Capsules for the eight first-round groups at the World Cup (teams listed alphabetically by group): Group A (France, Mexico, South Africa, Uruguay) No host nation has left the World Cup after the first... Read more...
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I know. Everyone wants to win the World Cup. That’s why they call it the World Cup.
But which of the 32 World Cup teams has the biggest reason for wanting to win it? Read on for a list of the 32 teams and my best guess at what’s driving them to victory. Feel free to add/argue different reasons in the comments.
Algeria – The one thing that would make Egypt's non-qualification hurt even more would be an Algerian triumph. I'm not saying that's Algeria's only motivation. But it has to be in there somewhere. Beating France in the final wouldn't hurt either.
Australia – Soccer currently lags behind cricket, rugby, the other football and probably some other sports we’ve never even heard of. A World Cup win could change all that.
Argentina – No wins since Diego Maradona led them to glory in 1986. In that nearly quarter of a century Argentina has consistently been one of the best teams in the world. But no more World Cup trophies. The big narrative for the team in 2010 is Diego Maradona once again. He’s back, he’s as crazy as ever, and he’s in charge of picking the team. But just think how good/mental would it be to see Diego Maradona lift that trophy, and join Franz Beckenbauer and Mário Zagallo as the only men to win the World Cup as both player and coach.
Brazil – Obviously Brazil always wants to win it, and often that’s exactly what happens. They already have five wins, but 2006 was supposed to be the year they made it six. They didn’t. Despite the weight of expectation, I have a feeling most Brazil fans would admit they’d much prefer a win in 2014 when they host the World Cup. Or maybe they want both.
Cameroon – The first African team to make the World Cup quarterfinals in 1990, and the only team until 2002 when Senegal matched them. So first World Cup on Africa soil + Samuel Eto’o = First African World Cup winners?
Chile – The 2010 earthquake destroyed infrastructure and killed over 500 people. The country needs cheering up.
Cote d’Ivoire – This is a country still divided between rebels and government. But I’m sure everyone there would agree that Didier Drogba holding the trophy on July 11th.
Denmark – Morten Olsen has been the Denmark manager for a about a decade. In international management that’s a lifetime. Maybe two lifetimes. In terms of commitment and time invested in a team, this man deserves a World Cup.
England – Oh, they want it. That one win in 1966 gave England a big drink of glory. Now, 44 years later, they’re very very thirsty. The English Football Association has gone all out and hired the best coach money could buy in Fabio Capello, and with key players like Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, Rio Ferdinand and John Terry all either at or around that 30 years old mark, this is the last chance for a certain generation who keep promising to deliver.
France – Like England, France have the blessing/albatross of having won the World Cup, but only at home. Winning it on foreign soil is the big next step that both countries need to take. However, I get the feeling that most in France are more interested in waving goodbye to Raymond Domenech than in winning the trophy in 2010.
Germany – Believe it or not, it’s been a while. Germany hasn’t won a World Cup since 1990. If Michael Ballack was in the squad, then there’d be a an argument for his determination to stop winning runner up medals on the big stage. That same argument can be made for this whole team though, as the majority of this squad lost out to Spain in the final of Euro 2008.
Ghana – If an Africa team is going to win the first World Cup on African soil, then Ghana might be the most likely. Even without Michael Essien, they seem to have the deepest squad. A continent’s hopes rest on you Black Stars.
Greece – The economoy is in the toilet. The people have been rioting in disgust at austerity measures. Nothing is going right. If Otto Rehhagel can repeat his Euro 2004 trick then Greece would be a much happier place in July 2010, if only temporarily.
Honduras – The country is in a bit of a political crisis. A World Cup win wouldn’t necessarily solve the problem. But it would make everyone feel a whole lot better.
Italy – Brazil has won five. Italy four. So the Azzurri are very much the junior partner in the Derby della Mondo right now. But just one more World Cup win would see them level with Brazil as the joint most successful international team of all time.
