Argentina Still On For The Big One

As those of you who have read the previous posts will know, I'm backing Argentina. I genuinely think they have enough attacking options, and enough of a team to win the competition.

Their performance against Nigeria earlier on was absolutely world class. I haven't seen a game like that in a very long time. So one sided, but only 1-0. Was just a wonderful spectacle to watch.

But is that it already? Will that really be enough to be world beaters and become the best team in the world? We'll just have to wait and see.

Bore Draws - Day 1 Round-Up

Well, that was an interesting day! Having watched both games, I think we can safely say we know which was the better.

We started off with South Africa vs. Mexico - a game that even Isobel enjoyed, even though she won't admit it. Siphiwe Tshabalala put SA ahead, with ex-captain Rafael Marquez striking back 12 minutes from time, to finish the game 1-1. It was a fast-paced, equally-attacking game, and it was a really good one to kick off the whole tournament. For highlights of the game, click here.


Then we had Uruguay vs. France this evening, and wow it couldn't have been more boring if it tried. What a seriously dull game. It was just 50:50 the whole way, until France actually started to try with 10 minutes to go, but it was far too late. If you're that way inclined, and want to waste a few minutes of your life that you'll never get back again, check out the highlights here.

It all bodes well for Day 2 though!

Opening Ceremony

Quite good weren't it?! Isobel and I came in late to watch it, but what we saw was brilliant. Loved the little trumpet man, and the dung beetle.

And all that work with the stadium-flag combo in the middle, and the logo stuff - very smart. They obviously haven't been working on this for a while....

Anyway, that means everything is now underway. Goodbye summer, hello World Cup.

Predictions

So, I'd better post all my predictions before it all kicks off on Friday. For the groups, we'll have winners, and then runners up. Here we go. 

Group A - France, Mexico 
Group B - Argentina, South Korea 
Group C - England, USA 
Group D - Germany, Serbia 
Group E - Netherlands, Cameroon
Group F - Italy, Slovakia 
Group G - Brazil, Portugal
Group H - Spain, Chile

Then we have the second round, where the winners of the first group play the runners up of the second group. I'll bold out my winners in each game. 

France vs. South Korea
Argentina vs. Mexico
England vs. Serbia
Germany vs. USA
Netherlands vs. Slovakia
Italy vs. Cameroon
Brazil vs. Chile
Spain vs. Portugal

As you can see, I think that the teams who come first will all win. But then it gets a little trickier, with the quarters...

France vs. England
Argentina vs.Germany
Netherlands vs. Brazil
Italy vs. Spain

And then we're down to the top four best teams in the world. And I think it'll be...

England vs. Brazil
Argentina vs. Spain

I can just see it happening. Spain will take third place, but it will set up the mother of all finals. I'm going down the penalty root too - I think we may very well see extra time in the final. But who will win it?

Argentina, by the skin of their teeth. I think for the first time in decades, they have the desire to go on and do it. Class act all round.

Group H - Chile

I like that flag too - plain and simple.

Chile are my underdog team. I can see them qualifying in the group they've got. Pace and energy is bubbling over from the team, and they look good in friendlies. But can they match it in South Africa?

Capital City: Santiago
Captain: Claudio Bravo
Manager: Marcelo Bielsa
Star Man: Alexis Sanchez - 21 years old, and playing for his future in South Africa. Very speedy, but having played for Udinese, he could very well be putting himself in the shop window this time around.
Group Games: Honduras (16th June); Switzerland (21st June); Spain (25th June)
Adam's Prediction: I have pinned my hopes on Chile. Can see them qualifying. 2nd in Group H.

Full Squad:
Goalkeepers: Claudio Bravo (Real Sociedad), Miguel Pinto (Universidad de Chile), Luis Marin (Union Espanola)

Defenders: Pablo Contreras (PAOK), Ismael Fuentes (Universidad Catolica), Mauricio Isla (Udinese), Gary Medel (Boca Juniors), Gonzalo Jara (West Brom), Waldo Ponce (Universidad Catolica), Arturo Vidal (Bayer Leverkusen), Carlos Carmona (Reggina)

Midfielders: Marco Estrada (Universidad de Chile), Matias Fernandez (Sporting Lisbon), Gonzalo Fierro (Flamengo), Rodrigo Millar (Colo Colo), Rodrigo Tello (Besiktas), Jorge Valdivia (Al-Ain), Jean Beausejour (America)

Forwards: Mark Gonzalez (CSKA Moscow), Fabian Orellana (Xerez), Esteban Paredes (Colo Colo), Alexis Sanchez (Udinese), Humberto Suazo (Real Zaragoza)

Group H - Honduras

The small team are probably better known for their war than their football team. They have, however, qualified for teh World Cup for the second time, the first being in 1982.

They are talking of getting into the second round, and yes, their squad could handle it, but with other teams better than them this time around, I very much doubt it will happen.

Capital City: Tegucigalpa
Captain: Amando Guevara
Manager: Reinaldo Rueda
Star Man: Wilson Palacios - the big man from Tottenham has really worked wonders this season, and looks good for a decent World Cup. With several million eyes on him, he'll want to prove why Spurs are in the Champions League next season.
Group Games: Chile (16th June); Spain (21st June); Switzerland (25th June)
Adam's Prediction: I'm sorry Hondurans, but I just don't see it happening. 4th in Group H.

