Serbia

Serbia are entering the World Cup as an independent nation for the very first time. In 1990 Yugoslavia represented the whole Balkan area, in 1998 the sqaud was called Yugoslavia but was really just Serbia and Montenegro, as they officially were called four year ago in Germany. In 2010 however, they are purely Serbia, but are probably stronger than at any time since the World Cup in Italy. 

That side reached the quarter finals, only to lose to Argentina on penalties, and many of that team would go on to win the European Cup a year later with Red Star Belgrade. This years squad however, are far more spread apart, and many players are playing for some of the biggest clubs in Europe.

The White Angels (who wear red) qualified impressively for South Africa as winners of  their European qualifying Group ahead of France, Lithuania, Romania, Austria and the Faroe Islands. The Serbians sealed top relatively comfortably, despite failing to beat France home or away, thanks to a strong start and a consistency of results throughout. The only other game they didn't win way away to Lithuania. 

2006 was a disaster for Serbia and Montenegro, as they lost all three of their games, but they also enjoyed in ignominy of suffering the tournament's heaviest defeat, 6-1, against Argentina. The showing in Germany was considered an embarrassment, but shouldn't be repeated this summer.

SCHEDULE- Group D

Ghana          June 13th- Pretoria

Germany      June 18th- Port Elizabeth

Australia      June 23rd- Johannesburg

Serbia have been drawn in what is commonly known as the group of death. All four teams have a strong chance of qualification to the second round, or even further. Germany are definitely the favourites but the absence of Michael Ballack will give the other three countries hope.

Yugoslavia played Germany in France in 1998 and threw away a two goal lead to draw 2-2. The Serbians of 2010 may be the most likely team to take points of the Germans due to the stenght and European experience of their players compared to Australia and Ghana, not to say that those two nations don't have decent teams of their own. Do that and qualification may be assured.

Needless to say, an early win is essential, whoever wins the opening game from themselves and Ghana will be favourites to progress with Germany, but with three tough games in store, the final outcome will be any one's guess.

KEY PLAYERS

The team captain and most experienced player in the squad is Inter Milan's Dejan Stankovic. The 31 year old midfielder is by far the squad's most capped player with 86. His midfield expertise will be required more than ever as he will be joined there by Wolves player Nenad Milijas, who is the weak link of the side. He is also the second highest scoring player with 13, to the 16 of Nikola Zigic.

The beanpole Valencia striker has had a rough time of it in Spain over the past three years since leaving Racing Santander but he is a regular for the national team due to his size, strengh and aerial prowess. He is joined in attack by the mercurial talents of Marko Pantelic. The striker has had an impressive goal record for Red Star, Hertha Berlin and now Ajax but has been regarded as a bit of a troublemaker, especially in Germany.

Liverpool's new recruit and title winner with Standard Leige Milan Jovanovic and Milos Krasic of CSKA Moscow complete the attacking line up for Serbia. Danko Lazovic, former PSV hitman, will be waiting in reserve.

Not only do Serbia possess talented individual attackers but they have an abundance of defensive talent with Nemanja Vidic being the stand out performer. The Manchester United centre has been a revelation in England since moving from Spartak Moscow in 2006, becoming the leagues most consistent defender over the past four seasons He missed the last World Cup through injury however, so will be looking to make things right this time. 

Branislav Ivanovic was also missing in German. The then Lokomotiv Moscow defender was injured too. The heart of the defence that got Serbia and Montenegro was missing by the time of the main event. 

This team possesses a number of capable sidekicks to the Premier League superstars. Italian based Alexandar's, Kolarov and Lukovic, will complete the back four.

ONE TO WATCH- Milos Krasic

The CSKA attacking midfielder can pick a pass, score goals and carried his club side to the quarter finals of the Champions League this season.

BEST CASE SCENARIO...

Serbia should have high expectations, as they have the first XI to take on any country in South Africa. The hard part will be escaping the group of death. A good start against Ghana is needed if that is to be achieved, but a quarter final is not out of the question. That would be a dream return to the upper echelons of world football since the break up of Yugoslavia

WORST CASE SCENARIO...

An embarrassing repeat of four years ago, and the unfulfilment of vast potential

PREDICTION 

Thee group should be negotiated. All four teams will still have a chance on the final day but I expect Serbia to fall over the line into a winnable second round game against England, or even America, as possibly even group winners. Have the potential to beat a young German team without a leader to win the Group C. Could be the dark horses of the 2010 World Cup.

