Uruguay TEAMS

Uruguay TEAMS

Uruguay once again enters the World Cup with hopes of proving that it's a team to be reckoned with now, not one that once was great. Powered by big scorers like Diego Forlan (left) and Luis Suarez, there's a good chance it might break through.

World-Uruguay hope to recapture former glory in S.Africa

MONTEVIDEO, May 18 (Reuters) - With a mixture of outstanding strikers, young talent and their traditional grit, Uruguay hope they can take a step in South Africa towards restoring some of their former soccer glory.

If the prospect of lifting the World Cup again, as they did in 1930 and 1950, might be a dream too far, the players still have the ability to be a surprise in the tournament.

The task will not be easy. La Celeste's Group A opponents are 2006 runners-up France, hosts South Africa, and Mexico.

"We must go to the World Cup with expectations because we have players who are in the important leagues along with other players from the elite teams," coach Oscar Tabarez said in a recent interview with Reuters.

"I have the hope that we could be a surprise, although at no time are we going to be believe that we are the favourites or think we are champions."

Among Uruguay's leading players is Diego Forlan of Atletico Madrid who has topped La Liga's scorers' chart twice and won Europe's Golden Boot twice. There is also Luis Suarez of Ajax, top scorer in the Dutch top flight this season with 35 goals.

Another attacking option is Sebastian Abreu of Brazil's Botafogo, who is the top scorer among active Uruguay players with 24 goals in 55 internationals.

Captain Diego Lugano of Turkish side Fenerbahce is a natural leader with a temperament that epitomises the gritty spirit of Uruguay's football. In the same mould is midfielder Diego Perez, of Monaco, who fights for every ball.

With more temperament than technique, the little country that slew mighty Brazil in Rio de Janeiro in 1950, won the Copa America 14 times and still inspires respect in opponents, must overcome the notion that they are a team of the past.

"We play strongly and we have done for many years. The team have players who know how to play good football and we hope to do so at the World Cup," Forlan said.

In recent decades La Celeste have appeared in only the 1990 and 2002 World Cups and they reached South Africa after an erratic qualifying road. Getting to the second round will be an important achievement.

The last time they reached the last eight was in 1990, when Tabarez was also coach, and they have not made the semi-finals since Mexico in 1970.

World-Factbox on Uruguay

May 18 (Reuters) - Factbox on Uruguay who are in Group A at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa:

Colours: Light blue shirts, black shorts, black socks.

Nickname: La Celeste (the light blue)

Previous World Cup appearances - 10: 1930, 1950, 1954, 1962, 1966, 1970, 1974, 1986, 1990, 2002

Best World Cup performance: winners 1930, 1950

Coach: Oscar Washington Tabarez

Most capped player: Rodolfo Rodriguez 78

Top goalscorer: Hector Scarone 31

Talking points:

Uruguay have a more settled squad than they have had for a long time, due largely to the unprecedented continuity in modern times that coach Tabarez has had in the job throughout this World Cup cycle of four years. This means his selection policy has strong foundations and his tactics have been well rehearsed, making the Uruguayans a more dangerous prospect than they have been since they reached the 1970 semi-finals.

Players to watch:

Rugged defender and captain Diego Lugano for leadership, young midfielder Nicolas Lodeiro for creative moves and strike pair Diego Forlan and Luis Suarez for speed and goals

Uruguay Squad - Jorge Martinez Fails To Make The Cut
Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez has announced his final 23-man squad for the World Cup and insisted his side are well prepared following a final day of training in Montevideo.

“Our aim is to do a good job at the World Cup,” he told Fifa.com. “I have it very clear in my mind what we need to do.”

Trabarez had named a provisional squad of 26 and so only needed to cut three players ahead of FIFA’s deadline today, and River Plate midfielder Jorge Rodriguez, Nacional winger Alvaro Gonzalez and Catania striker Jorge Martinez were the unlucky trio.

La Celeste have been drawn in Group A with hosts South Africa, Mexico and France and Tabarez was confident ahead of their opening match against les Bleus.

“Certain players that may have arrived with less playing time like [Martin] Caceres still have two weeks to improve their condition,” said the coach. “We will begin working on Thursday focusing on the tactics and concepts before our opening game against France.”
Goalkeepers    -
Fernando Muslera    Lazio (ITA)
Juan-Guillermo Castillo    Deportivo Cali (COL)
Martin Silva    Defensor Sporting
Defenders    -
Diego Lugano    Fenerbahce (TUR)
Diego Godin    Villarreal (ESP)
Andres Scotti    Colo Colo (CHI)
Jorge Fucile    Porto (POR)
Martin Caceres    Juventus (ITA)
Mauricio Victorino    Universidad de Chile (CHI)
Maximiliano Pereira    Benfica (POR)
Midfielders    -
Walter Gargano    Napoli (ITA)
Egidio Arevalo-Rios    Penarol
Sebastian Eguren    AIK (SWE)
Diego Perez    Monaco (FRA)
Alvaro Pereira    Porto (POR)
Alvaro Fernandez    Universidad de Chile (CHI)
Ignacio Gonzalez    Valencia (ESP)
Nicolas Lodeiro    Ajax (NED)
Forwards    -
Sebastian Fernandez    Banfield (ARG)
Luis Suarez    Ajax (NED)
Diego Forlan    Atletico Madrid (ESP)
Edinson Cavani    Palermo (ITA)
Sebastian Abreu    Botafogo (BRA)

United States TEAMS

 United States TEAMS SKUAD 2010
Trainer
Bob Bradley
Goalkeeper
1    Tim Howard 
23    Marcus Hahnemann
18    Brad Guzan
Defender
6    Steve Cherundolo
3    Carlos Bocanegra
5    Oguchi Onyewu
2    Jonathan Spector
15    Jay DeMerit
12    Jonathan Bornstein


21    Clarence Goodson 
Midfielder
7    DaMarcus Beasley
10    Landon Donovan 
8    Clint Dempsey  
22    Benny Feilhaber 
13    Ricardo Clark 
4    Michael Bradley 


11    Stuart Holden
19    Maurice Edu  
16    José Torres
Forward
10    Landon Donovan
17    Jozy Altidore
9    Herculez Gomez
14    Edson Buddle   
20    Robbie Findley

Switzerland TEAMS

Switzerland enters its eighth World Cup set to face a group teeming with Latin American talent. If Alexander Frei and Co. are to reach the knockout stage, they'll have to adapt quickly.

World-Swiss in the same boat as Chile and Honduras

BERNE, May 21 (Reuters) - Switzerland is one of the world's most prosperous and stable nations but on the football field its team share many of the same problems as World Cup opponents Chile and Honduras.

Like the two Latin American countries, Switzerland is good at producing talented players but has a weak domestic league which forces many of them to go abroad to further their careers.

This leads to frustration for the national team coach when players get injured or fall out of favour and end up in the reserves at their clubs, often returning home in a bid to rescue their careers.

Internationals who have struggled to fulfil early potential include defender Reto Ziegler, who joined England's Tottenham Hotspur as a teenager but has had to wait until this season with Italy's Sampdoria to get out on the pitch regularly.

When defender Philippe Senderos fell out of favour at Premier League Arsenal, he joined Everton hoping to get some first-team football but instead suffered a niggling hip injury.

For all the problems, Switzerland, with a population of just over seven million where football has to compete with ice hockey and Alpine skiing for attention, has a team who have recently punched above their weight on the international stage.

They have been present at the last three major tournaments -- Euro 2004 and 2008 and the 2006 World Cup -- although they progressed beyond the second round only at the latter.

Drawn with Spain, Chile and Honduras in Group H after qualifying for their eighth World Cup, much will depend on how the Swiss adapt to facing Latin American opposition.

A 3-1 friendly defeat at home to Uruguay in March, when they were hopelessly outclassed, did not auger well.

Switzerland will be led by wily old campaigner Ottmar Hitzfeld who won the Bundesliga twice and Champions League twice during spells with Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich.

Hitzfeld said he had not lost his hunger for victories, although equalling Switzerland's best performance of a quarter-final place is probably the best he can hope for.

Perhaps his biggest headache will be whether to persist with the ageing strike force of Alexander Frei and Blaise Nkufo, both into their 30s, or throw Eren Derdiyok into the fray after his impressive performances for Bayer Leverkusen this season.

(Editing by Clare Fallon)

World-Factbox on Switzerland

May 21 (Reuters) - Factbox on Switzerland who are in Group H at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa:

Colours: Red shirts, white shorts and red socks.

Nickname: Nati (short for National team).

Previous World Cup appearances: 8. 1934, 1938, 1950, 1954, 1962, 1966, 1994, 2006

Best World Cup performance: Quarter-finalists in 1934, 1938, 1954

Coach: Ottmar Hitzfeld

Most capped player: Heinz Hermann 117 caps

Top goalscorer: Alexander Frei 40 goals

Talking points:

Switzerland qualified from arguably the weakest European group and lost 2-1 at home to Luxembourg along the way. Philippe Senderos has been a key central defender recently but a lack of match practice at club level is a concern. Leading scorer Alexander Frei broke his arm in February and will also lack match practice. Both he and striking partner Blaise Nkufo are over 30. Hakan Yakin is the only player with real flair but Hitzfeld has used him only as a substitute.

Players to watch:

Diego Benaglio helped VfL Wolfsburg to win the Bundesliga title last season, Yakin can liven up a generally lacklustre midfield and Frei is still a dangerman. Tranquillo Barnetta has his moments in midfield.

Switzerland Squad - Spycher Out, Magnin In

Switzerland coach Ottmar Hitzfeld will have to make do without the services of experienced defender Christoph Spycher at the 2010 World Cup finals this summer due to a knee injury, according to a report in Blick.

