World Cup 2010

[yerotsluap]

Group A
South Africa
World Ranking
83

Squad
Goalkeepers: Itumeleng Khune, Moeneeb Josephs, Shu-Aib Walters

Defenders: Siboniso Gaxa, Matthew Booth, Lucas Thwala, Aaron Mokoena, Bongani Khumalo, Siyabonga Sangweni, Tsepo Masilela, Anele Ngcongca, Lucas Thwala

Midfielders: Steven Pienaar, Teko Modise, Siphiwe Tshabalala, Reneilwe Letsholonyane, Thanduyise Khuboni, Kagisho Dikgaco, Macbeth Sibaya, Surprise Moriri

Forwards: Katlego Mphela, Bernard Parker, Siyabonga Nomvete.

Fixtures
11/06/2010 vs Mexico 1500 BST
16/06/2010 vs Uruguay 1930 BST
22/06/2010 vs France 1500 BST

Verdict
Obviously the biggest thing South Africa have going for them is the home advantage and those horrific vuvuzela's. Throughout this Premiership season Steven Pienaar has proven himself to be a top class midfielder. Looking at the squad the biggest weakness for South Africa could well be scoring goals and also home advantage could build immense pressure on the team. In my opinion despite home advantage I see South Africa struggling in this tournament and wouldn't be surprised to see them come bottom of their group.

Mexico
World Ranking
17

Squad
Goalkeepers: Memo Ochoa (America), Luis Ernesto Michel (Chivas), Oscar Perez (Chiapas)

Defenders: Rafael Marquez (Barcelona), Ricardo Osorio (Stuttgart), Hector Moreno (AZ Alkmmar), Francisco Rodriguez (PSV Eindhoven), Carlos Salcido (PSV Eindhoven), Paul Aguilar (Pachuca), Efrain Juarez (Pumas UNAM)

Midfielders: Jonny Magallon (Guadalajara), Jorge Torres Nilo (Atlas), Gerardo Torrado (Cruz Azul), Israel Castro (Pumas UNAM), Andres Guardado (Deportivo La Coruna)

Forwards: Pablo Barrera (Pumas UNAM), Adolfo Bautista (Guadalajara), Alberto Medina (Guadalajara), Cuauhtemoc Blanco (Veracruz), Javier Hernandez (Guadalajara), Giovani dos Santos (Galatasaray), Guillermo Franco (West Ham), Carlos Vela (Arsenal).

Fixtures
11/06/2010 vs South Africa 1500 BST
17/06/2010 vs France 1930 BST
22/06/2010 vs Uruguay 1500 BST

Verdict
The biggest strength for the Mexicans could be the young nimble attacking players like Guardado and Vela. Rafael Marquez marshalls an experienced backline. On the evidence of the recent friendly against England, a lack of height throughout the team could cause problems defensively particularly from set pieces. I think Mexico will certainly challenge to go through to the second round but may just come up a little short.

Uruguay
World Ranking
16

Squad
Goalkeepers: Fernando Muslera (Lazio), Juan-Guillermo Castillo (Cali), Martin Silva (Defensor Sporting)

Defenders: Diego Lugano (Fenerbahce), Diego Godin (Villarreal), Andres Scotti (Colo Colo), Jorge Fucile (Porto), Martin Caceres (Juventus), Mauricio Victorino (Universidad de Chile), Maximiliano Pereira (Benfica)

Midfielders: Walter Gargano (Napoli), Egidio Arevalo-Rios (Penarol), Sebastian Eguren (AIK Stockholm), Diego Perez (Monaco), Alvaro Pereira (Porto), Alvaro Fernandez (Universidad de Chile), Ignacio Gonzalez (Valencia), Nicolas Lodeiro (Ajax)

Forwards: Sebastian Fernandez (Banfield), Luis Suarez (Ajax), Diego Forlan (Atletico Madrid), Sebastian Abreu (Botafogo), Edinson Cavani (Palermo).

Fixtures
11/06/2010 vs France 1930 BST
16/06/2010 vs South Africa 1930 BST
22/06/2010 vs Mexico 1500 BST

Verdict
Luis Suarez and Diego Forlan could form one of the most potent strikeforces in the tournament. Both have been in impressive form throughout this season. The biggest problem for the Uruguayans could be a lack of creativity from midfield, however I believe they just about have enough to edge out the Mexicans to qualify for the second round.

