Euro 2012 - England vs. Switzerland Preview

Since we are all suffereing from the lack of football this week, the final game of the 2010/11 season is England's Euro 2012 Qualifier against Switzerland. England won 3-1 away in Basle last time round, and are expected to collect maximum points again this weekend.

Kick off: 4.45pm
TV: ITV1, HD1
Referee: Damir Skomina (Slovenia)

England 4-3-3



Switzerland team 4-5-1


Player’s one yellow away from suspensions

England

o Ashley Young
o Ashley Cole
o Gareth Barry
o Glen Johnson

Switzerland

o Eren Derdiyok
o Stephan Lichtsteiner
o Valon Behrami
o Tranquillo Barnetta
o Stephane Grichting

England Squad

Goalkeepers:
Scott Carson, Joe Hart, David Stockdale

Defenders:
Leighton Baines, Gary Cahill, Ashley Cole, Rio Ferdinand, Phil Jagielka, Glen Johnson, Joleon Lescott, John Terry, Kyle Walker

Midfielders:
Gareth Barry, Michael Carrick, Stewart Downing, Adam Johnson, Frank Lampard, James Milner, Scott Parker, Theo Walcott, Jack Wilshere, Ashley Young

Strikers:Darren Bent, Peter Crouch, Jermain Defoe, Bobby Zamora


Switzerland National Team

Ranked number 25 in the FIFA World Rankings

Head coach: Ottmar Hitzfeld
- 62 years old, German
- Been in charge since July 1st 2008
- Used to play for Swiss side FC Basle
- Nicknamed the General

Last 6 results – L, L, W, D, D, D

Tues 07/09/10 - Euro 2012 Qualifier - Switzerland 1 – 3 England
Fri 08/10/10 - Euro 2012 Qualifier - Montenegro 1 – 0 Switzerland
Tues 12/10/10 - Euro 2012 Qualifier - Switzerland 4 – 1 Wales
Wed 17/11/10 - Friendly - Switzerland 2 – 2 Ukraine
Wed 09/02/11 - Friendly - Malta 0 – 0 Switzerland
Sat 26/03/11 - Euro 2012 Qualifier - Bulgaria 0 – 0 Switzerland

Squad Goalkeeper

Diego Benaglio – 27 years old – 34 caps – Club: Vfl Wolfsburg
Faces still competition from fellow goalkeeper Marco Wolifi. Wolifi has started three of the last six Swiss matches, while Benaglio has started the other three. (Pictured)

Marco Wölfli – 28 years old – 9 caps – Club: BSC Young Boys
Currently vying with Benaglio for the number one spot. Has played in two qualifiers and one friendly, out of Switzerland’s last six matches.


Defenders

Reto Ziegler – 25 years old – 23 caps 1 goal – Club: Juventus
He had spells in England with Tottenham and Wigan, and most recently joined Juventus. Likely to start at left back

Johan Djourou – 24 years old - 25 caps 1 goal – Club: Arsenal
He has made 37 appearances for arsenal after missing a year of football and the Swiss side’s 2010 world cup campaign. Likely to start centre-back. (Pictured)

Stéphane Grichting – 32 years old – 45 cpas 1 goals – Club: Auxerre
The Auxerre defender has made the centre half position his own after injuries to first choice pair Johan Djourou and Philippe Senderos saw them miss a large portion of the Swiss fixtures. He is the only player over 30 in the squad.

Stephen Lichtsteiner – 27 years old – 36 caps – Club: Lazio
Fiery right back, he was sent off against England in the last meeting between the two sides in 2010. Almost a certainty to start right back.

Subs

Philippe Senderos – 26 years old – 41 caps 5 goals – Club: Fulham
Well known for his time at Arsenal, he now plays for Fulham. He missed most of the season due to a cruciate knee injury and only managed two appearances this season, and unlikely to start.

