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 B

There is always a dreaded group of death and this is it. Spain, the reigning World and European Champions. Netherlands who literally kicked seven bells out of the Spaniards in the 2010 final. Chile who have match winners in every position. Lastly, Australia who are the outsiders but eternal optimists.

Group B - Spain - Netherlands - Chile - Australia

Spain 

The Manager: Vicente del Bosque

'Heads I play for Brazil, tails I play for Spain... Tails never fails.'

• Star Player: Andrés Iniesta
• Position: Inside Forward, Attacking Midfielder
• Age: 29
• Team: FC Barcelona
• Why? Flawless technique, outrageously accurate passing and the ability to glide through challenges. Iniesta is one of the world's best who enjoys the big occasion. Scorer of the winner against the Netherlands at World Cup 2010 and player of the tournament at Euro 2012, he knows what it takes to be the inspiration towards glory.

• One to Watch: Iker Casillas
• Position: GK
• Age: 32
• Team: Real Madrid
• Why? 153 Caps and Golden Glove winner in both the 2010 World Cup and the 2012 European Championships, Iker Casillas’ record is astonishing. He hasn't conceded a goal in a knock-out stage since 2006 in either the World Cup or Euro’s. He might be fighting for his place at club level but at international level he is very much still top-dog.

• Wildcard: Diego Costa
• Position: Striker, Centre Forward
• Age: 25
• Team: Atlético Madrid
• Why? A sensational season with Atlético. La Liga winners and Champions League finalists, Costa's goalscoring has been paramount to their efforts. The Brazilian-born Atlético Madrid star is surely going to take a lot of abuse in Brazil. Choosing to represent Spain instead of playing for his birth nation on home soil in a World Cup angered many Brazilian fans. Don’t expect this controversial player to shy away from boo’s though. They will only drive him on.

Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), Pepe Reina (Napoli), David De Gea (Manchester United).

Defenders: Dani Carvajal, Sergio Ramos (both Real Madrid), Gerard Pique, Jordi Alba (both Barcelona), Cesar Azplicueta (Chelsea), Juanfran (Atletico Madrid), Javi Martinez (Bayern Munich), Raul Albiol (Napoli), Alberto Moreno (Sevilla).

Midfielders: Sergio Busquets, Xavi Hernandez, Andres Iniesta, Cesc Fabregas (all Barcelona), Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid), Ander Iturraspe (Athletic Bilbao), David Silva (Manchester City), Santi Cazorla (Arsenal), Koke (Atletico Madrid), Juan Mata (Manchester United), Jesus Navas (Manchester City).

Forwards: Diego Costa, David Villa (both Atletico Madrid), Alvaro Negredo (Manchester City), Pedro Rodriguez (Barcelona), Fernando Llorente (Juventus), Fernando Torres (Chelsea).

Fun Fact: Diego Costa has 2 caps for Brazil and only 1 cap for Spain.

Netherlands

The Manager: Louis van Gaal

• Star Player: Arjen Robben
• Position: Inside Forward
• Age: 30
• Team: Bayern Munich
• Why? The star player with van Persie in this Dutch team. Robben has arguable had his best season yet in Munich scoring 20 goals as Bayern set a record, winning the Bundesliga after only 27 games. Netherlands manager van Gaal was responsible for taking Robben to Bayern Munich in 2009 for 25m euros, expect him to be the main man in Brazil. In previous years he was slightly infuriating with a habit of simulation and petulance. Recently however, his undoubted talent and technique is doing the talking on and off the pitch.

• One to Watch: Jasper Cillessen
• Position: Goalkeeper
• Age: 25
• Team: Ajax
• Why? When you can keep out the likes of Vorm, Krul and Stelkenburg, you know they are at the top of your game. Cillessen kept 14 clean sheets in 25 games for Ajax in their title winning season. Dubbed the new Edwin Van Der Sar, Jasper Cillessen has a world wide audience to prove he is worthy of the title.