France
World Ranking
9

Squad
Goalkeepers: Hugo Lloris (Lyon), Steve Mandanda (Marseille), Cedric Carrasso (Bordeaux)

Defenders: William Gallas (Arsenal/ENG), Eric Abidal (Barcelona/ESP), Bakary Sagna (Arsenal/ENG), Patrice Evra (Manchester United/ENG), Gael Clichy (Arsenal/ENG), Marc Planus (Bordeaux), Anthony Reveillere (Lyon), Sebastien Squillaci (Sevilla/ESP)

Midfielders: Abou Diaby (Arsenal/ENG), Alou Diarra (Bordeaux), Yoann Gourcuff (Bordeaux), Florent Malouda (Chelsea/ENG), Jeremy Toulalan (Lyon)

Strikers: Nicolas Anelka (Chelsea/ENG), Djibril Cisse (Panathinaikos/GRE), Andre-Pierre Gignac (Toulouse), Sidney Govou (Lyon), Thierry Henry (Barcelona/ESP), Franck Ribery (Bayern Munich/GER), Mathieu Valbuena (Marseille)

Fixtures
11/06/2010 vs Uruguay 1930 BST
17/06/2010 vs Mexico 1930 BST
22/06/2010 vs South Africa 1500 BST

Verdict
Throughout the squad the French have a lot of top quality players, but can they gel together as a team like the 1998 team did. Franck Ribery will have a lot of pressure on him to perform but off the field issues could distract him. The French form in recent weeks has been very poor, however I expect them to come through the group stages. Although having a coach who is arguably worse than Steve McLaren, was for England, anything can happen.

[yerotsluap]

Group B
Argentina
World Ranking
7

Squad
Goalkeepers: Sergio Romero (AZ Alkmaar), Mariano Andujar (Catania), Diego Pozo (Colon)

Defenders: Nicolas Burdisso (Inter Milan), Martin Demichelis (Bayern Munich), Walter Samuel (Inter Milan), Gabriel Heinze (Olympique Marseille), Nicolas Otamendi (Velez Sarsfield), Clemente Rodriguez (Estudiantes), Ariel Garce (Colon)

Midfielders: Javier Mascherano (Liverpool), Juan Sebastian Veron (Estudiantes), Maximiliano Rodriguez (Liverpool), Mario Bolatti (Fiorentina), Angel Di Maria (Benfica), Jonas Gutierrez (Newcastle), Javier Pastore (Palermo)

Forwards: Sergio Aguero (Atletico Madrid), Diego Milito (Inter Milan), Martin Palermo (Boca Juniors), Carlos Tevez (Manchester City), Gonzalo Higuain (Real Madrid), Lionel Messi (Barcelona)

Fixtures
12/06/2010 vs Nigeria 1500 BST
17/06/2010 vs South Korea 1230 BST
22/06/2010 vs Greece 2030 BST

Verdict
Argentina has tremendous attacking players, some solid defenders but look a little short of quality in midfield. Any team that has Messi, Tevez and Aguero is always going to be dangerous but a lot could come down to the tactical awareness (or lack of it) of Diego Maradona as a coach. Amazingly for me Esteban Cambiasso and Javier Zanetti have been left out of squad. If Maradona allows his players to just play then they could go far in the tournament, if he tries to be overly cute with his tactics they could go home early

Nigeria
World Ranking
21

Squad
Goalkeepers: Vincent Enyeama (Hapoel Tel Aviv, Israel), Dele Aiyenugba (Bnei Yehuda, Israel), Austin Ejide (Hapoel Petah Tikva, Israel)

Defenders: Taye Taiwo (Marseille, France), Elderson Echiejile (Rennes, France), Chidi Odiah (CSKA Moscow, Russia), Joseph Yobo (Everton, England), Daniel Shittu (Bolton Wanderers, England), Ayodele Adeleye (Sparta Rotterdam, Netherlands), Rabiu Afolabi (SV Salzburg, Austria)

Midfielders: Chinedu Ogbuke Obasi (TSG Hoffenheim, Germany), John Utaka (Portsmouth, England), Kalu Uche (Almeria, Spain), Dickson Etuhu (Fulham, England), John Mikel Obi (Chelsea, England), Sani Kaita (Alaniya, Russia), Haruna Lukman (AS Monaco, France), Yusuf Ayila (Dynamo Kiev, Ukraine), Osaze Odemwingie (Lokomotiv Moscow, Russia)

Strikers: Yakubu Aiyegbeni (Everton, England), Nwankwo Kanu (Portsmouth, England), Obafemi Martins (Wolfsburg, Germany), Victor Obinna Nsofor (Malaga, Spain)

Fixtures
12/06/2010 vs Argentina 1500 BST
17/06/2010 vs Greece 1500 BST
22/06/2010 vs South Korea 1930 BST

Verdict
Nigeria struggled to qualify for the world cup, only doing so thanks to an 81st minute winner in the last qualifier against Kenya. Sacking thier coach following the African Nations and last minute changes to their world cup base and pre tournament friendlies suggest that the Nigerians could be coming to the tournament a little under prepared. Unlike previous world cups this Nigerian squad doesn't have the star names and much will be expected of John Obi Mikel if they are to progress.

South Korea
World Ranking
47

Squad
Goalkeepers: Kim Young-Kwang (Ulsan), Lee Woon-Jae (Suwon), Jung Sung-Ryong (Seongnam).

