Countdown to South Africa: Spotlight on Argentina

Argentina are in Group B at the World Cup and will play Nigeria, South Korea and Greece. This is the Argentinian squad which I believe has the best chance of success in South Africa.

First 11

GK. Mariano Andujar, Club- Catania, Age at the World Cup (AWC) 26.

RB. Javier Zanetti, Club- Inter Milan, (AWC) 36.

CB. Nicolas Burdisso, Club- Roma, (AWC) 29.

CB. Walter Samuel, Club- Inter Milan, (AWC) 32.

LWB. Emiliano Insua, Club- Liverpool, (AWC) 21.

CDM. Esteban Cambiasso, Club- Inter Milan, (AWC) 29.

CDM. Javier Mascherano, Club- Liverpool, (AWC) 26.

RW. Lionel Messi, Club- Barcelona, (AWC) 22.

LW. Angel Di Maria, Club- Benfica, (AWC) 22.

ST. Gonzalo Higuain, Club- Real Madrid, (AWC) 22.

ST. Carlos Tevez, Club- Manchester City, (AWC) 26.

Subs

GK. Sergio Romero, Club- AZ Alkmaar, (AWC) 23.

GK. Juan Pablo Carrizo, Club- Real Zaragoza, (AWC) 26.

RB. Daniel Diaz, Club- Getafe, (AWC) 30.

CB. Martin Demichelis, Club- Bayern Munich, (AWC) 29.

CB. Matias Silvestre, Club- Catania, (AWC) 25.

LB. Gabriel Heinze, Club- Marseille, (AWC) 32.

CM. Ever Banega, Club- Valencia, (AWC) 21.

RM. Maxi Rodriguez, Club- Liverpool, (AWC) 29.

LW. Diego Perotti, Club- Sevilla, (AWC) 21.

CAM. Javier Pastone, Club- Palermo, (AWC) 20.

ST. Diego Milito, Club- Inter Milan, (AWC) 30.

ST. Sergio Aguero, Club- Atletico Madrid, (AWC) 22.

The Coach

Argentina are coached by compatriot Diego Maradona. Maradona had no previous experience coaching a national team when he was appointed Argentina's manager in late 2008. Maradona's only previous coaching experience at any level before his Argentina appointment was in the mid nineties when he coached Argentinian club sides Mandiyu de Corrientes and Racing Club de Avellaneda for a total of 23 games.

Argentina's strengths

Their strikers, no other team at the World Cup can call upon four strikers with the quality and good form of Tevez, Higuain, Milito and Aguero. Also Messi is a pretty decent player.

Argentina's weakness

Their coach, coming into this World Cup Maradona has only 40 games of coaching experience (23 at club level, 17 with Argentina) and a winning percentage of 37.5. To be fair with Argentina he has been a lot better with a winning percentage of 70.59.

Countdown to South Africa: Spotlight on Honduras

Honduras are in Group H at the World Cup and will play Chile, Spain and Switzerland. This is the Honduras squad which I believe has the best chance of success in South Africa.

First 11

GK. Noel Valladares, Club- Olimpia (Honduras), (AWC) 23.

RB. Johnny Palacios, Club- Olimpia (Honduras), (AWC) 23.

Defender. Samuel Caballero, Club- Changchum Yatai (China), (AWC) 35.

CB. Victor Bernardez, Club- Anderlecht, (AWC) 28.

LB. Maynor Figueroa, Club- Wigan, (AWC) 27.

CDM. Hendry Thomas, Club- Wigan, (AWC) 25.

RM. Edgar Alvarez, Club- Bari, (AWC) 30.

CM. Wilson Palacios, Club- Tottenham, (AWC) 25.

LM. Mario Martinez, Club- Anderlecht, (AWC) 20.

ST. David Suazo, Club- Genoa, (AWC) 30.

ST. Carlo Costly, Club- FC Vaslui (Romania), (AWC) 27.

Subs

GK. Donis Escober, Club- Olimpia (Honduras), (AWC) 30.

GK. Ricardo Canales, Club- Motagua (Honduras), (AWC) 28.

Defender. Sergio Mendoza, Club- Motagua (Honduras), (AWC) 29.

CB. Osman Chavez, Club- Platense (Honduras), (AWC) 25.

CB. Erick Norales, Club- Marathon (Honduras), (AWC) 25.

LB. Oscar Boniek Garcia, Club- Olimpia (Honduras), (AWC) 25.

CM. Emil Martinez, Club- Indios (Mexico), (AWC) 27.

LM. Roger Espinoza, Club- Kansas City, (AWC) 23.

RW. Julio Cesar de Leon, Club- Torino (Serie B), (AWC) 30.

