualifiers and the attacking quartet of Dirk Kuyt, Arjen Robben, Robin van Persie and Wesley Sneijder can and will prise open even the stoutest defence. The time may be right for The Oranje to finally lift the crown.
The rest of the group will be a tantalising bout between European, Asian and African playing styles. The Danes will have the inspirational Jon Dahl Tomasson leading a squad bound together by glue, playing a tidy game. Japan is highly skilled and Shinsuke Nakamura is a set piece genius. Cameroon are fast and physical, and will send the ball up to the lethal Samuel Eto’o up front.
Result: Holland will walk it and keep going right to the finals, Denmark’s solidarity and selfless team attitude will deliver them to the second round.
Group F (Italy, New Zealand, Slovakia, Paraguay)
Defending champions Italy have an easy group, facing a World Cup newcomer in Slovakia, a long lost competitor in New Zealand and a team struck by tragedy in Paraguay.
Italy will have many of the victorious 2006 squad in their ranks, but there is a distinct lack of fresh talent. Francesco Totti won’t be in South Africa, and his absence shows up Italy’s lacklustre attack. Their strength will come from the back, with Gianluigi Buffon’s safe hands between the sticks and commanding centre back Fabio Cannavaro captaining the team. Midfield anchor Andrea Pirlo will be relied upon for creativity. Marcello Lippi’s men have an easy draw but may find it tricky to find the net against better-stacked opponents.
Paraguay and Slovakia will be each eyeing off a second round berth. Each were impressive in their continental qualifiers, but will be hard-pressed to expect anything further than a final-16 result. New Zealand are back for the first time since 1982, and have nothing to lose. The All-Whites (an interesting name to bring to South Africa of all places) will look to their experienced skipper Ryan Nelson for inspiration, with many of the players plying their trade in New Zealand’s semi-professional domestic league. A draw will be considered a famous victory for the Kiwis.
Result: Italy will battle their way to the last 16, while Paraguay will edge out Slovakia for the other ticket out of the group stage.
Group G (Brazil, North Korea, Ivory Coast, Portugal)
Brazil are World Cup royalty, but some of the world’s biggest talents lurk within Portugal and Ivory Coast, while North Korea are an unpredictable prospect.
Brazil appear less of a certainty this time around, but are perpetual contenders. Naturally, the Brazilians are not short of talent, with Kaka, Robinho and Gilberto Silva to name a few. A controversial omission is Ronaldinho, who despite lacking form lately is still a world-class player. But coach Dunga stressed he was after team unity, not a collection of egos. If he gets his way and Brazil play as a single unit, they will be formidable.
Seeing an in form Cristiano Ronaldo on the world stage will draw much attention to Portugal. However, there is more to the Portugese than the Real Madrid superstar, they won many of the qualification games without Ronaldo, and the likes of Nani and Deco are dangerous enough in their own right. Portugal have potential to go far, but they find themselves in a very tough group. The Ivory Coast will be confident also, Sharp-shooter Didier Drogba will be the key, but Les Elephants have a wealth of talent, especially in attack. North Korea are the joker in the pack. Filled with virtual unknowns, the North Koreans demonstrated defensive strength in the qualifiers, but lacked goal-scoring hunger. They will frustrate the better adjusted teams.
Result: Brazil will top the group, but will be made to work hard by Portugal and Ivory Coast. Second place will be fall to Portugal, just.
Group H (Spain, Switzerland, Honduras, Chile)
Spain fly into South Africa as hot favourites, but will not underestimate the passionate Chileans and canny Swiss, while Honduras can spring a surprise.
The star-studded Spanish outfit will have the burden of favouritism for the first time ever. Long-considered a dark-horse, Spain have finally assembled a squad bubbling with talent from one end of the pitch to the other. Fernando Torres and David Villa can bang in goals effortlessly, while Cesc Fabregas and Andres Iniesta are a formidable midfield pairing. At the back, Sergio Ramos leads a solid defensive unit and Iker Casillas is one of the world’s best keepers. Spain have the tools to be rightly considered favourites – but must be able to bear the load of expectation and play the football the world is eager to see,
Spain’s group rivals will have already conceded the top spot to La Roja, but will each feel they can rightfully claim the second spot. Any coach will not dare underestimate Switzerland on the pitch. While not a team adorned with big names, the Swiss are a close-knit squad with local hero Alexander Frie leading from the front. Chile are almost the South American equivalent to Switzerland, with added Latin passion. The Chileans will play attacking, opportunistic football, which is just what’s needed to advance in the world’s largest competition. Honduras will be considered the outsiders in this group, but they’ll bring a team geared towards scoring goals and have the talent to cause an upset.
