germany profil team 2010

Germany

Confederation:

UEFA

Star Players:

Bastian Schweinsteiger, Philipp Lahm

Best World Cup Finish:

Winners (1954, 1974, 1990)

Current FIFA Ranking:

6

Strengths:

Battling spirit

Weaknesses:

Aerial play

Fans:

Loyal but expectant

Coach: Joachim Loew
Confederation: UEFA
FIFA Ranking (Apr 10): 6
Previous Appearances: 16 (winner 1954, 1974, 1990; final 1966, 1982, 1986, 2002; third place 1934, 1970, 2006)


Background
Germany are regulars at the World Cup and are always among the favourites to lift the trophy. South Africa 2010 will mark the 17th appearance for the Germans at the tournament, having only missed the finals in 1930 and 1950. They picked up their first World Cup win in 1954 in Switzerland and in 1974 they won it again as hosts. Their last World Cup trophy was won at Italia '90 after beating Argentina in the finals. Besides 1974, Germany also hosted the 2006 tournament, where they won the third place medal.

How They Qualified
In Group 4 of the European qualifying zone, Joachim Loew's men finished in first place ahead of Russia, being one of five European teams that went undefeated in the group stages. As with most German teams in the past, the 'Nationalmannschaft' delivered their best performances in the most critical encounters. The Germans beat Russia 2-1 in Dortmund and also won the return 1-0 in Moscow.

Strengths

Fitness, motivation and organisation are the key driving forces for the German national team. In every big tournament it is difficult to master their 'Teamgeist'. Also, in 10 qualification matches they only conceded five goals. Any opponent who has played against Germany knows their physical toughness as well as their organised team play.

Weaknesses
The Germans have been unable to pick up victories lately against 'big nations' like Brazil, Spain and Italy. In the 2006 World Cup, they lost in the semi-finals against Italy and in Euro 2008, Loew's men lost in the final against Spain.

The Coach

Joachim Loew was the assistant coach to Juergen Klinsmann during the 2006 World Cup. The media speculated that Loew took care of the tactics while Klinsmann was only the motivator. Loew looks like a typical 'nice guy' but the fact is he has clear ideas of his team. So it's no surprise, that some stars of the past won't get another chance, if Loew thinks they are not compatible with the team. The best example of this is Torsten Frings.

Star Men

Michael Ballack (Chelsea FC)

The captain, the leader, and Loew's right hand man on the field. Ballack is the player who enjoys the most respect in the national team – also from his opponents as well. He is great in the air and good at set pieces, he is always ready to score the most important goal of the match.

Miroslav Klose (Bayern Munich)

Klose is still an important player for the national team. The winner of the Golden Shoe in the 2006 World Cup, he has played 93 games and scored 48 times. He could earn his 100th cap for Germany is South Africa.

Mesut Oezil (Werder Bremen)

The Werder Bremen midfielder may not be an out and out star just yet but he has the potential to be a future great. He is the creative force in the German midfield and great things are expected of him in South Africa.

Best Footballing Moment

Helmut Rahn's goal in the 1954 final which was the game winner in the 3-2 victory over a Hungarian side that had not lost since 1950. After the victory, the team became known as 'Das Wunder von Bern'.

Off The Pitch
Famous for: Very good beer. Football fans love to go their favourite team's away matches and drinking lots of beer. Supporting their clubs away is a must for a 'real fan'.

Most likely to: Win at least one penalty shootout


World Cup Objective
The semi-finals are the minimum target as expected by the fans.

france profil team 2010

France

Confederation:

UEFA

Star Players:

Thierry Henry, Patrice Evra

Best World Cup Finish:

Winners (1998)

Current FIFA Ranking:

10

Strengths:

A true tournament team

Weaknesses:

Goal problems at both ends, eccentric coach

Fans:

Expectant

Background
In 1958, the French finished third with great players like Just Fontaine, who set the record of goals scored in a final phase of the World Cup with 13 strikes. France also finished third in 1986 and fourth in 1982. Les Bleus won the World Cup on home soil against Brazil in 1998 (3-0) and finished second in 2006.