• Wildcard: Bruno Martins Indi
• Position: Central Defender
• Age: 22
• Team: Feyenoord
• Why? A complete defender. Extremely strong, good with his head and pacey. Netherlands have been crying out for a classy defender for years and Martins Indi certainly has the potential to be that. His versatility could also prove vital as he can be also be deployed as a full-back. May need to have a stormer of a tournament if CB partner Ron Vlaar replicates some of his questionable performances for Aston Villa this season.

Goalkeepers: Jasper Cillessen (Ajax), Tim Krul (Newcastle), Michel Vorm (Swansea), Jeroen Zoet (PSV Eindhoven).

Defenders: Daley Blind, Joel Veltman (both Ajax), Stefan de Vrij, Daryl Janmaat, Terence Kongolo, Bruno Martins Indi, Tonny Vilhena (all Feyenoord), Karim Rekik (PSV Eindhoven, on loan from Manchester City), Patrick van Aanholt (Vitesse Arnhem, on loan from Chelsea), Paul Verhaegh (FC Augsburg), Ron Vlaar (Aston Villa).

Midfielders: Jordy Clasie (Feyenoord), Jonathan de Guzman (Swansea), Nigel de Jong (AC Milan), Leroy Fer (Norwich), Arjen Robben (Bayern Munich), Wesley Sneijder (Galatasaray), Rafael van der Vaart (Hamburg), Georginio Wijnaldum (PSV Eindhoven).

Forwards: Jean-Paul Boetius (Feyenoord), Memphis Depay (PSV Eindhoven), Klaas-Jan Huntelaar (Schalke 04), Dirk Kuyt (Fenerbahce), Jeremain Lens (Dynamo Kiev), Quincy Promes (Twente), Robin van Persie (Manchester United).

Fun Fact: Robin Van Persie's son is called Shaqueel.

Chile 

The Manager: Jorge Sampaoli

• Star Player: Arturo Vidal
• Position: Central Midfielder
• Age: 26
• Team: Juventus
• Why? Arguebly the most complete central midfielder in the world at this moment. Arturo Vidal is a vital player for this Chilean team, shared topscorer in the qualifications for Chile with Vargas (5 goals). Recently under went surgery, so his fitness could be in a bit of an issue come the start of The World Cup.

• One to Watch: Alexis Sanchez
• Position: Striker, Winger
• Age: 25
• Team: Barcelona
• Why? With Messi and Pedro's sporadic injury hit season, Sanchez has had a much more prominent 2013/14 season. His end product and crossing has been infinitely better along with a good understanding with Neymar. Deceptively good in the air and an explosive turn of pace, he'll no doubt thrive in the perfect conditions of South America.

• Wildcard: Jorge Valdivia
• Age: 30
• Position: Central Attacking Midfielder
• Team: Palmeiras
• Why? Whenever “El Mago” is fit and focused on his game then he is a class act to watch. A typical number 10, skillful, great vision with a fantastic shot. He might be a new name for some but is very well known in Brazil after spent a total of 6 years there. If Valdivia plays well, Chile plays well.

Goalkeepers: Claudio Bravo (Real Sociedad), Johnny Herrera (Universidad de Chile), Cristopher Toselli (Universidad Catolica), Paulo Garces (O'Higgins).

Defenders: Gary Medel (Cardiff City), Gonzalo Jara (Nottingham Forest), Marcos Gonzalez (Union Espanola), Enzo Andia (Universidad Catolica), Jose Rojas (Universidad de Chile), Eugenio Mena (Santos), Mauricio Isla (Juventus).

Midfielders: Jorge Valdivia (Palmeiras), Felipe Gutierrez (Twente), Rodrigo Millar (Atlas), Jose Pedro Fuenzalida (Colo Colo), Pablo Hernandez (O'Higgins), Matias Fernandez (Fiorentina), Francisco Silva (Osasuna), Arturo Vidal (Juventus), Charles Aranguiz (Internacional), Marcelo Diaz (Basel), Carlos Carmona (Atalanta), Miiko Albornoz (Malmo).

