Group B: Epitaphs and Evolutions

Overview: A nine point Argentina distanced itself from a vicious competition for second edged out by an organized, resilient Korea. The South Koreans overcame a 4-1 loss to Argentina to bounce back against Nigeria and add to their dominant show against Greece. Maradona is different from other big-team managers in his positive atmosphere approach, and even though he has left a lot of good players at home, especially defensive players, his team look strong and motivated so far. Leo Messi has entertained, but not yet scored, will he make this his World Cup?

FINAL TABLE:

TEAM	WON	DRAWN	LOST	GOAL DIFFERENCE (FOR, AGAINST)	POINTS
	9	0	0	+6 (7,1)	7
	1	1	1	-1 (5,6)	4
	1	0	2	-3 (2,5)	3
	0	1	2	-2 (3,5)	1

Argentina Unassailable?


Tribute:
Lots of hugs to go around.

Analysis:

The hand of god has grown, and now the hugs of god using all of Maradona’s surface areas are driving Argentina forward. Is it enough? Not likely, Argentina might have gotten 9 points here but they showed evident weaknesses which better opposition could exploit.

Strengths:

Attacking, confidence and a good spirit fostered by a personality coach.... that was the idea. Maradona, however is not a master tactician, and his defensive neglect could prove costly going forward. Maradona is creating a great, forgiving atmosphere of positive encouragement in the team, this is strangely, a novel approach in a world of terror-coaching and negative pressure... but is it enough? If so Argentina can definitely go all the way to the final.

Prognosis: Argentina will have the toughest test yet against Mexico. Failure is not impossible, especially since they might take for granted their win against the Central Americans four years ago.  The Mexican test, if passed, will appropriately prepare them for the even tougher opposition to follow.

South Korea Methodical and Resilient


Tribute: 
Fast and furious the Koreans played,
Combining, running, scheming they stayed,
The Kimchi express is not to take lightly,
The holes in their net are easy to raid,
Their chances of progress are no more than slightly.

Analysis: Korea flow and perform as a team, but is it enough given lapses in concentration and physical strength? Their weakness is in holding a score, as their 6 goals conceded demonstrate.

Strengths: South Korea are efficient and creative in attack, with many options for scoring, but leaky in defence, where the inexperience and lack of physical ability is costing them. They are good at set pieces, comers and free kicks, and dangerous from both wings. Their pressing of the opponents after being ahead has been very very effective so far. They can be overpowered by a team that does both thins better, like Uruguay for example.

Prognosis: South Korea will have a very hard time against Uruguay, anything else will be a surprise and great team achievement.

Greece Better but Time for Retirement


Epitaph: Getting things backwards once again.

Greece’s current talented generation of attackers is forced to play defensive football by their conservative coach. Rehhagel was brilliant before, but his style no longer suits the current generation of Greek players. The loss against South Korea was toothless in the opening match, and their lack of efficiency in front of goal was crucial. The turnaround against Nigeria to pick up the country’s first World Cup win is something to be content with though, and a hard question to answer is: will Greece manage to rebuild with a new generation and be back in 4 years?

Analysis: Injuries caused an insecure defence, despite the best efforts of Tzorvas the goalkeeper. The midfield simply lacked steam and speed to play the counterattacking football of 2004... against three physically fitter sides it didn’t work. The strangest part of it was, that against South Korea Rehhagel had his players attempt long ball, and even here the taller Greeks didn’t really manage to score against the fit South Koreans. 

Karagounis, Rehhagel, Charisteas, Katsouranis are all going to retire and Greece will have an extensive rebuilding process to do... nothing short of a complete revolution in style will work.

Nigerian Super Eagles Just Ordinary Chickens Again
Epitaph: No wingspan, no claws, no flight.

The Super Eagles continue their lack of form under new coach Lars Lagerback. Although they managed to qualify for the tournament, the Nigerian team is a shadow of its past self at present, with the current set of players refusing to perform well together. All in all what was the final straw was the lack of finishing, with many goals not finding the back of the net. Also crucial was the absence of commanding Chelsea central midfielder John Obi Mikel through injury... his presence adds stability and momentum going forward.  The FA is to be blamed for firing and hiring coaches too rapidly, Lagerback was given too little time with the team.... I am certain if allowed to continue the team can improve under him... if he wants to continue that is.

Analysis: Nigeria had a great defence at January’s African Nations Cup, but in South Africa the Shittu-Yobo Everton-Bolton combination functioned only against Argentina. Afterwards, the lack of midfield support meant Nigeria was attacked from too many sides, and this vulnerability proved costly. The main problem was with the offense, and with Sani Kaita’s red card which made all the difference. The attacking players played too far apart, they played the ball too much into space without good timing, something observed numerous times in all three games where a ball was sent forward without anyone running on to it.

