Group Strength Compared to the other seven groups in the first round, Group B can be considered as somewhere in the middle in terms of quality. With the exception of Argentina there are no big-hitters in the pool, but there are also no easy-pickings as all four teams are capable of beating one another on their day. Group Favourites Argentina are certainly favourites to win their group, as they contain a host of world class talent from Lionel Messi and Sergio Aguero to Javier Mascherano and Esteban Cambiasso. But their shaky qualifying campaign as well as their unpredictable coach Diego Maradona means that there are no guarantees on how the South Americans will perform. Battle for Second All four teams could realistically finish in fourth place. The most likely battle will be between Nigeria and Greece, but South Korea also have a great chance of qualifying for the second round. These three teams also have very contrasting styles, which should make the clashes between them interesting. The Outsiders South Korea are the outsiders in the pool, but their recent performances in the World Cup will give them strength - they reached the semi finals in 2002 and also drew with France four years ago. Park Ji Sung and the European contingent will need to lead by example. The Long Road Forward Group B is on the weaker side of the draw, meaning that none of its occupants can meet big guns Brazil, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Holland or the Ivory Coast until the semi finals. The winners and runners up of Group B will play the runners up and winners of Group A respectively in the second round. This leaves open the possibility of Argentina vs France. In the quarter finals, England and Germany are likely opponents, before the aforementioned giants from the other side enter the fray in the semi finals.
Cape Town – Soccer coaches have welcomed the 2010 Final Draw schedule, promising that each team will perform their best during the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Nigerian Coach Shuaibu Amodu said he was not intimidated by being drawn with South American giants Argentina.
“Each and every team in the World Cup is the same so it unnecessary to focus on one team,” he said, adding that the players should take each and every game seriously.
New Zealand Coach Ricki Herbert said Group F (Italy vs New Zealand and Paraguay vs Slovenia) is going to be a tough group.
“Its going to be a tough group particularly Paraguay and Italy which have shown great performances in the qualifiers. However, this is going to inspire us.”
He said although Italy will be one of the toughest opponents, they will take each and every game according to their plan.
Asked whether New Zealand will reach the second stage of the tournament, the coach said: “We don’t have to think about that because that might put us under pressure, our aim is to focus on each and every game.”
French Coach Raymond Domenech said he was very proud to be playing South Africa as they are the host country and he is sure that it is going to be difficult because Bafana Bafana will have most of the fans supporting them at the stadium.
France and South Africa have been placed in Group A. South Africa will play against Mexico and Uruguay will play against France.
Mexican Coach Jevier Aguire said it would be an honour to play South Africa as the eyes of the world would be on them as the host country which would encourage them to perform better on their home ground.
“There will be too much pressure but it’s also an honour.” - BuaNews