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As the home team, a lot was expected from Germany in the 2006 World Cup. However, things didn’t work out as they had wanted and the team could not move on to the final. Now after four years, the German football team will wish to start afresh and win the road to glory in South Africa. The three time World Cup winners are currently ranked 6 in the FIFA ratings and hope to clinch the title for the fourth time when they enter the field in this year’s tournament.

How They Got There?

Lucas Podolski Can Tear Any Defense Apart

The discipline and efficiency of the players ensured that the German team bags the first position in group 4 of the European qualifying round for 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. Out of the 10 games that they played, the team won 8 matches and drew 2. Germany showed all the class needed to beat strong opponents like Finland and Russia. The team started with a big bang after they beat minnows Liechtenstein by 6-0 goals. In a closely contested game with Finland, Miroslav Klose’s splendid hat-trick saved their day with a draw. Against rivals Russia, the Germans played all round attacking football and won in both home and away matches. It was more or less obvious that the team will easily qualify for South Africa and that came in the penultimate match against Russia.

The Coach

As the national coach Joachim Low has improved the temperament and style of the German football team to a significant extent. After taking the job, the main objective of this former striker was to lift the spirits and continue the attacking style which his predecessor Jurgen Klinsmann had instilled into the side. Low puts stress on total discipline and hard work, which according to him are the keys to improve the skills and performances of players.  Under the coaching of Low, the team has relied heavily on a strong midfield with a 4-4-2 format. However, in some crunch matches, he has also experimented with 4-2-3-1 formation.

The Team

How Many Will The German Guns Deafen?

Prior to their journey to South Africa, the team suffered a major setback after their main striker and captain Michael Ballack was ruled out due to injury. However, keeping aside their misfortune, they would rely heavily on Miroslav Klose and Lukas Podolski to make up the attacking line up. The midfield has players like Bastian Schweinsteiger and Sami Khedira who will be backed by a expert defenders such as Arne Friedrich and Philipp Lahm. In the absence of Ballack, Lahm has been made the captain. Manuel Neuer will act as the main goalkeeper of the side.

They Are Well Know For Hard Tackling Style

With their attacking style and power football, Germany does have that firepower needed to be the side to lift the 2010 World Cup.

Others in Group D

1. Australia
2. Serbia
3. Ghana

Italy will look forward to retain their position as the defending world champions when they step into the players’ shoes in this year’s world cup. The team will look to continue their impressive run from the 2006 World Cup in Germany and hope that history repeats itself again this year too. A mix of exuberance and experience, the Italian football team is perhaps the perfect side to support if you are a fan of traditional football.

THE REIGNING WORLD CHAMPIONS

How They Got There?

By their sheer skill, strength and temperament, Italy easily reached the top spot of the qualifying round of this year’s tournament. With a total of 7 wins and 3 draws, the ticket to the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa was achieved more or less easily by the team. Right from the first game when they defeated Cyprus, the Italians looked in commanding form and impressed  fans with a fine display of attack and defense. With 1 match to spare, Italy drew with Ireland and booked their berth to South Africa.

Italy Boost A Strong Forward in Gilardino

The Coach

One of the well known coaches in world football, Marcello Lippi has been a key exponent behind such splendid form of Italy. This 61 year old Italian is best known for making unique decisions on and off the field which has led to great results. During his stint as the national coach of Italy, he has brought out new tactics which have earned him accolades. The main objective of such techniques is to utilize a player’s skills in a suitable way to achieve best results. Under the coaching of Lippi, Italian football has reached new heights and instilled a sense of confidence and unity among the players.

The Team

Azzuris Looking To Expand Their Reign

Alberto Gilardino has every possibility to be the star performer for Italy in this year’s world cup. This prolific striker is known for speed and strong shots and was the top scorer in the qualifying matches. He earned praises after scoring a stunning hat-trick against Cyprus. Midfielder Simone Pepe is also in good form and has scored well in some of the club matches. Captain Fabio Cannavaro is the main defender of the side while the goalkeeping will be done by Gianluigi Buffon. Both Cannavaro and Buffon are experts in the game and will bring that added touch of experience to the squad.