Slovenia

Slovenia are the smallest European nation playing in this years finals, but is not their first. In 2002, the Slovenes graced the tournament unspectacularly, losing all three of their group games. That year's event was marred by in fighting between star coach, Srecko Katenec, and star player Zlatko Zahovic, that say the latter sent home. 

No such circumstances are expected this time however, as there are no massive egos in the squad, only commitment and belief. The current coach Matjaz Kek has instilled a high work ethic and self confidence in a squad made up of low key players, which helped helped them to out manoeuvre Poland, Czech Republic and finally Russia to reach the finals. 

In that play off in Moscow the Slovenians fell two goals behind but snatched a late away goal to take back to Maribor. In the second leg all that was needed was a goal from Zlatko Dedic of Bochum to knock out the Russians. From 2-0 down in the first leg, their achievement was nothing short of a miracle.   

SCHEDULE- Group C

Algeria   June 13th

USA      June 18th

England   June 23rd

The group is not the most daunting that Slovenia could have faced. England have already been tackled in the recent past, as the away side went down 2-1 at Wembley. Slovakia have played both the English and Americans recently too, and they will offer first hand insight into Slovenia's upcoming opponents. Finally there is Algeria, the team that Slovenia will be most confident of beating. The Algerians don't have a settled side of late and any problems in preparation will play into the hands of the Europeans. Failure to win that first game however and the remainder of the tournament will be an uphill task.

That is already known in Slovenia however, who are happy just to be in South Africa, They were never expected to qualify and they have barely registered in the past eight years since the dizzy heights of Euro 2000 and Japan/Korea 2002.

KEY PLAYERS

Slovenia is a team made up of hard working individuals rather than star names. The most familiar name is their captain, Robert Koren, of West Bromwich Albion. The 29 year old midfield player primarily prides inspiration for his younger compatriots. Aside from that his is the team's on field organiser. Koren refused to play in friendly games two years ago but the opportunity to become captain caused him to perform a U-turn. 

Other notable members of the Slovenian squad include Valter Birsa of Auxerre, who was a teenage prodigy in his formative years and Andraz Kirm, who will be responsible for crossing the ball to the hero from that night Maribor, Dedic. 

The rising star of Slovenian football is Inter Milan midfielder, Rebe Krhin. At the age of 20 he is finally on the edge of the Inter team, even making a few first team appearances in Serie 'A' prior to the Christmas break. He may not be in the Slovenia starting line up now, but he could be by the time they face England.    

ONE TO WATCH- Rene Krhim 

BEST CASE SCENARIO...

The possibility of reaching the second round is not entirely out of the question and it would be a dream come true for the 2.1 million people back home. Two victories will probably be needed  for that to happen though. Algeria will have to be beaten, and then it will be a nervy battle with the Americans.

WORST CASE SCENARIO...

An off the field scenario like 2002 is not likely this time, but a repeat of the results would be just as bad. Three defeats, especially in this group, would be a case of underachievement.

PREDICTION

Slovenia will probably not lose all their games, but they probably won't go through to the second round either.

Algeria

Algeria are regarded as the weakest of the African contingent at this summers World Cup. Just reaching this stage has been regarded as an amazing achievement. Anything they can accomplish at the tournament itself will be an added bonus. 

Getting the better of neighbours Egypt to reach the finals has made qualification all the sweeter. The now three times running African Nations Cup champions were defeated in a dramatic playoff in Sudan. Having acquired identical records in the group stage of qualifying, the countries had to play for a third time, with the Desert Foxes surprisingly coming out on top in Khartoum by a single goal. 

Qualification was greeted by a mass invasion of the pitch as fans and players alike celebrated. Even the Champs Elysses in Paris was marched upon by delirious fans, much to the disgust of Parisians.

Not much is expected from Algeria in June however, but their have been clear signs of improvement in the past few years, as results have improved and more players are working in Europe than ever before.

An under strenght Algerian team played in this year's Nations Cup in Angola, and put in some mixed performances. Only four points were acquired in the group stage but that was followed up with a 3-2 extra time victory over Ivory Coast, before losing 4-0 to Egypt. The Pharaohs were out for revenge, and they got it by recording the biggest ever scoreline between the teams. Algeria finished fourth, their best result since 1990.