Full Squad:
Goalkeepers: Ricardo Canales (Motagua), Noel Valladares (Olimpia), Donis Escober (Olimpia) 

Defenders: Victor Bernardez (Anderlecht), Maynor Figueroa (Wigan), Oscar Garcia (Olimpia), Sergio Mendoza (Motagua), Emilio Izaguirre (Motagua), Johnny Palacios (Olimpia), Mauricio Sabillon (Hangzhou Luchen), Osman Chavez (Platense) 

Midfielders: Edgard Alvarez (Bari), Julio Cesar de Leon (Torino), Roger Espinoza (Kansas City Wizards), Amado Guevara (Motagua), Ramon Nunez (Olimpia), Wilson Palacios (Tottenham Hotspur), Hendry Thomas (Wigan), Danilo Turcios (Olimpia) 

Forwards: David Suazo (Genoa), Georgie Welcome (Motagua), Carlos Pavon (Real Espana), Walter Martinez (Marathon)

Group H - Switzerland

Thats a cracking flag int it?!

The Swiss reached the second round in 2006, but I just can't see it. They've got a trickygroup, and they are a team who are made up on fringe players. Yes, they'll have a crack, but it will be tough.

They do, however, have a big hunger to do well, and that was proved in qualification. So let's see how they go.

Capital City: Bern
Captain: Alexander Frei
Manager: Ottmar Hitzfeld
Star Man: Valon Behrami - the West Ham midfielder missed the majority of last season, but is still his country's talisman. He could guarantee big wins if he plays to the best of his ability. 
Group Games: Spain (16th June); Chile (21st June); Honduras (25th June)
Adam's Prediction: It will be tough, but I just don't see it. 3rd in Group H.

Full Squad:
Goalkeepers: Diego Benaglio (Wolfsburg), Johnny Leoni (Zurich), Marco Woelfli (Young Boys) 

Defenders: Stephan Lichtsteiner (Lazio), Stephane Grichting (Auxerre), Steve Von Bergen (Hertha Berlin), Philippe Senderos (Arsenal), Mario Eggimann (Hannover), Christoph Spycher (Eintracht Frankfurt), Reto Ziegler (Sampdoria) 

Midfielders: Valon Behrami (West Ham), Gokhan Inler (Udinese), Benjamin Huggel (Basle), Gelson Fernandes (St. Etienne), Xherdan Shaqiri (Basel), Pirmin Schwegler (Eintracht Frankfurt), Tranquillo Barnetta (Bayer Leverkusen), Marco Padalino (Sampdoria) 

Forwards: Alex Frei (Basle), Blaise Nkufo (Twente), Eren Derdiyok (Bayer Leverkusen), Hakan Yakin (Lucerne), Marco Streller (Basle)

Group H - Spain

The current European champions have finally shaken off their 'underachiever' tag, and are now actually winning things. Many people see Spain absolutely walking the tournament, and yes, absed on their squad, they will, but things don't always go that easily.

There are plenty of egos in this team, all of whom believe they are the best player in the squad. We can all live in hope that they all clash, and they go out relatively early. I don't like Spain you see.

Capital City: Madrid
Captain: Iker Casillas
Manager: Vicente del Bosque
Star Man: Xavi - he's one of those players that keeps quiet on the scene, but every club in the world would put them in their starting line-up. His passing is the best in the world - in 2008, his pass succession rate was 89%. He'll lead the team and decide how well they do. 
Group Games: Switzerland (16th June); Honduras (21st June); Chile (25th June)
Adam's Prediction: Will absolutely pummel all teams in their group. Should go most of the way, but I can see semi hearbreak. 1st in Group H.

Full Squad:
Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), Jose Manuel Reina (Liverpool), Victor Valdes (Barcelona) 

Defenders: Raul Albiol (Real Madrid), Alvaro Arbeloa (Real Madrid), Joan Capdevila (Villarreal), Carlos Marchena (Valencia), Gerard Pique (Barcelona), Carles Puyol (Barcelona), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid) 

Midfielders: Xabier Alonso (Real Madrid), Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal), Andres Iniesta (Barcelona), Javier Martinez (Athletic Bilbao), David Silva (Valencia), Xavi Hernandez (Barcelona) 

Forwards: Jesus Navas (Sevilla), Juan Manuel Mata (Valencia), Pedro Rodriguez (Barcelona), Fernando Llorente (Athletic Bilbao), Fernando Torres (Liverpool), David Villa (Valencia)

Group G - Portugal

Ah, the team to complete the biggest derby in World Cup 2010 football. Brazil vs. Portugal? Yes please.

A good squad team, and everyone seems to feel they are underdogs. Which is always good news - that usually means they'll do quite well. Having the best player in the world always helps too.

Capital City: Lisbon
Captain: Cristiano Ronaldo
Manager: Carlos Quieroz
Star Man: Cristiano Ronaldo - well you could hardly have anyone else?! Not only the best player in the world, but the most expensive too. And if he can't lead his team, no-one can. Without him, Portugal are going out of the tournament.
Group Games: Cote d'Ivoire (15th June); Korea DPR (21st June); Brazil (25th June)
Adam's Prediction: Got to go through, and do well this time around. Until they play Spain in the second round. 2nd in Group G.

Full Squad:
Goalkeepers: Eduardo (Braga), Daniel Fernandes (Iraklis), Beto (Porto) 

Defenders: Miguel (Valencia), Paulo Ferreira (Chelsea), Ricardo Carvalho (Chelsea), Bruno Alves (Porto), Rolando (Porto), Ricardo Costa (Lille), Duda (Malaga), Fabio Coentrao (Benfica) 

Midfielders: Pedro Mendes (Sporting), Pepe (Real Madrid), Tiago (Atletico Madrid), Deco (Chelsea), Raul Meireles (Porto), Miguel Veloso (Sporting) 

Forwards: Simao Sabrosa (Atletico Madrid), Danny (Zenit St Petersburg), Liedson (Sporting), Hugo Almeida (Werder Bremen), Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid), Nani (Manchester United)

Group G - Cote d'Ivoire

Officially known as Cote d'Ivoire, I've decided to go by the English translation of Ivory Coast, mainly because of ease of being able to say it!