Lars Lagerback – stubbornness marked his career with Sweden, and stubbornness marked his short tenure with Nigeria. True, he didn’t have much time to prepare the Super Eagles for the tournament, but he failed to create a functioning attack. He did however make them competitive despite the early disappointments. I think he should get a bit of congratulations for playing a role in the fact that Nigeria still could have qualified on the last matchday, and for really reading Argentina’s weaknesses to create an exciting first match.

11 Performances to Remember


Alexandros Tzorvas & Vincent Enyeama – In Tzorvas Greece look to have found a successor to their legendary goalkeeper Nikopolidis. His performances were solid and he can be blamed for none of Greece’s 5 goals outright.... he wasn’t that much better than Nigeria’s Vincent Enyeama who played brilliantly against Nigeria, and for most of his time on the pitch, making up for his defence’s lack of concentration... but Enyeama had at least two errors under pressure, forgivable for the amount of work he was asked to do in three games.

Chidi Odiah – Nigeria’s best outfield player, his excellent assist against South Korea looked to have qualified Nigeria. He didn’t manage to inspire the rest of his team though....

Martin Demichelis – Scored a goal, and played generally well except for the horrific mistake which gifted Korea a goal which also puts him in the flops category.

Walter Samuel – Excellent and solid in the two games he played. Looks reassuring and continuing his excellent play for Champions League winners Inter all season.

BEST OF THE GROUP: Lee Chung Yong – Bolton’s right midfielder had an excellent season in England and is now continuing his excellent work on the right of Korea’s offense in South Africa. He is unpredictable, combines well with team mates, and scored a crucial goal for Korea. A tough call but three good performances earned it.

Lee Jung Soo – Not the best defensive performances, but Korea’s central defender showed why he is known for scoring goals while finding the net against both Nigeria and Greece, crucial goals to his country’s advancement. Was weak in defence and for that reason was not the best in the group.

Leo Messi – Moments of brilliance from the little world renowned sprite lit up this group, even if though he failed to score he is included in the present company due to the Oooh Ahhh factor which has been badly needed so far in this tournament.

Georgios Samaras – A hope for Greek football, if he improves his scoring. He played up front alone against Argentina, and looked very dangerous at times.

Park Chu Young – Hi energy, and most importantly his goal against Nigeria was crucial to Korea advancement. He managed to look dangerous the whole time on the pitch with runs and unpredictable forward play.

Gonzalo Higuain – Scored a hat trick, although not a marvellous one against Korea. He seems to fit well into the team, and has taken the place of Diego Milito in the team who is generally considered the better forward.

Alexandros Tziolis – Looked dangerous from Greece’s left back slot... especially against Korea where he looked the only determined player on his team at times.

Coach:  Huh Jung Moo – The Korean coach has managed to bring to this tournament a collected, well integrated, effective unit... who still concede a lot of goals under pressure but manage to go forward dangerously and threaten any opponent. The fact that they barely qualified was not due to tactical shortcomings, but due to a bad half against Argentina, the victory against Greece and Nigeria make him deserve praise, even more so as South Korea look the only Asian team to leave the group stage.

Honourable Mention: While so many big teams are failing and trailing the blag sludge of negative pressure around this tournament, Maradona deserves praise for deploying a secret weapon: THE HUG. Despite his tactical failures, and Argentina’s vulnerability he managed to win all three games in his group. When questioned by journalists at a press conference about the hug, he intelligently responded: “many of these lads did not receive sufficient hugs in their life, and they need positive support to see this through.” Don’t laugh.... It’s no easy achievement to hug Carlos “Apache” Tevez!

11 Flops to Forget

The goalkeepers all did fine so the flop team doesn’t get one.

Jonas Gutierrez – Not his fault, but Maradona playing him at right defence almost backfired against Nigeria. Argentina has a good attacking winger in Gutierrez, but he has no experience as a defender, and was often out of position. Not a disaster yet, but a potential one.

Martin Demichelis – ALSO in the flops as well as memorable, due to his horrible mistake allowing Park Ji Sung of South Korea to steal the ball and score against the run of play.

Joseph Yobo – The Everton defender, like his attacking club colleague Yakubu failed to reproduce club form for country. He was not the defensive rock on which Nigeria could be forgiven for their mistake-prone game.

Rabiu Afolabi – Deployed twice by Lagerback, but we will never understand why. Did nothing.

Sani Kaita – His red card against Greece ruined Nigeria’s chances, turning the game around and in retrospect, demoralizing his team and preventing the few millimetres they lacked to progress from the group. Despite being a decently performing player in the Russian Premiership, lately with Alaniya, his football contribution was minimal, and he even fails as candidate for worst of the group.

Peter Odemwingie – Much was expected of the Lokomotiv Moscow playmaker, he did very little. He looked moderately dangerous against Argentina in the first game, before failing to impress against Greece.

Georgios Karagounis – Finally over the hill... the marvellous Greek attacking midfielder, the goal creating hero of the Greek team, that was so important in qualification was anything but marvellous here, running out of steam in every first half that he played.

