It would seem that any reservations concerning Diego Maradona’s managerial abilities can be shelved until the knockout stages in light of this draw; in lining them up against three rank outsiders, Group B has been undoubtedly kind to Argentina…
With the other teams- Greece, Nigeria and South Korea – not the most prolific of scorers, Argentina should not only be in the position to bang home a full goals, but repel any opposition efforts. To his credit, recent games have seen Maradona illustrating a certain sense of tactical nous, as he looks to build a firm foundation around which Lionel Messi and the likes of Gonzalo Higuian and Angel di Maria can flourish.
Should-if expected- Argentina win the group, they’d be up against the runners-up in Group A, which , going on form, should probably be Mexico. A victory there could then see them Germany on the quarter finals. The team finishing second in Group B would then be more than likely up against France, with Raymond Domenech’s team the favourites to end any progress at the last 16 stage.
Argentina
Despite the most unconvincing of qualifying campaigns, Argentina seem to be finding their form at just the right time. Their qualities as individuals are clearly unquestioned, it’s whether or not Maradona is able to forge them into a team unit that is the critical issue.
Having called up more than 100 players in his 18 months in charge, he sprang a surprise by leaving out three outstanding central midfielders, in Zanetti, Cambiasso and Gago, a decision which- in retrospect- will either be utterly inspired decision or totally illogical..
Although Maradona has said he’s unsure which eleven of his 23 wildcats will start in the opener against Nigerian, recent games, however, have -almost surprisingly- given a clear indication of what is likely to be both the formation of choice and first XI sent out by the new manager, with a 4-4-1-1 set-up continued to be played in friendlies.
Lionel Messi, so famously yet unable to replicate club form for country, will be given a free role, behind a lone striker, and according to Maradona:
“I don’t want him stationed on the touchline…all the balls have to go through him”.
Gonzalo Higuain seems certain to be the first-choice forward, with Angel di Maria and Jonas Gutierrez on the left and right flanks respectively. Juan Veron, in spite of his years, is the deep-lying playmaker, with Javier Mascherano shielding the back four.
With regards to the back four, recent games have led Maradona to draw tactical conclusions over who to pick, leading him to explain:
“I’m going to defend with four centre-backs, but I’m also going to have full-backs available in case we need to improve coming out of defence”.
The Fantasy Targets…
Nicolas Otamendi
Called into the national side by Maradona after playing just 11 professional games, the 22 year old has come on leaps and bounds and looks likely to be part of the Argentina set-up for a long time to come. Can play in every position across the back four, but tends to be positioned at right back, although left-footed. Has already also been selected as a right winger for his country, which, in tandem with his lightning-quick pace, illustrates his threat going forward.
Angel Di Maria
Maradona’s tactics seem to have been set up to allow the attackers plenty room to play, and in Di Maria, Argentina have one of the trickiest wide men around today. Not the most prolific of goalscorers, he has, however, two of the most lethal men in world football ahead of him on the pitch, and with the left winger’s creative powers, there’s every chance he’ll be playing an integral part in his team’s goals.
Lionel Messi
Having won everything there is to win in club football, Messi can now turn his attentions to the one issue that has failed him so far; replicating his club form for Argentina. Just 4 goals in 18 qualifying games shows just how much he struggles, but with Maradona vowing to get the best out of the world‘s best, the tournament can be Messi’s for the taking.
Gonzalo Higuian
Initially overlooked by Maradona, the Real Madrid man was finally picked for Argentina’s final two qualifying games, grabbing a goal against Peru in the final match. Has proved himself at club level amongst the galacticos, even having the gall to score one goal more than CR9 in La Liga last season, finding the net 27 times. Will need to continue that sort of form, with the likes of Sergio Aguero and Diego Milito waiting for their chance to partner Messi.
Nigeria
A disappointing African Cup of Nations earlier this year saw the Super Eagles finish in third place and brought about the dismissal of Shaibu Amodu, despite also qualifying for the World Cup unbeaten in qualifying.
New manager Lars Lagerback’s tendancy to play a 4-4-2 system (with Mikel as a playmaker) has come under much criticism, with the team’s players more accustomed to a 4-3-3 style of play. Lagerback’s decision to play the likes of Odemwingie and Obinna as wingers supporting a front two means there’s a lack of real pace further up the field, though centre-forward options such as Kanu, Yakubu and Martins make up for it in experience.
Being the first to play Argentina could work to Nigeria’s advantage; with the toughest team out the way, they can focus on the next two games knowing victories would almost definitely take them through. With Greece and South Korea more accustomed to a more cautious approach, Nigeria’s trickery on the flanks and up front know-how could be the clincher in seeing them progress on their home continent.
The Fantasy Targets…
Taye Taiwo
The dynamic left-back has endless energy, with his runs from deep adding impetus to the team’s attacks. Also a threat from set-pieces, the Marseille man has an absolute bullet of a long-shot. With no goals from the midfield during qualification, his chances of a goal and/or clean sheet suggests Taiwo is perhaps a safer bet outside the forwards.