Algeria's most famous World Cup came in 1982. Les Fennecs beat West Germany and Chile in the opening group stage, but were denied a place in the second group stage when the Germans conveniently beat Austria 1-0, a result which put both those teams through. That was Africa's finest ever showing at a World Cup up to that point. The desert Foxes are only making their third appearance this year, having entered again in 1986.   

SCHEDULE- Group C

Slovenia      June 13th- Polokwane

England       June 18th- Cape Town

USA           June 23rd- Pretoria

The group they have acquired will give the Algerians hope of achieving some positive results. A victory is most likely to occur in the opening game against Slovenia. Any thing less than that would suggest their Cup is already over, as England and USA are expected to record victories over the Africans. However, if the Americans don't produce full commitment and take the game for granted, then anything is possible, as Algeria do possess players to be wary off.

KEY PLAYERS

The British contingent of the Algerian squad will be the mainstay of the starting XI in Polokwane on match day one. Hassan Yebda and Nadir Belhadj of Portsmouth, as well as Hammeur Bouazza and Madjid Bougherra will all play a pivotal role in any aspirations the Desert Foxes have. 

Belhadj, in particular, has the greatest ability to cause damage going forward. The former Lens full back has the capability to get forward on the right and get the ball into the box, where Karim Matmour and Abdelkader Ghezzal will be waiting.

Wolfsburg's Karim Ziani is one of the most experienced players in the Algerian squad and is regarded as the star of the team, although his first team chances haven't been prolific since his move from Marseille. His composure and passing will be necessary if Algeria are to threaten. He will be complemented by captain Yazid Mansouri in midfield. The Lorient player is a virtual ever present for club and country, despite being born in France.

One problem facing coach Rahab Saadane is the absence of Belhadj and goalkeeper Faouzi Chaouchi from the first game, the one they will be targeting for a victory, due to their suspensions that have been carried over from the Cup of Nations. Both players were sent off in the bad tempered semi final with Egypt. 

ONE TO WATCH- Karim Ziani

BEST CASE SCENARIO...

Escaping the group is not entirely out of the question due to the lack of World Cup pedigree of Slovenia and the States, but one cant help feel that beating Egypt on November 18th last was effectively their World Cup final.

WORST CASE SCENARIO...

The worst outcome possible would be to lose all three games, which is also a likely scenario.

PREDICTION

Bottom of the group, but not embarrassingly so.

USA

The USA currently possess possibly their finest ever football team. A combination of good team organisation, commitment to a style of play and a sprinkling of quality players have improved the team immeasurably in the last four years.  

The semi final finish of 1930 may finally be equalled as the US strive to go one step further than in 2002, when they reached the quarters, only to unluckily lose to Germany by a single goal. For such an achievement to be accomplished, performances reminiscent of last years Confederations Cup semi final against Spain will be required from the off.

In South Africa last June, USA lost their first two games to Brazil and Italy before beating Egypt to squeeze through on goal difference. Permutations may not be so generous this time if they were to lose two games.

Since then, qualification was achieved with east from North America as they topped the final qualifying group ahead of Mexico. A depleted American team failed to retain the Gold Cup last August, however, going down 4-0 to the Mexicans on home soil.

SCHEDULE- Group C

England      June 12th- Rustenburg

Slovenia     June 18th- Johannesburg

Algeria       June 23rd- Pretoria

Thankfully for the US, they have not been placed in a group of death, as they were in 2006 when paired with Italy, Ghana and Czech Republic. They collected only one point from the three games, in what was a poor showing, but more is expected this year.

Qualification from the group should be the minimum of expectations, having been handed a group that they would have dreamed of in December prior to the draw. They will hope to catch England cold as their 1950 incarnation did in Brazil. That year, an amateur American team beat an arrogant English team 1-0.   

Anything achieved in that game will be a bonus but wins will be expected against Slovenia and Algeria. Last years 3-0 win over Egypt will give the team confidence against Algeria but Slovenia are a new proposition that will need to be carefully evaluated. Ideal preparation against the Czechs awaits on May 29th.

KEY PLAYERS

Clint Dempsey and Landon Donovan will be the most important players in the American team this summer. Both are creative midfield players and have an eye for goal but more importantly for their coach, Bob Bradley, they work hard for the team. The will press the opposition's defence and midfield to get the ball back all day long. 