The former Eintracht Frankfurt defender picked up the injury on 10 April and has since been struggling to return to full match fitness. Spycher has now made it clear that he won't make it in time and has withdrawn from the Switzerland squad.

Hitzfeld has decided to add former Stuttgart full-back Ludovic Magnin to his squad as replacement for Spycher. The 31-year-old Magnin initially missed out on a spot in the World Cup squad due to his poor form in the past couple of months.

The Schweizer Nati lock horns with Spain, Chile and Honduras in the group phase of the tournament. Switzerland start the tournament with a match against Spain on June 16.
Goalkeepers    -
Diego Benaglio    Wolfsburg
Marco Wolfli    Young Boys
Johnny Leoni    Zurich
Defenders    -
Stephan Lichtsteiner    Lazio
Philippe Senderos    Everton
Stephane Grichting    Auxerre
Steve von Bergen     Hertha Berlin
Mario Eggimann    Hannover 96
Reto Ziegler    Sampdoria
Ludovic Magnin    Zurich
Midfielders    -
Valon Behrami    West Ham United
Gokhan Inler    Udinese
Benjamin Huggel    Basel
Pirmin Schwegler     Eintracht Frankfurt
Gelson Fernandes    Saint-Etienne
Tranquillo Barnetta    Bayer Leverkusen
Xherdan Shaqiri    Basel
Marco Padalino    Sampdoria
Forwards    -
Alexander Frei    Basel
Blaise Nkufo    Twente
Eren Derdiyok    Bayer Leverkusen
Marco Streller    Basel
Hakan Yakin    Luzern

Ready to make history
Fernando Torres and Spain have been simply dominant since winning Euro 2008. And after winning all 10 games in qualifying, Spain is completely focused on capturing its first World Cup title.

World-Spanish "dark horses" are now thoroughbreds

MADRID, May 21 (Reuters) - Spain shook off their tag as perennial also-rans to win Euro 2008 and they are among the favourites to lift the World Cup for the first time in South Africa.

A runners-up finish to France at Euro 1984 and a gold medal at the Barcelona Olympics in 1992 had done little to banish what was known as Spain's "curse of the quarters" -- at Euro 1996 and 2000 and in the World Cups of 1994 and 2002 the last eight had proved a stumbling block.

Spanish fans feared the worst at Euro 2008 when world champions Italy battled to a 0-0 draw to force a penalty shootout in the quarter-finals, but that was when their luck changed and Iker Casillas's saves sent them through.

Released from their jinx, self-belief swept Spain past Russia and Germany to the title and they won plaudits for their slick possession football and attacking flair.

The European championship was only their second major international title, coming 44 years after they beat the Soviet Union 2-1 in the final of the same competition in 1964.

Coach Luis Aragones stepped down after Euro 2008 but his replacement Vicente del Bosque has kept the core of the team intact, making only minor adjustments to a well-organised and confident side who won all 10 matches in qualifying.

The only blip in their otherwise perfect run to the finals was a surprise 2-0 defeat to the United States in the semi-finals of the Confederations Cup in June 2009.

That upset ended a 35-match unbeaten run and Del Bosque used it as a reminder to his players of the dangers of over-confidence.

World-Factbox on Spain


May 21 (Reuters) - Factbox on Spain who are competing in Group H at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa:

Colours: Red shirts, blue shorts and red socks

Nickname: La Furia Roja (the Red Fury)

Previous World Cup appearances: 12: 1934, 1950, 1962, 1966, 1978, 1982, 1986, 1990, 1994, 1998, 2002, 2006

Best World Cup performance: Fourth place, 1950

Coach: Vicente del Bosque.

Most capped player: Andoni Zubizarreta 126.

Top goalscorer: Raul 44.

Talking points:

Outsiders cannot fathom how Cesc Fabregas is not an automatic starter even though the Arsenal captain is one of the most influential players in the English Premier League. His omission illustrates the intensity of competition for midfield places. Barcelona fans wonder why goalkeeper Victor Valdes has been overlooked for so long despite his superb form for the Catalan side, but there is little doubt that captain Iker Casillas deserves his place as number one between the posts.

Players to watch:

Fernando Torres scored the winning goal at Euro 2008 and he has improved since, while David Villa keeps banging in goals for club and country. The form of midfield orchestrator Xavi will be key to Spain's chances of success.

Spain Squad - Barcelona Stars Victor Valdes & Pedro Make Vicente del Bosque's Final 23
Vicente del Bosque has confirmed Spain's 23-man squad for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Two big names who successfully made the cut were Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes and young forward Pedro Rodriguez. Also included in the final-23 was Athletic Bilbao's 21-year-old central midfielder, Javi Martinez.

However, del Bosque had to make a number of surprising exclusions. There was no place for Euro 2008 hero Marcos Senna and Villarreal team-mate Santi Cazorla, while one of the coach's reliable favourite, Dani Guiza was also omitted.

Spain's 23-man World Cup squad in full:
Goalkeepers    
Iker Casillas     Real Madrid
Pepe Reina    Liverpool (ENG)
Victor Valdes    Barcelona
Defenders  
Sergio Ramos    Real Madrid
Alvaro Arbeloa    Real Madrid
Carles Puyol    Barcelona
Gerard Pique    Barcelona
Raul Albiol    Real Madrid
Carlos Marchena    Valencia
Joan Capdevila    Villarreal
Midfielders    
Jesus Navas    Sevilla
Xabi Alonso    Real Madrid
Xavi    Barcelona
Javi Martinez    Athletic Bilbao
Cesc Fabregas     Arsenal (ENG)
Sergio Busquets    Barcelona
Andres Iniesta    Barcelona
Forwards    
David Silva    Valencia
David Villa    Barcelona
Fernando Torres    Liverpool (ENG)
Pedro Rodriguez    Barcelona
Fernando Llorente    Athletic Bilbao
Juan Mata    Valencia



The seven players who were cut from the provisional 30 were goalkeepers Diego Lopez (Villarreal), David De Gea (Atletico Madrid), defender Cesar Azpilicueta (Osasuna); midfielders Marcos Senna (Villarreal) and Santi Cazorla (Villarreal); and forwards Dani Guiza (Fenerbahce) and Alvaro Negredo (Sevilla).

South Korea TEAMS

South Korea stormed through Asian qualifying with an unblemished record and with a stellar supporting cast for skipper Park Ji-sung (R), the team looks like a lock to advance into the round of 16

World-Unbeaten run makes South Korea confidentSEOUL, May 18 (Reuters) - South Korea swaggered through Asian qualifying with an unblemished record and will head to the World Cup finals with an air of confidence not seen since the wonder years of Guus Hiddink.

While skipper Park Ji-sung remains the beating heart of the team, the dynamic Manchester United midfielder now has a supporting cast that should help South Korea to advance from Group B and reach the last 16.

Surprise semi-finalists on home soil in 2002, the Koreans stumbled at the group stage in Germany four years ago but have enjoyed a purple patch under coach Huh Jung-moo, going 27 games unbeaten until a 1-0 loss to Serbia in November.

While some feared the appointment of Huh marked a return to the 'Old Guard' and would undo years of progress under coaches such as Hiddink, Dick Advocaat and Pim Verbeek, the hard-nosed 55-year-old has been quick to embrace the youth and zest coursing through the squad.

Park Chu-young, the foal-like striker once thought too frail to make the grade, is banging in goals with AS Monaco while a midfield duo dubbed "Double Dragon" have made fiery debuts in Europe.

Lee Chung-yong and Ki Sung-yong's partnership at FC Seoul earned them lucrative transfers to Bolton and Glasgow Celtic. The 21-year-olds share the Chinese character "yong" (dragon) in their names and will hope to rekindle their fire in South Africa.

South Korea will be targeting maximum points from Greece and Nigeria but getting anything from Argentina will be a tall order.

The Koreans were brushed aside 3-1 by Argentina at the 1986 World Cup, a game Diego Maradona remembers as being more like taekwondo than football thanks to the heavy-handed tactics employed by the Asian side.

Maradona's marker that day, a certain Huh Jung-moo, makes no apologies for their approach and suggested Lionel Messi and his team mates could be in for a rough ride when they meet in Johannesburg on June 17.

"If I am asked to play Maradona and Argentina again, I will do the same thing," the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) website (www.the-afc.com) quoted Huh as saying.

"I don't want to give them an easy win. I will stop them. I will fight them.

"We will try to cut down their speed and reduce their tempo. Counter-attacks are crucial. They will be the key."

South Korea, who stand to earn $150,000 per man for reaching the second round, kick off their World Cup finals campaign against Greece in Port Elizabeth on June 12 and meet Nigeria 10 days later in Durban.

World-Factbox on South Korea

May 18 (Reuters) - Factbox on South Korea who are in Group B at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa:

Colours: Red shirts, blue shorts, red socks.

Nickname: Taeguk Chunsa (Korean Warriors)

Previous World Cup appearances: 7: 1954, 1986, 1990, 1994,

1998, 2002, 2006

Best World Cup performance: Fourth, 2002

Coach: Huh Jung-moo

Most capped player: Hong Myung-bo (136)

Top goalscorer: Cha Bum-keun (55)

Talking points:

Park Ji-sung has been the focal point of South Korean soccer since his breakthrough at the 2002 World Cup, but he finally has strong team mates to share the load.

The burgeoning potential of Lee Chung-yong, Ki Sung-yong and Park Chu-young has blossomed in Europe and given the South Koreans the cutting edge they have lacked for years. Whether coach Huh Jung-moo will boldly play to his side's attacking strengths remains to be seen.

Player to watch:

Park Ji-sung. The South Korean skipper burst on to the world stage in 2002 and has gone from strength to strength since joining Manchester United from PSV Eindhoven in 2005. Nicknamed "Three-lunged Park", his boundless energy and terrier-like tenacity have endeared him to Alex Ferguson and the Old Trafford faithful.