How Did They Qualify?

Not the greatest way to qualify we must admit. Thierry Henry's handball has been broadcast all over the world and a lot of people think that France should not be in South Africa. France has always struggled to qualify to these big events but is here for the fourth time in a row, a record for the country. They made a bad start to their campaign by losing to Austria. Les Bleus were unlucky in Romania where they only managed a draw and salvaged a point against Serbia, where France played with ten men after Hugo Lloris was sent off in the eighth minute. Against Ireland in the play-offs, France had the opportunities to score two goals at Croke Park but were in danger of being eliminated in Paris. We all know what happened next...

Strengths

France have a great team...on paper. Their players ply their trade for the biggest clubs in the world (Real Madrid, Chelsea, Arsenal, Lyon, Barcelona), so the squad has potential to win the World Cup. France have a great attacking team with Nicolas Anelka, Franck Ribery, Thierry Henry and Yoann Gourcuff.

Weaknesses

Les Bleus have not found a good balance in central defence. William Gallas is good but Eric Abidal is not a central defender. Additionally, the former has fitness doubts. Furthermore, the relationship of the players on the pitch is not good. In France we think that Sebastien Squillaci should play centre-back alongside Gallas. And finally we have Raymond Domenech, who is a major weakness!

The Coach

Raymond Domenech might be most hated person in the world of football. He has made a lot of errors in the past, fewer now than previously, though his management style is very unpredictable. There is not too much debate in France about the players he chooses, but how he manages the team is a question that nobody can answer. It will be his last competition in charge of the side as Laurent Blanc is being lined up as the new boss.

Star Men

Thierry Henry: (Barcelona)

The campaign against him is very unfair as he is a player who has been classy throughout his career. World Cup 2010 is his last challenge in the national team jersey. He is the top goalscorer in the history of les Bleus (51 goals) and should be the leader of the team. He is now the captain instead of Patrick Vieira.

Franck Ribery (Bayern Munich)

The Bayern Munich winger has had something of a difficult season because of injuries. For a lot of observers he is the true leader on the pitch. It's certain that many of France's qualifying difficulties came about because of Ribery's absence.

Nicolas Anelka (Chelsea)

Finally the Chelsea striker will make his first appearance at a World Cup. He ended the season with a championship medal in England. Anelka has never participated in this event and will be motivated to perform well. He is a leader on the pitch but not in the locker room.

Best Footballing Moment

The two years that France dominated the world with the 1998 World Cup victory at Stade de France and the Euro 2000 victory against Italy. It was the first time in history that a team held the World Cup and European crown at the same time.

Off The Pitch

Famous for: France is famous for its food, its beautiful country, fashion, its contradictions. Les Bleus are also World champions and Olympic champions at handball. Paris is the most visited city in the world.

Most likely to: make a bad start in the competition and struggle in the group phase before finally winning big matches...

World Cup Objective

France is there to win the World Cup. They have the players to do it, but maybe not the coach. It's sure that France are a team that many will want to avoid, and les Bleus will fear no-one. They key will be Ribery. If he is at full strength, then they will not be far from the title again.

england profil team 2010

England

Confederation:

UEFA

Star Players:

Wayne Rooney, Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard

Best World Cup Finish:

Winners (1966)

Current FIFA Ranking:

8

Strengths:

Midfield, set-pieces

Weaknesses:

Lack of clean sheets recently

Fans:

Expectant

Coach: Fabio Capello
Confederation: UEFA
FIFA Ranking (Apr 10): 8
Previous Appearances: 12 (1950, 1954, 1958, 1962, 1966, 1970, 1982, 1986, 1990, 1998, 2002, 2006)

Background

Football's creators didn't deem the World Cup a worthy enterprise before the Second World War and thus, what was a fairly advanced England side for its time didn't give itself a chance to pip Uruguay or Italy to the trophy. Ever since, England have made it to 12 of the 15 World Cups, but beyond the solitary victory in 1966, have only made it past the quarter-finals once, in 1990. A team of famous players, historically unable to adapt to the challenges posed by foreign territory and big-game tactical pressure.

