The Unofficial Pocket Guide
By Paul Jenkins
Contents
4. Brazil 5. Mexico 6. Croatia/Cameroon 7. Spain 8. Netherlands 9. Chile/Australia 10. Colombia/Ivory Coast 11. Greece/Japan 12. England 13. Italy 14. Uruguay/Costa Rica 15. Switzerland 16. Wallchart 18. France 19. Ecuador/Honduras 20. Argentina 21. BosniaHerzegovina 22. Iran/Nigeria 23. Germany 24. Portugal 25. Ghana/USA 26. Belgium/Algeria 27. Russia/South Korea 28. Stadia 30. A-Z
Introduction by Gary Lineker
Hello there, it’s that time again. The world’s footballing giants all coming together for their latest showdown. This preview guide has been excellently written and gives you all the statistics leading up to Brazil 2014. The two Alans (Hansen & Shearer), Mark, Robbie, Lee and of course David Ginola enjoyed reading through this booklet. We’ll be using it as the foundation of our knowledge as we marvel at the samba football and I give everyone free Walkers. Will this year be the year that England finally makes us proud? I hope so.
4
Group A Matches
Sao Paulo
12-06
BRAZIL Croatia Fortaleza
17-06
BRAZIL Mexico Brasilia
23-06
Cameroon BRAZIL
Qualification:
Qualified as host nation
Top Scorer in Confed. Cup: Fred - 5 goals
Against the Opposition:
Cro: PL:2 W:1 D:1 L:0 Mex: PL:38 W:22 D:6 L:10 Cmr: PL:4 W:3 D:0 L:1 Times Qualified: 20
Best Finish: 5x Winners
Pipe & Slippers:
Julio Cesar (34) - QPR
Scout Report:
Bernard (21) - Shakhtar Donetsk
Tournament Odds: 3/1
Did You Know?
Brazil’s name comes from the name of a tree called Brazil Wood.
Brazil
T
he most successful nation in World Football hosts this year’s tournament for the second time in World Cup history. They also continue to be the only nation to have featured in every World Cup tournament. After winning the Confederations Cup last year, Brazil are strong contenders for winning their sixth World Cup on home soil. Many eyes will be on Neymar (pictured) this year as the Samba nation dreams for the Barcelona striker to be immortalised in to their history. Apart from home pressure, there is nothing really standing in their way in the group stage. Brazil should not only comfortably win Group A but could very easily finish the group with nine points. The only potential hazards in Brazil’s way, apart from the home crowd, could be if Luiz Felipe Scolari has another high profile bust up with one of his players or if the players have a France like meltdown but both of these seem unlikely.
Group A
5
Matches Natal
13-06
MEXICO Cameroon Fortaleza
17-06
Brazil MEXICO Recife
23-06
Croatia MEXICO
Qualification:
1st in CONCACAF Rd.3 Group A. 4th in Rd.4 Group. Beat New Zealand in playoff.
Top Scorer in Qualifying:
Oribe Peralta - 10 goals
Against the Opposition:
Cmr: PL:1 W:1 D:0 L:0 Bra: PL:38 W:10 D:6 L:22 Cro: PL:3 W:1 D:0 L:2 Times Qualified: 15
Best Finish:
2x Quarter Finals
Pipe & Slippers:
Rafael Marquez (35) Leon
Scout Report:
Diego Reyes (21) Porto
Tournament Odds: 150/1
Did You Know?
The First Printing Press in North America was used in Mexico City in 1539.
Mexico
M
exico has recently been a last-16 nation and it is likely they could be again this year. After storming through the third round of qualifying, Mexico limped in to fourth place in the fourth round after only winning two games and scoring just seven goals. They did draw five of those qualifiers before comfortably seeing off New Zealand in the playoffs, suggesting they could be a draw team in the group stage. Mexico should just about finish second in the group but they are quite closely matched with both Croatia and Cameroon. What puts Mexico ahead is that they tend to be a well balanced team; sturdy and mature at the back with a sting of pace up front. The key partnership for this Mexico team has to be between Javier Hernandez (pictured) and Giovanni dos Santos. Dos Santos will once again be full of tricks and pace and if he can supply top quality balls in to the box, Hernandez will most certainly be there to score.
6
Group A Matches
Sao Paulo
12-06
Brazil CROATIA Manaus Cameroon
18-06
CROATIA Recife CROATIA
C
Croatia
roatia squeezed in to the World Cup after a close home victory in the second leg playoff against Iceland. There is potential for this Croatia side to finish second in the group with their decent attacking line up in Luka Modric (pictured), Nikica Jelavic, Mario Mandzukic and the veteran Ivica Olic. But whether it’s enough to finish second will remain to be seen.
Did You Know?
23-06
Hum in Istria is the Guinness World Record holder for the smallest town in the world, housing just 23 people.
Mexico
Against the Opposition:
Bra: PL:2 W:0 D:1 L:1 Cmr: PL:0 W:0 D:0 L:0 Mex: PL:3 W:2 D:0 L:1
Times Qualified: Best Finish:
4
Third
Group A Matches Natal
13-06
Mexico CAMEROON Manaus CAMEROON
18-06
Croatia Brasilia CAMEROON
Pipe & Slippers:
Stipe Pletikosa (35) Rostov
C
Cameroon
With annual rainfalls of around 400 inches, Debuncha is the second wettest place in the world.
