Football: 2010 World Cup Team Profile - South Africa

SOUTH AFRICA

FIFA Ranking: 81



Group: A, with France, Mexico, and Uruguay.

Qualification Route: As hosts, South Africa qualified automatically.

Coach: Carlos Alberto Parreira. The veteran Parreira is back for his second stint as coach of South Africa. He is a regular at the World Cup, having coached Kuwait in 1982; the United Arab Emirates in 1986; Brazil in both 1994 and 2006; and Saudi Arabia in 1998. He won the World Cup with Brazil in 1994.

Recent World Cup History: Not good. South Africa did not qualify for the 2006 tournament, and were eliminated at the end of the first round in both 2002 and 1998.

Key Player: Steven Pienaar (right) is a lively and dangerous winger equally comfortable on the left or right flank. His experience with Everton in the English Premier League will be key to South Africa's hopes.

Goal Scorer: Benni McCarthy is South Africa's all-time leading goal-scorer. Currently an infrequent member of West Ham's starting 11 in the English Premier League, he may have the advantage of being fresh and eager when the World Cup comes around.

Prospects: Despite being one of the lowest ranked countries at the World Cup, and lacking any international football pedigree, there is always a tremendous desire for the host nation to do well at the World Cup. Given the relatively modest opposition in Group A, and strong home support, South Africa should progress. In Round 2, the opposition could be any of Argentina, Nigeria, Greece or South Korea; a place in the Quarter Finals for South Africa is therefore not out of the question, and perhaps even likely.

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Football: 2010 World Cup Team Profile - Mexico

MEXICO

FIFA Ranking: 17



Group: A, with South Africa, France, and Uruguay.

Qualification Route: Mexico qualified from the North America / Central America / Caribbean zone. After a horrible start to the qualifying campaign (three defeats in the first four matches), they eventually finished a close second to the USA and qualified comfortably. However, Mexico relied heavily on their home form to qualify. Away from Mexico, they won just one, drew one, and lost three of their games.

Coach: Javier Aguirre. Aguirre took over from Sven-Goran Eriksson and engineered the revival in form and fortune that resulted in qualification. Aguirre has a strong record of over-achievement on a modest budget at Atletico Madrid, and previously coached Mexico at the 2002 World Cup in South Korea / Japan.

Recent World Cup History: Mexico has qualified for the past four World Cups. In each of the 2006, 2002, 1998, and 1994 tournaments, they made it out of the group stage but were eliminated in Round 2. Their best relatively recent performance was in 1986 on home turf, when Mexico made the Quarter Final.

Key Player: Rafael Marquez (right) is the experienced rock at the heart of Mexico's defence. The Barcelona man will need to be at his best to organize his fellow defenders and blunt opponents' attacks.

Goal Scorers: Mexico scored 18 goals in their 10 qualifying games; incredibly, the goals were shared among 14 players. Veteran Cuauhtemoc Blanco was top scorer with 3 goals. But at 37 years old, his continued effectiveness at the top level is a question mark. Omar Bravo and Guillermo Franco have the experience but relatively poor international scoring records. Mexico may need to rely heavily on youngsters Giovani dos Santos and Carlos Vela to grow up in a hurry.

Prospects: Mexico do not travel very well, and this time they may not make it out of Group A. An early exit at the end of the first round is the most likely outcome.


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Football: 2010 World Cup Team Profile - France

FRANCE

FIFA Ranking: 7



Group: A, with South Africa, Uruguay, and Mexico.

Qualification Route: In Europe's Group 7, France looked unconvincing and finished second behind Serbia. Their poor results included twice barely squeezing past Lithuania 1-0, and only managing to beat the Faroe Islands 1-0 away. In the controversial play-off series against Ireland, France won only after a blatant hand-ball by Thierry Henry set up the winning goal.

Coach: Raymond Domenech. No many people actually believe that Domenech is doing a good job as coach of France. The team's unlikely run to the Final of the 2006 World Cup gave Domenech an unexpected boost and unfortunate longevity. The team's miserable performance at the 2008 European Championship (one draw, two losses, one goal scored), and the terrible performances in qualifying for the 2010 World Cup suggest that if France do well in South Africa, it will be in spite of the coach, not because of him.

Recent World Cup History: France won the World Cup on home soil in 1998. In 2002, they had the worst performance ever by any defending World Cup champions, failing to score a goal. In 2006, Zinedine Zidane unexpectedly pulled out one more great tournament and carried the veteran team to the Final, where they fell to Italy on penalty kicks.

Key Player: Franck Ribery (right) needs to fill the creative void left by Zidane in midfield. Ribery has to progress to consistent world-class status if France are to have a good World Cup.

Goal Scorers: Barcelona's Thierry Henry and Chelsea's Nicolas Anelka can both be lethal in front of the net if the spirit moves them to perform. Andre-Pierre Gignac of Toulouse is supposed to be the next great French striker -- he has a chance to prove it in South Africa.

Prospects: 2010 promises to look a lot more like 2002 and a lot less like 2006 for the French. A First Round exit is not out of the question, although they may scramble into Round 2 thanks to a weak group.


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Football: Brief History of the World Cup

The history of the World Cup between 1930 and 2006 is summarized in the key facts and figures below.

World Cup Winners, Finalists, and Hosts

The World Cup tournament has been held 18 times, starting in 1930. No tournaments were held during the Second World War.

1930
Winners: Uruguay. Finalists: Argentina. Hosts: Uruguay.

1934
Winners: Italy. Finalists: Czechoslovakia. Hosts: Italy.

1938
Winners: Italy. Finalists: Hungary. Hosts: France.

1950
Winners: Uruguay. Finalists: Brazil*: Hosts: Brazil
*Note: There was no Final game in 1950. The group game between Uruguay and Brazil determined the winner, and was effectively the "Final".

