Jumat, 11 Juni 2010
2010 South Korea World Cup Predictions
Nickname: Taegeuk Jeonsa (Taegeuk Warriors)
Number of World Cup appearances: 7
Best World Cup finish: Fourth (2002)
Team Breakdown
Eight years ago South Korea soared to heights never seen before when they rallied behind fans and their former head coach Guus Hiddink to finish fourth in the 2002 World Cup. No longer led by the Dutchman, new coach Huh Jung-Moo has helped this Asian football nation reach its seventh straight World Cup. Huh Jung-Moo is the first local coach to guide the South Korean to the finals since 1998. Their unbeaten campaign in qualifying makes it safe to say this country has proven itself as the powerhouse of Asia. They cruised comfortably through their region and booked a spot to South Africa alongside continental rivals Japan and North Korea.
Boasting a number of players that have found a home playing for club teams in Europe, there will be even more talent on display this summer than there was when the country made its run to the semi-finals in ’02.
2010 South Korea World Cup Odds
South Korea is currently 300/1 to win the World Cup.
12/1 odds to win Group B.
Key Player To Watch
Ji-Sung Park is the most notable player on the squad headed to South Africa. While he first came into the spotlight during the World Cup run in 2002, his name has grown exponentially during his time with Manchester United. Playing on the wing, his runs up and down with endless stamina to boot is a definite plus for the national team. His work-rate is something to behold and can really be seen with all the energy he plays with every time he is on the pitch.
Best Team Asset
No longer just a one-trick pony, South Korea has more capable players and teams can’t just focus on Ji-Sung Park any longer. Several other names are gradually climbing the ranks in the UK. Lee Chung-yong, a striker with Bolton, and midfielder Ki Sung-yong, who currently plays for Celtic, are going to be key figures for the squad. All three will most certainly be more well known after this summer’s tournament, but even more so this talented trio are sure to have a predominant effect on South Korea’s chances to advance out of Group B and into the knockout stages.
Key Team Weakness
One of the biggest questions for South Korea will be how they play in their first major world football tournament without their former boss Guus Hiddink. Current head coach Huh Jung-Moo has twice before led the Korean national team in 1995 and another stint in 1998-2000. That being said, this will undoubtedly be his biggest challenge yet leading his country in World Cup play. The World Cup futures odds alone (300/1) suggest they are one of the biggest underdogs in this tournament and are likely to be three and done after the group stage, but how can their coach and fellow countryman motivate a side no one is expecting anything from?
South Korea World Cup Predictions
South Korea can go through the motions and get their three games and bow out gracefully. That, or they can really stir the pot and find a way into the knockout stages. Argentina is miles ahead of everyone in the group, but even Nigeria and Greece aren’t impervious to a defeat or two. The runners-up spot in Group B is going to be a fun thing to watch. There are three different teams from three different continents with three completely different football styles facing off and only one can go through. This is the beauty of the World Cup.
Key First Round Match (best betting opportunity)
South Korea is definitely the wildcard of Group B. They fared so well in 2002, but that was as co-hosts, so I am unsure how they will do outside their comfort zone and without the friendly environment. I do think they will be a tough out in all three group matches. The best advice I can suggest is to wait and see how they look against Greece. If they win, then look at their finale June 22 v. Nigeria. This one could be for a spot in the knockout stages, and I would back the Asian side in a must-win scenario.
South Korea World Cup Group Play Schedule
v. Greece, June 12, 2010 – 10 a.m. ETat Nelson Mandela Bay (Port Elizabeth)
v. Argentina, June 17, 2010 – 2:30 p.m. ETat Soccer City (Johannesburg)
v. Nigeria, June 22, 2010 – 2:30 p.m. ET at Durban (Durban)
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2010 Greece World Cup Predictions
Nickname: The Pirate Ship
Number of World Cup appearances: 1
Best World Cup finish: Group stage (1994)
Team Breakdown
If you follow world football then you know the Greeks are most well known for their amazing underdog run to win Euro 2004. Prior to the European Championship six years ago, Greece was installed at 150/1 odds to win the tournament held in Portugal. The World Cup, however, has not been as kind to them and another unparalleled title run would be exponentially harder. This team has only made one appearance since the inception of the tournament and 1994 was hardly something to look back on as a positive experience, going three and out in the group stage, conceding 10 goals and not finding the back of the net once. If things are to be different 16 years later for the Greeks, then pulling out the blueprint they used back in ’04 might be a good start.
