Yugoslavia: What Might Have Been

For those of you unschooled in the tumultuous history of Eastern Europe, Yugoslavia was once a large, ethnically diverse country situated across the Adriatic Sea from Italy. Unfortunately, its diversity was also its downfall, as a succession of brutal civil wars resulted in Yugoslavia breaking up into a number of other countries.

What does any of this have to do with soccer?

The Yugoslavian national soccer team was moderately successful, reaching the World Cup quarter-finals in 1974 and 1990 but also failing to qualify on a number of occasions. They fared rather better in Olympic competition, winning gold in Rome in 1960 and bronze in Los Angeles in 1984. But what if they still existed?

Of the countries created out of Yugoslavia's breakup, six have national soccer teams. Macedonia and Montenegro, as tiny countries, have had little success. Croatia, Slovenia, and Serbia have never cleared the group stage at a World Cup, and the best finish any of three can claim is the European Championship quarter-finals. Bosnia-Herzegovina have never qualified for either major tournament. Maybe their best answer is to reunify?

Kidding. Obviously. That's offensive.

We will almost certainly never see a reunified Yugoslavia, and most of its former denizens would find the idea repulsive. But if one were to discount history (and therefore all the concrete reasons why such a reunification cannot happen), what would the potential result be? This blog is about soccer, not politics. I'm allowed to use my imagination. Having watched all of these teams in recent years, I began to wonder at the level of talent that would be on show in a present-day Yugoslavian team.

So here is my 23-man Yugoslavian All-Star squad. Player, followed by his actual country of origin and his club side.

Goalkeepers
Samir Handanovic- Slovenia, Udinese (Italy)
Asmir Begovic- Bosnia-Herzegovina, Stoke City (England)

Defenders
Nemanja Vidic- Serbia, Manchester United (England)
Branislav Ivanovic- Serbia, Chelsea (England)
Aleksandar Kolarov- Serbia, Manchester City (England)
Neven Subotic- Serbia, Borussia Dortmund (Germany)
Dusko Tosic- Serbia, Real Betis (Spain)
Vedran Corluka- Croatia, Tottenham Hotspur (England)
Emir Spahic- Bosnia-Herzegovina, Sevilla (Spain)

Midfielders
Darijo Srna- Croatia, Shakhtar Donetsk (Ukraine)
Miralem Pjanic- Bosnia-Herzegovina, Roma (Italy)
Dejan Stankovic- Serbia, Inter Milan (Italy)
Armin Bacinovic- Slovenia, Palermo (Italy)
Milos Krasic- Serbia, Juventus (Italy)
Luka Modric- Croatia, Tottenham Hotspur (England)
Ivan Rakitic- Croatia, Sevilla (Spain)
Niko Krancjar- Croatia, Tottenham Hotspur (England)
Zvjezdan Misimovic- Bosnia-Herzegovina, Dynamo Moscow (Russia)
Josip Ilicic- Slovenia, Palermo (Italy)

Forwards
Edin Dzeko- Bosnia-Herzegovina, Manchester City (England)
Mirko Vucinic- Montenegro, Juventus (Italy)
Stevan Jovetic- Montenegro, Fiorentina (Italy)
Goran Pandev- Macedonia, Napoli (Italy)

Are you kidding me?! Look at this team! It has EVERYTHING!

Okay, maybe its a little light in defensive midfield. Armin Bacinovic is a good young player, but he's not world class.

Still, this team's defenders are frankly terrifying. And the embarrassment of offensive riches would score goals against anyone. There are an endless number of configurations in midfield, each more intriguing than the next. Likewise, all four forwards are mobile and good on the ball. Coach Radomir Antic (former Serbia manager and one of only two men to have managed Barcelona and Real Madrid) would surely have his own ideas, but here is MY starting lineup:

Subotic and Vidic would scare the living daylights out of any forward, and Handanovic is a rising star at 'keeper. Bacinovic's job would be the holding midfielder, sweeping up in front of the defense. Kolarov and Srna, who play both midfield and defense for their clubs, would constantly and dangerously get forward into the attack. Modric has excelled this year for Tottenham as a deep-lying playmaker, while Pjanic would create ahead of him and make runs into the box to support Dzeko. Dzeko himself is in terrific form for club and country, and his huge size belies his excellent mobility and poise on the ball. Krasic has exceptional dribbling skills, searing pace, and is almost unplayable when on form. Mirko Vucinic is a versatile player, boasting decent size, pace, and ball skills to go along with excellent finishing ability. This team would have defensive solidity and tons of creativity along with ample amounts of speed, skill, and strength. Seriously, who in the world (other than Spain blah blah blah) wouldn't this team compete with? Just something to think about.

Making Up for Lost Time: End of Group Play ---> Quarterfinals

Folks, I must apologize. I have been a bit busy visiting friends at home, and my computer charger finally gave out for good when I returned to Maryland. But here I am to tip the hat, point the finger, and maybe even give you a little analysis.

France, Italy out of the World Cup


Four years ago, France and Italy contested the 2006 World Cup Final in Germany, with Italy triumphing on penalties. Now, four years later, both teams are home, having crashed out at the group stage. France's exit can be blamed on the incompetent coaching and poor team selection by Raymond Domenech. Nicolas Anelka was sent home, the team refused to train, and several team officials resigned amidst the chaos. Now Domenech is out, to be replaced by Laurent Blanc, and Thierry Henry is set to meet with French President Nicholas Sarkozy. Presumably, Henry and Sarkozy won't be having too friendly a chat.