1954
Winners: West Germany. Finalists: Hungary. Hosts: Switzerland.

1958
Winners: Brazil. Finalists: Sweden. Hosts: Sweden.

1962
Winners: Brazil. Finalists: Czechoslovakia. Hosts: Chile

1966
Winners: England. Finalists: West Germany. Hosts: England.

1970
Winners: Brazil. Finalists: Italy. Hosts: Mexico.

1974
Winners: West Germany. Finalists: Holland. Hosts: West Germany.

1978
Winners: Argentina. Finalists: Holland. Hosts: Argentina.

1982
Winners: Italy. Finalists: West Germany. Hosts: Spain.

1986
Winners: Argentina. Finalists: West Germany. Hosts: Mexico.

1990
Winners: Germany. Finalists: Argentina. Hosts: Italy.

1994
Winners: Brazil. Finalists: Italy. Hosts: USA.

1998
Winners: France. Finalists: Brazil. Hosts: France.

2002
Winners: Brazil. Finalists: Germany. Hosts: Japan & South Korea

2006
Winners: Italy. Finalists: France. Hosts: Germany.


Winners

Seven different countries have won the World Cup:

Brazil: 5 World Cup Championships. 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, 2002.
Italy: 4 World Cup Championships. 1934, 1938, 1982, 2006.
Germany / West Germany: 3 World Cup Championships: 1954, 1974, 1990.
Argentina: 2 World Cup Championships: 1978, 1986
Uruguay: 2 World Cup Championships: 1930, 1950
France: 1 World Cup Championship: 1998
England: 1 World Cup Championship: 1966


Finalists

Eleven countries have made it to at least one World Cup final game. Dates in italics represent victories:

Brazil: 7 Finals. 1950*, 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, 1998, 2002
Germany / West Germany: 7 Finals: 1954, 1966, 1974, 1982, 1986, 1990, 2002
Italy: 6 Finals. 1934, 1938, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006.
Argentina: 4 Finals: 1930, 1978, 1986, 1990
Uruguay: 2 Finals: 1930, 1950*
France: 2 Finals: 1998, 2006
Holland: 2 Finals: 1974, 1978
Czechoslovakia: 2 Finals: 1934, 1962
Hungary: 2 Finals: 1938, 1954
England: 1 Final: 1966
Sweden: 1 Final: 1958

*Note: There was no Final game in 1950. The group game between Uruguay and Brazil determined the winner, and was effectively the "Final".


Tournament Appearances

Only Brazil have appeared in all 18 editions of the World Cup tournament. The following countries have appeared in 10 or more tournaments:

Brazil: 18
Germany / West Germany: 16
Italy: 16
Argentina: 14
Mexico: 13
England: 12
France: 12
Spain: 12
Belgium: 11
Sweden: 11
Serbia / Yugoslavia: 10
Uruguay: 10


Player Records

Most Tournaments Played:
5: Antonio Carbajal (Mexico, 1950 - 1966); and Lothar Matthaus (West Germany / Germany, 1982 - 1998)

Most World Cup Championships:
3: Pele (Brazil, 1958, 1962, 1970)

Most Matches Played:
25: Lothar Matthaus (West Germany / Germany)

Most Goals Scored, All-Time:
15: Ronaldo (Brazil)
14: Gerd Muller (West Germany)
13: Just Fontaine (France)
12: Pele (Brazil)
11: Jurgen Klinsmann (Germany / West Germany)
11: Sandor Kocsis (Hungary)
10: Gabriel Batistuta (Argentine)
10: Teofilo Cubillas (Peru)
10: Miroslav Klose (Germany)
10: Grzegorz Lato (Poland)
10: Gary Lineker (England)
10: Helmut Rahn (West Germany)


Most Goals Scored in One Tournament:
13: Just Fontaine (France, 1958)
11: Sandor Kocsis (Hungary, 1954)
10: Gerd Muller (West Germany, 1970)
9: Eusebio (Portugal, 1966)
9: Ademir (Brazil, 1950)
8: Ronaldo (Brazil, 2002)
8: Guillermo Stabile (Argentine, 1930)

Most Goals Scored in One Match:
5: Oleg Salenko (For Russia vs. Cameroon, 1994)


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Football: 10 Great World Cup Memories

10 Great World Cup Memories

With the 2010 World Cup fast approaching, here is a look back at some defining World Cup memories. The first World Cup tournament was played in 1930, and in total, 18 World Cup Final tournaments have been held, resulting in numerous memorable moments. The list below is from the more recent World Cups, starting in 1978. These memories capture the drama, controversy, heroism, and moments of sublime skill that define the World Cup.



1978: Peru's Capitulation
Argentina, the host country and governed by a brutal military dictatorship, needed to beat Peru by four clear goals in their final second stage group game to qualify for the Final ahead of long-time rivals Brazil. The schedule very much suited the hosts, since their game kicked off several hours after Brazil's game against Poland, which meant that Argentina knew exactly what they needed to do to reach the Final. Peru were one of the better teams at the tournament, having played well and made it through to the second Group stage. Argentina won the game 6-0 in what appeared to be scandalous fashion, and fingers were pointed to Peru's keeper Ramon Quiroga, who was actually born in Rosario, Argentina. The hosts went on to defeat Holland 3-1 after extra time in the Final, and claim their first World Cup victory. Do Argentina's goals against Peru look too easy? Judge for yourself from the video below.




1982: Rossi's Hat-Trick
Brazil were the class of the 1982 World Cup, held in Spain. With players like Zico, Socrates and Falcao, Brazil played fluid, attacking football that enchanted the world. Through their first four games they brushed aside opponents with dismissive ease, winning all four by a combined margin of 13-3. Meeting Italy in their final second stage group game, Brazil just needed a draw to advance to the Semi-Final. Italy had scraped through the first group stage, luckily qualifying for the second round despite only drawing their opening three games. In a remarkable upset, Italy beat Brazil 3-2, with diminutive striker Paolo Rossi scoring all three of Italy's goals. Prior to the game many were questioning why Rossi was in the Italian side, having been involved in a betting scandal in his native Italy prior to the tournament, and not having looked sharp in any of Italy's first four games. Both Italy and Rossi caught fire at the right time, and went on win the World Cup with Rossi scoring a total of 6 goals in three games. For a lesson in clinical finishing by a real goal poacher when it mattered most, see the video below.