Defenders: Kim Dong-Jin (Ulsan), Kim Hyung-Il (Pohang), Oh Beom-Seok (Ulsan), Lee Young-Pyo (Al Hilal), Lee Jung-Soo (Kashima Antlers), Cha Du-Ri (SC Freiburg), Cho Yong-Hyung (Jeju), Kang Min-Soo (Suwon);

Midfielders: Ki Sung-Yong (Celtic), Kim Bo-Kyung (Oita), Kim Nam-Il (Tom Tomsk), Kim Jae-Sung (Pohang), Kim Jung-Woo (Gwangju), Lee Chung-Yong (Bolton), Park Ji-Sung (Manchester United);

Forwards: Park Chu-Young (AS Monaco), Ahn Jung-Hwan (Dalian Shide), Lee Seung-Ryul (Seoul), Yeom Ki-Hun (Suwon), Lee Dong-Guk (Jeonbuk)

Fixtures
12/06/2010 vs Greece 1230 BST
17/06/2010 vs Argentina 1230 BST
22/06/2010 vs Nigeria 1930 BST

Verdict
Skipper Park Ji-Sung will have a lot of pressure on him to try and get the team out of this tough group, even more so if Park Chu-Young the pacey Monaco striker struggles to shake off the injury problems that blighted the end of his season.

Greece
World Ranking
13

Squad
Goalkeepers: Michalis Sifakis (Aris Salonika), Alexandros Tzorvas (Panathinaikos), Kostas Chalkias (PAOK Salonika).

Defenders: Giorgos Seitaridis (Panathinaikos), Loukas Vintra (Panathinaikos), Evangelos Moras (Bologna), Socrates Papastathopoulos (Genoa), Sotiris Kyrgiakos (Liverpool), Avraam Papadopoulos (Olympiakos), Vasilis Torosidis (Olympiakos), Nikos Spiropoulos (Panathinaikos), Stelios Malezas (PAOK Salonika).

Midfielders: Kostas Katsouranis (Panathinaikos), Alexandros Tziolis (Siena), Giorgos Karagounis (Panathinaikos), Sotiris Ninis (Panathinaikos), Christos Patsatzoglou (Omonia), Sakis Prittas (Aris Salonika).

Forwards: Angelos Charisteas (Nuremberg), Dimitris Salpigidis (Panathinaikos), Pantelis Kapetanos (Steaua Bucharest), Theofanis Gekas (Hertha Berlin), Giorgos Samaras (Celtic).

Fixtures
12/06/2010 vs South Korea 1230 BST
17/06/2010 vs Nigeria 1500 BST
22/06/2010 vs Argentina 1930 BST

Verdict
Greece will be hoping for much better than their only previous world cup appearance. In 1994 they were again drawn with the Argentines and Nigerians along with the Bulgarians. They failed to get a point and shipped ten unanswered goals. They will be hoping for a much better performance, on a par with Euro 2004, this time. Much will depend on whether Theofanis Gekas can reproduce his goalscoring form from the qualifiers.

[yerotsluap]

Group C
England
World Ranking
8

Squad
Goalkeepers: Joe Hart, David James, Robert Green.

Defenders: Jamie Carragher, Ashley Cole, Michael Dawson, Glen Johnson, Ledley King, John Terry, Matthew Upson, Stephen Warnock

Midfielders: Gareth Barry, Michael Carrick, Joe Cole, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, Aaron Lennon, James Milner, Shaun Wright-Phillips.

Forwards: Peter Crouch, Jermain Defoe, Emile Heskey, Wayne Rooney

Fixtures
12/06/2010 vs USA 1930 BST
18/06/2010 vs Algeria 1930 BST
23/06/2010 vs Slovenia 1500 BST

Verdict
After qualifying for the tournament with ease, England as usual went into self destruct mode with the Terry/Bridge saga. They must go into this tournament much more confident with Capello in charge tahn if McLaren was still there. This will be the last chance for quite a lot of what is on average the oldest squad in the tournament and I can see them going one better and reaching the semi-finals as long as Wayne Rooney can avoid the England injury jinx.

USA
World Ranking
14

Squad
Goalkeepers: Brad Guzan (Aston Villa), Marcus Hahnemann (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Tim Howard (Everton)

Defenders: Carlos Bocanegra (Stade Rennais), Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA), Steve Cherundolo (Hannover 96), Jay Demerit (Watford), Clarence Goodson (IK Start), Oguchi Onyewu (AC Milan), Jonathan Spector (West Ham)

Midfielders: Michael Bradley (Borussia Monchengladbach), Ricardo Clark (Eintracht Frankfurt), Clint Dempsey (Fulham), Landon Donovan (LA Galaxy), Maurice Edu (Rangers), Benny Feilhaber (AGF Aarhus) Stuart Holden (Bolton), Jose Torres (Pachuca),DaMarcus Beasley (Rangers)

Forwards: Edson Buddle (LA Galaxy), Robbie Findley (Real Salt Lake), Herculez Gomez (Pachuca), Jozy Altidore (Villarreal)

Fixtures
12/06/2010 vs England 1930 BST
18/06/2010 vs Slovenia 1500 BST
23/06/2010 vs Algeria 1500 BST

Verdict
A successful Confederations Cup last summer seemed to be setting the USA up for a decent world cup. Since then however they went on to lose five straight games against other world cup qualifiers. The likes of Clint Dempsey, Landon Donovan and Tim Howard have proved their ability in the premier league but too much could be expected from Dempsey and Donovan to provide goals from midfield. Defensively Oguchi Onyewu missed most of this season with injury and still does not look back to full fitness. If Dempsey and Donovan can thrive on the pressure that they will be under I can see the USA qualifying for the second round.