Steve Von Bergen – 27 years old – 21 caps – Club: Cesena
Centre back who earned his place due to Senderos’ and Djourou’s long term injuries. Featured in two of Switzerland’s three matches at the 2010 World Cup


Midfielders

Tranquillo Barnetta – 26 years old – 58 caps 6 goals – Club: Bayer Leverkusen
The versatile midfielder is the most experienced member of the squad, with 58 caps. He can operate on either wings or can play in the defensive midfield role. Expected to start on the left side of midfield.

Gokhan Inler – 26 years old – 47 caps 4 goals – Club: Juventus
Expected to be appointed for this game, after Alexander Frei’s retirement. He’s played in all four Euro 2012 qualification games this season. (Pictured)

Pirmin Schwegler – 24 years old – 11 caps – Club: Eintracht Frankfurt
Defensive minded midfielder expected to sure up the middle with Inler. Featured in five of the last six matches under Hitzfeld.

Valon Behrami – 26 years old – 29 caps 2 goals – Club: Fiorentina
Well known to England fans for his three years with West Ham United. The right sided player is expected to feature of the right midfield postion, and is of Albanian descent.

Xherdan Shaqiri – 18 years old – 10 caps 1 goal – Club: FC Basel
One of the most promising Swiss players for some time, caught the attention of English fans after scoring the only goal with a sensational strike in the 3-1 defeat last September. Left footed, but operates wide right or behind the striker, likes to cut inside onto his left foot. Has played almost 60 games for FC Basle.

Subs

Gelson Fernandes – 24 years old – 33 caps 2 goals – Club: Saint-Etienne
Tall, strong defensive minded midfielder who may be remembered for his time in the Premiership with Manchester City, where he spent two years, played 43 games scoring 3 goals. He was Switzerland under-21’s captain.

Blerim Džemaili – 25 years old – 12 caps – Club: Parma
Spent two years contracted to Bolton Wanders (2007-09) but didn’t make a single appearances for the English club, and spent most of that time on loan in Italy with Torino. Plays predominantly as a central midfielder

Xavier Margairaz – 27 years old – 18 caps 1 goal – Club: FC Zurich
A defensive midfielder who spent all but one season of his career playing in the Swiss football. He had an unsuccessful stint at Osasuna in 07/08 but now plays for Swiss Super League runners-up FC Zurich

Granit Xhaka – 18 years old – 0 caps – Club: FC Basle
Uncapped at senior level, only previous outing in any form for Switzerland is for the under-17 level where he featured in 13 games. Can operate as a forward


Forwards

Eren Derdiyok – 22 years old – 31 apps 2 goals - Club: Bayer 04 Leverkusen
Scored on his international debut at Wembley in February 2008 when England won 2-1 in coach Fabio Capello’s first match in charge. Tall, strong striker who adds more to the team in way of presence and work ethic than goals. (Pictured)

Subs

Admir Mehmedi – 20 years old – 0 caps – Club: FC Zurich
Uncapped young striker who has scored 21 goals in 76 appearances for his club.

Innocent Emeghara – 22 years old – 0 caps – Club: Grasshoppers
Uncapped young striker who was born in Nigeria and has opted to play for Switzerland. This is his first international call up. Has 4 goals in 3 games at Under-21 level


Players missing

Valentin Stocker – Out with a knee injury. Out for around 8 months, was expected to start on the left side of midfield

Alex Frei and Marco Streller – Both retired due to criticism after the 0-0 draw with Bulgaria

Average age of the Switzerland squad: 24.8 years old
Average age of the England squad: 26.7 years old

Real Talk Football

Most Promising Footballers in the World - No.6

One of newest Chelsea youngsters, and another promising English talent...

Josh McEachran

Club: Chelsea
Age: 17
Position: Centre Midfield
Claim to fame: Made his Chelsea debut, aged 17, in the Champions League

Prospects:
One of the most promising young midfielders in the country, a product of the Chelsea academy, big things are expected of the 17 year old.

