World Cup 2014 – Migeycan

World Cup 2014 Team Preview: Ghana

About

Nickname(s): The Black Stars

Confederation: CAF (Africa)

Head Coach: James Kwesi Appiah

Captain: Asamoah Gyan

FIFA Ranking: 38

Best World Cup Finish: Quarter-Final (2010)

Notable Players: Michael Essien (AC Milan), Kevin-Prince Boateng (Schalke 04) Sulley Muntari (AC Milan)

Odds on lifting the cup: 200/1

The Country

Ghana is bordered by three other nations Côte d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso and Togo. The west African nation has a population of roughly 25.37 million. Ghana was colonized by the British Empire in 1902 and was the first ever African country to declare independence from European colonization. Ghana declared its independence on 6 March 1957 and it was that deceleration of independence that inspired other African nations to achieve their own independence. Ghana’s actions reached further a field as they influenced the Black-Pride movements in the United States. Ghana is one of the worlds largest producers of gold and diamonds. Ghanaian cuisine is diverse and varies from region to region, but usually includes soups, stews and various seafoods. Ghana ranks in the top 20% of the most peaceful countries in the world.

World Cup History

Ghana have made two FIFA World Cup appearances. Their first World Cup outing came in 2006 where they were the only African nation to make it out of the group stages. Wins over the Czech Republic and the United States set up a last 16 clash with then World Cup holders Brazil. Goals from Ronaldo, Adriano and Zé Roberto ensured Brazil a comfortable win, but Ghana left the tournament with heads held high. In South Africa 2010 Ghana were once again the only African nation to make it beyond the group stages. A 1-0 win over Serbia and a 1-1 draw with Australia was enough to see the Black Stars advance to the last 16 where an extra-time winner from Asamoah Gyan ensured progression at the expense of the United States. A quarter-final against Uruguay beckoned and it was to be a game shrouded in infamy. With the teams deadlocked at 1-1 in extra-time with penalties looming Ghana fired a free-kick into the box. After an initial scramble, a Dominic Adiyiah header looked to be heading into the back of the net only for Luis Suarez to block the shot with his hands. Suarez was sent off and Ghana received a penalty kick and the possibility of sending the Black Stars to an unprecedented World Cup semi-final and to a nation into ecstasy. Asamoah Gyan’s penalty crashed off the cross bar and Suarez’s handball had paid off, Uruguay went on to win on penalties 4-2.

The Manager

James Kwesi Appiah alson known as Akwasi Appiah or just James Appiah was born in Kumasi, Ashanti, Ghana. The 53-year-old played left-back for Asante Kotoko from 1983 to 1993. Appiah also made appearances for the Ghanaian national team between 1987 and 1992. The Kumasi native received formal technical training from the English clubs Manchester City and Liverpool FC. Appiah began duties as assistant coach of Ghana in 2007 and eventually became the head coach of the Ghanaian national team in April 2012. James Appiah was the first black African coach to take the country to a World Cup. Ghana had for so long been proponents of a 4-5-1 system, but Appiah figured in order to get the best out of his star striker, Asamoah Gyan, that a switch to a more traditional 4-4-2 was required. The 4-4-2 formation offers support for Gyan in the form of the pacey Abdul Majeed Waris, who’s direct running tends to pull defenders out of position allowing Gyan increased room to operate in. Whether Appiah persists with this system in Brazil remains to be seen, as a 4-5-1 offers increased defensive solidity which may be required against the likes of Portugal and Germany.

Qualification

Although qualification for Ghana was relatively straight forward, some obstacles were placed in their path. Drawn in Group D along with current Africa Cup of Nations holders Zambia, the Zambians would provide a genuine obstacle between Ghana and Brazil. Zambia would go on to beat Ghana 1-0 in the second match day of qualification. That loss to Chipollopollo would provide the only blemish on Ghana’s record. Emphatic 7-0 and 4-0 wins against Lesotho and Sudan respectively, followed by a revenge 2-1 win against Zambia at home ensured Ghana’s progression to the next and final stage of CAF qualification. Obstacle number two came in the form of seven time Africa Cup of Nations winners, Egypt. A home 6-1 win and an away 2-1 loss ensured the Black Stars a 7-3 aggregate win and a ticket to Brazil.

Key Player(s)

Asamoah Gyan is a genuine threat in front of goal and is still a relatively pacey player at the age of 28. Kevin-Prince Boateng is the teams play-maker and the centre of the Black Stars creativity. Boateng can pick an incisive pass and is capable of the spectacular. In order for Boateng to strut his stuff he needs defensive cover behind him, this is were Michael Essien is an essential cog in Appiah’s team. While arguably past his prime, Essien provides defensive solidity, a good eye for reading the game allowing him to break down opposition attacks. Sulley Muntari has partnered Essien in midfield for most of qualification but Appiah will most likely install a more youthful option to compliment Essien in the centre of the park and it will come in the guise of Mohammed Rabiu. Rabiu came into the Ghanaian team toward the end of qualification and proved his worth. Rabiu is Ghana’s enforcer and will run tirelessly for his team. He is the platform for which Ghana will build their attacks.