Italy's catastrophic failure cannot be blamed on any one person. The team simply failed to show up.  Riccardo Montolivo failed miserably in Andrea Pirlo's role as deep-lying playmaker, Vincenzo Iaquinta was an oversized liability in attack, captain Fabio Cannavaro was far past his prime, and midfield destroyer Daniele De Rossi looked a step slow in every game. The injured Pirlo's impact, though noticeable, was restricted to a 45-minute cameo in the final group game (an exciting 3-2 loss to Slovakia). Fabio Quagliarella also deserves an honorable mention, as his goal against Slovakia, while only a consolation, was a stunner. Antonio Di Natale, capocannoniere (top scorer) in Italy's Serie A this season, did not see nearly enough of the ball to make a difference. Italy have a huge rebuilding job to do, but I should mention that a similarly monumental rebirth ended with their triumph four years ago.

US Comeback Kings fall short


Football. First it elates you, then it brings you right back to earth. Still flushed with the excitement of Landon Donovan's 93rd-minute winner against Algeria, which ensured the US won its first group in over fifty years, I was forced to watch our boys struggle against a totally beatable Ghana side. The 2-1 loss was unexpectedly deserved, after two weeks of watching us get robbed by the referees. I'm glad it happened this way, as I think it would hurt more if we were cheated out of a win.

It's a pivotal time for America soccer. Our aging defense will be mostly gone by the next World Cup, and we still lack a proven goalscorer. But American support for the team was unprecedented this year. Every bar was packed with fans, and soccer, for once, was the word on everyone's lips. A disappointing end to this tournament is not the end of the world, but the team must do their best, and soon, to capitalize on the sport's growing popularity in the United States. The midfield, led by Michael Bradley, Landon Donovan, and Clint Demsey, will continue to be a strength. Jozy Altidore has much to prove after a lacklustre tournament, but he has many years in which to do it. The guard is changing, and only time will tell whether the change is for the better.

The final 8


The four quarterfinal matches are set. At this point, remember, some players are suspended for accumulation of yellow cards. Here they are, along with my snapshot of and prediction for each.

Netherlands v. Brazil
Prediction: Brazil 2-0


Brazil have looked the part of tournament favorites, dismantling Chile in coldly efficient fashion in the quarterfinal. The Netherlands finally looked something approaching their best against Slovakia, but they will have to do something special to beat Brazil. Look for the Selecao to soak up pressure early, counter-attack through Kaka and Robinho, and then pour it on late when the Oranje tire. However, if the Netherlands' ultra-talented attack can score early, Brazil will be in a totally unfamiliar position, and coach Dunga will have to look for a Plan B. With so much attacking talent on show, this one should be entertaining.

Uruguay v. Ghana
Prediction: Uruguay 3-1


Uruguay boast arguably the best strike partnership of the tournament in Diego Forlan and Luis Suarez (who scored a wonderful goal in their final group game against Mexico). They are attack-minded, and their three-man back line has been solid. However, their limited midfield isn't great at keeping the ball, and just as in the first semi-final, if Ghana can score early (especially through danger-man Asamoah Gyan) and control the game, a surprise could be on the cards. However, Forlan and Suarez should be too much for a defense shorn of suspended young center-back Jonathan Mensah.

Argentina v. Germany
Prediction: Germany 2-1


Argentina have never trailed in the four games they've won so far, but their group was subpar, and their most difficult opponent has been Mexico, who was defeated with the help of a clearly offside goal. They now face the young guns of Germany, who are fresh off the only slightly less contentious, but very impressive 4-1 demolition of England. Both teams field potent attacks, and Mesut Ozil and Lionel Messi will kickstart Germany and Argentina respectively. Ozil, in particular, has had a breakout tournament, and the young playmaker will surely be plying his trade at one of Europe's biggest clubs this fall. Germany's defense has faced far sterner tests than Argentina's, and that should see them through what will surely be a back-and-forth, hard-fought encounter.

Paraguay v. Spain
Prediction: Spain 3-0


Paraguay have done admirably to make it to the quarterfinals, the farthest they have ever been at a World Cup. But sadly, the road will surely end here. Spain finally look to be running on all cylinders, and the certain benching of the horribly out-of-form Fernando Torres should help as well. Striker David Villa is having a wonderful World Cup, and Spain's defense should have no trouble after seeing off Portugal in the first round. Paraguay deserve a tip of the cap for their efforts, but they are overmatched here in every department.

A Return to the Action: Anelka sent home, Nelsen leads biggest upset of the tournament, and Koman Coulibaly: need I say more?

A faulty computer charger combined with the strain of studying for a final exam has kept me out of action for the last week. For that, I apologize. But what a week it's been!

France in shambles, Anelka sent home, team in mutiny

French coach Raymond Domenech has reached unheard-of levels of incompetence. His criticism of striker Nicolas Anelka's first-half performance against Mexico prompted a heated exchange between coach and player, and as a result Anelka has been sent home, certain to play no further part in the tournament. In the ensuing chaos, the team director has resigned and the team now refuses to train, angered by the administration's handling of the Anelka incident. Domenech has completely lost control of his team, and looks to be scapegoat for what may be a low point for French football. On one point after two games, the French will need a win against South Africa and a LOT of help from either Uruguay or Mexico. Advancement from the group seems improbable, but the French have the talent to do their part, and stranger things have certainly happened, as New Zealand demonstrated just this morning.