If they were in any other group, they'd be walking through. But Brazil and Portugal? Gonna be tough. Look to have an amazingly strong team as well this time around. Just a shame. Hope they can pull off a big shock.

Capital City: Yamoussoukro
Captain: Didier Drogba
Manager: Sven-Goran Eriksson
Star Man: Aruna Dindane - after a successful season at Portsmouth, theres plenty of interest from across Europe for the big striker. But can he pull off some decent appearances, with Drogba and Kalou in the squad too?
Group Games: Portugal (15th June); Brazil (20th June); Korea DPR (25th June)
Adam's Prediction: If only they were in another group.... Can see them losing to both Brazil and Portugal. 3rd in Group G.

Full Squad:
Goalkeepers: Boubacar Barry (Lokeren, Belgium), Aristides Zogbo (Maccabi Netanya, Israel), Daniel Yeboah (Asec, Ivory Coast) 

Defenders: Souleymane Bamba (Hibernian, Scotland), Arthur Boka (VB Stuttgart, Germany), Benjamin Brou Angoua (Valenciennes, France), Guy Demel (Hamburg SV, Germany), Emmanuel Eboue (Arsenal, England), Steve Gohouri (Wigan Athletic, England), Siaka Tiene (Valenciennes, France), Kolo Toure (Manchester City, England) 

Midfielders: Jean-Jacques Gosso Gosso(Monaco, France), Abdelkader Keita (Galatasaray, Turkey), Emmanuel Kone (International Curtea Arges, Romania), Gervinho (Lille, France), Koffi N'Dri Romaric (Sevilla, Spain), Cheik Ismael Tiote (Twente Enschede, Holland), Yaya Toure (Barcelona, Spain), Didier Zokora (Sevilla, Spain) 

Forwards: Aruna Dindane (Lekhwiya, Qatar), Didier Drogba (Chelsea, England), Salomon Kalou (Chelsea, England), Bakary Kone (Olympique Marseille, France)

Group G - Korea DPR

North Korea, as they are more commonly known, have only played once before in the World Cup, in 1966. Better known for their 'antics', let's call them, than their footballing ability,but they did beat Guam 21-0 in 2005. Have that England.

They stand little chance in the group they are in, but are certainly going to really go for it.

Capital City: Pyongyang
Captain: Hong Yong-Jo
Manager: Kim Jong-Hun
Star Man: Jong Tae-Se - the big number 9 of the team. 22 caps, and at 24, he looks to be starting at the top of the North Korean formation.
Group Games: Brazil (15th June); Portugal (21st June); Ivory Coast (25th June)
Adam's Prediction: Going there for a bit of a trip, and to show off their nation. 4th in Group G.

Full Squad:
Goalkeepers: Kim Myong Gil (Amrokgang), Kim Myong Won (Amrokgang), Ri Myong Guk (Pyongyang City)

Defenders: An Chol Hyok (Rimyongsu), An Yong Hak (Omiya Ardija), Cha Jong Hyok (Amrokgang), Choe Kum Chol (April 25), Hong Yong Jo (FK Rostov), Ji Yun Nam (April 25), Jong Tae Se (Kawasaki Frontale), Kim Kum Il (April 25)

Midfielders: Kim Kyong Il (Rimyongsu), Kim Yong Jun (Pyongyang City), Mun In Guk (April 25), Nam Song Chol (April 25), Pak Chol Jin (Amrokgang), Pak Nam Chol (April 25), Pak Nam Chol (Amrokgang), Pak Sung Hyok (Sobaeksu)

Forwards: Ri Chol Myong (Pyongyang City), Ri Jun Il (Sobaeksu), Ri Kwang Chon (April 25), Ri Kwang Hyok (Koynggongop)

Group G - Brazil

I'd actually consider Group G as my 'Group of Death' - tricky teams in this one. Not to mention 5-time World Champions Brazil.

Many have tipped them to be the underdogs this time around. I see them as firm favourites for the final - the draw has treated them well. With the ability they have in their squad, and with everything seemingly going their way, watch this space for number six.

Capital City: Rio de Janeiro

Captain: Lucio
Manager: Dunga
Star Man: Kaka - the man's big move to Milan last summer was meant to make him the best player in the world. Many believe he's flopped, but wouldn't you if you're overshadowed by the £80m man?! It's inevitable he'll move after the World Cup, but where to? We'll see.
Group Games: Korea DPR (15th June); Ivory Coast (20th June); Portugal (25th June)
Adam's Prediction: Got to be seen as favourites for the group. Should ease through second round and quarters, and win in the semi, but I think they may suffer heartbreak in the final. 1st in Group G.