Algeria
World Ranking
30

Squad
Goalkeepers: Fawzi Chouachi (ES Setif), Lounes Gaouaoui (ASO Chlef), Rais M'bohi Ouheb (Slavia Sofia/Bulgaria)

Defenders: Laifaoui Abdelkader (ES 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), Mehdi Lacen (Racing Santander/Spain), Yazid Mansouri (Lorient/France), Adlane Guedioura (Wolves/England), Riad Boudebouz (Sochaux/France), Djamel Abdoun (Nantes/France), Fouad Kadir (Valenciennes/France), Karim Ziani (Wolfsburg/Germany), Karim Matmour (Borussia Monchengladbach/Germany)

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

Fixtures
13/06/2010 vs Slovenia 1230 BST
18/06/2010 vs Algeria 1930 BST
23/06/2010 vs USA 1500 BST

Verdict
A squad packed with French born players who did extremely well to qualify at the expense of African champions Egypt in very hostile circumstances. Algeria could struggle early on due to the suspensions being served from their meltdown in the African Nations Cup. If they are to do well Madjid Bougherra will need to marshall the defence and Karim Ziani will be expected to provide the flair and create the chances.

Slovenia
World Ranking
25

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

Defenders: Bojan Jokic (Chievo), Marko Suler (Gent), Bostjan Cesar (Grenoble), Branko Ilic (FC Moscow), Matej Mavric-Rozic (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 Brom), Aleksander Radosavljevic (Larissa), Valter Birsa (Auxerre);

Forwards: Milivoje Novakovic (Cologne), Zlatko Dedic (Bochum), Zlatan Ljubijankic (Gent), Nejc Pecnik (Nacional), Tim Matavz (FC Groningen).

Fixtures
13/06/2010 vs Algeria 1230 BST
18/06/2010 vs USA 1500 BST
23/06/2010 vs England 1500 BST

Verdict
A very impressive qualification, dumping the Russians out in the play-off. They have only made one previous world cup appearance, losing all three games in 2002. Slovenia have a chance to better their previous performance, if they are to do so Samir Handanovic in goal will need to show that he is in one of the top keepers in Serie A.

[yerotsluap]

Group D
Germany
World Ranking
6

Squad
Goalkeepers: Manuel Neuer (Schalke), Tim Wiese (Werder Bremen), Hans-Jorg Butt (Bayern Munich)

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

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

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

Fixtures
13/06/2010 vs Australia 1930 BST
18/06/2010 vs Serbia 1230 BST
23/06/2010 vs Ghana 1930 BST

Verdict
Germany suffered the biggest blow they could have, with the injury suffered by Michael Ballack. The injury could have a positive impact on the Germans as now there is less expected of them. Miroslav Klose is perhaps the only player who only seems to turn up at a world cup, following a season at Bayern Munich where he really struggled expect him to repeat his performances at the 2002 and 2006 world cups. The German squad possesses some of the most promising young players in Europe, such as Toni Kroos, Thomas Muller and Mesut Oezil.

Australia
World Ranking
20

Squad
Goalkeepers: Mark Schwarzer (Fulham/ENG), Adam Federici (Reading/ENG), Brad Jones (Middlesbrough/ENG).

Defenders: Scott Chipperfield (FC Basel/SUI), David Carney (FC Twente/NED), Lucas Neill (Galatasaray/TUR,captain), Michael Beauchamp (Al-Jazira/UAE), Craig Moore (no contract), Mark Milligan (JEF United/JPN), Luke Wilkshire (Dinamo Moscow/RUS).

Midfielders: Mark Bresciano (Palermo/ITA), Tim Cahill (Everton/ENG), Jason Culina (Gold Coast Utd/AUS), Brett Emerton (Blackburn Rovers/ENG), Richard Garcia (Hull City/ENG), Vince Grella (Blackburn Rovers/ENG), Brett Holman (AZ Alkmaar/NED), Mile Jedinak (Antalyaspor Kulubu/TUR), Carl Valeri (US Sassuolo Calcio/ITA), Dario Vidosic (FC Nurnberg/GER).

Strikers: Josh Kennedy (Nagoya Grampus/JPN), Harry Kewell (Galatasaray/TUR), Nikita Rukavytsya (FC Twente/NED).