World-Penpix of South Korea squad

SEOUL, June 4 (Reuters) - Penpix of South Korea's 23-man squad for the World Cup in South Africa:

1-Lee Woon-jae (Suwon). Goalkeeper. Born: April 26 1973. Caps 130. Goals 0.

Known as 'Spider Hands', Lee broke Spanish hearts in the 2002 World Cup quarter-finals. Excellent shot-stopper and there are few better in penalty shoot-outs. Suspended from the national team for a year after breaking a team curfew during the 2007 Asian Cup.

21-Kim Young-kwang (Ulsan). Goalkeeper. Born: June 28 1983. Caps 14. Goals 0.

Starting goalkeeper for the Olympic side that made it through the group stage in 2004. Hit with a six-game ban in 2007 after throwing a bottle back into the crowd during a playoff. Went 977 minutes without conceding a goal in 2004.

18-Jung Sung-ryong (Seongnam). Goalkeeper. Born: Jan. 4 1985. Caps 15. Goals 0.

Struggled for playing time thanks to the longevity of Lee Woon-jae but was thrust into the starting slot after Lee's one-year ban and is seen as his successor in the long term.

12-Lee Young-pyo (Al Hilal). Defender. Born: April 23 1977. Caps 112. Goals 5

Explosive left-sided defender who earned rave reviews during the 2002 World Cup and was snapped up by Guus Hiddink when he left Korea to manage PSV Eindhoven. Also played for Tottenham and Borussia Dortmund before joining Al Hilal in 2009.

3-Kim Hyung-il (Pohang). Defender. Born: April 27 1984. Caps 2. Goals 0.

Rising talent who has suffered because of his inexperience and inability to read the game. Hard-working, physical centre-back who gives the team height at the back. Earned first cap against Oman last year.

2-Oh Beom-seok (Ulsan). Defender. Born: July 29 1984. Caps 37. Goals 2.

With the nickname "King of Fouls", Oh is noted for his physical attributes rather than his technique. Enjoyed a year in Russia with Krylya Sovetov but returned to Korea in 2009 after a pay dispute. Oh's father is on the Korea Football Association's technical committee and his sister was a Miss Korea runner-up.

15-Kim Dong-jin (Ulsan). Defender. Born: Jan. 29 1982. Caps 61. Goals 2.

Strong, left-sided defender. Released by Zenit St Petersburg in 2009 due to several fainting episodes and his career looked to be over after he collapsed at national training camp. Was diagnosed with circulation problems in his brain but has recovered and been given full medical clearance.

4-Cho Yong-hyung (Jeju). Defender. Born: Nov. 3 1983. Caps 31. Goals 0.

Elegant Jeju United sweeper who has helped to transform one of the leakiest K-League defences into one of the best. Comfortable in possession but on the slight side for a defender. Can struggle against physical strikers but is a favourite of coach Huh Jung-Moo.

23-Kang Min-soo (Suwon). Defender. Born: Feb. 14 1986. Caps 31. Goals 0.

Not a fans' favourite and unkindly dubbed the "automatic door" after poor performances at club and international level. Was sent off against Japan in 2007 Asian Cup but coach Huh still rates him and he has a chance of starting in South Africa.

14-Lee Jung-soo (Kashima). Defender. Born: Jan. 8 1980. Caps 24. Goals 2.

Pacy centre-back with a decent scoring record. Played for Anyang, FC Seoul, Incheon and Suwon in South Korea before moving to J-League side Kyoto. Signed for Kashima this year. Made his international debut against North Korea in 2008.

22-Cha Du-ri (Freiburg). Defender. Born: July 25 1970. Caps 46. Goals 4.

Son of Korean great Cha Bum-keun, Cha has struggled to emerge from his father's shadow. Lightning quick and with a solid physique, earned the nickname "Human Weapon" for injuring opponents, team mates and coaches in games and during training sessions. Switched to defender in 2006.

7-Park Ji-sung (Manchester United). Midfielder. Born: Feb. 25 1981. Caps 88. Goals 12.

Korean captain Park burst on to the world stage at the 2002 World Cup and has gone from strength to strength since joining Manchester United from PSV Eindhoven in 2005. Nicknamed "Three-lunged Park" for his boundless energy and tenacity.

16-Ki Sung-yong (Celtic). Midfielder. Born: Jan. 24 1989. Caps 21. Goals 4.

Asia's Young Player of the Year in 2009, Ki signed for Celtic in January. Has struggled with the physical Scottish game but impressed with his passing and set-piece expertise. Has developed a formidable midfield partnership with Lee Chung-yong at FC Seoul and in the national side.

17-Lee Chung-yong (Bolton Wanderers). Midfielder. Born: July 2 1988. Caps 23. Goals 3.

Lee and Ki Sung-yong form a partnership dubbed "Double Dragon" at FC Seoul ('yong' means dragon). After a slow start in England, Lee has become a fan favourite with his flair. Lee will provide the width for South Korea in South Africa.

8-Kim Jung-woo (Gwangju). Midfielder. Born: May 9 1982. Caps 54. Goals 4.

Tough-tackling midfielder who played a key role in Ulsan's romp to the K-League championship in 2005. Had a spell in Japan and signed for South Korean military side Gwangju this season. Fiercely competitive and decent on the ball.

5-Kim Nam-il (Tom Tomsk). Midfielder. Born: March 14 1977. Caps 92. Goals 2.

Quietly effective anchorman, dubbed "Vacuum Cleaner" for sucking up errant passes and clean tackling. Shot to fame during South Korea's 2002 World Cup run. Local media coined the term "Kim Nam-il Syndrome" after an avalanche of endorsement offers and outpouring of affection from Korea's female population.

13-Kim Jae-sung (Pohang). Midfielder. Born: Oct. 3.1983. Caps 7. Goals 2.

Key figure in Pohang's AFC Champions League victory last season and is challenging for a place in the national team having scored twice in five appearances.

6-Kim Bo-kyung (Oita Trinita). Midfielder. Born: Oct. 6 1989. Caps 6. Goals 0.

Scored two goals at the under-20 World Cup and earned his first full cap against Zambia in January. Promising rookie who was signed by Osaka in the Japanese league and loaned to Oita Trinita in the second division.

19-Yeom Ki-hun (Suwon). Midfielder. Born March 30 1983. Caps 33. Goals 3.

Broke a bone in his foot in February and has only just made his first appearance of the season in the domestic K-League. Excellent delivery from set pieces. Surprise selection given his history of injuries.

9-Ahn Jung-hwan (Dalian Shide). Forward. Born Jan. 27 1976. Caps 70. Goals 17.

Ahn's golden goal knocked Italy out of the 2002 World Cup and he earned a recall after coach Huh received glowing reports about his form with Dalian Shide. The team's former pin-up boy is one of the most skilful players the country has produced but his questionable work ethic and lack of pace can be his undoing.

10-Park Chu-young (Monaco). Forward. Born July 10 1985. Caps 40. Goals 14.

Once deemed too frail to make the grade, Park has blossomed with Monaco. Broke into FC Seoul's first team in 2005 and finished second in the scoring charts. Won K-League Rookie of the Year award.

20-Lee Dong-guk (Jeonbuk). Forward. Born April 29 1979. Caps 83. Goals 25.

The "Lion King" has been unable to live up to his potential after a succession of injuries. Overlooked by Guus Hiddink in 2002, he was Dick Advocaat's first-choice striker ahead of the 2006 World Cup but tore cruciate ligaments. Resurrected his career by returning to Korea and finished top scorer in 2009.

11-Lee Seung-ryul (FC Seoul). Forward. Born March 6 1989. Caps 9. Goals 3.

Lee was named K-League Rookie of the Year in 2007 and represented the national team at under-18, -20 and -23 level before getting his first senior cap in January.

Roster


Trainer
Huh Jung-Moo 
Goalkeeper
1    Lee Woon-Jae
21    Kim Young-Kwang
18    Jung Sung-Ryong
Defender
12    Lee Young-Pyo  
22    Cha Doo-Ri 
15    Kim Dong-Jin
2    Oh Beom-Seok  
4    Cho Yong-Hyung
14    Lee Jung-Soo
3    Kim Hyung-Il 
23    Kang Min-Soo  
Midfielder
7    Park Ji-Sung 
5    Kim Nam-Il   
8    Kim Jung-Woo  
19    Yeom Ki-Hun   
16    Ki Sung-Yueng  
17    Lee Chung-Yong  
13    Kim Jae-Sung  
6    Kim Bo-Kyung
Forward
20    Lee Dong-Gook  
9    Ahn Jung-Hwan 
10    Park Chu-Young   
11    Lee Seung-Yeoul

 

South Africa TEAMS

Center of attention
Host South Africa is expecting a lot out of speedy 28-year-old midfielder Steven Pienaar, who has gained fame outside of his homeland while starring for Everton of the English Premier League.

World-Everton's Pienaar carries South African hopes

JOHANNESBURG, May 18 (Reuters) - As the subject of speculation over a possible off-season move away from Everton to Manchester United or Tottenham Hotspur, Steven Pienaar has a much higher profile than his South African team mates.

Since the diminutive, sinewy midfielder became a fan favourite at Premier League Everton, Pienaar has aroused expectations back home and will carry the bulk of the hosts' hopes in the World Cup finals.

It is a task the 28-year-old is quite capable of handling but his reserved nature holds him back from publicly claiming a place as talisman of the home team.

Born in the tough, mixed-race Johannesburg neighbourhood of Westbury, Pienaar's singular focus on football allowed him to resist the temptations of drugs and gang warfare that dominated the streets around his boyhood home.