Chinedu Obasi  - One of the best players in the German Bundesliga with surprise-powerhouse Hoffenheim over the best two years... all the elements were here for him to have a great tournament, and he managed to squander every opportunity he had. Would be a candidate for worst if it wasn’t that he actually ran and made quite an effort.

Angelos Charisteas –  Too little, too late. The hero of the Greek European Championship struggled through his first game against Korea before being left out of the team. A tough ending for the player that was once the important-goal-scoring mascot of the Greek team.

FLOP OF THE GROUP: Yakubu Ayegbeni – the miss against South Korea towards the end of the game, and the fact that of all the opportunities he only managed to hit a penalty is inexcusable. Yakubu was a major let down and failed to match his club form miserably for Nigeria... not replacing him with another forward, such as Utaka or Martins was a persistent stubborn failure from Lars Lagerback.

Coach: 

Otto Rehhagel – He has had years to prepare Greece, and now its time for a change, given that his monumental achievement when winning the 2004 European Championship was built on a solid defence, he has failed to realize that the new generation of Greeks is better at attacking than defending, and a defensive style of game no longer suits them. 

Nigeria - Greece - 1 Goal the Difference Between a Dynasty and an Emergency Coach

Greece won their first ever World Cup match, and scored their first ever World Cup goal.

Their coach Rehhagel has had 7 years in charge of the team.

Nigeria will blame this loss on Lars Lagerback, but he has had less than 3 months to shape his team.

Nigeria are our of the World Cup, except for a miracle scenario in which case Argentina destroy Greece and they sink South Korea with a lot of goals.

The Nigerian red card was deserved, Sani Kaita lost his head... the rest of the team just folded and let the Greeks attack them for the better part of the game. With this many attacks, not even a brilliant Enyeama could prevent goals. The Greeks won this match as the more stable and composed team... Nigeria need more work, more integration and more time to develop a playing style which they can impose on others.

The current Nigeria is a week team, with good individuals. Not many tactics can be successfully applied to a weekly integrated team.

Preview for Thursday June 17th

 VERSUS

Time: 1330h
Match: Argentina v South Korea (Group B)

Overview: South Korea has one of the best performances during the first round of matches, Argentina not necessarily. Will the Argentine technicians  master the silly Jambulani ball or will this be another messy 1-0 or 1-1 game or a Messi 4-0?

Regardless Korea’s scintillating play could mean serious trouble for Argentina especially down their vulnerable right defensive side.

Venue: Johannesburg - Soccer City Stadium


Referee: Franck de Bleeckere (Belgium)
Date of Birth: 01.07.1966
Height: 182 cm
Place of residence: OUDENAARDE
Occupation: PR manager
Mother tongue: Dutch
Other languages: French, English, German
International since: 1998
First international: Portugal-Wales (02.06.2000)
Hobbies: Tennis, travelling
Fondest memory: FIFA U-17 World Cup Peru 2005 (Final) Brasil v. Mexico; FIFA World Cup Germany 2006; UEFA Euro Austria-Switzerland 2008 (Semi-final) Spain v. Russia

Analysis: Korea showed that they are organized and capable in getting the ball forward. If they can hold the individual efforts of Tevez, Messi or Di Maria then they could get something out of this game. The effort of Argentina’s defensive midfield, which thanks to Maradona’s arrogance means only Mascherano will make a difference here. Important also is wether Jonas Rodriguez has learned to play right back yet.

Key Players: 

Leo Messi, of course. If anyone can master the Jambulani ball and show something special its him.

Park Ji-Sung, the Korean schemer will have to defeat Mascherano in their midfield duel and create dangerous attacks for Korea. Will he manage?

Danger Men:

Lee Chung Yong,  Korea’s best right winger could start on the left just to better exploit Argentina’s problem, but wether right or left he will certainly be able to cause problems for the Southern South Americans.

Walter Samuel was the real man of the match against Nigeria for his defensive performance, and if he play as well against South Korea it will be very difficult to score against Argentina.

Previous Matches: 2 Games played, 2 won by Argentina who outscored the Koreans 4-1.

Weaknesses: Argentina are vulnerable at the back, especially down the right defensive side, where inexperienced winger Jonas Guttierez is being played instead of surprisingly absent veteran captain Javier Zanetti. Another weakness of Argentina could be lack of replacement for Javier Mascherano the defensive midfielder, who will start looking exhausted at some point soon.

Korea lack the class of the Argentine players, even though they are good and capable professionals. They could find themselves thrown off by the Argentina dribbling and fast paced attack and lose all of their new found confidence if a couple of goals roll into their goal.

Strengths: Argentina is an attacking machine, at least on paper so far. Their technique, speed and dribbling dominates games and is dangerous to any opposition.

Korea is disciplined and hard working, and this can mean 90 minutes of danger to their opponents who should stay concentrated and respect their threat.

Playing style: Maradona field a rather offensive team, with little midfield support to the defence. This did not pay off against Nigeria, and could be a detriment in a World Cup with very few goals scored so far. The trident of attacking midfielders, two wingers and Messi is a tempting style for Argentina, but it needs to start earning dividends.

