Revered as one of the greatest football nations in history and one of two nations that own a World Cup trophy, Confederations Cup trophy, and an Olympic Gold Medal, the group’s favorite Argentina will be making their tenth successive finals appearance this June. La Albiceleste are led by who most believe is the greatest footballer to ever play the game, head coach Diego Maradona, the man who scored the most famous goal in World Cup history in 1986. The side is stacked with some of the best international superstars and features the likes of FIFA World Player of the Year Barcelona’s Lionel Messi –La Pulga, along with Alfredo Di Stefano, Mario Kempes, Gabriel Batistuta, and Benfica midfielder, Ángel Di María. Despite a load of talent, Argentina did not make their qualifying run as easy as some may have expected. They started the campaign with their first-ever competitive defeat to Chile, followed by a crushing 6-1 defeat to Boliva. The team rose from the ashes against Peru and then secured their place in the finals with a 1-0 win over Uruguay.
Loaded with all the right weapons, Nigeria has a solid chance of advancing to the round of 16 in its first appearance back in the tournament since 2002. With the World Cup on African soil, the Super Eagles will be expected to give a solid performance with the help of the home crowd’s support. They will be under the watchful eye of Swedish boss Lars Lagerback. The 61-year old has plenty of World Cup experience and will have at his disposal a squad packed with both young and experienced talent. Peter Utaka will lead Nigeria’s highflying attack along with striker Obafemi Martins and set up man — midfielder Jon Mikel Obi. Skipper Joseph Yobo will center the backline, holding back the opposition’s attack. After opening their qualifying run with two draws, the Nigerians were facing elimination, but snuck into the finals on a one-goal difference.
The Koreans are he most powerful team in Asia, while being the group’s biggest long shot. South Korea had been riding an undefeated streak of 27 matches until losing to Serbia and Zambia in a pair of friendlies and then to China in the 2010 East Asian Championships. The Taeguk Warriors enters this year’s campaign with its seventh straight appearance in the finals, including a semifinals appearance in the 2002 Korea/Japan World Cup. They are lead by head coach Huh Jung-Moo. His task will be lessened with the help of Manchester United winger; skipper Park Ji-Sung who has played a key role in Korea Republic’s two previous FIFA World Cup appearances. Sung will get help from a number of other European stars, including 2009 Young Asian Footballer of the Year — forward, Park Chu-Young, as well rising stars like Bolton’s Lee Chung-Yong and FC Seoul forward Lee Seung-Ryu, all of who will give fits to opposing defenses. Korea’s ride to the finals was a bit rough as they barley managed top their group after two scoreless draws against their nemesis North Korea.
The group’s sleeper stunned the futbol world by winning the UEFA Euro 2004 in Portugal, but then followed up by missing the 2006 World Cup. Now Greece will once again get the chance to prove they have what it takes to compete on the word stage. The Galanoleyki’s are under the direction of Greek futbol legend –German boss Otto Rehhagel. “King Otto” will have no shortage of experience when his squad hits the pitch in South Africa. Among them is veteran defender Sotirios Kyrgiakos, as well as former Inter Milan and Benfica midfielder Karagounis. The two will be aided by playmakers Angelos Charisteas, Georgios Samaras, Vasilis Torosidis and Theofanis Gekas. Greece’s World Cup qualifying campaign started with the side outscoring their opponents eight to none and ended after winning their playoff series 1-0 on aggregate against the Ukraine, Greece was awarded one of the final UEFA World Cup spots, earning their place in the World Cup finals for only the second time in its history.
So who will be the victors of an interesting Group B?
The Argentineans are always a threat, but given the way the squad eeked out a qualifying spot, nothing is ever for certain. What we do know is this team certainly has the talent, and if the leadership does its job, are sure to be the winner of the group. The Super Eagles are the wild card and will need some combination of a win and a draw against Greece and South Korea. I expect the Nigerians to be one of the two teams moving on from this group. The Greeks have mastered the art of the 1-0, defensive game, and with their counter attacking style they will be tough to beat. But without superior talent, they will fall to Argentina and Nigeria. Lastly, there are the Koreans, who must win against Nigeria or Argentina if they want even the slightest chance of advancing.
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