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Group B - The Teams
Argentina
Nigeria
Korea Republic
Greece
Looking at this group, you can see that Argentina will finish in first place, possibly drawing with Nigeria. It will be a showdown between the next three teams in this group as each have an equal chance of making that last spot in the Round of 16.
Argentina almost shocked the world by almost failing to qualify for the 2010 tournament. But lately, Maradona's side has shown that they deserve a place in this World Cup tournament and possibly lifting the trophy on July 11th.
The Argentinians have probably the best players in the game on their team this year. Lionel Messi (Barcelona F.C.), Maxi Rodriguez (Liverpool F.C.), Angel Di Maria (Benfica), Gonzalo Higuain (Real Madrid), and Carlos Tevez (Manchester City) are just a few of the bright talent Argentina possess at this tournament. Not to mention having even more great players coming off the bench such as, Martin Palermo (Boca Juniors), Diego Milito (Inter Milan), and Sergio Aguero (Atletico Madrid).
After being absent from the 2006 World Cup, Nigeria are back in the biggest tournament in the world. Nigeria have some great young talent on their roster, having a U-20 team who has always been a contender in that age division. With the likes of Obafemi Martins (Wolfsburg), Yakubu Aiyegbeni (Everton F.C.) and Victor Obinna (Malaga C.F.), Nigeria can show some strength when contending for that second position in the group.
Korea Republic can also be another contender for that second position to qualify for the Round of 16. With players such as Park Ji-Sung (Manchester United), Ahn Jung-Hwan (Dalian Shide), and Lee Dong-Gook (Jeonbuk Motors), Korea have a side that could challenge Nigeria and Greece.
With fans still on a high from a 2004 Euro Cup win, Greece are looking to take their team far in this tournament in 2010. Greece could use a boost with their economic climate right now. Nigeria and Korea Republic will have their hands full if Greece can show the same drive they had 6 years ago at the Euros.
Theofanis Gekas (Eintracht Frankfurt), Angelos Charisteas (Nuremburg), Giorgos Karagounis (Panathinaikos), and Sotirios Kyrgiakos (Liverpool F.C.) are players to watch in Greece's starting 11 during this tournament.
My prediction for this group will be looked at as typical from many, but Group B's second position can go either way.
Argentina - 3 Wins, 0 Losses, 0 Draws
Nigeria - 1 Win, 1 Loss, 1 Draw
Greece - 0 Wins, 1 Loss, 2 Draws
Korea Republic - 0 Wins, 2 Losses, 1 Draw
Argentina and Nigeria progress to the Round of 16.
Castrol Rankings
Friday, May 28, 2010
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