CAM. Marvin Chavez, Club- FC Dallas, (AWC) 26.

ST. Luis Alfredo Lopez, Club- PFC Botev Plovdiv (Bulgeria), (AWC) 23.

ST. Andy Najar, Club- DC United (USA), (AWC) 17.

The Coach

Honduras are coached by Colombian Reinaldo Rueda. Before being appointed coach of Honduras Rueda had previously been coach of the Columbian national team. Rueda demands discipline from his players on and off the field and shown an ability to handle the mentality of the Latin American footballer.

Honduras strengths

Honduras strength is in the midfield where most of their players with experience of playing for European club sides can be found.

Honduras's weakness

Is in defence and in goal where only two their players are currently playing with European club sides.

Countdown to South Africa: Spotlight on Uruguay

Uruguay are in Group A at the World Cup and will play France, South Africa and Mexico. This is the Uruguayan squad which I believe has the best chance of success in South Africa.

First 11

GK. Fernando Muslera, Club- Lazio, Age at the World Cup (AWC) 23.

RB. Maximiliano Pereira, Club- Benfica, (AWC) 26.

CB. Diego Lugano, Club- Fenerbahce, (AWC) 29.

CB. Diego Godin, Club- Villarreal, (AWC) 24.

LWB. Alvaro Pereira, Club- FC Porto, (AWC) 25.

CDM. Walter Gargano, Club- Napoli, (AWC) 25.

RM. Carlos Diogo, Club- Real Zaragoza, (AWC) 26.

LW. Gonzalo Castro, Club- Mallorca, (AWC) 25.

CAM. Fabian Canobbio, Club- Valladolid, (AWC) 30.

ST. Diego Forlan, Club- Atletico Madrid, (AWC) 31.

ST. Luis Suarez, Club- Ajax, (AWC) 23.

Subs

GK. Gustavo Munua, Club- Malaga, (AWC) 32.

GK. Sebastian Viera, Club- Larissa (Greece), (AWC) 27.

RB. Jorge Fucile, Club- FC Porto, (AWC) 25.

CB. Miguel Britos, Club- Bologna, (AWC) 24.

CB. Fernando Machado, Club- Levadiakos FC (Greece), (AWC) 30.

LB. Martin Caceres, Club- Juventus, (AWC) 23.

CDM. Diego Perez, Club- Monaco, (AWC) 30.

CDM. Pablo Garcia, Club- PAOK FC, (AWC) 33.

RM. Ignacio Gonzalez, Club- Levadiakos (Greece), (AWC) 28.

LW. Juan Angel Albin, Club- Getafe, (AWC) 23.

ST. Edinson Cavani, Club- Palermo, (AWC) 23.

ST. Walter Pandiani, Club- Osasuna, (AWC) 34.

The Coach

Uruguay are coached by compatriot Oscar Tabarez. This is the second time Tabarez has been coach of the Uruguayan national, during his first stint he coached them between 1988 and 1990 and at the 1990 World Cup.

Uruguay's strengths

The overall evenness of the Uruguayan squad is it's main strength. Although Uruguay have only the one superstar in Diego Forlan, the rest of the squad predominately play with good quality clubs across Europe.

Uruguay's weakness

Uruguay's weak point is at the right midfield position, from limited options Carlos Diogo and Ignacio Gonzalez were the best options.

Countdown to South Africa: Spotlight on Chile

Chile are in Group H at the World Cup and will play Honduras, Switzerland and Spain. This is the Chilean squad which I believe has the best chance of success in South Africa.

First 11

GK. Claudio Bravo, Club- Real Sociedad, Age at the World Cup (AWC) 27.

RB. Gary Medel, Club- Boca Juniors, (AWC) 22.

CB. Gonzalo Jara, Club- West Bromwich Albion (Championship), (AWC) 24.

CB. Pablo Contreras, Club- PAOK F.C. (Greece), (AWC) 31.

LB. Osvaldo Gonzalez, Club- Toluca (Mexico), (AWC) 25.

CDM. Mauricio Isla, Club- Udinese, (AWC) 26.

CM. Arturo Vidal, Club- Bayer Leverkusen, (AWC) 23.

RW. Alexis Sanchez, Club- Udinese, (AWC) 21.

LW. Mark Gonzalez, Club- CSKA Moscow, (AWC) 25.

ST. Humberto Suazo, Club- Real Zaragoza, (AWC) 28.

ST. Fabian Orellana, Club- Xerez CD, (AWC) 24.

Subs

GK. Miguel Pinto, Club- Universidad de Chile, (AWC) 26.