Result: Spain will cruise through – perhaps with a slight scare along the way (which should only help ground them), and Chile will throw everything at Switzerland to claim the other round of 16 berth.
Tournament Predictions:
WINNERS
FAVOURITE: Spain
MY PICK: Holland
NO CHANCE: New Zealand
:
GOLDEN BOOT
FAVOURITE Fernando Torres (ESP)
MY PICK: Miroslav Klose (GER)
NO CHANCE: Ryan Nelson (NZL) (because he’s from New Zealand and a defender)
GOLDEN BALL
FAVOURITE Lionel Messi (ARG)
MY PICK: Andres Iniesta (ESP)
NO CHANCE: Pak Nam Choi
GOLDEN GLOVE
FAVOURITE Gianluigi Buffon (ITA)
MY PICK: Iker Casillas (ESP)
NO CHANCE: Mark Paston (NZL)
FIFA FAIR PLAY AWARD
FAVOURITE Brazil
MY PICK: Holland
NO CHANCE: Italy
MOST ENTERTAINING TEAM
FAVOURITE Brazil
MY PICK: Chile
NO CHANCE: North Korea
SURPRISE PACKET
FAVOURITE South Africa
MY PICK: Portugal
NO CHANCE: North Korea
WORST HAIRCUT
FAVOURITE Bacary Sagna (FRA)
MY PICK: Gervinho (IVO)
NO CHANCE: Matthew Booth (RSA)
FIRST RED CARD
FAVOURITE Wayne Rooney (ENG)
MY PICK: Didier Drogba (IVO)
NO CHANCE: Scott Chipperfield (AUS)
BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT
FAVOURITE Argentina
MY PICK: Italy
NO CHANCE: Holland
The French squad is crammed with talent, and despite lingering doubts over coach Raymond Domenech, they should dominate the pool. In Nicolas Anelka, Thierry Henry and Frank Ribery up front, Les Bleus possess one of the classiest attacks in the competition. France can either stride through to the final in style, or crumble early in a disorganised, divided heap. If they are stable in their opening games, they’ll make the semis.
The remaining three are tough to split. Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez has assembled a solid, cohesive team and Diego Forlan will lead from the front. Their northern rivals Mexico have a strong backline, but with a relatively young squad and no established strikers, the Mexicans may find themselves playing out draws rather than taking much-needed three point results. South Africa will be spurred on by a fanatical home crowd, but will need to perform above and beyond the ability of their relatively unknown squad.
Result: France to top the group with Mexico prevailing over Uruguay in a final leg classic for second.
Group B (Argentina, Nigeria, South Korea, Greece)
Cup legend Maradona is back as coach of Argentina, but his flamboyant behaviour and seemingly flippant attitude to selection and tactics has led many to question his credentials in charge. The squad has the talent to go all the way. Lionel Messi is an inspirational midfielder, and like his coach, can single-handedly turn matches. If they can channel Maradona’s magnetic emotional charge positively, expect them to feature in the final. But, they’ll need their coach to rely on advice from more experienced tacticians on staff to ensure the Argentinian technical game runs smoothly.
Then we have an enigmatic bunch. Greece have a strong, experienced backbone in Sotirios Kyrgiakos and Giorgos Karagouris, but lack a visible attacking threat. South Korea will rely heavily on Man United star Park Ji-Sung to spark a repeat of their 2002 heroics. The Koreans are fast and skilled, and can blitz opponents on the counter, but their conversion rate in front of goal is shaky. Nigeria meanwhile, look to be top heavy, spoilt for choice in attack but featuring a loose defence that will likely be exposed by the speedy Koreans and crafty Argentineans.