If their methods from Euro 2004 are implanted again, don’t expect people glued to the flat screen to watch. It was considered, if nothing else, ‘ugly’ football. Greece employed a defensive-minded style where they built a shell around their own box to keep opposing attackers out at all costs. In the six games they played at Euro 2004, Greece scored five goals and allowed none, winning each of their three knockout round matches, 1-0. They make sure no one can get in, but that also rules out much of an option for their own offense, albeit counterattacking chances. Sure, at times it can be effective, but surely you won’t hear praises unlike other more fluid styles of play across the globe.
2010 World Cup Odds
Greece is currently 125/1 to win the World Cup.
They are 6/1 to win Group B.
Key Player To Watch
Theofanis Gekas was Europe’s top goalscorer during the qualifying process with 10 goals. He was the star that helped carry the bulk of the offensive load alongside fellow striker Georgios Samaras. But if there is a main critic of these efforts, it came against a group that included Switzerland, Latvia, Israel, Luxembourg and Moldova – hardly the model for competition they will see this summer. In fact, all three World Cup Group B teams, Argentina, Nigeria and South Korea, are well ahead of that qualifying group in terms of offensive firepower.
Best Team Asset
What the Greeks have going for themselves is their physically imposing size. Seven different regulars for them during qualifying were 6’2’’ or taller. They not only will have a distinct advantage with set pieces and corners to go up and make a play on the ball, but also their back four and overall defense can really frustrate and wear down the opposition by implementing their brand of physical play.
Key Team Weakness
Experience, or lack there of, really will hurt Greece in this tournament. Not just their lack of World Cup games under their belt, but the Greeks haven’t had the consistent level of competition that other nations are getting. As mentioned above, from the talent level of opponents they faced during the qualifying process, they are hardly in the same boat as an Argentina or Nigeria, and that will be a tough task for Greece to overcome.
Greece World Cup Predictions
I see too difficult a challenge for Greece to make it out of the group stage. Argentina and Nigeria are pegged as the two top expected to advance, and even South Korea is going to be a tough out. That being said, one win off the bat could spark further confidence and momentum. But Greece did it in 2004 and even if not the most skilled group of players, this is one team you better think twice about before counting out.
Key First Round Match (best betting opportunity)
Until Argentina, Greece will be known for its defense and very mundane play. But instead of eyeing ‘unders’ for the Greeks, their first round match-up June 12 v. South Korea is a good place to look for value. No one gave them a shot at Euro 2004 when they shocked the soccer world with similar odds as they are listed to win this year’s event. And if they are going to have any success, it is going to be when no one is expecting anything from them. They will be a slight favorite over South Korea, but you can still find a +price on them in most spots.
Greece World Cup Group Play Schedule
v. South Korea, June 12, 2010 – 10 a.m. ETat Nelson Mandela Bay (Port Elizabeth)
v. Nigeria, June 17, 2010 – 10 a.m. ETat Free State (Mangaung/Bloemfontein)
v. Argentina, June 22, 2010 – 2:30 p.m. ET at Peter Mokaba (Polokwane)
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2010 Nigeria World Cup Predictions
Nickname: Super Eagles
Number of World Cup appearances: 3
Best World Cup finish: Second round (1994, 1998)
Team Breakdown
Nigeria was briefly in a state of limbo after its disappointing third-place finish during January’s African Cup of Nations earlier this year. After the continental tournament they fired head coach Shaibu Amodu and hired Swedish coach Lars Lagerback in late February to run the team this summer. Lagerback, during his stint with Sweden, led them to five major tournaments, including both 2002 and 2006 World Cup appearances.The Super Eagles are definitely capable of making some noise in South Africa this June and July. They were Africa’s best World Cup hope during the 1990s and still remain a viable threat, as seen by their second round accomplishments in both 1994 and 1998.