Opponents – Group G

Germany
Portugal
USA
Ghana

World Cup 2014 Team Preview: Germany

About

Nickname(s): Nationalmannschaft (National Team) Nationalelf (National Eleven) Die-Adler (The Eagles)

Confederation: UEFA (Europe)

Head Coach: Joachim Low

Captain: Phillipp Lahm

FIFA Ranking: 2

Best World Cup Finish: Winners (1954, 1974, 1990)

Notable Players: Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich), Bastian Schweinsteiger (Bayern Munich), Marco Reus (Borussia Dortmund)

Odds on lifting the cup: 11/2

The Country

Germany is made up of 16 states, with Berlin the countries largest city. Germany is the most populous member state in the European Union with 80.6 million inhabitants. Revolution occurred in Germany between 1918 and 1919 after which the current flag of Germany was adopted. The modern black, red and gold tri-colour represents unity and freedom. Germany has long been called Das Land der Dichter und Denker (The land of poets and thinkers), famous German writers and philosophers have had a major role in the development of western thought and culture. The average German consumes 61 kg of meat a year, whilst 27 million Germans are members of sports clubs. Famous Germans include Freidrich Nietzsche and Michael Schumacher.

World Cup History

Germany have genuine World Cup pedigree. They have made 17 appearances and have won three FIFA World Cup titles, only Brazil (5) and Italy (4) have won the competition more times. Germany’s first title came in Switzerland in 1954, ranked as heavy outsiders Germany went on to beat Hungary 3-2 in a game that became known as the Miracle of Berne. Franz Beckenbauer lifted the trophy again in 1974 as Germany hosted the tournament and in 1990 Lothar Matthaus followed suit claiming the Germans third World Cup trophy. Germany have been runners up four times in 1966, 1982, 1986 and 2002. No other team has played or scored in more FIFA World Cup games than Germany, with die nationalmannschaft playing in 99 games and scoring 222 goals. Miroslav Klose is Germany’s all time leading World Cup goal scorer along with Gerd Mueller on 14 goals.

The Manager

Joachim “Jogi” Loew, born in Schonau located in the Black Forest in southern Germany began his senior footballing career with SC Freiburg. Loew would go on to have three different stints with the then 2. Bundesliga team throughout the 1980’s and would finish his professional playing career with the second division Swiss side, FC Fravenfeld in 1995 but continued with the team as manager and his first foray into management had begun. Managerial spells in Germany and Turkey culminated in Loew being appointed as assistant coach of the German national team by Jurgen Klinsmann in 2004 and Loew eventually succeeded Klinsmann in 2006. With the help of Klinsmann, Loew moved the German team away from the defensive style of old and to a more attack orientated philosophy. The 54-year-old uses a 4-2-3-1 formation and expects his team to dominate the midfield. “I want three players in the middle who are constantly switching position and moving into the gaps. Going where it hurts the opposition when they’re in posession.”

Qualification

Germany powered to automatic qualification for Brazil in emphatic style as they beat all comers and went through qualification unbeaten. Germany recorded nine victories from ten games, the only blemish coming in Berlin in an enthralling clash against Sweden. Germany had led 4-0 but were eventually pegged back to 4-4 by the Swedes. Loew’s men scored 36 goals in qualification, the most goals of any team qualifying for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Six of those goals came against the Republic of Ireland in a 6-1 drubbing of the Irish in Dublin. Even though Loew had seen his men sparkle in qualification he still felt there was room for improvement – “I see two main areas to focus on; we need to stabilise both our defence and our play in the final third.”

Key Player(s)

Sami Kehdira looks set to be Germany’s defensive anchor in midfield, even though he has barely played in 2014 due to a torn cruciate ligament. It is he that will allow the other midfielders to break forward safe in the knowledge they have defensive cover. Loew has named only one striker in his 23 man squad, Miroslav Klose. Therefore the onus is clearly on the midfield to get the goals. The German midfield is jam packed with creativity, youth and attacking intent, Mezut Ozil, Marco Reus, Toni Kroos and Thomas Muller are some of Europe’s finest midfield talent and will all be vying for a starting position. Phillipp Lahm and Bastian Schweinsteiger provide experience that compliments the emerging younger generation. Both players have over 100 caps for their country and their leadership and experience may be crucial if Germany are to succeed in this years World Cup.