He is a left footed midfielder; he can operate in the centre or can play as a deep lying playmaker. He came into the public spotlight after making his Chelsea first team debut in a 4-1 win against MSK Zilina, where he played 11 minutes. He went on to make his Premier League debut in the 1-0 defeat to Manchester City, wearing the number 46 shirt.



He is highly rated by pundits and football fans alike, but current Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti heaped praise on the youngster, stating;

“When it’s possible, I would like to give time on the pitch to our younger players to improve our experience as a team. McEachran is very young but he is a fantastic talent and it’s important to give him an opportunity.”

A great player for the future who is already making his mark in and around the current Chelsea squad, and should be a first team starter in the next few years. Watch this space.

Rooney to leave Manchester United?

Real Talk Football takes a break from is "Most Promising Players" list, to look at one of the biggest sagas to hit the Premiership in recent years, a somewhat familiar story surrounding Manchester United, a star player, and crossing the somewhat ruthless Sir Alex Ferguson.

The definitive actions and timeline of this Wayne Rooney and Sir Alex saga is well documented, but if you are unaware, click here.



Nothing in football, as in life, is guaranteed, but the manner in which Wayne Rooney is looking to leave Manchester United is somewhat disturbing.

An apparent bust up behind doors, has crept into the public limelight, after it seems Rooney's misdemeanors in his private life, caused a free fall in form.

When asked, a public acknowledgement from Ferguson that Rooney was "injured", was seen as an opportunity for Rooney to rest, gather his thoughts, repair his private life, all with the objective in mind to rediscover his form from last season, being the objective for both him, and Sir Alex.




But his blatant and quite frank denial of the ankle injury, especially to the UK press, has subsequently damaged the relationship between the two, rendering it irreconcilable. The latest quotes from Sir Alex Ferguson's pre-match press conference are as follows:

"His agent has intimated he won't sign a contract and he wants away. It's a shock.... (I'm) terribly disappointed by news because we can't understand it... There's an offer, if he's prepared to discuss. I know David Gill prepared to offer contract difficult to better elsewhere." Ferguson went on to add "I've never had an argument with Wayne at any time - he did have an injury and he confirmed it himself in interview with Sky. I feel we have to keep door open, simply because such a good player, and we've done nothing but help him in private life. We're bemused because we can't understand why he would want to leave a club this successful. We don't understand it"

Quotes, as live, streamed on twitter, which can be found here.


With this in mind; it seems Rooney has his sights set on another destination. its also apparent that the door is open for Rooney to change his mind, he will not be covering himself in glory at this current time, and Man Utd will undoubtedly be forced to sell him.

If he does sell Rooney, he will join the long list of World Class players, who left the club in unceremonious circumstances. Jaap Stam was arguably the first, who was sold to Lazio in 2001 after making allegations about Ferguson in 2001.

Next was David Beckham, who had fallen out of favour with Ferguson after an infamous spat at full time during a post match meeting after an FA Cup defeat to Arsenal.

The next three players to be cast aside by Ferguson were; Ruud Van Nistelrooy, who was one of the deadliest finishers in football, fell out of favour and after finding himself on the bench for a large part of the 2006 season, he left for Real Madrid.

Carlos Tevez, who is one of the World's top forwards, in 2009 left for Man City, after his loan deal with United had ended, and he felt he had been offered an inadequate contract. He also felt he was unfairly treated, and that his form warranted a start in the side, ahead of Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo. who had been given the limelight ahead of the Argentinean.

The final player to leave, was Crisitano Ronaldo. A player who undoubted was the best to perform under Sir Alex, as in his time at Manchester United, he earnt the World Player of the Year accolade. After six years at the club, winning three Premier League titles, a Champions League, an FA Cup, two League Cups, a Community Shield and FIFA World Club Cup respectively. As well as a shed load of individual awards, he subsequently left for a world record fee of £80million, joining Real Madrid.

With this somewhat shocking news, what are your opinions on this situation? Who do you think Man United should get to replace the Englishman? Leave a comment below, or head to Facebook for more.

