Group B
Argentina:
Argentina is considered by many as one of the greatest soccer programs of all time with huge world cup success in past years. Argentina has two world cups to its name (1978, 1986) but recently they have not been able to obtain any. The last world cup the Argentines won was when Diego Maradona played for them and because he can’t play anymore Argentina decided to appoint him head coach. When Maradona was appointed head coach it looked like a good decision but after barely qualifying some might argue that he has lost his magic touch. Argentina has a very weak defense and midfield and will have to fully rely on their arguably best in the world striking force. Up front, Argentina has the very skilled and natural goal-scoring talents of Higuain and el kun Aguero. The scrappiness and work rate of Manchester City star Carlos Tevez and not to mention the best player in the world right now Lionel Messi. Diego Milito is also coming off of an impressive season with Inter and just displayed how good he is with two beautiful goals against Bayern Munich. Although Argentina probably have the most talent in the world up front the rest of the team is very average. Their backline and midfield doesn’t have anywhere near the talent there frontline has. There most notable defender would either be Demichelis or Samuel, but neither of these players is something spectacular. It is very hard to give a prediction for this team. They have the talent to win the cup but also have the instability to collapse as early as the group stage.
Nigeria:
Nigeria was barely able to scrape through to the world cup finals and is labeled as a likely underdog in this group. Since the 1990s Nigeria have been able to put together some decent squads making it to the second round twice in the 1990s and beating Spain 3-2 in 98. Their most famous player was Jay Jay Okocha who played in England and carried the Nigerian squad. Although Nigeria haven’t done anything spectacular in the world cup yet this might be their best chance. Nigeria sports players from all over top teams in Europe. The most notable players are John Obi Mikel, a midfielder who sees a lot of playing time at premier league champions Chelsea. Another is Obafemi Martins who is a great goal-scorer and plays for the German champions Wolfsburg. Although Nigeria are for the most part completely overlooked they are one of those teams that you really need to watch out for. It is likely Argentina will take the top spot in the group but expect Nigeria to be the favorite in getting out second.
South Korea:
South Korea are far from the dream team they were in 2002. In 2002 everything was perfect. They got to play on Korean soil with some of the loudest and most passionate fans behind them every game. It was truly a miracle that South Korea with the team they had were able to finish fourth and knock off sides that were bigger, faster and much more talented. Unfortunately for South Korea that won’t happen again. South Korea is an aging side and I just don’t see how South Korea will have the players or the talent to compete with elite teams in the world cup or even within their group. Although you can never say never, look for South Korea to finish 4th or 3rd with a very slim chance of qualifying for the knockout stages.
Greece:
Greece is truly a team that no one will overlook in the near future. Greece went into the euro 2004 with no respect but ended up shocking the world by pulling off one of the greatest upsets in soccer. Greece were able to beat top teams without any well known players but performed amazingly well defensively and scored the opportunities that were given to them. Greece’s euro cup win in 2004 out them on the map and got them some high recognition. Although the Euro is not the world cup it is still packed with some of the top teams in the world and is very challenging to win. You can never say never with Greece because their team isn’t so much different now than it was in 2004. They still have very few well known players with their most notable probably being Samaras but in the end I think they will turn out like South Korea and although Greece might be better then Korea, I don’t see them going very far in the world cup South. I think both Greece and South Korea both had their miracle runs on the world stage but I don’t see them doing it again in the near future. As for Greece’s chances in the world cup I would say that they have a fair shot of getting out of the group but I wouldn’t guarantee it.
1. Argentina
2. Nigeria*
3. Greece
4. South Korea
*team to watch
GB
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