Full Squad:
Goalkeepers: Julio Cesar (Inter Milan), Doni (AS Roma), Gomes (Tottenham Hotspur)

Defenders: Maicon (Inter Milan), Daniel Alves (Barcelona), Michel Bastos (Olympique Lyon), Gilberto (Cruzeiro), Lucio (Inter Milan), Juan (AS Roma), Luisao (Benfica), Thiago Silva (AC Milan)

Midfielders: Gilberto Silva (Panathinaikos), Felipe Melo (Juventus), Ramires (Benfica), Elano (Galatasaray), Kaka (Real Madrid), Julio Baptista (Roma), Kleberson (Flamengo), Josue (VfL Wolfsburg)

Forwards: Robinho (Santos), Luis Fabiano (Sevilla), Nilmar (Villarreal), Grafite (VfL Wolfsburg)

Group F - Slovakia

For the first time since independence in 1993, Slovakia are competing in the World Cup. Having won only one friendly before the tournament, they don't look favourites to go through. But I'm gonna throw a spanner in the works.

I think that they have a very strong squad, and with their group the way it is, could qualify. That's my prediction anyway...

Capital City: Bratislava
Captain: Marek Hamsik
Manager: Vladimir Weiss
Star Man: Marek Hamsik - captain of the team at just 22, he's tipped for big things. Playing for Napoli, he's been scouted by big European teams, and could be heading to Arsenal, Liverpool or Man United, if rumours are to be believed. Could and should hold the squad together. 
Group Games: New Zealand (15th June); Paraguay (20th June); Italy (24th June)
Adam's Prediction: I really can see their first time being quite successful. Gonna go through, and lose in the second round. 2nd in Group F.

Full Squad:
Goalkeepers: Jan Mucha (Legia Warsaw), Dusan Kuciak (Vaslui), Dusan Pernis (Dundee United) 

Defenders: Peter Pekarik (Wolfsburg), Martin Petras (Cesena), Martin Skrtel (Liverpool), Jan Durica (Hannover), Radoslav Zabavnik (Mainz), Marek Cech (West Brom), Kornel Salate (Slovan Bratislava) 

Midfielders: Kamil Kopunek (Spartak Trnava), Jan Kozak (Timisoara), Juraj Kucka (Sparta Prague), Marek Sapara (Ankaragucu), Marek Hamsik (Napoli), Vladimir Weiss (Manchester City), Miroslav Stoch (Chelsea), Zdeno Strba (Xanthi) 

Forwards: Erik Jendrisek (Schalke), Robert Vittek (Ankaragucu), Martin Jakubko (Saturn Moscow), Filip Holosko (Besiktas), Stanislav Sestak (Bochum)

Group F - New Zealand

For the first time since 1982, New Zealand have qualified for the World Cup. They're another team who will be there to enjoy themselves.

More than guaranteed to finish in the group stages, but all they will want is to gain their first point in World Cup football. They are also one goal away from conceding 1,000 international goals. Little fact for you.

Capital City: Wellington
Captain: Ryan Nelsen
Manager: Ricki Herbert
Star Man: Chris Killen - not many to pick from, if I'm honest. Will be happy just to score a goal and put himself back on the map. After a move to Middlesbrough in January, he'll just want to have a good summer to get him playing regular football next season.
Group Games: Slovakia (15th June); Italy (20th June); Paraguay (24th June)
Adam's Prediction: Just there for a jolly to South Africa if I'm honest. 4th in Group F.

Full Squad:

Goalkeepers: James Bannatyne (Team Wellington), Glen Moss (Melbourne Victory), Mark Paston (Wellington Phoenix) 

Defenders: Andy Boyens (New York Red Bulls), Tony Lochhead (Wellington Phoenix), Ryan Nelsen (Blackburn Rovers), Winston Reid (FC Midtjylland), Ben Sigmund (Wellington Phoenix), Tommy Smith (Ipswich Town), Ivan Vicelich (Auckland City) 

Midfielders: Andy Barron (Team Wellington), Leo Bertos (Wellington Phoenix), Tim Brown (Wellington Phoenix), Jeremy Christie (FC Tampa Bay Rowdies), Aaron Clapham (Canterbury United), Simon Elliott (unattached), Michael McGlinchey (Motherwell), David Mulligan (unattached) 

Strikers: Jeremy Brockie (Newcastle Jets), Rory Fallon (Plymouth Argyle), Chris Killen (Middlesbrough), Shane Smeltz (Gold Coast United), Chris Wood (West Bromwich Albion)

Group F - Paraguay

For the fourth consecutive time, Paraguay appear in the World Cup. England fans will recognise most of the squad from the group stages in 2006, and peoplke really do expect. Since 2006, a lot of the team have headed to Europe, and the likes of Roque Santa Cruz and Jonathan Santana are now playing for some of the best teams in the world.

Capital City: Asuncion
Captain: Justo Villar
Manager: Gerardo Martino
Star Man: Oscar Cardozo - a lot of interest in this bloke. Looks a good forward - lots of running around, lots of energy, and lots of firepower. Another one who could be on for a good move.
Group Games: Italy (14th June); Slovakia (20th June); New Zealand (24th June)
Adam's Prediction: Got a relatively good team, but it's not going to be good enough. 3rd in Group F.