Against the Opposition:
Mex: PL:1 W:0 D:0 L:1 Cro: PL:0 W:0 D:0 L:0 Bra: PL:4 W:1 D:0 L:3
Quarter-Finals
200/1
Did You Know?
Brazil
7
Odds:
ameroon comfortably eased past Tunisia in the second leg of their play-off, after easily winning their group. Cameroon are probably the least likely of the three sides to finish runners-up in this group but with African sides, you just never know. The big debate is whether Samuel Eto’o (pictured) will be selected after a bust-up with the coach.
23-06
Times Qualified: Best Finish:
Scout Report:
Mario Pasalic (19) Hajduk Split
Pipe & Slippers:
Scout Report:
Odds: Mohammadou Idrissou Fabrice Olinga (18) 750/1 Zulte-Waregem (34) - Kaiserslautern
Group B
7
Matches Salvador
13-06
SPAIN Netherlands Rio de Janeiro 18-06 SPAIN Chile Curitiba
23-06
Australia SPAIN
Qualification:
1st in UEFA Grp. I
Top Scorer in Qualifiying: Pedro - 4 goals
Against the Opposition:
Ned: PL:9 W:4 D:1 L:4 Chi: PL:10 W:8 D:2 L:0 Aus: PL:0 W:0 D:0 L:0 Times Qualified: 14
Best Finish: Winners
Pipe & Slippers:
Xavi (34) - Barcelona
Scout Report:
Koke (22) - Atletico Madrid
Tournament Odds: 7/1
Did You Know?
The name Spain derives from the word Ispania which means the land of rabbits
Spain
T
he current World and European champions cantered to Brazil in their quest to retain the most prestigious trophy in football. Spain were undefeated in qualifying, only conceding three goals, and the zero could remain in the loss column during the group stage. It will be a shock if Spain don’t progress to the knockout rounds, but it could be a battle to win the group outright if the Netherlands and Chile play at their best against the best ranked team in the world. This tournament could be a rather poignant one as the baton could easily be passed after this world cup. The likes of Iker Casillas, Xavi (pictured) and Xabi Alonso could all be potentially featuring in their last World Cup whereas Andres Iniesta, at 30, should have another tournament in him. Ignoring the Confederations Cup, Spain will be hoping to make it three major tournament victories in a row and once again rewrite history.
Group B
8
Matches Salvador
Netherlands
13-06
Spain NETHERLANDS Porto Alegre
18-06
Australia NETHERLANDS Sao Paulo
23-06
NETHERLANDS Chile
Qualification:
1st in UEFA grp. D
Top Scorer in Qualifying:
Robin van Persie - 11 goals
Against the Opposition:
Esp: PL:9 W:4 D:1 L:4 Aus: PL:3 W:0 D:2 L:1 Chi: PL:0 W:0 D:0 L:0 Times Qualified: 10
Best Finish: 3x Runners-Up
Pipe & Slippers: Dirk Kuyt (33) Fenerbache
Scout Report:
Karim Rekik (19) Manchester City
Tournament Odds: 28/1
Did You Know?
The Dutch have been making cheese since 400AD and is the world’s largest exporter, earning around seven billion euros a year.
N
etherlands recovered from their European Championships nightmare with yet another unbeaten qualifying crusade. The Dutch were the first European nation to qualify for the World Cup, helped in part by Robin van Persie’s joint record of 11 goals in this campaign. If the Netherlands have truly returned to their 2010 form, they shouldn’t have a problem in qualifying for the knockout rounds. The rematch of the 2010 final to open this group may be the match that determines who wins this group. The likes of van Persie (pictured), Arjen Robben, Dirk Kuyt, Wesley Sneijder, amongst others, are running out of time if they are to prevent this generation from joining the continuing list of Dutch nearlymen. But they choked in the Euros and Louis van Gaal’s mind may not be fully on the job, so it is hard to be confident in the Netherlands coming close to winning the tournament this year.
Group B Matches
9
Cuiaba CHILE
13-06
Australia Rio de Janeiro 18-06 Spain CHILE Sao Paulo Netherlands
C
Chile
hile seem to be one of those nations that are a team rather than a squad of world class players. The star is obviously Alexis Sanchez (pictured) but there are also a number of players who have played for mid-range teams in the top leagues. With the group they’re in, it’s unlikely that Chile will progress but if Spain or Netherlands slip up, Chile will take it.
Did You Know?
23-06
Along the mountainous region of Chile, there are over 1300 volcanoes, some of which are still active.
CHILE
Against the Opposition:
Aus: PL:4 W:3 D:1 L:0 Esp: PL:10 W:0 D:2 L:8 Ned: PL:0 W:0 D:0 L:0
Times Qualified: Best Finish:
9
Third
Group B Matches Cuiaba
13-06
Chile AUSTRALIA Porto Alegre AUSTRALIA
18-06
Netherlands Curitiba AUSTRALIA
Pipe & Slippers:
T
Australia
he Socceroos could have a tough time of it in Brazil and it’s hard to see where even a point could come from for them. If this does happen to be the case it will be a real shame as Tim Cahill deserves a good send off on the world’s stage. It could be a look to the next World Cup for Australia as they do have a number of young players in the squad.
Did You Know?
23-06
The largest Greek population in the world, beside Athens, can be found in Melbourne.
