Manager: Huh Jung-Moo
Captain: Park Ji-Sung
FIFA Ranking: 48
World Cup appearances: 1954, 1986, 1990, 1994, 1998, 2002, 2006
Best World Cup: Fourth Place – 2002

South Korea Team Profile:

Despite managing to qualify for the World Cup seven times, they’ve only once made any real inroads at the prestigious tournament. However, in 2002 South Korea were the surprise package of the whole tournament and went on to defy the odds on several occasions when beating Portugal, Spain via a penalty shoot-out and then Italy in the quart-finals to book their first ever Semi-Final appearance in a world cup. They unfortunately went on to lose both the Semi-Final and the third place play-off but the Koreans certainly left their mark on that tournament and they will be aiming to reach similar heights in South Africa.

Manager

Huh Jung-Moo was a cult hero in his time as a player for South Korea. During 1974-1986 Jung-Moo notched up no less then 84 appearances in a South Korean shirt, scoring 25 goals in the process. However, Jung-Moo is widely remembered for his goal against Japan back in 1985 when Jung-Moo scored the winner to send South Korea to the Mexican World Cup and start a run of six consecutive world cup appearances. A run which he has already extended as manager with qualification already wrapped up for South Africa.

South Korea Key Players

Park Ji-Sung

The United stalwart will look to lead by example in South Africa for the South Koreans and his experience in playing in arguably the worlds most exciting league has seen him take the captains armband for his country. Despite being often one of the smallest players on the park for both club and country, he has made a name for himself by being a gritty and determined individual and is now one of the first names on the team sheet at Manchester United. Park finished the qualifying campaign as South Korea’s top goalscorer which is a major concern when you consider that he does most of his work in the middle of the park. The forwards are obviously not adding their contribution.

South Korea Qualification for the World Cup

Sector: Asia
Group: 2
Position: 2nd
Win-Draw-Lose: 3-3-2
Goals Scored: 7
Goals Conceded: 5

Qualifying Statistics:

- South Korea were one of just two sides in the Asian sector to finish qualifying with an unbeaten record of eight games without a single defeat.
- Their tally of twelve goals in eight games was the joint highest along with Australia who notched up the same amount of goals.
- Park Ji-Sung finished qualifying as South Korea’s top goalscorer with five goals.
- South Korea are the most successful country in Asia in regards to qualifying for the world cup. They’ve qualified for the last six world cup’s and have now made it seven with qualification for the 2010 World Cup already sewn up.

World Cup Potential: 2/5

Despite the heroics of 2002 which seen South Korea reach the third place play-off, we can’t see this crop of South Koreans going any further then the group stage. They would need a very easy group in order to progress as they simply lack enough quality players. Park Ji-Sung will do his obvious best to carry the Koreans as far as he can but that won’t be enough. A tricky opponent nevertheless but teams won’t fear South Korea this time around.

South Korea World Cup Betting Odds:

South Korea to win the World Cup: 250/1 Sportingbet

Before the World Cup the odds on South Korea were 250/1 

Official World Cup squad of South Korea

Goalkeepers

Woon-Jae Lee (Suwon)

Young-Kwang Kim (Ulsan)

Sung-Ryong Jung (Seongnam)

Defenders

Du-Ri Cha (SC Freiburg)

Hyung-Il Kim (Pohang)

Jung-Soo Lee (Kashima)

Young-Pyo Lee (Al Hilal)

Min-Soo Kang (Suwon)

Beom-Seok Oh (Ulsan)

Yong-Hyung Cho (Jeju)

Dong-Jin Kim (Ulsan)

Midfielders

Nam-Il Kim (Tom Tomsk)

Sung-Yong Ki (Celtic)

Jung-Woo Kim (Gwangju)

Ji-Sung Park (Manchester United)

Chung-Yong Lee (Bolton Wanderers)

Jae-Sung Kim (Pohang)

Bo-Kyung Kim (Oita Trinita)

Strikers

Seung-Yueng Lee (Seoul)

Jung-Hwan Ahn (Dalian Shide)

Chu-Young Park (AS Monaco)

Dong-Huk Lee (Jeonbuk)

Ki-Hun Yeom (Suwon)

last update: 18 June 2010

World Cup 2010 South Korea Fixtures – Group B

26/06 – 15.00 – Round of the last 16: South Korea – Uruguay: 1-2

World Cup 2010 Group B - Table

World Cup Fixtures and Results

 Manager: Bob Bradley
Captain: Carlos Bocanegra
FIFA Ranking: 11
World Cup appearances: 8
Best World Cup: Third Place – 1930

USA Team Profile

In most sports, the American just turn up, strut their stuff and walk away with bags of medals. In football, however, that isn’t the case. In fact, the USA will be hard-pressed to make the last-sixteen of the competition in South Africa, although they did go as far as the quarter-finals back in Korea/Japan in 2002; their best performance in the finals of a World Cup for over 70 years, before later bowing at the group stages in Germany, 2006.

Credit were credit is due, the USA is showing huge signs of improvements both with their international displays and in regards to the popularity of the sport back home in general. Soccer is generally not perceived to be part of the popular brand of sports over in a country which consists of several high profile sporting activities, but in recent years better players have emerged from the shadows and their emergence of new talent was evident in their 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup performance which seen them make it as far as the final itself, taking a 2-0 lead in the final before losing 3-2 to eventual champions Brazil.

In North America however, despite ‘Soccer’ not yet reaching the heights in the popularity charts as expected when David Beckham moved over to the MLS several years ago in a bold bid to boost the reputation, the USA are the team to beat in qualifying or their own respective major tournaments. USA are the only North American team to have played in five successive World Cups. They stormed through qualifying, booking their tickets to South Africa with something to spare.