He was sent away as 13-year-old to the South African Football Association's academy and earmarked as a prodigy. But after a multitude of matches for the country's junior teams, he was suddenly deemed too small and physically ineffective to make the professional ranks, and was ignored by most of the country's top sides.

His tireless running, smart positional play and unquestionable appetite for the ball found a home at Ajax Cape Town, where it soon became apparent that the others clubs had made an error of judgement.

From Cape Town he moved in 2001 to Ajax Amsterdam, where he played regularly and successfully in the Dutch league, and earned a transfer to Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga.

South Africa took him to the 2002 World Cup but as a junior squad member he got no playing time and little of a positive experience.

Pienaar found Germany tough, too, and his team mates cold, he has said in interviews. The style of football also passed over his head and left him often sidelined.

His career revived quickly at Everton, first on loan and then as an outright two-million-pound ($3.09-million) purchase by manager David Moyes.

Two full seasons since then have seen Pienaar become an invaluable team member at Goodison Park, despite a long-standing ankle problem that occasionally leaves him sidelined.World-Factbox on South Africa
May 18 (Reuters) - Factbox on World Cup hosts South Africa who are competing in Group A at the finals:

Colours: Yellow shirts and socks, green shorts

Nickname: Bafana Bafana (the young lads)

Previous World Cup appearances: 2: 1998, 2002

Best World Cup performance: Failed to get past the first round in previous appearances

Coach: Carlos Alberto Parreira

Most capped player: Aaron Mokoena 97

Top goalscorer: Benni McCarthy 31

Talking points:

South Africa are hoping the recall of McCarthy, left out of last year's Confederations Cup, will help to end a goal drought although he has lacked form and game time since joining West Ham in January.

Injury means the promising Morgan Gould misses out just when he looked to have gained a regular berth in defence alongside captain Aaron Mokoena. It is not clear who will be the first choice to replace him, with Parreira leaving out the best candidate, Spanish-based Nasief Morris who had a disciplinary issue last year.

Another possible candidate was not even considered: Mbulelo Mabizela, a former captain of the national side and arguably one of South Africa's top defenders, has a long history of getting into trouble, even being sacked by English club Tottenham, and Parreira would have nothing to do with him because of his poor disciplinary record.

Players to watch:

Everton's Steven Pienaar was ranked among the best players in the English Premier League this season but has yet to reproduce his club form at national team. He carries a large burden of expectation. Alongside him in midfield Teko Modise has plenty of potential but seems weighed down in recent times by all the attention he has received.
South Africa Squad - Benni McCarthy Dropped From Bafana Final Squad

Bafana coach Carlos Alberto Parreira and the South African football association have officially submitted their 23-man squad list to FIFA ahead of the World Cup, with the Brazilian coach naming the final team at a press conference this morning.

McCarthy's fitness was said to be the deciding factor, as he seemed unfit compared to those in competition with him. The lack of his name in the list as it was called prompted a surprised reaction from many members of the media at the press conference.

The other three Premier League based players made the final roster, with Aaron Mokoena, Kagisho Dikgacoi and Steven Pienaar set to form the backbone of the squad.

The five players who were dropped from the squad were McCarthy, goalkeeper Rowan Fernandez, youngster Franklin Cale, as well as defenders Bryce Moon and Innocent Mdledle.

Bafana will find a tough task ahead of them in the opening game of the World Cup, as Mexico provide a stern test for the hosts at Soccer City in Johannesburg.
Goalkeepers    -
Itumeleng Khune    Kaizer Chiefs
Moeneeb Josephs    Orlando Pirates
Shu-Aib Walters    Maritzburg United
Defenders    -
Matthew Booth    Mamelodi Sundowns
Siboniso Gaxa    Mamelodi Sundowns
Bongani Khumalo    SuperSport United
Tshepo Masilela    Maccabi Haifa (ISR)
Aaron Mokoena    Portsmouth (ENG)
Anele Ngcongca    Genk (BEL)
Siyabonga Sangweni    Golden Arrows
Lucas Thwala    Orlando Pirates
Midfielders    -
Lance Davids    Ajax Cape Town
Kagisho Dikgacoi    Fulham (ENG)
Thanduyise Khuboni    Golden Arrows
Reneilwe Letsholonyane    Kaizer Chiefs
Teko Modise    Orlando Pirates
Surprise Moriri    Mamelodi Sundowns
Steven Pienaar    Everton (ENG)
Macbeth Sibaya    Rubin Kazan (RUS)
Simphiwe Tshabalala    Kaizer Chiefs
Forwards    -
Katlego Mphela    Mamelodi Sundowns
Siyabonga Nomvete    Moroka Swallows
Bernard Parker    FC Twente (NED)

Slovenia TEAMS

FULL OPTIMISM 
Milivoje Novakovic helped Slovenia upset Russia to make only its third major tournament as an independent nation. Can the Group C underdogs advance to a knockout stage for the first time ever?

World-Slovenia may give premier more boots to shine


LJUBLJANA, May 19 (Reuters) - Soccer often takes a back seat in Slovenia, a country of just two million where winter sports such as Alpine skiing, ski jumping and ice hockey draw bigger crowds than first division matches.

That definitely was not the case after the Slovenians stunned Russia in a World Cup playoff to reach their third major tournament as an independent nation.

The country's celebrations were capped by Prime Minister Borut Pahor fulfilling a promise to clean the players' boots.

"I admit I did not clean them thoroughly," Pahor told Slovenian TV after coming out of the dressing room.

The Slovenians hope to qualify for the knockout stage of a major competition for the first time in South Africa and their qualifying performances give cause for optimism.

Slovenia sprung the first upset when they clinched the runners-up spot in a qualifying group including Slovakia, the Czech Republic and Poland.

They then produced the shock of Europe's play-offs when they knocked out Russia on away goals.

That kind of resilience has been the Slovenian national team's trademark down the years and although they will start as underdogs against England in Group C, they will not fear Algeria or the United States.

Slovenia are a tough side to break down and their back four are superbly marshalled by goalkeeper Samir Handanovic who has made a name for himself in Serie A in three seasons with Udinese.

Wisla Krakow's Andraz Kirm and Bostjan Cesar, who plays for French side Grenoble, were the defensive pillars in Slovenia's qualifying campaign while Valter Birsa of AJ Auxerre pulled the strings in midfield.

The key player on the road to South Africa was 30-year-old Cologne striker Milivoje Novakovic, the top scorer with five goals.

If Slovenia can produce the kind of consistency that took them through the qualifiers, reaching the knockout stage may not be beyond them.

However a thin squad with limited talent is unlikely to progress beyond the last 16 and even that may be too tall an order if any of their main players pick up injuries or suspensions.

World-Factbox on Slovenia
May 19 (Reuters) - Factbox on Slovenia who are competing in Group C at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa:

Colours: Green and white shirts, white shorts and white socks

Nickname: Zmajceki (Dragons)

Previous World Cup Appearances: 1: 2002

Best World Cup performance: group stage in 2002

Coach: Matjaz Kek

Most capped player: Zlatko Zahovic 80

Top scorer: Zlatko Zahovic 35

Talking points:

Slovenia caused a major upset to qualify for the World Cup finals after they knocked out favourites Russia in one of Europe's four play-offs. Coach Matjaz Kek is confident they can reach the last 16 for the first time in a major tournament, but acknowledged his thin squad would have to reproduce their qualifying form. Slovenia are an industrious team with few world-class talents but their work rate can outweigh their weaknesses. It remains to be seen whether gifted youngsters Rene Krhin and Tim Matavz will break into the final 23-man squad.

Players to watch:

Striker Milivoje Novakovic was Slovenia's top scorer in qualifying and the team's chances of reaching the last 16 rest heavily on his clinical finishing. Midfielder Valter Birsa has had an excellent season at Ligue 1 side Auxerre while goalkeeper Jasmin Handanovic appears to have peaked at Serie A club Udinese and the trio should be the backbone of Slovenia's effort to reach uncharted territory in major tournaments, having bowed out of the group stage in Euro 2000 and the 2002 World Cup.


Slovakia Squad - Recovering Liverpool Defender Martin Skrtel Picked
Slovakia coach Vladimir Weiss has announced his confirmed squad for the 2010 World Cup. Weiss cut six players from his provisional 29-man squad.

Nantes goalkeeper Lubos Kamenar, Leeds United defender Lubomir Michalik and Zenit St. Petersburg's Tomas Hubocan were among the players that only just missed out on the final squad.

Weiss did include Liverpool's Martin Skrtel, Besiktas forward Martin Holosko and Robert Vittek of Lille, despite the trio's recent injury concerns.

"There are still some question marks," Weiss said to reporters. "In case of an injury anything can happen."

Slovakia will have to deal with Italy, Paraguay and New Zealand if they are to survive the group stage. They start the tournament with a match against the Kiwis on June 15.
Goalkeepers  
Jan Mucha    Legia Warsaw (POL)
Dusan Kuciak    Vaslui (ROU)
Dusan Pernis    Dundee United (SCO)
Defenders    -
Marek Cech    West Bromwich Albion (ENG)
Jan Durica    Hannover 96 (GER)
Peter Pekarik    Wolfsburg (GER)
Martin Petras    Cesena (ITA)
Kornel Salata    Slovan Bratislava
Martin Skrtel    Liverpool (ENG)
Radoslav Zabavnik    Mainz (GER)
Midfielders    -
Marek Hamsik    Napoli (ITA)
Jan Kozak    Plitechnica
Juraj Kucka    Sparta Prague (CZE)
Marek Sapara    Ankaragucu (TUR)
Stanislav Sestak    Bochum (GER)
Zdeno Strba    Skoda Xanthi
Kamil Kopunek    Spartak Trnava
Miroslav Stoch    Chelsea (ENG)
Vladimir Weiss    Manchester City (ENG)
Forwards    -
Filip Holosko    Besiktas (TUR)
Martin Jakubko    Moskva (RUS)
Erik Jendrisek    Schalke (GER)
Robert Vittek    Lille (FRA)

Slovakia TEAMS

Playing in their first major tournament as an independent nation, Martin Skrtel and Slovakia have a decent chance of making it to the knockout round after a favorable draw in Group F

World-Debutants Slovakia need to keep up qualifying form

BRATISLAVA, May 20 (Reuters) - If World Cup debutants Slovakia can repeat their fine qualifying form in South Africa, they should have a fair chance of reaching the knockout round.