How They Qualified

Fabio Capello, a tactical and disciplinary Don presiding over his adopted Lions, has brought about a steeliness in this England side that resulted in seamless qualification. There were to be no upsets, as Capello oversaw an unprecedented winning streak throughout qualification, losing only the penultimate game once England's World Cup place was already sealed. England were not spectacular like Spain, but certainly their consistency and strength can be compared to Chelsea at club level.

Strengths

Tactics. England haven't got a wealth of outstanding players in any single department, but have leaders in a few areas and an impressive tactical approach built around these key players. This is not a team that will get caught on the counter-attack very often, or fail to make their pressure pay when they are on the front foot. They get the best out of their best, which is why they are always a threat.

Weaknesses

Worryingly, England have minor weaknesses in every area. However, what has been found to be a big weakness against better teams, albeit in friendlies, is that England struggle to create and control - either on the front foot or the back - against the best sides. France, Spain and Brazil in particular all stifled Capello's England, and though there were some shaky moments at the back, and there are question marks over the No. 9 and the goalkeeper, the only consistently disappointing and costly element of England's team so far has been the failure to produce moments of magic when they are needed, or at very least control the opposition.

The Coach

Fabio Capello will be remembered as one of the greatest coaches of all time. His record is practically second to none. Every project he has taken on has resulted in major silverware. He oversaw the Invincibles at Milan, twice brought Real Madrid La Liga, turned Roma into champions and oversaw an incredible Juventus side as well. This is his first stint with a national team and widely thought to be the last job he will take before retirement. His strength has always been leagues rather than cups, but he, despite not being an Englishman, will want this victory in South Africa as much as all of his players.

Star Men

John Terry (Chelsea)

Many have said that Rio Ferdinand is a better defender than his England team-mate, but much depends on the man recently replaced as captain. Terry's form has been patchy this season but he ended it well and by lifting the Premier League title. There is a new found determination to succeed and it could serve JT well.

Steven Gerrard (Liverpool)

So many question marks were raised when Fabio Capello elected to give Gerrard a starting position on the left of midfield, but this free role has come to suit the Liverpool icon as much as any other, as his performances have regularly been superb and his impact on England's attacking play almost relentless. Always capable of winning big games with big goals.

Wayne Rooney (Manchester United)

Even Sven-Goran Eriksson loved Rooney enough to call him the golden boy. Capello, too, has built his team around Rooney being at his best, which has been the case in a significant majority of England's recent internationals. Capello compared the United forward to Spain's great, Raul, and clearly believes that it will take his fighting determination, boundless energy, understated skill, and crucially, his finishing touch to see England all the way to the final in 2010.

Best Footballing Moment

Without question, beating Argentina and then West Germany to win their first and as yet only World Cup on home soil in 1966.

Off The Pitch

Famous for: Being increasingly yet almost reluctantly cosmopolitan, both unapologetically rude and inexplicably polite depending on the situation, and binge drinking. And the Queen.

Most likely to: Make enemies of rival fans, be overhyped and underachieve.

World Cup Objective

It's Capello, it's a favourable climate, it's probably the last chance for most of this 'golden era' while they're still at their best. They have to win it.

argentina profil team 2010

Coach: Diego Armando Maradona

Confederation: Conmebol
FIFA Ranking (Apr 10): 7
Previous Appearances: 14 (1930, 1934, 1958, 1962, 1966, 1974, 1978, 1982, 1986, 1990, 1994, 1998, 2002, 2006)

Background

Argentina is one of the most successful national football teams in the world. The team has twice won the FIFA World Cup, in 1978 and 1986. The Albicelestes have won the Copa America 14 times, a record shared with Uruguay. They also won the Confederations Cup in 1992 and the Olympic Football Tournament in 2004 and 2008. Argentina and France are the only national teams which have won the three most important men's titles recognized by FIFA: the World Cup, the Confederations Cup, and the Olympics football tournament.