USA Key Players

Landon Donovan

We were tempted to call Landon Donovan a veteran as he does have so much experience but we mustn’t forget that the LA Galaxy forward is still just 27 years-old and still has every chance of reaching the following finals four years later. Donovan isn’t the biggest of players at just 5ft 7inc but his presence in the starting line-up brings about added enthusiasm from the rest of the squad as his work rate and ethic is second to none. He doesn’t allowed the opposing defenders any time on the ball, he chases down nothing balls and he also tracks back to help out in defence whenever necessary. He will be USA’s biggest goal threat in the final as he just seems to have a unique knack of getting in the right places at the right time, as well possessing the ability to create a chance out of nothing with his swift, intricate ball skills.

With 42 goals in 120 appearances for country, Landon Donovan is the most prolific striker the United States has ever had. He is the all-time leader in both goals and assists and will be the most-capped player in the US squad. Like we said above, Donovan brings vital experience to the fort as the squad is still fairly young in stature.

Tim Howard

The Everton number 1 has been his country’s number 1 for some time now but he’s a long way behind catching Landon Donovan in the caps department. Howard has been capped 48 times for his country and he has made that goalkeeping berth his own since Brad Friedel’s retirement from International duty. He has just about everything you want in a goalkeeper. He is clam and collected when in possession, he commands the respect of all those in front of him on the pitch whilst his immense shop-stopping ability makes him one of the best goalies in the game.

Tim Howard’s finest performance to date came against Spain in the 2009 Confederations Cup. Howard pulled off a string of good saves to not only deny Spain several goals but also aid his side into the finals of the tournament, albeit losing against Brazil in the final after a valiant display. He was the first goalkeeper to keep Spain at bay for the full 90 minutes for over two years. He was deservedly awarded The Golden Glove for his performances on the whole throughout The Confederations Cup.

Strengths

The biggest compliment we can pay to the American’s is they work so damn hard during 90 minutes, harassing the opponent throughout. They don’t allow their opponents to have any time nor space when in possession, they aren’t afraid to get involved with a tackle and seemingly have energy in reserve. The US are arguably the most enduring and industrious team on the block, and whatever team they come up against, no matter how classy they are, they’ll have to work doubly hard to squeeze anything out of a game with a USA team which fights tooth and nail for every last blade of grass.

Weakness

While there is no doubting the commitment of the USA team, were one of their key players to suffer an injury setback while in South Africa, manager Bradley would struggle to fill the void left. Their starting eleven isn’t the strongest in the first place, but it’s their determination on the field which enables them to push the big teams hard. Were one of the wheels in the US cog to go missing, you would fear for their chances as the USA rely heavily on team work and the great chemistry they’ve built up over some successful years.

USA Qualification for the World Cup

Sector: North, Central America & Caribbean
Group: 1
Position: 1st
Win-Draw-Lose: 6-2-2
Goals Scored: 19
Goals Conceded: 13

World Cup Potential: 2/5

The USA are a team you would ideally prefer to avoid; great work ethic all round the team,their attitude on the field is great while their overall team work in second to none, both when in possession and not. However, for all their workmanlike qualities, the US still aren’t strong enough, certainly in depth, to handle the gauntlet thrown down by some of the more equipped nations, such as England, a team they’ll face in the group stages.

In fairness though, they were handed a very generous group, one they stand every chance of bypassing after being thrown into the mixer with England, the favourites to win the group, Slovenia and Algeria. The two key games as far as the USA are concerned are the Slovenia and Algeria matches, both of which they have to win in order to keep their chances of making the last-sixteen promising. If they can get something out of their game with the USA then great, and that’s not behold the realms of possibility. However, if the USA do want to go far, they’ll need to somehow finish the group in first place in order to avoid the ever consistent Germans in the round of 16.

On their day the USA can be a handful and are one of a select few that in terms of being rated as an outsider, could spring a shock against one of the elite nations. However, consistency would be an issue and while their ability to shock will be a threat to opponents, their main objective in South Africa will be to make the Round of 16.

USA World Cup Betting Odds

USA to win the World Cup: 80/1 Bet365

Before the World Cup the odds on USA were 80/1 

Official USA World Cup Squad

Goalkeepers

Brad Guzan (Aston Villa)

Marcus Hahnemann (Wolverhampton Wanderers)

Tim Howard (Everton)

Defenders

Carlos Bocanegra (Stade Rennes)

Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA)

Steve Cherundolo (Hannover 96)

Jay DeMerit (Watford)

Clarence Goodson (IK Start)

Oguchi Onyewu (AC Milan)

Jonathan Spector (West Ham)

Midfielders

Landon Donovan (Los Angeles Galaxy)

DaMarcus Beasley (Glasgow Rangers)

Michael Bradley (Borussia Monchengladbach)

Ricardo Clark (Eintracht Frankfurt)

Clint Dempsey (Fulham)

Maurice Edu (Glasgow Rangers)

Benny Feilhaber (AGF Aarhus)

Stuart Holden (Bolton Wanderers)

Jose Torres (Pachuca)

Strikers

Jozy Altidore (Villarreal)

Edson Buddle (Los Angeles Galaxy)

Robbie Findley (Real Salt Lake)

Herculez Gomez (Puebla)

last update: 18 June 2010

World Cup 2010 USA Fixtures – Group C

26/06 – 19.30 – Round of the last 16: USA – Ghana: 1-2 AET

World Cup 2010 Group C - Table

 World Cup Fixtures and Results

Manager: Oscar Tabarez
Captain: Diego Lugano

Continent: South America
Nicknames: La Celeste
Group: A

World Cup appearances: 10
Best World Cup: Winners; 1930 & 1950
FIFA World Ranking: 18

Uruguay Team Profile

The two time winners of the World Cup, albeit their last crown coming 60 years ago, will be gunning for the hat-trick in South Africa, although they will need to defy the odds. Uruguay haven’t been given much hope by the bookies, perhaps because they weren’t entirely convincing during qualifying after needing a play-off with Costa Rica to finally seal their tickets to Africa. However, the Uruguayans are a dangerous nation as they boast some serious quality in their ranks, and Oscar Tabarez does have an outside chance of guiding Uruguay to a successful World Cup – which would be qualifying for the last sixteen of the competition.