Part-timers, their minds probably on rugby, humble world champions

New Zealand striker Shane Smeltz, who scored their only goal against Italy.

Italy has not looked up to their usual levels, and the absences of star 'keeper Gianluigi Buffon and playmaker Andrea Pirlo have not helped. But a game against New Zealand seemed the perfect tonic. Yes, the All Whites had valiantly drawn with Slovakia, but come on. Their captain and talisman, Ryan Nelsen, is a central defender who plays for Blackburn Rovers, a mid-level English Premier League club. Some of their players don't even have clubs. Italy would get back on track, and order would be restored, right? RIGHT?

Nope.

A horrendous error by 36-year old Italy captain Fabio Cannavaro handed New Zealand an early lead, and all Italy could show for the rest of the game was a lone goal, scored from the penalty spot after a very weak foul  by Tommy Smith and a typically Italian piece of acting by Daniele De Rossi. Italy are now level (!) on points with New Zealand after two games, but could still win their group with a win and a loss for Paraguay. New Zealand is highly unlikely to advance, despite being in the same position, but this game ranks as one of the greatest upsets in World Cup history. Nelsen was understandably jubilant after the game, and even the English TV commentators admitted they were rooting for the Kiwis. So was I, boys. So was I.

American comeback kids robbed by sleepy referee


Already down 1-0 to a surprisingly tidy Slovenia side, the US came within inches of tying the game close to halftime, denied only by a wonderful defensive play from Miso Brecko. Then, disaster. A quick Slovenian counterattack ended with the less-than-sharp Oguchi Onyewu playing Zlatan Ljubijankic onside, and the striker made no mistake, beating Tim Howard 1-on-1 (no easy task) to seemingly break American backs heading into the locker room for halftime.

But the USA would not be denied. Landon Donovan scored a wonderful solo goal soon after the restart, and Michael Bradley's stinging volley capped off a wonderful individual performance and tied the game. Late on, Donovan's free kick was stabbed home by Maurice Edu, but the goal was disallowed by Malian referee Koman Coulibaly. Why? No one knows. He wouldn't explain himself to the American players. Replays reveal  multiple fouls by the Slovenians. Shades of that famous call against the US basketball team at the 1976 Summer Olympics, handing the Soviet Union the game.

Coulibaly is unlikely to referee any more games, but he has already done his part to deny the Americans a fully deserved win in one of the most exciting matches of this World Cup. An injustice, and a black mark for FIFA if they fail to punish this gross mistake.

The best of the rest: a quick rundown of other notable happenings


Paraguay look to be a surprise team this year, topping their group and almost certain to advance. The Netherlands continue to chug along, recording another workmanlike victory over Japan. We may have to wait until the more attack-minded knockout stages to really see them shine. Spain require a major dose of soul-searching after their unconvincing loss to the Swiss, but they are not in crisis. England look awful, and anything but a win against Slovenia will almost surely see them fail to advance from the group stage. Wayne Rooney hit out on-camera at the England fans, who booed their team off the field. He has since apologized. They deserved it.

That's all for now. If you're going to watch any game, watch the Brazil-Ivory Coast matchup, coming up at 2:30 ET. Should be a good one.

The Dutch win ugly, A prescription for France, and an obligatory England-USA discussion

Oranje Crush over Total Football           

The Dutch are known for their high-octane attack, which destroyed France and Italy at Euro 2008 before failing to carry their momentum much further. Today, missing star man Arjen Robben, they were largely held in check by Denmark's packed midfield, but still managed a 2-0 win. It wasn't all that pretty. When your goals are scored by Dirk Kuyt and a member of the other team, you know you haven't put on an attacking masterclass. But this victory is important, as Denmark were considered Holland's main contender for first place in Group E. The clean sheet will give the Dutch defense a morale boost to go along with the statistical one. And the ugly win gives both the Dutch and their detractors evidence of some grit to go with the team's traditional flair. Later opponents, more desperate for goals and points as group play goes on, will be less defensive, and the Dutch, with Robben returning, still have time to put on a show. 

Moi, le medecin!

France look awful. No focal point in attack, an underwhelming display from Ribery, and what seems like a general malaise. Everyone from Just Fontaine to Zinedine Zidane has blasted France's play in their opening 0-0 borefest with Uruguay. Coach Raymond Domenech is incompetent, so I feel as worthy as any in putting forward a hard-and-fast solution to France's attacking woes. Here it is...

Give Nicolas Anelka a partner, and make that partner stay central. Anelka has  become an unorthodox striker, drifting around the penalty and coming deep to receive the ball and help in the build-up play. Yes, Anelka often played this role successfully as a lone striker at club level for Chelsea, but they are a physical team full of midfielders who get into the penalty area. France have a distinct lack of this type of player, and are struggling to get the ball near to goal. Andre-Pierre Gignac, a physical forward, was introduced late on against Uruguay, but bizarrely seemed to forgo the penalty area as well. Gignac and Anelka in tandem, with Gignac playing as a central out-and-out striker, should give the attack a focus, occupying the opposing center-backs and giving the rest of France's talented attack room to work.