Real Talk Football

The Real Talk Football Awards: World Cup Edition

Player of the Tournament

Winner: Andres Iniesta
Runner Up: Bastian Schweinsteiger
Honourable Mention: Carlos Puyol

The winning goal in the World Cup final is every players dream, and Iniesta’s dream came true in extra time at the Soccer City Stadium. No doubt the added break Iniesta took during the season with Barcelona through injury, helped his performances at this year’s tournament, strolling through all the games since that defeat to Switzerland. Iniesta stats didn’t lie in this tournament, although he only scored 2 goals, both were vital in wins over Chile (2:1) and of course Holland (1:0). The 26 year old had a 73% pass completion rate, and covered over 41 miles during the tournament.


Bastian Schweinsteiger, an admiral runner-up, had an excellent tournament and has now established himself as a world class central midfielder, taking up the new role as “The Metronome” as the way the Bayern Munich midfielder dominated and dictated the play is a joy to behold. Just 25 years of age, two more World Cup’s are possible, and more medals are a serious possibility.

Carlos Puyol, he is vital for Spain, and has continued his brilliant Barcelona form onto the world stage and help his country only concede two goals at this year’s tournament. He scored the winner in the semi-final



Young Player of the Tournament

Winner: Thomas Mueller
Runner Up: Mesut Ozil
Honourable Mention: Asamoah Gyan

Thomas Mueller, the 20 year old Bayern Munich attacker, has had a brilliant World Cup and has burst onto the World Stage. He took Europe by storm last season, helping Bayern reach the Champions League final. He played 6 games at this year’s tournament, scoring 5 goals, laying on 3 assists and being voted man of the match for his performances in the wins against England and Uruguay. Collect both the Golden Ball and Best Young Player award.



Mesut Ozil, another German youngster, had a brilliant tournament and again caused real interest in his and Germany’s performances. The 22 year old helped himself to 1 goal, 3 assists, with a 71% pass completion rate. Another youngster with a very bright future.

25 year old Asamoah Gyan held up the hopes of Arica, helping Ghana reach the quarter-finals in just their second tournament. He scored 3 goals in 5 games, and helped gain the respect of many pundits as a very good lone striker. The only blight on his performances was that penalty miss against Uruguay, but expect the lively Ghanaian to bounce back and be even stronger for the next tournament.



Biggest Shock

Winner: Switzerland 1-0 Spain
Runner Up: Italy 2 – 3 Slovenia
Honourable Mention: New Zealand finishing 3rd in their group

Goal of the Tournament

Winner: Giovanni Van Bronckhorst vs Uruguay
Runner Up: Fabio Quagliarella vs Slovenia
Honourable Mention: Mesut Ozil vs Ghana





Team of the Tournament

Winner: Ghana
Runner Up: Spain
Honourable Mention: Germany

Ghana, who beat Serbia and USA in this campaign, were deemed the moral victors of the World Cup after the controversial quarter final defeat to Uruguay. A team packed full of youngsters, mixed with older and more experienced individuals, who flew the flag for Africa after a poor showing from the other nations at the tournament.

Spain, the winners of their first ever trophy, playing the best football at the tournament, and deservedly collecting the World Cup title. The likes of Iniesta, Xavi, Puyol and Casillas are talented natural born winners and deservedly leave South Africa with a winner’s medal.

Germany would have surely been on route to the final if they hadn’t met Spain in the semi final. Destroying pre tournament favourites England 4-1, in tournament favourites Argentina 4-0, were some of the highlights of the Germans campaign.



Goalkeeper of the Tournament

Winner: Iker Casillas
Runner Up: Samir Handanovic
Honourable Mention: Eduardo

Real Madrid’s number one, had an average season this year, but is a completely different individual for Spain. The way the Spanish keep the ball means the opposition rarely get attempts on goal, however in the final, Arjen Robben broke through the defence twice and was one on one with the goalkeeper, with Casillas stopped the Dutchman twice. Winner of the FIFA golden gloves, and a well deserved accolade.