Uruguay had many admirers back when they won the World Cup, twice, as they are one of the smallest nations competing in this summers showcase event and are officially the smallest nation ever to win a World Cup, with an estimated 4Million population. However, all you need for a successful team is one or two decent individuals and Uruguay have that heading into South Africa. However, this will be just their second World Cup in 20 years and there are doubts about whether the players, who won’t be used to the hype and expectations set back home, can handle the spotlight and pressure. They are a nation who have, however, qualified 10 times for a World Cup and have been very consistent in tournaments back in the continent of South America.

Uruguay Key Players

Luis Suarez

I’ve long admired the Ajax forward as he is a quality forward and one that will demand a lot of cash in due course. Suarez has become Forlan’s ample striking parter for Uruguay and the pair have formed a budding relationship up front for their country, with the pair scoring 12 goals between them during qualifying, with Suarez bagging five of them. However, it is Suarez who heads into South Africa in the form of his life as he’s been banging in the goals in Holland for fun, scoring a colossal 22 league goals in 21 league appearances. He has been at the forefront of Ajax’s charge for a craved title, with his deadly finishing and self-made ability to create his own goals why he’s been such a success back in Holland. However, the Dutch league has fallen down the ranks in recent years and it will be interesting to see if Suarez can replicate his club form in South Africa.

Diego Forlan

The Athletico Madrid forward has been an instant hit in Spain and has won the Golden boot award twice while at Madrid, the first coming in 2005 while the second came last season after he scored 33 goals in 32 games for his club. Many of you will remember Forlan from his days at Manchester United where he was often touted as a flop for his dry spells in front of goals. However, he has been a sensation in Spain and has been just as prolific for his country, scoring 22 goals in 60 caps. He is a proper forward in that he has this selfish manner to him but he backs it up with plenty of goals. He is a typical predator in and around the goal, while he also knows how to finish under pressure. Forlan will be a danger, a nuisance if you like, for any defence in Africa.

Strengths

Their best quality would have to be their attacking play, especially as it’s spearheaded by two of Europe’s best strikers in Diego Forlan & Luis Suarez, the latter one of the upcoming stars and a future hit. When Uruguay do get forward, they cause opposing defences all sort of problems as their deadly striking duet know how to exploit gaps in defence and put themselves into scoring positions. They also have players which can strike a ball from anywhere and this Uruguay side does have goals in them.

Weaknesses

Uruguay are a confidence side and if they don’t make a bright start in South African then doubts will start to creep in. They are also very inconsistent and don’t exactly excel away from home. They were also beaten by both Brazil & Argentina twice during qualifying, meaning their credentials when they do come up against the elite nations aren’t flattering as they have proven to be bottlers in the crunch games. A perfect example of this was in Uruguay’s last qualifier when all they needed was a draw to qualify for the finals. Of course, despite Argentina enduring one of their worst spells in it’s prestigious history, Uruguay lost the encounter 1-0, on home soil, and their performance on the night shown everyone that Uruguay still lack the nerve and steel to come up good in the big games.

Uruguay Qualification for the World Cup

Sector: South America
Position: 5th
Win-Draw-Lose: 6-6-6
Goals Scored: 28
Goals Conceded: 20

Uruguay has a largely inconsistent campaign in which one minute they appeared to have slid claims for qualifying only to then ruin their chances. They did bottle their final qualifier in which they would have qualified via a fourth place finish had they of avoided defeat to Argentina. However, their fate was instead left to a two-legged play-off with Costa Rica from North America. Uruguay did, only just mind, beat Costa Rica over two legs after winning the away leg 1-0 before a nervy encounter in Uruguay, drawing 1-1.

World Cup Potential: 3/5

Uruguay have more than quality in their squad to spring a surprise and we feel their huge price tag makes them a more than worthy outside bet. The likes of Diego Forlan & Luis Suarez will be key in their chances to land a surprise World Cup but they’ve proven only recently that the big games just aren’t for them and we could quite easily see Uruguay make an earlier exit than we want nor expected. Still, the potential is there for a few big displays and they will be a dangerous opponent for everyone.

Uruguay World Cup Betting Odds

Uruguay to win the World Cup (Outright): 12/1 Bet365

Before the World Cup the odds on Uruguay were 100/1 

Official Uruguay World Cup Squad

Goalkeepers

Fernando Muslera (Lazio Roma)

Juan-Guillermo Castillo (Deportivo Cali)

Martin Silva (Defensor Sporting)

Defenders

Diego Lugano (Fenerbahce)

Diego Godin (Villarreal)

Andres Scotti (Colo Colo)

Jorge Fucile (Porto)

Martin Caceres (Juventus)

Mauricio Victorino (Universidad de Chile)

Maximiliano Pereira (Benfica)

Midfielders

Walter Gargano (Napoli)

Egidio Arevalo-Rios (Penarol)

Sebastian Eguren (AIK Stockholm)

Diego Perez (Monaco)

Alvaro Pereira (Porto)

Alvaro Fernandez (Universidad de Chile)

Ignacio Gonzalez (Valencia)

Nicolas Lodeiro (Ajax)

Strikers

Sebastian Fernandez (Banfield)

Luis Suarez (Ajax)

Diego Forlan (Atletico Madrid)

Sebastian Abreu (Botafogo)

Edinson Cavani (Palermo)

last update: 18 June 2010

World Cup 2010 Uruguay Fixtures – Group A

26/06 – 15.00 – Round of the last 16: Uruguay – South Korea: 2-1

02/07 – 19.30 – Quarter Finals: Uruguay – Ghana: 4-2 on penalties (1-1)

06/07 – 19.30 – Semi Finals: Urugay – Holland

World Cup 2010 Group A - Table

World Cup Fixtures and Results

World Cup appearances: 7
Best World Cup: Quarter-Finals; 1934, 1938 & 1954
FIFA World Ranking: 20
Manager: Ottmar Hitzfeld
Captain: Alexander Frei

Switzerland Team Profile

The Swiss aren’t a country you would automatically associate with strong World Cup’s but they have gone as far as the Quarter-Finals back in their heyday, although their heyday was a good half-a-century ago. They qualified for the finals on seven previous occasions, with South Africa being their eighth, but their previous best display came way back in 1954 when they reached the Quarter-Finals… again. However, they have since rarely made the finals itself, qualifying just four times since the 60′s, failing to make the cut on eight occasions.