Korea attack through the center and in the wings. Their defense looked very good and prepared at quickly getting the ball forward to counter-attack. Can they hold off Argentina’s pressure?

Most likely scenario:

In a normal world, both teams at the top of their game Argentina wins this 3-1.

A slight surprise would be:

A small win for Argentina 1-0 or a draw.

A real shocker would mean:

South Korea humble Maradona and Argentina.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 VERSUS

Time: 1600h

Match: Greece v. Nigeria (Group B)

Overview: The Greeks were week in their opening match, but are capable of a lot more. The Nigerians were strong in their opening match, and deserved a draw against Argentina, so they are the favourites to sweep away the Greeks and advance to the second round. Their key game will  be against Korea, but they must secure 3 points today.

Venue: Mangaung/Bloemfontein - Free State Stadium

Referee: Oscar RUIZ (COL) Country:Colombia  

Date of Birth: 01.11.1969

Height: 185 cm

Place of residence: Villavicencio

Occupation: Lawyer, University teacher

Mother tongue: Spanish

Other languages: Portuguese, English

International since: 1995

First international: Paraguay-Venezuela (12.07.1995)

Hobbies: Music, reading, watching sports on TV

Fondest memory: FIFA World Cup Korea/ Japan 2002 FIFA World Cup Germany 2006

Analysis: Greece knows how to defend, although their defence was shaky against South Korea, Rehhagel should fix this for today’s match, and this means Nigeria has to be lethal in front of goal. Of course a Greek win is not impossible, if the Super Eagles fail to create and score.

Key Players: 

Theofanis Gekas is a goalscorer, and if he finds out how to hit the Jambulani properly, he can be a lethal danger to the Nigerian hopes.

Vincent Enyeama had a fantastic game against Argentina, will he be able to remain consistent in his performance?

Danger Men:

Luckman Haruna of Monaco had a decent match against Argentina, can the young player mark his name on a goal against Greece?

Soitirois Kyrgiakos should be back for Greece, his defensive abilities were missed in the first match, and he is good enough to be a catalyst for his team.

Weaknesses: Nigeria have shown lapses of concentration and consistency in the past, maybe Swedish coach Lagerback has managed to do something about that in his short spell in charge. They are vulnerable to hold and counter-attack tactics as was seen in the African Nations Cup, and waste a lot of chances in front of goal.

Greece are a bit slow on the temp and old, which is what caused their initial problems against Korea. If Nigeria manages to up the tempo against them they could really suffer. Another weakness is goal opportunity creation, which can sometimes run dry, and almost entirely depends on the aging Karagounis.

Strengths: Nigeria are physically powerfull and fast, and have some technical ability, a combination that could make life difficult for Greece.

Greece is clever on set pieces and can deploy a patient tactical approach well for 90 minutes, winning 1-0 very often.

Playing style: Nigeria attack on the wings in a 4-4-2 system, with two defensive midfielders supporting the defence, and one striker and one forward working together to do the hard work up front. They are physically strong and fast on the counterattack which makes them a dangerous opponent. Lars Lagerback’s favourite system plays well to these strengths, and the performance of the wingmen is key to their success.

Greece have a very solid defence-first approach, which didn’t work against Korea. They sit, catch the opposing team then score on the break forward. They depend on tall players to win high balls, like the long ball they tried without success against Korea. This advantage however is gone against Nigeria.

Previous Matches:

2 Games played, 1 Win each, 2 goals each. 

Most likely scenario: 

A 1-1 draw.

A slight surprise would be:

Either team win. Greece is slightly more suprising.

A real shocker would mean:

Either team win big.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 VERSUS 

Time: 2030h

Match: France v. Mexico (Group A)

Overview: Following Uruguay’s win last night, this game is an elimination game for both teams. France have to win against a tough, well integrated opponent that is Mexico. Mexico have to show that they are capable of beating the World’s best once again. This is a key match.

Venue: Polokwane - Peter Mokaba Stadium

Referee: Khalil AL GHAMDI (KSA) – The Saudi is a strange choice for what is bound to be a difficult match to referee. Does he have enough top level experience for this kind of game or is FIFA making another Jambulani?

Country:Saudi Arabia  

Date of Birth: 02.09.1970

Height: 177 cm

Place of residence: Jeddah

Occupation: Teacher

Mother tongue: Arabic

Other languages: English

International since: 2003

First international: Yemen-United Arab Emirates (08.09.2004)

Hobbies: Swimming

Fondest memory: FIFA U-17 World Cup Finland 2003 FIFA U-20 World Cup Netherlands 2005

Analysis:  France must win, but Domenech is not likely to change too much from the side that played Uruguay to a 0-0 as it was one of the best performances of his team in years, which is not saying it was a great performance. Mexico need to be covered in midfield, but not abandon their attacking options, which is a tough challenge for the manager Javier Aguirre in needing to strike the right balance. In other words, even though both teams must win, this promises to be a tight affair.