1982: The Epic Semi-Final
France met West Germany in the 1982 Semi-Final, with France inspired by the brilliant Michel Platini and industrious Alain Giresse, while West Germany featured tricky winger Pierre Littbarski and forward Klaus Fischer, but hobbled with injury to their star striker Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, who was consigned to the substitute bench. An epic game of immense drama ensued, with West Germany taking the lead but France equalizing through a penalty. German keeper Harald Schumacher then violently body-checked France's Patrick Battiston, knocking him unconscious. Schumacher somehow escaped any punishment from the referee. The game was tied 1-1 at full time and went into 30 minutes of extra-time, during which France took a 3-1 lead and looked certain to advance to the Final. But Rummenigge came off the bench and inspired his team to a remarkable comeback. Rummenigge scored to make it 3-2 and Fisher notched the equalizer with a spectacular overhead kick. For the first time in modern World Cup history a hugely important game would be decided on penalty kicks, and even then the score was tied after the first five kicks for each side. West Germany finally triumphed when French player Max Bossis missed his side's sixth kick. An exhausted West German team went on to meekly lose the Final to Italy. All the drama from the epic semi-final is in the video below.



1986: The Hand of God
England met Argentina in the 1986 Quarter Finals in Mexico, just four years after the countries had fought the Falklands War. With the game tied at 0-0, a badly sliced defensive clearance seemed to be an easy save for England's goalkeeper Peter Shilton, but as he jumped to punch the ball clear, Argentine's Diego Maradona jumped in front of him and fisted the ball over Shilton and into the net. Amazingly, the referee and the linesmen allowed the goal to stand. Argentina went on to win the game 2-1. Maradona later said that the goal was assisted by the Hand of God, giving an appropriate label to one of the most famous events in World Cup history. Have a look at the most controversial goal in football history in the video below.



1986: Goal of the Century
It is rare enough for a game to produce one eternal memory; all the more surreal when one game produces two all-time legendary goals. Three minutes after the Hand of God goal, Maradona picked up the ball just inside his own half, and proceeded on a fast and mazy 10-second dribble in which he beat four England players before slotting the ball past Peter Shilton. The goal was later voted Goal of the Century in a 2002 poll. Argentina, inspired by Maradona, went on to brush aside Belgium in the semi-finals and defeated West Germany in an enthralling final to claim their second World Cup. Have a look at the Goal of the Century in the video below.



1990: Milla's Flag Dance
In the 1990 World Cup hosted by Italy, Cameroon made history by becoming the first African nation to qualify for the second round. There they met a strong Colombian side, tipped as one of the favourites to win the tournament. The Colombian keeper, Rene Higuita, was trying to single-handedly invent a new style of goalkeeping where he played almost as an extra defender, regularly involving himself in passes among the outfield players and leaving his net dangerously exposed. Higuita did not count on Roger Milla, the wily veteran Cameroon striker. Thought to be 38 years old at the time but likely a bit older, he came on as a substitute. In the second half of extra time with the game scoreless, Milla powered in a goal to give his side the lead. For good measure, three minutes later Milla embarrassed Higuita by dispossessing him and burying the ball in the unguarded net to give Cameroon the win. He celebrated each of his goals by racing to the corner flag for an emotional dance, capturing the world's imagination. Have a look at a veteran footballer making history in the video below.



1994: Baggio's Balloon
The 1994 World Cup final, held in the USA, was between Brazil and Italy. What was expected to be an entertaining affair with Romario and Bebeto leading the Brazilian attack and Roberto Baggio inspiring the Italians turned into a drab and scoreless game. Brazil missed the better chances, but the game ended up being the first Final to be decided on penalties. With Brazil leading 3-2 after four kicks each, Baggio stepped up to take Italy's fifth penalty, needing to score to prolong the final. He ballooned the ball so high over the net that the ball still hasn't landed. The man whose mystical midfield skills had carried Italy all the way to the Final will forever be remembered for one of the worst ever World Cup penalty kicks. The entire penalty shoot-out of the '94 Final is in the video below.



1998: Ronaldo's Meltdown
The Brazilian striker Ronaldo, at 22 years old, was already the world's most famous footballer and most clinical goal scorer. With the world watching his every move and the hopes of Brazil on his shoulders, the pressure was immense. Brazil stuttered through the tournament unconvincingly, winning by narrow margins against inferior opposition, but they made it through to the Final, with Ronaldo scoring an adequate but not shattering four times in six games. Hosts France were Brazil's opposition in the Final, but all the drama happened before the kick-off: first Brazil submitted a starting line-up that shockingly excluded Ronaldo; then they changed it and included him. What happened in the hours before kick-off remains shrouded in mystery and confusion, but it transpired that Ronaldo suffered a panic attack severe enough to require hospitalization. Another subject of debate is how much sponsor influence was exerted to re-insert him into the starting line up, regardless of his physical condition. In the end, France, inspired by Zinedine Zidane, convincingly triumphed 3-0, with a shell-shocked Brazil never threatening and Ronaldo largley ineffectual. Ronaldo did come back to help Brazil win the trophy in 2002, and scored enough goals in the 2006 tournament to become the all-time leading scorer in the World Cup. The highlights of the 1998 Final are in the video below.




2002: South Korea's Journey
In a demonstration of how far team spirit can go, South Korea, the co-hosts with Japan of the 2002 World Cup Finals, made it all the way to the Semi-Final. A combination of hard work, good fortune, tremendous fan support, and a series of controversial decisions saw the South Koreans go further than any other Asian team in the history of the World Cup. South Korea convincingly won their group, ahead of more heralded teams like Portugal. In Round 2, Italy were sensationally defeated 2-1 in extra time, the South Koreans equalizing in the 88th minute and scoring the golden goal winner in the 117th minute. In the Quarter Finals, South Korea controversially defeated Spain on penalties, after Spain had two apparently good goals disallowed. The South Korean deam run ended with a 1-0 defeat to the Germans in the Semi Finals, but not before proving that team spirit can go a long way towards remarkable success. The video below captures South Korea's journey at the 2002 World Cup.