Switzerland did, however, get as far as the last sixteen in Germany, 2006 before losing on a penalty shoot-out, with the Swizz not managing one goal in the shoot-out, losing 3-0 to Ukraine in what was one of the poorest penalty shoot-outs I think I’ve ever seen. They flopped completely at the Euro’s in 2008, exiting after just two group games despite being the hosts. They did, however, gain a consolation victory in the form of a shock 2-0 win over Portugal, of whom had already qualified for the latter stage of the tournament.

The Swiss aren’t the powerhouse of old and are often seen as a team most nations would prefer in their group. They also wear a red and white styled kit for both their home and away games, with their home kit a red top and white shorts while their away kit is vice verse.

Switzerland Key Players

Alexander Frei

Despite entering his 30′s last year, Frei is still Switzerland best player by a country mile and has remained their most prolific goalscorer for quite some time now, scoring 40 goals in his 70 caps for Switzerland. He averages over a goal every-other-game for his country and his stunning goal return ratio has earned him the captain’s armband, although his wealth of experience would have had a hand in that decision. Frei is currently settled in Switzerland after joining Basel last season from Borussia Dortmund in Germany and has found scoring a breeze back in his native country. He is a calm and composed sort who doesn’t often miss one-on-one’s nor does he miss too many sitters.

Strengths / Weakness

Not the best at attacking, weak looking midfield and a defence which doesn’t fill me with any great deal of confidence. Moreover, the Swiss are one of thee dullest sides to watch due to their slow tempo style of playing and their inability to retain possession, especially against the elite footballing nations. They don’t have any players which could entertain the neutrals, with Hakan Yakin being the only player we would keep an eye on. Very little in terms of positives, none in fact, but plenty of negatives, despite a decent defensive record in qualifying.

Switzerland Qualification for the World Cup

Sector: European
Group: 2
Position: 1st
Win-Draw-Lose: 6-3-1
Goals Scored: 18
Goals Conceded: 8

Switzerland came through an unattractive looking Group 2, fending off Greece, Latvia & Isreal, with neither of the mentioned nations anything special, which just goes to show how easy the Swiss had it during qualification. They did, though, lose just once in ten qualifiers, although that was a shock home defeat to Luxermbourg.

World Cup Potential: 1/5

Switzerland are one of a rare few nations we can’t stand to watch as they’re so dull. Their attacks have a knack of pittering out into nothing, while they don’t have any noteworthy players in their squad. Their defence looks mighty exposed against some of the more prolific attacking country’s and will almost certainly be found wanting in South Africa. The Swiss are a team we would steer well clear of in the betting market. We would even go as far as saying we would avoid watching them on the TV if you’re in the slightest bit vulnerable to a a sudden nap after a hard days work. 

Switzerland World Cup Betting Odds

Switzerland to win the World Cup: 100/1 BetFred

Before the World Cup the odds on Switzerland were 200/1 

Official Switzerland World Cup Squad

Goalkeepers

Diego Benaglio (VfL Wolfsburg)

Marco Wölfli (Young Boys Bern)

Johnny Leoni (FC Zurich)

Defenders

Stephan Lichtsteiner (Lazio Roma)

Philippe Senderos (Everton)

Stephane Grichting (AJ Auxerre)

Steve von Bergen (Hertha BSC Berlin)

Mario Eggimann (Hannover 96)

Reto Ziegler (Sampdoria Genoa)

Ludovic Magnin (FC Zurich)

Midfielders

Valon Behrami (West Ham United)

Gökhan Inler (Udinese Calcio)

Benjamin Huggel (FC Basle)

Pirmin Schwegler (Eintracht Frankfurt)

Gelson Fernandes (AS St. Etienne)

Tranquillo Barnetta (Bayer Leverkusen)

Xherdan Shaqiri (FC Basle)

Marco Padalino (Sampdoria Genoa)

Hakan Yakin (FC Lucerne)

Strikers

Alexander Frei (FC Basle)

Blaise Nkufo (Twente Enschede)

Eren Derdiyok (Bayer Leverkusen)

Albert Bunjaku (1. FC Nuremberg)

last update: 18 June 2010

World Cup 2010 Switzerland Fixtures – Group H

World Cup 2010 Group H - Table

World Cup Fixtures and Results

Manager:Vicente Del Bosque
Captain: Iker Casillas
FIFA World Ranking: 2
World Cup Appearances: 12
Best World Cup: Fourth Place – 1950

Spain Team Profile

Ah, the silky Spaniards. The favourites to win South Africa’s show-piece event, the side no-one in their right mind will look forward to playing, as the former World No. 1 now turned World No. 2 seek out a sensational double after winning the 2008 European Championships in their last major tournament.

The Spanish will try to complete a double of major honours as they prepare for South Africa 2010 with the objective being to become the first European nation to back a European Championship success up with victory in the World Cup. However, to do so Spain will need to make their first ever World Cup final to even stand a chance of making even more records under Vicente Del Bosque. In fact the further Spain have ever got in a World Cup is the semi-finals, and even then it was on just the one occasions over a decade ago.

Times have changed though since 1950, the one and only time Spain made the semi-finals of a World Cup, and 2010 is surely the year when Spain at least break their duct of having never reached a World Cup final. Their squad is lined with world-beaters, some of football’s biggest names, and under the wise old knowledge and guidance of Del Bosque, this Spanish team is arguably the best there has ever been. They sailed through qualifying with an immaculate record, winning all 10 of their qualifiers – The only team with a perfect 100% record going to South Africa, while it was only last year their run of 35 games without loss came crashing to an end at the FIFA Confederations Cup.