Spain
Against the Opposition:
Chi: PL:4 W:0 D:1 L:3 Ned: PL:3 W:1 D:2 L:0 Esp: PL:0 W:0 D:0 L0
Times Qualified: 4 Best Finish: 2x Second Round
Scout Report:
Odds: Enzo Andia (21) Esteban Paredes (33) Universidad Catolica 40/1 Colo-Colo
Pipe & Slippers:
Tim Cahill (34) - New York Red Bulls
Scout Report:
Odds:
Adam Taggart (20) 750/1 Newcastle Jets
10
Group C Matches
Sao Paulo Brazil
12-06
CROATIA Manaus Cameroon
18-06
CROATIA Recife CROATIA
I
Colombia
t would seem that Colombia’s World Cup hinges on the fitness of Radamel Falcao (pictured). The talismanic striker has been out since January with an ACL injury which usually takes around nine months to fully recover. But to finish second in CONMEBOL qualifying is no mean feat and are favourites to win this group, but it could be a very tight one.
Did You Know?
23-06
Colombia is the world’s third largest manufacturer of women’s lingerie.
Mexico
Against the Opposition:
Gre: PL:1 W:1 D:0 L:0 Civ: PL:0 W:0 D:0 L:0 Jpn: PL:2 W:1 D:1 L:0
Times Qualified: Best Finish:
5
2x Second Round
Group C Matches Natal Mexico
13-06
CAMEROON Manaus CAMEROON
18-06
Croatia Brasilia CAMEROON
Pipe & Slippers:
Scout Report:
Odds: Juan Fernando Faryd Mondragon (42) Quintero (19) - Porto 22/1 Deportivo Cali
T
GReece
his ageing Greek team, led by Giorgos Karagounis (pictured), are the least equipped to progress from this group and therefore could easily end up fourth. They finished level on points with Bosnia in a world class-less qualifying group before beating Romania to get here. This side will struggle against the pace of all their opponents.
Did You Know?
23-06
Greece is the leading producer of sea sponges.
Brazil
Against the Opposition:
Col: PL:1 W:0 D:0 L:1 Jpn: PL:1 W:0 D:0 L:1 Civ: PL:0 W:0 D:0 L:0
Times Qualified: Best Finish: 3rd in Grp.
3
Pipe & Slippers: Giorgos Karagounis (37) - Fulham
Scout Report:
Stefanos Kapino (20) - Odds: 250/1 Panathinaikos
11
Group C Matches
Sao Paulo
12-06
Brazil CROATIA Manaus Cameroon
18-06
CROATIA Recife CROATIA
A
Ivory coast
fter two groups of death, the best ranked side in Africa finally find themselves in a group they could not only progress from, but also potentially win. The main core of the team is top quality, with the Toure brothers, Tiote, Bony – who had a fantastic debut season in the Premiership - and of course Didier Drogba (pictured) who deserves a fitting send off.
Did You Know?
23-06
The birth rate in the Ivory Coast is an astonishing 4.5 children per woman.
Mexico
Against the Opposition:
Jpn: PL:3 W:1 D:0 L:2 Col: PL:0 W:0 D:0 L:0 Gre: PL:0 W:0 D:0 L:0
Times Qualified: Best Finish:
3
Didier Drogba (36) Galatasaray
2x Third in Grp.
Group C Matches Natal Mexico
13-06
CAMEROON Manaus CAMEROON
18-06
Croatia Brasilia CAMEROON
Pipe & Slippers:
T
Scout Report:
Sayouba Mande (20) - Odds: Stabaek 150/1
Japan
he first team to qualify for this tournament, Japan has been a relatively underrated team. What they lack in stars (arguably apart from Shinji Kagawa, pictured), they make up for in togetherness and work ethic and have been pretty successful on the world’s stage recently. Could miss out on progression, but it is certainly a two from three, maybe four, situation.
Did You Know?
23-06
Late night dancing is illegal in Japan.
Brazil
Against the Opposition:
Civ: PL:3 W:2 D:0 L:1 Gre: PL:1 W:1 D:0 L:0 Col: PL:2 W:0 D:1 L:1
Times Qualified: Best Finish: Second Round
5
Pipe & Slippers: Yasuhito Endo (34) Gamba Osaka
Scout Report:
Yuya Osako (23) 1860 Munich
Odds: 125/1
Group D
12
Matches Manaus
14-06
ENGLAND Italy Sao Paulo
19-06
Uruguay ENGLAND Belo Horizonte 24-06 Costa Rica ENGLAND
Qualification:
1st in UEFA grp. H
Top Scorer in Qualifying:
Wayne Rooney - 7 goals
Against the Opposition:
Ita: PL:24 W:8 D:7 L:9 Uru: PL:10 W:3 D:3 L:4 Crc: PL:0 W:0 D:0 L:0 Times Qualified: 14
Best Finish: Winners
Pipe & Slippers:
Frank Lampard (35) Chelsea
Scout Report: Luke Shaw (18) Southampton
Tournament Odds: 33/1
Did You Know?
There are 409 escalators in the London subways. Angel Tube Station has the longest in Western Europe.
England
F
or the first time in recent tournaments, there is a strong possibility that England may not get past the group stage. They will surely need to beat one of Italy or Uruguay but it’s hard to put up a case for them despite the statistics looking to be very close. This could well be the group that has three teams finish on five points.
If England do progress they will have done fantastically well, but they won’t come near to winning the tournament. They will certainly be looking to avenge their defeat on penalties to Italy in the Euros. The best thing for this tournament will be to look to the future and see how the likes of Luke Shaw, Ross Barkley, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Raheem Sterling perform. This also has to be a huge tournament for Wayne Rooney (pictured) on the main stage once again.