As Ever They Have The Strongest Defense

The Azzurris will spare no effort to retain their pride and defend the champion crown this time too. Its going to be a  hard battle but they have that fire power to win it.

Others in Group F

1. Paraguay
2. New Zealand
3. Slovakia

9th July 2006 was really a black day for France after they lost the finals against Italy on a penalty shootout in that years World Cup Final. Four years have passed and France will definitely wish to reverse their fortunes in the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. The new generation of French players will try to continue the legacy of Platini and Zidane as they take on the field in South Africa and go past their opponents with style.

How They Got There?

How Many Will King Henry Enslave

After becoming World Cup champions in 1998, France did not perform so well in the 2002 version of the tournament. Fortune still did not favor them and in spite of coming so close to the title, the French team lost the finals to Italy by penalties in 2006. In the 2010 World Cup qualifiers, France performed pretty well. Although the team lost to Austria in the first match, they were quick to bounce back and win versus Serbia. More wins and draws followed and the team was well placed in the tables. Finally, the certificate of qualifying was achieved after France won the play off against Ireland through an extra time goal.

The Coach

After France’s dismal performance in 2002, it was time for making some changes in the team. This is when Raymond Domenech stepped in as the coach of the team and got it out of rough waters. Since then, he has become an integral part of French football team and is now the longest serving national coach. Under his coaching, the team performed exceptionally and also lifted themselves to become runners-up in 2006 Germany World Cup. This former French player mainly relies on an innovative forward style with 2 wide attacking players and a single striker.

The Team

Les Blues Gunning For Success

The French football team blends the enthusiasm of youth with the experience of star performers. With Thierry Henry and Nicolas Anelka as the main strikers, there is always a chance of winning. Henry is in good form and has had a good stint with Barcelona. Players like Franck Ribery are expected to make a good impression while the defense line will be taken care of by William Gallas and Sebastien Squillaci. Despite his young age, goalkeeper Hugo Lloris has earned praises for his wonderful saving skills and quick sense of mind.

Magic Touch of Anelka Ready To Cast A Spell

The never say die attitude matched with an all out attack are the main keys behind the success rate of the  Les Bleus. Hopefully we will get to see the same this time too

Others in Group A

1. South Africa
2. Uruguay
3. Mexico

FIFA World Cup eluded the legendary Johan Cruyff and co. in 1974. Four years later, Cruyff wasn’t there but his compatriots still reached the World Cup final and again lost it. That’s how Netherlands has been, entertaining the entire world with Rinus Michels’ Total Football, but hasn’t been able to win any major crown except 1988 European Championships. Netherlands performance in 1974 was incredible as they defeated Brazil, Argentina and East Germany in the second round to reach the finals. But hosts West Germany defeated the Dutch by 2-1. In their next World Cup in 1978, again Netherlands displayed brilliant football and after beating Austria and Italy, they drew with West Germany to reach the finals against the hosts, Argentina. In the controversy marred final, Netherlands lost 3-1 and history was repeated again. But in 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa Netherlands are looking highly ambitious and dangerous too.

How They Got There?

Arjen Robben's Trickery Will Cause Nightmares

The Flying Dutchmen have shown tremendous form in the qualifiers by winning all the eight matches. They defeated FYR Macedonia, Iceland, Norway and Scotland in both home and away matches. In the process they scored 17 goals and conceded just 2. Despite the presence of Norway and Scotland, Netherlands comfortably topped Group 9 and sailed straight to the World Cup finals.

The Coach

Netherlands national football team is coached by Bert van Marwijk, a former Dutch club footballer with an ordinary playing career. As a coach, Marwijk’s biggest achievement was when he led the Dutch club Feyenoord to lift the UEFA Cup in 2002. Apart from coaching several Dutch football clubs, he also coached German giant Borussia Dortmund. Though appointment of Bert van Marwijk as Holland’s national coach was not received positively by the fans, his cent percent success rate in the qualifiers has taken him to a different level. And with the legends like Philip Cocu, Frank de Boer and Dick Voorn assisting Marwijk, things are certainly looking positive for the coach. Just like his predecessors Marwijk too believes in attacking football and so far it has paid off well.