Opponents – Group G

Germany
Portugal
Ghana
USA

World Cup 2014 Team Preview: France

About

Nickname(s): Les Bleus (The Blues)

Confederation: UEFA (Europe)

Head Coach: Didier Deschamps

Captain: Hugo Lloris

FIFA Ranking: 19

Best World Cup Finish: Winners (1998)

Notable Players: Franck Ribéry (Bayern Munich), Karim Benzema (Real Madrid), Patrice Evra (Manchester United)

Odds on lifting the cup: 22/1

The Country

By area, France is the largest country in western Europe (674,843 Km), with almost 67 million inhabitants France is one of the most populated country in the European Union. In terms of household wealth, France is the wealthiest nation in Europe and fourth in the world. France enjoys a high standard of living, ranking high in education, healthcare and life expectancy. The average life expectancy across both genders in France is 82.3 years. Researchers are still looking to explain the French Paradox – which is a low rate of chronic heart disease despite the French generally having a high saturated fat diet. In 2012 France was the most visited country in the world with 83 million Tourists. Lucien Laurent of France scored the very first goal in the FIFA World Cup in Uruguay in 1930. France also has the third largest stockpile of nuclear weapons in the world.

World Cup History

France have made 13 appearances at the FIFA World Cup, including an appearance at the very first tournament in 1930. In 1938 France hosted the competition, making it as far as the quarter-finals, eventually losing to Italy 3-1. Semi-final defeats came in 1982 and 1986 at the hands of West Germany, but the breakthrough for Les Bleus came on home soil in 1998. A Zinedine Zidane masterclass helped France sweep aside a Brazilian team that boasted the likes of Ronaldo, Rivaldo, Cafu and Roberto Carlos. If Zidane was the hero in 1998 he was the villain in 2006. An altercation with Marco Materazzi resulted in Zidane head butting the Italian and picking up a straight red card. France lost on penalties, 5-3. South Africa 2010 brought with it shame and humiliation for France as relations between the then head coach Raymond Domenech and the players imploded. Nicolas Anelka was sent home for a profanity-laden tirade against Domenech which resulted in the players refusing to train the following day. France ultimately finished the tournament bottom of their group without managing to pick up a single win.

The Manager

Dider Deschamps has played for some of Europe’s top club sides. The defensive midfielder began his playing career at Nantes before achieving success with Marseille, Juventus, Chelsea, Monaco and Valencia. The 45-year-old Bayonne native is highly decorated, winning the UEFA Champions League with Marseille and Juventus along with domestic leagues and trophies in England, Italy and France. Deschamps international honours include a World Cup winners medal (1998) and a European Championships winners medal (2000). Deschamps managed Monaco, Juventus and Marseille before taking over from Laurent Blanc as French national coach in July 2012. After some tinkering Deschamps decided on a 4-3-3 formation. Patrice Evra and Mathieu Debuchy’s natural attacking mindset is embraced as they are allowed to surge forward on their respective wings, helped out by Franck Ribery and probably Mathieu Valbuena, Deschamps looks to overload the oppositions full-backs.

Qualification

France were drawn in a group of just five teams. It was a group that contained the current European and World champions, Spain. France would have to try pip the number one team in the world to the automatic qualification spot. A 58th minute goal from Pedro at the Stade de France ensured La Roja automatic qualification and Les Bleus a play-off with the Ukraine. The first-leg took place in Kiev where France were stunned by two goals from Roman Zozulya and Andriy Yarmolenko and looked set to miss out on a place in Brazil. Four days later and Didier Deschamps asked his players for an “exceptional” performance from his players and they dully obliged with a 3-0 win. Two goals coming from the unlikeliest of sources, Liverpool defender, Mamadou Sakho. France progressed to Brazil with a narrow 3-2 aggregate victory.

Key Player(s)

Captain Hugo Lloris provides a solid foundation of experience for his team in goals. The Spurs man is capable of rousing his troops with agile and instinctive saves. In front of Lloris are Mathieu Debucy and Patrice Evra, two attack minded full-backs who are capable of providing extra attacking options and the possibility of the odd goal, but they are also two players who can at times forget their defensive duties. Franck Ribery, the Ballon d’Or finalist, is a genuine world class attacking threat. His balance, dribbling and vision are arguably only bettered by Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo and like those two players he has the ability to turn a game on its head. Deschamps has also assembled a dynamic and interchangeable three-man midfield, consisting of Yohan Cabaye, Paul Pogba and Blaise Matuidi. The trio offer an attacking threat coupled with physicality and flair.