Donovan is still only 28 but has played 121 time for his country and this will be his third world cup. He has recorded 42 goals for America and is already their top scorer of all time. Dempsey's goal scoring record is also impressive, having scored 17 from midfield. Both have performed excellently in England this season and Dempsey will be particularly fresh having missed a chunk of the season through injury.

Goalkeeping has become something of an art form in America over the past twenty years. Tony Meola, Brad Friedel and Kasey Keller have been replaced by a new generation including Tim Howard, Brad Guzan and Marcus Hahnemann. All three would be fitting of the number one shirt but Howard will be the man between the sticks come June 12th in Rustenburg. Such strenght in such an important department is invaluable. 

AC Milan's Oguchi Onyewu is expected back from injury on time to take his place in the starting line up. The former Standard Liege defender hasn't featured in Italy since the start of the season but he has been a rock at the back for the States when fit. His presence will be vital if they are to achieve results because beyond him is a rag tag bunch of journeymen, lead by captain Carlos Bocanegra of Rennes in France.

ONE TO WATCH- Jozy Altidore

The big striker may not have been a hit in Hull but he occasionally performed impressively, using his pace and strenght to good effect. The Villarreal owned player has scored 8 times in 24 internationals and he will be needed to score a few more this summer.

BEST CASE SCENARIO...

A perfect outcome for USA would be a semi final place, and surely that is their target in South Africa. A quarter final however, would be a job well done and a step in the right direction after a poor showing last time out. A good run will be important to the development of the game in the US and will aid them for future tournaments. Considering the potential opposition from Group D, it will be tough but they are good enough to advance from the second round.

WORST CASE SCENARIO...

Another group stage exit will leave them in the wilderness for another four years. They have an ideal group with the weakest African nation and potentially the poorest European representatives so failure to qualify will be a disaster.
PREDICTION

Second place in the group should be the least they can achieve and England will be given a scare in the first game. The absence of Michael Ballack from the Germany squad means any one of the four teams from the group of death could be playing them in the second round, in a game they can potentially win, although it will be tough.

England

The English team have tyicaly high expectations leading into the World Cup. Coach Fabio Capello has installed a realistic understated confidence that the country has not experinced in recent years. If the team are to have any hope of winning this years tournament though, then the hopes of the nation lie upon the manager and Wayne Rooney.

England came through the qualification process with ease. They won their first eight games against Kazakhstan (twice), Ukraine, Croatia (twice), Belarus and Andorra (twice), before finishing off with a defeat in Kiev and a 3-0 win over the Belarussians at Wembley. Rooney and Theo Walcott were the stars of the group. The Manchester United striker scored seven goals and Walcott scored a hat trick in Zagreb that demoralized Croatia's ambitions.

England currently rank at number eight in the world, but they are potentially third favourites for the tournament in South Africa. Their impressive form in qualifying and the quality of their players, and most importantly, manager, has given more reason for optimism than ever before.

Friendlies aren't usually considered a barometer of a teams performance, but in England's case it is noteworthy that recent games with both Spain and Brazil have been lost, comfortably. The three lions have a reputation of folding against the big teams, and that has not yet changed under Capello. That will need to be eradicated is England are to progress beyond a quarter final for the first time since Euro '96 on home soil and win their second Word Cup trophy.  

SCHEDULE- Group C

USA         June 12th- Rustenburg

Algeria      June 18th- Cape Town

Slovenia    June 23rd- Port Elizabeth

Hopes of ultimate victory have been aided by the group they've been handed. Just like in 1998 and 2006 England have been been placed in one of the weakest groups. The three lions will be widely expected to top the group comfortably ahead of the USA.

The group's make up could have been radically different has Russia finished of Slovenia in Moscow when they had the chance, or had three time African champions Egypt overcome the Algerians in a tense and emotional play off in Sudan.

Luckily for England, Slovenia and Algeria came through their play offs and both games should represent six points. USA are a different proposition on the other hand. The Americans are coming off the back of a comfortable qualifying campaign and an impressive showing in the latter stages of last years Confederations Cup. A repeat of England's 1-0 defeat in the opening game of Brazil 1950 is not out of the question.