Fixtures
13/06/2010 vs Germany 1930 BST
19/06/2010 vs Ghana 1500 BST
23/06/2010 vs Serbia 1930 BST

Verdict
The core of this Australian squad is apporaching its last chance on the world stage. Key players like Brett Emerton, Vince Grella and (of course) Harry Kewell have struggled with injuries throughout the course of this season. The biggest problem for the Australians could be goalscoring and much pressure will be on Harry Kewell.

Serbia
World Ranking
15

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).

Fixtures
13/06/2010 vs Ghana 1500 BST
18/06/2010 vs Germany 1230 BST
23/06/2010 vs Australia 1930 BST

Verdict
A good qualifying campaign that saw them finish ahead of the French, has them headed for first tournament as an independant nation. Nemanja Vidic, Branislav Ivanovic and Dejan Stankovic will be key to any Serbian progress in the tournament. One are the Serbs may struggle with could be getting goals and much will be expected of new Birmingham signing Nikola Zigic.

Ghana
World Ranking
32

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)

Fixtures
13/06/2010 vs Serbia 1500 BST
19/06/2010 vs Australia 1500 BST
23/06/2010 vs Germany 1930 BST

Verdict
Ghana performed well with an under strength squad in reaching the final of the African Nations Cup. The absence of Michael Essien will be a big miss for the Black Stars. Much will be expected of Anthony Annan, Sulley Muntari and Stephen Appiah in midfield, whilst Asamoah Gyan will be pressured to score goals.

[yerotsluap]

Group E
Holland
World Ranking
4

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

Defenders: 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).

Fixtures
14/06/2010 vs Denmark 1230 BST
19/06/2010 vs Japan 1230 BST
24/06/2010 vs Cameroon 1930 BST

Verdict
Qualified as easily as any team with a 100% record and only 2 goals conceded. The attacking players in the squad, the likes of Wesley Sneijder Rafael van der Vaart Robin van Persie and Arjen Robben, are on a par with any other country. The two biggest problems for the Dutch could be the lack of experience in goal and the fact that at every tournament there seems to be a major bust up in the squad.

Denmark
World Ranking
36

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).

Fixtures
14/06/2010 vs Holland 1230 BST
19/06/2010 vs Cameroon 1930 BST
24/06/2010 vs Japan 1930 BST

Verdict
Denmark topped a tough qualifying group ahead of Portugal and beat rivals Sweden home and away. The squad has a strong and resolute look about it but a major stumbling block may be that they are relying on Nicklas Bendtner for goals.

Japan
World Ranking
45

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)

Fixtures
14/06/2010 vs Cameroon 1500 BST
19/06/2010 vs Holland 1230 BST
24/06/2010 vs Denmark 1930 BST

Verdict
Japan face a really tough group, they have never won a world cup match outside of Japan and will struggle to do so in this group. Keisuke Honda has been in good form for CSKA Moscow and Makoto Hasebe adds flair to the midfield but Shunsuke Nakamura’s best days seem to be behind him.

Cameroon
World Ranking
19

Squad
Goalkeepers: Hamidou Souleymanou (Kayserispor/Turkey), Carlos Kameni (Espanyol/Spain), Guy Roland Ndy Assembe (Valenciennes/France)

Defenders: Benoit Assou-Ekotto (Tottenham/England), Sebastien Bassong (Tottenham/England), Gaetan Bong (Valenciennes/France), Aurelien Chedjou (Lille/France), Geremi (Ankaragucu/Turkey), Stephane Mbia (Marseille/France), Nicolas Nkoulou (Monaco/France), Rigobert Song (Trabzonspor/Turkey)

Midfielders: Eyong Enoh (Ajax/Netherlands), Jean II Makoun (Lyon/France), Georges Mandjeck (Kaiserslautern/Germany), Joel Matip (Schalke/Germany), Landry Nguemo (Celtic/Scotland), Alexandre Song (Arsenal/England)

Forwards: Vincent Aboubakar (Coton Sport), Eric Choupo-Moting (Nuremberg/Germany), Achille Emana (Betis/Spain), Samuel Eto'o (Inter Milan/Italy), Mohamadou Idrissou (Freiburg/Germany), Achille Webo (Mallorca/Spain).

Fixtures
14/06/2010 vs Japan 1500 BST
19/06/2010 vs Denmark 1930 BST
24/06/2010 vs Holland 1930 BST

Verdict
Prior to the appointment of Paul Le Guen this Cameroon side was treading water. Cameroon has the very talented Samuel Eto’o up front. Jean Makoun, Alex Song and Landry Nguemo add quality in midfield, however defensively they could struggle to protect Carlos Kameni in goal.

[yerotsluap]

Group F
Italy
World Ranking
5

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 (AS 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)

Fixtures
14/06/2010 vs Paraguay 1930 BST
20/06/2010 vs New Zealand 1500 BST
24/06/2010 vs Slovakia 1500 BST

Verdict
This Italian squad looks to be past their best, the likes of Fabio Cannavaro and Gennaro Gattuso are not getting any younger and with injury concerns over Andrea Pirlo and Mauro Camoranesi this does not look set for a vintage Italian performance. Scoring goals against the top teams could be a problem for this side.

