The World Cup - A Guide To Group H

Belgium - Algeria - Russia - South Korea


Belgium

The Manager: Marc Wilmots

• Star Player: Eden Hazard
  
• Position: Winger
• Age: 23
• Team: Chelsea
• Why? Mourinho’s negative comments about Hazard towards the end of the season can’t overshadow how good he has been for the past two seasons. Capable of being Belgium's catalyst and single handedly carrying his team over the finishing line. If he can bring his club form in to the World Cup, then he has the quality around him to make a big impact.

• One to Watch: Romelu Lukaku
• Position: Striker
• Age: 21
• Team: Chelsea
• Why? Lukaku had an immensely successful loan spell with Everton . Scoring 15 goals whilst linking up with Kevin Mirallas is a good sign for Belgium going into Brazil. Lukaku’s future is still up in the air and he’ll want to prove himself to any potential bidders. His physical prowess and finishing are qualities befitting a much older and experienced striker. So a care free attitude could be just the right for goals galore.

• Wildcard: Marouane Fellaini
  
• Position: Midfielder
• Age: 26
• Team: Manchester United
• Why? Fellaini has come under a lot of criticism in his first season with United under Moyes. Everton’s best player for a couple of years, Fellaini has it in his locker to command the field when deployed correctly. This tournament is a big opportunity to show the United fans and van Gaal why he deserves to be in their starting eleven. Still the potential to go missing, so keep an eye on him.

Goalkeepers: Thibaut Courtois (Atletico Madrid, on loan from Chelsea), Simon Mignolet (Liverpool), Sammy Bossut (Zulte Waregem).

Defenders: Toby Alderweireld (Atletico Madrid), Laurent Ciman (Standard Liege), Nicolas Lombaerts (Zenit St Petersburg), Vincent Kompany (Manchester City), Daniel Van Buyten (Bayern Munich), Anthony Vanden Borre (Anderlecht), Thomas Vermaelen (Arsenal), Jan Vertonghen (Tottenham).

Midfielders: Nacer Chadli, Mousa Dembele (both Tottenham), Steven Defour (Porto), Kevin De Bruyne (Wolfsburg), Marouane Fellaini, Adnan Januzaj (both Manchester United), Eden Hazard (Chelsea), Kevin Mirallas (Everton), Divock Origi (Lille), Axel Witsel (Zenit St Petersburg).

Forwards: Romelu Lukaku (Everton, on loan from Chelsea), Dries Mertens (Napoli).

Fun Fact: Vincent Kompany owns a bar in Belgium called 'Good Kompany'.

Algeria

The Manager: Vahid Halilhodžić

• Star Player: Madjid Bougherra
  
  
• Position: Centre Back 
• Age: 31 
• Team: Free Agent 
• Why? He is the heart and soul of this relatively young Algeria team. Bougherra is the father figure and leader of the North African's, who'll be their biggest goal threat from set-pieces. Even without a club, 'Magic' will be hoping to inspire his under-dog nation to an upset or two.

• One to Watch: Nabil Bentaleb
  
  
• Position: Midfielder 
• Age: 19 
• Team: Tottenham Hotspur 
• Why? The rangey teenager has a great touch and an eye for a pass. Confident and assured when in possesion, he'll be integral to any attacks coming from the centre of the pitch for Algeria. Could be a big ask for him to make a major impact, but he has shown bags of ability this season at Spurs.

• Wildcard: Sofiane Feghouli
  
  
• Position: Winger 
• Age: 24 
• Team: Valencia 
• Why? Labelled 'The New Zidane' at the age of 17 (due to his split French/Algerian nationality). Feghouli initially struggled to live up to the hype of such a comparison. However, he is deceptively quick and can be a real handful to full backs when running in behind. Expect the unexpected with him, a real hot and cold type of wide man.

Goalkeepers: Rais Mbolhi (CSKA Sofia), Cedric Si Mohamed (CS Constantine), Mohamed Lamine Zemmamouche (USM Alger).

Defenders: Essaid Belkalem (Watford, on loan from Granada), Madjid Bougherra (Lekhwya Club), Liassine Cadamuro (Mallorca), Faouzi Ghoualm (Napoli), Rafik Halliche (Academica Coimbra), Aissa Mandi (Stade Reims), Carl Medjani (Valenciennes), Djamel Mesbah (Livorno), Mehdi Mostefa (AC Ajaccio).

Midfielders: Nabil Bentaleb (Tottenham), Yasine Brahimi (Granada), Medhi Lacen (Getafe), Saphir Taider (Inter Milan), Hassan Yebda (Udinese).

Forwards: Abdelmoumene Djabou (Club Africain), Sofiane Feghouli (Valencia), Nabil Ghilas (Porto), Riyad Mahrez (Leicester City), Islam Slimani (Sporting Lisbon, Portugal), Hilal Soudani (Dinamo Zagreb).

Fun Fact: Algeria is the only Arabic speaking country represented at this year's World Cup in Brazil.

Russia

The Manager: Fabio Capello

• Star Player: Igor Akinfeev
  
• Position: Goalkeeper
• Age: 28
• Team: CSKA Moscow
• Why? Akinfeev went more than 12 hours before conceding a goal for Russia which is impressive in itself. More impressive though is that you have to go back to a 2-1 defeat to Germany in 2008 before you find a game where Russia conceded more than 1 goal in a competitive game. With a sure defence in front of him, Akinfeev has a big job of keeping clean sheets as Russia try to win every game 1-0.

• One to Watch: Aleksandr Kokorin
• Position: Striker/Winger
• Age: 23
• Team: Dynamo Moscow
• Why? Kokorin had a bizarre start to the season after Anzi Makhachkala triggered his 19 Million Euro release clause, only to return a month later for an undisclosed fee after Anzi hit financial trouble. Enjoying his most prolific season to date, Kokorin scored 10 goals in 23 appearances. In a defence heavy team, he will need to take any chance that comes his way, as they may be few and far between.