Spain were widely known for being one of the biggest underachievers in International football but their success in the 2008 European Championships has put that unwanted tag to bed for the time being. However, big things are expected of the Spanish once again, and with one of the best squads in the tournament, the underachieving tag could come out of the closet should Spain not make serious inroads during their stay in South Africa.

Nicknames: La Furia Roja (The Red Fury), La Roja (The Red One)

Manager

Vicente Del Bosque is a veteran in his managerial career and is not short of a success or two either. In his playing career, he spent all his days as a defender, winning five Spanish La Liga titles with Spanish giants Real Madrid. He then went on to manage Real Madrid after he hung up his playing boots and led the club to their most successful period between 1999-2003, winning a brace of Champions League titles along with two La Liga titles.

Del Bosque‘s also has bags of experience when it comes to managing ‘big players’. Luis Figo, Zinedine Zidane and Ronaldo were all under his guidance while at Real Madrid and moulded the three legends of football into a world class act. He will be aiming to do the same with Spain and he certainly has a host of quality players at his disposal.

Spain Key Players

Iker Casillas

There has been an ongoing debate for some time about who is the best goalkeeper in the world but for the last decade or so, Iker Casillas has always been in the frame. He has been Real Madrid’s best ever goalkeeper and arguably Spain’s greatest ever, also. Lightening fast reactions, quick reflexes and his immense presence in his own penalty area makes for one of the worlds finest goalkeepers and when Casillas is on top of his game, it really does take something extraordinary to beat him.

David Villa & Fernando Torres

For most countries, one world-class striker is hard to come by. Spain, though, they have two of the World’s best forwards on the planet in Valencia’s prolific David Villa; a predator in and around the opposing penalty area, and Liverpool’s own Fernando Torres; a player with immense talent and the composure of mind to crate and score a goal from a seemingly impossible position. These two are menacing together, almost unstoppable when partnered, and it bodes well for Spain that two of the favourites for the Golden Shoe are in their team.

Fernando Torres has scored 23 goals in 72 games for Spain, which is actually on the slim side, but Villa more than makes up for Torres’ sloppy looking international record, scoring a staggering 36 goals in 55 caps for his country. To say these two have goals in them would be stating the obvious.

Xavi & Iniesta

The World’s most skilful players often enjoy the limelight in football today but if you ask any football purist who they think the best player in the world is, we bet these two would get an awful lot of mentions. The pair have the ability to not only control a match but also dictate the tempo at which it will be played. They take the game by the scruff of the neck and make things happen with their swift one-two’s and their inch-perfect through balls. The duet are a lethal combination at both club and international level, and because they both play for Barcelona, the chemistry between the two is perfection. If you want to halt the Spanish express, you’ll need to find a way to stop the source; Xavi & Iniesta.

Strengths

Spain‘s biggest asset is their ability to retain the ball. Quick and slick should be their motto. Their crisp passing doesn’t just get them out of sticky situations but it also creates chance after chance and it’s a defenders nightmare keeping up with the pace of Spain‘s passing. They switch the flank at every opportunity in a bid to expose the opposing full-backs and their own full-backs forward and they will look to bombard the defence with crosses. The good thing about Spain’s play is they can vary their style of play. One moment they will be feeling out the oppositions defence with the short, crisp passing while the next they’ll be flinging the ball out to Sergio Ramos & Capdevilla to whip the ball into the forwards. This makes reading the play very hard and is one of the reasons why Spain have become so successful in recent years.

Weaknesses

Spain‘s passing maybe close to perfection but they’re a side who can pass the ball around too much in a bid to score the ‘perfect goal’. Spain generally don’t have a problem against sides that attack them, despite their defence not being the strongest, but when a team sets up in a defensive manner and puts 10 men behind the ball, Spain can often struggle to break these teams down. Too much time is wasted in the centre of the park and were a big side to go one-nil up, it’s feasible that they could then hold out the Spanish attacks and use Spain’s strength to their advantage.

Spain Qualification for the World Cup

Sector: Europe
Group: 5
Position: 1st
Win-Draw-Lose: 10-0-0
Goals Scored: 28
Goals Conceded: 5

World Cup Potential: 5/5

Spain, with the array of talent within their midst, really should be targeting at least a semi-final, of not a final appearance as their squad is just too strong not to make serious progression in South Africa. The pressure, though, on Spain is massive and it remains to be seen just how the Spain players deal with the intense pressure and the expectations of a nation. They’ve generally faltered on the biggest stage of the lot, in the World Cup, and the fact they’ve never even made a final before is a big concern, although Spain have never had a team as good as this and it would be criminal were they not to go close during the summer.

The Spanish are the favourites to win and rightly so; there odds to win outright underline this, but whether their class will equate into a World Cup victory remains to be seen. For one reason or another, we have our doubts. Remember, this is a country which hasn’t just never won the World Cup before they’ve never even made the final of a World Cup. Even so, stronger claims for the crown than most.

Spain World Cup Betting Odds

Spain to win the World Cup (before the final):      1/2 – Bwin

Before the World Cup the odds on Spain were 17/4 

Official Spain World Cup Squad

Goalkeepers

Iker Casillas (Real Madrid)

Jose Manuel Reina (Liverpool)

Victor Valdes (Barcelona)

Defenders

Raul Albiol (Real Madrid)

Alvaro Arbeloa (Real Madrid)

Joan Capdevila (Villarreal)

Carlos Marchena (Valencia)

Gerard Pique (Barcelona)

Carles Puyol (Barcelona)

Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid)

Midfielders

Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid)

Sergio Busquets (Barcelona)

Francesc Fabregas (Arsenal)

Andres Iniesta (Barcelona)

Javier Martínez (Athletic Bilbao)

David Silva (Valencia)

Xavi (Barcelona)

Jesus Navas (Sevilla)

Strikers

Fernando Torres (Liverpool)

David Villa (Valencia)

Fernando Llorente (Athletic Bilbao)

Juan Manuel Mata (FC Valencia)