Paraguay
World Ranking
31

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).

Fixtures
14/06/2010 vs Italy 1930 BST
20/06/2010 vs Slovakia 1230 BST
24/06/2010 vs New Zealand 1500 BST

Verdict
Paraguay struggled across the finishing line after starting the world cup qualifiers well. They possess great talent up front with the likes of Roque Santa Cruz and Oscar Cardozo, although the absence of Salvador Cabanas will increase the pressure on Cardozo who has not really reproduced his club form for his country. A lack of creativity and goal threat from midfield will increase the pressure on new Sunderland signing Christian Riveros.

New Zealand
World Ranking
78

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)

Fixtures
15/06/2010 vs Slovakia 1230 BST
20/06/2010 vs Italy 1500 BST
24/06/2010 vs Paraguay 1500 BST

Verdict
New Zealand will do well to come away from this tournament with any points. There is a distinct lack of quality in a squad which has benefitted from Australia’s move to the Asian qualifying section.

Slovakia
World Ranking
34

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).

Fixtures
15/06/2010 vs New Zealand 1230 BST
20/06/2010 vs Paraguay 1230 BST
24/06/2010 vs Italy 1500 BST

Verdict
Slovakia are entering their first world cup with a decent chance of qualifying for the second round. Midfielder and captain Marek Hamsik is the star player of a squad that also includes Liverpool’s Martin Skrtel. There are several quality youngsters in the squad including Man City’s Vlademir Weiss and Chelsea’s Miroslav Stoch

[yerotsluap]

Group G
Brazil
World Ranking
1

Squad
Goalkeepers: Julio Cesar (Inter Milan), Doni (Roma), Heurelho Gomes (Tottenham);

Defenders: Maicon (Inter Milan), Dani Alves (Barcelona), Lucio (Inter Milan), Juan (Roma), Luisao (Roma), Thiago Silva (AC Milan), Gilberto (Cruzeiro), Michel Bastos (Lyon);

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

Forwards: Robinho (Santos/Manchester City), Nilmar (Villarreal), Luis Fabiano (Sevilla), Grafite (Wolfsburg).

Fixtures
15/06/2010 vs North Korea 1930 BST
20/06/2010 vs Ivory Coast 1930 BST
25/06/2010 vs Portugal 1500 BST

Verdict
This Brazil side does not have the free flowing attacking game of Brazil sides of the past, but they can still call on the likes of Kaka, Robinho and Luis Fabiano. Dunga tends to employ an extra holding midfielder compared to past teams, which gives the necessary stability to allow the full backs to attack, Maicon who has done so well for Inter and Michel Bastos who plays as a winger for Lyon. Expect Brazil to go a long way in the tournament and in a group containing North Korea, Luis Fabiano could be a good bet for the tournament’s top scorer.

North Korea
World Ranking
105

Fixtures
15/06/2010 vs Brazil 1930 BST
21/06/2010 vs Portugal 1230 BST
25/06/2010 vs Ivory Coast 1500 BST

Verdict
North Korea appears in their first world cup since they beat the Italians in 1966. Given the way the North Korean media works and the fact that they have been drawn into as tough a group as they could have been, the chances are that the North Korean public may not be able to see any of the world cup given that they are unlikely to gain a point and scoring a goal would be seen as a massive victory.

Ivory Coast
World Ranking
27

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), Salomon Kalou (Chelsea, England), Bakary Kone (Olympique Marseille, France).

Fixtures
15/06/2010 vs Portugal 1500 BST
20/06/2010 vs Brazil 1930 BST
25/06/2010 vs North Korea 1500 BST

Verdict
The task for the Ivory Coast becomes harder with the potential loss of skipper Didier Drogba. The squad is full of talent playing at the highest levels of European football. Drogba may have been able to stand up to the pressure of scoring goals in such a tough group but I wouldn’t want to be relying on Aruna Dindane and Salomen Kalou for goals.

Portugal
World Ranking
3

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).

Fixtures
15/06/2010 vs Ivory Coast 1500 BST
21/06/2010 vs North Korea 1230 BST
25/06/2010 vs Brazil 1500 BST

Verdict
On paper Portugal have one of the strongest squads in the tournament, but since Scolari left they seem to have gone backwards. They definitely rely too much on Cristiano Ronaldo and will need the likes of Simao, Nani and Danny to step up if they want to qualify from this very tough group.

[yerotsluap]

Group H
Spain
World Ranking
2

Squad
Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), Jose Manuel 'Pepe' 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).

Fixtures
16/06/2010 vs Switzerland 1500 BST
21/06/2010 vs Honduras 1930 BST
25/06/2010 vs Chile 1930 BST

Verdict
Spain deservedly go into this tournament as one of the favourites. Since they won Euro 2008 they have played beautiful football and are strong in all areas of the team. My only concern about the Spanish would be are the likes of Xavi, Iniesta, Fabregas and Torres really going to be match fit come the start of the tournament following the injuries that each had at the end of the season.