• Wildcard: Alan Dzagoev
  
• Position: Central Attacking Midfielder
• Age: 23
• Team: CSKA Moscow
• Why? With the omission of Arshavin, Dzagoev represents the only creative flair in this Russian team and will be central to any attacks the team makes. The CSKA Moscow man has fallen in and out of favour with Capello over the past couple of years and only started 3 out of the 10 qualifying games. He does have the ability to sneak a couple of goals, so watch out for this tricky attacker.

Goalkeepers: Igor Akinfeev (CSKA Moscow), Yury Lodygin (Zenit St Petersburg), Sergey Ryzhikov (Rubin Kazan).

Defenders: Vasili Berezutskiy (CSKA Moscow), Vladimir Granat (Dynamo Moscow), Andrey Eshchenko (Anzhi Makhachkala), Sergey Ignashevich (CSKA Moscow), Alexey Kozlov (Dynamo Moscow), Dmitry Kombarov (Spartak Moscow), Andrey Semenov (Terek Grozny), Georgi Schennikov (CSKA Moscow).

Midfielders: Denis Glushakov (Spartak Moscow), Igor Denisov (Dynamo Moscow), Alan Dzagoev (CSKA Moscow), Yury Zhirkov (Dynamo Moscow), Alexey Ionov (Dynamo Moscow), Pavel Mogilevets (Rubin Kazan), Alexander Samedov (Lokomotiv Moscow), Victor Faizulin (Zenit St Petersburg), Oleg Shatov (Zenit St Petersburg).

Forwards : Maxim Kanunnikov (Amkar Perm), Alexander Kerzhakov (Zenit St Petersburg), Alexander Kokorin (Dynamo Moscow).

Fun Fact: Russia has a larger surface are than Pluto.

South Korea

The Manager: Hong Myung-bo

• Star Player: Ki Sung-yueng
• Position: Attacking/Central Midfielder
• Age: 25
• Team: Sunderland- (on loan at Swansea)
• Why? Ki is the middle man for South Korea in terms of distribution. Acting as the fulcrum between attack and defence, he will try and dictate the tempo for this optimistic side. With plenty of Premier League experience and a decent eye for goal, expect to to see Ki Sung-yueng be involved with most of his side's chances.

• One to Watch: Son Heung-min
• Position: Second Striker 
• Age: 21
• Team: Bayer Leverkusen
• Why? He can play comfortably with both feet, has decent pace and is a good finisher in front of goal. Still a young striker, however he has been earning glowing reviews from the Bundesliga. Expect to see some assured technical performances from this highly rated youngster.

• Wildcard: Park Chu-young
• Position: Forward
• Age: 28
• Team: Arsenal
• Why? Since his move to London, Park has been used in the League cup sparingly and shipped out on loan a few times. Never really showing the initial promise of a youth award winner, this could be his last chance to show the many doubters that he can actually perform at the top level. He's a bit of an enigma.

Goalkeepers: Jung Sung-ryeong (Suwon Bluewings), Kim Seung-gyu (Ulsan Horang-i), Lee Bum-young (Busan I'Park)

Defenders: Yun Suk-young (QPR), Kim Young-kwon (Guangzhou Evergrande), Hwang Seok-ho (Sanfrecce Hiroshima), Hong Jeong-ho (Augsburg), Kwak Tae-hwi (Al Hilal), Lee Yong (Ulsan Horang-i), Kim Chang-soo (Kashiwa Reysol), Park Joo-ho (Mainz)

Midfielders: Ki Seung-yueng (Sunderland, on loan from Swansea), Ha Dae-sung (Beijing Guoan), Han Kook-young (Kashiwa Reysol), Park Jung-woo (Guangzhou R&F), Son Heung-min (Bayer Leverkusen), Kim Bo-kyung (Cardiff City), Lee Chung-yong (Bolton Wanderers), Ji Dong-won (Augsburg).

Forwards: Koo Ja-cheol (Mainz), Lee Keun-ho (Sangju Sangmu), Park Chu-young (Arsenal), Kim Shin-wook (Ulsan Horang-i).

Fun Fact: Ki Seung-yueng learned his football as a youth player in Australia, where they affectionately named him Dave.

Right, well that's it. 

Thank you for reading parts of my World Cup Group Guide blog. Hopefully it has been a little bit insightful and a wee bit enjoyable to read.

Bloody Brazil 2014!

The World Cup - A Guide To Group G

Germany - Portugal - Ghana - USA

Germany

The Manager: Joachim Löw

• Star Player: Philipp Lahm
• Position: Full Back/Defensive Midfielder
• Age: 30
• Team: Bayern Munich
• Why? He is the epitome of constancy. Germany's captain and inspirational leader, who lets his solid footballing style do the talking. The 'Magic Dwarf', will be able to switch to midfield with ease after being tested in this position under Guardiola at club level. If Germany are to win another World Cup, they will need Lahm's intelligence and composure to lead them to victory.

• One to Watch: Mario Götze
  
• Position: Attacking Midfielder
• Age: 22
• Team: Bayern Munich
• Why? He is a precocious talent with exceptional ability. Might not start every game for Germany, however the manner in which he plays suits the national side's tactical ethos. Quick, skilful and equally comfortable passing with both feet, Mario definitely has the spark to create goal scoring chances to this ultra solid German team. This could be his stage to prove that he is truly 'World Class'.

• Wildcard: Miroslav Klose
  
• Position: Striker
• Age: 36
• Team: Lazio
• Why? Germany are in theory only taking one recognised Centre Forward. Saying that, Klose has 132 caps and 69 goals with Germany never having lost a match where he has scored. Miroslav only needs 1 goal to equal Ronaldo's overall World Cup goalscoring record, so a cheeky double early on in this tournament could be a huge confidence boost. It seems like in the last four World Cup's, Klose hasn't really been a contender for the golden boot. But his deceptively clever movement, poaching and clinical heading speak volumes to how good he is on the biggest stage.

Goalkeepers: Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich), Roman Weidenfeller (Borussia Dortmund), Ron-Robert Zieler (Hannover)

Defenders: Jerome Boateng (Bayern Munich), Erik Durm (Borussia Dortmund), Kevin Grosskreutz (Borussia Dortmund), Benedikt Howedes (Schalke), Mats Hummels (Borussia Dortmund), Philipp Lahm (Bayern Munich), Per Mertesacker (Arsenal), Shkodran Mustafi (Sampdoria).