How They Qualified

Argentina qualified for the 2010 FIFA World Cup with a narrow 1–0 win against Uruguay in the last match of the tournament. The team finished fourth in the South American qualifying zone.

Strengths

Argentina have small partnerships that can make a difference. The most important one is Veron with Messi. Also important is the job Di Maria and Gutierrez do, marking and attacking down the flanks. Finally we must mention the winning mentality of the Argentine players.

Weaknesses

Argentina does not have a clear style of play. Its defence is not secure and attacks with disorder. However, there are players with great technique who can change the outcome of a match at any time.

The Coach

Diego Armando Maradona has little coaching experience and that is a disadvantage in a World Cup. He likes to play with a 4-4-2 tactical formation, but you can often see his team playing 4-3-1-2.

Star Men

Lionel Messi (FC Barcelona)

Probably the best football player in the world today. His playing style and ability have drawn comparisons to football legend Diego Maradona, who himself declared Messi his 'successor'. Will be his second appearance in the World Cup

Javier Mascherano (Liverpool)

Mascherano was selected as captain of the national team. He won a second Olympic gold medal with Argentina in Beijing 2008. Former Argentine footballers Jorge Valdano and Jorge Solari regard him as possibly the best central midfielder in the world.

Juan Sebastian Veron (Estudiantes de La Plata)

Veron is most famous for his vision and perceptive passing. He compensates his limited pace with his vast experience and vision. He also has a powerful long shot and set pieces. La Brujita (Little Witch), was chosen as the best player of the 2009 Copa Libertadores.

Best Footballing Moment

Just four minutes after the 'Hand of God' goal, came The ' Goal of the Century', so called because it is often claimed to be the greatest goal of all time. Hector Enrique passed the ball to Maradona ten metres inside his own half. 'Pelusa' then began his 60-metre, 10-second dash towards the English goal, dribbling past four players and finished the move by dribbling round Shilton to make the score 2–0 to Argentina in the quarter-finals of the 1986 FIFA World Cup at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.

Off The Pitch

Famous for: The Choripan, combination of its ingredients: a grilled chorizo and a crusty bread such as a marraqueta or baguette; and Tango, dance that has influences from Spanish and African culture, originated in lower-class districts of Buenos Aires.

Most likely to: Have seen the poor football his side played at the qualifiers, Maradona will need another Hand of God to save him from a total failure.

World Cup Objective

Undoubtedly, to go all the way to the final is the desire and objective of every Argentine player and fan. Only some brilliant football combined with bad luck can make them happy even without the trophy.

algeria profil team 2010

Algeria

Confederation:

AFC

Star Players:

Nadir Belhadj, Rafik Saifi

Best World Cup Finish:

First Round (1982, 1986)

Current FIFA Ranking:

30

Strengths:

Surprise value

Weaknesses:

Lack of top-level experience

Fans:

Partisan

Coach: Rabah Sadane
Confederation: CAF
FIFA Ranking (Apr 10): 31
Previous Appearances: 2 (1982, 1986)

BACKGROUND
Next summer, Algeria will take part in the third World cup in their history. The ambition must be to improve. In 1982 and 1986 the Fennecs enjoyed consecutive qualifications, but left after the first round. Still, these were not journies without honour: in Spain '82, Algeria pulled off a shock by beating West Germany 2-1, a memorable success acquired thanks to goals of Madjer and Belloumi.

Then followed controversy: the Germans went on to face Austria, and with Algeria having already met Chile in the final day of the group stage, it was known that a 1-0 or 2-0 win to Germany would see both the Mannschaft and their neighbours through. Inevitably, it was a 1-0 win for West Germany in a game that could barely have been called a contest. Even fans of both countries involved were disgusted, but Algeria went home nonetheless.