2006: Zidane's Moment of Madness
With the Final between Italy and France in Germany finely poised at 1-1, the game entered extra time. The Italians were visibly tiring and the French, inspired by Zinedine Zidane, were beginning to boss the game and looked the more likely to score. Zidane came close to giving France the lead, powering a thunderous header on the Italian net, but Italy's goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon pulled off a magnificent flying save. Minutes later, Zidane used his head again, but this time to deliver a devastating head-butt into the chest of Italian defender Marco Materazzi. Zidane was duly sent-off, France lost the initiative, and Italy won the game on penalty kicks. It later emerged that Zidane reacted to a Materazzi insult about his sister. His moment of madness may well have cost his country a second World Cup triumph. The first video below shows Zidane using his head the right way to force the magnificent Buffon save. The second video is the moment of madness.







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Football: 2010 World Cup Venues

2010 World Cup Venues

The 64 games of the 2010 Football World Cup in South Africa will be held at 10 venues in nine cities: Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth, Nelspruit, Polokwane, Bloemfontein, Rustenburg and Pretoria. Two stadia will host games in Johannesburg: Soccer City and Ellis Park.

























Bloemfontein: Free State Stadium. 48,000 capacity.
June 14: Japan vs. Cameroon (Grp E)
June 20: Slovakia vs. Paraguay (Grp F)
June 22: France vs. South Africa (Grp A)
June 25: Switzerland vs. Honduras (Grp H)
June 27: Round 2







Cape Town: Green Point Stadium. 70,000 capacity.
June 11: Uruguay vs. France (Grp A)
June 14: Italy vs. Paraguay (Grp F)
June 18: England vs. Algeria (Grp C)
June 21: Portugal vs North Korea (Grp G)
June 24: Cameroon vs Holland (Grp E)
June 29: Round 2
July 3: Quarter Final
July 6: Semi Final





Durban: Moses Mabhida Stadium. 70,000 capacity.
June 13: Germany vs. Australia (Grp D)
June 16: Spain vs. Switzerland (Grp H)
June 19: Holland vs. Japan (Grp E)
June 22: Nigeria vs. S. Korea (Grp B)
June 25: Portugal vs. Brazil (Grp G)
June 28: Round 2
July 7: Semi Final



Johannesburg: Ellis Park Stadium. 70,000 capacity.
June 12: Argentina vs. Nigeria (Grp B)
June 15: Brazil vs. North Korea (Grp G)
June 18: Slovenia vs. USA (Grp C)
June 21: Spain vs. Honduras (Grp H)
June 24: Slovakia vs. Italy (Grp F)
June 28: Round 2
July 3: Quarter Final






Johannesburg: Soccer City. 94,700 capacity.
June 11: South Africa vs. Mexico (opening game, Grp A)
June 14: Holland vs. Denmark (Grp E)
June 17: Argentina vs. South Korea (Grp B)
June 20: Brazil vs. Ivory Coast (Grp G)
June 23: Ghana vs. Germany (Grp D)
June 27: Round 2
July 2: Quarter Final
July 11: World Cup Final




Nelspruit: Mbombela Stadium. 40,000 capacity.
June 16: Honduras vs. Chile (Grp H)
June 20: Italy vs. New Zealand (Grp F)
June 23: Australia vs. Serbia (Grp D)
June 25: North Korea vs. Ivory Coast (Grp G)








Polokwane: Peter Mokaba Stadium. 46,000 capacity.
June 13: Algeria vs. Slovenia (Grp C)
June 17: France vs. Mexico (Grp A)
June 22: Greece vs. Argentina (Grp B)
June 24: Paraguay vs. New Zealand (Grp F)








Port Elizabeth: Nelson Mandela Stadium. 48,000 capacity.
June 12: South Korea vs. Greece (Grp B)
June 15: Ivory Coast vs. Portugal (Grp G)
June 18: Germany vs. Serbia (Grp D)
June 21: Chile vs. Switzerland (Grp H)
June 23: Slovenia vs. England (Grp C)
June 26: Round 2
July 2: Quarter Final
July 10: Third-Place Playoff




Pretoria: Loftus Versfeld Stadium. 51,700 capacity.
June 13: Serbia vs. Ghana (Grp D)
June 15: South Africa vs. Uruguay (Grp A)
June 18: Cameroon vs. Denmark (Grp E)
June 23: USA vs. Algeria (Grp C)
June 25: Chile vs. Spain (Grp H)
June 29: Round 2







Rustenburg: Royal Bafokeng Stadium. 42,000 capacity.
June 12: England vs. USA (Grp C)
June 15: New Zealand vs. Slovenia (Grp F)
June 19: Ghana vs. Australia (Grp D)
June 22: Mexico vs. Uruguay (Grp A)
June 24: Denmark vs. Japan (Grp E)
June 26: Round 2







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Football: 2010 World Cup Teams

2010 World Cup Teams

The 32 teams competing in the 2010 Football World Cup in South Africa are listed below:

1. Alphabetically, indicating the FIFA rank and 2010 World Cup Group.
2. By FIFA ranking, indicating the Group.
3. By Group, indicating the FIFA ranking.

FIFA rankings are as of February 3 2010.