Forwards: Alexis Sanchez (Barcelona), Esteban Paredes (Colo Colo), Eduardo Vargas (Valencia), Gustavo Canales (Union Espanola), Jean Beausejour (Wigan Athletic), Mauricio Pinilla (Cagliari), Fabian Orellana (Celta).

Fun Fact: In 1989, Chile were losing to Brazil 1-0 in their qualifying match for World Cup 1990 and on the verge of failing to qualify. A flare was thrown at goalkeeper Roberto Rojas by a female Brazilian fan and he was stretchered off and the game was deemed unsafe to continue with the potential of the match being nullified and Brazil disqualified. 

However, T.V cameras spotted that Rojas had hidden a razor blade in his glove and created a cut on his forehead (firework didn't touch him). It transpired that he had been ordered with the whole team's knowledge to take advantage of any 'foul play' by the Brazilians. Subsequently, Chile were banned from the 1990 and 1994 World Cups. Rojas, the Coach and the Team Doctor were banned for life.

The Guile music from Street Fighter makes this video even more laughable. Hadouken!

Australia 

The Manager: Ange Postecoglou

• Star Player: Tim Cahill
• Position: Forward
• Age: 34
• Team: New York Red Bulls
• Why? Australia’s all-time leading goalscorer, Cahill will be participating in probably his last world cup in Brazil. The former Everton favourite and corner flag boxer will hoping to get on the end of any set pieces. At 5ft10, Cahill punches way above his weight and can beat any defender in the air if given half a chance.

• One to Watch: Mile Jedinak
• Position: Midfielder
• Age: 29
• Team: Crystal Palace
• Why? Jedinak has been arguably the most underrated player in the Premier League this season. If Australia are to obtain any points in this group, he'll have to use his strength and composure in midfield to hold the Socceroos together. A classy and dominant force in the centre of the park is what is needed in this transitional period for Australia.

• Wildcard: Tom Rogic
• Position: Central Attacking Midfielder
• Age: 21
• Team: Celtic
• Why? An odd choice for viewers of the SPL. Rogic was loaned straight back to Melbourne Victory after a string of difficult showings off the bench for Celtic. He has got a decent touch and can beat a man. A total wildcard and in a group with so many world class opponents, he'll have to do something miraculous to stand out from the crowd.

Goalkeepers: Mark Birighitti (Newcastle Jets), Eugene Galekovic (Adelaide United), Mitchell Langerak (Borussia Dortmund), Mat Ryan (Club Brugge).

Defenders: Jason Davidson (Heracles Almelo), Ivan Franjic (Brisbane Roar), Curtis Good (Dundee United, on loan from Newcastle), Ryan McGowan (Shandong Luneng Taishan), Matthew Spiranovic (Western Sydney Wanderers), Alex Wilkinson (Jeonbuk Hyundai), Luke Wilkshire (Dinamo Moscow), Bailey Wright (Preston North End).

Midfielders: Oliver Bozanic (Luzern), Mark Bresciano (Al Gharafa), Joshua Brillante (Newcastle Jets), James Holland (Austria Vienna), Mile Jedinak (Crystal Palace), Massimo Luongo (Swindon Town), Matthew McKay (Brisbane Roar), Mark Milligan (Melbourne Victory), Tommy Oar (Utrecht), Tommy Rogic (Melbourne Victory), Adam Sarota (Utrecht), James Troisi (Melbourne Victory), Dario Vidosic (Sion).

Forwards: Tim Cahill (New York Red Bulls), Ben Halloran (Fortuna Dusseldorf), Josh Kennedy (Nagoya Grampus 8), Matthew Leckie (FSV Frankfurt 1899), Adam Taggart (Newcastle Jets).

Fun Fact: Tim Cahill's brother was jailed for 6 years for GBH in 2008. He now owns a Frozen Yoghurt shop.

Group C coming soon.

The World Cup - A Guide to Group A

Seems like only a few months ago that we were enduring the constant 'voovoolzing' of the vuvuzelas in front of the TV. But It's now another World Cup year and Brazil are hosting a sun kissed-samba-soccer-show.