Group D
13
Matches Manaus
14-06
England ITALY Recife
20-06
ITALY Costa Rica Natal
24-06
ITALY Uruguay
Qualification:
1st in UEFA grp. B
Top Scorer in Qualifying:
Mario Balotelli - 5 goals
Against the Opposition:
Eng: PL:24 W:9 D:7 L:8 Crc: PL:1 W:1 D:0 L:0 Uru: PL:9 W:2 D:4 L:3 Times Qualified: 18
Best Finish: 4x Winners
Pipe & Slippers:
Gianluigi Buffon (36) Juventus
Scout Report:
Marco Verratti (21) PSG
Tournament Odds: 25/1
Did You Know?
When McDonald’s opened in Rome in 1986, food purists gave away free spaghetti outside the restaurant to remind people of their culinary heritage.
Italy
A
fter finishing runnersup in the Euros, Italy will hoping to go one better and repeat their 2006 success. The group really isn’t easy as someone out of The Azzurri, England and Uruguay won’t just win the group but will also be eliminated from the World Cup altogether after the three games.
A lot of Italy’s success will probably lie on what mood Mario Balotelli (pictured) is in. If he truly wants to show how good a player he really is then Italy should have no problems in progressing. It’s also going to be a poignant tournament for Gianluigi Buffon and Andrea Pirlo who’ll both surely be gracing the world’s stage for one last time. These two Italian greats have provided so much entertainment throughout the last decade or so and will be looking to add just a bit more to the memory banks in Brazil.
Group D Matches
14
Fortaleza URUGUAY
14-06
Costa Rica Sao Paulo URUGUAY
19-06
England Natal Italy
D
Uruguay
espite needing a convincing play-off victory over Jordan to qualify, Uruguay are the favourites to win this tough fought group. Their front line, on paper, is definitely a contender for the best attacking force. Luis Suarez (pictured) leads the line with Edinson Cavani, veteran Diego Forlan and young starlet Abel Hernandez for company.
Did You Know?
24-06
In the local Guarani language, Uruguay means a ‘river of painted birds’.
URUGUAY
Against the Opposition:
Crc: PL:8 W:6 D:2 L:0 Eng: PL:10 W:4 D:3 L:3 Ita: PL:8 W:2 D:4 L:2
Times Qualified: 12
Diego Forlan (34) Cerezo Osaka
Best Finish: 2x Winners
Group D Matches Fortaleza Uruguay
14-06
COSTA RICA Recife Italy
Pipe & Slippers:
20-06
COSTA RICA
R
Scout Report:
Jose Maria Gimenez Odds: (19) - Atletco Madrid 28/1
Costa Rica
eturning to the world’s stage for the first time since 2006, Costa Rica’s stay in Brazil will be a short lived one. Unless they get a draw against England, it’s really hard to see Costa Rica picking up a point. Their only real hope lies with young Joel Campbell (pictured) who scored a great goal against Manchester United in the Champions League this year.
Did You Know?
Belo Horizonte 24-06 COSTA RICA
Around 10% of the world’s butterflies are in Costa Rica.
England
Against the Opposition:
Uru: PL:8 W:0 D:2 L:6 Ita: PL:1 W:0 D:0 L:1 Eng: PL:0 W:0 D:0 L:0
Times Qualified: Best Finish: 2nd Round
4
Pipe & Slippers:
Alvaro Saborio (32) Real Salt Lake City
Scout Report:
Joel Campbell (21) - Odds: 2500/1 Arsenal
15
Group E Matches
Brasilia
Switzerland
15-06
SWITZERLAND Ecuador Salvador
20-06
SWITZERLAND France Manaus
25-06
Honduras SWITZERLAND
Qualification:
1st in UEFA grp. E
Top Scorer in Confed. Cup:
Fabian Schar - 3 goals
Against the Opposition:
Ecu: PL:0 W:0 D:0 L:0 Fra: PL:36 W:12 D:9 L:15 Hon: PL:1 W:0 D:1 L:0 Times Qualified: 10
Best Finish:
4x Quarter Finals
Pipe & Slippers:
Stephan Liechsteiner (30) - Juventus
Scout Report:
Granit Xhaka (20) - Borussia Monchengladbach
Tournament Odds: 100/1
Did You Know?
There are 1224 fountains in the city of Zurich.
S
witzerland were the most surprising seeded nation for the draw in this World Cup, but they played the rankings well and have been duly rewarded for it. Unless France capitulate again, Switzerland may have to settle for a comfortable second place. The Swiss did manage to beat Spain in 2010 so France won’t be able to rest on their laurels.
Switzerland have a surge of youth talent coming through with Xherdan Shaqiri (pictured) and Granit Xhaka spearheading the way. If Switzerland do manage to win the group, they should avoid Argentina and really have a good chance of making it to the quarter finals for a fifth time in their history. Whatever does happen, Switzerland should be one of the more entertaining sides to watch this tournament.