Result: Argentina to top the group (with an early scare) and South Korea to shade Greece for second.
Group C (England, USA, Algeria, Slovenia)
With a strong-willed new coach, England come to south Africa boasting cohesion, confidence and class. Expectations from home are high for Fabio Capello’s men, but his squad is skilled, experienced and disciplined – the latter being a recent addition to England’s national squad. Wayne Rooney is at the height of his powers and could contend for golden boot, while behind him the likes of Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard and John Terry form a rock-solid spine. This is the first time is a long time that the lions have genuine designs on the trophy.
Their pool rivals will squabble amongst eachother for a second round birth, but none look likely to advance any further. The USA performed well at the Confederations Cup, and Landon Donovan is a class player, but the Americans play long-ball football – not idea at World Cup level. Algeria are feisty and have a decent attack, but will struggle at the back, and Slovenia are a well-drilled squad who should be able to get results against the unpredictable Algerians and Americans.
Result: England to stroll through with a massive goal tally and Slovenia to advance ahead of the USA.
Group D (Germany, Australia, Ghana, Serbia)
Germany boast a proud World Cup record. Twice winners and regular contenders in the latter stages. Germany are team renowned for competition performance, and must be considered a chance to take the crown. Losing midfield stalwart Michael Ballack was a blow, but there is depth in the squad that still features stars such as Bastien Schweinstieger and Miroslav Klose. Anything less than the semis would be a disaster.
Australia will be eager to repeat their 2006 performance and reach the second round, and a full-strength squad should enable that. The Socceroos will pack the midfield, and talisman Tim Cahill is an instinctive livewire. Star Harry Kewell and towering Josh Kennedy can and have put balls in the back of the net, but it is the flanks where Australia will be dangerous, with the reliable and underrated wing-backs Scott Chipperfield and Brett Emerton bringing attacking and defensive credentials. Ghana will suffer in the absence of their nucleus Michael Essien, but Serbia are well-drilled, tactically sound and full of proficient playing talent.
Result: Germany to top the table, but Australia will find themselves locking horns with Serbia in what is sure to be a classic playoff. The Socceroos will scrape through.
Group E (The Netherlands, Japan, Denmark, Cameroon)
Holland have been on the cusp of World Cup victory since 1974, and this year are arriving with a run of form that yet again places them as a major contender for the crown. The familiar brand of flowing, attacking football was evident all through the qualifiers and the attacking quartet of Dirk Kuyt, Arjen Robben, Robin van Persie and Wesley Sneijder can and will prise open even the stoutest defence. The time may be right for The Oranje to finally lift the crown.
The rest of the group will be a tantalising bout between European, Asian and African playing styles. The Danes will have the inspirational Jon Dahl Tomasson leading a squad bound together by glue, playing a tidy game. Japan is highly skilled and Shinsuke Nakamura is a set piece genius. Cameroon are fast and physical, and will send the ball up to the lethal Samuel Eto’o up front.
Result: Holland will walk it and keep going right to the finals, Denmark’s solidarity and selfless team attitude will deliver them to the second round.
Group F (Italy, New Zealand, Slovakia, Paraguay)
Italy will have many of the victorious 2006 squad in their ranks, but there is a distinct lack of fresh talent. Francesco Totti won’t be in South Africa, and his absence shows up Italy’s lacklustre attack. Their strength will come from the back, with Gianluigi Buffon’s safe hands between the sticks and commanding centre back Fabio Cannavaro captaining the team. Midfield anchor Andrea Pirlo will be relied upon for creativity. Marcello Lippi’s men have an easy draw but may find it tricky to find the net against better-stacked opponents.
Paraguay and Slovakia will be each eyeing off a second round berth. Each were impressive in their continental qualifiers, but will be hard-pressed to expect anything further than a final-16 result. New Zealand are back for the first time since 1982, and have nothing to lose. The All-Whites (an interesting name to bring to South Africa of all places) will look to their experienced skipper Ryan Nelson for inspiration, with many of the players plying their trade in New Zealand’s semi-professional domestic league. A draw will be considered a famous victory for the Kiwis.
Result: Italy will battle their way to the last 16, while Paraguay will edge out Slovakia for the other ticket out of the group stage.