*Coming Soon!* Click on the team name in the Alphabetical List to link to a team-specific page with in-depth information. *Coming Soon!*


Alphabetical List

Algeria (Rank 31; Group C)
Argentina (Rank 8; Group B)
Australia (Rank 23; Group D)
Brazil (Rank 2; Group G)
Cameroon (Rank 20; Group E)
Chile (Rank 16; Group H)
Denmark (Rank 26; Group E)
England (Rank 9; Group C)
France (Rank 7; Group A)
Germany (Rank 6; Group D)
Ghana (Rank 27, Group D)
Greece (Rank 12; Group B)
Holland (Rank 3; Group E)
Honduras (Rank 34; Group H)
Italy (Rank 4; Group F)
Ivory Coast (Rank 22; Group G)
Japan (Rank 40; Group E)
Mexico (Rank 17; Group A)
New Zealand (Rank 79; Group F)
Nigeria (Rank 15, Group B)
North Korea (Rank 85; Group G)
Paraguay (Rank 29; Group F)
Portugal (Rank 5; Group G)
Serbia (Rank 19; Group D)
Slovakia (Rank 36; Group F)
Slovenia (Rank 33; Group C)
South Africa (Rank 81; Group A)
South Korea (Rank 49; Group B)
Spain (Rank 1; Group H)
Switzerland (Rank 18, Group H)
United States (Rank 14; Group C)
Uruguay (Rank 21; Group A)

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FIFA Ranking List

Rank 1: Spain (Group H)
Rank 2: Brazil (Group G)
Rank 3: Holland (Group E)
Rank 4: Italy (Group F)
Rank 5: Portugal (Group G)
Rank 6: Germany (Group D)
Rank 7: France (Group A)
Rank 8: Argentina (Group B)
Rank 9: England (Group C)
Rank 12: Greece (Group B)
Rank 14: United States (Group C)
Rank 15: Nigeria (Group B)
Rank 16: Chile (Group H)
Rank 17: Mexico (Group A)
Rank 18: Switzerland (Group H)
Rank 19: Serbia (Group D)
Rank 20: Cameroon (Group E)
Rank 21: Uruguay (Group A)
Rank 22: Ivory Coast (Group G)
Rank 23: Australia (Group D)
Rank 26: Denmark (Group E)
Rank 27: Ghana (Group D)
Rank 29: Paraguay (Group F)
Rank 31: Algeria (Group C)
Rank 33: Slovenia (Group C)
Rank 34: Honduras (Group H)
Rank 36: Slovakia (Group F)
Rank 40: Japan (Group E)
Rank 49: South Korea (Group B)
Rank 79: New Zealand (Group F)
Rank 81: South Africa (Group A)
Rank 85: North Korea (Group G)

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Group List

Group A
France (Rank 7)
Mexico (Rank 17)
Uruguay (Rank 21)
South Africa (Rank 81)

Group B
Argentina (Rank 8)
Greece (Rank 12)
Nigeria (Rank 15)
South Korea (Rank 49)

Group C
England (Rank 9)
United States (Rank 14)
Algeria (Rank 31)
Slovenia (Rank 33)

Group D
Germany (Rank 6)
Serbia (Rank 19)
Australia (Rank 23)
Ghana (Rank 27)

Group E
Holland (Rank 3)
Cameroon (Rank 20)
Denmark (Rank 26)
Japan (Rank 40)

Group F
Italy (Rank 4)
Paraguay (Rank 29)
Slovakia (Rank 36)
New Zealand (Rank 79)

Group G
Brazil (Rank 2)
Portugal (Rank 5)
Ivory Coast (Rank 22)
North Korea (Rank 85)

Group H
Spain (Rank 1)
Chile (Rank 16)
Switzerland (Rank 18)
Honduras (Rank 34)


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Football: 2010 World Cup Groups

2010 World Cup Groups

The 2010 World Cup tournament starts with a round-robin four-team group format, with each team playing the three other teams in the group once. 3 points are awarded for a win, 1 for a draw, and 0 for a loss. The top two teams from each group advance to Round 2.

In case of a tie in points between two or more teams in the same group, the three main tie-breakers, in order, are overall goal difference; overall goals scored; and the result between the tied teams.

The eight groups are summarized below, with the schedule of games and a brief Overview of general expectations for each group.


Group A
South Africa
Mexico
Uruguay
France

June 11: South Africa vs. Mexico
June 11: Uruguay vs. France
June 16: South Africa vs. Uruguay
June 17: France vs. Mexico
June 22: Mexico vs. Uruguay
June 22: France vs. South Africa

Overview: Hosts South Africa have every chance to progress out of Group A and into the knock-out stages of the 2010 World Cup. France are lucky to be at the World Cup following an unconvincing qualifying campaign and their controversial victory in their play-offs over Ireland. Traditionally, Mexico and Uruguay do not travel well on their World Cup campaigns, and they are likely to falter under the pressure of home support for South Africa -- allowing France to possibly sneak through the group. Likely Top Two: South Africa and France.


Group B
Argentina
Nigeria
South Korea
Greece

June 12: Argentina vs. Nigeria
June 12: South Korea vs. Greece
June 17: Greece vs. Nigeria
June 17: Argentina vs. South Korea
June 22: Nigeria vs. South Korea
June 22: Greece vs. Argentina

Overview: Argentina have the talent, but under coach Diego Maradona they are tactically inept. They struggled to qualify, and Argentina has rarely done well in the World Cup away from the American continent. Nigeria's preparations have been shambolic but they should benefit from home-continent advantage. Greece scrambled through the qualifications via the play-offs, and are unlikely to travel well. It may be a shock, but expect Argentina to struggle and South Korea, always a compact and hard-working team, to possibly emerge as the strongest team in this Group. Likely Top Two: South Korea and Nigeria.


Group C
England
USA
Algeria
Slovenia

June 12: England vs. USA
June 13: Algeria vs. Slovenia
June 18: Slovenia vs. USA
June 18: England vs. Algeria
June 23: Slovenia vs. England
June 23: USA vs. Algeria

Overview: England, under Fabio Capello's guidance, should have too much talent for the rest of this group. But the competition is more difficult than it looks. On their day, the USA will outwork any team and they have no shortage of talent. Algeria overcame African champions Egypt in a tough play-off series to qualify, and will be on their home continent. Slovenia will play a compact, organized game that is difficult to break down. Any one of these three could make it out of the group, but the USA may have the edge. Likely Top Two: England and USA.