12/06 Brazil
Group A
Group B
Croatia
13/06 Spain
Netherlands
13/06 Mexico
Cameroon
13/06 Chile
Australia
17/06 Brazil
Mexico
18/06 Spain
Chile
18/06 Cameroon
Croatia
18/06 Australia
Netherlands
23/06 Cameroon
Brazil
23/06 Australia
Spain
23/06 Croatia
Mexico
23/06 Netherlands
Chile
A1
A3
B1
B3
A2
A4
B2
B4
Group C
Group D
14/06 Colombia
Greece
14/06 Uruguay
Costa Rica
14/06 Ivory Coast
Japan
14/06 England
Italy
19/06 Colombia
Ivory Coast
19/06 Uruguay
England
19/06 Japan
Greece
20/06 Italy
Costa Rica
24/06 Japan
Colombia
24/06 Italy
Uruguay
Ivory Coast
24/06 Costa Rica
England
24/06 Greece C1
C3
D1
D3
C2
C4
D2
D4
A
Last 16
3rd/4th Pla 12Bras
28-06 Belo Horizonte
A1
Quarter Finals
B2
B
28-06 Rio De Janeiro
C1
B
29-06 Fortaleza
B1
D1 C2
X E
A2
D
04-07 Fortaleza
A
D2
C
W
F
29-06 Recife
Semi Finals 08-07 Belo Horizonte W
04-07 Rio de Janeiro
X
Fin 13Rio de J
Group E
Group F
15/06 Switzerland
Ecuador
15/06 Argentina
Bosnia-H
15/06 France
Honduras
16/06 Iran
Nigeria
20/06 Switzerland
France
21/06 Argentina
Iran
20/06 Honduras
Ecuador
21/06 Nigeria
Bosnia-H
25/06 Honduras
Switzerland
25/06 Nigeria
Argentina
25/06 Ecuador
France
25/06 Bosnia-H
Iran
E1
E3
F1
F3
E2
E4
F2
F4
Group G
Group H
16/06 Germany
Portugal
17/06 Belgium
Algeria
16/06 Ghana
USA
17/06 Russia
South Korea
21/06 Germany
Ghana
22/06 Belgium
Russia
22/06 USA
Portugal
22/06 South Korea
Algeria
26/06 USA
Germany
26/06 South Korea
Belgium
26/06 Portugal
Ghana
26/06 Algeria
Russia
G1
G3
H1
H3
G2
G4
H2
H4
ace Playoff -07 silia
E
Quarter Finals Semi Finals 09-07 Sao Paulo Y Z
nal -07 Janeiro
Y
05-07 Salvador
C
G H
30-06 Brasilia
E1 F2
F
30-06 Porto Alegre
G1 H2
D
Z
Last 16
06-07 Brasilia
G
01-07 Sao Paulo
F1 E2
H H1 G2
01-07 Salvador
18
Group E Matches
Porto Alegre
15-06
FRANCE Honduras Salvador
20-06
Switzerland FRANCE Rio de Janeiro 25-06 Ecuador FRANCE
Qualification:
2nd in UEFA grp. I Beat Ukraine in playoff
Top Scorer in Qualifying:
Franck Ribery - 5 goals
Against the Opposition:
Hon: PL:0 W:0 D:0 L:0 Sui: PL:33 W:15 D:9 L:12 Ecu: PL:1 W:1 D:0 L:0 Times Qualified: 14
Best Finish: Winners
Pipe & Slippers:
Mickael Landreau (35) - Bastia
Scout Report:
Lucas Digne (20) - PSG
Tournament Odds: 20/1
Did You Know?
It is illegal to name a pig Napoleon in France.
France
I
t’s fair to say that France are the most inconsistent European nation in the World Cup. After winning the trophy on home soil in 1998, they crashed out in the group stage in 2002. In 2006, they finished runners-up but that infamous mutiny in 2010 left them bottom of the group once again. So this could mean that France are due to finish third in Brazil, after that miraculous second leg fightback against Ukraine.
The group should pose no problems for Les Bleus and again if France win this group, they should avoid Argentina and have a much easier second round tie. The likes of Franck Ribery (pictured), Karim Benzema and Patrice Evra have all become the experienced members of this group and really need to step up in their national shirts to give France more to cheer about than being Euro 2012 quarterfinalists.
19
Group E Matches
Brasilia Switzerland
15-06
ECUADOR Curitiba Honduras
20-06
ECUADOR
I
Ecuador
f Switzerland and France don’t both progress, then Ecuador will do. With Antonio Valencia (pictured) and Felipe Caicedo the only household names in this squad, there is a possible unknown quantity about this side. After finishing fourth in CONMEBOL qualifying, it looks extremely likely Ecuador will be finishing third in this group.
Did You Know?
Rio de Janeiro 25-06 ECUADOR
Ecuador was the first nation in 2008 to declare that nature had constitutional rights.
France
Against the Opposition:
Sui: PL:0 W:0 D:0 L:0 Hon: PL:13 W:3 D:8 L:2 Fra: PL:1 W:0 D:0 L:1
Times Qualified: Best Finish:
3
2nd Round
Group E Matches Porto Alegre
15-06
France HONDURAS Curitiba HONDURAS
20-06
Ecuador Manaus HONDURAS
Pipe & Slippers:
I
Honduras
n their previous two appearances, Honduras finished bottom of their groups and it should be the same result this year. It’ll be an interesting time in the Palacios household as only two of the brothers have kept their place from the 2010 squad. Along with the Palacios’, Honduras’ main assets are at the back with Emilio Izaguirre and Maynor Figueroa (pictured).
Did You Know?
25-06
Honduras has been known as the Banana Republic, for the large amount of Banana agriculture.