Four years later in Mexico, Algeria struggled. Disturbed by internal conflicts, they took only one point out of a possible six, thanks to an unspectacular draw against Northern Ireland.

How They Qualified

Algeria's path to the finals was perhaps the longest and hardest of all, but Saadane’s band negotiated it successfully. The Greens began with difficulty, losing two of the three of their first matches at in the first round against Senegal (0-1) and Gambia (0-1), but nonetheless made it to the second round. The unfancied Algerians were within minutes of qualifying, only for Egypt to score a goal that forced a play-off in Sudan. There Antar Yahia scored the only goal of this match, plunging a whole nation in an indescribable hysteria, and leaving much bad blood between Algerians and Egyptians.

Strengths
If Algeria succeeded in making their return on the scene world, it is mainly thanks to the freshness and the discipline of their young squad. In the past, the Fennecs had often disappointed by their lack of consistency and professionalism, but this time things are different. During qualification,, one could note the extent of this transfiguration. More solid, more homogeneous and also and especially more interdependent, Ziani and his partners became irresistible at times. The Egyptians, champions of the continent, can testify to that. Algeria win and lose as a professional team.

Weaknessses
If there's one weakness you don't want at a World Cup, it's an inability to travel. Sadly, that's exactly what Algeria suffer from. Indeed, since 2003, Algeria have won a mere two away games. Even if the World cup takes place on a neutral ground, the Fennecs must be absolutely stripped of the complex which sees them struggle the moment their plane leaves the tarmac.

In addition, this squad doesn’t have a true striker yet. Ghezzal can't quite reach his potential, Djebbour is not viewed as world-class, and Saifi is starting to grow old. This is a problem that coach Saadane must quickly regulate if he wants that his team suitably represent the Arab world in the World Cup.

THE COACH
There can only be one: Rabah Sadaane. The indefatigable 63-year-old has been involved in all of Algeria's post-independence campaigns. In 1982, he was assistant of Mahieddine Khalef; four years later he was alone at this station. He was even already present in 1980 when Algeria entered the Olympic football tournament. A native of Batna, Saadane has unmatchable experience, and it is logical that the Federation calls upon his services at their most important hour.But he's not just a local: abroad he's bossed Rajah Casablanca towards the African championship, ES Sahel, and also the Yemen national team.

Star Men

Antar Yahia (VfL Bochum)

Although a native of Mulhouse in France, this player is of Algerian blood, and it shows in his determination. He has 40 capes and 5 goals for his squad. A defender of great quality, although he never quite hit the heights in the club game.

Karim Ziani (VfL Wolfsburg)

The most well-known Algerian playing today, and deservedly so. A well-traveled player in the French leagues, Ziani hit it big with Marseille before joining Wolfsburg. Having played for the Fennecs since he was 20 years of age, over four fifths of his country's goals see him involved some way or another.

Rafik Saifi (Al Khor, Qatar)

At 34 years old, Saifi is the veteran - it's not for nothing that he's known as "big brother" to the rest. A late bloomer on the international scene, Saifi's experience in Ligue 1 is invaluable, even if he doesn't have the pace that he once did.

Best Footballing Moment

Ask a group of Algerians this question. The answer will be unanimous: the win against West Germany in 1982. Debutants against World Cup holders it may well have been, but a fantastic performance from the fine old quartet of Assad, Belloumi, Madjer and Fergani saw predictions thrown out the window. Not until Senegal met France did Africa topple a champion in such a surprising fashion.

OFF THE PITCH
Famous For: Algeria is famous for being the second larger country of Africa in terms of area. Algerians are also cosmopolitan: fans of the country dwell all over the world and were seen celebrating from London to Los Angeles after the win in Sudan.

Most likely to: Pick up a microphone and sing! During qualification, a vocal group from Algeria entitled 'Torino & Milano' released a string of singles about the national side, all of which sold like hot cakes. (Let's hope the Algerians aren't drawn against Italy...)