Key Players: 

Abou Diaby, was France’s best player in last game, bringing dynamism and danger to the offense, and covering in defence. It would take a dolt like Domenech to change him, but since a normal manager wouldn’t remove him we will assume the energy he brings to midfield is key for France.

Gerardo Torrado, does the same thing for Mexico as Toulalan for France, a defensive midfielder that relaunches attacks after good tackles, and has a vicious long shot, although we might never know that after the Jamboulani’s is making shooting tougher.

Danger Men:

Franck Ribery is off course a real danger man, but we are yet to see if it is to his own team or the opposition given his form lately. He has to rediscover his brilliant midfield play and shake off personal problems in order to create the goal opportunites his team need to advance.

Giovani dos Santos had a very good game against South Africa, and the young attacking midfielder can really re-earn his reputation with a good performance leading Mexico’s offense today His dribbling and crossing will be a threat to France.

Missing player:

France have lost Cedric Carrasso their third goalkeeper to injury.

Weaknesses: France are finding it very difficult to score lately, which is incredible given the talent in the team. They are also playing several players in unnatural positions which can cause confusion and mistakes in key situations. In short, France’s coach is their weakness.

Mexico find it tough to play physically strong teams, and can be outmuscled in corner kicks and freekicks, or in the midfield. They are also rather open and attacking as a team, meaning that they leave a lot of space which could be a major weakness that France will exploit.

Strengths: France are talented. Their players are capable of a lot in every position. Their defensive midfielder Toulalan seems to be in great form which should make life hard for Mexico.

Mexico have very effective attack based on dangerous wingplay. They can get the ball into the box with a good cross and score rather quickly. If they can beat of France’s physical presence to create the right kind of tempo in attack this could prove lethal.

Playing style: France have been playing with a single attacker and five midfielders of late. Anelka is the lone striker that needs to link up with the midfield and produce the movement that results in goals. This 4-5-1 formation is rather timid for a team with such attacking potential, but it makes France very hard to score on. 

Mexico are normally a 4-4-2 team, but here play a flexible 4-3-3 that works as a 4-5-1 when needing to hold a tough opponent like France. Their wing play is very important, and most of their goals come from high and low crosses.

Previous Matches:

The teams have played 6 games, France winning 5 outscoring Mexico 15-4 and 1 game has been a draw.

Most likely scenario:

France will win 2-1.

A slight surprise would be:

A draw.

A real shocker would mean:

A Mexican win.

Match Preview: ARGENTINA versus NIGERIA

VERSUS

Match: ARGENTINA versus NIGERIA (Group B)
Date: June 12th 2010
Time: 1600h


Venue: Johannesburg Elis Park Stadium
Capacity: 62567 People

Referee: Wolfgang Stark (Germany)

Country: Germany
Date of Birth: 20.11.1969
Height: 191 cm
Occupation: Banker
Mother tongue: German
Other languages: English
International since: 1999
First international: Azerbaijan-Moldova (24.03.2001)
Hobbies: Sports
Fondest memory: EURO 2008 Qualifier: Greece v Turkey; Olympic Football Tournament Beijing 2008

Analysis:


Overview: Argentina's passing game should dominate the match, with the fast and physical Nigerians counter-attacking. The Nigerians have a strength advantage but not necessarilly fitness.

Form:
Argentina, off course, after 18 months of terrible play seem to have hit a major high obliderating everything between.
Nigeria have not have as much time since their formidable defense, and useless offense during January’s African Nations Cup with coach Lars Lagerback who as team icon Nwanko Kanu said laughingly “he taught us three things we thought we knew, hard work, teamwork and (chuckling) discipline”


Key Men:

Leo Messi, number 10, will he or won’t he finally play like only Messi knows for his country?

Obafemi Martins, number 9, will he or won’t he show the form he once had with Inter Milan for Nigeria?

Men to watch:

Gonzalo Hugain, number 9, has earned Maradona’s preference over European Champion Diego Milito... its not that surprising will he keep it?

Sani Kaita, 14, will have tall shoes to fill in the absence of John Obi Mikel as a defensive midfielder... will he be able to?

Previous Matches:
The teams have played 4 times, Argentina winning twice with 2 draws Argentina scoring three goals and Nigeria 1 goal.

Most likely scenario:
Argentina take Nigeria 2-0.

A slight surprise would be:
A draw.

A real upset would mean:
A well organized Nigeria surprises an overconfident Argentina 3-0.

Recommended Recipe for your meal to accompany this game:

Asado goes with both cultures so I recommend Asado with Nigerian and Argentine beer

To start I propose Jollof Rice, a Nigerian delicacy to accompany the asado.

This spicy tomato paste rice goes excellenty with Argentina’s grilling techniques.