Switzerland
Against the Opposition:
Fra: PL:0 W:0 D:0 L:0 Ecu: PL:13 W:2 D:8 L:3 Sui: PL:1 W:0 D:1 L:0
Times Qualified: Best Finish: 2x 4th Grp.
3
Scout Report:
Edison Mendez (35) - Cristian Ramirez (19) - Odds: Fortuna Dusseldorf 150/1 Santa Fe
Pipe & Slippers:
Scout Report:
Odds:
Noel Valladeres (37) - Luis Lopez (20) - Real 2500/1 Espana Olimpia
Group F
20
Matches
Argentina
Rio de Janeiro 15-06 ARGENTINA Bosnia-H. Belo Horizonte 21-06 ARGENTINA Iran Porto Alegre
25-06
Nigeria ARGENTINA
Qualification:
1st in CONMEBOL Grp.
Top Scorer in Qualifying:
Lionel Messi - 10 goals
Against the Opposition:
Bih: PL:2 W:2 D:0 L:0 Irn: PL:1 W:0 D:1 L:0 Nga: PL:6 W:4 D:1 L:1 Times Qualified: 16
Best Finish: 2x Winners
Pipe & Slippers:
Martin Demichelis (33) - Manchester City
Scout Report:
Marcos Rojo (24) Sporting Lisbon
Tournament Odds: 9/2
Did You Know?
Argentina became the first country to use fingerprinting as the primary form of identification in criminal records.
T
he omens are good for Argentina as every World Cup hosted in the Americas has seen a South American nation walk away with the trophy. If Argentina could have chosen their group it probably wouldn’t be too dissimilar to the one they find themselves in. The only potential problem for Argentina is that they don’t really know an awful lot about their opponents. This year has to be the year that Lionel Messi (pictured) truly shines in a World Cup. It is hard to look past Messi, Sergio Aguero, Gonzalo Higuain and Ezequiel Lavezzi as the best front line on paper for this tournament. But it is still a question of whether they can work together and produce the tantalising football everyone knows they can play. A total of 35 goals and just two losses in CONMEBOL qualifying, Argentina certainly paved the way for a very successul tournament. Now it’s show time for La Albiceleste.
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Group F
Bosnia-Herzegovina
Matches
Rio de Janeiro 15-06 Argentina BOSNIA-H. Cuiaba
21-06
Nigeria BOSNIA-H. Salvador
25-06
BOSNIA-H. Iran
Qualification:
1st in UEFA grp. G
Top Scorer in Qualifying:
Edin Dzeko - 10 goals
Against the Opposition:
Arg: PL:2 W:0 D:0 L:2 Nga: PL:0 W:0 D:0 L:0 Irn: PL:5 W:0 D:1 L:4 Times Qualified: 1
Best Finish: N/A
Pipe & Slippers: Emir Spahic (33) Bayer Leverkusen
Scout Report:
Sead Kolasinac (20) Schalke
Tournament Odds: 150/1
Did You Know?
Perucica is home to the last remaining jungle in Europe.
W
elcome to the World Cup Bosnia-Herzegovina. The former Yugoslav nation will become the 77th side to participate in a World Finals and they do have a chance of having a dream debut. Argentina are the clear favourites in this group but second place could be any one of the other three teams. Bosnia’s worst enemy could be nerves but a World Cup debut should be something to embrace, not be scared of. These aren’t minnows by any means. The stellar name in this squad has to two-time Premier League winner Edin Dzeko (pictured). The potential squad could have Asmir Begovic, another Premier League regular, as well as players who have played for high-ranking teams in prestigiuous European Leagues. With some members also having Champions League experience, the core of this Bosnia team should have what it takes to really achieve in their debut World Cup.
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Group F Matches
Curitiba
16-06
IRAN Nigeria Belo Horizonte 21-06 Argentina IRAN Salvador Bosnia-H.
I
Iran
ran returns to the world’s stage after their 2006 showing. In Germany, they finished fourth in the group and despite winning their Asian final qualifying group, ahead of South Korea, Iran are likely to finish fourth again this time. There may be the chance for players to make a name for themselves as Ashkan Dejagah (pictured) is the only real known quantity.
Did You Know?
25-06
Couples that want a marriage license are required to take an hour long lecture on contraception.
IRAN
Against the Opposition:
Nga: PL:1 W:0 D:0 L:1 Arg: PL:1 W:0 D:1 L:0 Bih: PL:5 W:4 D:1 L:0
Times Qualified: Best Finish:
4
2nd Round
Group F Matches Curitiba Iran
16-06
NIGERIA Cuiaba NIGERIA
21-06
Bosnia-H. Porto Alegre NIGERIA
Pipe & Slippers:
T
Nigeria
he last time Nigeria made it past the group stage was in 1998 but they have a real opportunity to do so here. With Argentina the favourites and Iran seemingly destined for fourth, it could be a straight shout-out between Nigeria and Bosnia for second. Nigeria do have some stars amongst their ranks, but they don’t often shine enough together to cause a stir.
Did You Know?
25-06
Archaeological discoveries have shown human existence in Nigeria dating back as far as 9000 BC.
