Group A
South Africa The hosts claimed a comfortable 4-0 victory over Asian minnows Thailand this week with two goals coming from frontman Katlego Mphela. Meanwhile another striker, Benni McCarthy, has been fending off jibes he’s fat. McCarthy, who is battling an ankle injury, also said: “Without me the team can still go on and achieve greater things.”
Mexico El Tri defeated Chile 1-0 thanks to an Alberto Medina goal in another pre-World Cup. Already the Mexicans have recently defeated Senegal and Angola in 1-0 victories.
Uruguay Midfielder Walter Gargano spelt out his team’s hopes in South Africa in a recent interview. He said: “If we got to the quarter-finals, this would be a great World Cup for us and I’d go home happy. But like every footballer who is going to South Africa, I’m dreaming of the final.”
France Laurent Blanc has been confirmed as Raymond Domenech’s successor for the France job post-World Cup. Curiously, this week Domenech omitted Samir Nasri, Patrick Vieira and Karim Benzema from their final 23-man squad. Domenech has included William Gallas who has only just resumed training after a calf injury.
Group B
Argentina Diego Maradona named his final 23-man squad for the World Cup this week, but cut Newcastle defender Fabricio Coloccini after he made the provisional 30-man team. Curiously, Coloccini says: “No-one from the coaching staff contacted me to tell me.”
Nigeria The Super Eagles’ Swedish boss Lars Lagerback had to dismiss claims he’s been put under to pressure to select certain players including veteran Nwankwo Kanu. Lagerback said: “Individual skills and fitness levels were considered when picking the players.” Nigeria face Saudi Arabia in Austria on May 25.
Korea Republic Lee Chung-Yong scored Korea’s second as they defeated Ecuador 2-0 last weekend. This week, Lee was crowned Bolton’s player’s player of the season to cap a great first campaign in England. The team now are preparing for a huge pre-World Cup friendly with rivals Japan in Saitama on May 24.
Greece The Euro2004 surprise winners Greece are preparing in the small Swiss municipality Bad Ragaz. Otto Rehhagel’s men face Korea DPR in a friendly on May 25.
Group C
England Former England boss Kevin Keegan claims Manchester United frontman is a key to the nation’s success. Rooney is battling a groin injury and Keegan says: “If England lost Rooney, I would say they have no chance then because he’s the one player who can sprinkle some stardust on the team.”
USA Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has backed the Americans to get through the group. Ferguson said: “In the group they’re in with England and Algeria, it’s not beyond them to qualify.” He added he believed the likes of Clint Dempsey and Landon Donovan had the experience to guide them through.
Algeria Retired Algerian legend Rabah Mader admitted this week it won’t be easy for the North Africans get through the group phase. He said: “Even if we’re well prepared and if we play like one person on the pitch, with great desire and determination, it’s still not going to be easy.”
Slovenia Boss Matjaz Kek has named a provisional 30-man squad with the big surprise 21-year-old Dutch-based striker Tim Matavz. The FC Groningen forward didn’t play for Slovenia during the qualifiers but has had a decent season in the Eredivisie.
Group D
Germany Die Mannschaft boss Joachim Loew is searching for a new captain after Michael Ballack was ruled out of the World Cup after injuring his ankle in the FA Cup final. Loew has earmarked any one of Bayern trio Bastian Schweinsteiger, Miroslav Klose or Philipp Lahm as potential skippers.
Australia The Socceroos are back Down Under preparing for their send-off clash with New Zealand on May 24 in Melbourne. Galatasaray star Harry Kewell is facing a race to be fit for Australia’s opener against Germany with a groin problem.
Ghana Brilliant Black Stars midfielder Michael Essien isn’t sure of his World Cup availability just yet. Essien has been out since January with a knee injury and he revealed: “The plan right now is to have a detailed meeting with the Ghana FA and with Chelsea as well in the next few days.”
Serbia Young Manchester United star Zoran Tosic could be a big hit at the World Cup after some good form at FC Koeln following his loan to the German club. Tosic said this week: “”I’m really looking forward to the World Cup. Actually being part of the World Cup is like a dream come true for me.”