Playing with skill, determination and flair, Slovakia won a qualifying group featuring more established sides such as neighbours Czech Republic and Poland to book their place in the finals and spark raucous celebrations in Bratislava.

A talented generation of players, sharpened up in Europe's big leagues, have given Slovakia hopes of causing an upset or two in their first major tournament as an independent nation.

Midfielder Marek Hamsik, a consistent scorer at Serie A side Napoli, has pace and talent while winger Stanislav Sestak, who plays for Bochum in the Bundesliga, led the way in qualifying with six goals and is finally fulfilling his potential in the national side.

Solid Liverpool centre-back Martin Skrtel should be the third pillar of the side, who face champions Italy, Paraguay and New Zealand in Group F.

"It's not an easy group but it's not the hardest," Skrtel told Reuters in a recent interview. "It's a big thing that we qualified; now I think we can do something good."

Slovakia's only claim on a World Cup past is as part of the former Czechoslovakia, who reached the final in 1934 and again in 1962.

The Czechs have enjoyed more success since they parted company with the Slovaks on Jan. 1, 1993 and they reached the Euro 1996 final.

The Slovakians have captured the bragging rights now though, after getting a win and a draw against the Czech Republic in the qualifiers.

Having never been tested in a major tournament where consistency and fitness in a short timespan is the key, the Slovakians will be something of an unknown quantity in South Africa.

A good start against New Zealand in Rustenburg on June 15 will be essential for the Slovakians and a win would put wind in their sails ahead of a potentially decisive clash with the Paraguayans in Bloemfontein five days later.

World-Factbox on Slovakia

May 20 (Reuters) - Factbox on Slovakia who are competing in Group F at the World Cup in South Africa:

Colours: White shirts, white shorts, blue socks.

Nickname: none

Previous World Cup Appearances: 8 as Czechoslovakia: 1934, 1938, 1954, 1958, 1962, 1970, 1982, 1990.

None as independent nation

Best World Cup performance: runners-up in 1962 as Czechoslovakia

Coach: Vladimir Weiss

Most capped player: Miroslav Karhan 96

Top scorer: Szilard Nemeth 22

Talking points:

Slovakia beat more heralded eastern European rivals Czech Republic and Poland to the top spot in their qualifying group to reach their first major tournament as an independent nation. A relatively kind draw has put them alongside world champions Italy, Paraguay and New Zealand in the finals but their progress to the last 16 depends heavily on their ability to reproduce their best qualifying form. Slovakia showed good attacking skills and solid defensive form on the road to South Africa, but emulating Czechoslovakia's 1962 run will be a far-fetched dream for the World Cup debutants.

Players to watch:

Vladimir Weiss junior, the coach's son, could be one of Slovakia's secret weapons while Marek Hamsik and Stanislav Sestak are expected to be the team's outstanding players. Sestak was the team's top scorer in qualifying with six goals. Martin Skrtel has recovered from a long-term injury and needs to find his best form quickly to make the defence strong.
Slovakia Squad - Recovering Liverpool Defender Martin Skrtel Picked
Slovakia coach Vladimir Weiss has announced his confirmed squad for the 2010 World Cup. Weiss cut six players from his provisional 29-man squad.

Nantes goalkeeper Lubos Kamenar, Leeds United defender Lubomir Michalik and Zenit St. Petersburg's Tomas Hubocan were among the players that only just missed out on the final squad.

Weiss did include Liverpool's Martin Skrtel, Besiktas forward Martin Holosko and Robert Vittek of Lille, despite the trio's recent injury concerns.

"There are still some question marks," Weiss said to reporters. "In case of an injury anything can happen."

Slovakia will have to deal with Italy, Paraguay and New Zealand if they are to survive the group stage. They start the tournament with a match against the Kiwis on June 15.
Goalkeepers    
Jan Mucha    Legia Warsaw (POL)
Dusan Kuciak    Vaslui (ROU)
Dusan Pernis    Dundee United (SCO)
Defenders    -
Marek Cech    West Bromwich Albion (ENG)
Jan Durica    Hannover 96 (GER)
Peter Pekarik    Wolfsburg (GER)
Martin Petras    Cesena (ITA)
Kornel Salata    Slovan Bratislava
Martin Skrtel    Liverpool (ENG)
Radoslav Zabavnik    Mainz (GER)
Midfielders    -
Marek Hamsik    Napoli (ITA)
Jan Kozak    Plitechnica
Juraj Kucka    Sparta Prague (CZE)
Marek Sapara    Ankaragucu (TUR)
Stanislav Sestak    Bochum (GER)
Zdeno Strba    Skoda Xanthi
Kamil Kopunek    Spartak Trnava
Miroslav Stoch    Chelsea (ENG)
Vladimir Weiss    Manchester City (ENG)
Forwards    -
Filip Holosko    Besiktas (TUR)
Martin Jakubko    Moskva (RUS)
Erik Jendrisek    Schalke (GER)
Robert Vittek    Lille (FRA)

Serbia TEAMS

A strong start is key to coach Radomir Antic getting Serbia on the right track in its first major tournament as an independent nation. The deep Serbian team could easily be one of the Cup's dark horses.

World-Serbian strength in depth can dispel fiasco of 2006

BELGRADE, May 19 (Reuters) - Serbia's chances of progressing to the last 16 in South Africa are likely to hinge on a fast start and a renewed belief in their strength in depth that has left them sadly lacking in previous major tournaments.




Local media gave Serbia only a slim chance of reaching the 2010 World Cup after their failure to qualify for Euro 2008 under Spaniard Javier Clemente was followed by a five-match winless streak under Miroslav Djukic.

He was sacked to make way for Radomir Antic and there was little in the early stages of his reign to suggest the former Real Madrid and Barcelona coach had the magic ingredients to restore Serbia's fortunes.

An unimpressive 2-0 win over Faroe Islands in the opening match was followed by a 2-1 defeat in France, but six wins and a draw followed to secure Serbia's passage with one match to spare.

Serbia qualified for their first major tournament as an independent nation under Antic but whether they can live up to growing expectations at home in the finals will largely depend on their ability to cope with a tough tournament schedule.

Qualifiers in Europe are played over a period of 14 months and the format allows all entrants enough time to prepare for each battle on the road to the finals, which is often essential to second-tier teams such as Serbia.

The gruelling, 32-team tournament in South Africa leaves no room for error, with three group games crammed into 10 days followed by three knockout rounds leading up to the final.

Depth in the squad becomes essential when injuries and suspensions mount and although Serbia now appear to have their strongest outfit in the past few years, they will be wary of the 2006 World Cup fiasco when they crashed out with three group-stage defeats as Serbia and Montenegro.

Their chances of reaching the last 16 from Group D including 2006 semi-finalists Germany, Australia and Ghana may rest heavily on the outcome of their opening match against the Ghanaians in Pretoria on June 13.

A winning start would boost their confidence ahead of the match with Germany in Port Elizabeth on June 18.

The Serbians have never beaten a top team either as an independent nation or as Serbia and Montenegro, the 6-0 drubbing by Argentina in the 2006 World Cup being their lowest ebb in a major tournament.

However, the strength of the current crop, including a wealth of experience epitomised by big names such as Manchester United's Nemanja Vidic and Inter Milan midfielder Dejan Stankovic, coupled with several talented players in their prime, suggests they could be one of the dark horses of the tournament.
World-Factbox on Serbia

May 19 (Reuters) - Factbox on Serbia who are competing in Group D at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa:


Colours: Red shirts, blue shorts and white socks

Nickname: Orlovi (Eagles)

Previous World Cup Appearances: 9 as part of former Yugoslavia (1930, 1950, 1954, 1958, 1962, 1974, 1982, 1990, 1998). One as Serbia and Montenegro (2006). None as an independent nation.

Best World Cup performance: (Semi-finals 1930 and fourth place 1962 as part of former Yugoslavia).

Coach: Radomir Antic

Most capped player: Savo Milosevic 102

Top scorer: Savo Milosevic 37

Talking points:

Long-term injuries to defender Ivica Dragutinovic and midfielder Bosko Jankovic have forced changes in the squad as both would have been certain candidates for the finals. Forward Danko Lazovic's participation is also hanging in the balance after he sustained a thigh injury. Serbia may take four goalkeepers to South Africa with Andjelko Djuricic coming into the frame after a good season with his Portuguese club Nacional. In their first appearance as an independent nation, Serbia aim to impress after disappointing in a group stage exit as Serbia and Montenegro in the 2006 World Cup in Germany.

Players to watch:

Antic has tipped towering striker Nikola Zigic to be one of the tournament's outstanding players while 2009 Serbian player of the year Milos Krasic and top scorer in qualifying Milan Jovanovic should add bite to Serbia's attack. Nemanja Vidic is expected to marshal the back four and captain Dejan Stankovic is playing in what could be his last major tournament.
Official Serbia Squad - Goalkeeper Zeljko Brkic Dropped

After training with a group of 24 at their camp in Austria, the Vojvodina Novi Sad shot stopper was axed leaving club-mate Dragan Mrdja and Radosav Petrovic of Partizan as the only two home-based players in the final 23.