Group G (Brazil, North Korea, Ivory Coast, Portugal)
Brazil appear less of a certainty this time around, but are perpetual contenders. Naturally, the Brazilians are not short of talent, with Kaka, Robinho and Gilberto Silva to name a few. A controversial omission is Ronaldinho, who despite lacking form lately is still a world-class player. But coach Dunga stressed he was after team unity, not a collection of egos. If he gets his way and Brazil play as a single unit, they will be formidable.
Seeing an in form Cristiano Ronaldo on the world stage will draw much attention to Portugal. However, there is more to the Portugese than the Real Madrid superstar, they won many of the qualification games without Ronaldo, and the likes of Nani and Deco are dangerous enough in their own right. Portugal have potential to go far, but they find themselves in a very tough group. The Ivory Coast will be confident also, Sharp-shooter Didier Drogba will be the key, but Les Elephants have a wealth of talent, especially in attack. North Korea are the joker in the pack. Filled with virtual unknowns, the North Koreans demonstrated defensive strength in the qualifiers, but lacked goal-scoring hunger. They will frustrate the better adjusted teams.
Result: Brazil will top the group, but will be made to work hard by Portugal and Ivory Coast. Second place will be fall to Portugal, just.
Group H (Spain, Switzerland, Honduras, Chile)
The star-studded Spanish outfit will have the burden of favouritism for the first time ever. Long-considered a dark-horse, Spain have finally assembled a squad bubbling with talent from one end of the pitch to the other. Fernando Torres and David Villa can bang in goals effortlessly, while Cesc Fabregas and Andres Iniesta are a formidable midfield pairing. At the back, Sergio Ramos leads a solid defensive unit and Iker Casillas is one of the world’s best keepers. Spain have the tools to be rightly considered favourites – but must be able to bear the load of expectation and play the football the world is eager to see,
Spain’s group rivals will have already conceded the top spot to La Roja, but will each feel they can rightfully claim the second spot. Any coach will not dare underestimate Switzerland on the pitch. While not a team adorned with big names, the Swiss are a close-knit squad with local hero Alexander Frie leading from the front. Chile are almost the South American equivalent to Switzerland, with added Latin passion. The Chileans will play attacking, opportunistic football, which is just what’s needed to advance in the world’s largest competition. Honduras will be considered the outsiders in this group, but they’ll bring a team geared towards scoring goals and have the talent to cause an upset.
Result: Spain will cruise through – perhaps with a slight scare along the way (which should only help ground them), and Chile will throw everything at Switzerland to claim the other round of 16 berth.
Tournament Predictions:
WINNERS
FAVOURITE: Spain
MY PICK: Holland
NO CHANCE: New Zealand
:
GOLDEN BOOT
FAVOURITE Fernando Torres (ESP)
MY PICK: Miroslav Klose (GER)
NO CHANCE: Ryan Nelson (NZL) (because he’s from New Zealand and a defender)
GOLDEN BALL
FAVOURITE Lionel Messi (ARG)
MY PICK: Andres Iniesta (ESP)
NO CHANCE: Pak Nam Choi
GOLDEN GLOVE
FAVOURITE Gianluigi Buffon (ITA)
MY PICK: Iker Casillas (ESP)
NO CHANCE: Mark Paston (NZL)
FIFA FAIR PLAY AWARD
FAVOURITE Brazil
MY PICK: Holland
NO CHANCE: Italy
MOST ENTERTAINING TEAM
FAVOURITE Brazil
MY PICK: Chile
NO CHANCE: North Korea
SURPRISE PACKET
FAVOURITE South Africa
MY PICK: Portugal
NO CHANCE: North Korea
WORST HAIRCUT
FAVOURITE Bacary Sagna (FRA)
MY PICK: Gervinho (IVO)
NO CHANCE: Matthew Booth (RSA)
FIRST RED CARD
FAVOURITE Wayne Rooney (ENG)
MY PICK: Didier Drogba (IVO)
NO CHANCE: Scott Chipperfield (AUS)
BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT
FAVOURITE Argentina
MY PICK: Italy
NO CHANCE: Holland
