By: Mike Levitt
If you haven’t already seen my debut article and comprehensive analysis of Group A, check them out now. Once your all caught up, get your soccer fix here as I continue with my 2010 World Cup preview of Group B.
GROUP B: Argentina, Nigeria, South Korea, Greece
Argentina
FIFA Ranking: 7th
BACKGROUND/QUALIFYING — Argentina has an extensive World Cup history, winning the title in 1978 and 1986. Their coach, the legendary Diego Maradona, was the star of the show in 1986. Since taking over the role of head coach in 2008, Maradona has won few supporters with his rock star-like approach and lack of experience coaching at this level. Argentina had no consistency during qualifying and finished fourth in South America. They started brightly but their atrocious record away from home (2-5-2) that included lopsided losses to Bolivia and Ecuador raises eyebrows. They did manage to beat Uruguay and draw Brazil away from home, so it really depends on what team shows up.
There is no doubting the wealth of world-class talent within the squad. Some of the best attacking players in the modern game play for “Los Albicelestes” and figure to feature brightly for a squad with legitimate chances of winning it all. The two questions that Maradona will have to answer is whether he can mold the uber-talent around him into a united force and whether or not his team can defend against the best.
PLAYERS TO WATCH — Obviously, all eyes will be on Lionel Messi (Barcelona) and whether he can translate a superb season in La Liga into national team success. At 22, many around the world tout him as the “next Maradona” and even non-soccer fans know of him. If he plans on embracing this title, he needs to prove it this summer. Carlos Tevez (Manchester City), a bulldog and tireless worker up front will also feature. His nickname, “El Apache” is just so fitting for a player of his stature and work ethic.
- Lionel Messi
The interesting battle up front will be between European hero Diego Milito (Inter Milan), who scored twice in the Champions League final, and Gonzalo Higuain (Real Madrid). Both have been in excellent form all year, making Maradona’s choice a bit like choosing between a BMW and a Benz, you can’t go wrong with either.
Maradona will show his true mettle as a coach with his decision regarding Sergio Aguero (Atletico Madrid). Aguero is widely expected to make a move to one of the world’s biggest clubs (Chelsea are known to have been in hot pursuit) in the near future and there is no doubting his ability. But he isn’t quite ready to start for Argentina and if Maradona plays him over those mentioned above, it will be because Aguero married his daughter and is his son-in-law.
With all of their attacking might, it is easy to overlook the holes in the Argentinean defense. Walter Samuel (Inter Milan) is the lynchpin and will hold the back line together. Next to him will be either Gabriel Hienze (Lyon) or Martin DeMichellis (Bayern Munich). Both are over 30 and susceptible despite receiving regular playing time for their clubs.
The possible breakout player is Javier Pastore (Palermo). The 20-year-old had a tremendous season in Italy and has rightly earned a spot on the squad. He probably won’t start, but expect an impact at some point. Within the next few years he will be on one of the continent’s biggest clubs.
KEY MATCHUP — vs. Nigeria. JUNE 12, Johannesburg (MATCHDAY 2)
Nigeria is the other favorite to advance, so a good showing in the opening game will set the tone for Argentina. Despite their mediocre showing during qualifying, the Argentinean players have a point to prove and want to bring home the country’s first international trophy since 1993 Copa America. With a win against Nigeria, the road is paved to finishing first in the group.
Nigeria
FIFA Ranking: 21st
BACKGROUND/QUALIFYING — The Super Eagles have qualified for the World Cup for the fourth time in five tries since their first appearance in 1994 . In 1994, they advanced out of the group stages and were within one minute of securing a spot in the quarterfinals if not for a last breath goal from Italy’s Roberto Baggio to tie and another in extra time to eventually win. Again in 1998, the West African nation stunned the world with a 3-2 win over Spain, again advancing to the knockout stages.
Nigeria has twice won the African Cup of Nations, in 1980 and 1994. They have finished third in four of the last five ACON.
Qualifying for one of Africa’s perennial powers began comfortably as Nigeria waltzed through the first qualifying group without dropping a point. In their final group, which consisted of Tunisia, Mozambique, and Kenya, Nigeria struggled. They twice drew Tunisia and needed a win on the last day over Kenya and a Tunisia loss to secure their position.
PLAYERS TO WATCH — Although they do not have quite as many household names as they had in the nineties, Nigeria still boasts a solid core. Joseph Yobo (Everton) captains the squad and will anchor the defense. John Obi Mikel (Chelsea) and Dickson Etuhu (Fulham) will control the game from the midfield and even though Mikel is only recently fit after an injury late in the Premier League season, he is apparently good to go.
- Joseph Yobo
Nigeria’s Swedish coach Lars Lagerbeck has only been at the reigns since the end of February, after the Super Eagles finished a disappointing third at the ACON. A longtime coach at the highest level, Lagerbeck has included a number of experienced strikers over youth. Obafemi Martins (Wolfsburg) will be the lynchpin up front with Yakubu (Everton). If the duo can consistently capitalize on their chances, Nigeria should progress.