Argentina
Against the Opposition:
Irn: PL:1 W:1 D:0 L:0 Bih: PL:0 W:0 D:0 L:0 Arg: PL:6 W:1 D:1 L:4
Times Qualified: Best Finish: 2x 2nd Round
5
Scout Report:
Javad Nekounam (33) - Sardar Azmoun (19) - Odds: Inter Milan 750/1 Al-Kuwait
Pipe & Slippers: Joseph Yobo (33) Norwich
Scout Report:
Odds:
Kenneth Omeruo (20) 250/1 Middlesbrough
Group G
23
Matches Salvador
16-06
GERMANY Portugal Fortaleza
21-06
GERMANY Ghana Recife
26-06
USA GERMANY
Qualification:
1st in UEFA grp. C
Top Scorer in Qualifying:
Mesut Ozil - 8 goals
Against the Opposition:
Por: PL:17 W:9 D:5 L:3 Gha: PL:2 W:2 D:0 L:0 Usa: PL:9 W:6 D:0 L:3 Times Qualified: 18
Best Finish: 3x Winners
Pipe & Slippers:
Miroslav Klose (35) Lazio
Scout Report: Max Meyer (18) Schalke
Tournament Odds: 11/2
Did You Know?
Gummy bears were invented by a German
Germany A
fter a near perfect qualifying campaign, Germany are creating quite a few murmurs and could become the first European side to win a tournament in the Americas. What’s good about this squad is that it is really balanced. The experience of Philipp Lahm, Per Mertesacker, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Miroslav Klose fantastically integrates with the likes of Mesut Ozil (pictured), Mario Gotze, Marco Reus, Toni Kroos, Thomas Muller, Andre Schurrle and Mats Hummels, as well as others, who burst from the youth set-up four years ago.
The group decider should be the opening game against Portugal. It shouldn’t happen to Germany but they can’t afford to start slowly because Ghana and USA are more than capable of causing a stir. Overall though, Germany shoud win this group and be contenders for the trophy.
Group G
24
Matches Salvador
16-06
Germany PORTUGAL Manaus
22-06
USA PORTUGAL Brasilia
26-06
PORTUGAL Ghana
Qualification:
2nd in UEFA grp. F Beat Sweden in playoffs
Top Scorer in Qualifying:
Cristiano Ronaldo - 8 goals
Against the Opposition:
Ger: PL:17 W:3 D:5 L:9 Usa: PL:5 W:2 D:1 L:2 Gha: PL:0 W:0 D:0 L:0 Times Qualified: 6
Best Finish: Third
Pipe & Slippers: Bruno Alves (32) Fenerbache
Scout Report:
Ivan Cavaleiro (20) Benfica
Tournament Odds: 33/1
Did You Know?
The world’s oldest bookstore is located in Lisbon, established in 1732.
Portugal P
ortugal need to become more than just a one man team if they are to be successful on the grandest stage of them all. With Cristiano Ronaldo (pictured), Portugal wouldn’t have even made it to the World Cup and they will be relying heavily on him once again in Brazil.
Portugal should progress through from this group. But if Germany or Portugal were to slip up, it is more likely to be Portugal. If Ronaldo is quiet, Portugal are doomed unless Nani, Joao Moutinho, Raul Meireles or Helder Postiga can really step up to the plate. It would seem that if there is to be a shock group stage exit, Portugal would be the ideal candidates. But Portugal could also end up being world beaters and ease through to the knockout rounds.
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Group G Matches
Natal
16-06
GHANA USA Fortaleza Germany
21-06
GHANA Brasilia Porugal
G
Ghana
hana was the best African team in 2010, thanks to Asamoah Gyan (pictured) and co, but face a real struggle to progress from the group stage this year. Germany and Portugal should have enough to see past Ghana but if either of them slips up, Ghana will be there to take the place and sneak through. Likely to battle USA for third place though.
Did You Know?
26-06
Ghana once considered Cowry Shells, from sea snails, as currency.
GHANA
Against the Opposition:
USA: PL:2 W:2 D:0 L:0 Ger: PL:2 W:0 D:0 L:2 Por: PL:0 W:0 D:0 L:0
Times Qualified: Best Finish:
3
Quarter-Finals
Group G Matches Natal Ghana
16-06
USA Manaus USA
22-06
Portugal Recife USA
Pipe & Slippers:
Michael Essien (31) AC Milan
U
USA
Scout Report:
Rashid Sumalia (21) - Odds: Mamelodi Sundowns 200/1
SA also progressed through the group stage in 2010 but are also unlikely to make it through this year. It’ll be a shame as the quality in the USA has been improving recently. It also won’t be a fitting send off to the likes of Clint Dempsey, Landon Donovan (pictured) and even Tim Howard. But they just won’t have enough to see off Portugal or Germany.
Did You Know?
26-06
One out of every four children in USA relies on food stamps.
Germany
Against the Opposition:
Gha: PL:2 W:0 D:0 L:2 Por: PL:5 W:2 D:1 L:2 Ger: PL:9 W:3 D:0 L:6
Times Qualified: 10
Best Finish:
Third
Pipe & Slippers: Tim Howard (35) Everton
Scout Report:
Julian Green (18) Bayern Munich
Odds: 150/1
26
Group H Matches
Belo Horizonte 17-06 BELGIUM Algeria Rio de Janeiro 22-06 BELGIUM Russia Sao Paulo South Korea
B
Belgium
elgium returns for the first time since 2002 and have a real chance of upsetting the footballing apple cart. They were unbeaten in qualifying, dropping just four points, and their squad is not only impressive, it’s a young one too. Losing Christian Benteke is a blow but gaining Adnan Januzaj is a major plus. Should easily win this group.
Did You Know?
26-06
There is a carrot museum in the town of Berlotte in Belgium.