Putting aside the clearly flawed infrastructure to ready the facilities for Thursday 12th June, the violent protests and crime, It's the perfect country for a World Cup. The weather, carnival atmosphere and passion are the perfect formula to host an amazing tournament of football. 

Here is my guide to the groups.

Group A - Brazil - Croatia - Mexico - Cameroon

Brazil

The manager: Luiz Felipe Scolari

• Star Player: Neymar
• Position: Second Striker or Forward
• Age: 22
• Team: Barcelona
• Why? He is the one player at this World cup with the (pundit's classic cliché) weight of a nation's expectation on his narrow shoulders. He has had a solid start to his Barcelona career with the odd moment of magic thrown in with his decent goals ratio however he is transformed when in the 'Verde-Amarela' of Brazil. Playing in Europe has toughened him up a little and with his exceptional technical ability on the ball and range of finishing, he could be just the talisman to bring home a sixth World Cup.

• One to Watch: Oscar
• Position: Central Attacking Midfielder
  
• Age: 22
• Team: Chelsea
• Why? Diminutive in physique but large in talent. He may not have had a great second half of the season for Chelsea however on his day Oscar is a match winner. He'll most likely play in front of two combative holding midielder's with his duty to get on the ball, thread passes to Neymar and Hulk. Being the central creative force for Brazil is a position with a huge expectation for goal scoring and assists. Zico in 1982, Kaka 2006, Oscar 2014..?

• Wildcard: Fred
• Position: Striker, Centre Forward
  
• Age: 30
• Team: Fluminense
• Why? The 2013 Confederations Cup top goalscorer with 5 goals. Plays domestically in Brazil who adds a different dimension to the centre forward role. Seemed like a bit of a spent force while at Lyon in 2009 and after singing a 5 year contract with Fluminense he has banged in the goals warranting his place in the Brazil team. Do not underestimate Fred. He may seem like a bit of a donkey for long periods in matches but he is a deceptively astute finisher and potent poacher.

• Fun Fact: Former World Player Of The Year winner's Kaka & Ronaldinho didn't even make the provisional squad for this World Cup.

Goalkeepers: Julio Cesar (Toronto FC, on loan from QPR), Jefferson (Botafogo), Victor (Atletico Mineiro).

Defenders: Marcelo (Real Madrid), Daniel Alves (Barcelona), Maicon (AS Roma), Maxwell, Thiago Silva (both Paris St-Germain), David Luiz (Chelsea), Dante (Bayern Munich), Henrique (Napoli).

Midfielders: Paulinho (Tottenham Hotspur), Ramires , Willian, Oscar (all Chelsea), Hernanes (Inter Milan), Luiz Gustavo (Wolfsburg), Fernandinho (Manchester City).

Forwards: Bernard (Shakhtar Donetsk), Neymar (Barcelona), Fred (Fluminense), Jo (Atletico Mineiro), Hulk (Zenit St Petersburg).

Standby: Diego Cavalieri (Fluminese) Miranda, Filipe Luis (both Atletico Madrid), Rafinha (Bayern Munich), Lucas Leiva (Liverpool), Lucas Moura (Paris St-Germain), Alan Kardec (Sao Paulo).

*(Some of the squads are provisional that will need to be cut to 23 before the start of the competition)

Croatia

The manager: Niko Kovač

• Star Player: Luka Modrić
• Position: Central Midfielder
• Age: 28
• Team: Real Madrid
• Why? Modrič has started to show the class week in week out for Madrid in Europe. If Croatia want to progress he will be paramount to their cause. Comfortable and classy on the ball, his passing and intelligence will definitely cause problems for Croatia's group opponents.

• One to Watch: Ivan Rakitić
• Position: Central Midfielder
• Age: 26
• Team: Sevilla
• Why? Compliments Luka Modrić very well, 12 goals and 10 assists this season for Sevilla. Similar to Modrić in style but has a better turn of pace and a better eye for goal. Having just helped Sevilla win the Europa League, confidence will be sky high. 