"I had to leave one player out and such a decision is never easy to make. I told Zeljko that being in the training camp should be a stimulus for his career and that I still will count on him," Antic was quoted as saying by the Associated Press.

Serbia have two more warm-up games prior to opening their World Cup account against Ghana on June 13.


Goalkeepers -
Vladimir Stojkovic Sporting CP (POR)
Bojan Isailovic Zaglebie Lubin (POL)
Andjelko Djuricic Uniao Leiria (POR)
Defenders -
Branislav Ivanovic Chelsea (ENG)
Antonio Rukavina 1860 Munich (GER)
Nemanja Vidic Manchester United (ENG)
Neven Subotic Borussia Dortmund (GER)
Aleksandar Lukovic Udinese (ITA)
Ivan Obradovic Zaragoza (ESP)
Aleksandar Kolarov Lazio (ITA)
Midfielders -
Dejan Stankovic Inter (ITA)
Gojko Kacar Hertha Berlin (GER)
Nenad Milijas Wolverhampton Wanderers (ENG)
Radosav Petrovic Partizan
Zdravko Kuzmanovic Stuttgart (GER)
Milos Krasic CSKA Moscow (RUS)
Zoran Tosic Manchester United (ENG)
Milos Ninkovic Dynamo Kiev (UKR)
Milan Jovanovic Standard Liege (BEL)
Forwards -
Nikola Zigic Birmingham City (ENG)
Marko Pantelic Ajax (NED)
Danko Lazovic Zenit St. Petersburg (RUS)
Dragan Mrdja Vojvodina Novi Sad

Portugal TEAMS

Regardless of how talented the rest of its squad may be, Portugal begins and ends with superstar forward Cristiano Ronaldo. Can the world's most expensive player help Portugal match its 2006 World Cup fourth-place finish or even exceed it?


World-Portugal's progress rests on Ronaldo's shoulders


LISBON, May 21 (Reuters) - Portugal's chances of success at the World Cup depend largely on the form of Cristiano Ronaldo but also on whether they can turn their stylish approach play into enough goals.

Matching their fourth place in Germany 2006 will be a tall order, particularly as the Portuguese -- often compared to the Brazilians because of their technical skills -- have been drawn in a tough group that includes Brazil.

Portugal must first play Didier Drogba-led Ivory Coast and North Korea in Group G.

"Ivory Coast is considered to be the team from Africa most likely to get a great result at the World Cup," Portugal coach Carlos Queiroz told reporters. "For us, the first game (Ivory Coast) will be the decisive game in this campaign."

Ronaldo did not score or perform spectacularly in the qualifiers, but a strong debut season for Real Madrid and a desire to outshine Argentina's Lionel Messi may give the winger the impetus to reveal his best form.

Portugal's prospects will also depend on their other forwards leaving their goalscoring troubles behind in Europe. The side struggled in the early qualifiers, missing chance after chance, and had to produce a late surge to reach the finals.

Queiroz then brought in Brazil-born striker Liedson, who chipped in with two important goals. If he and/or Ronaldo hits form, with Nani, Simao and Deco providing the bullets, Portugal could be very hard to stop.

Portugal also have quality at the back even without injured right back Jose Bosingwa, but Pepe would be badly missed if he fails to recover from a knee injury.

World Cup-Factbox on Portugal

May 21 (Reuters) - Factbox on Portugal who are competing in Group G at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa:


Colours: Red shirts with horizontal green stripe, white shorts and green socks.

Nickname: Seleccao das Quinas (Team of the five shields)

Previous World Cup appearances: 4: 1966, 1986, 2002, 2006

Best World Cup performance: 3rd place, 1966

Coach: Carlos Queiroz

Most capped player: Luis Figo 127

Top goalscorer: Pauleta 47

Talking points:

Cristiano Ronaldo is likely to keep the captaincy even though many fans feel he is not a natural leader like Luis Figo. Pepe's value to the team in qualifying is beyond doubt but he is returning from a lengthy injury and there are doubts over whether Queiroz will use him from the start. Queiroz's own performance will also be in the spotlight after Portugal limped to qualification. He appears to have the backing of the federation chief but a tense relationship with the media and fans could turn sour if Portugal struggle.

Player to watch:

Ronaldo, of course. After a strong debut season with Real Madrid, he is keen to outdo rival Lionel Messi after the Argentine replaced him as world player of the year.
Official Portugal Squad - Ze Casto Dropped From Seleccao

Portugal have announced that Deportivo la Coruna defender Ze Castro is the player to be ommited from the final 23-man squad for the World Cup.

The Seleccao boss Carlos Queiroz had named 24 players for his preliminary squad for the competition with fears that Real Madrid defender Pepe would not be fit for South Africa.

Ze Castro had been linked with the drop since the weekend, and the Portuguese Football Federation has now confirmed the reports on its official website.

A statement issued by the federation read, "The national coach, Carlos Queiroz, wants to thank the professionalism, commitment and sense of responsibility that Ze Castro demonstrated in the days he was part of the national squad's training camp."

Portugal, who have been draw in Group G along with the Ivory Coast, Brazil and North Korea, will kick off their World Cup campaign against the Elephants on June 15th at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth.

The Seleccao, who are currently up 2-0 against Cameroon, will play one more pre-World Cup friendly, against Mozambique, on June 8th.

Portugal World Cup squad
Goalkeepers -
Eduardo Sporting de Braga
Daniel Fernandes Iraklis
Beto FC Porto
Defenders -
Miguel Valencia
Ricardo Costa Lille
Paulo Ferreira Chelsea
Ricardo Carvalho Chelsea
Bruno Alves FC Porto
Rolando FC Porto
Pepe Real Madrid
Midfielders -
Fabio Coentrao SL Benfica
Duda Malaga
Pedro Mendes Sporting CP
Tiago Juventus
Deco Chelsea
Raul Meireles FC Porto
Miguel Veloso Sporting CP
Simao Sabrosa Atletico Madrid
Danny Zenit
Nani Manchester United
Forwards -
Cristiano Ronaldo Real Madrid
Liedson Sporting CP
Hugo Almeida Werder Bremen

Paraguay TEAMS

Paraguay heads to South Africa without emblematic striker Salvador Cabanas (left), who is recovering after being shot in a bar in January. His replacement is Argentine-born Lucas Barrios.

ASUNCION, May 20 (Reuters) - Paraguay's goal is to go further than ever at the World Cup by reaching the last eight with a more attacking game than in the past, based on the experience of their leading players.

They go to South Africa shocked by the shooting of their emblematic striker Salvador Cabanas in a Mexico City bar in January, and determined to do well for their team mate who is recovering at a rehabilitation centre.

Paraguayans believe the team will finish in the top two of a relatively comfortable group with holders Italy, leaving Slovenia and New Zealand in their wake, though some fear a repeat of their disappointing 2006 finals when they failed to progress from the opening round.

Paraguay, overshadowed in South America by big neighbours Argentina and Brazil, have changed their game under Argentine coach Gerardo Martino, putting greater emphasis on attack and not depending solely on solid defence and aerial power, their traditional strengths.

In the last decade they have come to rival other teams for the third spot in South America's hierarchy. They qualified third behind Brazil and Chile but ahead of Argentina and Uruguay, despite a domestic game of limited resources.

Martino's plans took a nasty knock with the shooting of Cabanas, a key figure on and off the pitch, and he has sought to replace him beyond Paraguayan borders with the naturalisation of Argentine-born striker Lucas Barrios which came through just in time.

It helped that Barrios, who scored 19 goals in his first season in the Bundesliga, plays alongside Paraguay striker Nelson Haedo Valdez at Borussia Dortmund and did not look likely to be called up by Argentina coach Diego Maradona.

Barrios, whose mother is Paraguayan, would fit in more quickly to the team set-up, having played with Haedo Valdez, argued Martino when confronted with criticism of the choice.

Martino has two more top strikers in Roque Santa Cruz and Oscar Cardozo and a midfield mix that includes two more Argentine-born players, Jonathan Santana and Nestor Ortigoza, who shared the junior ranks at Buenos Aires club Argentinos Juniors with Barrios.

"Whether we are strong (enough) or not, I don't know, but I do know we'll give all (our opponents) a fight," Martino said.

World-Factbox on Paraguay


ASUNCION, May 20 (Reuters) - Factbox on the Paraguay team who are competing in Group F at the World Cup in South Africa:

Colours: Red and white striped shirt, blue shorts, blue socks.

Nickname: La albirroja (the white and red)

Previous World Cup appearances - 7: 1930, 1950, 1958, 1986, 1998, 2002, 2006

Best World Cup performance: second round 1986, 1998, 2002

Coach: Gerardo Martino (Argentine)

Most capped player: Carlos Gamarra 110

Top goalscorer: Jose Saturnino Cardozo 25

Talking points:

The loss of Salvador Cabanas, recovering after being shot in the head in an argument in a Mexico City bar in January, might affect Paraguay's chances.

Coach Martino has a policy of calling up naturalised players, with four Argentine-born men in his provisional 30-man squad.

Players to watch:

The Borussia Dortmund strike pair of Nelson Haedo Valdez and Lucas Barrios, if he makes the cut for the 23-man squad. Fellow striker Oscar Cardozo has been in fine scoring form for Benfica, while Roque Santa Cruz stands out for his experience.

Paraguay Squad - Lucas Barrios Makes Gerardo Martino's Final 23

Paraguay coach Gerardo Martino confirmed his final 23-man squad for the World Cup this evening, and Argentinian-born Lucas Barrios will be delighted to have made the cut.