Group D
Germany
Australia
Serbia
Ghana

June 13: Germany vs. Australia
June 13: Serbia vs. Ghana
June 18: Germany vs. Serbia
June 19: Ghana vs. Australia
June 23: Ghana vs. Germany
June 23: Australia vs. Serbia

Overview: Germany have an abundance of talent and experience and should have no difficulty progressing out of this group. Ghana are a strong side and will make the most out of being on their home continent. Australia and Serbia will not be push-overs, but they are unlikely to be good enough to challenge the top two. Likely Top Two: Germany and Ghana.


Group E
Holland
Denmark
Japan
Cameroon

June 14: Holland vs. Denmark
June 14: Japan vs. Cameroon
June 19: Holland vs. Japan
June 19: Cameroon vs. Denmark
June 24: Denmark vs. Japan
June 24: Cameroon vs. Holland

Overview: Holland are the class of this Group and should progress, leaving the other three teams to battle it out. Japan is likely in the weakest position, with no track record of success. Between Denmark and Cameroon, the advantage goes to Cameroon due to the home continent advantage. Likely Top Two: Holland and Cameroon.


Group F
Italy
Paraguay
New Zealand
Slovakia

June 14: Italy vs. Paraguay
June 15: New Zealand vs. Slovakia
June 20: Slovakia vs. Paraguay
June 20: Italy vs. New Zealand
June 24: Slovakia vs. Italy
June 24: Paraguay vs. New Zealand

Overview: Although Italy notoriously start their World Cup campaigns slowly, even they are unlikely to struggle too much in this group. New Zealand have done well to qualify, but are not expected to make much of an impression in South Africa. The opportunity is there for Slovakia or Paraguay to step into the knock-out stages, and Slovakia is likely to benefit from the favourable time zone to progress. Likely Top Two: Italy and Slovakia.


Group G
Brazil
North Korea
Ivory Coast
Portugal

June 15: Ivory Coast vs. Portugal
June 15: Brazil vs. North Korea
June 20: Brazil vs. Ivory Coast
June 21: Portugal vs. North Korea
June 25: Portugal vs. Brazil
June 25: North Korea vs. Ivory Coast

Overview: Brazil should coast through the group stage, as they always do. Portugal are a shadow of the side that they used to be under Felipe Scolari, and they struggled to qualify for the tournament -- they will likely find the going tough. North Korea will work hard but they simply do not have the international experience to compete. Ivory Coast should come through the group, perhaps relatively easily, to progress with Brazil. Likely Top Two: Brazil and Ivory Coast.


Group H
Spain
Switzerland
Honduras
Chile

June 16: Honduras vs. Chile
June 16: Spain vs. Switzerland
June 21: Chile vs. Switzerland
June 21: Spain vs. Honduras
June 25: Chile vs. Spain
June 25: Switzerland vs. Honduras

Overview: Spain are the current European Champions and one of the top teams in the world, and should qualify out of this group relatively easily. Switzerland rely on a compact defensive style, while neither Chile nor Honduras have a recent history of achievement or happy travels. Switzerland may sneak through by frustrating their opponents and benefiting from the favourable time zone. Likely Top 2: Spain and Switzerland.


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Football: 2010 World Cup Schedule

2010 World Cup Schedule

64 games will be played over 1 month, from June 11 to July 11 2010.

Schedule Overview:

Opening Games: June 11
Group Stage: June 11 to June 25
Round 2: June 26 to June 29
Quarter-Finals: July 2 and July 3
Semi-Finals: July 6 and July 7
3rd Place Play-Off: July 10
World Cup Final: July 11


Schedule Details:
All indicated kick-off times are local.

June 11
South Africa vs. Mexico (Grp A, Johannesburg, Soccer City, 16:00hrs)
Uruguay vs. France (Grp A, Cape Town, 20:30hrs)

June 12
South Korea vs. Greece (Grp B, Port Elizabeth, 13:30hrs)
Argentina vs. Nigeria (Grp B, Johannesburg, Ellis Park, 16:00hrs)
England vs. USA (Grp C, Rustenberg, 20:30hrs)

June 13
Algeria vs. Slovenia (Grp C, Polokwane, 13:30hrs)
Serbia vs. Ghana (Grp D, Pretoria, 16:00hrs)
Germany vs. Australia (Grp D, Durban, 20:30hrs)

June 14
Holland vs. Denmark (Grp E, Johannesburg, Soccer City, 13:30hrs)
Japan vs. Cameroon (Grp E, Bloemfontein, 16:00hrs)
Italy vs. Paraguay (Grp F, Cape Town, 20:30hrs)

June 15
New Zealand vs. Slovakia (Grp F, Rustenburg, 13:30hrs)
Ivory Coast vs. Portugal (Grp G, Port Elizabeth, 16:00hrs)
Brazil vs. North Korea (Grp G, Johannesburg, Ellis Park, 20:30hrs)

June 16
Honduras vs. Chile (Grp H, Nelspruit, 13:30hrs)
Spain vs. Switzerland (Grp H, Durban, 16:00hrs)
South Africa vs. Uruguay (Grp A, Pretoria, 20:30hrs)

June 17
Argentina vs. South Korea (Grp B, Johannesburg, Soccer City, 13:30hrs)
Greece vs. Nigeria (Grp B, Bloemfontein, 16:00hrs)
France vs. Mexico (Grp A, Polokwane, 20:30hrs)

June 18
Germany vs. Serbia (Grp D, Port Elizabeth, 13:30hrs)
Slovenia vs. USA (Grp C, Johannesburg, Ellis Park, 16:00hrs)
England vs. Algeria (Grp C, Cape Town, 20:30hrs)

June 19
Holland vs. Japan (Grp E, Durban, 13:30hrs)
Ghana vs. Australia (Grp D, Rustenburg, 16:00hrs)
Cameroon vs. Denmark (Grp E, Pretoria, 20:30)