England a contender? Not by this performance, but time will tell.

England's game against the US was supposed to prove one of two things: England's status as title contenders, or the US's real improvement since the last World Cup. The 1-1 scoreline, with the US goal coming courtesy of an all-too predictable goalkeeping howler by Robert Green, seems to leave everything up in the air. But a closer look reveals a flawed England and a very encouraging performance from the United States.

Tim Howard was always going to play well, but I was in no way calm going into this match. I have to say that Bradley's team selection worried me. Matching England's 4-4-2 formation pitted our two central midfielders directly against England's. Michael Bradley/Ricardo Clark v. Frank Lampard/Steven Gerrard? This should have been no contest, and my worries turned to horror when Gerrard blew past Clark for the opening goal. But they did well for the remainder of the contest, largely restricting England's attack to the wings, and crosses sent into the box would always favor our large, physical center-backs. And my anger at Clark subsided when I began to realize the difficulty of his and Bradley's assignment. They had to stop Gerrard and Lampard while also keeping tabs on Wayne Rooney, who loves to drop into midfield from his striker position. Rooney is undoubtedly the Three Lions' best player, and Bradley and Clark share credit with the defenders for his relatively subdued performance. That the US attack didn't do much is also of little worry. Landon Donovan and Clint Dempsey were always going to be forced to curb their attacking instincts in favor of subduing England's attacking full-backs, and the added defensive responsibility placed on Bradley and Clark resulted in Altidore and Findley seeing very little of the ball. The US was reduced to counter-attacking, but it still almost brought a win, which gives England reason to worry. Surely, more offensive initiative will be allowed against Algeria and Slovenia.

England's worries are not confined to their obvious goalkeeping problem. Despite dominating offensively, they only managed one goal. While Tim Howard did stop Emile Heskey and Shaun Wright-Phillips one-on-one, Capello had to expect that type of play, now commonplace for the American shot stopper. England did little to breach a US defense that was suspect coming into this tournament, and failed to turn their early momentum into anything substantial. James Milner, for all his supposed versatility, was taken to the cleaners by US right-back Steve Cherundolo, resulting in his absurdly early departure. I have seen Wayne Rooney frustrated, inaccurate, and angry, but never as subdued as during this game. The word is that he aggravated his ankle, and England, in short, is f***ed if his injury keeps him sidelined. Center-back Ledley King also picked up an injury, and Jamie Carragher, his replacement, was almost humiliated by Jozy Altidore, only to be saved by Robert Green, of all people. Matthew Upson will surely start the next game in defense. Defensive midfielder Gareth Barry's return will also add stability in midfield, allowing Steven Gerrard free rein to utilize his considerable attacking skills. If Rooney plays and Barry returns against Algeria, it will be a slightly better match in which to judge the credentials of England's first-choice line-up, but the price of failure against more inferior opposition will certainly be higher.

What I Have Learned So Far, or: What You Will Have Learned So Far

1. I am wasting my time writing about tactical analysis. 

It is a B**** to write all that stuff (not to mention the links), plus our friends over at Zonalmarking.com do a far better job than me. If you're real interested in how each team is set up, head over there. You won't be disappointed. So less of that, and lighter fare from now on. If you wanted a preview of the last four groups...sorry. It's too hot outside, and I have no air conditioning.

2. This may be the tournament that solidifies Tim Howard's place among the world's best goalkeepers.


The American goalkeeper kept his team in the game after England took the lead early through Steven Gerrard. He made several excellent saves, despite needing a painkilling injection at halftime after a studs-up assault from Emile Heskey. After this World Cup, the rest of the world may well learn what American (and Everton) fans have long known about Howard's skills.

3. There is a little substance to the criticism of the new ball.


The Adidas Jabulani ("celebration" in Zulu) is new for the World Cup, and no one seems to be happy with it (except, coincidentally, those players with fat Adidas advertising contracts). The ball does seem to move strangely in the air, especially when struck with any velocity. Headers have looked a bit difficult for everyone (not Gabriel Heinze against Nigeria). But it seems to me that the complaining is a bit much. When sporting companies go all-out to emphasize their new, hugely significant, space-age technological innovations, it gives the players an easy scapegoat for any mistakes. So, to all players lodging complaints about the Jabulani: Yes, the ball is different. No, not just for you. The ball is different for everyone. Get over it.

4. Germany's kids are all right!


A young Germany team came to this tournament missing Michael Ballack, Torsten Frings, Oliver Kahn, and Bernd Schneider. Much of 2006's team has fallen out of favor, to be largely replaced by youth. However, the core of this team is experienced. Bastian Schweinsteiger, Phillipp Lahm, Lukas Podolski, and Per Mertesacker all played significant roles in 2006, and Lahm, at 26, is the oldest. They are joined by six of the squad that won the 2009 Under-21 European Championship. Of those six, four started in the opening 4-0 win against Australia, with a fifth seeing time as a substitute. Mesut Ozil sliced Australia's defense apart from his position behind the striker, while Thomas Muller scored a beautiful goal. An unusually entertaining Germany seems on the cards for this year's tournament.