Opponents – Group E

Switzerland
Ecuador
France
Honduras

World Cup 2014 Team Preview: Ecuador

About

Nickname(s): La Tri (Tri-Color)

Confederation: CONMEBOL (South America)

Head Coach: Reinaldo Rueda

Captain: Antonio Valencia

FIFA Ranking: 28

Best World Cup Finish: Round 16 (2006)

Notable Players: Antonio Valencia (Manchester United) Christian Noboa (Dynamo Moscow) Edison Mendez (Santa Fe)

Odds on lifting the cup: 150/1

The Country

Ecuador is bordered by Colombia and Peru and also includes the Galapagos Islands, located 1,000 km off the Ecuadorian coast. In 2008, written into the constitution was the legally enforceable Rights of Nature. Ecuador is the only country in the world to legally enforce the rights of an ecosystem. Ecuador was colonised by Europeans and with them them the colonisers brought new diseases which caused high fatalities amongst the indigenous population of Ecuador. Ecuador won its independence from Spain on May 24 1822. The largest ethnic group in Ecuador are the Mestizos. They are descendants of Spanish colonists who interbred with the indigenous people. The Mesitzos constitute 70% of the Ecuadorian population.

World Cup History

Ecuador have made two FIFA World Cup appearances to date. In Korea/Japan 2002 La Tri finished bottom of their group losing 2-0 to Italy, 2-1 to fellow South Americans Mecico but in their last game they earned a respectable 1-0 win over Croatia. In Germany 2006 fortunes changed as the Ecuadorians scored five goals in the group stages beating both Poland and Costa Rica. Ecuador finished second in the group behind semi-finalists Germany and progressed to the last 16. Ecuador lost in the last 16 to England, 1-0 in Stuttgart. Augstin Delgado is the countries leading goal scorer and leading goal scorer at the World Cup Finals with three goals

The Manager

Born in Colombia Reinaldo Rueda has no experience playing professional football. From 1994 to 2002 he took charge of three Colombian club sides; Cortulúa, Deportivo Cali and Medellín. In 2002 the 42-year-old was in charge of the Colombian under-20 squad and in 2003 his side finished third place in the FIFA World Championships. Rueda was eventually called up to manage the senior squad but failed to gain qualification for Germany 2006. Rueda has enjoyed other success as head coach of a senior international team, in 2010 he brought Honduras to South Africa in 2010. Rueda suffered criticism after Honduras exited South Africa 2010 at the group stages prompting Rueda to hand in his resignation. Rueda’s Ecuador side counter-attack at every opportunity using width and pace.

Qualification

Qualification for Brazil was anything but straight forward for Ecuador. Their qualification can be split into two records; An unbeaten home record and an away record without a single win. La Tri defeated every nation at home in CONMEBOL qualifying bar Argentina, who they drew 1-1 with. Early routine wins against Venezuela and Peru were followed by defeat to wooden spoon winners Paraguay and it was a sign of what was to come. Ecuador’s first away points came against Uruguay, which ultimately proved pivotal as Ecuador beat out La Celeste for the final automatic qualifying spot on goal difference. As qualification was nearing its conclusion tragedy struck the Ecuadorian team, experienced centre forward Christian “Chucho” Benitez died due to complications leading to cardiac arrest. Ecuador had lost a proven goal scorer but also a compatriot, friend and leader. Ecuador understandably limped to the finishing line, needing a positive result from their final game and they delivered securing a 1-0 win over Uruguay.

Key Player(s)

Their captain and leader Antonio Valencia almost always operates on the wing but has been pushed into central midfield at times and will look to drive at the opponents defence at every given opportunity . Valencia didn’t enjoy the greatest of seasons with Manchester United, but not many players did, but his passion for his country should see a reversal in form. Jefferson Montero on the opposite wing has genuine attacking ability. If Montero and Valencia are on form La Tri should have a fighting chance of making it out of a very open group.

Opponents – Group E

Switzerland
Ecuador
France
Honduras

World Cup 2014 Team Preview: Côte d’Ivoire

About

Nickname(s): Les Éléphants (The Elephants)

Confederation: CAF (Africa)

Head Coach: Sabri Lamouchi

Captain: Didier Drogba

FIFA Ranking: 21

Best World Cup Finish: Round of 16 (2006, 2010)

Notable Players: Didier Drogba (Galatasaray) Yaya Touré (Manchester City) Kolo Touré (Liverpool)

Odds on lifting the cup: 125/1

The Country

In 1986 the Ivory Coast officially became the République de Côte d’Ivoire, but is more commonly referred to as Côte d’Ivoire. The capital of Côte d’Ivoire is Yamoussoukro with an estimated population of 242,744 inhabitants. Yamoussoukro hosts the largest Christian church in the world. Côte d’Ivoire borders with Liberia, Guinea, Mali, Burkina Faso and Ghana. The nations flag uses Pan-African colours and is modelled on the French tri-colour, the colours are a reversal of the Irish flag. The orange represents the savanna and land in the north, white represents peace and green represents hope and the forests in the south of the country. Côte d’Ivoire’s main exports are coffee, cocoa beans and palm oil. 70% of the population are employed in the agricultural sector.

