Football World Cup 2010 Group B Analysis
Group B has a tougher group, composed of Argentina, South Korea, Greece and Nigeria. Argentina is heavily expected to win, however, South Korea has a few tricks up its sleeve. Take a look at some of my predictions.
Argentina: a collective to work on
On paper, with Tevez, Aguero, Veron, Messi, Samuel, Argentina is one of the most impressive teams in the world. With a horrible qualification campaign that saw them almost miss the 2010 World Cup, Argentina needs to regroup and find their soul, their identity. The AlbiCeleste lost 6 games out of 18 including a loss to Brazil and a shameful defeat to Bolivia 6-1.
The new manager Diego Armando Maradona does not seem capable to infuse the team with a collective spirit. It feels that he is piling individuals on top of individuals without any sense of team play. This team is very far from the 2006 team that scored a classical goal against Serbia after passing the ball 25 times before Cambiasso finished off an amazing play.
It is hard to assess Argentina as a team. The individual talent is there but the team cohesion does not seem to be there. Between being a favourite and avoiding a disastrous World Cup, we are not sure about Argentina's place in the World Cup. This nation's hope will be on Lionel Messi who will need to bring his Barcelona magic and sprinkle on the pitch when he wears the white and blue.
South Korea: a team that is always dangerous
After a good qualification campaign, the South Koreans won their 7th consecutive World Cup berth. Having not lost one game in the qualifiers, South Korea comes as strong and disciplined team with World Cup experience. Not necessarily a tournament favourite, South Korea will be difficult to play against and will stake a claim for one of the top 2 spots in their group.
2002 semi finalist, South Korea can count on Manchester United's Park Ji-Sung, who is having an excellent season with Manchester United. Not given enough credit, he is one of Sir Alex Ferguson's key players and Park did not disappoint. Keep an eye on South Korea; they are not to be taken lightly
Nigeria: will the Super Eagles fly?
Even after a 3rd place finish in the 2010 African Cup of Nations in January, the Nigerian national team has not escaped Nigerian media criticizing them. Their game has been questioned and they are blamed for not having a constant style play as they depend too much on the individuals and not on the team. But Nigeria's manager Shaibo Amodu is still leading the Super Eagles.
The team's stars include the Uche brothers, Taye Taiwo, Obafemi Martins and Chelsea's midfielder John Obi Mikel. There is hope for the Super Eagles to do something but need to gel as a team.
Greece: a Spartan defence
Remember Remember the 4th of July.
At Euro 2004, everyone was expecting France, Portugal, Holland but Greece came victorious at the end. With no stars in the team, the Greece has an impeccable defensive organization and an offensive realism beyond belief. They will be able to challenge any team if you play into their trap/
The same recipe for the Euro will be applied at the World Cup. Otto Rehagel is still the manager and should not change his strategy by one inch. One thing for sure, you will need to earn your goals against Greece. Will the David vs. Goliath story last forever? I do not see Greece going past the group stage.
Prediction
Argentina is the obvious favourite in a group that might seem easy but I think it is a harder group than it looks. Second spot will be between South Korea and Nigeria. I give the advantage to Nigeria that will have an extra motivation as they will play in their home continent.
1. Argentina
2. Nigeria
3. South Korea
4. Greece
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