INGREDIENTS

INSTRUCTIONS

Makes enough for about 6-8 people.  4 cups (or about 1 liter) white rice  2 tomatoes and 1 bell pepper (without seeds if you don't like things too hot)        OR 8 ounces (or about ¼ liter) canned tomato sauce and 3 ounces (or about 90 milliliters) canned tomato paste  Onion  Salt  Dry Red Pepper (like Cayenne pepper)  Meat broth (about 1 cup or ¼ liters) or Magi cubes (about 4)  Water

Unless the rice is pretty clean, you will want to rinse it before cooking it. Put the rice and about 6 cups (or about 1½ liters) of water into a pot and place on high heat. (Some people prefer to boil the water and add the rice to boiling water. This is fine too.) If you are using fresh ingredients (the tomatoes and pepper) blend them until they are smooth in texture (you can also grind the onion with this mixture). Let the rice cook 10-15 minutes. Add either the tomato/pepper mixture or the tomato sauce and tomato paste. If you have not added the onion, you can slice or dice it now and add to the pot, depending on how large you like your onions. Add enough water to allow the rice to complete cooking (since you will not be draining the rice, it is better to add too little and check up on it often, than to add too much). If you have any meat broth from boiling any meat, you can add it to this as well. Otherwise, unless you are a vegetarian, suggest adding about 4 magi cubes for taste. Add about 2 teaspoons of salt, and about ½ a teaspoon of dry red pepper (as the rice is cooking, or as you are eating the finished product, you can add more of either one of these so I really suggest starting out small, also useful if different people who will be dining have different tastes). Allow the rice to continue cooking until the rice is soft. If it is not dry at this point, then switch the heat to low to allow it to dry the excess water without making the rice much softer. (Also, some people prefer to bake it once they've added the ingredients...I suggest 350 degrees or so.) Once cooked, add more salt or pepper to it if you wish. HINT: Goes GREAT with dodo. and usually eaten with some meat on the side.

Group B Preview

The Group B Contenders

Argentina	15th World Cup appearance	33 Win 19 Loses 13 Draws	2 Time World Champions (79, 86) 1 Time Runners-Up & 14 Time South America Champions
Nigeria	4th World Cup appearance	4 Wins 1 Draw 6 Losses	2 times 1/16th finals in WC & 2 times African Champions (80, 94) 3 times Runners-Up & 7 times African third place
(South) Korea Republic	8th World Cup appearance	4 Wins 7 Draws and 13 Losses	4th Place in the World Cup 2002 & 2 Times Asian Champions (56, 60) 3 Times Runners up and 2 times 3rd Place
Greece	2nd World Cup appearance	0 Wins 0 Draws 3 Losses	European Champions 2004

Disclaimer:

By the end of the day my biggest subjectivity is for Argentina, I will forgive them everything and love the team something like this that word can’t describe:

The Expected Scenario

Leo Messi finally reproduces his Barcelona form for Argentina, Diego Maradona’s strange lack of defensive midfielders and defenders doesn’t prove costly and Argentina take the top spot. Nigeria had a very solid defense during the January African Nations Cup and this could see them continue their tradition and qualify out of the group in a tight context between Greece and South Korea. The conservative scenarios sees a tight contest between the Africa, Asian and European team for second place.

The Slight Surprise Scenario

Maradona’s madness causes problems again and Argentina don’t rise above the other three teams making this a highly exciting group of 4 contenders for first.

The Shocker Scenario

Argentina melts down, South Korea reproduces their home-turf performance of 2002, Nigeria finds poetic inspiration and Greece’s aging generation gives a last Hurrah. 

Nigeria shock Argentina with a concentrated performance, much like in 1994.

For the first time ever the group ends with three teams equal on goal difference, points and standings and South Korea go through on least red cards received together with Nigeria.

Obi Wan Asterix Subjectively Says

This will be an entertaining group.

Greece, Nigeria and Argentian were already in the same group in 1994, the same year when Maradona was definitelly banned for testing positive for drugs. Argentina destroyed Greece and Nigeria before losing to Bulgaria and Romania.

A giant that is limping, Argentina barely qualified for the World Cup. Nigeria, waiting to explode with offensive talent could barely score a goal during the African Nations Cup and defended their way to third place with exceptional backline and midfield disruptive football (rare for an African team). Greece is capable of a lot but only occasionally show anything worthy of even a grunt, this however is the last hurrah for an expetional old generation that once pulled a rabbit out of a hat to win the European Championship in Portugal (Deservedly).  South Korea, taken to great levels by Guus Hiddink nearly a decade ago, but showed nothing as spectacular over the past number of years. They are a hard working no nonsense team, if they score early they just might keep soring themselves out of the group, self-confidence is key for them.

This is a group hard to predict, the three teams besides Argentina all have great potential. Greece has all the attributes to go on, but South Korea and Nigeria have some as well. 

The analysis will come down to consistent performance. 