The Team

How Will The Flying Dutchmen Fare?

The Netherlands world cup squad is full of young players. The forward line comprises of Bayern Munich’s Arjen Robben, Arsenal’s striker Robin van Persie and Liverpool duo Ryan Babel and Dirk Kuyt. The midfield has Bayern’s Mark van Bommel, Manchester City’s Nigel de Jong and Real’s Rafael van der Vaart. The formidable Dutch defense that conceded only two goals in the qualifiers have PSV’s Andre Ooijer, Feyenoord‘s Giovanni van Bronckhorst, Bayern’s Edson Braafheid and Hamburg’s Joris Mathijsen. Ajax’s Maarten Stekelenburg will be the chief custodian for the Dutch.

How Much Justice Will They Bring To Their Skills

2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa will be Netherland’s ninth World Cup appearance. Despite giving the world some of the most gifted players, lifting the World Cup has still been a dream for Netherlands. Will the Bert van Marwijk led team be able to achieve what their predecessors couldn’t? Will Netherlands put a stop to the allegations of “big match chokers” forever in South Africa? We do not know yet, but just a few more days wait and all will be unveiled in the greatest show on earth.

Others in Group E

1. Denmark
2. Japan
3. Cameroon

Excessive money and complacency is perhaps the main cause of defeat. Nothing more can justify this statement than India’s ouster from the ongoing Micromax Cup in Zimbabwe. While a lot was said about the new look Indian cricket team, the BCCI (Board of Cricket Control in India) was perhaps not so keen to get the basics right and the team had to pay for it. Playing IPL at home and international ODI matches are completely different and India could not understand this simple logic. The board sent a team which had inexperienced youngsters who had never played outside the country and they faltered.

Defeated By The Minnows Zimbabwe!

Before the IPL 2010, a lot of things were said about how it would hone the skills of youngsters and make them fit for the international level. However, time has proved that mere club level T20 cricket can never be the substitute for international tournaments. First it was the T20 World Cup debacle and now the Micromax Cup (featuring Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka), defeat has again proved that class and not gimmick is needed to win matches. Barring Rohit Sharma (who made back to back centuries), all other players could not create any impression in this tournament. Out of 4 matches, the team could only have 1 win against Sri Lanka.

Rohit Sharma Only Saving Grace

On the eve of taking the flight to Harare, Indian captain Suresh Raina had said that his team did not have any flaws and were expected to perform excellently. But reality showed something else and reduced these dialogues into mere self praises. What was shocking was that India lost against minnows Zimbabwe in the very first match itself. The fans were completely taken at sea after that performance and everyone was surprised as to how it could happen. However, it needs to be said here that India were no match for their opponent who played splendid cricket all through. Elton Chigumbura’s men put up a spirited performance and excelled in all the sectors, be it batting, bowling or fielding. Their performance improved in the second match and India was literally thrashed by 7 wickets after being bowled out for a paltry 194.

Sri Lanka Hit The Final Nail In The Coffin

The successive loss to Zimbabwe meant that India had to win against Sri Lanka in their last match to stay in the tournament. But this time again, the team let their fans down and lost by 6 wickets. Setting a target of 269 to win, the Indian bowlers were absolutely out of path and the opponents could easily pile up the runs, thanks to a wonderful 114 runs partnership between Chamara Kapugedera and Dinesh Chandimal. The defeat meant India were out of the contest.

The skeletons are again out and it has been proved that money cannot buy performance. The so called stars who had eared millions in the IPL at home showed that they are still not mature enough to play in the international platform.

Talking about the Spanish football team, the only word that can be used is class! They are the second best team as per the FIFA rankings and have every chance to reign in the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. The Spanish are hoping for the big thing to happen this time which is already evident from their confidence and star performance. The Spanish team’s form is capable of creating some shivers down the spine of the competitors.

How They Got There?