KEY MATCHUP — vs. Greece. June 17, Bloemfontein (MATCHDAY 7)
After what promises to be an exciting, yet ultimately disappointing match with Argentina in their first game, Nigeria will need a positive result against Greece. The chances of securing more than a point in the opener is slim and if they hope to return to the knockout stages, Nigeria will have to get the maximum from a stubborn Greece defense. Greece doesnt score too many goals, but they don’t concede many either.
NOTE: This is the third time Nigeria have been in the same group as Argentina and the second time that Greece has joined the two. In 1994, Nigeria lost to Argentina 2-1 and bet Greece 2-0. In 2002, Argentina again got the better of the Super Eagles, winning 1-0.
South Korea
FIFA Ranking: 47th
BACKGROUND/QUALIFYING — This is the eighth World Cup appearance for the Korea Republic, dating back to 1954. After their initial tournament, their next appearance came in 1986 and they have been a stalwart ever since. Until they co-hosted in 2002 however, they had never won a game. Obviously, they shattered all previous failings in that event by advancing to the semi-finals on the back of wins against Italy, Spain, and Portugal.
Qualifying for the 2010 World Cup proved relatively easy, as the Koreans didn’t drop a game in a final group featuring North Korea, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. They finished with four wins and four draws, winning twice and drawing twice on the road. The highlight came in a 2-0 away win against Saudi Arabia, who they hadn’t beaten in nearly two decades.
PLAYERS TO WATCH — Most of the squad plays in the domestic K-League. But three European-based players look to lead Korea to its second-ever advancement from the group stages. Park Ji-Sung (Manchester United) has seen regular time at the club since his move from PSV Eindhoven in 2005. He is the captain, the talisman, and the single most important player on the team. Another regular in the Premier League, Chung-Yong Lee (Bolton), has exploded onto the scene in England with his pace, dribbling abiltity, and nose for goal. The 21-year-old started 27 games for Bolton this season and far exceed expectations upon arrival from FC Seoul.
- Park Ji-Sung
Chu-Young Park (Monaco) is another that receives regular time in Europe and netted eight times for his French club this season.
Behind this core, the hard-working Koreans have a shot at advancing for the first time since their wonder run in 2002 as long as they keep shape and make the most of their opportunities.
KEY MATCHUP — vs. Argentina, June 17. Johannesburg (MATCHDAY 7)
After their opening game against Greece, a game they very well can win, Korea plays group favorites Argentina. Although it was 24 years since their last meeting in a World Cup, Korea hasn’t forgotten the 3-1 drubbing they received. Getting points in this crucial contest will go a long way to advancement. The chances are that this group will come down to the final match between Korea and Nigeria. Whoever wins will see another day.
Greece
FIFA Ranking: 13th
BACKGROUND/OVERVIEW — Greece has a relatively obscure world soccer history. This is only their second World Cup, following a disastrous 1994 appearance in which they allowed ten goals and scored none. Ironically enough, that tournament included a 4-0 loss to Argentina and a 2-0 loss to Nigeria, both of which are paired with the Greeks this time around. There will sure to be added intensity for that reason alone.
Greece participated in arguably the worst qualifying group in Europe. They finished second by one point behind Switzerland and won a play-off against Ukraine by a lone goal. Greece beat Latvia twice, Luxembourg twice, and took four points from both Israel and Movdova. What matters most is that they lost twice to Switzerland and the Swiss are relatviely weak by European standards. Greece has their work cut out for them.
Having said all that, Greece went into the 2004 European Championships with similar expectations and won the whole thing, beating Portugal twice on their way to the country’s greatest-ever soccer moment.
PLAYERS TO WATCH — Giorgio Karagounis (Panathinaikos) is the captain and heart of the squad. At 32 this is his last hurrah and the former Inter Milan and Benfica midfielder will have his team in order. Theofanis Gekas (Frankfurt) was the top scorer in all of Europe throughout qualifying with ten goals. Angelos Charisteas (Nuremburg) will partner the attack.
- Giorgio Karagounis
All in all Greece has experience but very few big names. Most of the squad plays in Greece, but they are well organized and don’t give up a lot of goals. German coach Otto Rehhagel has been at the helm since 2001 and is something of a cult hero in Greece with the success he has seen.
KEY MATCHUP — vs. South Korea. June 12, Port Elizabeth (MATCHDAY 2)
If Greece has any hope of advancing they will need to win their first game against South Korea, the weakest of their opponents. There is no telling how they’ll do against Nigeria and Argentina, two teams fully capable of running up the score. If there is any hope to repeat the success of Euro 2004, a win against South Korea is essential.
MY PICKS: Argentina and Nigeria
SLEEPER: South Korea
For more World Cup coverage check out http://blog.ctnews.com/levitt