World Cup Objective

For Algeria, to have reached the World Cup is already an enormous bonus. Thus, it’s without any pressure that the Fennecs will go to South Africa. Their mission will be to give pleasure to the fans, and try to honour the national colors as well as possible. Afterwards, if there is possibility of crossing a round or two, Ziani and his partners certainly will not deprive themselves.

cameroon profil team 2010

Cameroon

Confederation:

CAF

Star Players:

Samuel Eto'o

Best World Cup Finish:

Quarter-Finals (1990)

Current FIFA Ranking:

19

Strengths:

Goalscoring, goalkeeping

Weaknesses:

Some midfield woes

Fans:

Loyal

CAMEROON

Coach: Paul Le Guen Confederation: CAF FIFA Ranking (Apr 10): 19 Previous Appearances: 5 (1982, 1990, 1994, 1998, 2002)

Background

The all-time African leaders by far in World Cup participation, Cameroon first made it to the big show in 1982, but didn't return in 1986. They managed to punch their ticket to Italia '90 and didn't miss a World Cup until the 2006 competition where they were stunned by Cote d'Ivoire and Egypt.

Now they are back with arguably their best generation of players so far. With a coach that the players are finally behind and possibly the best African player in Samuel Eto'o, many people are hoping that Cameroon finally puts in the performances that they are capable of.

How They Qualified

It was far from smooth sailing for the Indomitable Lions this time around. In a group composed of Gabon, Togo and Morocco, it was the smaller team, Gabon that stunned everyone by winning their first two matches while Cameroon lost their initial encounter against Togo and then drew against Morocco.

But then coach Paul Le Guen came on board, while the Indomitable Lions played catch up with their opposition, and with four consecutive wins they ensured their participation in their sixth World Cup.

Strengths

With possibly the greatest striker in African history at his peak right now, the team's strength should be the attack but the truth is Cameroon’s midfield is what makes it special. Even though less star-studded than say, Ivory Coast or Mali, the Cameroon midfield, whether playing in a 4-3-3 or a 4-4- 2 formation has been excellent at linking the defence to the forwards.

Weaknesses

The main weakness of the team will be their overall age and ability to cope with high-level competition. If the Cameroonian players are not necessarily the oldest, they have some of the most precocious players who have been playing at the highest of level for a very long time and are used a great deal by their clubs. Certain players - such as 33-year-old Rigobert Song – are beginning to slow down and look a bit rusty.

The Coach

Paul Le Guen is very well respected by his players, who prefer his methods to those of former coach Otto Pfister. With no experience in Africa whatsoever, he'll have to prove himself in South Africa.

Star Men

Samuel Eto’o (Inter)

With one of the most impressive trophy cabinets in African football, Samuel Eto'o is out to prove that his level has not diminished one bit in the last few years, and he will be looking to show the world what he's capable of, as he was very young in France and Korea. In a continent where he is a god-like entity, people will expect a great deal from him, and he will have to deliver.

Idriss Carlos Kameni (Espanyol)

Arguably the best African glovesman today, he keeps the tradition of quality Cameroonian goalkeeping alive. Fast reflexes and consistent shot stopping has gained him respect in Spain. The ‘Phenomenon’ has long been the best in his country and there's no reason for that to change any time soon.

Stephane M'bia (Marseille)

He's long been touted as the replacement for Geremi and he literally took his spot from under him. If M'bia can manage to stay injury free he'll finally play at the competition everyone in Cameroon dreams of. He moved from Rennes to Marseille this year and has already shown impressive skills with great teams.

Best Footballing Moment

Their best moment of international football was definitely during the 2000 Sydney Olympics against Spain where after an abysmal first half the Indomitable Lions leveled their Spanish opponents 2-2 and went on to win in penalties with an already impressive Kameni, who was only sixteen at the time.

