YouthSportsCulture.org

Year 1986: Argentina wins the 13th version of the FIFA World Cup. Since then, a long 24 years have passed and the land of DiStefano and Maradona has not seen the good times of wining back the prized trophy. This is exactly what the Argentinian football team will hope to break when they enter the field for this year’s contest in South Africa. With the legend Maradona himself as the coach, the team with promising youngsters will hope to change history in their favor and take back the world cup to their homeland.

How They Got There?

Messi Ready To Cause Nightmares To Best Defenses

The road to the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa was not so smooth for La Albiceleste. They displayed a lackluster performance and were pretty lucky to get into first five of the final standings of the qualifying round. In fact they were the fourth team to qualify and could have been easily toppled by Ecuador. The team started well with wins against Chile and Venezuela in their first two matches and but their form faltered in the later stages. The defeat versus Columbia was followed by a meager draw with Ecuador. More ill luck waited and Argentina was defeated by Chile and suffered their greatest loss in the stage by 6-1 goals versus Bolivia. This caused  Alfio Basile his job and Maradona steeped in. Eventually luck favored the team and they qualified for South Africa after winning the last two games against Peru and Uruguay.

The Coach

The greatest son of Argentinian football, Diego Armando Maradona has again come back, this time not as the voracious striker but as the coach. Like before, he would hope to bring the cup back home by some innovative coaching tactics (just like his awesome attacking skills). The coaching of the legend will surely bring an added confidence and motivation in the team. The master forward mainly prefers the  4-4-2 formation and relies heavily on a combination of strikers and central mid fielders.

The Team

Can They End Their 24 Years Draught?

Lot of Maradona’s as well fans’ hopes are rested on Lionel Messi, perhaps the best striker of recent times. La Pulga is raring to go and is a big contender for the Golden Boot award. To support him will be Gonzalo Higuaín, another prolific goalscorer. Captain Javier Mascherano and ace Juan Sebastian Veron will be the main pillars of central midfield to be backed by defenders Clemente Rodríguez and Gabriel Heinze. Keeper Diego Pozo hopes to save more shots from going to the nets just the way he had done in previous games.

How Well Can Carlos Tevez Support The Fire Power?

Can  the Argentinians do it this time and become the Latin American lions on African soil? Time will prove it!

Others in Group B

1. Nigeria
2. Korea Republic
3. Greece

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

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

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

In regards to the FIFA World Cup with 14 participation, Mexico are hoping to shed their defeatist attitude and rise up again as a top team in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. The Mexico football team which has some promising youngsters of international caliber is all set to create a big impression by playing some superb football. With five wins under their belt prior to the big event, they will surely give some champion teams a hard run for their money.

How They Got There?

Would The Smile Broaden in South Africa?

Mexico’s journey in the qualifying stages began after they beat minnows Belize in the second round to move to the next phase. Here they faced some tough teams like Canada, Honduras and Jamaica. Things were not so smooth for the Mexicans and after much contest, they managed to move to the final round ahead of Jamaica due to goal difference. Here too, they suffered in the initial stages with defeats versus USA and Honduras. This cost the coach his job and some key members of the team were also scrapped. The next part of the final round was perhaps like a dream for Mexico. Fortune soared and the team won 5 matches in a row to qualify for the World Cup. With a draw in the last match against Trinidad and Tobago, Mexico finished second in the final qualifying group.

The Coach

Javier Aguirre, the present coach of Mexico, is perhaps the miracle man who transformed the team’s fortune and gifted them the ticket to the World Cup. Lovingly known as El Vasco, he has always been the mentor of the team in turbulent times and the qualifying rounds were also no difference. This former Mexican midfielder is best known for his innovative tactical skills. He usually prefers the 4-3-3  team format and even has successfully experimented with the 3-5-2 format. Aguirre is also regarded as one of the most acclaimed coaches in international club football and has successfully coached premier teams like Osasuna and Atletico Madrid.