Midfielders: Julian Draxler (Schalke), Matthias Ginter (Freiburg), Mario Gotze (Bayern Munich), Christoph Kramer (Borussia Monchengladbach), Sami Khedira (Real Madrid), Toni Kroos (Bayern Munich), Thomas Muller (Bayern Munich), Mesut Ozil (Arsenal), Andre Schurrle (Chelsea), Bastian Schweinsteiger (Bayern Munich).

Forwards: Miroslav Klose (Lazio), Lukas Podolski (Arsenal).

Fun Fact: Manuel Neuer did the voice over for character Frank McCay in the German version of Disney Pixar's Monsters University.

Portugal

The Manager: Paulo Bento

• Star Player: Cristiano Ronaldo
• Position: Forward
• Age: 29
• Team: Real Madrid
• Why? On form, he's the best player in the world. In full flight, Ronaldo's skill and power with the ball is almost unstoppable. If his Portuguese colleagues can perform to their full potential, Ronny could lead his nation pretty far in this tournament. He will play in the central position in behind Hugo Almeida, linking the play in attack. Don't be surprised to see many a long range attempt and a gung-ho mentality when in a bit of space.  Ronaldo's ability from direct free-kicks and getting on the end of crosses will be a constant threat for any team in his way.

• One to Watch: William Carvalho
  
• Position: Defensive/ Holding Midfielder
• Age: 22
• Team: Sporting CP
• Why? He is physically very strong and solid defensively, who will give Portugal a combative presence in midfield. Carvalho is still quite inconsistent with his decision making and passing from deep. However, he does bring a stronger defensive structure to a counter attacking Portugal.

• Wildcard: Hugo Almeida
• Position: Centre Forward
• Age: 30
• Team: Besiktas
• Why? The focal point target man for Portugal. Not the most mobile or quickest striker, but he compliments the style of football that Portugal play. With wingers providing service into the box and Ronaldo running in behind, Almeida has good enough positional awareness to grab some extremely important goals.

Goalkeepers: Beto (Sevilla), Eduardo (Braga), Rui Patricio (Sporting).

Defenders: Andre Almeida (Benfica), Bruno Alves (Fenerbahce), Fabio Coentrao (Real Madrid), Joao Pereira (Valencia), Neto (Zenit), Pepe (Real Madrid), Ricardo Costa (Valencia).

Midfielders: Joao Moutinho (Monaco), Miguel Veloso (Dinamo Kiev), Raul Meireles (Fenerbahce), Ruben Amorim (Benfica), William Carvalho (Sporting).

Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid), Eder (SC Braga), Helder Postiga (Lazio), Hugo Almeida (Besiktas), Nani (Manchester United), Rafa (Braga), Varela (FC Porto), Vieirinha (Wolfsburg).

Fun Fact(s): Cristiano was given the second name 'Ronaldo' after his Father's favourite actor and ex-president Ronald Regan.

Ronaldo was expelled from school at the age of 14 for throwing a chair at his teacher.

Ghana

The Manager: James Kwesi Appiah

• Star Player: Asamoah Gyan
  
• Position: Striker
• Age: 28
• Team: Al Ain
• Why? Scored Ghana’s first ever goal in a World Cup in 2006, if we are going to see Ghana’s Azonto dance, it will most likely be because of this guy. Although in a weaker league, Gyan has scored more goals than games played with Al Ain and will be looking to bring that confidence to Ghana’s attack. Named captain, Gyan loves to be the main man and expect to see him take set pieces and penalties (hoping to seek redemption of missing two at World Cup 2010).

• One to Watch: Majeed Waris
  
• Position: Striker
• Age: 22
• Team: Spartak Moscow
• Why? Waris spent the season on loan with Valenciennes in Ligue 1 scoring 9 goals in 16 appearances. He has devastating pace and will look to abuse that by positioning himself on the shoulders of slow centre backs. Often caught offside but when he does beat the trap, there's no catching him. May just make a big name for himself in Brazil.

• Wildcard: Michael Essien
  
• Position: Central Midfielder
• Age: 31
• Team: AC Milan
• Why? Missing the last World Cup through injury, Essien was one of the best midfielders in the world back in 2010. This year though, he goes to Brazil looking a shadow of his former self. Struggling for game time for the past two seasons, it’s unsure how important Essien will be to his national side. Still though, his experience and unquestionable talent is something Appiah will love to have at his disposal.

Goalkeepers: Fatau Dauda (Orlando Pirates), Adam Kwarasey (Stromsgodset), Stephen Adams (Aduana Stars).

Defenders: Samuel Inkoom (Platanias), Daniel Opare (Standard Liege), Harrison Afful (Esperance), John Boye (Rennes), Jonathan Mensah (Evian), Rashid Sumalia (Mamelodi Sundowns).

Midfielders: Michael Essien (AC Milan), Sulley Muntari (AC Milan), Rabiu Mohammed (Kuban Krasnodar), Kwadwo Asamoah (Juventus), Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu (Udinese), Afriyie Acquah (Parma), Christian Atsu (Vitesse), Albert Adomah (Middlesbrough), Andre Ayew (Marseille), Mubarak Wakaso (Rubin Kazan).

Forwards: Asamoah Gyan (Al Ain), Kevin-Prince Boateng (Schalke 04), Abdul Majeed Waris (Valenciennes), Jordan Ayew (Sochaux).

Fun Fact: Asamoah Gyan's musical alias is 'Baby Jet'. He released the song 'Afican Girls' in 2011 and it won an award at the Ghana Music Awards.

USA

The Manager: Jurgen Klinsmann

• Star Player: Michael Bradley
  
• Position: Centre Midfielder
• Age: 26
• Team: Toronto FC
• Why? With Landan Donovan out of the picture and Klinsmann looking to build towards 2018, Bradley will have a huge role to play from now until then which starts in Brazil. With a weak defence, Bradley will be immensely important and needs to make sure he doesn't get caught out offensively. Saying that, his experience with Roma in Serie A will be paramount if USA are to get the better tactically over the likes of Germany or Portugal.

