Breaking down World Cup's Group B
We continue our week-by-week look at the World Cup's group, ahead of the tournament's start on June 11.
There could be plenty of goals scored in tough Group B, which features the world's best player, arguably Asia's best team, and two teams that traditionally few look forward to playing:
Argentina
World rank: 9
How they got here: finished fourth in their group
World Cup best finish: champion, 1978, 1986
Standout players: Two of the smallest players at the World Cup will be the most important for La Albiceleste: Midfielder Lionel Messi, who is considered the best player in the world and is generously listed at 5-7, and Carlos Tevez, a dogged striker who is listed at 5-8.
Chances of advancing: Despite the toughness of the group, they should advance to the knockout stages. As for winning it all, if Messi can duplicate his form for club-team Barcelona, Argentina will be a team to watch.
Nigeria
World rank: 22
How they got here: won their group
World Cup best finish: second round, 1994 and 1998
Standout players: Rocket-legged Obafemi Martins (once kicked a ball 84 mph), Jon Obi Mikel and Yakubu Aiyegbeni are the goal-scorers for the Super Eagles. The defense will be led by Joseph Yobo.
Chances of advancing: This is arguably the toughest of the World Cup's groups. Because Argentina looks capable of sweeping the others, goal differential may decide the second qualifier. Nigeria needs to score a lot.
South Korea
World rank: 49
How they got here: won their group
World Cup best finish: semifinals, 2002
Standout players: Winger Park Si-Jung is a frequent regular for Manchester United, and Monaco's Park-Chu Young will be the goal-scorer.
Chances of advancing: The Taeguk Warriors must steal a point from Greece in both teams' opener on June 12 and defeat Nigeria on June 22 if they hope to advance out of the group stage.
Greece
World rank: 11
How they got here: defeated Ukraine in a playoff
World Cup best finish: group stage in 1994
Standout players: Defense will be Greece's strength with central defender Sotirios Kyrgiakos and midfielder Georgios Karagounis.
Chances of advancing: Though Greece blitzed many of its foes in a weak qualifying group, its chance of advancing will depend on taking all six points from Nigeria and South Korea. It likely won't advance on goal differential.
In other soccer
- Champions League Redux: For the first time in six years, an English club won't play in the finals. Bayern Munich knocked out Manchester United with a brilliant goal from Franck Ribery. The first leg of the semifinals will be Inter Milan vs. Barcelona on April 20 and Bayern Munich vs. Lyon on April 21.
- Poulter high on chances: English golfer Ian Poulter is an enthusiastic soccer fan. He took time after the par-3 contest Wednesday at the Masters to analyze the Three Lions' chances of winning the World Cup.
"To have guys like [Wayne] Rooney deliver like we know he can, it's crucial to have him play," said Poulter, a big fan of London club Arsenal. "A solid back four is the key. We've got a great chance. The side looks strong."
He predicted that England will turn over the United States in their group-stage game. However, he thinks both teams will advance.
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