Similar to runs of a decade ago, Nigeria has names worth mentioning. Guiding them this summer will be Obafemi Martins, John Mikel Obi, Ayegbeni Yakubu, Nwankwo Kanu and Joseph Yobo. All play in England and know each other’s games especially well. With these key players leading the way, will Nigeria be the African nation to make a run on home soil?
2010 Nigeria World Cup Odds
Nigeria is currently 100/1 odds to win the World Cup.
They are 9/2 to win Group B.
Key Player To Watch
Chelsea’s John Obi is the player to lead all others. While Martins and others have just as much skill and experience, the 22-year-old midfielder can really be the bridge from the defense to the offense and help guide his team forward. You can’t place enough emphasis on the experience he has been gaining with one of the world’s best club teams. During the 2005 U-20 World youth Championships he received the silver ball for the second best player in the tournament behind one Lionel Messi. He earned caps with his country in both the 2006, 2008 and 2010 Africa Cup of Nations and he, as will every African footballer, will be every bit ready to showcase his talents in the first ever World Cup in Africa.
Best Team Asset
Motivation will be at all an all-time high for Nigeria this summer. Not only will they be looking to rebound from a true disappointment from January’s third-place finish in the Africa Cup of Nations, but you can’t rule out any African country solely based on the fact that they are playing on home soil and behind their millions of fans across the continent. Let’s face it, every African team is going to be rooted on that much more, and there are those out there that believe this could be the year where one of these teams raise the World Cup trophy.
Key Team Weakness
Despite some talented individuals who make a living playing in England’s Premiership, the world’s best domestic league, it has to worry newly appointed head coach Lars Lagerback that Nigeria was only able to score 11 goals in six matches during the final round of CAF (Africa region) qualifying. In their group they faced Sierra Leone, Equatorial Guinea and South Africa, who was already tournament bound as hosts. Granted they won all six of these matches but three results finished just 1-0, and if they couldn’t muster more than one goal against weaker African nations, how can they expect to beat group favorite Argentina or other world powers in possible later rounds?
Nigeria World Cup Predictions
The Round of 16 is obtainable. Nigeria is the second best team in Group B, and while on paper Argentina should run away with this quartet, you can’t overlook the South American power’s struggles and consistently playing down to lesser teams like they did in their qualifying region. The game against Greece and South Korea are hardly locks, but give the edge to the Super Eagles on home soil to earn a spot in the knockout round.
Key First Round Match (best betting opportunity)
I don’t think Nigeria will beat Argentina in their first match, but they will look good and show promise. That is why their second match-up v. Greece on June 17 is the spot to look. I think African nations are going to fare well and all be very competitive this summer, and this is the one game where I give Nigeria a distinct advantage. Consider them here.
Nigeria World Cup Group Play Schedule
v. Argentina, June 11, 2010 – 7:30 a.m. ET at Ellis Park (Johannesburg)
v. Greece, June 17, 2010 – 10 a.m. ET at Free State (Mangaung/Bloemfontein)
v. South Korea, June 22, 2010 – 2:30 p.m. ET at Durban (Durban)
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2010 Argentina World Cup Predictions
Nickname: La Albiceleste (White and Sky Blue)
Number of World Cup appearances: 14
Best World Cup finish: Winners (1978, 1986)
Team Breakdown
Mario Ariel Bolatti’s 84th-minute strike in the final qualifying match against Uruguay was celebrated from Buenos Aires and Córdoba to Rosario and Mendoza. That’s because had it not been for such a timely winner, Argentina would be watching the World Cup from home this summer.A fourth-place finish in CONMEBOL (South America region) means no one has more to prove in South Africa than Argentina, so buyer beware. But to that same point, the last time this world football power had a stress-filled, near-failed World Cup qualification, Argentina made a storied run in 1986 to become world champions. Will this year’s team prove to pave a similar road or will their shaky qualifying be a sign of a complete collapse in South Africa?