To be honest the goalkeepers at the tournament were quite average, and the Slovenian goalkeeper impressed with his displays in the group stages, and is one of the brightest prospects in Europe with Udinese, and could definitely play for a Champions League club.

Eduardo, formerly of Sporting Braga, impressed at this tournament, although no more than any other goalkeeper to be honest, and has since earned himself a move to Genoa in Serie A.



Defender of the Tournament

Winner: Philip Lahm
Runner Up: Carlos Puyol
Honourable Mention: John Mensah

Philip Lahm, who had a very good previous tournament, has had another excellent tournament this time round, and is undoubtedly the most complete full back in the World, excellent going forward but even better defensively. Germany’s undisputed national team captain.

Again the Barcelona defender has performed excellent at this World Cup, and is undoubtedly the best centre back in the World.

Ghana’s John Mensah receives an honourable mention, despite his awful penalty kick against Uruguay, the 27 year old defender, currently on loan at Sunderland, experience was vital to his countries performance in South Africa, and had some excellent performances against Germany, USA and Serbia.



Midfielder of the Tournament

Winner: Andres Iniesta
Runner Up: Bastian Schweinsteiger
Honourable Mention: Xavi

The reasoning for these awards were highlighted earlier, Spain’s sensational midfield duo of Iniesta and Xavi, tied with Barcelona team mate Sergio Basquets helped Spain dominate teams ultimately culminating in winning the trophy.

Bastian Schweinsteiger was the driving force behing the Germany teams ascendance back onto the World stage.



Striker of the Tournament

Winner: Miroslav Klose
Runner Up: David Villa
Honourable Mention: Diego Forlan

For me, Miroslav Klose was the best striker at this tournament, and is one of the best to play in the World Cup tournament itself. The 32 year old has had a terrible season for Bayern Munich only scoring 3 goals in all competitions, but he has a knack for performing on the world stage. He is the second highest goal scorer in World Cup finals history with 14 goals in 3 tournaments, one behind Ronaldo, and his caused was helped with 4 goals scored in 5 games at this tournament, including Australia, England and a brace against Argentina.

David Villa was vital to helping Spain win the World Cup, scoring 5 goals in 7 games. Slyly anonymous in the semi final and final, that’s why he missed out on the top spot, but he was brilliant nonetheless, causing people to accuse Fernando Torres of being a rubbish striker, rather than a player who has just come back from injury.
Diego Forlan, FIFA’s recipient of the golden ball for the best player at the tournament, but is an admirable third place from Real Talk Football. Excellent goals, and an iron nerve, Forlan guided his country to fourth place at the World Cup.



Star of the Tournament

Winner: Wesley Sneijder
Runner Up: Andres Iniesta
Honourable Mention: Luis Suarez



Underperformers of the Tournament

Winner: England
Runner Up: Italy
Honourable Mention: France

England had another overhyped tournament, and once again underperformed in South Africa. No real excuses can be made for the poor showing, they had a good coach and a sufficient amount of depth within the squad but clearly some of the strange decisions made by Fabio Cappello undoubtedly aided in the second round defeat. Struggling to qualify from the group, as soon as they faced a really good opposition, they crumbled and left the tournament without a whimper and got an extra two week holiday on the luxury island of their choice.

Italy and France’s problems were well documented. Italy were defending World Champions but finished bottom of a group that included Slovakia, New Zealand and Paraguay, while the French, runners-up four years ago, had another awful tournament, also finishing bottom of their group while the big ego’s of players such as William Gallas, Patrice Evra, Thierry Henry and Nicholas Anelka led to in fighting and denial to train. The most unprofessional and shambolic performance I’ve ever seen.



Overachievers of the Tournament

Winner: Ghana
Runner Up: Uruguay
Honourable Mention: Paraguay

Of course no disrespect to Ghana, overachievement is undoubtedly a good thing in the World Cup, and teams will now no longer ignore the African side as they should have made it to the semi finals but were undone by some controversial Uruguayan methods. Second round four years ago, quarter finals this time round, how will they do in 2014?