Japan – We’ve been laughing at coach Takeshi Okada a little, for his semi-final prediction and his I want to quit outburst/misquote this week. But the reason Okada is managing Japan at all is that the man who was supposed to lead them to South Africa – Bosnian coach Ivica Osim – suffered a stroke in 2007 and had to step away. It’s been three years but I imagine a Japanese win will be dedicated to coach Osim.
Mexico – At 37 years old and carrying some extra timber, Cuauhtémoc Blanco does not look like he should be playing international football. But he’s been a great player and deserves a big sendoff. I imagine winning a World Cup would do nicely. Plus it would end the “who’s the best team in CONCACAF” argument with America pretty conclusively.
Nigeria – The Super Eagles win Olymic Gold in 1996, becoming the first African team to do so. Being the first African team to win the World Cup would be a decent follow up.
Netherlands – Total World Cup finals: two (1974, 1978). Total World Cup wins: zero. It’s time the Dutch team won a World Cup.
New Zealand – Because it would upset Australia. Also because – despite their dominance – the New Zealand rugby team has not won the Rugby World Cup since they co-hosted in 1987. They host again in 2011 and expectation is high. But imagine if the soccer team beat them to it and won the World Cup the year before?
North Korea – Because if they win, then North Korean television can show the actual real full actual games on television, rather than the rumoured edited version.
Paraguay – Striker Salvador Cabañas was shot in the head in January 2010. He somehow survived, and was determined to recover in time for the World Cup, but had a bullet lodged in his brain and so won’t be playing in South Africa. His teammates winning the World Cup would be a fitting tribute to his determination.
Portugal – We know Cristiano Ronaldo wants it. It would complete his trophy haul. But maybe the most compelling story is Carlos Queiroz and his quest to convince the world that he’s a proper manager and not just an assistant who’s been overpromoted.
Serbia – First time at the World Cup for Serbia as an individual nation. The 2006 Serbia & Monetenegro adventure didn’t count. So a win would mean a 100% record.
Slovakia – Again, World Cup virgins. And seems like former partners the Czech Republic have had all the glory so far.
Slovenia – I like Slovenia. I’ve even been there. But in this tournament, I – like many others I’m sure – often get confused about exactly which one they are. For the record they’re the team with mountains on the jerseys. If they win this tournament, everyone will remember them forever.
Spain – No World Cup wins to date. But the Euro 2008 victory has finally taken Spain to another level. You can see the confidence as they pass the ball around tac-tac-tac. This is surely Spain’s best ever chance to finally win the World Cup, but also their chance to shed that underachiever tag once and for all. Or to have it etched even deeper. The stakes are high.
South Africa – The hosts. The much maligned hosts. Never before has a nation’s ability to host a tournament been questioned so openly. If the team went all the way and won it, that would be karma in action. Also, would be nice to see the events of the 1995 Rugby World Cup repeated on the soccer field. Though I doubt we’ll see a South Africa vs New Zealand final in 2010.
South Korea – Recently confirmed that North Korea sank one of their ships. So I imagine national pride is a little wounded. Park Ji-Sung and friends could restore it with a trophy.
Switzerland – Border and language sharing nations France, Germany and Italy all have a World Cup. It’s time Switzerland got one too.
USA – American soccer faces the same problem as Australia, in that it still lags behind other sports. America loves a winner, so a World Cup win would be a big help in attracting the patriotic but non-soccer loving sports fan. I also get the feeling that though genuine American soccer fans are happy with the progress from 1990 to present, they’re itching to take that next step up and lift the trophy.
Uruguay – When you look at the list of World Cup winners, Uruguay seems to be on there by mistake. First World Cup winners. Repeat winners in 1950. Then nothing for 60 years. I’m sure they’d love to rejoin the big boys.
- Please feel free to add your own reasons/suggestions in the comments…
- To pick which team will actually win the tournament, enter our World Cup Bracket competition.
Quite the turn of events these last 24 hours, we must admit. From World Cup teams going 0-4-2 across five games yesterday to a 4-0-1 record today – with that lone loss, Mexico, coming against the Dutch, who are a World Cup team (dontchaknow).