Full Squad:
Goalkeepers: Justo Villar (Valladolid/ESP), Aldo Bobadilla (Deportivo Independiente de Medellin/COL), Diego Barreto (Cerro Porteno) 

Defenders: Claudio Morel Rodriguez (Boca Juniors/ARG), Denis Caniza (Leon/MEX), Paulo da Silva (Sunderland/ENG), Dario Veron (Pumas UNAM/MEX), Julio Cesar Caceres (Atletico Mineiro/BRA), Carlos Bonet (Olimpia), Aureliano Torres (San Lorenzo de Almagro/ARG), Antolin Alcaraz (FC Bruges/BEL) 

Midfielders: Edgar Barreto (Atalanta/ITA), Cristian Riveros (Cruz Azul/MEX), Victor Caceres (Libertad), Enrique Vera (Liga Deportiva Universitaria de Quito/ECU), Jonathan Santana (Wolfsburg/GER), Nestor Ortigoza (Argentinos Juniors/ARG) 

Forwards: Roque Santa Cruz (Manchester City/ENG), Nelson Haedo Valdez (Borussia Dortmund/GER), Oscar Cardozo (Benfica/POR), Edgar Benitez (Toluca/MEX), Lucas Barrios (Borussia Dortmund/GER), Rodolfo Gamarra (Libertad)

Group F - Italy

The current reigning champions, Italy proved to be worthy winners in 2006. Will they replicate that this year? I doubt it - they have a number of factors going against them this time around.

The whole squad is based in Italy. The aging squad are now mostly 30+, and they really don't have any form of home advantage. They should win the group, but won't go amazingly far.

Capital City: Rome
Captain: Fabio Cannavaro
Manager: Marcello Lippi
Star Man: Daniele de Rossi - the defensive midfielder is now 26, but is still one of the most sought-after players in the world. He works well with Andrea Pirlo, and should he play well, could be on for a big-money move.
Group Games: Paraguay (14th June); New Zealand (20th June); Slovakia (24th June)
Adam's Prediction: Will more than likely win the three group games, and then in the second round, but with the potential of a quarter final against Spain, could fall at the third hurdle. 1st in Group F.

Full Squad:
Goalkeepers: Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus), Morgan De Sanctis (Napoli), Federico Marchetti (Cagliari) 

Defenders: Salvatore Bocchetti (Genoa), Leonardo Bonucci (Bari), Fabio Cannavaro (Juventus), Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus), Domenico Criscito (Genoa), Christian Maggio (Napoli), Gianluca Zambrotta (AC Milan) 

Midfielders: Mauro Camoranesi (Juventus), Daniele De Rossi (Roma), Gennaro Gattuso (AC Milan), Claudio Marchisio (Juventus), Riccardo Montolivo (Fiorentina), Angelo Palombo (Sampdoria), Simone Pepe (Udinese), Andrea Pirlo (AC Milan) 

Forwards: Antonio Di Natale (Udinese), Alberto Gilardino (Fiorentina), Vincenzo Iaquinta (Juventus), Giampaolo Pazzini (Sampdoria), Fabio Quagliarella (Napoli)

Group E - Cameroon

Having not qualified in 2006, Cameroon will want to do themselves proud this time around. At least this time their kit passes the test - in 2002, FIFA told them to change it, as it was a vest....

They will hope that Samuel Eto'o will increase his top goalscorer record, and that the defence can pull together. It could eventually lead to a big finish for them.

Capital City: Yaounde

Captain: Samuel Eto'o
Manager: Paul Le Guen
Star Man: Jean Makoun - could prove to be a star this time around. At 27, he's no ripe fruit, but what a midfielder. Absolutely class, and could steal himself a move to England. 
Group Games: Cameroon (14th June); Denmark (19th June); Netherlands (24th June)
Adam's Prediction: Can see them being one of the surprise packages in South Africa. With a 'home crowd' behind them, who knows what they can do? 2nd in Group E.

Full Squad:
Goalkeepers: Guy Roland N'Dy Assembe (Valenciennes), Idriss Carlos Kameni (Espanyol), Hamidou Souleymanou (Kayserispor) 

Defenders: Benoit Assou Ekotto (Tottenham Hotspur), Sebastien Bassong (Tottenham Hotspur), Gaetan Bong (Valenciennes), Aurelien Chedjou (Lille), Geremi (Ankaragucu), Nicolas Nkoulou (Monaco), Rigobert Song (Trabzonspor) 

Midfielders: Achille Emana (Real Betis), Enoh Eyong (Ajax Amsterdam), Jean Makoun (Olympique Lyon), Georges Mandjeck (Kaiserslautern), Joel Matip (Schalke 04), Landry Nguemo (Celtic), Alexandre Song (Arsenal) 

Forwards: Vincent Aboubacar (Coton Sport), Eric Choupo-Moting (Nuremburg), Stephane Mbia (Marseille, France), Samuel Eto'o (Inter Milan), Mohamadou Idrissou (Freiburg), Achille Webo (Real Mallorca)

Group E - Japan

The 45th best team in the world are looking to score their first win at the World Cup since the second game of 2002, against Tunisia. No Tunisia this time around, but Japan are in a bit of a pickle.

Were they in any other group, they might stand a chance of coming 3rd. They're that good.

Capital City: Tokyo
Captain: Makoto Hasebe
Manager: Takeshi Okada
Star Man: Shinji Okazaki - the little striker leads the front line for Japan this year around. Having scored 16 goals in his past 28 international games, he could really ignite the team, and I'm sure a lot of people agree that he could indeed be on the verge of a life-changing cup competition.
Group Games: Cameroon (14th June); Netherlands (19th June); Denmark (24th June)
Adam's Prediction: With a little bit of luck, may indeed scrape a draw, but don't hold your breath. 4th in Group E.