The Team

Would The Gala Dazzle Others

The Mexican team is a mixture of young blood and experience. The strong striking force comprising of veterans like Cuauhtemoc Blanco and Guillermo Franco will be backed by skilled mid-fielders such as Andres Guardado, Gerardo Torrado and Israel Castro. The defense line is made up of youngsters like Jorge Torres Nilo, Hector Moreno, Efrain Juarez and others while the net will be defended by ace goalkeeper Oscar Perez, along with the reserves Luis Ernesto Michel and Guillermo Ochoa. This may be the last world cup  of Blanco and he will be raring to bring that smile to his fans.

Smooth Passing and Hard Play

The countdown has already started and Mexicans are hoping their favorite team to rise up from the ashes and walk the path towards success.

Others in Group A

1. South Africa
2. Uruguay
3. France

The star and stripes team of Uncle Sam hopes to do it big in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Ranked 14th in the FIFA rating, this team is a blend of fresh blood and experience which has perhaps led to their star performance. Having featured in past 9 FIFA World Cup finals, USA is being considered as one of the top contenders to reach the semi finals this year. They had last entered the semi final stage in 1930 FIFA World Cup and almost all Americans are hoping history to repeat itself in 2010. With some star players and a good coach, USA looks to be a team on which you can bet your money.

How They Got There?

Heading for the Winner

USA enjoyed a rocking entry to the 2010 World Cup South Africa with some of their best performances and claimed the first position in the qualifying round of North, Central and Caribbean zones. Through some spectacular performance, they won 7 of 8 matches versus Cuba, Guatemala, Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago to move to the forth round. After beating arch rivals Mexico 2-0 in this round (which took USA’s unbeaten winning streak against Mexico at home soil to 11), they drew with El Salvador and won against Trinidad and Tobago.

The qualifying path somewhat became a bit steep when they suffered a reverse fortune after been defeated by Costa Rica and Mexico (in the away match). The resilient US team did not lose confidence and came back strongly to beat El Salvador, Trinidad and Tobago and Honduras to bag the qualifying ticket to South Africa . The first position was secured after drawing with Costa Rica.

The Coach

The USA team is coached by Bob Bradley, under whom they have performed excellently. With his tactical moves and strong motivating capabilities, Bradley has instilled that confidence among players. This has been a key factor for such splendid form of the team. Bradley is credited for helping USA achieve some milestones in football when they became champions of the Gold Cup 2007 and runners-up in the Confederations Cup 2009.

The Team

How Much Would The Stars Shine?

The USA 2010 World Cup squad is a combination of young and experienced players, some of whom have excellent records. The likes of Landon Donovan, Michael Bradley, Oguchi Onyewu, Tim Howard, Client Dempsey are sure to make ripples in the World Cup matches. With three successive goals against Trinidad and Tobago in the qualifying stage, Jozy Altidore has already become the youngest US player to make a hat-trick and a lot is expected from him too.

The Young Brigade Raring to Go

On the whole, the US football team has that balance and depth to compete with champion teams in this World Cup.

Others in Group C
1. England
2. Algeria
3. Slovenia

Nigeria, the two time African Nations Cup winners made a brilliant debut in the 1994 U.S.A FIFA World Cup. In their inaugural match they defeated Bulgaria 3-0 followed by a 2-1 loss to Argentina and a 2-0 win over Greece. Topping their Group, in the second round despite having a lead over Italy, they unfortunately lost the match 2-1. In their next World Cup finals in 1998, the Super Eagles stunned Spain by defeating them 3-2. Despite proceeding to the second round after a win over Bulgaria and a loss to Paraguay, they were crushed 4-1 by Denmark. 2002 Korea/Japan World Cup saw them bowing out of first round itself without winning a single match. FIFA World Cup 2010 in South Africa will be Nigeria’s fourth appearance and they will definitely look forward to a fly higher.

How They Got There?