Pedro (FC Barcelona)

last update: 18 June 2010

World Cup 2010 Spain Fixtures – Group H

29 June – 19.30 – Round of the last 16: Spain v Portugal: 1-0

03 July – 19.30 – Quarter Finals: Spain v Paraguay: 1-0

07 July – 19.30 – Semi Finals: Spain v Germany

11 July – 19.30 – World Cup Final: Spain v Holland

World Cup 2010 Group H - Table

 World Cup Fixtures and Results

Manager: Carlos Alberto Perreira
Captain: Aaron Mokoena
FIFA World Ranking: 90
World Cup Appearances: 2
Bets World Cup: Round 1

South Africa Article

South Africa Team Profile

South Africa were granted their first ever World Cup when FIFA gave the continent the go-ahead to host the greatest footballing tournament on earth. The eyes of the world will be on South Africa and with great responsibility comes added pressure. Danny Jordan is the man employed to organise the world cup and ensure it’s ready on time to deliver a unique sporting spectacle. This will be South Africa‘s first ever taste of World Cup football as the hosts and they will want to leave their mark and ensure the travelling fans leave the continent with happy memories, regardless of how well their country does.

Despite problems with the construction side of things, Bafana Bafana’s biggest concern is the quality of the South African team. Many neutrals have already tipped South Africa to be the worst ever host nation in regards to how well the host country actually does in it’s own world cup. It’s up to the South African fans to create an atmosphere to remember but that will be extremely hard if their side doesn’t make inroads in the tournament itself. Manager Carlos Alberto Parreira is confident he will have a side capable of competing once the finals kick-off but we aren’t convinced.

Nickname: Bafana Bafana (The Boys)

Manager

South Africa, after only recently sacking Joel Santana after some disastrous displays from the national team, have one again seeked inspiration and, to put it bluntly, help from a Brazilian, as Carlos Alberto Perreira was chosen as the man to guide South Africa to a respectable finish on home soil.

There is no doubting the experience of the man having spent no less than 43 years in the managerial business. At 67 years of age, Perreira has certainly been around the block and then lapped it once more, as the variety of clubs he’s managed is quite remarkable, ranging from managing the Kuwait national team all the way up to leading his own country, Brazil. In a managerial career which consists of a mixture of both clubs and national teams, Perreira has spent roughly 26 years managing international sides, of which he has enjoyed three stints as Brazil manager, so perhaps he can install some Samba magic into the South Africa team.

We can honestly say, we doubt they’ll be a manager at South Africa with as much experience at all levels of international than Carlos Alberto Perreira, so the appointment looks a fantastic capture for South Africa, who definitely need some inspiring.

South Africa Key Players

Aaron Mokoena

The South African captain will need to step up for the finals and act as a true leader. With 90 caps, Mokoena is South Africa’s most capped player and with some of the squad still fairly young, his experience will be key in guiding South Africa along the right path. South Africa are often a side that can loose concentration when they go a goal down so the omen will be on Mokoena to restore faith in the ranks and enhance player morale.

Matthew Booth

If South Africa are to have a successful World Cup as host nation, they will need their favourite player to perform. Matthew Booth is not only their rock at the back but he also inspires the home supporters. Whenever Booth touches the ball, you’ll hear a roar of ‘BOOTH’. The 32 year old will be hoping to repay the support of the fans with a few solid performances at the back and possibly assert his presence in the oppositions penalty area as well. Booth is 6ft 6incs tall and will be key from set pieces for South Africa despite his low goalscoring tally of 1 goal in 26 international appearances.

Benni McCarthy

The Blackburn forward has been a controversial character for South Africa. He’s often had to make a choice between club and country with club often prevailing. This left a bad taste in the South African fans but they may need to swallow their pride and accept their most prolific striker back with open arms. McCarthy did retire from international football back in 2002 but made a swift return in 2004 and Joel Santana will be hoping to acquire his services next summer. The South Africans lack an out-an-out forward and McCarthy will fill the void. 31 goals in 76 games makes Benni McCarthy South Africa’s highest ever goalscorer and they will need his goals in South Africa next year.

Strengths

Unfortunately, South Africa don’t have too many strengths. Their team lacks any real quality and they will rely solely on the support from the home fans to get them through some tough matches. The South African’s showed their support at the FIFA Confederations Cup, mainly with their ‘vuvuzelas’, which we must warn you in advance, are blooming annoying. However, the atmosphere created by the fans with their vuvuzelas helped inspire the players to a fourth place finish and the Bafana Bafana faithful will be out in full force in a bid to drive their team to at least the last sixteen stage of the tournament.

Weaknesses

South Africa not only lack a potential match winner within their ranks but they lack a team capable of reaching the heights the fans demand. Bypassing the groups is a must as far the South African’s are concerned and anything less will be seen as a major disappointment. However, the home fans may be in for torrid time as we expect South Africa to struggle on home soil despite the support of the nation behind them. Their defence is vulnerable, their attack is blunt while their only glimmer of hope may rest in midfield. Teko Modise looked lively in the Confederations cup while Steven Pienaar looks a bright spark in the centre of the park. With the exception of the midfield, South Africa appear doomed.

South Africa Qualification for the World Cup:

South Africa qualified virtue of being the host nation. Their preparations have been good after surpassing all expectations in the FIFA Confederations Cup when reaching the Semi-Finals, before losing 1-0 to Brazil.

South Africa Qualifying Statistics:

This will be the very first World Cup held on South African soil.
The pressure is firmly on the South African players with many punters and even FIFA President Sepp Blatter concerned over the quality of the South African team.
This will be South Africa’s third World Cup after missing out on the 2006 finals but previously qualifying for both the 1998 & 2002 World Cups.

World Cup Potential:  2/5

The only thing favouring the South African’s is that they’re the host country. They will receive a tremendous reception in the opening game and will also sell out their games with ease as the Bafana Bafana faithful do their best to push South Africa to victory. However, without the support, South Africa wouldn’t have a hope in hell. If the players thrive on the atmosphere then they could surprise a few but that’s a big ‘IF’.