Key Personalities

Leo Messi

To even those that don’t really know what offsides is he need little to no introduction. The little handicapped teenager, known as "Pulga" or "Flea" that turned into what still seems like the greatest talent ever to grace the sport will have all eyes on him this tournament. While his performances for Barcelona have been legendary, his Argentina showings have usually been poor and anonymous. Can he finally break through like his illustrious coach once did and carry his capable teammates to do something extraordinary this World Cup?

Diego Armando Maradona

Cocaine, illegitimate children, handgoals, as a player he was legendary and infamous. Now he has tamed his addictions and become an angry middle aged ball of unformed emotions and fat. His temper tantrums and antics in Argentina are terryfying, under his coaching the team barely managed to qualify and failed to perform. Argentina’s performance will rely largely on wether or not el Diego can finally coach instead of showboating, as the team is not short on talent, except for the 2-3 best players in the world he has omitted from the squad.

John Obi Mikel

Plucked young from the Norwegian league, this Chelsea midfielder is a disciplined and consistent presence on the pitch. He has a tremendous defect though, he can’t score. His dynamic play often gets him into scoring positions, of which he only managed to score 3 opportunities during his 181 professional matches. Secure in his tackling, positioning and work on the pitch, Nigeria’s performance largely depends on his leadership and cool headedness, even if he won’t be noticed by the public or get on the scoresheet.

Lars Lagerbäck

A veritable dynasty in charge of a Swedish National team that never really managed to achieve anything. He was the embodyment of need-for-change with the Swedish national team. A slave of his 4-4-2 tactics, he is one of those coaches that forces players into positions rather than actually forming tactics around the best use of their abilities. Sounds bad? Gamla Lars (old Lars) might just be coach that Nigeria needed, brining discipline and allowing players to concentrate on performing simple tasks on the pitch to perfection. Nigeria’s problem has often been lack of concentration, teamwork and focus  and Lasse might just be the man.

Lee Woon-Jae

Nicknamed „Spider Hands” in Korea, he is one of the finest goalkeepers in Asia of all time. Even when his team has been underperforming this solid, consistent goalkeeper is underrated internationally. Can he prevent his spiders from getting squished and give his team the confidence behind them to repeat or better the glories of 2002?

Kim Nam-Il

If not Lee Woon-Jae then Kim Nam-Il is the veteran to give stability and leadership in a Korean midfield. He became a superstar in Korea due to his key performances in 2002, in fact his name is synonymous in Korean tabloids with sports superstardom, kind of like Beckham or CR9 in other places. Can he actually play? Yes, very well. He is a player underappreciated for his defensive and passing abilities, and its a surprise he never made it Europe until this January moving to Russian Permier League Tom Tomsk also-rans and becoming a key player in midfield.

Otto Rehhagel

Probably the most underrated coach in the game. Otto masterminded the impossible on many occasions, most notably Greece’s unbelievable European Championship win in 2004. This old and concentrated German, unlike Maradona, is a master of football tactics, evolving the traditional German style of 4-5-1 to new heights where his team holds an opponent to frustration before scoring on the few opportunities they get. A legend in Greece, he has a new generation under his hands will he manage to repeat his achievements? Very possible.

Giorgos Karagounis

The spiritual and hardworking leader of the Greek team during the 2004 win. Translation: he screams a lot at everyone and gets bursts of unbriddled passions on the ball that often result in a goal. The archetypal greek emotional patern, combined with fancy footwork, „Black” Gounis is a highly underrated player mainly due to the fact that he moved to Inter Milan where he got no playing time due to intense competition. He was a star in the Potruguese league and is probably the best player in the Greek league. If Greece does well, he will be somewhere near the center of the camera.

Sotirios Kyrgiakos

A horse posing as a human. This ponytailed giant, like Karagounis, was long underrapreciated and underrated. He formed a part of the perfect defense that conceded almost no goals druing the 2004 championship. He managed to move and integrate into Liverpool surprisingly this season, and is his individual defensive abilities really rank among the best in Europe. Sometimes he is very prone to bad runs of form. If he avoids this dip Greece can surprise everyone this World Cup.

Dimitris Salpigidis

No-so-handsome but very very effective. For the Athens clover team of Panathinaikos he so often darts down the right wing, cuts inside and scores goals. He constitutes a large part of the Greek offensive power. Don’t be surprised that his scoring will be directly related to Greek success, he doesn’t look the part.

Peter Odemwingie

Half Russian, half Nigerian born in Uzbekistan. As a player he combines the best traits of a Brazillian with a Danish winger. For Nigeria, although some coaches have not played him as often as they should have, he can really create goals for his teammates like few other players. His runs on the left wing are poetic yet dangerous, and an Odemwingie in form can make all the difference for an otherwise lackluster Nigerian attack. However, this often doesn’t happen due to lack of gel in the team, and lack of teamwork. Can Lars get Peter to be firing all cylinders by June 12?