Of course it helps that those in action are supposed to be decent, at the least, World Cup teams, with the Netherlands, France, Chile and Uruguay all expected to either progress or be right there on the final day.
But more, the week of the debutant continues: after Lucas Barrios scored Tuesday with his hot-off-the-press Paraguayan passport in hand, Matthew Valbuena opened his French account, free checking, on Wednesday with the winner versus Costa Rica.
Clearly every World Cup team should be running out eleven international virgins each game. Damn the details.
Netherlands 2 – Mexico 1
Everybody sit back and watch some international class defending…
Nevermind. Three lovely goals in their own way, and proof that van Persie is back with further proof that Ibrahim Afellay is the honey dripping off the bee’s knees, but you have to believe they won’t have it quite so easy in a World Cup game. At least you hope not.
Young phenomenon Alexis Sanchez got the brace after coming on as a halftime sub, but the control by Jorge Valdivia on ball over the top to set up his first combined with his goal, Chile’s third, made generations of babies in Santiago. Well maybe not, ’twas Zambia after all, but it was still quite phenomenal for a guy playing in the United Arab Emirates. (For the football, obviously.)
Of course Sanchez’s second goal was nothing to scoff at. That would be why he’s one of the most highly rated youngsters on the planet.
Poor Israel never stood a chance – not with Luis Suarez in the house. Setting up the first two goals, the first after some nifty work in midfield to keep possession, and causing fits for the Israeli defense which his teammates then converted. Which is really what he does: cause fits. (Scored one or two goals this year as well.)
Sebastian Abreu finished off nicely with a late brace, helped by Edinson Cavani, to pad the friendly scoreline and practice his celebrations, which mostly involve running a few yards and allowing the little people to hug him. Less is more.
France 2 – Costa Rica 1
We can safely say Steve Mandanda hates the Jabulani too. Thierry Henry was also trying to catch the flight of the ball. Just why, no one knows.
Costa Rica were sympathetic to Mandanda’s plight with the flight and expertly put Ribery’s cross into the back of their net, making it 1-1 until Mathieu Valbuena was run out in a France shirt for the very first time, and he didn’t disappoint. Winner in the 83rd, all while wearing the number 10 and Pat Riley’s hair.
He’d like that back.
One last time before the World Cup the powers at FIFA have laid out their rankings of every national team in the world. But more importantly: in the process they’ve ranked the World Cup teams from 1-32.
There haven’t been any big leaps – Ecuador dropping off the mountain 8 spots is the biggest mover, but that’s of no interest – and the only change in the top 15 is that Egypt moved up to make 10, 11 & 12 a nice trifecta of World Cup absentees.
The World Cup, one to thirty-two, after the jump.
For those wondering, Cape Verde is 114th – far better than expected and not all that far behind North Korea. What’s that smell? Is…is that an upset?
The World Cup 32
1 Brazil
2 Spain
3 Portugal
4 Holland
5 Italy
6 Germany
7 Argentina
8 England
9 France
13 Greece
14 USA
15 Serbia
16 Uruguay
17 Mexico
18 Chile
19 Cameroon
20 Australia
21 Nigeria
24 Switzerland
25 Slovenia
27 Côte d’Ivoire
30 Algeria
31 Paraguay
32 Ghana
34 Slovakia
36 Denmark
38 Honduras
45 Japan
47 Korea Republic
78 New Zealand
83 South Africa
105 North Korea
The remaining teams who will feel tremendously unloved for the next six weeks plus.
Well, that’s not entirely true, but there have been some unfavorable results for World Cup teams in the last couple of days, namely Portugal’s inability to beat Cape Verde (you can laugh), South Africa’s continued inability to beat anyone decent (you can’t), Takeshi Okada’s inability to resign and five World Cup teams running out a 0-4-2 record on Tuesday. Zero wins. These are supposed to be the best 32 teams in the world, correct? (Ireland is throwing something at the window.)