South Africa World Cup Betting Odds

South Africa to win the World Cup:         500/1 – bWin

Before the World Cup the odds on South Africa were 150/1 

Official South Africa World Cup Squad

Goalkeepers

Itumeleng Khune (Kaizer Chiefs)

Shu-Aib Walters (Maritzburg United)

Moeneeb Josephs (Orlando Pirates)

Defenders

Matthew Booth (Mamelodi Sundowns)

Siboniso Gaxa (Mamelodi Sundowns)

Bongani Khumalo (Supersport United)

Tsepo Masilela (Maccabi Haifa, Israel)

Aaron Mokoena (Portsmouth)

Anele Ngcongca (Racing Genk)

Siyabonga Sangweni (Golden Arrows)

Lucas Thwala (Orlando Pirates)

Midfielders

Surprise Moriri (Mamelodi Sundowns)

Lance Davids (Ajax Cape Town)

Kagisho Dikgacoi (FC Fulham)

Teko Modise (Orlando Pirates)

Reneilwe Letsholonyane (Kaizer Chiefs)

Siphiwe Tshabalala (Kaizer Chiefs)

Thanduyise Khuboni (Golden Arrows)

Steven Pienaar (Everton)

Macbeth Sibaya (Rubin Kazan)

Strikers

Katlego Mphela (Mamelodi Sundowns)

Siyabonga Nomvete (Moroka Swallows)

Bernard Parker (FC Twente Enschede)

last update: 18 June 2010

World Cup 2010 South Africa Fixtures – Group A

World Cup 2010 Group A - Table

 World Cup Fixtures and Results

World Cup appearances: 1
Best World Cup: Round 1; 2002
FIFA World Ranking: 23
Manager: Matjaz Zahovic
Captain: Robert Koren

Slovenia Team Profile

Slovenia are part of a group of surprise inclusion travelling to South Africa in that very few would have tipped them to progress before qualifying. However, despite having a population of just 2 million, Slovenia will fancy their chances of being South Africa’s Dark Horses after excelling during qualification, fending off the challenges from Poland and Czech Republic in the group stage before knocking out the tricky Russians in the play-off’s. The scalp of Russia proved there and then that Slovenia should no longer be seen as simple minnows on the international stage.

Their reward for qualifying was to draw England in Group C in South Africa, although the second automatic qualifying spot will remain up for grabs between themselves, USA and Algeria, so a good performance against the latter two teams and Slovenia’s fairytale, in what is just their second appearance in a World Cup, could roll on into the last-sixteen stage of the tournament – What would be considered a huge achievement back home.

Slovenia Key Players

Slovenia coach Matjaz Kek will want to make good use of Robert Koren’s valuable knowledge of English football, the Premier League specifically, as one of their toughest assignments in South Africa will be their final game in Group C against England. Koren, who received the captains armband back in 2008, has played 45 times for his country and will travel to South Africa as one of the more experienced Slovenians in camp. The current West Bromwich Albion play-maker will play an instrumental part in Slovenia’s attack in the summer, although his slim return of just four goals while on international duty means he shouldn’t be much of a threat in front of goal himself.

Up front, Milivoje Novakovic of FC Cologne in Germany, will be Slovenia’s best outlet in the final, and their main source of goalmouth activity. Standing in at a daunting 6ft 4inc, Novakovic is clearly a threat from set-pieces and crosses, scoring 14 goals in 37 international appearances, although all of his international goals have come against fairly ordinary opponents. Even so, his presence and danger in the air will make him an instant threat and a target for the Slovenia’s to lump long balls up to should they find little success in breaking through some well-drilled and highly-trained defences.

Strengths

Slovenia appear to have this underdog aurora about them. They won’t be fancied in the slightest to go far in South Africa but could cause a few countries a problem with their stiff and rigid approach to games. They should also merit some form of respect for beating Russia in a two-legged play-ff just to get this far, beating the Russian’s home and away.

Also, Slovenia finished qualifying with the best defensive record, beating the likes of England & Spain to that honour after conceding just 4 goals in 10 qualifiers. That’s a staggering statistic for such a small nation on a football scale.

Weaknesses

Their obvious flaw is that they don’t boast too many well known players, which could be seen as a good factor as it makes then an unknown quantity. However, in this day and age just about every player with an ounce of talent gets spotted and picked up by the big clubs and the fact that these Slovakian players haven’t been lured away is a concern. However, the vast majority do ply their trade with European clubs so they will have some form of knowledge of how the big names in Europe play. Still, a big lack of quality in camp makes them a weak proposition.

Slovenia Qualification for the World Cup

Sector: European
Group: 3
Position: 2nd
Win-Draw-Lose: 6-2-2
Goals Scored: 18
Goals Conceded: 4

Slovenia boast the best defensive record in Europe after conceding just four goals in ten qualifiers. However, their solid defence wasn’t enough to seal qualification via the group as they had to battle their way past Russia in a play-off to finally seal their passage in South Africa. Slovenia beat Russia 3-1 on Aggregate, winning in both Russia & Slovenia.

World Cup Potential: 2/5

Their amazing defence during qualifying makes them a potentially awkward opponent for some and they could very well spring a surprise if they defend well in games and knick a rare goal on the break. We don’t think they’ll stand much of a chance against the bigger nations but we don’t think Slovenia will leave South Africa empty handed. We fancy the Slovenians to claim at least one scalp this summer, before they inevitably pack their bags, unfortunately.