World Cup History

Côte d’Ivoire have qualified for two FIFA World Cups. The first came in 2006 where they were the only nation to name a 23-man squad composed entirely of players who played outside their home nation. Qualification for the 2006 World Cup in Germany helped bring about a temporary peace agreement between warring factions in the first Ivorian civil war. Les Élephants have never made it past the group stage in either 2006 or in their second World Cup outing in 2010 in South Africa, that said the draw has never been kind to the west African nation. In 2006 they were drawn against Argentina, Netherlands and Serbia and Montenegro and in 2010 Côte d’Ivoire drew Brazil, Portugal and North Korea.

The Manager

Sabri Lamouchi was born in Lyon, France and is of Tunisian decent. Lamouchi had a professional playing career that spanned 19 years, playing for the likes of Monaco, Parma, Inter Milan and Marseille the 42-year-old amassed a total of 470 appearances and 79 goals through out his career. Lamouchi also made 12 appearances for the French national team. The Lyon native has no previous managerial experience, taking over the role as head coach of Côte d’Ivoire in 2012. Speaking on his appointment of Les Élephants Lamouchi said – “It was unexpected for a lot of people, myself incuded.” Lamouchi was given two objectives; Qualify for the African Cup of Nations 2013 and qualify for Brazil 2014, the French national completed both objectives and will take his team to the world stage in June.

Qualification

Côte d’Ivoire strolled through the first stage of qualifying. Group opponents in CAF qualifying included; Morocco, Tanzania and Gambia. Les Élephants didn’t lose a game and racked up 15 goals throughout the group stage of qualifying. Their biggest wins came home and away to Gambia, winning bot ties 3-0. Things became trickier when Senegal were drawn in the final hurdle Côte d’Ivoire would face in order to qualify for Brazil. Senegal were one goal away from knocking out the African powerhouse on away goals with the aggregate score at 3-2, but a late Salomon Kalou equaliser ensured qualification. Côte d’Ivoire went through with an aggregate score 4-2.

Key Player(s)

Côte d’Ivoire have a host of pace, power and experience running right through the squad. Didier Zokora and Kolo Touré offer a wealth of experience at the back. Yaya Touré and Cheick Tioté in the middle of the park provide tenacious ball winning capabilities and drive while up front talisman Didier Drogba is the target man and ex-Arsenal flop Gervinho brings genuine pace to the team. Off the bench they have a bona fide goal scorer in Wilfried Bony, the new Swansea recruit has the tenth best goals to games ratio in Europe.

Opponents – Group c

Colombia
Greece
Côte d’Ivoire
Japan

World Cup 2014 Team Preview: Colombia

About

Nickname(s): Los Cafeteros (The Coffee Growers) Tricolor (Tricolour)

Confederation: CONMEBOL (South America)

Head Coach: José Pékerman

Captain: Mario Yepes

FIFA Ranking: 5

Best World Cup Finish: Round of 16 (1990)

Notable Players: Radamel Falcao ( AS Monaco) James Rodrígues (AS Monaco) Fredy Guarín (Inter Milan)

Odds on lifting the cup: 30/1

The Country

Colombia has an extremely diverse cultural heritage. Native inhabitants, Spanish colonists, African slaves, European and Middle-Eastern immigrants all lend there hand in making Colombia a melting pot of ethnicities. Colombia is as geographically diverse as its people, containing six natural regions with their own specific and unique characteristics. The Andes mountain range, Pacific coastal region, Caribbean coastal region, Llanos and the Amazon Rainforest comprise the main regions. Colombia’s population are concentrated in separate clusters due to the positioning of the Andes. Some live in the Caribbean lowlands in cities like Baranquila and Cartagena; Some live in isolated mountain valleys like Cali and Medellin with most living in the capita of Bogotá. Famous Colombians include John Leguizamo and Shakira.

World Cup History

Colombia have quite a poor record at the World Cup Finals. With four appearances they have only managed three wins in total. In 1990 they made it out of the group stage and faced unlikely opponents Cameroon. The game went to extra-time and Colombia capitualted, Cameroon won 2-1 and progressed to the quarter-finals. Colombia’s last World Cup came in 1998 where they broke the World Cup golden rule of not losing your opening match, they lost 1-0 to Romania. Los Cafeteros redeemed themselves with a win over Tunisia but crashed out of the tournament going down 2-0 to Glenn Hoddle’s England.

