World Cup 102: Breaking Down The Groups, Players

By Deb Borges

We're just a week away.

On June 11 the 2010 World Cup in South Africa kicks off, with 32 teams vying for the most important trophy in global competition.

Will Italy repeat its brilliance from 2006? Can Brazil add a record sixth world title? Is this the year Germany re-establishes its dominance? Or will a legendary futbol-playing nation like Argentina finally get back to the glory days of yesteryear? Perhaps it's finally Spain's turn, or England's opportunity, or Portugal's moment to shine? What about the upstart United States, a team filled with talent but short on traditional success?

Or will it be someone else, a team as of yet unheralded on the world stage?

All of this will be answered over the next month or so.

What follows is a breakdown of every group, with an emphasis on recent qualifying results, a look at history and the players who have given each of these nations the privilege of competing for the opportunity to play for the title on July 12 in Johannesburg.

Group A

FRANCE:

France always has pretty high expectations, especially after making it to the final back in 2006. Thierry Henry’s controversial non-handball against Ireland has been the main talk this year. This is France’s chance to silence all the critics who haved questioned the French ticket to the big show. France will bring great depth to the tournament, especially up front. It could use a more defensive-minded midfielder to help out the back four.

Key players: Yoann Gourcuff, Nicolas Anelka, Frank Ribery

MEXICO:

Mexico was rather inconsistent in qualifying. It went through three coaches in its quest just to get to South Africa. However, it's hard to argue that the Mexicans aren't well-prepared for the tournament, having played to date 12 friendly matches heading into their opener on June 11 against the host nation. Mexico’s biggest threat is the speed and attack of its wingers. I expect to see "El Tri" get out of the group stage.

Key players: Rafael Marquez, Giovani Dos Santos.

SOUTH AFRICA:

"Bafana Bafana" (The Boys) have a lot resting on their shoulders as the host nation. As history would have it, no host team has ever failed to make it out of the group stage. Unfortunately, this may be the year we see that streak broken. South Africa was the lowest ranked African team at the time of the draw this past December. It has the advantage of being coached by Carlos Parreira, the same man who led Brazil to the World Cup championship in 1994. Look for most of its offense to be orchestrated by Everton midfield maestro Steven Pienaar. South Africa just doesn't have the explosiveness that other top teams possess, and will have a tough time getting to the round of 16. But, then again, it's never wise to count out a team backed by an entire nation.

Key players: Steven Pienaar, Aaron Mokoena

URUGUAY:

Ah yes, the dark horse of Group A. Many people don’t associate Uruguay with South American World Cup winners, but this country has hoisted the trophy twice, albeit many moons ago. I anticipate this squad bringing some much needed excitement to an otherwise boring, yet balanced, group. Two words – Diego Floran. The two-time European "Golden Boot" winner led Atletico Madrid to the UEFA European League title this season. Floran and fellow playmaker Luis Suarez are a match made in heaven. Together they may be one of the most lethal duos in the entire tournament.

Key players: Diego Floran, Luis Suarez , Diego Perez

Group B

ARGENTINA:

"La Albiceleste" may be the team with the most to prove in the World Cup. They are one of my top 5 teams to watch this summer. With a squad filled to the brim with young playmakers one would think they would breeze through the group stage. Aside from having the world’s best player in Lionel Messi, this team is stacked with attackers up front and in the midfield. Argentina's biggest weakness, however, lies in its coach, the infamous Diego Maradona. Despite his fame and glory, his decision-making skills and ability to use the right combination of attackers has left much to be desired.

Key players: Lionel Messi, Diego Milito, Angel diMaria

NIGERIA:

Nigeria may very well be the African nation that makes some noise this summer. It will be playing on home soil and will have the support of millions of fans. Its strength lies in its defense, and it will be put to the test against Argentina. If Nigeria's front two match the strength of its back line, moving onto the round of 16 shouldn’t be too difficult.

Key players: John Obi, Peter Odemwingie

SOUTH KOREA:

For the first time since 1954, South Korea has qualified for the World Cup finals. It had much success in qualifying and friendly matches this year, having only lost three out of its last 36. South Korea will rely heavily upon one of Manchester United’s favorite players, Park Ji Sung. This versatile midfielder will play a more influential role in the center during the tournament. This team's biggest strength is its stamina, something it will rely heavily upon to outrun and outwork opponents.

Key players: Park Ji Sung, Ki Sung-Yong

GREECE:

Greece hasn’t made much futbol news since its underdog run at the EuroCup in 2004. Don’t expect to see much from this team except defense. Its style of play may not impress you if you are new to the game. Greece will do all it can to shut down the box and frustrate opposing attackers. In a group with Argentina and Nigeria, Greece lacks the offensive power needed to get through.