Slovenia World Cup Betting Odds

Slovenia to win the World Cup (Outright): 400/1 bWin

Before the World Cup the odds on Slovenia were 300/1 

Official Slovenia World Cup Squad

Goalkeepers

Samir Handanovic (Udinese Calcio)

Jasmin Handanovic (AC Mantova)

Aleksander Seliga (Sparta Rotterdam)

Defenders

Bojan Jokic (Chievo Verona)

Marko Suler (KAA Gent)

Bostjan Cesar (Grenoble Foot)

Branko Ilic (Lokomotive Moscow)

Matej Mavric (TuS Koblenz)

Elvedin Dzinic (NK Maribor)

Miso Brecko (Cologne)

Suad Filekovic (NK Maribor)

Midfielders

Andraz Kirm (Wisla Cracovia)

Andrej Komac (Maccabi Tel Aviv)

Rene Krhin (Inter Milan)

Dalibor Stevanovic (Vitesse Arnheim)

Robert Koren (West Bromwich Albion)

Aleksander Radosavljevic (AE Larissa)

Valter Birsa (AJ Auxerre)

Strikers

Milivoje Novakovic (Cologne)

Zlatko Dedic (VfL Bochum)

Zlatan Ljubijankic (KAA Gent)

Nejc Pecnik (Nacional Funchal)

Tim Matavz (FC Groningen)

last update: 18 June 2010

World Cup 2010 Slovenia Fixtures – Group C

World Cup 2010 Group C - Table

 World Cup Fixtures and Results

 World Cup Appearances: 0
Best World Cup: N/A
FIFA World Ranking: 33
Manager: Vladimir Weiss
Captain: Marek Hamsik

Slovakia Team Profile

The World Cup always welcomes new faces and Slovakia will be one of the ‘New boys on the block’ in South Africa as players & fans alike get all excited at the prospect of their first ever appearance in a World Cup finals. However, one of the reasons as to why Slovakia will be appearing in their début finals is because of the split between Czechoslovakia, and this then led to the founding of Slovakia in 1993. They have, though, had three failed attempts in 1998, 2002 & 2006 but finally managed to end their drought with success in 2010 after bypassing a competitive Group 3 in European qualifying.

The Slovaks, as we like to call them, play in their white strip for home games and blue for away. They aren’t the biggest of footballing nations by any stretch of the imagination and this is evident when you breeze through their squad names in that very few will stand out. This is certainly the case if you concentrate solely on English football as just a handful of Slovakian internationals ply their trade in The Premiership or The Championship, with Liverpool’s Martin Skrtel one of the more well know players for Slovakia. West Brom’s Marek Cech might also jog a few memory’s.

Slovakia Key Players

Marek Hamsik

Quite why he is the captain of Slovakia I’m not sure as he just doesn’t seem the leading type, but the Napoli playmaker is a very gifted individual and will be the main inspiration behind Slovakia’s forward play. Hamsik, from what I’ve seen of him at Napoli, tends to play just off the striker and drifts into gaps that are handmade by the strikers. He is a good reader of the play in that he will get into good positions to score, he has a decent hit on him as well, but he’s basically going to be Slovakia’s playmaker in South Africa, threading through balls to their striking duo of Robert Vittek & Sestak. Hamsik is a tricky customer as he can leave a defender for dead with his quick turns and skills, but whether he is a natural born leader is open to debate.

Strengths

Slovakia were a stubborn, robust side during qualification and were only once beaten by more than one goal in the qualifiers. However, one quality which did surprise me was in front of goal in that Slovakia scored in all but one of their ten qualifiers, scoring 22 goals overall. They were also very tidy at the back conceding just 10 in return, which does highlight their solidity. Hamsik will be the man to watch for them as he is a tricky player when in possession.

Weaknesses

With the exception of captain Marek Hamsik, who even he isn’t exactly proven at this level what with South Africa being his very first World Cup appearance, Slovakia are short of a world-class player or two and have relied heavily on some solid team efforts through qualifying, while we mustn’t forget that the group they qualified from was arguably the weakest of the lot on paper. They’ll need to excel if they’re to have a successful stay in South Africa, although I’m sure picking up a couple of points here and there would please the fans back home.

Slovakia Qualification for the World Cup

Sector: European
Group: 3
Position: 1st
Win-Draw-Lose: 7-1-2
Goals Scored: 22
Goals Conceded: 10

Slovakia finished top of what was a competitive group, but only because their wasn’t a world class nation in sight. The best team in Group 3 were the Czech’s and they massively underperformed during qualifying which paved the wave for a surprise entrant – Slovakia. Moreover, Slovakia didn’t qualify until the very last qualifier when they won 1-0 in Poland.

World Cup Potential: 2/5

Slovakia coach Vladimir Weiss will have been delighted with the group he was drawn as Italy, Paraguay and New Zealand popped out of the hat to form a lightweight Group F. The Italians are the favourites to progress but they are far from unbeatable, while the results they attain from their games with Paraguay and New Zealand are ultimately what will decide the difference from making it through the group and faltering at the first hurdle. They’ll be an unknown quantity for some, even for us in many respects, and while we don’t rate their chances in the slightest of winning the tournament altogether, progressing from the group remains a real possibility.

Slovakia World Cup Betting Odds

Slovakia to win the World Cup: 750/1 bWin

Before the World Cup the odds on Slovakia were 300/1 

Official Slovakia World Cup Squad

Goalkeepers

Jan Mucha (Legia Warsaw)

Dusan Kuciak (Vaslui)

Dusan Pernis (Dundee United)

Defenders

Marek Cech (West Bromwich Albion)

Jan Durica (Hannover 96)

Peter Pekarik (Wolfsburg)

Martin Petras (Cesena)

Kornel Salata (Slovan Bratislava)

Martin Skrtel (Liverpool)

Radoslav Zabavnik (Mainz)

Midfielders

Marek Hamsik (Napoli)

Jan Kozak (Plitechnica)

Juraj Kucka (Sparta Prag)

Marek Sapara (Ankaragücü)

Zdeno Strba (Skoda Xanthi)

Kamil Kopunek (Spartak Trnava)

Miroslav Stoch (Twente Enschede)

Vladimir Weiss junior (Manchester City)

Strikers

Filip Holosko (Besiktas Istanbul)

Stanislav Sestak (Bochum)

Martin Jakubko (Moskau)

Erik Jendrisek (Schalke)

Robert Vittek (OSC Lille)

last update: 18 June 2010

World Cup 2010 Slovakia Fixtures – Group F

28/06 – 15.00 – Round of the last 16: Slovakia – Holland: 1-2

World Cup 2010 Group F - Table

World Cup Fixtures and Results