2010 World cup: B group analysis Argentina is looking to regain lost glory and is in easy group. Greece, Nigeria and South Korea will fight for second spot. Argentina coach may use group stage games to test all forwards and its sunstitutes are much better than first team members of other squads. But, injury to John Obi Mikel (Nigeria) changed equations in this group. Qualification of Group B teams: 1. Argentina: Qualified by finishing fourth in tough South American group behind Brazil, Chile and Paraguay. 2. Nigeria: Qualified in last minute as Tunisia lost its final qualifier. 3. Greece: Qualified in last minute by defeating Ukraine in play-off. 4. South Korea: Decimated opponents in qualifiers and are unbeaten in qualifiers. Prospects of Group B teams: 1. Argentina: Despite non-selection of Javier Janetti and Esteban Cambiasso, team still has enough players to take it to quarter-finals. Its substitute forwards are miles ahead of others. Your defence needs to be at its best to control these forwards. 2. Nigeria: These unpredictable players can reach second round or exit from group stage. Africa has lot of hopes on Nigerians. Among African teams, they got easiest draw. They need to improve in defence. Without Obe Mikel, they lost balance. 3. Greece: It has experienced players but form is not encouraging. Their perofrmance in warm-up games is not encouraging. But, they can now fight for second spot after Mikel injury. 4. South Korea: It may be difficult for South Koreans to reach second round. But, South Korea has best chance among Asian nations to reach second round. Japan and North Korea are in tough groups. South Koreans are one of few teams who qualified for last 6 world cups. Predictions on group B teams: 1. Argentina: Can easily win group and has potential to go to semi-finals. It may face Germany in quarter-finals and Spain in semi-finals. 2. Nigeria: Can reach second round if players can play as a unit. 3. Greece: Tough fight for second spot with Nigeria and Korea. 4. South … [Read more...]
Group C Analysis
2010 World cup: C group analysis Contrary to popular perception, this is not going to be easy group for England. USA has capability to top group as it reached finals in Confederation cups and is looking good in warm-up games while England performance is not convincing. Absence of Rio Ferdinand is another blow. Slovenia and Algeria are responsible for non-qualification of top teams like Russia and Egypt (FIFA Rank 11 & 12). Qualification of Group C teams: 1. England: Easily qualified by crushing all opponents including Croatia. 2. USA: Topped CONCACAF group. Mexico was second. It indirectly helped Honduras to qualify for world cup. 3. Slovenia: They qualified by beating Russia in a play-off. 4. Algeria: They qualified by beating Egypt in a play-off. Analysis of Group C teams: 1. England: In stead of peaking at right time, they are struggling with lack of form and injuries etc. Rio Ferdinand is out of world cup while Gareth Barry will not play in crucial game against USA. But, it has many world class players and an exceptional coach. It may not be easy for this squad to top Group C. Ashley Cole is best left back in world while Wayne Rooney, Lampard and Gerrard are world class in their places. 2. USA: It may be difficult for them to defeat England but has potential top Group C. They are looking good in warm-up games and defeated Spain in semi-finals of Confederations cup and fought hard against Brazil in final. Most dangerous side in tournament along with Chile, Mexico among second rung squads. Landon Donovan and Altidore combination can terrorise even strong defences. Spain and Brazil knew it. 3. Slovenia: Slovenia believes in team spirit and defeated Czech Republic and Russia with that game plan. They can frustrate England and USA. 4. Algeria: It is not looking that much good despite its victory over Egypt. Predictions on group C teams: 1. England: It should top Group C but not easy. First game against USA will decide its fate. Second placed team may face Germany in second round. If England tops group C, … [Read more...]
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