Off The Pitch

Famous for: A very close relationship with their sponsor, Puma that got them in trouble as their kits got them fines and points removed as well as new fans. A large majority of the country speaks more than three languages, with French and English being the official languages.

Most likely to: Have more members of the Government present at any game than any other country in the tournament.

World Cup Objective

Getting out of the group stages is expected from them and making it to the quarter-finals will definitely be an objective for the Indomitable Lions.

australia profil team 2010

Australia

Confederation:

AFC

Star Players:

Harry Kewell, Mark Schwarzer

Best World Cup Finish:

Second Round (2006)

Current FIFA Ranking:

20

Strengths:

Strong back line

Weaknesses:

Finding the net

Fans:

Socceroos growing in number

Coach: Pim Verbeek
Confederation: AFC
FIFA Ranking (Apr 10): 20
Previous Appearances: 2 (1974, 2006)


Background

Australia emerged out of the wilderness at Germany 2006, ending a 32-year long wait for World Cup football. Talk to any Australian football fan about their most memorable Socceroo moment and it will definitely be those eight made minutes in Kaiserslauten, when a spectacular 3-1 comeback win over Japan in the dying stages of the match started the Aussies on their way to getting out of the group stages. They suffered a heartbreaking and controversial exit at the hands of Italians in the first knockout round via a late Francesco Totti penalty. The pioneers though will always be the men who first qualified in 1974.

How They Qualified

It was a far cry from the emotional penalty shootout victory over Uruguay in 2005, when Australia became the last nation on the planet to book its place at football’s showpiece event. That night will largely remain a blur for most Australia fans and is a stark contrast to the clinical manner in which Pim Verbeek has steered the Socceroos through their first Asian qualification path. They came through two groups, with Iraq and China headlining the first and Japan the second. They topped both of them and lost just one out of their fourteen matches, conceding only four times.

Strengths

Hyper-organized and unified, as their defensive record suggests. This is a team in which the players know each others playing styles intimately, having largely all been together when they first broke the nation’s World Cup drought four years ago. They have become masters at grinding out results late in the game, which suggests determination and fitness are their backbone.

Weaknesses

Goal scoring is a major problem and the placebo is currently Tim Cahill. But once the world’s better defenders catch on that setting two defenders on Australia’s main man will largely nullify the Socceroo goal-scoring threat, who is there to step up? The absence of a prolific forward, proven at international level, is conspicuous. Also the squad lack pace all over the park.

The Coach

Pim Verbeek was largely an unknown when he was handed the job as a second – or possibly, third – choice by the FFA (Football Federation Australia) around 18 months ago, with his appointment questioned by analysts and commentators before he had even taken charge of his first game. The Dutchman has silenced all of his critics however with a near-perfect qualifying record and some impressive competitive and non-competitive results along the way against the world’s bigger teams. He is an honest character who has a wonderful relationship with his players. His coaching style is a conservative one that prioritises discipline over aesthetics.

Star Men

Tim Cahill (Everton, England)

Does he even have to be mentioned? Scored Australia’s first ever World Cup goals with that stunning brace off the bench against Japan in 2006 and since then has been this squad’s most prolific goal scorer. It’s no exaggeration to say that the Socceroos always look to Cahill when they need to find the back of the net – and he almost always delivers, usually in the most dramatic fashion. Is the team’s X-Factor.

Mark Schwarzer (Fulham, England)

On countless occasions throughout qualifying, Schwarzer stepped up to save the Socceroos when they were nowhere near their best. A penalty save early in the campaign in the final minutes of a scoreless away draw against China set the tone as he went on to single-handedly at times keep Verbeek’s superb defensive record in tact. The talisman at the back.

Harry Kewell (Galatasaray, Turkey)

Say what you want about Kewell’s fitness and his decision to leave the English Premier League for Turkey; he still retains the ability to produce moments of absolute quality at the highest level. Always seems to step up against the best opposition, the closest thing to Cahill in terms of unpredictability. Still the most recognisable name in Australian football to most outsiders.