Uruguay lost 3-2 to Holland in the semi-final so that shows you how close they were to the World Cup final. Some great attacking football, along with some great goals meant Uruguay can be very pleased with the account they gave of themselves in South Africa.

Paraguay qualified top of their group, winning the first penalty shoot out of the World Cup, losing to eventual winners Spain in the quarter finals.



Do you agree with the awards? Comment below or on the Facebook page and let me know you opinion.

The best XI of the tournament coming up tomorrow.

Real Talk Football

A Look At The World Cup: Part One

With the World Cup now taking centre stage in the sporting world, it's clear that everyone's eyes are solely fixed on their respective nations matches and players, while the fans and media are scrutinising every managers tactics and every decision.

Now the world's premier sports competition has reached its most exciting part, the knockout phases, there are just 16 teams left in the competition, with 16 teams on the plane back home (including 2006 finalist's France and winners Italy).

Let's look at the second round line up:

Uruguay VS South Korea

Uruguay

Details

The Uruguayans finished top of Group A, with two wins against South Africa and Mexico, while drawing on the opening night of the tournament against France. The Uruguayans impressed many in the group stages with their attacking prowess and the front three combination of Luis Suarez, Edison Cavani and key man Diego Forlan. Also dont discount the no nonsense defending from Diego Lugano and Diego Godin, plus the safe hands of Fernando Muslera helped Uruguay qualify without conceding a goal.

Key Man

Diego Forlan

The Athletico Madrid hitman has had another excellent in Spain, and has managed to transfer this form onto the international scene. He has played all 3 games so far, scoring two goal and was voted man of the match for his performances against South Africa and France. He could be the difference on the day.



South Korea

Details

The South Koreans somewhat failed to live up to the 2002 hype at the previous tournament, but make no mistake they have definitely been one of the most consistent and efficient teams on display at this years competition. They finished runners up in their group behind Argentina, after beating Greece and earning a somewhat lucky draw with Nigeria. The only blemish in the group was a 4-1 defeat to Argentina.

Key Man

Park Ji-Sung

The Manchester United midfielder is the key man for the national side, and his performances so far have done nothing but increase his reputation as a very hard working and professional individual. I have been very impressed with him so far, and believe he is an excellent leader of the South Korean squad.



Prediction

I believe Uruguay are the favourites for this match, and will duly deliver. The South Korean's were heavily beaten by the last South American side they faced, and Uruguay play a similar attacking style to the Argentines, and the front three should be too much for Park Ji-Sung's team to handle. Uruguay 2-0 winners.



USA vs Ghana

USA

Details

The American's comfortably topped Group C, although they left it quite late against Algeria to collect the top spot. Another hard working team, which are very resolute although not being the best technical team, but that American tenacity is what has helped them fight back to earn draws with England and Slovenia, and win the group.



Key Man

Clint Dempsey

England fans will be familiar with Dempsey, not only because he helped Fulham reach the Europa League final, but it was his tame shot that Robert Green spilt into the net in the opening group game. The big bustling striker can cause the Ghana defence problems with his agility and technique, while shutting down his attempts on goal is a must.



Ghana

Details

What can be said about the Ghana team? The most effective and complete African team in the competition, they seem to have a strong sturdy defence, solid goalkeeper, hard working midfield, attacking flair, but the only thing missing is that goalscorer.

Key Man

Asamoah Gyan

Asamoah Gyan has been excellent so far, scoring two penalties, but he cannot do it all alone. He needs a bit more help upfront, and the Ghanaian attackers need to take their chances if they are to advance. Gyan has impressed many with his agility, pace and skill. He is a very good player, and can cause the USA defence many problems.



Prediction

The Ghana team had many chances against Germany, and still lost, and against a ten man Australia, only drawing. However Ghana are a very good collective unit and should be able to beat the USA team as long as they take their chances. 1-1 Ghana win 2-1 after extra time.