• One to Watch: Fabian Johnson
  
• Position: Everywhere.
• Age: 26
• Team: Borussia Mönchengladbach
• Why?  Incredibly versatile, he has impressed in multiple positions for club and country. It looks likely that we’ll be seeing his pace used at right back in Brazil, bombing on the overlap where he can come up with a goal or an assist. It wont be easy though, expect to see him a lot deeper than where he prefers to play.

• Wildcard: Jozy Altidore
  
• Position: Striker
• Age: 24
• Team: Sunderland
• Why? Struggling for goals since his move to Sunderland, Altidore has acquired a reputation he won't be proud of. If ever though, there was a stage to prove the doubters wrong and find that exceptional form he had at AZ, it would be in Brazil. He hadn't scored for the USA for a long time before this set of pre-tournament friendlies, so It is a big ask against some world class opponents. 

Goalkeepers: Brad Guzan (Aston Villa), Tim Howard (Everton), Nick Rimando (Real Salt Lake).

Defenders: DaMarcus Beasley (Puebla), Matt Besler (Sporting Kansas City), John Brooks (Hertha Berlin), Geoff Cameron (Stoke City), Timmy Chandler (Nuremberg), Omar Gonzalez (LA Galaxy), Fabian Johnson (Hoffenheim), DeAndre Yedlin (Seattle Sounders).

Midfielders: Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake), Alejandro Bedoya (Nantes), Michael Bradley (Toronto FC), Brad Davis (Houston Dynamo), Mix Diskerud (Rosenborg), Julian Green (Bayern Munich), Jermaine Jones (Besiktas), Graham Zusi (Sporting Kansas City).

Forwards: Jozy Altidore (Sunderland), Clint Dempsey (Seattle Sounders), Aron Johannsson (AZ Alkmaar), Chris Wondolowski (San Jose Earthquakes).

Fun Fact: DaMarcus Beasley launched a range of jewellery during his time with Rangers

The World Cup - A Group To Guide F

Argentina - Bosnia-Hercegovina - Iran - Nigeria

Argentina

The Manager: Alejandro Sabella

• Star Player: Lionel Messi
  
• Position: Foward
• Age: 26
• Team: FC Barcelona
• Why? Four time ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi is the main focal point. Messi have scored 20 goals in 21 games under the appointment of Alejandro Sabella. But only managed to score one goal in latest two World Cups he’s played. He has played second fiddle to Ronaldo this season, even though injury has prevented him from being at his very best. Saying this, Messi's goalscoring record on South American soil is second to none and could be exactly what Argentina need to lift the World Cup.

• One to Watch: Angel di Maria
  
• Position: Winger
• Age: 26
• Team: Real Madrid
• Why? Angel Di Maria is an explosive dynamic player who normally plays in the wing, though Ancelotti has experimented this season playing him as a central midfielder with great success. Man of the match in the Copa del Rey final and Champions League final. Can really shine if Messi gets out marked.

• Wildcard: Sergio Romero
• Position: Goalkeeper
• Age: 27
• Team: Monaco (Loan)
• Why? Argentina’s weakest position on the pitch, Sergio Romero only played 3 league games for AS Monaco since joining on loan, so he’ll certainly need a tune-up before being thrust into the number one role. Unfortunately, a rusty Romero may be Sabella’s best option between the posts.

Goalkeepers: Sergio Romero (Sampdoria), Mariano Andujar (Catania), Agustin Orion (Boca Juniors).

Defenders: Pablo Zabaleta (Manchester City), Federico Fernandez (Napoli), Ezequiel Garay (Benfica), Marcos Rojo (Sporting Lisbon), Hugo Campagnaro (Inter Milan), Martin Demichelis (Manchester City), Jose Basanta (Monterrey).

Midfielders: Javier Mascherano (Barcelona), Fernando Gago (Boca Juniors), Lucas Biglia (Lazio), Ricardo Alvarez (Inter Milan), Augusto Fernandez (Celta Vigo), Angel Di Maria (Real Madrid), Maxi Rodriguez (Newell's Old Boys), Enzo Perez (Benfica).

Forwards: Lionel Messi (Barcelona), Gonzalo Higuain (Napoli), Sergio Aguero (Manchester City), Rodrigo Palacio (Inter Milan), Ezequiel Lavezzi (Paris St-Germain).

Fun Fact: Tevez had already booked a family trip to Disney World when the provisional Argentina squad was announced.

Bosnia-Hercegovina

• Star Player: Edin Dzeko
  
• Position: Striker
• Age: 28
• Team: Manchester City
• Why? Known as The Bosnian Diamond, his nation's leading scorer with 33 goals, Dzeko is minimally over a goal every two games. It’s not just his goals that are valuable though, his hold-up play is world class as he looks to bring player’s like of Pjanić, Lulić and Ibišević into play.

• One to Watch: Miralem Pjanić 
  
• Position: Attacking Midfielder
• Age: 24
• Team: AS Roma
• Why? Although lacking pace, Pjanić is a formidable play-maker. Having had an immense season in Italy with Roma, he has turned into one of the most wanted men in Europe. Expect him to be one step ahead of his opponents as he tries to slip Dzeko in behind the defence. Perhaps a naturally successor to Totti, he is perhaps the most important cog in this young Bosnian side.

• Wildcard: Ermin Bičakčić
• Position: Centre-Back
• Age: 24
• Team: TSG Hoffenheim
• Why? Having just been relegated from the Bundesliga with Eintracht Braunschweig, Bičakčić was quickly snapped up by Hoffenheim. A sturdy centre-half but perhaps lacks real experience against top-class opposition on a big stage. It will be interesting to see how well he performs with the experienced, but declining Emir Spahić.

Goalkeepers: Asmir Begovic (Stoke City), Asmir Avdukic (Borac Banja Luka), Jasmin Fejzic (VFR Aalen).

Defenders: Emir Spahic (Bayer Leverkusen), Toni Sunjic (Zorya Lugansk), Sead Kolasinac (Schalke), Ognjen Vranjes (Elazigspor), Ermin Bicakcic (Eintracht Braunschweig), Muhamed Besic (Ferencvaros), Mensur Mujdza (Freiburg).