The Dortmund striker, who only declared for Paraguay last month, scored on his debut last week against Republic Of Ireland before making it two in two against Ivory Coast last night.

Despite his initial heroics, Barrios is expected to start on the bench this summer with Roque Santa Cruz likely to partner Nelson Valdez in attack.

Monterrey midfielder Osvaldo Martinez will probably be the most disappointed of the names left out by Martino but there were no major surprises.

Paraguay have been drawn in Group F alongside New Zealand, Slovakia and Italy.

Goalkeepers
Justo Villar Valladolid (ESP)
Aldo Bobadilla Deportivo Medellin (COL)
Diego Barreto Cerro Porteno
Defenders
Claudio Morel Rodriguez Boca Juniors (ARG)
Denis Caniza Leon (MEX)
Paulo da Silva Sunderland (ENG)
Dario Veron Pumas (MEX)
Julio Cesar Caceres Atletico Mineiro (BRA)
Carlos Bonet Olimpia
Aureliano Torres San Lorenzo (ARG)
Antolin Alcaraz Wigan Athletic (ENG)
Midfielders
Edgar Barreto Atalanta (ITA)
Cristian Riveros Sunderland (ENG)
Victor Caceres
Enrique Vera Liga De Quito (ECU)
Jonathan Santana Wolfsburg (GER)
Nestor Ortigoza Argentinos Juniors (ARG)
Forwards
Roque Santa Cruz Manchester City (ENG)
Nelson Haedo Valdez Borussia Dortmund (GER)
Oscar Cardozo Benfica (POR)
Edgar Benitez Pachuca (MEX)
Lucas Barrios Borussia Dortmund (GER)
Rodolfo Gamarra Libertad


Trainer
Gerardo Martino
Goalkeeper
22 Aldo Bobadilla
1 Justo Villar
12 Diego Barreto
Defender
4 Denis Caniza
14 Paulo da Silva
2 Darío Verón
3 Claudio Morel
5 Julio César Cáceres
21 Antolín Alcaraz
17 Aureliano Torres
13 Enrique Vera
Midfielder
6 Carlos Bonet
8 Edgar Barreto
17 Aureliano Torres
16 Cristián Riveros
11 Jonathan Santana
13 Enrique Vera
15 Víctor Caceres
20 Néstor Ortigoza
Forward
9 Roque Santa Cruz
18 Nelson Valdez
10 Edgar Benitez
7 Oscar Cardozo
23 Rodolfo Gamarra

korea teams

With a lot of focus on its off-field issues and a lack of top talent, North Korea didn't get any help in its group stage draw of Brazil, Portugal and the Ivory Coast. Regardless, North Korea hopes it can turn a few heads in its first World Cup finals since 1966

World-North Korea face struggle to make their point
SEOUL, May 21 (Reuters) - Full of endeavour and defensive discipline but lacking true top-class talent, North Korea will be lucky to earn a point from the group stage of the World Cup.

The North Koreans are appearing in their first World Cup finals since a remarkable run to the quarter-finals in 1966 and they could not have been handed a more difficult draw than Group G where they play Brazil, Portugal and Ivory Coast.

Little was also expected of them 44 years ago before the mystery men from the North beat Italy 1-0 to make the last eight, then led Portugal 3-0 before a Eusebio-inspired fightback earned the Europeans a 5-3 win.

However, this time the North Koreans may prove a handful off the pitch as evidenced by their qualifying campaign.

After they refused to play South Korea's national anthem or raise its flag for qualifiers in Pyongyang, FIFA had to move the matches to Shanghai to avoid a full-scale diplomatic row.

Following a 1-0 defeat to the South in a qualifier in Seoul last April, North Korea lodged a protest with FIFA saying that their players' food had been tampered with and that the referee had been biased.

"The match thus turned into a theatre of plot-breeding and swindling," the North said in a statement.

With the eyes of the world upon them, North Korea will be under pressure to abide by FIFA's Fair Play directive on and off the field.

Increased political tension between North and South could be a backdrop to the finals after Seoul accused its neighbour of torpedoing one of its warships and vowed to take "firm" measures. (Writing by Peter Rutherford in Singapore, Editing by Robert Woodward;
World-Factbox on North Korea
May 21 (Reuters) - Factbox on North Korea who are competing in Group G at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa:

Colours: All red

Nickname: Chollima (Mythical Korean winged horse)

Previous World Cup appearances: one

Best World Cup performance: Quarter-finals, 1966

Coach: Kim Jong-hun

Talking points:

North Korea's return to the World Cup finals has rekindled memories of their dream run to the quarter-finals in 1966 in England. However, it is their behaviour off the field that is likely to draw most attention. In a controversial qualifying campaign, the North refused to play the South's anthem or raise the South's flag in Pyongyang, forcing their matches to be moved to Shanghai. They also protested to FIFA that their players were poisoned before a match in Seoul. Tension between the two countries rose this week when South Korea accused the North of torpedoing one of its warships.

Player to watch:

Jong Tae-se. Dubbed the "People's Wayne Rooney" by Asian media, Jong's bustling, all-action style keeps defenders on their toes for 90 minutes. The Japan-based striker is the North's main scoring threat and needs no invitation to have a crack at goal.

World-Factbox on North Korea

May 21 (Reuters) - Factbox on North Korea who are competing in Group G at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa:

Colours: All red

Nickname: Chollima (Mythical Korean winged horse)

Previous World Cup appearances: one

Best World Cup performance: Quarter-finals, 1966

Coach: Kim Jong-hun

Talking points:

North Korea's return to the World Cup finals has rekindled memories of their dream run to the quarter-finals in 1966 in England. However, it is their behaviour off the field that is likely to draw most attention. In a controversial qualifying campaign, the North refused to play the South's anthem or raise the South's flag in Pyongyang, forcing their matches to be moved to Shanghai. They also protested to FIFA that their players were poisoned before a match in Seoul. Tension between the two countries rose this week when South Korea accused the North of torpedoing one of its warships.

Player to watch:

Jong Tae-se. Dubbed the "People's Wayne Rooney" by Asian media, Jong's bustling, all-action style keeps defenders on their toes for 90 minutes. The Japan-based striker is the North's main scoring threat and needs no invitation to have a crack at goal.
World-Penpix of North Korea's squad
SEOUL, June 4 (Reuters) - Penpix of North Korea's 23-man squad for the World Cup in South Africa:

1-Ri Myong-guk (Pyongyang City). Goalkeeper. Born Sept. 9 1986. Caps 29.Goals 0.

North Korea's "Gatekeeper of the Iron Wall" is reported to belt out the national anthem when the chips are down to inspire his team mates. Originally joined Pyongyang as a striker but when coaches suggested he try goalkeeping as a way to help the country's national team he threw himself into the position.

20-Kim Myong-won (Amrokgang). Goalkeeper/Forward. Born July 15 1983. Caps 9. Goals 0.

Like many of his international team mates, plays for Amrokgang who won the North Korean league title in 2007. Has earned nine caps as a forward but designated a goalkeeper in the North's 23-man squad. FIFA rules maintain each squad must have three eligible keepers.

18-Kim Myong-gil (Amrokgang). Goalkeeper. Born Oct. 16 1984. Caps 11.

He was the number one keeper until Ri graduated to the side. Was part of North Korea's failed attempt to reach the 2006 World Cup finals.

2-Cha Jong-hyok (Amrokgang). Defender. Born Sept. 25 1985. Defender. Caps 32. Goals 0.

Made a brief appearance during the qualifiers four years ago, when North Korea failed to reach the finals, and has now established himself as a regular.

3-Ri Jun-il (Sobaeksu). Defender. Born Aug. 24 1987. Caps 27. Goals 0.

Usually deployed as a sweeper and controls the defence. Has been a fixture in the side throughout World Cup qualifying.

5-Ri Kwang-chon (April 25). Defender. Born Sept. 4 1985. Caps 41. Goals 1.

Usually one of the first names coach Kim Jong-hun's puts on his team sheet. Was on the side that failed to qualify for the 2006 World Cup finals.

16-Nam Song-chol (April 25). Defender. Born May 7 1982. Caps 42. Goals 1.

A fixture on the left side of the team's five-man defence. Shared the job of captain with Hong Yong-jo during the qualifiers.

21-Ri Kwang-hyok (Kyonggongop). Defender. Born Aug. 17 1987. Caps 15. Goals 0.

Came up through North Korea's youth system and was one of the squad at the 2007 under-20 World Cup.

13-Pak Chol-jin (Amrokgang). Defender. Born Sept. 5 1985. Caps 35. Goals 0.

Experienced central defender who was part of the failed attempt to qualify for the World Cup four years ago.

14-Pak Nam-chol (Amrokgang). Defender. Born Oct. 3 1988. Caps 12. Goals 0.

The younger of two players with the same name, he played four of North Korea's World Cup qualifiers but has yet to win a regular starting spot.

17-An Yong-hak (Omiya Ardija). Midfielder. Born Aug. 25 1978. Caps 24. Goals 2.

Veteran presence in the North's midfield, An plays the anchor role to good effect but can also support the forwards in a more advanced role. Spent three years in South Korea with Busan and Suwon before joining J-League side Omiya this season.

15-Kim Yong-jun (Pyongyang City). Midfielder. Born July 19 1983. Caps 53. Goals 7.

Right-footed defensive midfielder who played two seasons in China with second division club Yanbian in an ethnic Korean area close to the North Korea border. Moved to top-flight Chengdu Blades, who are owned by England's Sheffield United, in 2008 but left the club after one season.

8-Ji Yun-nam (April 25). Midfielder. Born Nov. 20 1976. Caps 22. Goals 2.

Left wing-back who returned to the team only in the later stages of the qualifiers, after being part of the 2006 squad.