Germany vs England

Germany

Details

The German side impressed with an opening 4-0 win over ten man Australia, but subsequently lost to Serbia 1-0, and then struggled to overcome a stubborn Ghana side, eventually winning 1-0. The German's attacking is not what people are use to seeing and it has come at somewhat of a shock, but it has somewhat subsided in the last two games. If they regain this form, they can succeed, and beat the English.



Key Man

Miroslav Klose

The German striker is one of the top goalscorers in World Cup finals history, and continued impressing by scoring in the first game. However the 32 year old was sent off in the second game against Serbia for two yellow cards and missed the win against Ghana. He will now be rested and raring to make up for lost time against England. Linking up with Mesut Ozil, will be a deadly combination and one which could damage Fabio Capello's men.



England

Details

A terrible stuttering first two games in the group, with a needlessly shaky last 20 minutes in the final match made the England term look.. well.. Very English. Poor performances, then one good performance and England have done the hard part, getting out of a relatively easy group. Now they can play with no pressure, and take on an old foe.



Key Man

John Terry

The Chelsea defender has been rock solid for England, and I'm starting to gain a little bit of respect back for the double winning captain. He will need to give his all, as he always does, for the team when they face the Germans in order to combat the free flowing football they have displayed so far. Also of just importance is the goalkeeper David James, who has made the side look a lot more safe and secure with him behind the defence.



Prediction

A battle with the Germans is billed as the big match game, but the English media have not been hyping the match as previous games so far, for the simple reason; the English are the underdogs. This is probably the smartest way to approach the game, as England are underdogs and there is less pressure on them. England to win 1-0 in full time, Wayne Rooney goal.



Argentina vs Mexico

Argentina

Details

Despite an awful qualifying campaign, Argentina popped up out of nowhere to become everyone's favourite's to collect the trophy once they saw Diego Maradona's attacking options. Diego Milito of Inter Milan, Gonzalo Higiuan of Real Madrid, Martin Palermo of Boca Juniors, Carlos Tevez of Man City, Sergio Aguero of Athleico Madrid and of course Lionel Messi of Barcelona. They finished top of Group B, beating Nigeria, South Korea (convincingly) and Greece to finish the group with maximum points, scoring seven goals and only conceding one goal.

Key Man

Lionel Messi

Currently the best player in the world, he has performed very well in this World Cup so far without really hitting top form. Expect him to unlock a defence if need be, and being single handily able to win a game when required.



Details

Mexico

In a group whereby after the first round of games, it seemed anyone could top it, the Mexicans drew with the host nations South Africa in the opening game, then took advantage of a terrible France team to win 2-0 to book their place in the second round. A final game defeat to Uruguay prevented the Mexicans from topping the group.

Key Man

Giovanni Dos Santos

The young Tottenham player has failed to live up to the hype he received while playing at Barcelona, but started this World Cup really impressively and has used his attacking flair and ability for fashion many chances for the front two.



Prediction

2-1 Argentina win. Mexico are a tricky outfit, and could definitely cause an upset as they have met Argentina many times, and have somewhat of a good understanding of the South Americans. But scoring is not something which Gullie Franco, Carlos Vela and Javier Hernandez have done freely at this tournament. While I believe Argentina could be got at defensively, the attacking prowess should see them through.



Stay tuned for Part Two, which will come on Monday.

REAL TALK FOOTBALL

Countdown to South Africa - Group C

Group C



England

One time winners, England have never seemingly reached the dizzy heights of 1966. No thanks to indifferent managers, bad luck and inconsistencies have blighted England’s World Cup aspirations. The English media continuously build up England before every major tournament, heaping unnecessary pressure on the team. This time it’s no different, now being called the “Golden Generation”. Again silly quotes, but to be honest the media doesn’t dictate what happens on the football pitch. With Fabio Capello in charge, England do have a good chance to go far, but now the problem is their over reliance on striker Wayne Rooney. England need to work together as a team, rather than individuals, they could certainly cause an upset.

