Group C

I wish I had time on my hand to review each team in each group but I realize I am not blessed with that option. Come to think of it, I might have if only I have my own PC or laptop at home for me to work on it. So, I don’t have any other option but to review the group in general and not each team as I would have loved to do. I mean, I have to be realistic lah kan… 3 more days before the greatest football show on earth start and I still have 5 more groups to go.

Group C

The so-call Group of Death in this WC edition. Two teams with a lot of tradition, history and success in WC grouped with two teams with a lot of potential and coming to Germany with an impressive and convincing qualifying round. Argentina and Netherlands are the obvious favourites in this group with the wealth of talent in their squad but nobody is going to write off Ivory Coast and Serbia & Montenegro before the ball is kick.

Argentina are coming to Germany with an exciting, young and talented attacking players like Tevez, Aimar, Saviola and the apparent heir to Maradona, Lionel Messi would definitely want to come out of this group on top. After being knocked out from the competition so early in the group stages in the last WC in another group of death, Argentina will definitely want to do better. Other than the young talents, veterans like Ayala, Sorin and Crespo will bring the experience to an otherwise young squad to face the other teams in the group. Pekerman’s tactics and strategies on the field are carried out by his trusted man on the field, Riquelme. The main target for United this summer, his performance this season had helped Villarreal to the CL semi-final. His vision and performance this summer will be important to Argentina push to their 3rd title. The problem with the squad is they are becoming too dependent with Riquelme. When Riquelme is out or under performing, the whole team ceases to function. Will young players like Messi be able to step up or one of the veterans can take over?

The Netherlands is one of the major under achievers in the WC other than Spain. Bless with talented players like Cruyft, Van Basten, Gullit, the De Boers twins and the current Barca coach, Rijkaard throughout the years, the Oranje failed to live up to expectations and to deliver when it matters. After the 4th place finish in France 98, Oranje failed to qualify to Korea/Japan 02 and would want to show the world that they are still a football powerhouse. A dark horse to win the title, the squad is filled with exceptional talents on every position especially in attack. The out of favor striker at United, Van Nistelrooy is still the main threat upfront and supported the exciting Robben with his pace and trickery. Should be able to claim the other spot to qualify for the last 16.

Serbia and Montenegro had showed their defensive qualities in the qualifying round which included Spain. With an impressive record of only letting in one goal in 10 matches, it would be interesting to see if they can hold off the attacks from two of the best attacking team like Argentina and Netherlands. If they can do that, Serbia would have a very good chance to create an upset in this group. Upfront, the deadly finishing of Kezman is the main concerned for any opponents. He had done well with Atletico Madrid after a disastrous season with Chelsea. He would want to prove to Chelsea that he is better than the three current Chelsea’s strikers; Drogba with Ivory Coast, Crespo with Argentina and Robben with Netherlands; and that it was a mistake to let him leave.

Ivory Coast booked their place in Germany at the expense of African football powers such as Cameroon and Egypt. The Elephants will want to prove that their qualification is not just pure luck but base on merit. Being grouped with strong opponents such as Argentina and Netherlands will give them the chance to show that. The squad are largely made up of players who are plying their trade in the French League but the main forces in the squad are base in London. Chelsea’s Drogba is the main threat upfront while Arsenal’s Toure is the rock at the back.

This is a hard group to predict and every game is important and promise excitement but I am putting myself out there and predict Argentina and Netherlands to come out tops in this group. The last game between Argentina and Netherlands will determine who tops the group. Ivory Coast and Serbia will push to the end but the other two teams have a lot of quality and talents in depth. On the other hand, Ivory Coast might be the dark horse in this group and might…might squeeze through at the expense of Netherlands

Main Man

Argentina – Riquelme

Ivory Coast – Drogba

Netherlands – Van Bommel

Serbia – Stankovic

Player to Watch

Argentina – Messi

Ivory Coast – Fae

Netherlands – Robben

Serbia – Zigic

Babe Magnet of the Group (if you have to watch it with ur man)

Argentina – Crespo, Aimar

Netherlands – Van Nistelrooy, Van Persie

Serbia – Kezman

Ivory Coast – a hard one here….