June 20
Slovakia vs. Paraguay (Grp F, Bloemfontein, 13:30hrs)
Italy vs. New Zealand (Grp F, Nelspruit, 16:00 hrs)
Brazil vs. Ivory Coast (Grp G, Johannesburg, Soccer City, 20:30hrs)

June 21
Portugal vs. North Korea (Grp G, Cape Town, 13:30hrs)
Chile vs. Switzerland (Grp H, Port Elizabeth, 16:00hrs)
Spain vs. Honduras (Grp H, Johannesburg, Ellis Park, 20:30hrs)

June 22
Mexico vs. Uruguay (Grp A, Rustenburg, 16:00hrs)
France vs. South Africa (Grp A, Bloemfontein, 16:00hrs)
Nigeria vs. South Korea (Grp B, Durban, 20:30hrs)
Greece vs. Algeria (Grp B, Polokwane, 20:30hrs)

June 23
Slovenia vs. England (Grp C, Port Elizabeth, 16:00hrs)
USA vs. Algeria (Grp C, Pretoria, 16:00hrs)

June 24
Slovakia vs. Italy (Grp F, Johannesburg, Ellis Park, 16:00hrs)
Paraguay vs. New Zealand (Grp F, Polokwane, 16:00hrs)
Denmark vs. Japan (Grp E, Rustenburg, 20:30hrs)
Cameroon vs. Holland (Grp E, Cape Town, 20:30hrs)

June 25
North Korea vs. Ivory Coast (Grp G, Nelspruit, 16:00hrs)
Portugal vs. Brazil (Grp G, Durban, 16:00hrs)
Switzerland vs. Honduras (Grp H, Bloemfontein, 20:30hrs)
Chile vs. Spain (Grp H, Pretoria, 20:30hrs)

June 26
Round 2 Game 1: 1A vs. 2B (Port Elizabeth, 16:00hrs)
Round 2 Game 3: 1C vs. 2D (Johannesburg, Soccer City, 20:30hrs)

June 27
Round 2 Game 4: 1D vs. 2C (Bloemfontein, 16:00hrs)
Round 2 Game 2: 1B vs. 2A (Johannesburg, Soccer City, 20:30hrs)

June 28
Round 2 Game 5: 1E vs. 2F (Durban, 16:00hrs)
Round 2 Game 7: 1G vs. 2H (Johannesburg, Ellis Park, 20:30hrs)

June 29
Round 2 Game 6: 1F vs. 2E (Pretoria, 16:00hrs)
Round 2 Game 8: 1H vs. 2G (Cape Town, 20:30hrs)

June 30
Rest Day

July 1
Rest Day

July 2
Quarter Final C: 5 vs. 7 (Port Elizabeth, 16:00hrs)
Quarter Final A: 1 vs. 3 (Johannesburg, Soccer City, 20:30hrs)

July 3
Quarter Final B: 2 vs. 4 (Cape Town, 16:00hrs)
Quarter Final D: 6 vs. 8 (Johannesburg, Ellis Park, 20:30hrs)

July 4
Rest Day

July 5
Rest Day

July 6
Semi Final: A vs. C (Cape Town, 20:30hrs)

July 7
Semi Final: B vs. D (Durban, 20:30hrs)

July 8
Rest Day

July 9
Rest Day

July 10
3rd Place Play-Off - (Port Elizabeth, 20:30hrs)

July 11
World Cup Final - (Johannesburg, Soccer City, 20:30hrs)

Back to the 2010 World Cup Ace Black Blog Home Page.

Football: 2010 World Cup on the Ace Black Blog

Welcome to the Ace Black Blog Home Page for the 2010 Football World Cup.

The World Cup coverage on these pages is independent, neutral, and free of any commercials or sponsorship.

For the first time, the tournament is being held in Africa, with South Africa hosting the World Cup between June 11 (opening game) and July 11 (the Final).

After a two-year qualification campaign, 32 national teams have earned the right to compete for the ultimate prize in world sports.

The initial round-robin Group Stage will feature eight groups of four teams each. The top two teams from each group advance to the knock-out stages, which consist of Round Two (16 teams); the Quarter Finals (8 teams); the Semi Finals; and the Final.

The winning team will instantly gain eternal legendary status in their home country and in World Cup history. Along the way, there will be a month-long feast of football: heroes and villains will emerge, terrific athleticism and skill will be on display, great goals will be scored, miracle saves will be made, coaches will try to tactically out-smart each other, referees will try to keep the games under control, controversies will erupt, emotions will run high, and the beautiful game will create many memories for future generations to savor.

The Schedule
All the dates and times for all the games are here.

The Groups
The eight Groups for the Round 1 games are presented here, including the schedule of games for each group and an Overview of expectations.

The Teams
The FIFA rankings for each of the 32 teams are presented here. *Coming Soon* Links to in-depth pages for each team. *Coming Soon*

The Venues
Each of the 10 venues where the 64 games are being played is described here, including the schedule of games per venue.

*Coming Soon* 20 Potential Top Scorers *Coming Soon*

10 Great World Cup Memories
Re-live 10 great World Cup memories from past World Cups, with video clips. Brilliant goals, astounding misses, and terrific saves, as well as headbutts and dances!

Brief History of the World Cup
The winners, finalists, and hosts from every tournament; also the top scorers and most team and individual appearances.

Daily Blog: Summary of the Day, Results, Standings, and Top Scorers (Starts on June 12).

