In my series of reviews here are my thoughts on Group B, could be the boring group of the world cup.
Group B
Argentina
Wow where do you start with possibly the most talked about provisional squad in history? Diego Maradona, maybe the best player to have played in my lifetime is now coach of his national squad and has left out not one, or two but three of his better players. Juan Roman Riquelme, Javier Zanetti and Esteban Cambiasso all miss out. Maybe for the best of his side or maybe there is a deeper issue.
Back to team prospects, Argentina have the best player in the world in Lionel Messi up front who has scored an incredible 34 goals in the league and matched the original Ronaldo’s goal tally of 47 in all competitions this season and from left wing, their front line also boasts Carlos Tevez and Athletico Madrid’s main man Sergio Agüero. The only question will be how secure will the defence be with the unbelievable forward line constantly attacking?
Key Player – Has to be Messi, no other player not even Portuguese forward Ronaldo puts the fear into defenders.
Prediction – 1st but not without a scare, possibly Nigeria.
Nigeria
Remember the super eagles from a few years ago? Well they aren’t exactly the power they were but will fancy their chances against Greece and less favoured South Korea. With Everton pairing up front Yakubu Aiyegbeni and Victor Anichebe and back up from experienced Nwankwo Kanu and hit and miss star Obafemi Martins they will fancy their chances.
Key Player – Yakubu or Mikel, Mikel will have to work his socks off to protect Shittu and co at the back. Yakubu will need to score early goals otherwise they will struggle against more skilful European and South American teams.
Prediction – 2nd
South Korea
Not going to lie I have absolutely no idea on how they are going to get on. It is their seventh world cup in a row, they now have Huh Jung-Moo but had a bumpy qualification. Park Ji-Sung now captain has shone at the last two world cups and has firmly established himself as their best player, especially since adapting to English football.
Key Player – Park Ji-Sung must lead his team
Prediction – 3rd, will fancy beating Greece and taking on Nigeria.
Greece
Greek team shocked the world a few years back with their Euro 2004 win, it is not going to happen this year. Although Otto Rehhagel has inspired his veteran squad to some big wins, this year will be one too far for them.
Key Player – Captain Georgios Karagounis will have to be like a Greek god to sort this aged team out
Prediction – 4th, can see them being thumped
Danny Denhard