Stromberg’s World Cup Preview – GROUP B

1. Argentina 1.45
2. South Korea 13.00
3. Nigeria 5.25
4. Greece 7.00

• Going through: Argentina/South Korea

• My best bet: ARG/KOR top-2 – odds: 4.50

Argentina is at the mercy of Maradona and his tactics. The team has massively under-achieved under Maradona despite being very strong on paper. They have the World’s best player in Messi in their team but will probably leave Diego Milito (the Champions League hero for Inter Milan) on the bench. No-one knows how they will line up but they should not be ruled out. They have superb players and if they click, can certainly top and the group and go all the way.

Nigeria is managed by Swede, Lars Lagerbäck. He brings qualities such as discipline and organization and also has plenty of fire power at his disposal. The problems Nigeria face are whether their defense can do their job and whether their organization will survive the whole game. They have plenty of ability but the lack of structure may be their downfall.

Greece will not be under-estimated ever again. They are boring and unattractive but are very well organized and play on the counter-attack. Saying this, they were very lucky to qualify for the 2010 World Cup and will not be a threat at this World Cup.

South Korea is Asia’s best footballing side who are very well organized. They all work extremely hard and have an abundance of pace in their team. They lack leadership in both defense and attack though but I am sure Man United’s Park will play a key role in their fortunes. South Korea, I think, still possess enough quality to progress past the group stage due to their pace and speed.