Full Squad:
Goalkeepers: Seigo Narazaki (Nagoya Grampus), Eiji Kawashima (Kawasaki Frontale), Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi (Jubilo Iwata) 

Defenders: Yuji Nakazawa (Yokohama Marinos), Marcus Tulio Tanaka (Nagoya Grampus), Yuichi Komano (Jubilo Iwata), Daiki Iwamasa (Kashima Antlers), Yasuyuki Konno (FC Tokyo), Yuto Nagatomo (FC Tokyo), Atsuto Uchida (Kashima Antlers) 

Midfielders: Shunsuke Nakamura (Yokohama Marinos), Yasuhito Endo (Gamba Osaka), Kengo Nakamura (Kawasaki Frontale), Junichi Inamoto (Kawasaki Frontale), Yuki Abe (Urawa Red Diamonds), Makoto Hasebe (Wolfsburg/Germany), Keisuke Honda (CSKA Moscow/Russia), Daisuke Matsui (Grenoble/France) 

Forwards: Shinji Okazaki (Shimizu S-Pulse), Keiji Tamada (Nagoya Grampus), Yasuhito Okubo (Vissel Kobe), Kisho Yano (Albirex Niigata), Takayuki Morimoto (Catania/Italy)

Group E - Denmark

Ah, the Danish. Had a couple of the best players ever to have walked the earth, and have they done anything? Nope. Oh, bar Euro '92.

Will that change? No, I don't think it will. Having seen some poor performances in friendlies, they really don't seem to be pushing very hard to go about winning the thing. But we've had plenty of surprises.

Capital City: Copenhagen
Captain: Jon Dahl Tomasson
Manager: Morten Olsen
Star Man: Simon Kjaer - the young defender made a big impression at Plaermo last season - so much so that he's the talk of Man United, Arsenal and Barcelona. So why is a defender the star man? Well, should he play well, he could carry the team, like Philipp Lahm did in 2006. Lets hope so.
Group Games: Netherlands (14th June); Cameroon (19th June); Japan (24th June)
Adam's Prediction: I'm sorry, but I just can't see it. With better teams in the group, they won't go further than they already are. 3rd in Group E.

Full Squad:
Goalkeepers: Thomas Sorensen (Stoke City), Stephan Andersen (Brondby), Jesper Christiansen (FC Copenhagen) 

Defenders: William Kvist (FC Copenhagen), Simon Kjaer (Palermo), Lars Jacobsen (Blackburn Rovers), Per Kroldup (Fiorentina), Daniel Agger (Liverpool), Patrick Mtigliga (Malaga), Simon Poulsen (AZ Alkmaar) 

Midfielders: Martin Jorgensen (AGF Aarhus), Christian Poulsen (Juventus), Jakob Poulsen (AGF Aarhus), Dennis Rommedahl (Ajax Amsterdam), Thomas Kahlenberg (VfL Wolfsburg), Thomas Enevoldsen (FC Groningen), Christian Eriksen (Ajax Amsterdam), Mikkel Beckmann (Randers), Daniel Jensen (Werder Bremen), Jesper Gronkjaer (FC Copenhagen) 

Forwards: Jon Dahl Tomasson (Feyenoord), Soren Larsen (Toulouse), Nicklas Bendtner (Arsenal)

Group E - The Netherlands

I prefer Holland if I'm honest. The Netherlands are the best team never to have won a World Cup. If you ever get the chance, watch how good they were in the '70's - what a team. Total Football.

Their squad this year is, overall, one of the best teams in the competition. With a combination of firepower and blockade defending, they really could be going places this time around. As ever though, every team suffers injuries, and with Arjen Robben already out of their first game, every Dutchman will be crossing their fingers.

Capital City: Amsterdam
Captain: Giovanni van Bronckhorst
Manager: Burt van Marwijk
Star Man: Wesley Sneijder - the midfield maestro is another one who is coming into the World Cup on the back of a Treble with Inetr Milan, and his record shows how good he is. Having helped the Dutch go through the whole of qualifying with a 100% record, Sneijder could prove the difference should they put themselves in the right position.
Group Games: Denmark (14th June); Japan (19th June); Cameroon (24th June)
Adam's Prediction: Could it finally be their year? I think they have a big chance, but with the potential of a big quarter final against Brazil, they'll really have to hold their nerve. 1st in Group E.

Full Squad:
Goalkeepers: Maarten Stekelenburg (Ajax), Sander Boschker (FC Twente), Michel Vorm (FC Utrecht)

Defender: Khalid Boulahrouz (Stuttgart), Edson Braafheid (Celtic), Giovanni van Bronckhorst (Feyenoord), John Heitinga (Everton), Joris Mathijsen (HSV), Gregory van der Wiel (Ajax), Andre Ooijer (PSV)

Midfielders: Mark van Bommel (Bayern Munich), Nigel de Jong (Manchester City), Stijn Schaars (AZ), Wesley Sneijder (Inter), Rafael van der Vaart (Real Madrid), Demy de Zeeuw (Ajax), Ibrahim Afellay (PSV)

Forwards: Dirk Kuyt (Liverpool), Eljero Elia (HSV), Ryan Babel (Liverpool), Klaas-Jan Huntelaar (AC Milan), Robin van Persie (Arsenal), Arjen Robben (Bayern Munich)

The Premier League Curse

Lots of journalists are suggesting that the Premier League has caused the injuries to several players. This week alone, Rio Ferdinand, Didier Drogba, and Wilson Palacios look to have been ruled out of the competition. Already Michael Essien and Michael Ballack have missed the squads.

Personally I think it's a load of old twaddle. Players get injured because of tackles in training, not because of how long they've had to rest since the last day of the season. They all have access to the best physios in the world - its got nothing to do with the Premier League.

So stop moaning, and enjoy the players who are gonna be there playing the best football of their lives.

Group D - Ghana

The last team in Group D, and probably the last team come the end of the group stages. Ghana should be doing well, and be going through, but they really donb't look that way, should the injuries hampering the squads hit them again too. Losing Michael Essien was the biggest loss they could have suffered.