11-Mun In-guk (April 25). Midfielder. Born Sept. 29 1978. Caps 42. Goals 6.

Dynamic player whose hard work is vital to North Korea's midfield.

19-Ri Chol-myong (Pyongyang City). Midfielder. Born Feb. 18 1988. Caps 13. Goals 1.

Played only one of North Korea's qualifiers for this World Cup. Was a member of the team that finished runners-up in the 2004 Asian under-17 championship.

23-Pak Sung-hyok (Sobaeksu). Born. 30.5.90. Midfielder. Caps 6. Goals 0.

No Information available

4-Pak Nam-chol (April 25). Midfielder. Born July 2 1985. Caps 36. Goals 5.

The older Pak Nam-chol has been a fixture of North Korea's midfield since 2005.

22-Kim Kyong-il. (Rimyongsu). Midfielder. Born Dec. 11 1988. Caps 7. Goals 0.

Played at the under-17 world championships in 2005 and the under-20 World Cup in 2007.

10-Hong Yong-jo (Rostov). Forward. Born May 22 1982. Caps 40. Goals 11.

The North Korea captain leads from the front and his European experience with Russian club FC Rostov will be vital in South Africa. Delivered some key goals in qualifying including a penalty in the 1-1 draw against bitter rivals South Korea.

9-Jong Tae-se (Kawasaki Frontale). Forward. Born March 2 1984. Caps 21. Goals 14.

Dubbed the 'People's Wayne Rooney' by Asian media, Jong's bustling, all-action style keeps defenders on their toes for 90 minutes. The Japan-based striker is his team's main goal threat and needs no invitation to have a crack at goal.

6-Kim Kum-il (April 25). Forward. Born Oct. 10 1987. Caps 12. Goals 1.

Bagged four goals in North Korea's AFC Youth Championship-winning side in 2006 and was named player of the tournament. Captained the side at the FIFA under-20 World Cup in 2007 in Canada, scoring against Czech Republic.

7-An Chol-hyok (Rimyongsu). Forward. Born June 27 1985. Caps 15. Goals 7.

Four of his goals for the national side came in one match, against Guam in an East Asian championship game. Not a regular starter for the team.

12-Choe Kum-chol (Rimyongsu). Forward. Born Feb. 9 1987. Caps 16. Goals 5.

Rarely starts a game for the national side but coach Kim likes to send him on to bolster the attack if one of the regular strikers is off form.

(Compiled by Peter Rutherford)

Goalkeeper
18    Kim Myong Gil  
1    Ri Myong Guk  
Defender
4    Pak Nam Chol 1  
16    Nam Song Chol  
5    Ri Kwang Chon   
2    Cha Jong Hyok   
3    Ri Jun Il  
14    Pak Nam Chol 2  

21    Ri Kwang Hyok 

13    Pak Chol Jin  
8    Ji Yun Nam   
9    Jong Tae Se   
Midfielder
11    Mun In Guk   
17    An Yong Hak  
4    Pak Nam Chol 1  
15    Kim Yong Jun  


6    Kim Kum Il 
22    Kim Kyong Il  
8    Ji Yun Nam 
19    Ri Chol Myong  
23    Pak Sung Hyok   
Forward
10    Hong Young Jo  
20    Kim Myong Won 
7    An Chol Hyok   
12    Choe Kum Chol   
9    Jong Tae Se

Nigeria TEAMS

There's no doubt about the striking potential of Yakubu Aiyegbeni (L) and Obafemi Martins. Whether or not a new coach and the rest of the Nigerian squad can back them up is another story altogether.

World-Coaching change makes life hard for Nigeria

ABUJA, May 18 (Reuters) - With arguably the best draw of the six African nations at the World Cup, Nigeria should have high hopes of progressing into the second round.

A change of coach only months before the finals in South Africa, however, disrupted preparations for the Super Eagles and the incoming Lars Lagerback had little time to get to know his squad.

Lagerback, who took his native Sweden to the last two World Cups, has been charged with giving Nigeria back a winning edge, something that was missing at their last tournament, the African Nations Cup finals in January in Angola.

There they limped along, devoid of confidence and disjointed in their approach. It took several turns of good fortune for them to reach the semi-finals but they never looked potential winners.

When they went home with bronze medals, coach Shaibu Amodu was fired.

Nigeria have advanced past the opening group stage twice in their three previous World Cup finals appearances, evidence of the potential of Africa's most populous nation.

This time they are drawn in Group B, where Argentina are the favourites but both Greece and South Korea are seen as beatable.

Nigeria demolished the Greeks in the United States in 1994 when both countries were making their maiden World Cup finals appearance.

Nigeria have been unable to find anyone to successfully fill the midfield playmaking role previously occupied by Jay-Jay Okocha and Sunday Oliseh.

The current squad have an excess of defensively-minded, ball-winning, holding midfielders but none who have the ability to dictate the pace of the game from behind the forward line, spray incisive passes and set up clever opportunities.

This leaves the formidable strike pairing of Yakubu Aiyegbeni and Obafemi Martins without the service to match their ability. Nigeria does have strong attacking players on the flanks to unlock defences and a tough defensive unit, albeit prone to the occasional extravagant gaffe.

Fullback Taye Taiwo, who lost his place during the Nations Cup but is still expected to be a starter for Nigeria's opener against Argentina on June 12, has a formidable shot that is most effective at free kicks. (Writing by Mark Gleeson in Johannesburg;
World-Factbox on Nigeria

May 18 (Reuters) - Factbox on Nigeria who are competing in Group B at the World Cup in South Africa:

Colours: Green shirts, socks and shorts, all with white trim

Nickname: Super Eagles

Previous World Cup appearances: 3: 1994, 1998, 2002

Best World Cup performance: Reached the second round in 1994 and 1998

Coach: Lars Lagerback

Most capped player: Nwankwo Kanu 83

Top goalscorer: Rashidi Yekini 37

Talking points:

Nigeria changed their coach yet again at the end of February, giving the new incumbent, Swede Lagerback, little time to prepare for the World Cup. His predecessor, Shaibu Amodu, was sacked after the team lost to Ghana in the African Nations Cup semi-finals. The same fate befell Amodu in 2002 when he was fired months before the World Cup and replaced by Festus Onigbinde.

Nigeria have always been a country of much potential but the kneejerk reaction of officials to setbacks means there is little chance to build continuity.

Players to watch:

A powerful strike force gives Nigeria fearsome potential with Yakubu Aiyegbeni and Obafemi Martins having the potential to unlock any defence, and they are supplemented by the wing play of Chinedu Obasi and Peter Odemwingie.

John Obi Mikel should recover from injury in time and be the key midfielder, although Nigeria make him push too far forward where his lack of pace and incisive passing counts against him. (Compiled by Mark Gleeson in Johannesburg; Editing by Clare Fallon;


Nigeria Squad - Coach Lars Lagerback Leaves Ike Uche And Victor Anichebe Out Of Final 23
Joining the duo are Peter Utaka, Onyekachi Apam, Brown Ideye and the two domestic players Bassey Akpan and Terna Suswan.

The Swede announced the list to the players at a meeting where he called the affected players together and explained to them why they were being dropped.

"He called them together and explained that time was too short, and that injuries were also a factor," Super Eagles Media Officer Idah Peterside told KickOffNigeria.com.

More importantly, Peterside said Lagerback assured the players that in the unlikely event of injury to any player on the 23-man squad before kickoff, he would look no farther than that seven-man group. The contingent leaves for South Africa later today.

The Super Eagles are drawn in Group B alongside Argentina, Greece and South Korea.Goalkeepers    -
Vincent Enyeama    Hapoel Tel Aviv (ISR)
Dele Ayenugba    Beni Yehuda (ISR)
Austin Ejide    Hapoel Petah Tikvah (ISR)
Defenders    -
Taye Taiwo    Marseille (FRA)
Joseph Yobo    Everton (ENG)
Danny Shittu    Bolton Wanderers (ENG)
Elderson Echiejile    Rennes (FRA)
Ayodele Adeleye    Sparta Rotterdam (NED)
Chidi Odiah    CSKA Moscow (RUS)
Rabiu Afolabi    SV Salzburg (AUS)
Midfielders    -
Nwankwo Kanu    Portsmouth (ENG)
Dickson Etuhu    Fulham (ENG)
Mikel John Obi    Chelsea (ENG)
Sani Kaita    Alanya (RUS)
Yusuf Ayila    Dynamo Kiev (UKR)
Kalu Uche    Almeria (SPA)
Haruna Lukman    Monaco (FRA)
Forwards    -
Yakubu Ayegbeni    Everton (ENG)
Chinedu Obasi    Hoffenheim (GER)
Obafemi Martins    Wolfsburg (GER)
Obinna Nsofor    Malaga (SPA)
John Utaka    Portsmouth (ENG)
Osaze Odemwingie    Lokomotiv (RUS)

Trainer
Lars Lagerbäck  
Goalkeeper
16    Austin Ejide 
1    Vincent Enyeama  
23    Dele Aiyenugba 
Defender
2    Joseph Yobo 
5    Rabiu Afolabi  
8    Yakubu Aiyegbeni  
6    Danny Shittu  
17    Chidi Odiah  
3    Taye Taiwo   
22    Dele Adeleye   
21    Uwa Echiejile  
Midfielder
4    Nwankwo Kanu   
20    Dickson Etuhu   
12    Kalu Uche  
13    Ayila Yussuf  
19    Chinedu Obasi   
14    Sani Kaita 
15    Lukman Haruna  
Forward
4    Nwankwo Kanu   
8    Yakubu Aiyegbeni  
7    John Utaka
9    Obafemi Martins   
11    Peter Odemwingie   
19    Chinedu Obasi  
18    Obinna   
10    Ideye Brown