Midfielders: Miralem Pjanic (Roma), Izet Hajrovic (Galatasaray), Haris Medunjanin (Gaziantepspor), Senad Lulic (Lazio), Anel Hadzic (Sturm), Tino Susic (Hajduk), Sejad Salihovic (Hoffenheim), Zvjezdan Misimovic (Guizhour Renhe), Senijad Ibricic (Erciyesspor), Avdija Vrsaljevic (Hajduk).

Strikers: Vedad Ibisevic (VfB Stuttgart), Edin Dzeko (Manchester City), Edin Visca (Istanbul BB).

Fun Fact: Bosnia-Hercegovina will participate at The World Cup for the first time as a independent country.

Iran

The Manager: Carlos Queiroz

• Star Player: Javad Nekounam
• Position: Central Midfielder
• Age: 33
• Team: Al-Kuwait
• Why? Even though he moved to Kuwait few months ago and plays his football there, the veteran central midfielder is Iran’s most experienced and perhaps most important player. The 33 year old spent most of his career in La Liga with Osasuna and brings a lot to the side by controlling the midfield and distributing the ball alongside Teymourian. He is also a pretty good goal scorer with 6 goals in qualifying.

• One to Watch: Ashkan Dejagah
  
• Position: Winger / Attacking Midfielder
• Age: 27
• Team: Fulham
• Why? The fast paced, tricky winger is very crucial in Iran’s attacking plans in Brazil. He struggled with injuries for big portions of the season but had a strong finish to the season with Fulham, despite their relegation. Iran will be depending on his accurate crosses, set pieces and penetrating runs in order to feed their lone striker. He also has a very good shot from range.

• Wildcard: Alireza Jahanbakhsh
• Position: Winger
• Age: 20
• Team: N.E.C
• Why? After moving to N.E.C in Holland, he made himself into a fan favourite after just one season, especially after turning out to be a super sub on a few occasions. It is expected for him to be used as an impact sub in the World Cup for Iran as well as he is able to lighten things up with his trickery, decent passing.

Goalkeepers: Daniel Davari (Eintracht Braunschweig), Alireza Haghighi (Sporting Covilha, on loan from Rubin Kazan), Rahman Ahmadi (Sepahan).

Defenders: Hossein Mahini (Persepolis), Steven Beitashour (Vancouver Whitecaps), Pejman Montazeri (Umm Salal), Jalal Hosseini (Persepolis), Amir-Hossein Sadeghi (Esteghlal), Ahmad Alenemeh (Naft), Hashem Beikzadeh (Esteghlal), Mehrdad Pouladi (Persepolis).

Midfielders: Javad Nekounam (Kuwait SC), Andranik Teymourian (Esteghlal), Reza Haghighi (Persepolis), Ghasem Haddadifar (Zob Ahan), Bakhtiar Rahmani (Foolad), Ehsan Hajsafi (Sepahan).

Forwards: Ashkan Dejagah (Fulham), Masoud Shojaei (Las Palmas), Alireza Jahanbakhsh (NEC Nijmegen), Reza Ghoochannejhad (Charlton), Karim Ansarifard (Tractor Saz, on loan from Persepolis), Khosro Heydari (Esteghlal).

Fun Fact: Dejagah has 50 caps for German national youth teams, winning the Euro U21 Championship in 2009 in the process.

Nigeria

The Manager: Stephen Keshi

• Star Player: John Obi Mikel
  
• Position: Central Midfielder
• Age: 27
• Team: Chelsea FC
• Why? The poster boy for Nigeria. Mikel plays a much more attacking role for his country than he does for his club. With Chelsea gaining the addition of Nemanja Matic, Mikel has found his chances hard to come by. He will love the chance to go and lead his country in Brazil though. A quiet fighter, Mikel will have clubs sniffing around him this summer and will be one of many of this Nigerian team using this tournament as a shop window.

• One to Watch: Vincent Enyeama
• Position: Goalkeeper
• Age: 31
• Team: Lille
• Why? Enyeama had a phenomenal season with Lille in Ligue 1, coming within 115 minutes of breaking Gaëtan Huard's record of 1176 minutes without conceding a goal. Unfortunately, Enyeama was eventually beaten by a deflected strike. Still though, in a group where perhaps Nigeria are underdogs, they are blessed to have such a talented man between the sticks who the team can trust.

• Wildcard: Victor Moses
  
• Position: Winger
• Age: 23
• Team: Chelsea
• Why? Having had a somewhat invisible loan season with Liverpool, Victor Moses will be looking to put himself in the shop window in Brazil. He seems to be out of favour at Chelsea, just like Mikel, and  is widely expected to move clubs this summer. Being in the global shop window of The World Cup could be incentive enough to inspire Moses to help cause an upset or two.

Goalkeepers: Vincent Enyeama (Lille), Austin Ejide (Hapoel Be'er Sheva), Chigozie Agbim (Gombe United).

Defenders: Efe Ambrose (Celtic), Godfrey Oboabona (Rizespor), Azubuike Egwuekwe (Warri Wolves), Kenneth Omeruo (Middlesbrough), Juwon Oshaniwa (Ashdod), Joseph Yobo (Norwich, on loan from Fenerbahce), Kunle Odunlami (Sunshine Stars).

Midfielders: John Mikel Obi (Chelsea), Ramon Azeez (Almeria), Ogenyi Onazi (Lazio), Reuben Gabriel (Waasland-Beveren), Michael Babatunde (Volyn Lutsk), Ejike Uzoenyi (Enugu Rangers).

Forwards: Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow), Shola Ameobi (Newcastle), Emmanuel Emenike (Fenerbahce), Michael Uchebo (Cercle Brugge), Peter Odemwingie (Stoke), Victor Moses (Liverpool, on loan from Chelsea), Uche Nwofor (Heerenveen).

Fun Fact: President Goodluck Jonathan declared that after a poor 2010 World Cup performance, there would be a ban for the national team. Three days later the ban was lifted after FIFA threatened to expel them from world football.

The World Cup - A Guide To Group E

Switzerland - Ecuador - France - Honduras

Switzerland

The Manager: Ottmar Hitzfeld

• Star Player: Xerdan Shaqiri
• Position: Winger
• Age: 22
• Team: Bayern Munich
• Why? A phenominal talent who sadly has had limited first team club football with Bayern. However, Shaqiri is already an experienced international being capped 31 times for Switzerland. Expect him to take a more commanding role in the team with many of the attacks coming through his left-foot and in the trequartista position through the centre.

