France

Confederation: UEFA (Europe)
Head coach: Raymond Domenech
Captain: Thierry Henry
Group: A

Keen astronomer Raymond Domenech has named his prelimanary 30 man squad, which involves some world class names. From goalkeeper to upfront, the French have genuine quality. 'Keeper Hugo Lloris, who will be playing in his first World Cup, looks to have all the attributes to be a great 'keeper, he is something that Les Blues have been missing in recent years. The French defense consists of very experienced defenders, Gallas, Evra and Abidal are ones who have played at the highest club level.

Domenech has shocked many people with his provisional squad, the omissions of Karim Benzema and Samir Nasri will have French fans scratching their heads. Benzema has had a disappointing first season in Madrid, however, on his day, he is one of the best strikers in the world. Also, Domenech has decided against calling up a replacemacement for the injured Lassana Diarra.

Arsenal midfielder Samir Nasri was expected to be named in the 30 man squad at least. He is one who can create and provide a moment of genius, odd decision. Perhaps the stars told Domenech to do it, many people were surprised he didn't get the axe after a poor Euro 2008. The French Football Federation may regret not replacing the horoscope fanatic........


Squad:

Goalkeepers: Hugo Lloris (Lyon), Steve Mandanda (Marseille), Cedric Carrasso (Bordeaux)

Defenders: William Gallas (Arsenal/ENG), Eric Abidal (Barcelona/ESP), Bakary Sagna (Arsenal/ENG), Patrice Evra (Manchester United/ENG), Gael Clichy (Arsenal/ENG), Marc Planus (Bordeaux), Anthony Reveillere (Lyon), Sebastien Squillaci (Sevilla/ESP)

Midfielders: Abou Diaby (Arsenal/ENG), Alou Diarra (Bordeaux), Yoann Gourcuff (Bordeaux), Florent Malouda (Chelsea/ENG), Jeremy Toulalan (Lyon)

Strikers: Nicolas Anelka (Chelsea/ENG), Djibril Cisse (Panathinaikos/GRE), Andre-Pierre Gignac (Toulouse), Sidney Govou (Lyon), Thierry Henry (Barcelona/ESP), Franck Ribery (Bayern Munich/GER), Mathieu Valbuena (Marseille)

Watch France kick-off their campaign against Uruguay(6th June) on flashsportstreams.com/forum/


Ant Myers

Ghana

Confederation: CAF (Africa)
Head coach: Milovan Rajevac
Captain: Stephen Appiah
Group: D


The Black Stars will take part in their second World Cup finals in June, after topping group D in the African qualifiers. Ghana have a squad of undoubted quality, the likes of John Mensah, Sulley Muntari and Stephen Appiah are players that all feature in Europe's elite leagues.

Group D consists of four dangerous team, who all have a realistic chance of reaching the knock-out stage. Ghana will pose a threat to any team, with their power, pace and athleticism. Head coach, Rajevac has named his squad and has decided to include Portsmouth midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng, who has switched his national allegiance from Germany to Ghana.

The loss of Michael Essien will be a massive blow to Ghana, as the Chelsea man is potentially the best box-to-box midfielder in the world. I'm sure I speak for most people in saying that Essien will be a big miss this summer.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Richard Kingson (Wigan/ENG), Daniel Agyei (Liberty Professionals/GHA), Stephen Ahorlu (Hearts of Lions/GHA)

Defenders: Samuel Inkoom (FC Basel/SUI), Jonathan Mensah (Grenada/ESP), Lee Addy (Bechem Chelsea/GHA), Rahim Ayew (Zamalek/EGY), Hans Sarpei (Bayer Leverkusen/GER), John Mensah (Sunderland/ENG), Isaac Vorsah (Hoffenheim/GER), John Paintsil (Fulham/ENG).

Midfielders: Sulley Muntari (Inter Milan/ITA), Derek Boateng (Getafe/ESP), Anthony Annan (Rosenborg/NOR), Kwadwo Asamoah (Udinese/ITA), Andre Ayew (Arles-Avignon/FRA - on loan), Stephen Appiah (Bologna/ITA), Quincy Owusu Abeyie (Al Sadd/QAT), Kevin-Prince Boateng (Portsmouth/ENG)

Forwards: Matthew Amoah (NAC Breda/NED) Asamoah Gyan (Rennes/FRA), Prince Tagoe (Hoffenheim/GER), Dominic Adiyiah (AC Milan/ITA)

Ant Myers

The World Awaits......

As the domestic leagues and cups are drawing to a close, football fans around the world are starting to prepare for the Globe's best sporting tournament. The World Cup is not just for football fans, it's for everyone. It unites nations and gives a country a good excuse to forget about troubles and join together to support their homeland. Flags on cars, packed pubs, John Barnes rapping and plenty of beer consumed.

With 31 days until the big kick-off, the participating countries are assembling their squads for the trip to South Africa. Most managers will now have a good idea who their 23 man squad will be, however some will have to make tough decisions. Managers will have to decide whether form or reputation should be the most important factor.


Over the next two months we will bring you news, previews, reports and much more........

You can watch all the games live online at flashsportstreams.com


Ant Myers