Key players: Theofanis Gekas, Angelos Charisteas

Group C

ENGLAND:

England possesses a wealth of talented players and is one of the favorites to win the trophy this summer. Striker Wayne Rooney may be playing the best futbol of his life and will be a force to be reckoned with, along with Steven Garrard and Frank Lampard. Coach Fabio Capello is one who appreciates the concept of balance. The only weakness worth mentioning may be at goalkeeper. Nonetheless, this team will be hard to beat due to its great physical size, versatility and depth.

Key players: Frank Lampard, Wayne Rooney, John Terry

USA:

The opportunity for the USA to command respect in its own country and around the world is finally here. This team is still riding high on the confidence gained from its success at the Confederation Cup. With many of its starters bringing valuable experience from some of Europe’s best club teams, the Americans are different than what you've been accustomed to seeing. Landon Donovan will again be the United States’ most influential player and will be relied heavily upon to lead by example. His speed on the wings, along with Jozy Altidore’s finishing ability, could pose a threat to opponents. In addition to some problems on defense, the "Yanks'" forwards lack the international experience and are not of the same pedigree as many of the teams they will face. But in a fairly easy group, I expect to see USA move onto the round of 16.

Key players: Clint Dempsey, Landon Donovan, Tim Howard

SLOVENIA:

This young nation is making only its second World Cup appearance. The Slovenians shocked even themselves by knocking out heavily favored Russia in the qualifying round. While Slovenia has no big-name players, you can expect to see a strong, stingy defense. I don’t expect to see this team reach the second round as it may find some difficulty against teams with different styles of play than it is accustomed to.

Key players: Millivoje Novakovic, Robert Koren

ALGERIA:

The "Desert Foxes" are another team coming to the World Cup finals after a big qualifying win. Algeria upset Egypt to earn its ticket to South Africa. Its strength lies in the midfield and ability to feed the ball up to speedy forwards. However, I think a lack of experience will not allow Algeria to compete well in a group with England and the USA.

Key players: Rafik Djebbour, Madjid Bougherra

Group D

GERMANY:

This squad is slightly different than the 2006 team that made it to the World Cup semifinals. Veteran team leader Michael Ballack will not be playing due to injury. A mix of veterans and many young guns will provide a new look. It’s hard to pinpoint Germany’s greatest strength this year. Its overall athleticism and toughness has always led to success. By choosing to carry six forwards, including the dynamic finisher Miroslav Klose, the Germans may very well take a more adventurous approach to outscoring opponents. I see Germany having no problem moving through the group stage.

Key players: Bastian Schweinsteiger, Thomas Muller, Mesut Ozil

SERBIA:

While it may be Serbia’s first World Cup appearance since gaining its independence, this team shocked many during qualifying by finishing at the top of its group (even ahead of France!). This squad is full of experience and talented European soccer stars which it will have to rely on in a fairly difficult group. Expect to see Jovanoic and Stankovic create havoc with their attacking presence at midfield. The Serbs have height and size on their side at every position on the field. Although it will be difficult, Serbia may have a chance of moving on behind Germany to the round of 16.

Key players: Nemanja Vidic, Milan Jovanovic, Dejan Stankovic

GHANA:

Ghana has gained a lot of respect across the globe with their 2006 success and by breezing through the recent tournament qualifying rounds. Playing on home soil will provide Ghana with the extra motivation needed to progress through the group. However, one of the world’s best midfielders, Michael Essien, won’t be making the trip to South Africa due to injury. The veteran’s leadership will surely be missed. This team had its best squad in 2006 and will grow to be even better in 2014. Still, “The Black Stars” can rely on their speed and the strength of their wingers to make themselves heard in the unofficial “group of death."

Key players: Asamoah Gyan, Kevin-Prince Boateng

AUSTRALIA:

Australia’s biggest advantage in this year’s tournament is the fact that the German and Ghanan superstar captains won’t be competing. Despite having a solid defense, the Aussies are the underdogs in a difficult group. Compared to Germany, Ghana and even Serbia, they fall behind because they lack an explosive offense. However, this team has a great work ethic and will certainly put its talented defense to work. The Australians have surprised many before and may very well do it again.

Key players: Tim Cahill, Archie Thompson, Lucas Neill

Group E

CAMEROON:

The "Indomitable Lions" have more World Cup appearances than any other African nation. This is a team that handles the pressure of the international stage well and will be inspired by playing on home soil. When you watch Cameroon, you watch Samuel Eto’o. The InterMilan striker has established himself as one of the best in the world and he will be heavily relied upon in the tournament. Cameroon has a lot of talent in the midfield but will leave all the creative play in the hands of Eto’o. Its defense has a reputation for being slow, which could pose a problem in a tough group. Cameroon will have quite the battle to make it out of the group behind the Netherlands.