Peter Odemwingie
One of the few players to impress in the afore-mentioned African Cup of Nations, the Lokomotiv Moscow man will now occupy the right-wing berth in the 4-4-2 formnation, rather than his more familiar position as front right in a 4-3-3. His pace and trickery will prove a problem for any opponent though, and Odemwingie’s eye for goal (he grabbed 2 at the San Siro for Lille a couple of seasons back) could see him adding to his tally of 9 goals in 47 games for Nigeria.
Yakubu
Lagerback sprang a huge surprise by leaving Ikechukwu Uch -top scorer in qualifying- out of his final 23 man squad. Added to the omission of Victor Anichebe, the manager’s 4-4-2 tactics suggest Yakubu will be partnered by either Kanu or Martins up front, with a distinct lack of pace up top being problematic to Nigeria. The Everton man is always never far away from the goals when representing his country, though, with a record of 19 goals in 52 games.
Greece
Current manager Otto Rehaggel led them to victory Euro 2004 with an ultra-defensive style of play and in terms of tactical systems, little has changed. A well-organised unit, Greece did manage (against the odds) to knock out Ukraine in the play-offs, proving once again they have the experience of big-game pressure. Rehaggel seems to employ a defensive-minded 4-3-3 system that switches to a backs-to-the-wall 5-4-1 without the ball, and there’s no doubt his charges will be difficult for most teams to break down.
Whether they can make the breakthrough at the other end and impose themselves on a match is another matter altogether, with recent friendlies seeing them struggle to do so. Drawing with North Korea and easily beaten by Paraguay, the signs are looking ominous for Greece as the big kick-off looms ever nearer.
The Fantasy Targets…
Vassilis Torisidis
One of the most adaptable players in the Greek squad, Torisidis is a natural right-back who tends to play left-back under Otto Rehaggel, with a license to forage forward. Blessed with plenty strength and stamina, the Olympiacos man also has fantastic technique, which has led to him occasionally appearing as a right winger. Fully recovered from the ankle injury that prevented him participating in all his country’s qualifying games, Torisidis still managed 8 appearances, scoring twice. With the likes of Juventus, Bayern and Atletico Madrid on his tail, a good World Cup could be the gateway to a big-money move.
Giorgias Karagounis
Set-piece taker and the main creator, Karagounis’ ability will ensure he’s at the hub of all things good for Rehaggel’s men. An inspirational figure who gives his all in every game, he is the very heartbeat of this Greece team. His role means the former Inter man is afforded a freedom which ensures he is one of the few midfielders in the team likely to find himself in the opposing third of the pitch with any degree of regularity.
Theofanis Gekas
The top scorer of all the European qualifiers but Greece did, admittedly, have a fairly straightforward group. Suited to the team’s tactics, as his style of play means Gekas tends to prosper when leading the line for a counter-attacking team, playing on the shoulder of the last defender. The lone striker system of play added to the fact that he scored ten of his side’s twenty goals on the way to South Africa suggests he’s more than likely the man to find the net.
South Korea
South Korea qualified for South Africa with comparative ease, remaining undefeated in their group whilst conceding just four goals. Friendly results since the turn of the year, however, have highlighted the team’s inconsistencies; victories over the likes of Ivory Coast and Japan are balanced by defeats against teams such as Zambia and China.
Perhaps it’s a tactical problem; their 4-4-2 system is defensively well-organised and with tireless, intelligent running off the ball, is set up to best work on the counter-attack, as Huh Jung-moo’s team need to sit back and soak up opposing pressure before striking on the break. In games against the lesser-lights and more defensive-minded opposition they are forced to press the game, which can ultimately cause them more problems.
The Fantasy Targets…
Ji-Sung Park
The Man United man was top scorer in qualifying, with five goals in 11 games. His dynamic, endless running is pretty much a blueprint of the team as a whole, and stationed on the left wing, his all-action displays ensure he is involved in the majority of his team’s plays going forward.
Lee Chung-Yong
Domestic fantasy managers will be more than familiar with Lee; his performances on the right wing for Bolton last term were the one outstanding feature of his club’s season, winning him Bolton Player of the Year and Player’s Player of the Year within the club. Lee’s dribbling skills allied with a willingness to fight for the cause has seen him linked with a move to Arsenal. Stationed on his favoured right wing for South Korea, Lee has the undoubted ability to perform on the highest of stages.
Chu Young Park
A lightning-quick forward whose skill on the ball means he is just as capable of creating chances for others as he is in finding the net. Park’s movement up top is integral to the team’s play, with the Monaco man being a valuable out-ball when the team are under pressure. A dead ball specialist and great free kick taker, he is also known to take penalties for his country. Averaged just under a goal every two games in the French league last season.