The Manager

Argentine born José Pékerman played for Argentinos Juniors and Indepenndiente Medellín throughout the 1970’s and began coaching in the early 1980’s. Pékerman is something of a youth team specialist, winning three FIFA World Youth Championships with the Argentine U20’s team in 1995, 1997 and 2001. The 64-year-old was offered the role as head coach of the Argentine senior team after France 98′ but declined the offer and instead recommended Marcelo Biesla. Pékerman eventually became head coach of Argentina in 2004 and brought La Albiceleste to the quarter-finals of the World Cup in Germany 2006. In 2012 Pékerman took charge of Colombia and helped guide them to their first World Cup in 16 years. Pékerman’s Colombia are tactically flexible, in qualifying Pékerman experimented with 3-5-2 and 4-2-3-1 formations ultimately settling on an unorthodox 4-2-2-2. This Colombian team are technically talented with the physicality to match.

Qualification

Colombia began qualifying under the guidance of Leonel Alvarez and after one win, a draw and a loss at home to Argentina Alvarez was sacked. Current manager José Pékerman was brought in and Los Cafeteros won five of their next six outings. Home form at the Barranquilla was key to securing qualification for Colombia as they picked up 17 out of 30 points on home turf. Colombia finished qualification with the least amount of goals conceded and finished second, their highest ever finish since the introduction of the new CONMEBOL qualifying system.

Key Player(s)

The entire nation of Colombia and football fans alike will be praying that Radamel Falcao will recover in time and sufficiently for Colombia’s opener against Greece. The AS Monaco star injured his knee in the French Cup in January and under went surgery to correct ligament damage. Colombia are set to make a last-minute decision on their star striker. Falcao’s AS Monaco counterpart James Rodriguez is the team’s play-maker and is arguably just as important to the teams success as Falcao. Rodriguez posses an unerring amount of composure on the ball for a 22-year-old, with vision and incisiveness the youngster is the teams most creative player.

Opponents – Group C

Colombia
Greece
Ivory Coast
Japan

World Cup 2014 Team Preview: Cameroon

About

Nickname(s): Les Lions Indomptables (The Indomitable Lions)

Confederation: CAF (Africa)

Head Coach: Volker Finke

Captain: Samuel Eto’o

FIFA Ranking: 50

Best World Cup Finish: Quarter-Finals (1990)

Notable Players: Alex Song (FC Barcelona) Samuel Eto’o (Chelsea) Benoit Assou-Ekotto (Queens Park Rangers on loan from Tottenham Hotspurs)

Odds on lifting the cup: 500/1

The Country

French and English are the official langues of Cameroon but the country is also home to over 200 other linguistic groups. Average life expectancy in Cameroon is just 53.69 years. The capital is Yaoundé with a population of approximately 2.5 million sits in the middle of the nation at an elevation of 750 metres above sea level. Polygamy is practised in the Cameroon resulting in large and extended families. Cameroon declared independence from France and Great Britain in 1960 and the current flag of Cameroon was adopted in 1975. The flag is based on the French tri-colour with Pan-African colours of green, red and gold. The centre red stripe and gold star are thought to stand for unity, the yellow representing the sun and savannas in the north and the green representing the forests in the south of the country.

World Cup History

Brazil 2014 will be Cameroon’s seventh appearance at the FIFA World Cup. The Indomitable Lions were undefeated in Spain 82′ drawing with Peru, Poland and Italy who eventually went on to win the tournament. Italia 90′ proved to be Cameroon’s breakthrough tournament making it out of the group stages for the first and only time in their World Cup history with the help of goals from Roger Miller. They eventually lost to England in the Quarter-Finals in extra-time 3-2. Cameroon boast the record of having the oldest goal scorer ever in a World Cup Finals, Roger Miller was 42-years-old when score in USA 94′.

The Manager

66-year-old Volker Finke took charge of Cameroon in 2013 and helped guide them to the finals in Brazil. Born in Neinberg, Germany Finke spent his playing career in Germany playing for TSV Havelse and Hannoverscher SC. Finke has managed teams in both Germany and Japan most notably Freiburg where he spent 16 years as head coach. Finke has a win rate of 40% with Cameroon, winning four, drawing four and losing two.

Qualification

Libya, Congo DR and Togo were Cameroon’s opponents in qualifying. Togo used an ineligible player in a game which they beat Cameroon 1-0, the result was over-turned and the three points were awarded back to Cameroon. Cameroon kept pace with the Libyans at the top of the table and defeated them 1-0 in the final game of qualifying to set up a play-off game with Tunisia. Cameroon returned home with a respectable 0-0 draw and secured qualification to Brazil with a resounding 4-1 win at home.