How Much Change Will Fernando Torres Make

Winning the 2008 UEFA EURO Cup started the dream run for the La Roja, which will perhaps be completed only after winning the World Cup. With 6 successive wins, Spain started their  2010 World Cup qualifiers campaign on a big note. Quite amazingly they topped the group rankings of the qualifying stage having won all the 10 matches.  After winning against novices Bosnia-Herzegovina, Armenia, Estonia, they beat Turkey. However, their greatest win came versus Belgium at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium where they won by 5-0. There was no looking back for the Spanish team and the path to World Cup 2010 Finals was easily sealed.

The Coach

It was not an easy task for current coach Vicente del Bosque to take over from EURO winning coach  Luis Aragones and still retain that level of confidence and consistency. However, this well acclaimed former coach of Real Madrid managed it with absolute professionalism and kept the winning streak going. His hard work, innovative tactics and perseverance bore fruit and helped the team to win all the matches in the qualifying stage. An excellent manager, del Bosque has brought more depth to the Spanish  team by his innovative tactics.

The Team

Classy La Roja Raring

Very few teams have that depth and talent as the Spanish football team. Be it in the attacking line or at the defense position, the Spanish players are ready to give their hundred percent. The team has a terrific  attacking line led by David Villa and Fernando Torres, which will be further strengthened by their strong midfielders such as Andres Iniesta and Xabi Alonso. Both Villa and Torres are in the peak of form and can cause sleepless nights for opponents. Coming to defense, Spain has some impressive players like Carlos Marchena, Sergio Ramos and Gerard Pique. Captain Iker Casillas will be the main goalkeeper and and may wish to end his world cup stint in a big way.

Xabi The Playmaker

The Spanish are hungry for blood and wish to carry on their dream run of form to the World Cup. Reino de Espana may be the king of this World cup.

Others in Group H

1. Switzerland
2. Honduras
3. Chile

There are some teams in the football world for whom the saying ” So near, yet so far!” fits exceedingly well. Portugal football team, two times FIFA World Cup semifinalists, is one such team. In 1966, despite Portugal’s dream run to the semi-final where they defeated Hungary, Bulgaria, defending champions Brazil and North Korea en route, they finally lost to hosts England. Portugal had to be contend with a third place finish. Again in 2006 Germany World Cup Portugal defeated Angola, Iran, Mexico and England. But they lost 2-1 to France in the semi-finals and finished fourth after losing to hosts Germany. But in their fifth appearance in 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, Portugal looks poised to create history.

How They Got There?

Best Forward In Their Side

Although touted as the group favorite, Portugal’s world cup qualifier campaign wasn’t a cakewalk. After winning the inaugural match against Malta, Portugal lost the next match to Denmark and went onto draw the next four out of five matches and faced the elimination threat. But, the second phase saw a resurgent Portugal, drawing with Denmark in the away match and defeating Hungary and Malta. The three matches saw Portugal scoring 8 goals without conceding any. This earned them the playoff spot against Bosnia-Herzegovina. But Portugal won both the home and away matches comfortably and was through to the World Cup finals.

The Coach

Portugal national football team coach Carlos Queiroz is credited to have guided players like Luis Figo, Rui Costa and Fernando Couto to win the FIFA World Youth Championships in 1989 and 1991. Apart from coaching Portugal during 1991-1993, Queiroz has coached U.A.E and South Africa. Under Queiroz’s coaching South Africa qualified for 2002 Korea/Japan World Cup. But Carlos Queiroz is best known for being the assistant coach of Manchester United in two phases, during 2002-2003 and 2004-2008. He also coached Real Madrid during 2003-2004 and won them the Spanish Super Cup. In his second stint with Portugal since 2008, Queiroz was almost on the verge of being sacked after Portugal’s disastrous performance in the first half of the qualifiers. However, he will now look forward to prove his mettle on the biggest stage in South Africa.

The Team

Can Talent Bring Rewards In Africa?

