Gameday Everyday

Teams:

England

USA

Algeria

Slovenia

England- The Three Lions:

The Three Lions from a very proud Soccer nation, where disappointment seems to always find them. With the depth in talent the disappointment is always linked back to the coach. England feels this year will be different with Fabio Capello in charge. This World Cup will look different without David Beckham (AC Milan and LA Galaxy) and Rio Ferdinand (Manchester United) due to injuries. Even with those faces missing, the likes of John Terry (Chelsea), Wayne Rooney (Manchester United), and Steven Gerrard (Liverpool) will no doubt carry the Three Lions deep into the tournament. Listen closely and you will hear “God Save the Queen” ring aloud well into July.

Player to watch: Theo Walcott (Arsenal striker who could be the one that sparks England late in matches)

World Cup Titles: 1966

Qualified: 1^st in UEFA (Europe) Group 6

USA- The Yanks:

Support the sash! 2006 was a huge let down coming off the surprising run in 2002. There is no denying the USMNT is consistently the most athletically fit team in the world. Thanks to the relentless passion in which the US play keeps them in any game with anyone. Last years Confederations Cup opened the eyes of this country and the world that this is not the same US team that hosted the World Cup in 94’. The Yanks are not just satisfied with advancing out of the group, but are looking to the bigger prize. The stoic Bob Bradley has pushed and pulled in all the right places since he took over a few years ago. Another trademark of Bradley, is the ability to find players no ones heard of, but that come in and make immediate impacts. A few of the players like Francisco Torres (Pachuca) and Edson Buddle (LA Galaxy) were late additions that are expected to play huge for Bradley’s team. Not to be forgotten are the faces of the team Landon Donovan (LA Galaxy) and Tim Howard (Everton). Don’t Tread On Me! The Yanks are Coming!

Player to watch: Herculez Gomez (Puebla Striker who stormed on the the USMNT by scoring 10 goals in 14 matches in Mexico)

Best World Cup Finish: 1930 Semi-Final

Qualified: 1^st in CONCACAF (North America)

Algeria- Les Fennecs (The Desert Foxes):

Considered the weakest of the four in this group. The Desert Foxes will have to look to themselves to find the pride in representing Algeria in only their third ever World Cup. This team does not lack flare, but does strength and consistency in play. Karim Ziani (Wolfsburg) and Mourad Meghni (Lazio) will have to find their French connection (both playing in France for some time) or channel the greatest export from Algeria, Zinedine Zidane, if the want to play the spoiler in Group C. Expect the Desert Foxes to find themselves in a hole early.

Player to watch: Rafik Saifi (Istres Striker who as a veteran and goal scorer will need to be there leader to succeed)

Best World Cup Finish: 1982 & 1986

Qualified: 1^st in CAF (Africa) Group C

Slovenia- Zmajceki (Dragons):

Tiny but deadly, just ask Russia, is the smallest country in the World Cup. Only being country for about 20 years, this is their second World Cup Final. With stingy defense Slovenia should be very tough to pull points from. The Dragons only conceded 4 goals in 10 Qualifiying matches. In a sport which awards points for ties, a goalkeeper as good as Samir Handanovic (Udinese) can take over a match and get the important points needed to play spoiler to England and the US. Can the Russian Assassins kill another giant?

Player to watch: Zlatko Dedic (Lesser known Man City Striker always seems to be there and always going)

Best World Cup Finish: 2002 1^st Round

Qualified: 2^nd in UEFA (Europe) Group 3 Defeated Russia in Playoff

Predicted Finish:

USA

England

Slovenia

Algeria

Game to Watch:

England v USA June 12^th 2:30pm (The Game everyone here and across the pond have been waiting anxiously since the World Cup Draw…Hopefully a repeat of 1950)

Teams:

Argentina

Nigeria

South Korea

Greece

Argentina- Albicelestes (White and Sky blue):

What can I say about Argentina? There are only a few countries that even non-soccer fans can name when asked, “Who are the best soccer teams in the world?” and Argentina is one of them. They are led by arguably the “Greatest Soccer Player Ever” Diego Maradona, who may be more of a liability than help with his fiery unpredictable personality. If Argentina is going to make a run at its third World Cup title, than they will undoubtedly need a world class performance from, “The Best Player in the World” Lionel Messi. Leo Messi has captivated the world in such a short time while playing at Barcelona. Anything short of winning it all would be a failure with the explosive players up top (Tevez, Messi and Higuain) and the veterans in the back. Don’t cry for me …as we may do enough for all of Argentina.

Player to watch: Tevez “Apache” (Does not get the attention of Messi but led the team in goals in Qualifying)

World Cup Titles: 1978 & 1986

Qualified: 4^th in CONMEBOL (South America)

Nigeria- Super Eagles

Missing the World Cup in 2006 after making 3 straight Nigeria is trying to reclaim their place as Africa’s best. The Super Eagles are a dangerous team with the speed and athleticism always on display. This team lacks the star power of the Nigerian teams of the 90’s, but has recognizable veterens in John Obi Mikel (Chelsea Midfielder) and Nwankwo Kanu (Portsmouth and Arsenal). Even if they don’t win a match the will have some great goal celebrations.

Player to watch: Peter Odemwingie (fast striker that can change the game quickly)

Best World Cup Finish: 1994 & 1998 2^nd Round

Qualified: 1^st in CAF (Africa) Group B

South Korea- Taeguk Warriors

The pride of Asian Soccer, South Korea look to duplicate their shocking run from the 2002 World Cup (Semi-finals). South Korea will be led by a few 30 something’s and the “Fab Four” (I know they don’t even compare to the REAL “Fab Four”) Park Ji-sung (Man United), Lee Chung-young (Bolton), Ki Sung-yong (Celtic) and Park Chu-young (AS Monaco). They will need the “Red Devils” (Korea fans who are decked out in red) to rekindle some of the fire from 2002 or it could an early exit. Insert here, lame joke about this team and having Seoul.

Player to watch: Park Chu-young (AS Monaco striker who might end up as South Korea’s best ever)

Best World Cup Finish: 2002 Semi-Finals

Qualified: 1^st in AFC (Asia) Group 2

Greece- To Piratiko (The Pirate Ship)

With all the turmoil in Greece, the Greek people and these pirates could really some good news. Unfortunately, even the gods can’t help them in their second ever appearance in the World Cup Finals. Greece winning Euro 2004 beating the best in the world proves they have the fire to put together a little run. Do not expect excitement when watching this team, as they lack any sort of star power. Having a 71-year-old coach, in Otto Rehhagel, does not count as experience. Should be a Big Fat Greek Lose.

Player to watch: Theofanis Gekas (Nomadic talisman Scored 10 goals in Qualifying)

Best World Cup Finish: 1994 1^st Round

Qualified: 2^nd in UEFA (Europe) Group 2

Predicted Finish:

Argentina

South Korea

Nigeria

Greece

Game to Watch:

Argentina v South Korea June 17^th 12:30(Lack of defense for Korea and scoring power for Argentina= Goooooooooals!!!)

I have been thinking about the approaching World Cup in South Africa with excitement. As it gets closer and closer, more and more people, who do not follow soccer very much or at all start asking me questions about it. I have decided to breakdown the groups and teams in the World Cup. You can call it a crash course/ World Cup for Dummies blog. Every few days I will break down another group until I select who I think will lift the trophy in July.

Stay tuned...for the 2 people that read this.