KEY PLAYERS  

Wayne Rooney is the key player to English hopes in South Africa. The Manchester United striker has improved his game no end in the last year, scoring 34 goals in 44 games. He has taken over the mantle and pressure of being United's star man from Cristiano Ronaldo, and has excelled in the process. Recent injury problems, much like in 2006, may blight his impact on this tournament however, as he has yet to fully recover from groin and ankle difficulties.

Beyond Rooney, the England squad isn't as impressive as first imagined. Capello has spent the last number of weeks checking out retired internationals Jamie Carragher and Paul Scholes, as well as Owen Hargreaves and Sol Campbell. In the end, Carragher backtracked on his decision from 2007 to play in one last World Cup. The coaches wish to bring back Scholes, although still a useful player, had a feeling of desperation about it, as did his efforts to recruit the Liverpool defender, who has probably had the worst season of his career.  

Frank Lampard has enjoyed one of the best periods of his time at Chelsea over the past couple of months. The goal scoring midfielder has played a pivotal role in securing the Premier League for his club and for the first time broke the 20 goal mark in a league season. Considering the injury worries regarding Gareth Barry and and the poor form of Steven Gerrard, it is essential that Lampard keeps up his recent level of performance. 

These two players are central to any hope England have as the rest of the team all have issues with form or injury. Aaron Lennon, Rio Ferdinand and Glen Johnson have all play sporadically this season, will Theo Walcott, Emile Heskey and John Terry have all struggled for from. Left back Ashley Cole, however, has seen a return to his Arsenal form, as a Chelsea manager has finally allowed him to get forward at will. The much maligned Cole has always saved his best performances for England, most notably in 2004, and this year should be no exception. 

Goalkeeper is another problem area for the English. Robert Green has been the incumbent of the number one shirt for the past year but that was primarily down to injuries sustained by David James. Joe Hart is the form keeper in the country, and James put in a great performance in the FA Cup final, so Capello will have a tough choice ahead. 

ONE TO WATCH- Wayne Rooney 

BEST CASE SCENARIO...

England harbour realistic hopes of winning the trophy on July 11th. Such a feat is only possible with a red hot Rooney. Avoiding penalties is a must if it's to happen. If Ferdinand lifts the World Cup in Johannesburg, it will be the realisation of many people's worst fear.

WORST CASE SCENARIO...

Exiting at the group stage is extremely unlikely, so a second round defeat to Serbia/Ghana/Australia/Germany or another quarter final loss will not go down well in England. The semi finals are expected at the very least.

PREDICTION

England to take the group on goal difference from the US and fall at the quarter final stage when they meet a major footballing superpower....yet again.  

Nigeria

The Super Eagles are returning to the World Cup for the first time since 2002, having squeezed through qualification with a late 3-2 victory over Kenya in Nairobi, thanks to Obafemi Martins.

Form hasn't been too bad since either, as Nigeria negotiated their way to third place in the last Nations Cup in Angola last January. Such resultsarent good enough however, and Shaibu Amodu was quickly discarded.

Every four years, the Africans either flatter to decieve or enlighten the tournement. Impressive performances in 1994 and 1998 were followed by underachievement in Japan and failure to qualify for the 2006 installment. Performances more akin to the latter are unfortunately expected this summer.

This isn't helped by the fact that their coach is Lars Lagerback, who Swedish fans were happy to see the back of after nine long years. His appointment is in keeping with a current trend of African associations hiring European coaches. Sven Goran Eriksson is being paid a fortune to coach Ivory Coast for only a handful of games, while Paul Le Guen is currently in charge of Cameroon.

Lagerback is not exactly the type of manager to unleash his players and let them play to their talents. Planning will be meticulous but that it not the Nigerian way.

Another factor than inhibits the performance of players is their age. The true ages of many Nigerian internationals in unknown. Portsmouth's Nwanko Kanu has played in Europe since 1993, after an impressive display in that years Under-17 World Cup, where Nigeria are constant competitors, despite never really challenging at senior level. Joseph Yobo and Martins are two other with bizarre track records. Yobo is 29 and yet has also spent 12 years in Europe and eight with Everton. Martins was a 'teenage' prodigy at Inter Milan just seven years ago, and has since gone on to inonymity at Newcastle and now Wolfsburg. His career path is more reflective of an older man.