Portugal’s star studded world cup squad has arguably the best striker in the world Cristiano Ronaldo. The Real Madrid star has Manchester United’s Nani and Atletico Madrid’s Simao Sabrosa for company. Portugal has one of the strongest midfield in the world with Chelsea’s Deco, Real Madrid’s Pepe and Porto’s Raul Meireles at the helm of affairs. Chelsea’s Ricardo Carvalho led defense has Valencia’s Miguel, Chelsea’s Paulo Ferreira, Porto’s Bruno Alves and Rolando. The Portuguese are likely to stick to their first choice goalkeeper Eduardo in South Africa.

Pool of Talent Just Gets Bigger

Portugal has a very high team spirit and their grit and determination was the reason for which they bounced back so well in the qualifiers. But will the team’s talent and team spirit be able to win them the title? World Cup is a tournament that tests mental strength, apart from skills. There are other strong contenders in 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa as well. But can Portugal outrun all of them?

Others in Group G

1. Brazil
2. Korea DPR
3. Ivory Coast

A team which has perhaps the most stars in it, England is a strong contender of this year’s 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. Having failed in the previous World Cup in Germany, this may be the last chance for some of the star performers of the team to prove themselves and lift the world cup trophy. The team is keen to shed aside their dismal performance of the past and come back in a completely new avatar in the 2010 version of the tournament.

How They Got There?

The Youth Force And Older Heads

England had a fantastic performance in the 2010 World Cup Qualifiers. With some magnificent display of football, they silenced critics and lifted their spirits from the debacle of disqualification at the 2008 UEFA EURO Cup. In fact their performances surprised lots of people about the vast improvement that has come into the team since their EURO Cup disappointment. In the qualifying rounds, England was always on top with just 1 defeat from 10 matches. They topped the European Zone with 34 goals. The team started in an emphatic fashion and won the first 8 matches in a row. Their best performance was against Croatia whom they defeated by 5-1 goals. Their only defeat was versus Ukraine. However, it did not matter as England had already qualified for the World Cup by then.

The Coach

Continuing his success from club football to the international arena, coach Fabio Capello has instilled that confidence and determination into the England football team. This disciplined Italian is one of the most successful coaches and has utilized the star power of the team to the fullest. In a short span of time, he has created excellent rapport with players and helped build that unity within the team, a quality which was lacking in the side for long. Capello mainly relies on the midfield diamond system which is a combination of attack and defense.

The Team

How Loud Will The Three Lions Roar in Africa?

No other team in the world cup perhaps has so many stars as England. Almost all the players are heavyweights in club football. The attack led by Wayne Rooney, Peter Crouch and Emile Heskey  will be further strengthened by a well organized midfield consisting of Steven Gerrard, Aaron Lennon, Frank Lampard and others. The forward line and midfield will be complemented by a tight defense. David James is the main goal keeper of the side.

Star Studded With Men Ready To Shine

Can the Three Lions do it this time? Well, a lot depends on the players and we have to wait and watch.

Others in Group C

1. United States
2. Slovenia
3. Algeria

The year 2002 was perhaps the greatest epoch in the history of South Korean football when they reached the semi final stage of the FIFA World Cup to become the only team from Asia to achieve such feat. That year Korea Republic was also the co-host of the tournament along with Japan. In the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, the South Korean world cup squad squad would want to retain the title of the best Asian national team. The players and coach are confident of performing well and keep the hopes of millions of Asians alive.

How They Got There?

Speed is Their Friend and Opponents Foe

The sailing was not so smooth for Korea Republic in the qualifying stage. They started of well with a comprehensive 4-0 win against Turkmenistan in the first match and a draw with  Korea DPR in the next match. With some more wins and draws, they moved on to the next round. However things turned  a bit topsy-turvy as other teams, specially Korea DPR was also on a winning streak. Nevertheless, the team came back with confidence and won back to back matches against UAE and Saudi Arabia. The wins were followed by a draw with Iran and a win versus arch rivals Korea DPR. The mission to qualify for the 2010 World Cup was more or less accomplished and it was secured with a 2-0 win against UAE.