Eagles Dare The Others

In the penultimate round of the qualifiers the Super Eagles won all the matches against South Africa, Sierra Leone and Equatorial Guinea to top the Group. However, in the final round except the home match against Kenya, Nigeria drew with Mozambique in the away match and with Tunisia in both home and away matches. Nigeria was facing elimination in the African Zone as Tunisia was slated for the top spot. But Tunisia lost their away match to Mozambique. Nigeria on the other hand defeated Mozambique in the home match and in a hard hitting last match against Kenya, the Super Eagles won 3-2 , despite trailing twice in the match, courtesy striker Obafemi Martins who scored both the final goals.

The Coach

A former Swedish footballer and club coach with undistinguished career record  Lars Lagerback is mostly known for his two decades association with Sweden as a coach. The first ten years of Lagerback’s career saw him coaching Sweden’s junior and B team. In  2000, after assisting Soderberg  for a couple of years, he was promoted as a joint coach of Sweden before taking sole responsibility. During his tenure Sweden played in three Euro editions – 2000, 2004 and 2008 and two World Cups – 2002 and 2006. Though Sweden did not win any big honors in the international scene, Lagerback’s  record was quite good. Lars Lagerback took the charge of Nigerian national football team just three months before the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, after their coach Shaibu Amodu  was fired.

The Team

Super Eagles Ready To Soar High

Nigerian world cup squad has a terrific forward line led by Nwankwo Kanu, one of Africa’s all time best footballers. The Portsmouth striker is supported by  Everton’s Yakutsk Aiyegbeni and they have other  options in Obafemi Martins, Chinedu Obasi  and Osaze Odemwingie. The midfield will have Chelsea’s Mikel John Obi supported by Yusuf Ayila and attacking midfielder Kalu Uche. The Nigerian defence has their captain Everton’s center back Joseph Yobo who is ably supported by Marseille’s left back Taye Taiwo and Bolton Wanderers’ Danny Shittu. Veteran Vincent Enyeama is likely to be the man under the post.

Africa Was Swept By Their Agility

Nigeria will be desperately looking forward to break the second round jinx. For some of it’s stars like Nwankwo Kanu, this is perhaps the last World Cup. And with the tournament happening in South Africa, won’t this African nation be extra motivated to go all out? Who knows, may be Super Eagles have a great flight in FIFA 2010 World Cup!

Others in Group Group B

1. Argentina
2. Nigeria
3. Greece

Figure this. A team that was a quarter finalist in 1934, 1938 and 1954  FIFA World Cup editions could not proceed beyond the group stage in their next four appearances. That’s team Switzerland for you! The Switzerland national football team was quite unlucky when they got eliminated from 2006 Germany World Cup without conceding a single goal in regulation time. In the group stage, they drew with France, defeated Togo and South Korea. In the Round of 16, after a goalless regulation time, Switzerland lost to Ukraine on penalty shoot-out. However in 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, the Swiss will be looking forward to script a very different story. They are determined more than ever not to be the minnows and take on the biggies brave heartedly.

How They Got There?

Breaking The Shackles

Switzerland didn’t start the qualifiers on a positive note. They drew  the inaugural away match against Israel and lost the next match against Luxembourg on their home ground. The humiliating defeat against Luxembourg, a team ranked much lower than the Swiss, was perhaps a blessing in disguise. After this match, Switzerland went onto win five matches in a row. They defeated Moldova and Greece in both home and away matches. They won the home match against Latvia, but drew with them in the away match. Switzerland blew away Luxembourg 3-0 in the revenge match and drew goalless against Israel in the last match. Switzerland eventually topped Group 2 in Europe and ensured a South African seat.

The Coach

One of the most respected and successful German coaches ever, Ottmar Hitzfeld’s coaching career is full of accolades. He is one of the two coaches to win the UEFA Champions League for two different clubs – Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich. This apart he has guided Borussia Dortmund to win two German League and Bayern Munich to win five German League. He has also won three German Cups for Bayern and one Intercontinental Cup each for both the teams. A former striker Hitzfeld won several Swiss Championships both as a player and a club coach. His familiarity and love for the country led Ottmar Hitzfeld to accept the coaching responsibilities of Swiss national football team in 2008. And he is undoubtedly credited to have brought the Switzerland team so far.