Of course there are a few good reasons: fatigue with European seasons ending along with coaches trialing formations, bubble players and new pregame hype music. Still, nothing can make up for coming into the tournament on a rousing run of form.
Quickies after the jump.
Greece 2 – North Korea 2
Not much is known about North Korea as a whole, but plenty is known about Kawasaki Frontale’s prolific hit man, Jong Tae Se. That knowledge centers mostly around him being the business, and Greece got a first hand taste yesterday with two sublime goals on neutral soil in Austria. Geniunely, he’s legit.
Greece also got two goals off set-pieces. Leave your stereotypes at the door.
In fairness, Ireland is a World Cup caliber team, the game was played in Dublin and reports say Paraguay “dominated possession”. However, and it’s a huge however, these now leaves Paraguay at…
Chile 2-1 L
Qatar 2-0 L
Netherlands 0-0
South Africa 0-0
North Korea 1-0 W
Ireland 2-1 L
…in friendlies since qualification ended. Having sent this to NASA for analysis, they’ve returned with the verdict: 1-2-3 ain’t good. Particularly not when that one win came via a dodgy penalty – it would be suspicious, but nothing’s ever suspicious when North Korea is involved. Hooray for stereotypes.
In other, blunt words: Paraguay needs to get its shit together. The good news is Lucas Barrios did score fresh off earning a passport, so there is hope.
Nigeria 0 – Saudi Arabia 0, Georgia 0 – Cameroon 0
There are no highlights available as of yet, so you’ll just have to imagine the listless draws – one Lars Lagerback’s Nigeria debut – being played in your head. And…1…2…3…nap.
US 2 – Czech Republic 4
(Better video if/when – and if someone could locate the time machine for the soundtrack, that’d be peaches.)
Hey! Goals!
The battle of the B teams, those of the US and Czechoslovakia, in the states didn’t go particularly well in the rematch from ‘06, but at least the US wasn’t on the wrong side of a Tomas Rosicky highlight. Connecticut hookers are another matter. Bob Bradley and Co. have declared they’ll name their 23 later today, but they may want to sleep on it another day or several.
Fantasy Football: which goalkeepers are best for high-scoring World Cup teams? – Telegraph.co.uk
May 25 Telegraph.co.uk | Fantasy Football: which goalkeepers are best for high-scoring World Cup teams? Telegraph.co.uk Managers who get the right 'keeper in their Telegraph Fantasy Football World Cup team will be well on their way to beating their Super League ... |
World Cup booze exemption denied to city bars, clubs Windsor Star Soccer-mad Windsor fans who like to root for their favourite World Cup teams at public venues will ... |
Midnight tonight Central European Time is the deadline for World Cup teams to submit their preliminary 30 man World Cup rosters. From there they’ll have to cut the squads down to 23 by June 1st. So if you’re not in the 30, you’re not in the 23. Which means today is the day it all starts to take shape.
Selected news items so far are that Francesco Totti, Luca Toni and Alessandro Nesta have all been left out of the 30 man Italy squad. Brazil coach Dunga cut to the chase and named his 23 with no Ronaldinho, no Roberto Carlos, no Ronaldo, no Adriano and no Alexandre Pato. He’ll name an additional seven later today, but it seems Dunga already knows who he wants to take. England coach Fabio Capello didn’t spring too many surprises, but did include internationally retired defender Jamie Carragher.
You can get a good look at the coaches decisions on our World Cup 2010 squad page, which we’ll be updating throughout the day. Also, please feel free to post any news and reactions in the comments here.
We’ve been reviewing the home and away jerseys of each of the 32 World Cup teams. Overall the standard has been pretty high I think. World Cup 2010 could be one of the best dressed tournaments in a while.
Today we’ll be getting an up close look at Australia’s World Cup gear. The home shirts didn’t go down too well on the Australia blog, but read on for a closer look, and for my reactions as a neutral, and please feel free to leave your own reviews in the comments.
Australia Home Shirt
You like? Find your Australia World Cup home jersey in our store.