BELGIUM
Against the Opposition:
Alg: PL:2 W:0 D:1 L:0 Rus: PL:8 W:3 D:1 L:4 Kor: PL:3 W:2 D:1 L:0
Times Qualified: 12
Best Finish: Group H Matches
Belo Horizonte 17-06 Belgium ALGERIA Porto Alegre
22-06
South Korea ALGERIA Curitiba ALGERIA
Pipe & Slippers:
Daniel van Buyten (36) Fouth - Bayern Munich
I
ALgeria
14/1
Did You Know?
A goalkeeper called Camus may be the world’s only Nobel Prize winning shot stopper.
Russia
Against the Opposition:
Bel: PL:2 W:0 D:1 L:1 Kor: PL:2 W:0 D:1 L:1 Bra: PL:4 W:0 D:1 L:0
Grp.
Odds:
t’s likely that they won’t be making an impression here. It would be a surprise to see Algeria finish anywhere other than fourth, continuing their record of never progressing from the group stage. Apart from a few, including Nabil Bentaleb (pictured), this is also an ageing squad with few signs of the next generation coming through.
26-06
Times Qualified: 4 Best Finish: 3rd in
Scout Report:
Divock Origi (19) Lille
Pipe & Slippers:
Scout Report:
Odds: Madjid Bougherra (31) Nabil Bentaleb (19) 1000/1 Tottenham - Lekhwiya
27
Group H Matches
Cuiaba
17-06
RUSSIA South Korea Rio de Janeiro 22-06 Belgium RUSSIA Curitiba Algeria
O
Russia
verall Russia have a decent squad, they have just failed to impress in front of goal in major tournaments and this has ultimately let them down. Alan Dzagoev (pictured) had an impressive Euro 2012 and will potentially be the spearhead in this tournament. They will face tough opposition from South Korea, but they should progress.
Did You Know?
26-06
There are 9 million more women in Russia than there are men.
RUSSIA
Against the Opposition:
Kor: PL:1 W:1 D:0 L:0 Bel: PL:8 W:4 D:1 L:3 Alg: PL:1 W:0 D:1 L:0
Times Qualified: 10
Best Finish:
Fourth
Group H Matches Cuiaba
17-06
Russia SOUTH KOREA Porto Alegre
22-06
SOUTH KOREA Algeria
Pipe & Slippers:
Scout Report:
Sergei Ignashevich Pavel Mogilevets (21) - Odds: Rubin Kazan 66/1 (34) - CSKA Moscow
L
South Korea
ike Japan, South Korea has been rather underrated since their birth of footballing recognition in 2002. That squad has now pretty much disappeared and they face their hardest task of getting out of the group stage since 2006. With only one player over 30, their squad is quite young. Players like Ki-Sung Yueng (pictured) have decent Premier League experience.
Did You Know?
Sao Paulo 26-06 SOUTH KOREA
South Koreans believe in something called the ‘Fan Death’ concept.
Belgium
Against the Opposition:
Rus: PL:1 W:0 D:0 L:1 Alg: PL:2 W:1 D:1 L:0 Bel: PL:3 W:0 D:1 L:2
Times Qualified: Best Finish: Fourth
9
Pipe & Slippers:
Kwak Tae-Hwi (32) Al-Hilal
Scout Report:
Son Heung-Min (21) - Odds: Bayer Leverkusen 250/1
28
Stadia Brasilia Estadio Nacional 72,741
Belo Horizonte Estadio Mineirao 62,329 Cuiaba Arena Pantanal 44,335 Curitiba Arena da Baixada 42,247
Fortaleza Estadio Castelao 63,819 manaus Arena Amazonia 44,351
Stadia
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Natal Estadio das Dunas 44,070
Porto Alegre Estadio Beira-Rio 47,100 Recife Arena Pernambuco 45,425
Rio de Janeiro Estadio do Maracana 78,448 Salvador Arena Fonte Nova 54,610
Sao Paulo Arena Corinthians 67,349
30
A-z of things You’ll Be Sick of by the end of the world cup
A - Adidas Brazuca - It’s a ball, it moves C - Claxirola - Brazil’s Vuvuzela B - Beaches - They’re golden, sandy and yes we’re jealous
D - Drinking Establishments -
Pubs have got extended hours, we know
E - England- Are they brave? No. Will they win? No F - Fuleco - Some armadillo thing. The mascot G - Goal-Line Technology - First World Cup to use it. Won’t be needed H - Hurst - Our true Wold Cup hero. But we don’t need reminding I - Italy - They knocked England out of the Euros, don’t you know J - J-Lo - Who’d have put J-Lo and the World Cup together? Well she’s singing
K - Kings of the world M - Maracana - L - Lampard -
Every World Cup winning nation is participating here
The memories
The goal that never was in 2010
N - Name Pronunciation - How many can the commentators get wrong? O - Octopus - Where’s Paul? P - Pele - Legend? Undoubtedly. His World Cup? No Q - Quanto? - Portuguese for How Much? Very Expensive R - Ronaldo or Messi - Who’s better. There’s only one way to find out S - Samba Football - The home of T - Tickets - The quantity that nobody knows U - Uneven Playing Field - South Americans tend to win here V - Vanishing Spray - Refs are also using this W - Weather - I earn £300k a week but it’s too hot! Shame X - Xanthopsia - It’s not your eyes, there really is a yellow hue Y - You Shall Not Pass! - Ah there’s the bus Z - Zero Milestone- and the other fan bases. Lucky people on holiday