Switzerland
World Ranking
24

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).

Fixtures
16/06/2010 vs Spain 1500 BST
21/06/2010 vs Chile 1500 BST
25/06/2010 vs Honduras 1930 BST

Verdict
Switzerland didn’t really impress in qualifying despite topping their group. They had been given a kind group and even lost to a Luxembourg side containing just 2 professional players. Pressure will be on star player Tranquillo Barnetta and captain and record goalscorer Alexander Frei to try and improve on the group stage exit of Euro 2008.

Honduras
World Ranking
38

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).

Fixtures
16/06/2010 vs Chile 1230 BST
21/06/2010 vs Spain 1930 BST
25/06/2010 vs Switzerland 1930 BST

Verdict
If Honduras can start the group well, then they have a chance of qualifying for the second round.
Chile. The veteran Amado Guevara is an essential creative force, alongside Wilson Palacios in midfield, providing he can keep his head and not do anything stupid to get himself in trouble with the referre. Goals will be hard to come by and David Suazo needs to start reproducing his Serie A form for his country.

World Ranking
18

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

Defenders: Roberto Cereceda (Colo Colo), Pablo Contreras (PAOK Salonika/GRE), Ismael Fuentes (Universidad Catolica), Mauricio Isla (Udinese/ITA), Gary Medel (Boca Junior/ARG), Gonzalo Jara (West Bromwich/ENG), Waldo Ponce (Universidad Catolica), Arturo Vidal (Bayer Leverkusen/GER)

Midfielders: Carlos Carmona (Reggina/ITA), Marco Estrada (Universidad de Chile), Matias Fernandez (Sporting Lisbon/POR), Gonzalo Fierro (Flamengo/BRA), Rodrigo Millar (Colo Colo), Rodrigo Tello (Besiktas/TUR), Jorge Valdivia (Al Ain/UAE).

Forwards: Jean Beausejour (America/MEX), Mark Gonzalez (CSKA Moscow/RUS), Fabian Orellana (Xerez/ESP), Esteban Paredes (Colo Colo), Alexis Sanchez (Udinese/ITA), Humberto Suazo (Real Zaragoza/ESP).

Fixtures
16/06/2010 vs Honduras 1230 BST
21/06/2010 vs Switzerland 1500 BST
25/06/2010 vs Spain 1930 BST

Verdict
Chile have a young squad full of talented players. They qualified second from the South American qualifying section trailing only Brazil. Coach Marcelo Bielsa likes to play a 3-3-1-3 formation and integral to the team plans will be ball winning midfielder Gary Medel, Matias Fernandez and Alexis Sanchez who will be looking to announce themselves on the world stage.

[yerotsluap]

To Win Tournament Brazil @ 5.90
Top Goalscorer Luis Fabiano @ 14.00

To qualify from Group A
France @ 1.37
Uruguay @ 2.10

To qualify from Group B
Argentina @ 1.14
Nigeria @ 2.14

To Qualify from Group C
England @ 1.08
USA @ 1.79

To Qualify from Group D
Germany @ 1.25
Ghana @ 2.46

To Qualify from Group E
Netherlands @ 1.16
Cameroon @ 2.14

To Qualify from Group F
Italy @ 1.16
Paraguay @ 1.54

To Qualify from Group G
Brazil @ 1.13
Portugal @ 2.14

To Qualify from Group H
Spain @ 1.07
Chile @ 1.73

[yerotsluap]

Friday, 11 June 2010
3.00 South Africa v Mexico 2.78 Draw 3.30
3.80 Uruguay v France 2.28 Draw 3.35

[yerotsluap]

Saturday, 12 June 2010
1.46 Argentina v Nigeria 9.60 Draw 4.60
1.55 England v USA 7.60 Draw 4.50
3.10 South Korea v Greece 2.80 Draw 3.10

[yerotsluap]

2/5
40.00%
-0.24pts

[yerotsluap]

Sunday, 13 June 2010
3.80 Algeria v Slovenia 2.32 Draw 3.30
1.55 Germany v Australia 8.60 Draw 4.33
2.30 Serbia v Ghana 3.80 Draw 3.30

[yerotsluap]

Monday, 14 June 2010
2.25 Italy v Paraguay 4.50 Draw 3.25
4.20 Japan v Cameroon 2.16 Draw 3.35
1.54 Netherlands v Denmark 8.40 Draw 4.40

[lowe1]

Good result with Ghana looking for a dead cert draw before pen wasnt it

Fancy Italy to Draw today

[yerotsluap]

I've just got a feeling the Italians will just about sneak a win today.

Ghana was a good result, whilst it looked like it would be a draw before the penalty I thought that Ghana were the more incisive going forward. They had really impressed me in the African Nations, when they were also missing Essien, with what is a relatively young team.

Germany are the only big team so far to put in a good performance. For such a relatively inexperienced side they showed no nerves yesterday. Unlike the usual German efficient performances there was a hell of a lot of flair in that performance last night. Mesut Ozil in particular looks like a real player. The international goalscoring records of Podolski and Klose are incredible, paticularly Podolski who has now scored 39 goals for Germany in comparison to just 39 goals in the Bundesliga.