Key Player(s)

Samuel Eto’o proved he can still play at the top level after a not so spectacular but solid début season in the Premier League under José Mourinho. Nine goals in 21 games in the Premier League, Eto’o showed he can still mix it with the best. Cameroon will be hoping that he can take every chance that comes his way as the African nation were pitted in a tough group with Brazil, Croatia and Mexico. Alex Song endured an 18 month self-imposed exile from the Cameroon team in 2010 after falling out with team mate Samuel Eto’o. Song and Eto’o have since mended their relationship and Song although having only featured 19 times in La Liga for Barcelona will look to be Cameroon’s anchor in midfield and help keep them steady in defence and a threat in attack.

Opponents – Group A

Brazil
Cameroon
Croatia
Mexico

World Cup 2014 Team Preview: Bosnia & Herzegovina

About

Nickname(s): Zmajevi (Dragons) Zlatni Ljiljani (Golden Lillies)

Confederation: UEFA (Europe)

Head Coach: Safet Susic

Captain: Emir Saphic

FIFA Ranking: 25

Best World Cup Finish: N/A

Notable Players: Edin Dzeko (Manchester City) Asmir Begovic (Stoke City) Emir Spahic (Bayer Leverkusen)

Odds on lifting the cup: 150/1

The Country

A country born out of war, Bosnia and Herzegovina declared independence in 1992 after the dissolution of the state of Yugoslavia. The Bosnian War followed shortly after and lasted until 1995. The country is home to three main ethnic groups: Bosniaks comprise the largest part of the population (48%), second Serbs (37.1%), third Croats (14.3%) and ‘others’ who form 0.6% of the population. Bosnian, Croatian and Serbian are the official languages of the state and all three are mutually intelligible. While high unemployment and ethnic tension continue to hamper the country, Bosnia and Herzegovina is still one of the most highly visited countries in the region renowned for its natural beauty, cultural heritage and cuisine it is projected to have the third highest tourism growth rate in the world between 1995 and 2020.

World Cup History

Brazil 2014 marks Bosnia and Herzegovina’s début in the FIFA World Cup.

The Manager

Safet Susic has been in charge of Bosnia and Herzegovina since 2009 and has been in management since 1994. Susic began his playing career in 1973 for FK Sarajevo making 221 appearances for his local team over the space of nine years. In 1982 Susic moved to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) making 343 appearances and scoring 172 goals. In 2010 the French magazine France Football voted Safet ‘Pape’ Susic PSG’s best player of all time, this was followed up in 2012 when the same French magazine named Safet the best foreign player to ever play in Ligue 1. Through out qualification for Brazil Safet line his team out in an attacking 4-1-2-1-2 diamond formation but against stronger opposition reverted to a more solid 4-2-3-1. The same shift in formation may very well be seen again in Brazil.

Qualification

Zmajevi cruised to qualification winning eight of their 10 games, the only blip came away to Slovakia where they lost 1-0. The Balkan side were prolific in attack scoring 30 goals (Fourth best tally in UEFA qualifying) 10 of which coming from Manchester City’s Edin Dzeko. Just six goals were conceded and it was this positive goal difference that ultimately proved crucial as Greece had amassed the same amount of points but were no where near the same amount of goals (12). Bosnia and Herzegovina’s biggest win of the qualification came against Lichtenstein walloping the minnows 8-1, Ibisevic and Dzeko both picking up hat-tricks.

Key Player(s)

Miralem Pjanic spearheads the midfield attack for Bosnia as their play maker, playing at the top of the diamond. The technically gifted 24-year-old is one of many talented players that run through the spine of the team, but Pjanic’s incision and precision passing will be required to open up Nigeria and Argentina.

Opponents – Group F

Argentina
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Iran
Nigeria

World Cup Team 2014 Team Preview: Argentina

About

Nickname(s): La Albiceleste (The White and Sky Blue)

Confederation: CONMEBOL (South America)

Head Coach: Alejandro Sabella

Captain: Lionel Messi

FIFA Ranking: 6

Best World Cup Finish: Winners (1978,1986)

Notable Players: Sergio Aüero (Manchester City) Ángel Di MarÍa (Real Madrid) Lionel Messi (Barcelona)

Odds on lifting the Cup: 5/1

The Country

Argentina is the largest Spanish speaking country in the world covering 2,780,400 square kilometres. Argentina shares borders with Chile, Bolivia, Paraguay, Brazil and Uruguay. Argentina is a melting pot of ethnicities, Argentines refer to the country as crizol de razas (Crucible of races). European colonisation resulted in an ethnic mix of people from Italy, Germany, England, Spain and Ireland. Although a deeply Roman Catholic country, Argentina was the first Latin American country to approve same sex marriage in 2010. Famous Argentines include Che Guevara and Diego Maradonna.