SCHEDULE- Group B

Argentina             June 12th- Johannesburg

Greece                June 17nd- Bloemfontein

Korea Republic   June 22nd- Durban

The group handed to Nigeria will bring optimism to the squad. A pre- tournament friendly with North Korea should give them a good gauge of their Asian opponents from the south, and Greece are by no means the strongest European team they could have been paired with. 

That said, their first fixture is a repeat of their 2002 opener in Japan, which they lost 1-0 to a Gabriel Batistuta header. A first game defeat to Argentina could leave the Super Eagles facing an uphill battle if Greece manage to take three points of South Korea. 

Expectations are high, as always, in Lagos, and Lagerback has been drafted in on a five month contract with the sole purpose of getting the Nigerians past the group stage and ultimately to the semi-finals, which will be a first for an African team.

KEY PLAYERS

Without John Obi Mikel, Nigeria would be a lost cause in South Africa, but the Chelsea midfielder is expected to recover in time for opening night. Mikel players in a far more advanced role for his country traditionally but Lagerback's presence may see him return to a more destructive role in front of a back four.

Mikel may be the one star of the squad, but there is an abundance of European experience throughout, although many are coming to the end of their careers, are under performing, or are playing away from the limelight.

Taye Taiwo and Yobo are long term mainstays of the defence, despite being still in their twenties. Danny Shittu is still considered a serious replacement if Yobo is injured, which sums up the strenght of  Nigeria's defensive options.

In attack is where Nigeria are at their strongest, yet the 154 million back home must still pine for the days of Daniel Amokachi, Jay Jay Okocha, a younger Kanu and Rashidi Yekini. This years generation of  Martins, Aiyigbeni Yakubu and Peter Odemwingie all have impressive goal scoring records in their own right, but impressive national team performances have been sporadic.

Odemwingie captained the side in the recent Nations Cup, but it is yet to be seen whether he will retain the armband, or even be in the first XI come June 12th in Ellis Park. 

ONE TO WATCH- John Obi Mikel

The Chelsea defensive midfielder may come in to his own this summer. He is capable of magic that Chelsea fans rarely see, and possesses greater talent than just getting yellow cards.

BEST CASE SCENARIO...

It would be a miracle if the Super Eagles make that semi final spot. Their is no limit to their ambition, and with the population they have and their history and reputation as a football nation, they should be capable of challenging every four years.

WORST CASE SCENARIO...

In- fighting, squabbles over bonuses and a corrupt association often undermine Nigeria's efforts on the pitch. This year is might be their tactics. A rigid defensive approach wont be in the spirit of their country and if the flair of 1994 and 1998's win over Spain are not reproduced, another awful World Cup is in store for the Super Eagles.

PREDICTION

It will be a struggle to emerge from the group. Ultimately the superior organisation, natural tactical abilities and dare I say better players, of Greece, should see them prevail rather than Nigeria. It will be a case of another opportunity lost.    

Argentina

Argentina have enjoyed a controversial couple of years in the run- up to this World Cup. After a rocky start to South American qualifying, Alfio Basile was replaced by national icon Diego Maradona, the man who practically won the World Cup single-handedly in 1986.

The appointment was viewed with trepidation by many. The former Napoli star is almost a deity in his homeland, and failure in his new post may take away from his legacy. Also, he had very little coaching experiencing in the first place, and giving him the job seemed like a ceremonial anointing for all his previous endeavours, although it was hoped a friendly face could inspire the under performing superstars of La albiceleste.

Results remained inconsistent, but automatic qualification was assured with a 1-0 win in Montevideo on the final day last October. A 6-1 defeat at altitude in La Paz and losing 3-1 in Brazil represented low points but nevertheless the ultimate goal was achieved.

Maradona has used in the region of 100 players in his two years at the helm, and his inconsistency in selection was mirrored in last Tuesday's squad announcement, which left the world's media in shock as five star were omitted. Esteban Cambiasso, Javier Zanetti, Fernando Gago, Ever Banega and Gabriel Milito may not have started for the coach but their presence would have been useful.

Maradona appears to have finally settled on a starting XI however, judging from the 1-0 victory in Munich in a friendly with the Germans. A return to 4-4-2 may be in store, having clearly failed with a 4-3-3 consisting of the diminutive trio of Leo Messi, Carlos Tevez and Sergio Aguero up front. 

The two time world champions still remain one of the favourites for this years tournament, but the erratic management of El Diego may be what coasts them in South Africa.