Best Footballing Moment

The last few minutes of the match against Japan have been etched into Australian football folklore but in terms of historical significance, it has to be qualifying for the World Cup for the first time ever in 1974 and going on to face the eventual champions in West Germany; that feat was performed by essentially amateur players and through a hellish Asian qualifying route.

Off The Pitch

Famous For: Beer, supposedly breeding large animals as pets (Crocodiles, sharks and kanagaroos among them) and AC/DC.

Most likely to: Leave other nations trailing in its wake in terms of beer consumption per capita during those four weeks in South Africa.

World Cup Objective

Getting out of the group stage will be a minor miracle – though the average fan might be quietly confident if the draw is kind.

brazil profil team 2010

Brazil

Confederation:

CONMEBOL

Coach:

Dunga

Star Players:

Kaka, Robinho

Best World Cup Finish:

Winners (1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, 2002)

Current FIFA Ranking:1

Strengths:

Goalscoring, technical ability

Weaknesses:

Vision

Fans:

Worldwide, fun-loving

Teams

• Brazil

Coach: Carlos Bledorn Verri (Dunga)
Confederation: Conmebol
FIFA Ranking (Mar 10): 1
Previous Appearances: 18 (1930, 1934, 1938, 1950, 1954, 1958, 1962, 1966, 1970, 1974, 1978, 1982, 1986, 1990, 1994, 1998, 2002, 2006)

Background

Brazil is arguably the most successful team in football history. They’re the only team to have won the World Cup five times (1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, 2002) and also the only country to feature in every edition of the tournament. The only major competition that Brazil has yet to win is the Olympic Games.

How They Qualified

Brazil finished in first place in the CONMEBOL qualifying section.

Strengths

Set-pieces and lightning fast counter-attacks are Brazil's specialities under Dunga . Corner Kicks and free kicks close to the box are taken with efficiency by Elano and the center-backs join the forwards to threaten the opposite goal. The counter-attacks are usually led by the speed of Kaka.

Weaknesses

Brazil struggles when facing teams that just sit back and defend. The passing game is not sharp or quick enough to get through. The Brazilian defence is pretty strong, but the left side is a little fragile.

Coach

The nomination of Dunga, in 2006, was highly criticised by the media because of his lack of experience. His results, however, have proven that he is good enough for the job. Dunga likes to play in the 4-2-3-1 formation, but often relies on the 4-3-1-2.

Star Men

Kaka (Real Madrid)

The best Brazilian player today is a leader within the national team. The best player in the world in 2007 will make his third appearance in the World Cup. He already has a title in 2002.

Luis Fabiano (Sevilla)

The centre-forward position was up for grabs in the Brazilian team for a while, but after a strong performance against Uruguay in the qualifiers, Fabiano settled himself as the owner of the number 9 shirt. He finished the qualifiers as Brazil’s top-scorer.

Julio Cesar (Inter)

Probably since the golden days of Taffarel, we haven't seen such a safe and spectacular goalkeeper as Julio Cesar. The former Flamengo star will appear as a starter in a World Cup for the first time, so his motivation will be sky-high.

Best Footballing Moment

The 1970 Brazilian Team, arguably the best side in world football history, were beating Italy 3-1 in the final of the World Cup. But for that amazing side, that scoreline wasn’t enough. A spectacular team effort that started with a series of dribbles by Clodoaldo and ended with a fantastic pass by Pele that allowed Carlos Alberto to score the fourth goal to put the icing on the cake of a perfect tournament.

Off The Pitch

Famous for: ‘Carnaval’, a popular party that lasts 4 days and involves parades, Samba music and beautiful women.

Most likely to:

Brazilian fans like to bring the ‘Carnaval’ to the World Cup. It’s not unusual to see people with large music instruments in the stadiums.

World Cup Objective

As it happens with Brazil in every World Cup, the goal is to win the event.

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