Key players: Samuel Eto’o, Mohamadou Idrissou

DENMARK:

Despite beating Portugal and Sweden in qualifying rounds, the Danes are somewhat underrated and are capable of being one of the dark horses of the tournament. Despite lacking the high-powered offense of other teams, they do have a stable defense. The duo of Nicklas Bendtner and captain Jon Tomasson (despite having an 11-year age difference), should help them get some points up on the board. The "Danish Dynamite" have rarely failed to clear group stages in the past. If they can handle the pressure and keep their level of playing strong throughout the group stage, they may sneak into the knockout stage.

Key players: Jon Tomasson, Nicklas Bendtner, Christian Poulsen

NETHERLANDS:

The Dutch are one of the teams heavily favored to go far in this tournament. They have a unique style of play that many consider one of the most beautiful and influential over the years and past tournaments. But, despite their play focusing more on formation rather than position, it’s been suggested that Holland’s biggest problem this tournament could be rumored “issues” with team chemistry. The Dutch will rely heavily on their tremendous ability to dominate the ball and control possession because their defense lacks the strength it has had in past years. I see no reason why Holland won’t finish at the top of the group.

Key players: Wesley Sneijder, Arjen Robben, Robin van Persie

JAPAN:

Japan comes into the tournament expecting to be better than it was in 2006. This team will always put up a fight, but, unlike many other teams, its players lack the experience of playing for top European club teams. The "Samurai Blue" have always been known for breeding tremendous midfielders. They will rely heavily on their midfield yet again as their forwards did not produce many goals during qualifiers this year. Japan will be fighting hard with Denmark to make it out of the group stage behind Holland.

Key players: Marcus Tulio Tanaka, Yashutio Endo, Keisuke Honda

Group F

ITALY:

Italy brings a similar squad to South Africa compared to the one that hoisted the cup in 2006. While Italy’s experienced squad has raised some criticism, in the end it should be that same experience that outweighs other teams' talent. Italy is another team expected to move far in the tournament. The "Azzurri" strength yet again lies in the back. Veteran defenders Cannavaro and Zambrotta, a pressing midfield, and one of the world’s finest goalkeepers will make this team very difficult to score on. Italy’s only weakness is its lack of a top-notch striker. With Group F being one of the weakest, Italy should have no problem sailing through the group stage into the second round.

Key players: Gianluigi Buffon, Andrea Pirlo, Claudio Marchisio

PARAGUAY:

Paraguay comes to South Africa without its star striker Salvador Cabanas. One of the World Cup’s biggest stories has been Cabana’s amazing recovery after being shot in the head in Mexico after a domestic game. Even so, "La Albirroja" has stayed strong, racking up more qualifying wins then even Argentina and Brazil. This team has talent all over the field. It has a cohesive defense and a great counter attack featuring talented forwards like Nelson Valdez. Paraguay's style of play is exciting to watch. Oscar Cardozo, and his powerful left foot, scored 25 goals in 28 games for Portuguese team Benfica this season. Paraguay should have no problem moving on to the round of 16 behind Italy.

Key players: Oscar Cardozo, Nelson Valdez, Roca Santa Cruz

NEW ZEALAND:

New Zealand is making only its second World Cup appearance. It was able to get a spot in this year’s tournament largely because Australia was placed in a more competitive region. Captain Ryan Nelsen will be the driving force behind this team and he’ll need to play his best to get the "All-Whites" a win in this tournament. The Kiwis' front line of Shane Smeltz, Chris Killen, and teenage giant Chris Wood is fairly strong, especially in the air. New Zealand may be able to come away from these finals with a win but asking for anything more is asking too much.

Key players: Ryan Nelsen, Shane Smeltz, Winston Reid

SLOVAKIA:

The Slovaks navigated their way through qualifying ahead of the Czech Republic and Poland. Slovakia is very methodical, relying on a central figure in each part of the field starting with Skrtel on defense, Hamsik in midfield, and Sestak up front. Don’t be surprised to see some technical and effective attacks because the Slovaks have talent. This team may surprise and give Paraguay a fight for the runner-up spot in Group F.

Key players: Jan Mucha, Stanislav Sestak, Martin Skrtel

Group G

BRAZIL:

Even those who know little to nothing about the World Cup know that Brazil is the most accomplished team, having won the trophy five times. They say England invented soccer, but Brazil perfected it. Brazil always brings a certain swagger and confidence to the world stage. This year’s squad is different and we may not see it play its typical "Jogo Bonito" (beautiful game). This team is still filled to the brim with talent. Expect to see more counter attacks, a committed defense and a plethora of goals by Sevilla’s Luis Fabiano. Coach Dunga’s biggest "problem" may very well be finding the right combination of incredibly talented players. Although it is in the group of death, Brazil should be able to move to the second round and beyond.