• One to Watch: Ricardo Rodriguez
  
• Position: Left Defender
• Age: 21
• Team: Wolfsburg
• Why? With the most goals and assists in Bundesliga for any full-back, Rodriguez possesses undoubted class. Look out for his bombing runs up and down the touch line and getting in amongst Switzerland's build up in the final third.

• Wildcard: Josip Drmić
• Position: Striker
• Age: 21
• Team: Bayer Leverkusen
• Why? With this Swiss side struggling for goals recently, Drmić could provide much needed ammo to fire them into the later stages. Finishing as third top scorer in Bundesliga for relegated Nürnberg, Drmić has already secured a transfer to Leverkusen and his confidence will surely be high.

Goalkeepers: Diego Benaglio (Wolfsburg), Roman Buerki (Grasshopper), Yann Sommer (Basel).

Defenders: Johan Djourou (Hamburg), Michael Lang (Grasshopper), Stephan Lichtsteiner (Juventus), Ricardo Rodriguez (Wolfsburg), Fabian Schaer (Basel), Philippe Senderos (Valencia), Steve von Bergen (Young Boys), Reto Ziegler (Sassuolo).

Midfielders: Tranquillo Barnetta (Eintracht Frankfurt), Valon Behrami (Napoli), Blerim Dzemaili (Napoli), Gelson Fernandes (Freiburg), Gokhan Inler (Napoli), Xherdan Shaqiri (Bayern Munich), Valentin Stocker (Basel).

Forwards: Josip Drmic (Nuremberg), Mario Gavranovic (Zurich), Admir Mehmedi (Freiburg), Haris Seferovic (Real Sociedad), Granit Xhaka (Borussia Monchengladbach).

Fun Fact: Shaqiri celebrates Christmas even though he is a Muslim

Ecuador

The Manager: Reinaldo Rueda

• Star Player: Antonio Valencia
• Position: Winger
• Age: 28
• Team: Manchester United
• Why? Arguable Ecuador’s best player of modern day football, Valencia has split opinion in his time in England. A versatile, skillful player who's athleticism out wide is a constant threat. He is more of a team player than an individual who can win a game solo though and expect just his presence and experience benefit Ecuador massively.

• One to Watch: Jefferson Montero
  
• Position: Winger
• Age: 24
• Team: Morelia
• Why? After failing to break through at Villarreal as a youngster, Montero was transferred to Morelia in Mexico. He has proven himself as a highly skilful winger who can cause any full-back a nightmare when he hits form. Touted as a better prospect than Valencia, big things are expected of Montero in Brazil with a possible move back to Europe if he has a belter.

• Wildcard: Felipe Caicedo
  
• Position: Striker
• Age: 25
• Team: Al-Jazira
• Why? Caicedo has accumulated fees of over 20 million pounds in his career so far. At 25 though, he now finds himself turning out for Al-Jazira in the United Arab Emirates. Perceived as a flop as club level, Caicedo is still a mainstay in this Ecuador team (since the recent tragic passing of Christian Benitez) and his size and strength up top could be what Ecuador need.

Goalkeepers: Maximo Banguera (Barcelona SC), Alexander Dominguez (LDU Quito), Adrian Bone (El Nacional).

Defenders: Frickson Erazo (Flamengo), Jorge Guagua, Oscar Bagui, Gabriel Achilier (all Emelec), Walter Ayovi (Pachuca), Juan Carlos Paredes (Barcelona SC).

Midfielders: Segundo Castillo (Al-Hilal), Carlos Gruezo (Stuttgart), Renato Ibarra (Vitesse Arnhem), Cristian Noboa (Dynamo Moscow), Luis Saritama (Barcelona SC), Antonio Valencia (Manchester United), Edison Mendez (Independiente Santa Fe), Fidel Martinez (Tijuana), Michael Arroyo (Atlante).

Forwards: Felipe Caicedo (Al-Jazira), Jefferson Montero (Morelia), Joao Rojas (Cruz Azul), Jaime Ayovi (Tijuana), Enner Valencia (Pachuca)

Fun Fact: Every time Ecuador has qualified for a World Cup, It has been with a Colombian manager

France

The Manager: Didier Deschamps

• Star Player: Raphael Varane
  
• Position: Centre Back
• Age: 21
• Team: Real Madrid
• Why? With the loss of Ribery weeks before the start of the tournament, France need a leader with quality to step up. Varane is just that. Even at such a young age and just 6 caps to his name his composure and defensive prowess could be exactly what France to banish the demons of the last couple of tournaments.

• One to Watch: Paul Pogba
  
• Position: Central Midfielder
• Age: 21
• Team: Juventus
• Why? 2013 Golden Boy award winner, Pogba has been a mainstay in the Juventus team for a couple of seasons now. A defensive box-to-box midfielder who loves to shoot from distance with his powerful right foot. Another player with high energy levels, expect to see Pogba at heavily involved at both ends of the pitch. 

• Wildcard: Patrice Evra
• Position: Left Back
• Age: 33
• Team: Manchester United
• Why? Evra has come under scrutiny for the last two seasons at United, with many fans calling for him to be replaced. Still though, the experienced full-back should be important in his last world cup. This could be the last proper chance for him to prove to the doubters that there is still life in legs of this old dog.

Goalkeepers: Hugo Lloris (Tottenham Hotspur), Stephane Ruffier (Marseille), Mickael Landreau (Bastia).

Defenders: Mathieu Debuchy (Newcastle), Lucas Digne (Paris St-Germain) Patrice Evra (Manchester United), Laurent Koscielny, Bacary Sagna (both Arsenal), Eliaquim Mangala (Porto), Mamadou Sakho (Liverpool), Raphael Varane (Real Madrid).

Midfielders: Yohan Cabaye, Blaise Matuidi (both Paris St-Germain), Rio Mavuba (Lille), Paul Pogba (Juventus), Morgan Schneiderlin (Southampton), Moussa Sissoko (Newcastle), Mathieu Valbuena (Marseille).

