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Group B is interesting in that I live near the Danforth and have had several conversations with the locals. Greece Greece Greece. Everyone is very optimistic about them moving on… but unlike in Group A, all three teams have the opportunity to get that second spot and move on. It makes this group quite interesting, mainly because if Greece doesn’t move on, I fully expect some looting in the area haha.

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Argentina (ARG)
Ranked 7th
Odds of winning the World Cup 7.5-1 (via bwin)
Nickname: La Albiceleste (The White and Sky Blue)

Argentina seemed to struggle in the qualifying stage. They had 8 wins, 4 draws and 6 defeats which totaled their lowest performance in a while. The main reason for this was the number of players the coach Maradona had in and out of the roster. Something like 100+ different players wore the jersey in qualifying. With the teams now clearly defined, expect to see a more united, stronger performance from the Argentinians in the Group stage and beyond. Lionel Messi, who’s possibly the best player currently in the World for his ability with the ball, and his ability without, is looking for what Maradona did with his team in 1986 – Win. Argentina’s weakness lies in their keepers.

Key Players: DF Walter Samuel, MF Maxi Rodriguez, MF Juan Sebastián Verón, FW Lionel Messi, FW Carlos Tévez, FW Diego Milito

Nigeria (NGA)
Ranked 21st
Odds of winning the World Cup 151-1 (via bwin)
Nickname: Super Eagles

Nigeria’s team lacks any big named stars but they instead have a team of all equally skilled veterans and young up and comers. This makes them dangerous as they are unpredictable, who will have a big game? Who’s the weak link? This being said, they do have a very solid keeper who’ll make it tough for opponents to score. The Nigerians have never gone passed the group stage but with their draw they have as good a chance as the other 2 to make that 2nd spot and move out of the group stage.

Key Players: GK Vincent Enyeama, DF Joseph Yobo, DF Taye Taiwo, MF Mikel John Obi, FW Nwankwo Kanu, FW Yakubu Aiyegbeni, FW Obafemi Martins

Greece (GRE)
Ranked 13th
Odds of winning the World Cup 151-1 (via bwin)
Nickname: The Pirate Ship or Galanoleyki (The Blue and White)

Surprisingly, I learned this is only the 2nd time the Greeks have made it to the finals. I definitely thought it was more than that. This looks to be a solid team on paper. The Greek defense is something they pride themselves in, so I expect few goals in games against Greece. Midfielder and team captain Giorgos Karagounis will be looking to improve on their best ever performance, but I think this will be a difficult task. Best of luck to them and please don’t loot my house if they lose!

Key Players: DF Giourkas Seitaridis, DF Sotirios Kyrgiakos, MF Giorgos Karagounis, MF Kostas Katsouranis, FW Angelos Charisteas, FW Theofanis Gekas

South Korea (KOR)
Ranked 47th
Odds of winning the World Cup 201-1 (via bwin)
Nickname: Taegeuk Jeonsa (Yin and Yang Warriors)

The South Koreans qualified having been unbeaten in the qualifiers. That confidence will translate well into this series. Their team has a good mix of veterans and young new comers. Their veteran (and I do mean veteran he’s 37) goalie still seems sharp from games I’ve seen him play in over the past year and one of their backups even has a goal to his name (rare for a goalie obviously)! They even beat the African powerhouse Ivory Coast in the qualifiers. When you say football, South Korea isn’t usually the first country that comes to mind, but they are quite good!

Key Players: GK Lee Woon-Jae, DF Cha Du-Ri, MF Park Ji-Sung, FW Ahn Jung-Hwan, FW Lee Dong-Gook

So who goes through?

1 – Argentina
2 – South Korea
3 – Nigeria
4 – Greece