Key players: KaKa, Luis Fabiano, Dani Alves

PORTUGAL:

Portugal did not have an easy trip to the World Cup finals. Its explosive world-class winger Christiano Ronaldo had little to no impact on the team earning its spot in the final 32. Despite his sometimes criticized arrogance, his flashiness, speed and precise skill make him a sight to see. While Ronaldo will shoulder the majority of the team's pressure, the Portuguese will also look to players such as Nani, Deco and Sabrosa. Despite some veteran injuries, the Portuguese still have experienced defenders and midfielders from their semifinal run in 2006. They will have to play strong throughout group play against a tough Ivory Coast and Brazil to see their way to the round of 16.

Key players: Christiano Ronaldo, Nani, Raul Meireles

IVORY COAST (Côte d'Ivoire):

Before landing in the group of death, "Les Elephants" were predicted to be the African nation with the best chance of winning the World Cup. They may not be a team that makes a lot of noise, but "dangerous" is a good word to describe them. Ivory Coast suffered a huge loss when elite striker Didier Drogba fractured his elbow in a friendly match against Japan on Thursday. Without this superior striker, I expect players such as Kalou, Zokora and Y.Toure to lead the attack and keep a dangerous offense on point. The one weakness Ivory Coast has is in net. Regardless, this team has the potential to pull off some big wins and advance to the round of 16.

Key players: Salomon Kalou, Yaya Toure

NORTH KOREA:

Of course a team like North Korea, which no one knows much about, lands in the group of death. The majority of North Korea's players play for domestic leagues and lack the experience of the other three teams in the group. North Korea will rely on defense as it did to make it to this point in the tournament. Midfielder Mun In-Guk and Tae-Se Jong (Asia’s Wayne Rooney) will be looked upon to provide scoring opportunities. I see no chance of North Korea advancing past the group stage, but hopefully just being there will bring some much needed exposure to this team.

Key players: Tae-Se Jong, An yong-Hak

Group H

SPAIN:

Since winning the Euro title in 2008, Spain has been the most heavily favored team to hoist the trophy at this year’s World Cup. In my opinion, it is the strongest team in the tournament, with firepower and unmatched talent. The Spaniards play a beautiful game and I encourage all new viewers of the game to catch one of their matches. Their force up front will be led by Villa and Torres. Their midfielders, including Xavi and Iniesta, demonstrate such precise passing and orchestrate the perfect attack any chance they get. It’s quite hard to name a weakness on this team as its defense is pretty solid and dependable as well. You can expect to see "La Furia Roja" play well into July.

Key players: David Villa, Xavi, Andres Iniesta

HONDURAS:

Honduras waited until the last possible minute before qualifying for the finals. "Los Catrachos" have some talented players with experience playing for European club teams. Their offense will be led by veteran Carlos Pavon. While their strength lies in the defensive capabilities of their midfield it will not be enough to deal with Spain and Switzerland. If they were able to pull off one win this tournament, it may only come against a young Chile. But it will not be enough to get them through.

Key players: Wilson Palacios, Carlos Pavon

SWITZERLAND:

Many may not remember Switzerland’s performance in the 2006 Cup, but let it be known that it was the only team to not concede a single goal in the entire tournament (It lost to Ukraine on PKs in the knockout stages). The Swiss enter this tournament with their defense again the focal point. They will need to rely on their well known goalkeeper Benaglio to help them against the likes of Spain. They have some gifted young midfielders and a goal-scoring weapon in Alexander Frei. If they secure the second spot in the group stage it will be because of their disciplined defense.

Key players: Alexander Frei, Diego Benaglio, Hakan Yakin

CHILE:

The Chileans are one team that brings joy to watching the World Cup. They are a young, fiery team that plays with passion. Their style of play is aggressive and you can expect to see lots of attacking from the wings from these young stars. The same talent, however, cannot be found on defense. They allowed more goals than any other South American team in qualifying. You can be sure they will play as if they have nothing to lose when they face the difficult teams in Group H. In order to move on to the second round they would have to beat Switzerland and Honduras, which isn’t exactly that far fetched of an idea.

Key players: Humberto Suazo, Matias Fernandez

Coming next week, "World Cup 103: The Final Prediction."
 
Deb Borges is an insanely psychotic soccer fan who does nothing half-assed. Please follow her on Twitter at @LilMissNYJet