GROUP B
GREECE
The fighting, hairy, and uni-browed Greeks will be returning back to the main stage of international football after having a lackluster six years since their triumph at Euro 2004. After failing to qualify for the 2006 WC, the Greeks will be eager to prove that they're qualified to play with the big boys since it will be they're first WC since 1994. Getting dumped out of the group stages in Euro 2008, will be the backbone of motivation for a younger team that could pose a serious run through the knockout round if they get their. The familiar Nikopolidis,"George Clooney", will not be in net for a major tourney for the Greeks for the first time since 20 B.C.Player to watch: Vasilis Torosidis - Playing for Olympiacos this season, Torosidis has developed into one of the best players nobody has heard of. The World Cup might be a spring board for a larger club team to snatch up the talented Greek.
Group Prediction: 4th. Ya, I went there. No real experience of major tournaments. Their defensive style means they need to score first and if they don't, everyone panics because that's what Greeks do. A gift qualification got this team here, and they have yet to show they can beat second tier opponents. This is more or less a three week vacation with three days of work.
NIGERIA
Nigeria makes its appearance at the 2010 WC after missing out on 2006 with high hopes of making through to the knockout phase. Not known by most of the world for their soccer prowess, the Nigerian team has finished 3rd, 4 out of the last 5 African Cup of Nations and has proved it is solid. This is a team nobody should look past and have crept into the top 20 in the world of FIFA's rankings. Recent games have shown a change from the typical run and gun approach of most African teams, to a laid back defensive style, which suits 3 teams in this group. Kanu, 34 going on 75, will be the first off the bench and will need to take his chances wisely as goal opportunities will be at a premium.
Player to watch: Obefemi Martins - The second half of the strikers, Martins disappeared from Newcastle after their abysmal RELEGATION TO THE SOFT DRINK LEAGUE(any questions, call Manal Patel) , yet ahs a dangerous left foot and does pretty sweet and sour somersaults for goal celebrations.
Group Predictions: 2nd. Ship it. Outside Argentina, they have the best strikers and in a defensive group, they'll be highly needed. Any points from their first game, and IMO, this group moves on. If not, the task is tougher but can get done.
ARGENTINA
Not will they get through, but how far will they go? Overly talented, the Argentines are looking for their third WC and have failed to make the 2nd round once since 1962(2002). Somehow, they barely got through qualification for some dumb reason, yet are strong favorites to win the group. They're defense needs to sure up as their midfield as strong as anyone, and their attacking players are top notch. They've got the beauty queen Mascherano in the midfield with the world's best player in Leo Messi leading the charge. Playing D will be their key if Maradona wants to be naked come July 11th.Player to watch: Messi - Why wouldn't you watch him? He's good looking and real good. He's really good. I'm mean just plain stupid good. And you need only to know his last name. Tough to remember? Spanish Premiera felt his vengeance game after game this year, but it's time for him to step up on the international level. His presence has yet to been felt at the world level. It's time for the 22 year old to put this team on his back and take it to the promised land.
Group Prediction: 1st. Tragedy not getting first. A potential Germany/Argentina quarterfinal rematch awaits and there's no reason. NO REASON why they shouldn't get there. Well unless the players have sex on game days(see Set Plays at the bottom).
SOUTH KOREA
I won't sit here and bullshit you with South Korea. I don't know enough about them to write and write. Look. They got good players, but haven't done dick outside their own WC(2002) in a major tournament so they're dogs. Known for their work effort, they will need a lot of it in front of net if they hope to keep up with the other teams in this group.Player to watch: Park Ji-Sung - He's the only guy that you'll hear about and possible remember his name at the tournament. He's also their best player. Sir Alex Ferguson has kept him in his starting 11 when healthy at Manchester United, but his international glory is spotty.
Group Prediction: 3rd. They can beat Greece, hell Greece beats Greece right now, but getting points else where will be difficult.
Set Pieces:
- Argentina just likes headlines
- Predict your bracket, have fun with it
- Club wise, Arsenal don't want to give up Fabregas. Thank god.
When in doubt, you need to play it back to play it forward.
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