Forwards: Karim Benzema (Real Madrid), Remy Cabella (Montpellier), Olivier Giroud (Arsenal), Antoine Griezmann (Real Sociedad), Loic Remy (Newastle, on loan from QPR).

Fun Fact: Paul Pogba is nicknamed Il Polpo Paul ("Paul the Octopus")

Honduras

The Manager: Luis Fernando Suárez

• Star Player: Wilson Palacios
• Position: Defensive Midfielder
• Age: 29
• Team: Stoke
• Why? Palacios has had a somewhat disappointing start to his career at Stoke City, having suffered various injuries as well as not been favoured by then manager Tony Pulis. Under new manager Hughes however Palacios has seen his time on the pitch increase and his experience in the Premier League will be invaluable as he looks to use his strength and defensive capabilities to protect the back-line from constant threats.

• One to Watch: Andy Najar
  
• Position: Winger
• Age: 21
• Team: Anderlecht
• Why? Signed by DC United as a youngster he had his breakthrough season in 2010, picking up the 'Rookie of the Year' award. Now playing in Belgium for Anderlecht, this winger has been gaining attention from clubs such as Valencia and Tottenham in recent times. Should he shine at the World Cup, a move this summer will be even more likely after an impressive season in Belgium.

• Wildcard: Carlos Costly
  
• Position: Striker
• Age: 31
• Team: Real España
• Why? The 6ft3 tall striker is the team's top scorer with 30 goals and now forms a dynamic attack duo with Jerry Bengtson. However, he is slightly injury prone and playing against the likes of France could be very difficult for him to add to his decent goals tally for Honduras.

Goalkeepers: Noel Valladares, Donis Escober (both Olimpia), Luis Lopez (Real Espana).

Defenders: Brayan Beckeles (Olimpia), Emilio Izaguirre (Celtic), Juan Carlos Garcia (Wigan), Maynor Figueroa (Hull), Victor Bernardez (San Jose Earthquakes), Osman Chavez (Qingdao Janoon), Juan Pablo Montes (Motagua).

Midfielders: Edder Delgado (Real Espana), Luis Garrido (Olimpia), Roger Espinoza (Wigan), Jorge Claros (Motagua), Wilson Palacios (Stoke), Oscar Garcia (Houston Dynamo), Andy Najar (Anderlecht), Mario Martinez (Real Espana), Marvin Chavez (Chivas USA).

Forwards: Jerry Bengtson (New England Revolution), Jerry Palacios (Alajuelense), Carlo Costly (Real Espana), Rony Martinez (Real Sociedad).

Fun Fact: Ex- Hibernian player Jorge Claros was shot in the head and shoulder after a attempted car jacking. He managed to drive himself to the hospital and was back playing football 15 days later. Hence the nickname, 'The Pitbull'.

The World Cup- A Guide To Group D

Group D - Uruguay- Costa Rica- England - Italy

Uruguay

The Manager: Óscar Tabárez

• Star Player: Luis Suárez
• Position: Striker
• Age: 27
• Team: Liverpool FC
• Why? Arguably the best striker in world football, coming off the best season of his career to date. He possesses both superb technical ability and a tenacious will to win and will surely to be looking to expand upon his ever-growing reputation in Brazil. Group opponents England, containing five of his Liverpool team-mates, will certainly be aware of his immense talent and a World Cup on his home continent could be just the platform to cement his status as a truly great forward. A partnership with Cavani could be just the potion to conjure up another excellent tournament.

• One to Watch: Fernando Muslera
  
• Position: Goalkeeper
• Age: 27
• Team: Galatasaray
• Why? Muslera has been a mainstay in between the sticks for Galatasaray since his big money move from Lazio. With a fairly weak central defence in front of him, he will need to be on his best form if Uruguay are going to advance out of his group.

• Wildcard: Diego Lugano
  
• Position: Central Defender
• Age: 33
• Team: Free Agent
• Why? Uruguay’s captain, struggled with West Brom in the Premier League this season which has saw him be released by the midlands club. With sloth-like pace, I'm not sure if he can be relied on to inspire others around him when facing the likes of Sturridge or Balotelli one-on-one.

Goalkeepers: Fernando Muslera (Galatasaray), Martin Silva (Vasco da Gama), Rodrigo Munoz (Libertad).

Defenders: Maximiliano Pereira (Benfica), Diego Lugano (West Bromwich Albion), Diego Godin, Jose Maria Gimenez (both Atletico Madrid), Sebastian Coates (Liverpool), Martin Caceres (Juventus), Jorge Fucile (Porto).

Midfielders: Alvaro Gonzalez (Lazio), Alvaro Pereira (Sao Paulo), Walter Gargano (Parma), Egidio Arevalo Rios (Morelia), Diego Perez (Bologna), Cristian Rodriguez (Atletico Madrid), Gaston Ramirez (Southampton), Nicolas Lodeiro (Botafogo).

Forwards: Luis Suarez (Liverpool), Edinson Cavani (Paris St-Germain), Abel Hernandez (Palermo), Diego Forlan (Cerezo Osaka), Christian Stuani (Espanyol).

Fun Fact: Diego Lugano has a self made motivational video on Youtube to the scene with Al Pacino from Any Given Sunday

Costa Rica

The Manager: Jorge Luis Pinto

• Star Player: Keylor Navas
  
• Position: Goalkeeper
• Age: 27
• Team: Levante
• Why? Navas came out of nowhere to become one of the stand out goalkeepers in La Liga this season. After an immense season with Levante, Navas will most certainly need to bring that form to the World Cup to shut the attack-heavy teams out in Group D. Surely an impossible task, however he thrives on shot stopping.

• One to Watch: Joel Campbell
• Position: Striker
• Age: 21
• Team: Arsenal
• Why? Campbell is capable of creating goals out of next to nothing, the young Arsenal forward is expected to carry his country in Brazil. After gaining valuable experience this season with Olympiacos in the Champions League, he will be more ready than ever to tackle the World’s best defences. Arsenal could have a cheeky striker in the making for next season.

