2010 FIFA World Cup Group B

What happens if you put Nigeria, Korea Republic, Greece and the mighty Argentineans in a FIFA World Cup group? Simple, you get Group B of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, a group that will mostly see the Argentineans pass through with flying colors. However, this prediction may hold true only on paper; reality may supersede all expectations.

The Argentineans have not really done themselves proud in the qualifying matches and look like an outfit that can do with some tailoring and rough edge polishing. The lights in South Africa will rest on Argentinean coach, Diego Maradona, who has not really pulled off a commendable job as coach. The legendary Maradona has under his wingspan a host of talented players, players who are amongst the best in the world, but can he capitalize? Does he have it in him to steer the Argentinean ship past troubled waters? Maradona will also make a glorious exit as Argentina’s World Cup coach in the match against Nigeria. Interestingly, Maradona as a player participated in his last World Cup finals match against Nigeria at the 1994 World Cup tournament in USA.

Lionel Messi, the Argentinean star player will hog a fair share of the limelight too. A lot is expected from him, a star player who on his day can propel Argentina to a heady and strong tournament finish. However, as a player for Argentina, Lionel Messi has never really contributed much. His magic has always worked at club face-offs, but has almost always extinguished itself at the ‘biggest stage of them all’. Messi, on his part, in South Africa will look to make amends for his national debacles.

The Nigerians are the next team to look out for. The Super Eagles although lacking the vigor that their last World Cup squad had are still a formidable force. Taking this team for granted is a mistake no other team may be willing to commit. Their statement making qualification campaign goes to show that they possess what it takes to oust the other Group B teams, maybe the Argentineans even. The Nigerians in South Africa will look to find a place for themselves in the last-16 stage of the tournament.

Korea Republic and Greece who make up for the other teams in Group B have their own credentials to speak of too. The Koreans may not have been too dominant on their trip to South Africa, but are definitely a team that can boast of panache and performance. They were the toppers of their respective group and will look to go into the World Cup with a certain sense of positivity. They will face hard-hitting competition in Argentina and Nigeria, but the possibility of making it past the group stages cannot be ruled out.

The Greeks are akin to the underdogs of Group B. The team’s World Cup efforts will be channelized by witty coach Otto Rehhagel. The Greeks will start off their South African trek with fond memories of their past successes. They managed to expel the 2006 quarter-finalists Ukraine in the European Zone play-offs and were also the 2004 European champions. These highs will help the team build on their efforts against their Group B competitors.

The players to watch out for include the likes of Lionel Messi (ARG), Carlos Tevez (ARG), Park Chu-Young (KOR), Obafemi Martins (NIG), Theofanis Gekas (GRE) and Carlos Tevez (ARG).

The schedule for the Group B matches is given below.