Capital City: Accra
Captain: Stephen Appiah
Manager: Milovan Rajevac
Star Man: Asamoah Gyan - the striker, who strangely likes the number 3 shirt, is in lethal form. He has a 50% goal per game percentage - which is top stuff. And at only 24, he could be in for a very bright future in a big league. 
Group Games: Serbia (13th June); Australia (19th June); Germany (23rd June)
Adam's Prediction: Missing some key players, so won't qualify, but will play some amazing football. 4th in Group D.

Full Squad:
Goalkeepers: Richard Kingston (Wigan, England), Daniel Adjei (Liberty Professionals), Stephen Ahorlu (Hearts of Lions) 

Defenders: Samuel Inkoom (Basle, Switzerland), Hans Sarpei (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany), Lee Addy (Bechem Chelsea), John Mensah (Sunderland, England), Rahim Ayew (Zamalek, Egypt), Isaac Vorsah (Hoffenheim, Germany), John Pantsil (Fulham, England), Jonathan Mensah (Granada, Spain) 

Midfielders: Dede Ayew (Arlese Avignon, France), Kwadwo Asamoah (Udinese, Italy), Stephen Appiah (Bologna, Italy), Anthony Annan (Rosenborg, Norway), Sulley Muntari (Inter Milan, Italy), Quincy Owusu-Abeyie (Al Sadd, Qatar), Derek Boateng (Getafe, Spain), Kevin-Prince Boateng (Portsmouth, England) 

Strikers: Prince Tagoe (Hoffenheim, Germany), Asamoah Gyan (Rennes, France), Dominic Adiyiah (AC Milan, Italy), Matthew Amoah (NAC Breda, Holland)

Group D - Serbia

Being in the Group of Death, every Group D game is gonna be difficult, but with the resurgence of Serbia, their games prove that little bit more difficult.

The likes of Vidic, Stankovic and Tosic al.l add to the depth the squad has, and I really do think Serbia could be one of the big shocks of the tournament. However, we have to be sensible with predictions and how it all works out...

Capital City: Belgrade
Captain: Dejan Stankovic
Manager: Radomir Antic
Star Man: Dejan Stankovic - it has to be the captain. Coming into the World Cup on the back of a historic Treble with Inter Milan, he is the right man to lead, and the right man to make the passes, crosses and set up the goals to create a successful campaign.
Group Games: Ghana (13th June); Germany (18th June); Australia (23rd June)
Adam's Prediction: Think they may very well scrape through to the second round, and set up a potential tie with England. 2nd in Group D.

Full Squad:
Goalkeepers: Vladimir Stojkovic (Sporting), Bojan Isailovic (Zaglebie Lubin), Andjelko Djuricic (Uniao Leiria) 

Defenders: Branislav Ivanovic (Chelsea), Antonio Rukavina (1860 Munich), Nemanja Vidic (Manchester United), Neven Subotic (Borussia Dortmund), Aleksandar Lukovic (Udinese), Ivan Obradovic (Zaragoza), Aleksandar Kolarov (Lazio) 

Midfielders: Dejan Stankovic (Inter Milan), Gojko Kacar (Hertha Berlin), Nenad Milijas (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Zdravko Kuzmanovic (VfB Stuttgart), Radosav Petrovic (Partizan Belgrade), Milos Krasic (CSKA Moscow), Zoran Tosic (Manchester United), Milos Ninkovic (Dynamo Kiev), Milan Jovanovic (Standard Liege) 

Forwards: Nikola Zigic (Birmingham City), Marko Pantelic (Ajax Amsterdam), Danko Lazovic (Zenit St. Petersburg), Dragan Mrdja (Vojvodina Novi Sad)

Group D - Australia

The Australians must surely be aiming for the second round. They have a squad built up of players of a relative level, but they won't go any further than the second round - if they even make it....... A lack of forwards will massively affect them.

Capital City: Canberra
Captain: Lucas Neill
Manager: Pim Verbeek
Star Man: Tim Cahill - there couldn't be anyone else. Cahill is the best player in the squad, bar none. Having just signed a new contract at everton, he's been playing amazing football, and this could lead to a brilliant World Cup for him to showcase his talents.
Group Games: Germany (13th June); Ghana (19th June); Serbia (23rd June)
Adam's Prediction: Unfortunately, probably won't make it through. Will run Serbia close mind you. 3rd in Group C.

Full Squad:
Goalkeepers: Mark Schwarzer (Fulham), Adam Federici (Reading), Brad Jones (Middlesbrough) 

Defenders: Lucas Neill (Galatasaray), Craig Moore (unattached), Scott Chipperfield (Basel), David Carney (Twente Enschede), Luke Wilkshire (Dynamo Moscow), Mark Milligan (JEF United), Michael Beauchamp (Al-Jazira) 

Midfielders: Tim Cahill (Everton), Mark Bresciano (Palermo) Vince Grella (Blackburn), Brett Emerton (Blackburn), Jason Culina (Gold Coast), Brett Holman (AZ Alkmaar), Carl Valeri (Sassuolo), Mile Jedinak (Antalyaspor), Richard Garcia (Hulll), Dario Vidosic (Nuremberg) 

Forwards: Josh Kennedy (Nagoya), Nikita Rukavytsya (Twente Enschede), Harry Kewell (Galatasaray)

Group D - Germany

Welcome to the Group of Death, opening with Germany. Now Germany have a 'history', let's say, with a lot of teams at the World Cup, which could add to the rivalry and atmosphere in every game. Brilliant.