GK. Nery Veloso, Club- Colo-Colo, (AWC) 23.

RB. Ismael Fuentes, Club- Universidad Catolica (Chile), (AWC) 28.

CB. Waldo Ponce, Club- Universidad Catolica (Chile), (AWC) 27.

CB. Hans Martinez, Club- Universidad Catolica (Chile), (AWC) 23.

LB. Roberto Careceda, Club- Colo-Colo, (AWC) 25.

RM. Carlos Carmona, Club- Reggina (Serie B), (AWC) 23.

LM. Rodrigo Tello, Club- Besiktas, (AWC) 30.

CAM. Matias Fernandez, Club- Sporting Lisbon, (AWC) 24.

CAM. Pedro Morales, Club- Dinamo Zagreb, (AWC) 25.

ST. Emilo Hernandez, Club- Argentinos Juniors, (AWC) 25.

ST. Hector Mancilla, Club- Toluca (Mexico), (AWC) 29.

The Coach

Chile are coached by Argentinian Marcelo Bielsa. Bielsa has previously coached club sides in Argentina, Mexico and Espanyol in the La Liga. He was also Argentina's coach at the 2002 World Cup.

Chile's strengths

Chile are at their strongest in the midfield, with all of their midfielders playing in various leagues across Europe.

Chile's weakness

Chile major weakness is in defence, with only two of their defenders currently playing in Europe.

Countdown to South Africa: Spotlight on Algeria

Algeria are in group C and will play Slovenia, the USA and England. This is the Algerian squad which I believe has the best chance of success in South Africa.

First 11

GK. Mickael Fabre, Club- Clermont Foot (Ligue 1), Age at the World Cup (AWC) 25.

RB. Silmane Raho, Club- ES Setif (Algeria), (AWC) 34.

CB. Madjid Bougherra, Club- Rangers, (AWC) 27.

CB. Antar Yahia, Club- VFL Bochum, (AWC) 28.

LWB. Nadir Belhadj, Club- Portsmouth, (AWC) 27.

CDM. Medhi Lacen, Club- Racing Santander, (AWC) 25.

RM. Karim Ziani, Club- VFL Wolfsburg, (AWC) 27.

CM. Hassan Yebda, Club- Portsmouth, (AWC) 26.

LW. Kamal Ghilas, Club- Hull City, (AWC) 26.

ST. Abdelkader Ghezzal, Club- Siena, (AWC) 25.

ST. Rafik Djebbour, Club- AEK Athens, (AWC) 26.

Subs

GK. Lounes Gaouaoui, Club- ASO Chief (Algeria), (AWC) 32.

GK. Faouzi Chaouchi, Club- ES Setif (Algeria), (AWC) 25.

RB. Mohamed Meftah, Club- JS Kabylie (Algeria), (AWC) 25.

CB. Rafak Halliche, Club- C.D. Nacional (Portugal), (AWC) 23.

CB. Ismael Bouzid, Club- Hearts, (AWC) 26.

LB. Abderraouf Zarabi, Club- Nimes Olympique (Ligue 2), (AWC) 31.

CDM. Yazid Mansouri, Club- Lorient, (AWC) 32.

RM. Djamel Abdoun, Club- FC Nantes (Ligue 2), (AWC) 24.

LW. Salim Arrache, Club- PAS Giannia (Greece),, (AWC) 27.

CAM. Mourad Meghni, Club- Lazio, (AWC) 26.

ST. Chadli Amri, Club- 1 FSV Mainz 05, (AWC) 25.

ST. Karim Matmour, Club- Borussia Morchengladbach, (AWC) 24.

The Coach

Algeria are coached by compatriot Rabah Saadane. This is the fifth time he been in charge of the Algeria national team. Saadane was Algeria's coach the last time it played at the World Cup in 1986.

Algeria's strengths

Algeria are at their strongest in the midfield. Their four best midfielders play in Europe's best leagues.

Algeria's weakness

Algeria's two main weakness is in their goal keeping department and at right-back. Only one of Algeria's goalkeepers plays in Europe and he only plays in the France's Ligue 2. Algeria's two right-backs have no experience of playing in Europe.

Countdown to South Africa: Spotlight on Cameroon

Cameroon are in Group E and will play Japan, Denmark and The Netherlands. This is the Cameroonian squad which I believe has the best chance of success in South Africa.

First 11

GK. Idriss Carlos Kameni, Club- Espanyol, Age at the World Cup (AWC) 26.

RB. Andre Bikey, Club- Burnley, (AWC) 25.

CB. Alexandre Song, Club- Arsenal, (AWC) 22.

CB. Sebastien Bassong, Club- Tottenham, (AWC) 23.

