South Africa is hosting 2010 FIFA world cup but it is in tough group. South Africa never crossed group stage at FIFA world cups. This is third world cup for this African nation. Unlike in cricket, it is a minnow in football. South African fans are hoping that their team will create sensation just like South Korea in 2002 world cup by using home advantage and fans support. Group A: France, Mexico, Uruguay and South Africa Qualification: Being a host, South Africa qualified automatically for the world cup. World cup history: This is third world cup for this African nation. They never reached even second round. Record: Lowest ranked FIFA World cup host in history. Highlight: South Africa reached semi-finals at home in 2009 confederations cup and lost to Brazil and Spain in semi-final and third lace play offs in last minutes. They are unbeaten since November, 2009 in 12 games. Latest victim is Denmark. They play with lot of passion without giving importance to opponent’s ranking. Coach: Carlos Alberto Perreira. He is the coach of Brazil team which won world cup in 1994. South African World Cup squad. Analysis of A group squads. Positives: 1. Home advantage. South Korea reached semi-finals in 2002 against all odds. South Africans should take inspiration from Koreans. 2. Conditions. Most of the played will be played at high altitude stadiums. South Africans used to play in those conditions. 3. South Africans reached semi-finals in 2009 Confederations cup. So, they have the capacity to upset favourites. 4. Steven Pienaar is world class inspirational mid-fielder. 5. South Africa has one of best strategist as coach. 6. They are in superb form and are unbeaten for last 7 months. 7. France is in poor form. 8. They are well acclimatised to high altitude stadiums. Weaknesses: 1. Tough group. 2. Absence of world class players except Steven Pienaar. Final verdict: South Africa may reach second round along with Mexico unless France regains its form. Uruguay … [Read more...]
England football squad analysis
England is going to South Africa with lot of hopes after a long time. Coach raised hopes of England fans by saying that finals are realistic target. Group C: England, USA, Algeria and Slovenia FIFA Ranking: 8 Squad rating: 8/10 Coach rating: 9/10 Qualification: England qualified with ease and scored an astonishing 34 goals in qualifying matches. World cup history: Won world cup in 1966 2006: Quarter-finals (penalties) 2002: Lost to Brazil in quarter-finals 1998: Lost to Argentina in second round (penalties) Analysis: England still does not have a goal keeper and pay price if match goes into penalties. Warm-up matches: 1. May 23: Defeated Mexico (3-1). 2. May 30: England struggled to beat Japan (2-1). Japan lost due to own goals.. Analysis: Uninspiring performance in warm-up games. Missing stars: Darren Bent, Owen Hargreaves, David Beckham, Paul Scholes, Theo Walcott, Adam Johnson and Bobby Zamora Coach: Fabio Capello England soccer squad for 2010 FIFA World cup: Goal keepers: 1. David James: Solid goalkeeper – FA Cup final is an example but he is not in league of France and Brazil goalkeepers. 2. Robert Green: 3. Joe Hart: He has exceptional talent but not have enough experience at world cup level. But, on current form, he is ahead of others. Great prospect. Defenders: 1. Ashley Cole: Word-class left back and England needs him like Rooney and Lampard than anyone to cross quarter-final hurdle. 2. John Terry: He may not be in terrific form but a great leader and has experience. 3. Rio Ferdinand: World class defender but not at his peak form. Recent injuries dented confidence levels. 4. Glen Johnson: Unpredictable. He is “Sergio Ramos” of England. Attacks but leaves gaps in defence. 5. Ledley King: No one have any doubts over his ability. Fitness is the only worry. He is in great form for Tottenham Hotspurs. 6. Jamie Carragher: Has loads of experience in tacking great … [Read more...]
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