5. The home-field advantage isn't just for South Africa.


When Ghana beat Serbia today, the entire stadium was behind them. The same can be expected when any African team plays. Six teams represent Africa this year, the most in World Cup history. Ghana beat a Serbia side that was EVERYONE's dark horse pick, including mine. South Africa's draw with Mexico was less unexpected, but they could have easily won, striking the woodwork near the end. African teams are surely a better bet than we first thought.

A Preview: the Contenders and Pretenders

Kick-off is tomorrow. I can't wait. You have until tomorrow to finish making your picks, if you're into fantasy, so I hope this will help, as well give the uninitiated a brief breakdown of the teams they'll probably be seeing most. First,

The Format: there are 8 groups of 4 teams each, designated A through H. In group play, each team plays every other team in their group, for a total of 3 games each. 3 points are given for a win, 1 for a draw, and none for a loss. At the end of group play, the top two teams in each group advance, with the group winners seeded to receive easier matchups. From there, a standard 16-team tournament bracket ensues. Now for the groups.

Today, I'll preview Groups A through D, the first four to begin play.

Group A: France, Mexico, South Africa, Uruguay
Picks: 1st-France, 2nd-Mexico
This group is interesting because of its competitiveness. It has the potential to be the most closely-contested group in the tournament. France, on paper, looks like the sure winner. Spearheaded by prolific Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka, they also boast the attacking talents of Bayern Munich's Franck Ribery and Bordeaux's Yoann Gourcuff in midfield. These are only a few of the stars at France's disposal, but they barely (and controversially) qualified for the tournament, and the decision to replace coach Raymond Domenech after the World Cup comes a bit late. He is rumored to be widely distrusted by his players, and has gambled by revising France's formation very close to the tournament. France's recent friendly loss to 84th-ranked China does not bode well, and although they should win the group, Domenech's incompetence, combined with a defense that can be suspect, should prevent them from any serious progress. A potentially weak first-round opponent may get them a place in the last 8, but that is as a far as they likely go, and they could conceivably fall at any earlier stage.

France are by no means guaranteed to win the group. Mexico are a high-energy, high-skill team that outplayed England in a recent friendly, despite losing 3-1. Tactically interesting in their formation and off-the-ball movement, they have dark-horse potential. Slightly weaker is Uruguay, who also play an interesting formation and boast the high-scoring duo of Atletico Madrid's Diego Forlan and Ajax's Luis Suarez up front. Bringing up the rear is South Africa. Qualifying by virtue of their status as tournament hosts, they are the lowest-ranked team here, and it shows. But buoyed by their home support, they do have a chance to surprise that, if taken, could lead to any key players attracting interest from European clubs. France should win the group, followed by Mexico, but any slip-ups will be seized upon. There will be no easy games here.

Group B: Argentina, Greece, Nigeria, South Korea
Picks: 1st-Argentina, 2nd-Greece
Argentina are the big story in Group B. Coach Diego Maradona used 107 players during qualifying as he selected his team, but strangely, has had an extremely stable starting lineup. Arguably the greatest player in history, he is a hero to his nation and to his players. He is also an ex-drug addict with a terrible temper and a notoriously bad relationship with the media. He is crazy. His unstable, unpredictable nature could mean anything for Argentina's chances in South Africa. Barcelona's World Player of the Year, Lionel Messi, is the standout star in a team bursting with attacking talent and solid if unspectacular in midfield. The defense is suspect, despite fielding Inter Milan star Walter Samuel, and it has lately been rumored that Maradona could switch his formation to account for this. Potentially, he will field 3 defenders instead of 4, moving to a 3-4-3 that would allow him to field another of his excellent, skilled forwards. Argentina are a wild card in this tournament. There is no debate over their stupendous talent and capacity to entertain, but the simple fact is that nobody can really predict Diego Maradona's next move. Also, Messi has yet to transfer his godlike form at club level to the big stage, although he is at the peak of his powers this year and is widely touted to do so. Argentina should top a weak Group B, and their potential for greatness is matched only by their potential for self-destruction.

The rest of this group will almost certainly fight for second place, and the soccer on show is likely to be decidedly unspectacular in any of this group's games not featuring Argentina. Greece were shock winners of the 2004 European Championships, and although their defense is no longer the immovable object that it was, they are experienced, disciplined, and ably coached by Otto Rehhagel. Their qualities, though unimpressive, should see them advance from a weak group.

South Korea will probably never again reach the heights of 2002, when Dutch mastermind Guus Hiddink led them to the quarterfinals, but are always a tough matchup. Like Greece, they are organized and solid, and they are captained by sparkplug Manchester United midfielder and national hero Ji-Sung Park. Their spirited play could see them snatch second place in this group.

Nigeria has speed and athleticism in attack and defense, but the withdrawal of Chelsea's John Obi Mikel due to knee surgery leaves them decidedly weak in midfield. They are dangerous on the counter-attack as well as from corners and free-kicks, but should struggle to break down disciplined Greece and South Korea in open play.

Group C: England, United States, Algeria, Slovenia
Picks: 1st-England, 2nd- United States
England-United States is the opening game of this group, and is being highly anticipated as both teams go into the tournament with high expectations.