LB. Benoit Assou-Ekotto, Club- Tottenham, (AWC) 26.

CDM. Stephane Mbia, Club- Marseille, (AWC) 24.

CDM. Jean Makoun, Club- Lyon, (AWC) 27.

LM. Daniel Ngom Kome, Club- Tenerife, (AWC) 28.

RW. Frank Songo'o, Club- Real Sociedad, (AWC) 23.

ST. Samuel Eto'o, Club- Inter Milan, (AWC) 29.

ST. Pierre Webo, Club- Mallorca, (AWC) 28.

Subs

GK. Guy N'dy Assembe, Club- Valenciennes (France), (AWC) 24.

GK. Souleymanou Hamidou, Club- Kayserispor (Turkey), (AWC) 36.

RB. Geremi, Club- Ankaragucu (Turkey), (AWC) 31.

CB. Nicolas N'Koulou, Club- AS Monaco, (AWC) 20.

CB. Aurelien Chedjou, Club- Lille OSC, (AWC) 24.

LB. Pierre Wome, Club- Koln, (AWC) 31.

CDM. Landry N'Guemo, Club- Celtic, (AWC) 24.

CDM. Eyong Enoh, Club- Ajax, (AWC) 24.

RM. Joel Epalle, Club- VFL Bochum, (AWC) 32.

LM. Modeste M'bani, Club- Almeria, (AWC) 27.

ST. Paul Alo'o, Club- AS Nancy, (AWC) 26.

ST. Albert Meyong, Club- S.C. Braga (Portugal) 29.

The Coach

Cameroon are coached by Frenchmen Paul Le Guen, he was appointed their coach in July of 2009. Le Guen has previously coached club sides in France and Rangers in Scotland.

Cameroon's strengths

Cameroon's main strength is the number of quality defensive midfielders Cameroon can call upon to play in the center of the park.

Cameroon's weakness

Cameroon's weakness is their lack of creative, ball playing central midfielders.

Countdown to South Africa: Spotlight on Nigeria

Nigeria are in Group B and will play Argentina, Greece and South Korea. This is the Nigerian squad which I believe has the best chance of success in South Africa.

First 11

GK. Vincent Enyeama, Club- Hapoel Tel Aviv (Israel), Age at the World Cup (AWC) 27.

RB. Olubayo Adefemi, Club- US Boulogne (France), (AWC) 24.

CB. Onyekachi Apam, Club- OGC Nice, (AWC) 23.

CB. Joseph Yobo, Club- Everton, (AWC) 29.

LB. Taye Taiwo, Club- Marseille, (AWC) 25.

CDM. John Obi Mikel, Club- Chelsea, (AWC) 23.

RM. Lukman Haruna, Club- AS Monaco, (AWC) 20.

CM. Kalu Uche, Club- Almeria, (AWC) 27.

LW. Victor Obinna, Club- Malaga, (AWC) 23.

ST. Yakubu Aiyegbeni, Club- Everton, (AWC) 27.

ST. Obafemi Martins, Club- Wolfsburg, (AWC) 25.

Subs

GK. Dele Aiyenugba, Club- Bnei Yehuda (Israel), (AWC) 26.

GK. Austin Ejide, Club- Hapoel Petah Tikva (Israel), (AWC) 26.

RWB. Chidi Odiah, Club- CSKA Moscow, (AWC) 26.

CB. Dele Adeleye, Club- Sparta Rotterdam, (AWC) 21.

CB. Danny Shittu, Club- Bolton, (AWC) 29.

LB. Uwa Echiejile, Club- Rennes, (AWC) 22.

CDM. Dickson Etuhu, Club- Fulham, (AWC) 28.

CM. Seyi Olofinjana, Club- Hull City, (AWC) 29.

LW. Sone Aluko, Club- Aberdeen, (AWC) 21.

Winger. Peter Odewingie, Club- Lokomotiv Moscow, (AWC) 28.

ST. Ikechukwu Uche, Club- Real Zagragoza, (AWC) 26.

ST. Stephen Makinwa, Club- Lazio, (AWC) 26.

The Coach

Nigeria are coached by Swede Lars Lagerback. On the 26th of February of this year he was given a five month contract to coach Nigeria at the 2010 World Cup. Lagerback has previously been coach of the Swedish national side and club sides in Sweden.

Nigeria's strengths

Nigeria have a balanced squad with good players for every outfield position. Nigeria are at their strongest up front with a plethora of quality players to choose from.

Nigeria's weakness

Nigeria's most obverse weakness is their goalkeepers. Although they all play in Europe, the Israeli league is not the most strongest European leagues.