The Team

The Swiss Delight

The Swiss world cup squad is a mix of youth and experience. Leading from the front is Basel’s striker and captain of Switzerland team Alexander Frei. He is also Switzerland’s all times top scorer. Pairing up with him is Blaise Nkufo in the forward line. The midfield is build around the trio of Tranquillo Barnetta, Valon Behrami and Gokhan Inler. Switzerland’s defense consists of left back Stephane Grichting and Lazio’s Stephan Lichtsteiner. Diego Benaglio is the team’s main custodian.

They Defend Like Anything!

Coach Ottmar Hitzfeld has struck to a traditional 4-4-2 formation for the Switzerland team. However, a lot will depend on how he utilizes the younger talented lot in the team. Despite not having any real world class player, can the Swiss team display some spirited football in the 2010 FIFA World Cup? Given their incredible run in the qualifiers, we can be sure that they will fight fearlessly for every inch on the ground in South Africa.

Others in Group H

1. Spain
2. Honduras
3. Chile

Although Australia is now a part of the Asian Zone, Japan, in their fourth straight appearance in 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa looks likely to be the best  bet as a pure Asian team. Japan’s debut World Cup in 1998, France was disappointing with the Samurai Blue despite playing well, lost all the three group league matches. Co-hosting the 2002 Football World Cup with Korea, Japan showed remarkable improvement. The Japanese football team drew the opening game with Belgium but won the matches against Russia and Tunisia. The jubilant team met the eventual third place finisher Turkey in the Round of 16 where a solitary goal ended their World Cup dreams. Japan’s third World Cup appearance in 2006 Germany World Cup was nondescript with the team losing against Australia and Brazil by big margins, their only consolation coming in the form of a draw against Croatia. However as per the Japanese coach Takeshi Okada the objective is to reach the semi finals in South Africa and the team is quite determined to do so.

How They Got There?

Swift Moves Bamboozled Opponents

Japan’s third round qualifier performance was impressive considering the fact that barring the away match against Oman, which was drawn, they won all the matches against Thailand, Bahrain and Oman. In the final round, Japan defeated Bahrain in both the home and away matches. The home matches against Uzbekistan and Qatar were drawn but Japan defeated both the teams in the away matches. However, their only defeat came against the Australians in the away match, the same team against whom they had drawn at home. But Japan’s performance was enough to earn them the second place in the group behind Australia and qualify for the  2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.

The Coach

In his second stint as Samurai Blue’s coach, former Japanese defender Takeshi Okada will have a point or two to prove. Okada was Japan’s coach during 1997-1998 when the team made their debut in the 1998 World Cup. But after Japan crashing out in the first round, Okada resigned and went onto coach Japanese clubs, Consadole Sapporo and Yokohama F-Marinos . His career high came when he made Yokohama F-Marinos the J-League Champions in 2003 and 2004. Okada took the charge of Japan again in 2007 and has been instrumental in guiding the team to South Africa.

The Team

How Lethal Will Samurai Blue Moves Be?

The duo of Keiji Tamada and Shinji Okazaki are the Samurai Blue’s men in the forward line. Japan’s main play maker is former Celtic star Shunsuke Nakamura. Nakamura will have CSK Moscow’s young turk Keisuke Honda, also a free kick specialist. One of the most capped player, Yuji Nakazawa is their mainstay in the defense and will be supported by Yuichi Komano. Japan’s last line of defense is their captain and goalkeeper Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi.

Hard To Stop Forward Line

Japan will be hungry to prove their mettle this FIFA World Cup. And with a good tactician like Takeshi Okada, the Blue Samurai will have every reasons to hope for bettering their previous World Cup appearances. Japan has some problems in goal scoring area, that need to be sorted out. With no big stars in the team, the men from far east will have team work as the main weapon in South Africa.

Others in Group E

1.Holland
2.Cameroon
3.Denmark