World Cup History

Argentina have competed in four World Cup finals, beating the Netherlands and West Germany respectively to win two World Cups. Their last appearance in the final was in Italia 1990 and since then they have yet to make it past the quarter-final stage of the tournament. One of Argentina’s best World Cup memories is arguably Maradonna’ s solo goal versus England in Mexico 86′. This is the first time ever Argentina will wear white shorts as part of their home kit (Provided team colours don’t clash) in a World Cup.

The Manager

Alejandro Sabella born in Argentina rose through the ranks of the River Plate academy. Small in stature (5’7′) Sabella left River Plate in 1978 and spent three years abroad playing in England for Sheffield United and Leeds United and returned home where he had spells with Estudiantes and the Brazilian outfit Gremio. Sabella took over as head coach of Estudiantes in 2009, that same season Estudiantes won the Copa Libertadores. Sabella’s Argentina usually line-up in a a fluid but unorthodox 4-3-3 formation, with Lionel Messi in a free role on the right often drifting inside, Pablo Zabaleta is given free reign to gallop forward from right back, with Di Maria making bursts from midfield.

Qualification

After an initial stumble in which La Albiceleste drew 1-1 at home to Venezuela, Argentina then went on a 14 unbeaten match run till the end of the qualifying campaign amassing 35 goals and conceding 15. It is only the third time in Argentina’s history of qualifying for the World Cup that they topped the league table.

Key Player(s)

While everyone and their grandmother are aware of the qualities that Lionel Messi posses, how well Argentina do in Brazil may come down to their defensive solidity and togetherness. Martín Demichelis is the defender in form. After suffering a torrid beginning to life at Manchester City, from being labelled too slow to too old the 33-year-old turned things around with some stellar performances for his club and is now in a rich vain of form. Demichelis may be the defensive rock that Argentina have been looking for for so long.

Opponents – Group F

Argentina
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Iran
Nigeria

World Cup 2014 Team Preview: Algeria

About

Nickname(s): الأفناك (Les Fennecs/The Desert Foxes), الخُضر (The Greens)

Confederation: Confederation of African Football (CAF)

Head Coach: Vahid Halilhodžić

Captain: Madjid Bougherra

FIFA Ranking: 25

Best World Cup Finish: Group Stages

Notable Players: Adlène Guedioura (Crystal Palace) Nabil Bentaleb (Tottenham Hotspurs) Sofiane Feghouli (Valencia)

Odds on lifting the Cup: 2000/1

The Country

Algeria is Africa’s largest country, with a total area of 2,381,741 square kilometres of which 80% is covered by sand. Algeria is four times the size of Texas. Algeria’s main exports are petroleum and gas. Football was introduced by European settlers (What’s new!) and is the country’s most popular sport. If you don’t find them out on the football pitch you can expect to see people gathered round playing dominoes, another of the nations favourite past-times.

World Cup History

In 1982 Algeria made their World Cup début in emphatic style as they beat the reigning European Champions, West Germany 3-2, becoming the first African nation to beat European opposition in a World Cup. Algeria qualified for the 1986 World Cup but waited 24 years for their next finals in South Africa 2010. Algeria failed to score a single goal in South Africa and are probably best remembered for their final group game in South Africa in which Landon Donovan scored an injury time winner to send the United States through as group winners.

The Manager

Bosnian born Vahid Halilhodžić took charge of Algeria in 2011 after a spell managing the Ivory Coast. Halilhodžić ushered in a new era of young players and strict discipline after moral was low after a poor World Cup campaign in 2010. Valencia’s Feghouli stated – “The coach has brought discipline and an attacking style […] but mainly lots of discipline.”. No qualified team has scored more goals off of long balls in their respective qualifications than Algeria. The Desert Foxes usually line up in the now almost standard 4-2-3-1 formation but can change to a more attacking 4-3-3 if required.

Qualification

Algeria faced a tricky group on their way to qualification for Brazil, a group which contained Mali and Rwanda posed possible stumbling blocks. Algeria persevered and went on to win five of their 6 groups games resulting in a play-off tie with one of the continents form teams, Burkina Faso. Twice Algeria came from behind to draw level, but a late penalty saw them suffer an agonising 3-2 loss. Redemption was at stake in the second leg and a professional performance culminating in a 1-0 win saw The Greens reach their fourth World Cup Finals in Brazil.

Key Player(s)

Rangers fans will be familiar with Madjid Bougherra, now playing for Lekhwiya in Qatar. The French born centre-back is tenacious in defence and will be looking to keep out the likes of Belgiums powerhouse Romelu Lukaku. Sofiane Feghouli is the teams play-maker in chief and arguably the most talented. Feghouli is one of four Algerian players plying their trade in Spain and will undoubtedly be looking to conjure up some goals from midfield if his team are to progress to the latter stages.

Opponents – Group H

Algeria
Belgium
Russia
South Korea