Every memeber of their squad is based in Germany, which hasn't happened for years. With the loss of Michael Ballack, they could be missing a natural leader, but Germany will do well this year.

Capital City: Berlin
Captain: Philipp Lahm
Manager: Joachim Low
Star Man: Mesut Ozil - he hasn't played many games for Germany, but what a player. This kid is just a speed machine - he's like Wayne Rooney was when he was at Everton. Expect big stuff from him this year, and a big move in the near future.
Group Games: Australia (13th June); Serbia (18th June); Ghana (23rd June)
Adam's Prediction: Should win the group comfortably, and will win in the second round, but I don't think they'll get much further than the quarters. 1st in Group D.

Full Squad:
Goalkeepers: Joerg Butt (Bayern Munich), Manuel Neuer (Schalke), Tim Wiese (Werder Bremen) 

Defenders: Dennis Aogo (Hamburger SV), Holger Badstuber (Bayern Munich), Arne Friedrich (Hertha Berlin), Jerome Boateng (Hamburger SV), Marcell Jansen (Hamburger SV), Philipp Lahm (Bayern Munich), Per Mertesacker (Werder Bremen), Serdar Tasci (Stuttgart) 

Midfielders: Sami Khedira (Stuttgart), Toni Kroos (Bayer Leverkusen), Marko Marin (Werder Bremen), Mesut Oezil (Werder Bremen), Bastian Schweinsteiger (Bayern Munich), Piotr Trochowski (Hamburger SV) 

Forwards: Cacau (Stuttgart), Mario Gomez (Bayern Munich), Stefan Kiessling (Bayer Leverkusen), Miroslav Klose (Bayern Munich), Thomas Mueller (Bayern Munich), Lukas Podolski (Cologne)

Group C - Slovenia

Not many nations have actually qualified and not expected to. Slovenia are one of those teams. Having only qualified for one previous World Cup - in 2002 - and never won a World Cup game, they are there for a bit of fun. Almost like Greece were in 2004.......

Captain City: Ljubljana

Captain: Robert Koren
Manager: Matjaz Kek
Star Man: Valter Birsa - I'll be honest, its hard to find a star man. But Birsa plays in France, is young, energetic and really can score goals. He's one to watch.
Group Games: Algeria (13th June); USA (18th June); England (23rd June)
Adam's Prediction: May very well end up with a point, if they draw with Algeria. But they'll be going there to enjoy themselves. 4th in Group C.

Full Squad:
Goalkeepers: Samir Handanovic (Udinese), Jasmin Handanovic (Mantova), Aleksander Seliga (Sparta Rotterdam) 

Defenders: Bojan Jokic (Chievo Verona), Marko Suler (Ghent), Bostjan Cesar (Grenoble), Branko Ilic (Lokomotiv Moscow), Matej Mavric (Koblenz), Elvedin Dzinic (Maribor), Miso Brecko (Cologne), Suad Filekovic (Maribor) 

Midfielders: Andraz Kirm (Wisla Krakow), Andrej Komac (Maccabi Tel Aviv), Rene Krhin (Inter Milan), Dalibor Stevanovic (Vitesse Arnhem), Robert Koren (West Bromwich Albion), Aleksander Radosavljevic (Larissa), Valter Birsa (Auxerre) 

Forwards: Milivoje Novakovic (Cologne), Zlatko Dedic (VfL Bochum), Zlatan Ljubijankic (Ghent), Nejc Pecnik (Nacional), Tim Matavz (Groningen)

Group C - Algeria

Put Algeria in any other group, and they'd be laughing their heads off. But they're in Group C - and they're not happy.

Algeria, who qualify for the World Cup for the first time since Mexico '86, have set themselves the target of the knockout stages. If something catastrophic happens, they will. But England and USA are safe as houses to go through.

Capital City: Algiers

Captain: Yazid Mansouri
Manager: Rabah Saadane
Star Man: Karim Matmour - the forward could prove a lot to the coach in training, and that's why I think he could end up as star man. If he starts, he seems to inject a lot of pace and positivity into the team, and it works. Well.
Group Games: Slovenia (13th June); England (18th June); USA (23rd June)
Adam's Prediction: Could actually do relatively well, but I don't think it will be good enough. 3rd in Group C.

Full Squad:
Goalkeepers: Lounes Gaouaoui (ASO Chlef), Faouzi Chaouchi (Entente Setif), Rais M Bolhi (Slavia Sofia, Bulgaria) 

Defenders: Abdelkader Laifaoui (Entente Setif), Madjid Bougherra (Rangers, Scotland), Carl Medjani (Ajaccio, France), Rafik Halliche (Nacional Madeira, Portugal), Anther Yahia (Bochum, Germany), Habib Belaid (Boulogne-sur-Mer, France), Nadir Belhadj (Portsmouth, England), Djamel Mesbah (Lecce, Italy) 

Midfielders: Hassan Yebda (Portsmouth, England), Medhi Lacen (Racing Santander, Spain), Yazid Mansouri (Lorient, France), Adlene Guedioura (on loan at Wolverhampton, England from Charleroi, Belgium), Riad Boudebouz (Sochaux, France), Djamel Abdoun (Nantes, France), Fouad Kadir (Valenciennes, France), Karim Ziani (Wolfsburg, Germany), Karim Matmour (Borussia Moenchengladbach, Germany) 

Strikers: Abdelkader Ghezzal (Siena, Italy), Rafik Djebbour (AEK Athens, Greece), Rafik Saifi (Istres, France)