• Wildcard: Mateo Kovačić
• Position: Central Midfielder
  
• Age: 19
• Team: Inter Milan
• Why? Often compared to Boban and possessing a wonderkid (the last few season's of Football Manager) label is a lot to live up to for any promising footballer. But this magician has been receiving the plaudits since his move to Inter Milan. He has the ability to beat a man and thread the impossible pass in behind the striker. The trio of Modrić, Rakitić and Kovačić is a mouth watering prospect for any football team.

• Fun Fact: Bayern Munich striker Mario Mandzukic will miss the Croatia’s opening game vs Brazil because of suspension.

Goalkeepers: Stipe Pletikosa (Rostov), Danijel Subasic (Monaco), Oliver Zelenika (Dinamo Zagreb).

Defenders: Darijo Srna (Shakhtar Donetsk), Dejan Lovren (Southampton), Vedran Corluka (Lokomotiv Moscow), Gordon Schildenfeld (Panathinaikos), Danijel Pranjic (Panathinaikos), Ivan Strinic (Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk), Domagoj Vida (Dynamo Kiev), Sime Vrsaljko (Genoa), Igor Bubnjic (Udinese).

Midfielders: Luka Modric (Real Madrid), Ivan Rakitic (Sevilla), Niko Kranjcar (Queens Park Rangers), Ognjen Vukojevic (Dynamo Kiev), Ivan Perisic (Wolfsburg), Mateo Kovacic (Inter Milan), Milan Badelj (Hamburg), Ivo Ilicevic (Hamburg), Marcelo Brozovic (Dinamo Zagreb), Ivan Mocinic (Rijeka), Mario Pasalic (Hajduk Split), Sammir (Getafe).

Forwards: Mario Mandzukic (Bayern Munich), Ivica Olic (Wolfsburg), Eduardo (Shakhtar Donetsk), Nikica Jelavic (Hull City), Ante Rebic (Fiorentina), Duje Cop (Dinamo Zagreb).

Mexico

The manager: Miguel Herrera

• Star Player: Javier Hernández
• Position: Forward
• Age: 25
• Team: Manchester United
• Why? Chicharito (Little Pea) is the predator that Mexico need if they are to progress out of Group A. A bit part player at Man Utd the last few seasons, however his goalscoring record at international level is pretty good. Mexico will be hoping for his intelligent movement in and around the box to get the goal needed for success.  

• One to Watch: Carlos Peña
  
• Position: Midfielder
• Age: 24
• Team: León
• Why? Known as Gullit, due to being a look-a-like of the ex-Netherlands International Ruud Gullit. He organises the midfield whilst being solid in defence and attack. A relative unknown as he plays his football in Mexico, Peña has the qualities to stand out and a move to a decent European team on the back of a some sexy football is almost a certainty. 

• Wildcard: Giovani dos Santos
• Position: Forward
• Age: 24
• Team: Villarreal
• Why? The Yellow Submarine player will have extra motivation playing in the birth place of his footballing father (Zizinho). After a fine season in La Liga, Gio's trickery and speed on up top and out wide will hopefully live up to expectation. On his day he is a fantastic little player, confidence is key for him though. Never quite did it for Spurs, for Mexico he's a different animal.

• Fun Fact: Carlos Vela is in self exile after admitting that he is not mentally strong enough to compete for Mexico yet.

Goalkeepers: Jose de Jesus Corona (Cruz Azul), Guillermo Ochoa (Ajaccio), Alfredo Talavera (Toluca).

Defenders: Miguel Layun (America), Carlos Salcido (Tigres), Paul Aguilar (America), Andres Guardado (Bayer Leverkusen), Hector Moreno (Espanyol), Francisco Javier Rodriguez (America), Diego Reyes (Porto), Rafael Marquez (Leon).

Midfielders: Juan Carlos Medina (America), Jose Juan Vazquez (Leon), Luis Montes (Leon), Hector Herrera (Porto), Isaac Brizuela (Toluca), Marco Fabian (Cruz Azul), Carlos Pena (Leon).