SCHEDULE- Group B

Nigeria                June 12th- Johannesburg (Ellis Park)   

Korea Republic   June 17th- Johannesburg (Soccer City)

Greece                June 22nd- Polokwane

For all of Argentina's problems, this group shouldn't be one of them. Three three opponents all have their strong points, be it unpredictability, fitness or organisation, but none have the same calibre of players as Argentina have. Therefore they should have enough to come through the group with something to spare.

First up is Nigeria, who they met at the same stage in 2002 ans 1994. A 1-0 victory in Japan in the first match proved to be the high point of the tournament for that generation of Argentinians. Marcelo Bielsa team had lofty expectations but embarrassingly feel at the first hurdle. The result didn't go down well at home, in a country suffering one of the worst financial crashes in history.  

Greece will also hold memories for the current coach, who scored against the Hellans in America in 1994. Having registered the last in a 4-0 win, the great one proceeded to scream into the camera with eyes popping from his skull. His last game for the national team was only days away.

KEY PLAYERS

Despite the absence of talented midfielders, there is still enough quality throughout the squad to get by. The most obvious is of course, Lionel Messi. The Barcelona forward is the FIFA World Player of the year and currently the leader in the chase for Europe's golden boot. Criticism has suggested he is yet to perform for his country however, despite scoring one of the goals of the decade in the 2007 Copa America against Mexico. Such talk emanates from not spending his teenage years in Argentine. Maradona grew up with his compatriots drooling over his every move from the age of 16. Time spent with Argentinos Juniors and Boca made him an icon before taking over the world stage. This is Messi's opportunity to win over his countrymen, as the weight of expectation will be primarily on his shoulders.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5orXdWwTVg

Javier Mascherano is a vital cog in the machine. The captain is Maradona's voice on the pitch, and will be expected to get the ball back and give it to his more attacking team mates. A lot of faith has been placed in the Liverpool midfielder, and no more so now without Gago and Cambiasso.

In attack is where Argentina are strongest. Messi is joined by Tevez, Aguero, Inter Milan's Diego Milito, Gonzalo Higuain of Real Madrid, as well as veteran Martin Palermo and Napoli's Ezequiel Lavezzi. meaning there was no room for Lyon's Lisandro Lopez. All seven will surely not make the plane, meaning a superstar may miss the final cut.

Strenght in depth has been compromised by leaving out proven European performers. Beyond the first choice midfielders and defenders, there looks to be a gaping hole. Mardaona has filled a sizeable chunk of the squad with home based players, and even a couple of English Championship players, Jonas Gutierrez and Fabricio Coloccini. If the likes of Martin Demichelis, Gabriel Heinze, Walter Samuel, Juan Sebastian Veron or Angel di Maria get injured then La albiceleste will be in trouble. 

Goalkeeper appears to be the main problem area in the squad. Between the three choices are only 12 caps. Sergio Romero started the friendly with Germany, but in only 23 and has five caps, although he has spent the last two seasons in goal for AZ Alkmaar in Holland.

Juan Veron will be hoping for some salvation from the 2010 tournament, as he was widely vilified back home for performances in 2002, when he was expected to reproduce his spectacular Lazio form and delivery the cup for Argentina. He didn't and spent some time in the wilderness before being redrafted by Maradona.

ONE TO WATCH- Sergio Aguero

The Atletico Madrid striker may start the tournament on the bench but will play his way into the team in time. He will surely make a big money move this summer, where his full potential will finally be realised. His family ties with the coach have blighted his senior international career thus far but he has been a star through the ranks from under 17 to the Olympic side.       

BEST CASE SCENARIO...

For a country like Argentina, there can only be one outcome, and that is to win the trophy. Of course, that is not always possible. A quarter final is the limit and should be easily reached. Beyond that is where things get tricky, as that game could be with Germany, as in 2006. There is no doubt that Argentina have the fire power, including the best player in the world, to win the tournament, and if they do Maradona god like status will be enhanced, if that's possible.

WORST CASE SCENARIO...

A repeat of 2002, failure tactically by Maradona and an under performing Leo Messi.

PREDICTION

Hard to gauge. Should be capable of beating the teams placed in front of them until the quarter finals, where  any inconsistency will need to eradicated. If it is to be Germany, then penalties are not an option. Semi finals...maybe.