Group B -Predictions and Preview

1^st Argentina

2^nd Nigeria

3^rd Greece

4^th South Korea

Although some people might say this group is not very interesting it has the possibility of being one of the most interesting. It has a team which should easily walk the group (but might not) followed by 3 other teams who are closely matched and any of them could achieve second place.

First-Argentina, a lot of people see Messi, Tevez, Aguero, Higuain and think Argentina will have no problems. The problem they have is these are all forwards and Argentina are not so strong at the other end of the pitch. In Maradonna they have one of the greatest players ever but hes not as great manager. He has used over 100 players during a less than stellar qualifying campaign. With the talent he has its very questionable if he has the tactical awareness and man management to maximize his team’s potential. I think they will still top the group but would not be surprised if they have at least 1 match where things do not go there way.

Second - Nigeria are playing in there home continent which should spur them on. However it could also provide a huge amount of pressure to perform which the Super Eagles could flourish or flounder under. They came 3^rd in the African cup of nations whereas Ivory Coast who are much more fancied in this tournament could only reach the quarter finals. They are a very physical, quick and fit team who on there day could be trouble for anyone. They have a real chance of achieving second place; it will depend on how they handle the pressure and if they keep there discipline.

Third - Greece play only one way, they get a massive blue and white double decker bus and park it directly in front of their goal then counter attack.at times it can be very boring to watch but it can also be very effective. They proved this by winning EURO 2004. When they do concede and have to change their style of play to chase the game they can struggle. The Greeks could frustrate an Argentinean side who might find it difficult to score which could then lead to a loss of discipline and a shock result. Greece could lose every game or win every game by 1 goal, though more than likely losing more than they win. They shocked us in 2004 they could shock us all again.

Fourth – South Korea, gone are the glory days of Guss Hiddink and a tournament on home soil. They have Park Ji-Sung, who is so popular that in famous shaving adverts which include Tiger Woods, Roger Federer and Thierry Henry, Henry is replaced by Park Ji-Sung in South Korea. They have a few other capable players but probably not enough to reach second place but enough to cause the other teams problems. I think if they do reach second it will be more a case of other teams under performing.

Chris Guest