Forwards: Oribe Peralta (Santos), Javier Hernandez (Manchester United), Giovani dos Santos (Villarreal), Raul Jimenez (America), Alan Pulido (Tigres).

Cameroon

The manager: Volker Finke

• Star Player: Samuel Eto’o
• Position: ST
• Age: 33
• Team: Chelsea FC
• Why? Cameroon’s captain in Brazil, Eto’o’ has many critics in his homeland for perhaps not performing as well for country as he does for his club. Still though, Eto’o’ is the all-time leading scorer for Cameroon. He can still be one of the deadliest strikers in front of goal, however his ageing legs might have caught up with him to make any real significant impact this time round.

• One to Watch: Vincent Aboubakar
  
• Position: Forward
• Age: 22
• Team: FC Lorient
• Why? He is rapid. Second top scorer in Ligue 1 behind Zlatan Ibrahimovic is impressive. This could be his real chance to prove that he is next big African talent.

• Wildcard: Joël Matip
• Position: Centre-Back, Defensive Midfield
• Age: 22
• Team: Schalke 04
• Why? He plays centre back for Schalke 04 but plays as a defensive midfielder for Cameroon. Not ideal for the world's toughest tournament although his versatility could actually help prevent being picked apart by Brazil and Croatia. He is a bit of a beast too, so watch out for him at set-pieces. 

• Fun Fact: Alexander Song has 17 sisters and 10 brothers.

Goalkeepers: Charles Itandje (Konyaspor), Guy Roland Ndy Assembe (Guingamp), Sammy Ndjock (Fethiyespor), Feudjou Loic (Coton Sport).

Defenders: Allan Nyom (Granada), Nounkeu Dany (Besiktas), Cedric Djeugoue (Coton Sport), Aurelien Chedjou (Galatasaray), Nicolas Nkoulou (Marseille), Jean-Armel Kana-Biyick (Rennes), Henri Bedimo (Lyon), Benoit Assou-Ekotto (QPR), Gaetang Bong (Olympiakos).

Midfielders: Enoh Eyong (Antalyaspor), Jean Makoun (Rennes), Joel Matip (Schalke 04), Stephane Mbia (Sevilla, on loan from QPR), Landry Nguemo (Bordeaux), Alexandre Song (Barcelona), Cedric Loe (Osasuna), Edgar Salli (Lens).

Forwards: Samuel Eto'o (Chelsea), Eric-Maxime Choupo-Moting (Mainz 05), Benjamin Moukandjo (Nancy), Vincent Aboubakar (Lorient), Pierre Achille Webo (Fenerbahce), Mohamadou Idrissou (Kaiserslautern), Fabrice Olinga (Zulte Waregem).

Group B will be with you shortly...

Barça to sign Neymar da Silva Santos Junior

Next season's 100 goal strike force?

Another real life Footy Manager 2013 transfer has happened. Finally, the super skilful and talented Neymar has a agreed terms to sign with Los Cules this coming Monday. Obviously the lure of European and a worldwide appeal was too much for the diminutive Brazilian and to be fair he was expected to leave a long time ago.

 This is the type of thing Neymar has been doing week in week out in Brazil, playing with the freedom and flair and delighting the Santos fans in the process.

He is an entertainer with unbelievable dribbling and skill, doing what he wants it seems. However the main issue is his play acting or simulation which he has honed in the Brazilian league, where it is more culturally acceptable to be rewarded for doing something well, diving and then receiving a free kick.

If you watch Neymar here as he performs a ludicrous show-boating move. The defender gets a straight red and Neymar does the old 'I've been shot Guv'nor!' and falls head over heels. The ref is done hook, line and sinker at this move.

I do hope he develops and his understanding of staying on his feet becomes apparent as he has the ability to pass, shoot, dribble and entertain his way into footballing folklore.

My element of scepticism aside, Neymar's dribbling ability is one that combines speed with the ball and unique tricks. I really do hope he shines in the Champions League and the thought of Messi, Iniesta and Neymar as an attacking threat... It's going to be awesome.

