As we approach the beginning of Round 3 in the group stage of South Africa 2010, there is still so much yet to be decided in this World Cup. Poor performances and unexpected upsets have left the hopes of many teams hanging in the balance, with the majority flattering to deceive.
A look at the stats so far shows that for almost every team, the opening round of group games seemed to be all about avoiding defeat; a victory, for many, was essentially a bonus. Clearly, it is easier to drill defensive duties into your starting XI than it is to formulate and execute an attacking master plan. Round 2 has definitely seen a shift in attitudes, however, with more of an adventurous edge to teams play, as a win and 3 points becomes a higher priority. Resultantly, the goal returns of forwards has seen a significant boost…
| Goals per Game | Shots per Game | Clean Sheets | Teams Scoring 2 or more goals | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Round 1 | 1.56 | 24.9 | 12 | 4 |
| Round 2 | 2.63 | 27.94 | 10 | 11 |
With the fate of so many teams undecided and with key wins needed across the groups, Round 3 should go the same way as the previous one, with nothing to be gained in sitting back defending now. Bearing that in mind, there are a few teams with particularly choice fixtures that could perhaps sway any player investment their way. Here’s a selection of forwards in the McDonalds/FIFA game who, despite looking likely to have starring roles in their respective side’s final group games, seem to have slipped under the radar, and may prove vital differentials as a result.
Katlego Mphela, 4.5m, 3% owners
South Africa will be determined to avoid the ignominy of being the first World Cup hosts to be knocked out at the group stage. Mphela’s form going into the tournament was particularly impressive, as he bagged six goals in friendlies between May and June, including a winner against Denmark. With the Nicolas Anelka situation having the France squad in complete disarray, the chances of a home win are increasing by the minute.
Sergio Aguerro, 8.1m, 1% owners
A fifteen minute cameo against South Korea strengthened Aguerro’s case for a start, as, replacing Carlos Tevez, he helped himself to an assist and an attacking Bonus Point in an impressive display. Argentina have an embarrassment of riches up front, and with Round 3 opponents Greece conceding in both group games so far, more goals for Diego Maradona’s men are expected.
Nikola Zigic, 5.9m, 2% owners
Serbia will be the one team going into their final Group D game on a real high; while they unexpectedly defeated Germany, Ghana were held by Australia, leaving the group wide open. Victory against Australia this Wednesday will see them on 6pts and book a place in the knockout stages. Zigic bagged one attacking point plus the assist in their 1-0 win, and with their upcoming opponents conceding 5 (the worst defence in the tournament so far) the new Birmingham City man should see himself heavily involved.
Mario Gomez, 6.9m, 3% owners
With Miroslav Klose’s red card against Serbia forcing him to sit out the Group D favourites final match, Gomez should be the man given the chance to fill the central striking role for Joachim Loew’s side. The first game certainly showed Germany’s attacking potential, and by the time they take to the field next Wednesday evening, they will know the final outcome of Group C, and who their likely opponents will be. Given the German’s tournament expertise, who would bet against them getting the draw they want by the end of play?
Eljero Elia, 7.5m, 1% owners and Arjen Robben, 9.3m, 3% owners
Having already qualified from the group stages, Holland are in the position to rest and rotate players for the match against Cameroon. With Cameroon already out, both teams can play without pressure, and an open game could be expected. Despite winning both their games to date, the Dutch have only scored twice and will hopefully be able to adopt a more expansive approach against Paul le Guen’s side. Elia has appeared as a sub in both wins and his pace and trickery suggest more game time could be on the horizon. Robben, coming back from a hamstring injury, could see his first minutes of the tournament, and given the form he’s in, could only need a brief appearance to notch up a few attacking Bonus Points and/or a goal or two.
Nicklas Bendtner, 5.5m, 6% owners
It’s pretty straightforward for Denmark; win against Japan and they are through. Anything else and they will be on the plane home. Bendtner and his country will be going into the match in high spirits, though; a great comeback against Cameroon showed they have the heart for a battle. With a goal and an assist in that 2-1 win, the Arsenal man has shown he seems to have brought his scoring boots with him.
Lucas Barrios, 5.5m, 3% owners
Paraguay are yet another South American side in a position of strength; currently topping Group F, they know a win against New Zealand is enough for them to proceed as winners. An attacking Bonus Point and an assist in the 2-0 victory over Slovenia confirms Barrios as the main man up front for Paraguay. Fair play to New Zealand for their results to date, but surely to go undefeated through the group is something of a bridge too far?
Gervinho, 6m, 1% owners and Didier Drogba, 9.1m, 2% owners
Drogba breached the Brazil defence with consummate ease on Sunday, and with Ivory Coast up against North Korea in their final group game, he could see himself amongst the goals. Ivory Coast need to win heavily and hope Brazil turn over the Portugese to stand any chance of progression to the knockout stages. Gervinho was surprisingly benched for the Brazil game after starting against Portugal, and he impressed enough to suggest he’ll be re-instated in the starting XI against the North Koreans. He could be a risky punt, but giving the points garnered by Brazil and Portugal attacking players, will surely rack up a few points if on from the start.