• Wildcard: Bryan Ruiz
  
• Position: Winger/ Attacking Midfielder
• Age: 28
• Team: PSV
• Why? Bryan Ruiz has technical quality, however the only consistent thing about him is his inconsistency. The World Cup could go one of two ways for the PSV wide man, he could play out of his skin and help Costa Rica to an upset, or his head will drop and he will be invisible. He's an enigma, so we'll just have to wait and see what kind of character he possesses in Brazil.

Goalkeepers: Keylor Navas (Levante), Patrick Pemberton (Alajuelense) Daniel Cambronero (Herediano).

Defenders: Johnny Acosta (Alajuelense), Giancarlo Gonzalez (Columbus Crew), Michael Umana (Saprissa), Oscar Duarte (Bruges), Waylon Francis (Columbus Crew), Heiner Mora (Saprissa), Junior Diaz (Mainz 05), Christian Gamboa (Rosenborg), Roy Miller (New York Red Bulls).

Midfielders: Celso Borges (AIK), Christian Bolanos (Copenhagen), Esteban Granados (Herediano), Michael Barrantes (Aalesund), Yeltsin Tejeda (Saprissa), Diego Calvo (Valerenga), Jose Miguel Cubero (Herediano).

Forwards: Bryan Ruiz (PSV Eindhoven, on loan from Fulham), Joel Campbell (Olympiakos, on loan from Arsenal), Randall Brenes (Cartagines), Marco Urena (FC Kuban Krasnodar).

Fun Fact: Joel Campbell Simulator 2014 

England

The Manager: Roy Hodgson

• Star Player: Wayne Rooney
• Position: Forward
• Age: 28
• Team: Manchester United
• Why? There is no doubt that on his day Rooney has the ability to single handedly win matches. However, it is his mental strength that will determine whether or not he can England's key man and goalscorer. The English media don't make it easy for him and whether or not he has the strength to put the doubts aside and perform effectively and consistantly is still the big question.

• One to Watch: Raheem Sterling
  
• Position: Winger
• Age: 19
• Team: Liverpool
• Why? A doubt to even make the plane to Brazil at the start of the season, it now looks likely the precocious teenage talent will be named in Roy Hodgson's starting XI when the tournament begins. With pace, skill, technique and a keen eye for a pass, Sterling's young shoulders may well carry the weight of a nation's hopes as England look to him to provide a creative spark that has been sorely lacking in recent tournaments. Gerrard and Sturridge will be key to Sterling's directness which has been sorely lacking from previous England team's at a major tournament.

• Wildcard: Ross Barkley
• Position: Central Attacking Midfielder
  
• Age: 20
• Team: Everton
• Why? Barkley showed signs of brilliance in his first full season with Everton, warranting his inclusion to this England team. He'll undoubtedly be used off of the bench, with his explosive running from deep and range of passing being utilised to cause problems late on in the group games. If England have a shocker in their first match against Italy, don't be surprised to see Barkley start the second next one.

Goalkeepers: Fraser Forster (Celtic), Ben Foster (West Bromwich Albion), Joe Hart (Manchester City).

Defenders: Leighton Baines (Everton), Gary Cahill (Chelsea), Phil Jagielka (Everton), Glen Johnson (Liverpool), Phil Jones (Manchester United), Luke Shaw (Southampton), Chris Smalling (Manchester United).

Midfielders: Ross Barkley (Everton), Steven Gerrard, Jordan Henderson (both Liverpool), Adam Lallana (Southampton), Frank Lampard (Chelsea), James Milner (Manchester City), Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Arsenal), Raheem Sterling (Liverpool), Jack Wilshere (Arsenal).

Forwards: Rickie Lambert (Southampton), Wayne Rooney (Manchester United), Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool), Danny Welbeck (Manchester United).

Fun Fact: Wayne Rooney supports Celtic. Coming to a SPL ground near you in the year 2018.

In addition, here is Wazza's Spotify music. Enjoy:

http://open.spotify.com/user/rooneyonspotify

Italy

The Manager: Cesare Prandelli

• Star Player: Andrea Pirlo
  
• Position: Central Midfielder
• Age: 35
• Team: Juventus
• Why? Still the star man for his country in his later years, Pirlo isn't showing any signs of slowing down. The maestro of a world-class midfield with Marchisio and De Rossi, he'll be expected to control the Azzuri's tempo with his metronomic passing game. This will especially be key with the heat and stifling humidity of the Brazilian climate.

• One to Watch: Lorenzo Insigne
• Position: Winger/Attacking Midfielder
• Age: 22
• Team: Napoli
• Why? A player who has it all. Likes to play the trequartista role with defence splitting passes, inch perfect crosses and an eye for goal from distance. His only downside is his composure in front of goal. It will be difficult for Insigne to break into the starting lineup but when he does get an opportunity, expect him to bring the game to life.

• Wildcard: Mario Balotelli
  
• Position: Striker
• Age: 23
• Team: AC Milan
• Why? Labeled as ‘mental’ by most of Italy, Balotelli hasn't been in great form for a poor AC Milan side this season. Prandelli will feel he is just too good on his day to leave out though, which was proved the case in EURO 2012. When Mario puts his mind to it, he is a world-class clinical striker who can terrorise any defence. His lines of running and movement in synchronisation with Pirlo's passing are paramount to Italy's success.

Goalkeepers: Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus), Salvatore Sirigu (Paris St-Germain), Mattia Perin (Genoa).

Defenders: Andrea Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci, Giorigo Chiellini (all Juventus), Gabriel Paletta (Parma), Ignazio Abate, Mattia De Sciglio (both AC Milan), Matteo Darmian (Torino).

Midfielders: Andrea Pirlo, Claudio Marchisio (both Juventus), Thiago Motta, Marco Verratti (both Paris St-Germain), Daniele De Rossi (AS Roma), Antonio Candreva (Lazio), Marco Parolo (Parma), Alberto Aquilani (Fiorentina).

Forwards: Mario Balotelli (AC Milan), Antonio Cassano (Parma), Alessio Cerci (Torino), Ciro Immobile (Torino), Lorenzo Insigne (Napoli).

Fun Fact: Italy's World Cup kit contain “micro-massage” taping to “provide players with a faster, more effective energy supply to the active muscles."

Just under a week to go!