Archive for the ‘Nigeria’ Category
World Cup: Group B Preview
Group B, projected order of finish (top two, in bold, to advance):
Argentina, Nigeria, Greece, South Korea.
Comments:
This is a pretty strong group with no real weak sibling but with each team having weaknesses.Any of these teams could advance. Any could finish bottom of the group.
Argentina is led by a hero and madman in the form of national legend Diego Maradona, who has shown no actual capacity to manage. The Argentinians have other-worldy superstar Lionel Messi, the best player in the world but one who has almost never stepped up wearing the national colors. Still, much is expected from Argentina’s footballers because, well, much is always expected. If Albicelestas (cleverly: light blue and whites) go deep into the tournament Maradona’s legend will only grow.
Nigeria’s Super Eagles reflect their country quite well– they possess immense potential but too often succumb to chaos and disarray. Formidable physically, they come from a football culture that can best be described as riven by political infighting. Nigeria has a stout defense, so if someone (Peter Odemwingie perhaps?) steps up to score, expect the Nigerians to carry the hopes of the most populous nation in Africa to the knockout stages.
Greece and South Korea are both solid teams, but South Korea’s defense is suspect and Greece is tactically sound, so I give them the advantage. But, really — flip a coin.
