After four years of waiting, the FIFA World Cup will begin this Friday. South Africa will host the tournament for the first time in its continent’s history and will feature 32 teams from every part of the globe and 64 games. The World Cup always brings different expectations, results and emotions from the players and fans in one of the greatest sporting events. But just in case you are not able to catch every game of the tournament, here are some things not to miss in the group stage.
Top 5 games
South Africa vs. Mexico (June 11, 7 a.m.)
South Africa is looking to have a great World Cup in front of its fans when they host Mexico in the tournament’s opening match. However, they are not traditionally a strong team and are placed in a tough group with Mexico, Uruguay and France. Mexico is looking to start off the tournament strong with a mix of experienced and young players. They have played 12 friendly games leading up to the World Cup with an 8-2-2 record, including a 2-1 victory over the current world champions Italy.
England vs. USA (June 12, 11:30 a.m.)
Possibly the most anticipated game of the group stage. This match brings sentiments of the 1950 World Cup, where the U.S. beat England 1-0 in one of soccer’s greatest upset matches. England is looking to end a 44-year-old championship drought, and will be looking to top-notch striker Wayne Rooney to lead the way. However, the Americans are no strangers to adversity. Just as they did to England in 1950, the U.S. eliminated regional rivals Mexico in 2002 and, most recently, European champions Spain in the semifinals of last year’s Confederation Cup.
Ivory Coast vs. Portugal (June 15, 7 a.m.)
The first game of the “group of death,” these two teams grouped with Brazil and North Korea, will be crucial to both team’s qualification efforts to the round of 16. The Ivory Coast is one of soccer’s best uprising teams and feature great players as Chelsea’s Didier Drogba (who may not play due to injury) and Barcelona’s Yaya Toure. However, Portugal is entering the World Cup after a rocky qualification process and will want to start the tournament off with momentum to achieve good results. They will have the upper-hand in boasting the 2009 FIFA Player of the Year Cristiano Ronaldo and will try to make another great tournament run as they did in 2006.
Cameroon vs. Netherlands (June 24, 11:30 a.m.)
Cameroon is historically Africa’s best team, and after failing to qualify to the 2006 World Cup, they will try to establish its dominance in African soccer this summer. In addition, they will have Samuel Eto’o, who is one of the world’s best strikers and fresh off a treble season (won the Serie A, Italian Cup and Champions League) with Internazionale in Italy. However, the Netherlands is the world’s hottest team ranking fourth in the FIFA standings and are on a four-game winning streak. Furthermore, this match will feature four players who participated in the UEFA Champions League final including Arjen Robben, Wesley Sneijder and Mark Van Bommel for the Dutch, and Eto’o for Cameroon.
Portugal vs. Brazil (June 25, 7 a.m.)
This game will most likely prove to be one of the most entertaining games of the tournament. Portugal was voted the “Most Entertaining Team” of the 2006 World Cup and Brazil is known for using their Samba-based footwork to display beautiful soccer. In addition, the game will feature two of the most prolific soccer players in the world: Ronaldo for Portugal and Kaká for Brazil. Both players set world records for the most expensive transfers to Real Mardid last year with Kaká posting a $92 million price tag and Ronaldo smashing the record with a $131 million deal.
Top 5 players
Lionel Messi – Argenitna
The current FIFA World Player of the Year had another terrific season with Barcelona, and is now compared to one of soccer’s greatest players and current head coach, Diego Armando Maradona.
David Villa – Spain
Probably the most consistent goal-scorer in soccer, Villa was one of the main reasons Spain won the European Championship in 2008 with his 5 goals.
Wayne Rooney – England
Much of England’s hopes of winning their second World Cup lay on the shoulders of the 24-year-old striker. Rooney has matured and developed to be one of the most productive English players in the game at Manchester United
Cristiano Ronaldo – Portugal
The $131 million man is ready to earn his every penny. In his first season with Real Madrid, Ronaldo scored 33 goals in 35 games. However, does he have the leadership qualities to lead Portugal?
Arjen Robben – Netherlands
After being cast off by Real Madrid last summer to make room for new signings Ronaldo and Kaká, he recaptured his great form with Bayern Munich this season. He was named the 2010 Footballer of the Year in Germany and led his club team to the Champions League Final.
Top 5 teams (and reasons they will win the World Cup in five words or less)
Argentina – Lionel Messi
Spain – Best squad in their history
Brazil – It’s Brazil
England – Rooney, Lampard, Gerrard and Capello
Netherlands – Bad luck runs out?
Follow Cup Talk all summer in the Summer 49er and read Francisco Juanillo’s blog at http://fjjcuptalk.blogspot.com/ for more on the World Cup.
Disclaimer: The Daily 49er is not responsible for Postings made on www.daily49er.wpengine.com. Persons commenting are solely responsible for Postings made on this website. Persons commenting agree to the Terms of Use of the website. If Postings do not abide by the Rules of Conduct or Posting Regulations as listed in the Postings Policy, the Daily 49er has all rights to delete Postings as it deems necessary. The Daily 49er strongly advises individuals to not abuse their First Amendment rights, and to avoid language suggestive of hate speech. This site also encourages users to make Postings relevant to the article or other Postings.