The Coach

Huh Jung-Moo is the coach of the Korea Republic side and under his influence the team has made an impressive performance. This former Korean midfielder prefers youngsters in the team and is known for implementing innovative methods to surprise the opponent. Huh is no stranger to the Korean football side and has worked with the team as interim coach on two occasions before. He mainly opts of the  3-4-1-2 formation. However, under his coaching, the team has also played in the  4-4-2 format, a tactic which has paid off well.

The Team

Will They Bring Asia Glory?

The team of Korea Republic is banking on youngsters backed by some veterans to do the trick for them this World Cup. Veterans Ahn Jung-Hwan and Lee Dong-Gook will be the main forwards and are ready to dazzle everyone with their speed and shots. The midfield of South Korea is a mix of youth and experience and has players such as Kim Jung-Woo, Ki Sung-Yong and Kim Nam-Il. The strong defense line up consisting of Lee Young-Pyo, Kim Dong-Jin and others will pose a tough challenge for the opponent. With good experience, Lee Woon-Jae is the main keeper of the side.

They Are Tenacious In Defense

Korea Republic will keep no stones unturned to prove their mettle in the 2010 World Cup. The boys are keen to prove themselves in the field and to make Asia proud.

Others in Group B

1. Argentina
2. Nigeria
3. Greece

One of the 13 teams that played the first FIFA World Cup in 1930, Paraguay’s footballing history is almost a century old. 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa will be the eighth appearance for this Latin American nation. Barring 1986, 1998 and 2002, Paraguay hasn’t been able to proceed beyond the second round. Paraguay’s style of football has been mostly defensive. But the current Argentinian coach of Paraguay national football team Gerardo Martino has blended attacking style with defense And with some real talent and power in the striking half, Paraguay had one of the best World Cup qualifiers outings ever. Now a confident Paraguayan side is battle ready to capitalize on this performance  and rip apart the opponents!

How They Got There?

They Floored The Might of Argentina

What a superb qualifier was it for Paraguay! Their record of winning maximum matches in the South American Zone was only equaled by Chile. With 10 wins, 3 draws and 5 losses, Paraguay earned 33 points in the 18 matches, finishing one point behind Brazil. Amazingly the Paraguayan team won 1 match more than Brazil and 2 matches more than Argentina! They netted 24 goals, the fourth best in the group and conceded only 16 goals, with only Brazil conceding lesser. The entire nation went berserk with joy when Paraguay defeated Argentina 1-0 on 9th September 2009 and booked their berth for FIFA World Cup 2010 in South Africa.

The Coach

Paraguay’s impressive performance in the qualifiers has given coach Gerardo Martino the confidence to look forward to make this World Cup their best outing. Martino was an attacking midfielder who mainly played in Argentinian club Newell’s Old Boys. After coaching some second tier Argentinian clubs, Martino took the charge of Paraguayan clubs Libertad and Cerro Porteno where he was tremendously successful and it was mainly because of this he  was entrusted with coaching the Paraguayan national football team in February 2007.

The Team

Can Paraguay Break The Jinx?

The talented Paraguayan world cup squad has few key players who are expected to be pleasure to watch this World Cup. Manchester City’s striker Roque Santa Cruz will be leading the attack. Benfica’s Oscar Cardozo and  Borussia Dortmund’s Nelson Haedo Valdez complete the trio of Paraguay’s attack. The duo of Atlanta’s Edgar Barreto and Sunderland’s Cristian Riveros  are the main players in the midfield. The strong Paraguayan defense is led by their captain Denis Caniza, who will be making his fourth World Cup appearance. Julio Caceres and Paulo da Silva are the other defenders to watch out for. Veteran Justo Villar will be wearing the goalkeeping gloves for Paraguay in South Africa.

Challenging The Best

Many of the players in Paraguay World Cup squad still have bad memories of the 2006 Germany World Cup where the team crashed out in the first round. However, this time all these players will try to prove that they are worth performing much better. But can Gerardo Martino’s boys prove it? Will South Africa be written in golden words in Paraguay’s footballing history? The countdown for FIFA 2010 World Cup has already begun. Our questions will be soon put to rest!

Others in Group F

1. Italy
2. New Zealand
3. Slovakia