England have a new lease on life under taskmaster Fabio Capello, who has taken a team that failed to qualify for Euro 2008 and turned them into real contenders. Striker Wayne Rooney, but for injuries, might now be entering 'best in the world' discussions with the season he has had at Manchester United. Asked to shoulder the goalscoring responsibility of the departed stars Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez, he responded with aplomb, scoring 34 goals in 44 appearances despite missing parts of the season. He is indispensable to England, as adept at linking midfield to attack as he is at scoring goals. Should he fall to injury, England's lack of depth at striker will be exposed, and their largely world-class midfield has looked starved for ideas when Rooney has not played. The loss of captain and central defender Rio Ferdinand is a blow, but his injury-riddled season means he would not have been 100% anyway. The defense remains relatively solid at the back, and outside backs Ashley Cole and Glen Johnson are very dangerous when they push forward to support the attack. England should win this group as long as they avoid mistakes against the United States. But the Three Lions' real hopes rest with Rooney.  If he is healthy and scoring, they have a real chance to lift their first World Cup since 1966.

Despite a disastrous performance at the 2006 World Cup, where they crashed out in the group stage, the expectations placed on the United States have never been higher. The team continues to steadily improve, gradually adding skill, passing, and flair to defensive solidity, athleticism, set-piece skill and work ethic (qualities they have always possessed in abundance). The recent emergence of Jose Torres has added a degree of class to an otherwise blue-collar midfield, and he has the potential to shine in South Africa. But it is Landon Donovan who is the star man here. Fresh from an impressive loan spell at Everton, the versatile attacker will need to be at his best for the US to excel. He is ably supported by the trickery of Fulham cult hero Clint Dempsey and the athleticism of striker Jozy Altidore, who will shake off injury to start the opener. Strangely, the defense may be the weak point here, as a clear lack of depth is compounded by the fact that star central defender Oguchi Onyewu of AC Milan is struggling for full fitness. Symptomatic of the defensive problems is coach Bob Bradley's preference for playing captain Carlos Bocanegra out of position at left back, where he has been tidy but unspectacular. If the defense stays healthy and the attack fires, the US are a danger to anyone. Fans will consider anything but advancement from the group to be a failure.

Algeria and Slovenia, like any teams here, have the class and quality to cause problems. Algeria boasts quality players in Karim Ziani, Nadir Belhadj, and Madjid Bougherra, but remains too unpredictable and weak in depth to do anything but cause a scare.

Slovenia is a virtual unknown, and lacks any real star power, but have a fortunate schedule that lets them warm up against Algeria before facing the USA and England. They are uncomplicated and hardworking, but their schedule and group opponents give them a chance. They must beat Algeria, but if they can force a draw with the similarly-set-up US, they have a real shot at advancement.

Group D: Germany, Serbia, Ghana, Australia
Picks: 1st-Germany, 2nd-Serbia
This group had the potential to be the most competitive of any group, but the injury to Chelsea star Michael Essien leaves it more cut-and-dry, and has probably ruined Ghana's chances. A one-man destructive force in midfield, Essien is as good at stopping opposing attacks as he is initiating offense and scoring goals at the other end. Ghana have significant depth at Essien's position, but none can really fill his shoes. Although they are cohesive and disciplined, strong defense probably won't be enough to see them out of this tough group.

Australia is another unspectacular team that overachieved in 2006 under Guus Hiddink, the same man who took South Korea to the quarters in 2002. Hiddink is gone, and Australia have become notably more pragmatic and defensive under Pim Verbeek, Hiddink's former assistant. Everton's Tim Cahill is the most talented attacker, and will have to perform at his peak for Australia to have any hope. They get the edge over Ghana because of their relative strength in attack, but like their African group opponents, they will struggle to advance.

Germany are a fixture on the World Cup schedule, legendarily disciplined, and carry a well-earned reputation as a 'tournament team'. Well-drilled by coach Joachim Low, their ever-present efficiency and solidity is this year supplemented by a heavy dose of skill and flair. Striker Miroslav Klose has the chance to become the World Cup's all-time leading scorer, and he is supported by a deep and talented cadre of attacking midfielders, including striker/winger Lukas Podolski and Turkish-descended playmaker Mesut Ozil. The loss of captain Michael Ballack to ankle injury (ironically the result of a tackle from a Ghanaian, Kevin-Prince Boateng) is a psychological blow. Although getting on in years, the midfielder is a great leader who combines vast big-game experience with prodigious technical skill. Instead, the two central midfield slots will be filled by Bastian Schweinsteiger and Sami Khedira. Both young players, it is the more experienced Schweinsteiger who must raise his game to replace Ballack. The defense is martialed by the 6'6" titan Per Mertesacker, a clubmate of Ozil's at Werder Bremen, and Philipp Lahm, who will captain in Ballack's absence, is one of the world's finest attacking full-backs. Germany can never be written off, and this year is no different. They should win the group, and further progress is both expected and probable.

Serbia qualifies for its first-ever world cup as an independent nation, and brings a strong team to South Africa. The defense is absolutely solid, with Manchester United's Nemanja Vidic and Chelsea's Branislav Ivanovic forming one of the best central defenses in the tournament. Dejan Stankovic will run things in midfield, and his class should help make up for the weakness of his potential midfield partners. Serbia's wingers are very good, with Milos Krasic rumored to be moving to a major club soon. However, they lack firepower up front, and Krasic's counterpart on the opposite wing, Milan Jovanovic, was the team's leading scorer in qualifying. Striker Nikola Zigic can be anonymous at times (startling given the fact that he stands 6'8") and partner Marko Pantelic has provided more assists than goals. Nonetheless, Serbia won their group in qualifying, and will be a very dangerous team if they can add goals to almost-certain defensive solidity.