Manager: Fabio Capello

A disciplinarian, with a tactically astute mind for football, Capello has managed some of the top clubs in Europe; including the likes of Real Madrid, Roma, Juventus and AC Milan. The Italian commands the upmost respect and has instilled much needed discipline within the squad, which should be beneficial for all.

Key Player: Rio Ferdinand

The Manchester United centre back has been handed the captains armband after it was finally revoked from the shameful John Terry. A player with plenty of experience, a numerous Premiership title winner and a Champions League winner with his club, and a veteran of two World Cups, he now needs to show his excellent leadership and ability on the biggest stage.



Best Finish: Winner 1966

Everyone in the world knows about this, so let’s not elaborate! All we can say is another winner on home soil, in an infamous 4-2 win over rivals over West Germany.

Prediction: Quarter Finals/Semi Finals

They could make it far, but they will need the rub of the green, with Rooney, Lampard and Gerrard all performing well.



USA

The American’s are a very tricky side and showed this in an excellent Confederations Cup campaign. The likes of Clint Dempsey, Brad Guzan, Tim Howard, Carlos Bocanegra, Jay Demerit and Jonathan Spector all play in England and should be more than use to the way in which the game is played over here. The likes of Maurice Edu, and the tricky pacey winger DaMarcus Beasley both also play quite local, playing in Scotland with champions Rangers. The American’s also qualified superbly winning their group ahead of fellow finalists Mexico and Honduras.

Manager: Bob Bradley

The 52 year old from New Jersey, has been the boss since 2006, and will be coaching at his first World Cup.

Key Player: Clint Dempsey

For me he is one of the best players and most underrated players in the Premiership. He has been vital for Fulham this season, and helped reach the club maintain its mid table position and more impressively, reach the EUROPA League final. Dempsey has good technique, control and an eye for goal. Expect him to help the USA fire their way to the second round.



Best Finish: Third Place 1930

Prediction: Quarter Final

I believe the United States will be dark horses and manage to go quite far in this tournament. I believe they will give England a run for their money, but end up group runners up, losing finally in the Quarter Finals.



Algeria

They qualified in acrimonious circumstances against African Cup of Nations winners Egypt, beating them in two-legged qualification match due to them having exactly identical points, goals scored and conceded tallies. Ranked number 27 in the world.



Manager: Rabah Saadane

The 62 year old has managed Algeria four times before and is now in his fifth spell after taking over in 2007. If anyone knows Algeria, its him.

Key Player: Madjid Bougherra

The former Charlton and Sheffield Wednesday player, is now a cult hero as well as a key player to the back to back Scottish Champions Rangers. He can player Centre Back, Right Back or Centre Midfield, and has 40 caps for Algeria since making his debut in 2004.

Best Finish: Round 1 – 1982 and 1986

Prediction: Group Stage

I feel there aren’t enough big name players in the Squad to qualify. I expect them to prop up the table.



Slovenia

The Slovenian national team are currently ranked number 23 in the world, and they finished runners up to neighbours Slovakia in the qualifying campaign. A familiar name is that of the International captain Robert Koren, who plays for West Bromwich Albion, along with up and coming young player Rene Krhin who plays for Inter Milan and is highly rated by Jose Mourinho.



Manager: Matjez Kek

He has been in charge of the national side since 2007, after spending 6 years in charge of Slovenian top flight side Maribor.

Key Player: Samir Handanovic

The 24 year old, 6ft 4in goalkeeper plays for Siena in Italy, and is one of the busiest and most consistent players in the League. He has played over 100 times for Siena, and made 38 appearances at International level, and will be the Number One in South Africa.



Best Finish: Group Stage 2002

Finished bottom of the group with zero points losing to South Africa, Paraguay and Spain.

Prediction: Group Stage

Again, no enough quality players to cause any real impact. Will be battling with Algeria for the Wooden Spoon.

Next Up, Group D