Guided by head coach Diego Maradona, the former brilliant striker who led his country to that title in ’86, the main man in charge has just as much pressure and expectations as do his players. Part disgruntled gnome, part genius schemer on the pitch, who knows how his wild, uncalculated moves will affect the play from his footballers? He served a FIFA-imposed two-month ban following his outburst with the media after that clutch win last fall against Uruguay. Watching him, his actions on the touchline and his team’s performance on the pitch will certainly be atop the list of must-sees in this year’s tournament.
2010 Argentina World Cup Odds
Argentina is currently 8/1 to win the World Cup.
They are 1/2 favorites to win Group B.
Key Player To Watch
Argentina has some of the finest players in the globe. In fact, they have the best player in the entire world in Lionel Messi. The reigning FIFA World Player of the Year will amaze this summer. Simply put, there aren’t enough superlatives to describe his play. At only 22, his accomplishments already are lofty enough to ramble on about for days. He made his club debut for Barcelona at age 17 and he and his side won the UEFA Champions League last season. He also has competed in the U-20 World Cup in 2005, the 2006 World Cup and won a gold medal in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. On the field no one is better on the ball than this young dynamo and watching him navigate past multiple defenders should be enjoyed with a bag of popcorn, because it is nothing short of an epic display best served for the big screen.
Best Team Asset
Argentina comes at you in waves with their abundance of attackers. The previously mentioned Messi is just one threat from a host of players that need to be accounted for. Carlos Tevez has been tearing up England’s Premier League and is as good a finisher right now that there is in the game. Sergio Aguero and Gonzalo Higuaínare doing the same in Spain’s La Liga. And it’s not just the strikers up top, but also the midfield with talents like Javier Mascherano, Maxi Rodríguez and Esteban Cambiasso. This dangerous outfit scored 23 goals in qualifying, and this was during their inconsistencies. Watch out world.
Key Team Weakness
The team’s greatest strength is arguably a curse. Now it is up to Maradona to find the right balance and combination and see what works best with his starting team and key reserves. And just think, of all the names above you didn’t hear Alberto Diego Milito and Lisandro López, who are dominating Europe just the same with over 25 collective goals in the current campaign for club sides Inter Milan and Lyon, respectively.
Argentina World Cup Predictions
Despite the struggles they endured in qualifying and the many criticisms they received along the way, anything but a championship is going to be considered a disappointment by supporters’ expectations. Any time you have the collection of players who are capable of doing special things, nothing but the best is always the result people want. Nigeria, an African nation that can match Argentina’s willingness and success pushing forward in attack, will be a tough out. But as a whole, Group B is very winnable and quite frankly needs to be won to avoid a match-up with another group winner in the Round of 16.
Key First Round Match (best betting opportunity)
Talent alone will make Argentina an obvious favorite in all three matches, and I doubt you will find a price below -150 at any point for Argentina until the knockout round. That being said, if you want value with just as good a chance to win, look at their totals. They are a very skilled offensive team, and in their opener June 11 v. Nigeria look at the ‘over’. Nigeria can get up and down the pitch with tempo just the same, so we could have a very entertaining match-up in the Group B opener. That’s a good focus for Argentina in these first three matches.
Argentina World Cup Group Play Schedule
v. Nigeria, June 11, 2010 – 7:30 a.m. ET at Ellis Park (Johannesburg)
v. South Korea, June 17, 2010 – 2:30 p.m. ET at Soccer City (Johannesburg)
v. Greece, June 22, 2010 – 2:30 p.m. ET at Peter Mokaba (Polokwane)
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