Tomorrow, Groups E through H!

Why I Care, or: Why YOU Should Care (If You Don't, That Is)

11 men, dressed in white, have worked themselves to exhaustion for almost an hour and a half. 

They know that one mental mistake, one misstep means this dream, one that they've made from nothing, could be all over. These men were born in the richest country in the world, but chose a career that never promised riches. They have played the game that they love since they could walk, scorning the greater financial potential of other, constantly present sports. They have taken a game meant to occupy the free-time of their country's children and elevated it into something that is part career, part love affair, and part art form. Atypical of most their country's athletes, they live on team spirit and fundamentals. They hustle, play defense, contain their opponent. It is them against the world, a world that has almost a century of heritage on its side. They are the best 11 soccer players that their vast country can produce. And today, against hugely favored opponents, they have a chance to make history.

Revelling in their underdog status, this team scored fairly early. Their young forward is a superb athlete, the type that is usually found playing football and basketball, having long abandoned a sport that has never, until now, been able to reach out from the TV to fire the imagination. A crunching slide tackle in midfield wins his team the ball, and, eschewing the intricate passing of their opponents, they get it to his feet. In a fashion truly emblematic of his country, he spins powerfully, shedding his defender, and in the next moment he has fired a shot towards goal. The opposing keeper is sure he knows where the shot is going. He has already begun to move when the shot is struck. He is wrong. He tries to lean back, but can only reach the shot with a weak hand, and it rolls into the net. The crowd is dumbstruck. This was not supposed to happen. 

The fooled keeper and the shunted-aside defender, along with the rest of the men on the other side of the ball, are official champions of the continent that birthed soccer and is home to its most prestigious leagues. And they are unofficially, albeit unanimously, the best team in the world. They earn eye-popping sums of money every year, and are celebrities, household names in their homeland. Even their bench is filled with players that would easily command a starting berth in any team, including the one they now face. They are faster, quicker, infinitely more skilled. They are a machine, a cohesive unit seemingly blessed with collective telepathy. Clad in furious red, they pour forward towards the opposing goal, their precise passing never allowing the other team to touch the ball. They have beaten the best to be here. They expected an easy win. In this, they were sorely mistaken.

The shock of the early goal has worn off, and the tide looks to have turned. The men in red keep possession of the ball in imperious fashion. The men in white are forced to mass on the edge of their penalty area, pressed into an area comprising a third of the field, a mere sixty feet from the goal they have sworn to defend. Their opponents weave beautiful patterns with their passing and movement, switching the ball from player to player with the deftest of touches. Their midfielder plays a short pass to his teammate, then darts past his defender to receive it back. Granted a mere two seconds to make a decision, he gracefully, effortlessly pirouettes away from another defender, taking the ball with him before delicately lofting it over the defense, into the no-man's land between the defenders and their goal. The pass seems to be an errant one, but a player in red charges underneath the ball, receiving it perfectly in stride. Having started his run from 40 yards out long before the pass was made, he and the passer are in perfect harmony. The defense is stock-still, just beginning to adjust to his presence. He looks certain to score. The goal is at his mercy. He cocks his right foot back. It is a right foot that is the envy of the world, famous for its ability to place a soccer ball in any chosen part of the goal, and to do so from anywhere and without warning. The right foot begins to swing forward. The keeper's eyes widen. The foot strikes the ball, distorting its shape and sending it at high speed towards the corner of the goal . It is then that a third figure appears. It appears in the form of a hulking, tattooed blonde man who slides in from nowhere, willfully placing his body in front of this vaunted right foot and diverting the shot over the crossbar. He has saved an almost-certain goal. The siege is on.

For almost an hour, the men in white stand in front of their goal, time and again turning back the waves of red that threaten it. Marshalled by their captain, spurred on by the exhortations of their teammates on the bench, their coach, their fans, each other. Half-time comes soon, but brings little respite. The red-clad artists return to redouble their efforts, looking as confident as ever. The blonde man repeats his heroics several times, and he has no shortage of teammates willing to follow his example. They throw themselves in front of shots, fly into sliding tackles, and play like the pleadings of their exhausted bodies have no hold over them. The fans watching at home can feel their hearts in their mouths every time a red player shapes up to shoot, but the defense holds firm, and the one-goal lead remains. Slowly, something begins to happen, something that is first felt only by an attuned few. The men in red become increasingly frustrated. This has never happened to them before. Soon everyone, from the crowd to the announcers covering the game, can see desperation creeping into their play. They abandon their short passing, lofting the ball high towards their forwards more in hope than expectation, and see countless attempts repulsed by the white-clad defenders, who seem to grow taller with each successful defensive effort until they resemble titans.