Martín Palermo

A legend in the Tango heartland of the Boca neighbourhood in Buenos Aires.  He has scored phenomenal amounts of goals in his career, 235 in club football. Ever since his legendary missing of three penalties in one game during the Copa America match versus Colombia which saw Argentina eliminated, he has been ignored by the national team. Now at 36 Maradona has recalled him to the team and he scored the vital goals which qualified Argentina to the World Cup and has kept scoring ever since... largely from the bench. Palermo is charismatic, and he could end up very well known indeed after this Word Cup, he has all the abilities necessary, but a piece of advice: I  would not let him take any more penalties..

Diego Milito

The best attacker in the World this season. He fired Inter Milan to the triple crown of the Serie A, the Italian Cup and the Champion’s League. He also received the award from the player’s association of „friendliest and kindest colleague” for two years running. Nobody really paid attention to him for a long time even though he was bagging loads of goals at various levels until his transfer to Inter. He was part of the Racing de Avellaneda team that won the Argentine championship after 35 years, for this I will be forever gratefull  Maradona, doesn’t play him, so his inclusion in the squad needed nothing short of greatnerss, but he could still end up on the bench.

Juan Sebastián Verón

„La Bruja” or „the Witch” Verón’s second coming is now. He had a career that saw him play for many of Europe’s top clubs including Manchester United and Lazio. He has the ability to put a pass on the head of a nail from 100 meters away, and this is what Maradona is hoping for in including this veteran in the team. He is rather slow now, can his experience make up for it?

Walter Samuel

The rock in the Inter Milan defense this season that made all the difference in qualifying. His career has been nothing short of phenomenal, although quiet. He doesn’t get in the media much despite having played for the likes of Real Madrid, Inter and Roma. Can Samuel show the solidity traditionally present in the Argentine defense, or will he return to the characteristic flappy-lazy defense of Diego’s national team? It was his partnership with Demichelis that shored it up allowing qualification.

Carlos Tévez

An emblem in the premiership, “el Apache” has a nickname given to him due to the slum in Buenos Aires he comes from. He pulled a pot with boiling water on his face when he was a child leaving a famous deformation on his face. Wayne Rooney was compared to him once, but Carlos has played much better for his clubs than for the national team. Can he deliver this World Cup and rationalize the fact that he is Diego’s first choice despite often failing to impress? Keep an eye on him when he has the ball, things happen.

Park Ji-Sung

When he moved to Manchester United, some of the English press thought it was just t attract viewers from Asia. He has proven them wrong, sort-off, although he never rediscovered his top form at Man Utd, this hard working offensive midfielder is the captain and leader of the Korean team. The Korean attacking game depends largely on his creativity and leadership against tough opposition. Watch out for his crossing ability.

Unknowns Set to Shine

Ángel Di María

An unknown only because he is Argentine, and has a lot of comepetition for the limelight. This winger is largely responsible for Benfica’s great season, and his power in dribbling and thundering long distance shooting, despite having the appearance of a skinny kid, makes him one of the most anticipated young players at this World Cup.

Sergio Agüero

Again, only unknown because he is very young and still has just begun to live up to the massive expectation placed on him. As Maradona’s son-in-law his selection was something of a sure thing, and that is controversial, but luckily he managed to achieve the small task of leading Atletico Madrid to Europa Cup glory this season. He is a small forward that dribbles and creates, kind of an alternative to Tevez. Far from „unknown” this World Cup for him is an opportunity to claim the greatness which he is capable of.

Javier Pastore

Starred with unfancied Huracan, then moved to unfancy Palermo, but for his young age has forced his way into Maradona’s team. Pastore is another Argentina that truly has a special talent of finding the shortcut to goal. He might even be a starter.

Chinedu Obasi

One of the small band of players that put formerly unknown Hoffenheim on the footballing map. As Hoffenheim continued to challenge for the top spots in the Bundesliga, so Obasi did provide the explosive energy on their offensive right wing which saw them regulary beat such giants as Bayern of Schalke. He was probably one of the best performing Nigerians during the African Nations cup which doesn’t say much, but if Nigeria manages to make an impact in South Africa then Obasi will be in the photograph.

Ki Sung-Yong

Blah blah blah „Korean Gerrard.” English Ki Sung-Yong? Not a chance! Sung-yong plays for Scottish giants Celtic since this past January and how!  He has made himself a regular star with Celtic, with dynamic and powerful play. Expect him to at least reveal a moment of brilliance in this group in the Korean center midfield.

Lee Chung-Yong

Another Korean young supertalent, and one of the best young revelations in the English premiership this season. A clever and talented right-winger Chung-Yong is a veritable danger to any opposition. Already a starter with Korea, he is highly unlikely to leave the World Cup unnoticed on the world stage.

Sotiris Ninis

Perhaps the heir to Karagounis as the creative drive of the Greek team, there is no doubt that Ninis can dribble and pass like few players. This small Greek has gotten extensive top level experience this season and has a big chance to make a big impact on this World Cup.

The Schedule

3	12/06 @ 1600h
4	12/06 @ 1330h
19	17/06 @ 1600h
20	17/06 @ 1330h
35	22/06 @ 2030h
36	22/06 @ 2030h