Honduras v United States 2010 World Cup Qualifying 10 Oct 2009

Honduras v United States 2010 World Cup Qualifying Socer Match 10 Oct 2009
United States will travel to the Estadio Olimpico Metropolitano in San Pedro Sula, Honduras in an important World Cup qualifier for both sides.
After winning their last two World Cup qualifiers over El Salvador and Trinidad and Tobago, the United States will be looking to clinch a spot in the 2010 World Cup with a win over Honduras.
Point --
1. United States -16 points
2. Mexico -15 points
3. Honduras -13 points
4. Costa Rica -12 points
5. El Salvador -8 points
6. Trinidad & Tobago -5 points (eliminated)


Watch Full Soccer Videos Click Here

Mexico vs El Salvador 2010 World Cup Qualifying 10 Oct 2009

Mexico vs El Salvador 2010 World Cup Qualifying Soccer Match 10 Oct 2009
Mexico vs. El Salvador (World Cup qualifying) (3 p.m., Telemundo)
El Tri can secure its place in South Africa with a victory at Estadio Azteca, and Coach Javier Aguirre is expecting nothing less, even with Giovanni Dos Santos and Cuauhtemoc Blanco injured.

Mexican national team will make an effort to qualify to the 2010 World Cup by beating El Salvador. El tri along with newly integrated Francisco Palencia and without Nery Castillo, will look for revenge against their counterparts since they have been the only ones to beat Mexico in the qualifiers under the new Aguirre era.

Russia vs Germany 2010 World Cup Qualifying 10 Oct 2009

Russia vs Germany 2010 World Cup Qualifying Soccer Match 10 Oct 2009
Russia vs. Germany (World Cup qualifying) (7:55 a.m., Setanta Sports USA)
Does Coach Guus Hiddink work his magic again in Moscow and foil the Germans' bid to clinch their place at the South Africa 2010 World Cup?
Germany better hope Andrei Arshavin doesn't score in Moscow on Saturday because the Russian striker clearly isn't one to pass up a chance to gloat.
Watch Full SoccerVideos Click Here

Portugal vs Hungary 2010 World Cup Qualifying 10 Oct 2009

Portugal vs Hungary 2010 World Cup Qualifying Soccer Match 10 Oct 2009
Portugal vs. Hungary (World Cup qualifying) (12:40 p.m., Setanta Sports USA)
The Portuguese have to win this one or reigning FIFA world player of the year Cristiano Ronaldo will not be going to a second World Cup, at least not until Brazil 2014.
Portugal (4-5-1): Eduardo; Duda, Bosingwa, Ricardo Carvalho, Bruno Alves; Miguel Veloso, Raul Meireles, Cristiano Ronaldo, Simao Sabrosa, Deco, Liedson.

Hungary (3-5-2): Babos, Gyepes, Juhasz, Gaal, Vadocz, Halmosi, Dzsudzsak, Gera, Hajnal, Torghelle, Priskin.
Watch Full Soccer Videos Click Here

Serbia vs Romania 2010 World Cup Qualifying 10 Oct 2009

Serbia vs Romania 2010 World Cup Qualifying Soccer Match 10 Oct 2009
Serbia lock horns with Romania on Saturday in what could prove to be a decisive World Cup qualifier in Group 7. A victory on Saturday means that the Serbians will finish first in their group and qualify for the 2010 World Cup.
Serbia have been slapped with three fines from FIFA, totalling 44,000 Swiss francs (£26,700), for incidents in their matches against France, Austria and Romania.
WATCH FULL SOCCER VIDEOS CLICK HERE

Argentina vs Peru 2010 World Cup Qualifying 10 OCT 2009

Argentina vs Peru 2010 World Cup Qualifying Soccer Match 10 OCT 2009
Argentina coach Diego Maradona will be in the spotlight as six South American countries battle for the final berths for the 2010 World Cup final starting on Saturday.

Argentina (4-4-2): Sergio Romero, Jonas Gutierrez, Rolando Schiavi, Gabriel Heinze. Emiliano Insua; Enzo Perez, Javier Mascherano, Angel Di Maria, Pablo Aimar, Lionel Messi, Gonzalo Higuain.

Peru (4-5-1): Butron, Prado, Zambrano, Rodriguez, Vilchez, Solano, Torres, Ballon, Vargas, Palacios, Fano.

Ireland vs Italy 2010 World Cup Qualifying 10 Oct 2009

Ireland vs Italy 2010 World Cup Qualifying Soccer Match 10 Oct 2009

Whether the World Soccer columnist would root for his motherland the Republic of Ireland or his adopted nation Italy on Saturday, or perhaps compromise again and hope for a 1-1 draw, this columnist does not pretend to know, but Paddy Agnew's Irish-Italian link is one of a number of intriguing components that make Saturday's clash so very colourful.
Probable Starting XIs and Star Man:

Ireland (4-4-2): Given, O'Shea, St Ledger, Dunne, Kilbane, Lawrence, Whelan, Andrews, McGeady, Keane, Doyle

Italy (4-3-3): Buffon, Zambrotta, Chiellini, Legrottaglie, Grosso, De Rossi, Pirlo, Palombo, Camoranesi, Iaquinta, Gilardino

WATCH FULL SOCCER VIDEOS CLICK HERE

Denmark vs Sweden 2010 World Cup Qualifying 10 Oct 2009

Denmark vs Sweden 2010 World Cup Qualifying Soccer Match 10 Oct 2009
Denmark vs. Sweden (World Cup qualifying) (11 a.m., FSE; 2 p.m., FSC)
The Danes should have wrapped things up a long time ago. They didn't, and now the Swedes, the Portuguese and the Hungarians are waiting to pounce. Should be a lively time in old Copenhagen.
Game between Denmark and Sweden is not only a game of honor but also a game that can ensure Denmark a place in the world cup, in South Africa, in the summer of 2010.

WATCH FULL SOCCER VIDEOS CLICK HERE

Ukraine vs England 2010 World Cup Qualifying 10 Oct 2009

Ukraine vs England 2010 World Cup Qualifying 10 Oct 2009
TONIGHT'S big game between England and Ukraine will not be on TV tonight due to a battle of rights.

However do not fear as the 5.15pm World Cup Qualifier will be on at Odeon, in Hatfield, with tickets costing £8 for adults, £5.50 for children, or £20 for a family ticket.
England have already booked their place in South Africa ahead of their penultimate qualifying fixture in Ukraine later today, but Portugal’s position is still in the balance. 

WATCH FULL SOCCER VIDEOS CLICK HERE