The men in white sense the change, and begin to push further up the field, away from their goal. It is dangerous, leaving themselves vulnerable to a quick counter-attack, and their opponents, indeed, continue to press dangerously. But the men in white smell victory and push for a second goal with their coach's blessing. With fifteen minutes left, they push forward. Their young midfielder cautiously strides forward towards the penalty box. Although nominally substituted into the game for his passing ability, he cannot dream of approaching the skills of his opponents. He is another body, a fresh pair of legs garnished with a vague of hope of inventiveness. But here, he astutely hesitates, finding a pocket of space amongst the red shirts. Looking up, he sees a huge defender, well over six feet tall, charging towards him. Instinct takes over. A school playground, his backyard, fields from Brazil to New York to California flash through his mind. Years of practice to get to this moment. He neatly sidesteps, forcing the big man to retreat and check his position. His guile earns only a second extra with which to use the ball, but his creative brain makes it count. He lays on a perfect pass for his teammate, streaking down the right, who crosses the ball to the far side of goal.  It is easily cut out by a red defender, but he does not immediately clear the ball, kick it high away from his goal, boot it into the crowd. Perhaps he is still, even at this point, overconfident. He is looking upfield, looking for the pass that will start a counter-attack, lead to a tying goal, hand his upstart opponents a harsh dose of reality. He does not see the man in white behind him, does not see him until the man darts around him, spinning and sliding the ball into the net all in one motion. 

Goal. It is 2-0. The announcers are still grasping for the right words. The white team has surely won. The red team plays the remainder of the game in shock, their passing game still present, but now devoid of energy and panache. The men in white clear their lines one last time, sending the ball high away from their goal. The whistle blows. The white-clad warriors gather to exhaustedly celebrate, soon joined by their teammates and coaches from the bench. The red team leaves the field in defeat for the first time in 35 games.

For those of you who don't recognize this story, this was last year. The Confederations Cup, played in South Africa as a kind of dress rehearsal for the World Cup. The team in red is Spain, a now-perennial world power in the sport.

The white team is the USA.

I quit youth soccer in 2nd grade (around age 8, for any unfamiliar with American schools). 

No one quit youth sports that early. If you started playing, you kept playing. After all, perseverance is important, said my parents. I persevered with almost every other sport. When it came to soccer, I would not be swayed. I hated everything about it, and stood firmly in the 'American Football' camp in every playground argument. (For the record, I still love the NFL. Always will.) To make a long story short, I now love it, and it was the World Cup, the first sporting event I ever viewed in HD, that brought me 'round. Soccer is growing fast in this country, and it's one of the few sports embraced by the entire world. It's the best, most diverse bandwagon I've ever jumped on. 

If you're prejudiced against soccer, for whatever reason, I ask you one favor. An easy favor. It's summer. You're not busy. So do this one thing, for me and for the world, a world that remains baffled at your intolerance.

Give soccer a chance. 

Hate the diving, the playacting?

Instead, love the skill and artistry on the ball, love the aerial battles, love the defender bleeding through a head bandage just to win one more ball for his country. And join the rest of the world in hating diving and appreciating the recent efforts to combat it. No one supports it, and players who admit to it are deemed villains. It's a sad stain on the game that unfortunately turns many away.

Not a sports person?

Then love the worldly feel, the political intrigue, the wondrously-frequent titanic personality clashes.If any sport is political, it's soccer. Popular with the masses, destructive in its whims, it permeates every facet of society and government in some countries. A defeat can mean widespread riots, a victory can lead to the same. 

Love the simple rules. The intricacy present in soccer belies its inherent simplicity. 

Hell, love the lack of commercials. Tradition can be hell, but in this case, it does nothing but good. The age-old idea is that the game must flow, and commercials are confined to half-time.

Bored? Don't understand the appeal? Wondering how a sport so low-scoring can entertain?

If you still want your high-scoring circus, your NBA basketball, take it. Take a game where nothing seems to matter to the players until the end, where hustle and defensive effort are standout qualities, rather than the expected norm. Where there's always another possession, another chance to rectify a mistake, a slip in concentration, a momentary lack of effort. Take that most decadently American of sports, while even now, in amazing metaphorical fashion, the rest of the basketball world is catching up to us, drilling in the fundamentals we've forgotten and using them against us.

I'll take a sport that bleeds commitment and passion. That overflows with more skill than would fit on YouTube, where every game brings the promise of something you've never before seen done with a ball. Where no one is ever more important than the team. Where players, without rest, run 9 miles in a single game. A sport so steeped in tradition that the very arenas echo with the ghosts of their long-dead legendary denizens. Where goals change games, focus is king, and one individual mistake can ruin 90 minutes of sterling teamwork. A sport of improvisation, endless possibility, personal battle and team spirit, where players pull on a shirt that stands not only for an employer but for their entire country and all the people in it. A game for anyone with a ball and  flat ground, whether it be expensive leather and beautiful synthetic turf or melted garbage bags and a patch of bare earth. A sport for everyone from the instinctively creative artist to the simple, headstrong hard man, from the gifted Adonis of a born athlete to the success story of a hardworking everyman, from the unselfish, constant team captain to the enigmatic, game-changing schemer. 

The greatest of heroes light up this stage, from the midfield general with the Mensa-level IQ, to the Brazilian fan who has attended every world cup for 40 years, to the once-in-a-generation dribbling wizard, to coaches with the tactical skill and audacity to totally transcend the players at their disposal.  They all have a place, whether it be on the field, on the bench, in the stands, or transfixed by the television. I have a place. You have a place. It's everyone's game. The world game. The beautiful game.

I'll take soccer.