Perfect timing for this transfer, as 2014 is a World Cup year and if this Brazilian wonderkid can hit the ground running at the Nou Camp. Then Brazil could be crowned World Cup winners on home soil ("samba samba samba!")

 He really does have the footballing world at his youthful feet and what better club than at Barcelona. Hopefully their tiki- taka style of football can get the very best out of the 21 year old. Do we have another Lionel Messi at Barca? Or is he another Alexander Hleb ..?

Play Sports? Got A Beard? You Are Great.

Everyone should appreciate a fine beard and if you don't, well I hate you. They can symbolise many things, like freedom or maturity but mainly just undoubted awesomeness.

Not strictly a sportsman. But a bearded Greek god-like athlete

Much deliberation has been had in creating a list of 6 such hairy heroes. The criteria is as follows:

Type of beard

Style

Coolness

Status of the sportsman

Manliness 

6. James Harden - Houston Rockets - USA - Basketball

James Harden owns the most bodacious beard in the NBA

Dream Team + Beard = Awesome

Anybody who shoots hoops of the calibre of James Harden and can pull off a slick beard should have a bronze statue of them erected. Harden's beard has a Facebook page and Twitter account and has inspired songs and t-shirts. Brilliant.

5. Josh Strauss - Glasgow Warriors - South Africa - Rugby

Great Scot! what a beard

Loves a beardy selfie

I particularly appreciate Josh Strauss's bushy beard. Physically imposing bosh machine and back row forward who puts his facial hair on the line every match.  I'm even more proud to be Scottish, with the knowledge that he plays his rugby in this very country. What a bloke.

4. Paul Breitner - West Germany - Bayern Munich - Real Madrid - Football

"No beard Keegan? Don't touch me..."

Not exactly a beard in this photo. But anyone that  looks
cool with a handlebar moustache, a perm and a yellow Jagermeister T-Shirt is beyond worthy for this short-list

Paul Breitner the marauding left back turned box-to-box midfielder had the 70's beard and perm combination down to an art. Pretty sexual for a man who was one of only four footballers ever to score in two different World Cup finals. Oh... the others were Vava, Zidane and Pele. Enough said.

3. Andrea Pirlo - Juventus - Italy - Football

The Architect

Italian Stallion

Andrea Pirlo was supposedly past it. Declined a new contract by Milan and released on a free. What better way to make a comeback than to grow a beautiful thick beard and pick up Serie A player of the season in the process with Juventus. L'architetto is a truly legendary deep lying playmaker that continues to dominate matches and beard competitions in equal measures.

2. Sebastian Chabal - Lyon - France - Rugby

A day in the life

Vogue

Sebastain Chabal is one of the bearded wonders of the modern facial hair world.  L'Homme Des Carvernes: 'The Caveman', is 6ft4 and almost 18st who's style of play can only be described as Neanderthal like. The contact area is his best friend and in his prime the most feared tackler and ball carrier in global rugby Chabalmania is a thing in France and with wild long flowing hair and a big bushy beard to match he is an icon of the professional game and a beard enthusiast's idol. Viva le barbe!

1. Socrates - 1954-2011 - Garforth Town - Brazil - Football

Dr Socrates- World Cup captain

Too cool to do his own stretches

Socrates who sadly past away in 2011, will be remembered for being one of the very best footballers of all time. He combined technique and grace as a midfield playmaker for Brazil at two World Cups. In my opinion qualified Doctor Socrates was the epitome of cool, having a striking beard and afro/perm look in the 70's and 80's is magnificent. Wearing a headband which read "people need justice",made political statements stylish. Described as a genius, intellectual or legend doesn't do this heavy drinking, heavy smoking, beardly God justice. Even his appearance for the last 12 minutes of a match for Garforth Town at the age of 50 transcended coolness.

All I can say is that this maverick of a man was a one off and brought joy to millions of beard enthusiasts and the other types of people around the world. He will be remembered as the great philosopher of football.

No Harry, not even a woollen beard can hide that melted fox face of yours. Go away