[yerotsluap]

Tuesday, 15 June 2010
1.12 Brazil v North Korea 36.00 Draw 12.00
3.60 Ivory Coast v Portugal 2.38 Draw 3.30
9.50 New Zealand v Slovakia 1.54 Draw 4.20

[yerotsluap]

Wednesday, 16 June 2010
6.80 Honduras v Chile 1.70 Draw 3.80
3.35 South Africa v Uruguay 2.53 Draw 3.30
1.30 Spain v Switzerland 17.50 Draw 5.70

[yerotsluap]

Thursday, 17 June 2010
1.50 Argentina v South Korea 9.40 Draw 4.33
2.38 France v Mexico 3.80 Draw 3.40
4.50 Greece v Nigeria 2.08 Draw 3.40

[yerotsluap]

Friday, 18 June 2010
1.28 England v Algeria 16.00 Draw 6.20
1.72 Germany v Serbia 6.20 Draw 3.90
4.00 Slovenia v USA 2.20 Draw 3.40

Saturday, 19 June 2010
3.10 Cameroon v Denmark 2.62 Draw 3.40
2.04 Ghana v Australia 4.50 Draw 3.50
1.51 Netherlands v Japan 10.00 Draw 4.50

Sunday, 20 June 2010
1.77 Brazil v Ivory Coast 6.00 Draw 3.80
1.24 Italy v New Zealand 21.00 Draw 7.50
4.10 Slovakia v Paraguay 2.15 Draw 3.40

[yerotsluap]

15/29
51.72%
+5.93pts

[yerotsluap]

Monday, 21 June 2010
2.38 Chile v Switzerland 3.65 Draw 3.25
1.41 Portugal v North Korea 15.00 Draw 5.50
1.14 Spain v Honduras 36.00 Draw 10.00

[yerotsluap]

Tuesday, 22 June 2010
2.41 France v South Africa 3.60 Draw 3.60
6.80 Greece v Argentina 1.66 Draw 3.90
4.05 Mexico v Uruguay 4.75 Draw 1.83
3.10 Nigeria v South Korea 3.00 Draw 3.35

[yerotsluap]

Wednesday, 23 June 2010
4.60 Australia v Serbia 1.92 Draw 3.80
7.80 Ghana v Germany 1.66 Draw 4.60
8.60 Slovenia v England 1.50 Draw 4.70
2.00 USA v Algeria 4.20 Draw 3.75

[yerotsluap]

Thursday, 24 June 2010
5.10 Cameroon v Netherlands 1.84 Draw 3.80
2.26 Denmark v Japan 3.75 Draw 3.45
1.50 Paraguay v New Zealand 8.60 Draw 4.50
7.60 Slovakia v Italy 1.57 Draw 4.40

[yerotsluap]

Friday, 25 June 2010
8.20 Chile v Spain 1.51 Draw 4.60
9.60 North Korea v Ivory Coast 1.43 Draw 5.00
4.00 Portugal v Brazil 2.32 Draw 3.40
1.53 Switzerland v Honduras 7.80 Draw 4.40

[yerotsluap]

Saturday, 26 June 2010
2.00 Uruguay v South Korea 5.00 Draw 3.40
2.72 USA v Ghana 3.05 Draw 3.30

[yerotsluap]

37/66
56.06%
+3.67pts

[yerotsluap]

Sunday, 27 June 2010
1.57 Argentina v Mexico 7.80 Draw 4.33
3.00 Germany v England 2.80 Draw 3.25

[yerotsluap]

Monday, 28 June 2010
1.50 Netherlands v Slovakia 9.00 Draw 4.40
1.62 Brazil v Chile 7.40 Draw 4.00

[yerotsluap]

Tuesday, 29 June 2010
2.20 Paraguay v Japan 4.20 Draw 3.25
2.11 Spain v Portugal 4.40 Draw 3.30

[yerotsluap]

Friday, 2 July 2010
2.16 Uruguay v Ghana 4.20 Draw 3.30
4.70 Netherlands v Brazil 1.99 Draw 3.50

[yerotsluap]

Saturday, 3 July 2010
2.44 Argentina v Germany 3.40 Draw 3.30
8.60 Paraguay v Spain 1.54 Draw 4.20

[yerotsluap]

43/78
55.13%
+3.01pts

[yerotsluap]

Tuesday, 6 July 2010
7.40 Uruguay v Netherlands 1.67 Draw 3.75

[yerotsluap]

Wednesday, 7 July 2010
2.94 Germany v Spain 2.71 Draw 3.35

[yerotsluap]

Saturday, 10 July 2010
5.10 Uruguay v Germany 1.82 Draw 3.90

[yerotsluap]

Sunday, 11 July 2010
3.80 Netherlands v Spain 2.20 Draw 3.50

[yerotsluap]

45/82
54.88%
+2.50pts