Seems Nike were going for the retro look that’s very much in fashion for 2010, but it hasn’t quite come off. In theory the colours and the design make sense. Gold and green. But there’s maybe a little too much green around the neck and shoulders. It looks more rubgy league than retro, which doesn’t seem a great idea in a country where soccer is trying to stand out from the more established sports.
Maybe it looks better as part of the full kit?
Maybe not. That’s even more green. And seeing the full kit I think a big part of the problem is the white stripe that separates the two colours, because it seems to suggest the two should be kept apart. Maybe the basic problem is that the yellow is too bright for and the green is too dark and so the two colours don’t quite go together.
Australia Away Shirt
You like? Find your Australia World Cup 2010 away jersey in our store.
The away jersey seemed odd when it was first released. Now it makes a lot more sense. It’s obviously the same design as the home shirt, but in blue, dark blue and yellow.
The colours seem to work a little better in this away version, but I’m still finding it hard to shake the feeling that these look like jerseys for another sport.
Am I being too harsh here? It’s not as if these Australia jerseys are hideous. I don’t recoil in terror when I look at them. But I’m finding it hard to say anything too complimentary here. What do you think?
Here are the matches that the 32 World Cup teams will be using to tune their tactics and make the final squad decisions before the big show. Mexico is apparently from the “more is better” school of match scheduling. They are playing constantly throughout May and early June. Argentina, as far as published friendlies go, looks to be opting for training camp over match fitness, with only early home matches with Haiti and Canada. Giving themselves more time to soak up the coaching brilliance of Diego, no doubt.
If you’re going to be in any of the host countries for these dates, get yourself some pre-World Cup friendly tickets. It’s not quite a trip to the finals themselves, but it’s a lot cheaper and a much shorter trip.
Even with the best laid plans, things change, as the South Africa coaching staff (and anyone traveling to Europe last month) can tell you. As these dates get closer, we’ll update any cancellations or last-minute additions, and add the scores here, so check back to get a preview of who’s going into the World Cup on form, and who is stumbling before the party even starts.
Wednesday, May 5th: Argentina v. Haiti
Friday, May 7th: Mexico v. Ecuador
Monday, May 10th: Mexico v. Senegal
Thursday, May 13th:
Mexico v. Angola
Germany v. Malta
Saturday, May 15th: Paraguay v. North Korea
Sunday, May 16th:
Mexico v. Chile
South Korea v. Ecuador
Monday, May 24th:
Australia v. New Zealand
Japan v. South Korea
Portugal v. Cape Verde Islands
Argentina v. Canada
England v. Mexico
Tuesday, May 25th:
Georgia v. Cameroon
Greece v. North Korea
Ireland v. Paraguay
United States v. Czech Republic
Wednesday, May 26th:
Uruguay v. Israel
Netherlands v. Mexico
France v. Costa Rica
Thursday, May 27th:
South Africa v. Colombia
Denmark v. Senegal
Friday, May 28th:
Ireland v. Algeria
Paraguay v. Ivory Coast
Saturday, May 29th:
Spain v. Saudi Arabia
New Zealand v. Serbia
Sunday, May 30th:
Belarus v. North Korea
Nigeria v. Colombia
Chile v. Northern Ireland
Japan v. England
Tunisia v. France
Tuesday, June 1st:
Portugal v. Cameroon
Australia v. Denmark
Netherlands v. Ghana
Wednesday, June 2nd:
Azerbaijan v. Honduras
Greece v. Paraguay
Poland v. Serbia
Thursday, June 3rd:
Italy v. Mexico
Germany v. Bosnia-Herzegovina
Spain v. South Korea
Friday, June 4th:
France v. China
Japan v. Ivory Coast
Slovenia v. New Zealand
Saturday, June 5th:
Algeria v. United Arab Emirates
Netherlands v. Hungary
Romania v. Honduras
Serbia v. Cameroon
Slovakia v. Costa Rica
South Africa v. Denmark
United States v. Australia
Ghana v. Latvia
Switzerland v. Italy
Tuesday, June 8th:
Portugal v. Mozambique
Spain v. Poland