[size=13pt]Welcome To Group G- The Group Of Death![/size]

If there's any such thing as a 'Group of Death' - this is it !

With 3 relatively strong teams in Brazil,Ivory Coast & Portugal + the unpredicatable North Koreans.

You wouldn't want to wager any bets on this one !!

The Table as it stands (to be updated after each game )

Team               P     W     D     L     GF     GA     GD     PTS
Brazil                    
Ivory Coast        
North Korea        
Portugal              

The BIG question on most minds will be WHO WILL JOIN THE SAMBA BOYS IN THE NEXT ROUND, I sure hope its Drogba & his teammates.

Lets analyse the key players to watch out for next ! 

nice, fire fire fire!

my take to qualify
i think portugal would top that group, while ivory coast or brazil would take second. not suprising but this is the weakest brazilian squad since i was bornm it is extremly weak.

OK i see we balling and ready to go. . .

Welldone Illusion2


BRAZIL




Background

Brazil is arguably the most successful team in football history. They’re the only team to have won the World Cup five times (1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, 2002) and also the only country to feature in every edition of the tournament. The only major competition that Brazil has yet to win is the Olympic Games.

How They Qualified

Brazil finished in first place in the CONMEBOL qualifying section.
Strengths

Set-pieces and lightning fast counter-attacks are Brazil's specialities under Dunga . Corner Kicks and free kicks close to the box are taken with efficiency by Elano and the center-backs join the forwards to threaten the opposite goal. The counter-attacks are usually led by the speed of Kaka.
Weaknesses

Brazil struggles when facing teams that just sit back and defend. The passing game is not sharp or quick enough to get through. The Brazilian defence is pretty strong, but the left side is a little fragile.
Coach

The nomination of Dunga, in 2006, was highly criticised by the media because of his lack of experience. His results, however, have proven that he is good enough for the job. Dunga likes to play in the 4-2-3-1 formation, but often relies on the 4-3-1-2.
Star Men

Kaka (Real Madrid)
The best Brazilian player today is a leader within the national team. The best player in the world in 2007 will make his third appearance in the World Cup. He already has a title in 2002.

Luis Fabiano (Sevilla)
The centre-forward position was up for grabs in the Brazilian team for a while, but after a strong performance against Uruguay in the qualifiers, Fabiano settled himself as the owner of the number 9 shirt. He finished the qualifiers as Brazil’s top-scorer.

Julio Cesar (Inter)
Probably since the golden days of Taffarel, we haven't seen such a safe and spectacular goalkeeper as Julio Cesar. The former Flamengo star will appear as a starter in a World Cup for the first time, so his motivation will be sky-high.

Best Footballing Moment

The 1970 Brazilian Team, arguably the best side in world football history, were beating Italy 3-1 in the final of the World Cup. But for that amazing side, that scoreline wasn’t enough. A spectacular team effort that started with a series of dribbles by Clodoaldo and ended with a fantastic pass by Pele that allowed Carlos Alberto to score the fourth goal to put the icing on the cake of a perfect tournament.
Off The Pitch

Famous for: ‘Carnaval’, a popular party that lasts 4 days and involves parades, Samba music and beautiful women.
Most likely to:

Brazilian fans like to bring the ‘Carnaval’ to the World Cup. It’s not unusual to see people with large music instruments in the stadiums.
World Cup Objective

As it happens with Brazil in every World Cup, the goal is to win the event.

Goal.com

Abeg the rest should put up theirs on time.

i heard the North Koreans dont have a goalie

LOL

one of the strikers will suffice as a goalie

i expect N.Korea to come last

Brasil and Portugal to come 1st and 2nd

IVORY COAST



Background

With only one participation at the 2006 World Cup - in the "Group of Death" with Argentina and the Netherlands - the Ivorians showed what they were capable of in Germany, but their lack of experience at that level didn't allow them to fully explore their potential.

But four years later, with some of the best players on the planet now blossoming on their team, everyone is expecting them to do better, and they will undoubtedly have to live up to those high expectations. Along with Ghana, the Elephants are the African continent's great hopes for the next World Cup.

How They Qualified

In a group composed of Guinea, Burkina-Faso and Malawi, it was fairly foreseeable that the Elephants would be the team going through to the World Cup, even though Burkina and Guinea were seen as the "Young Guns" of African football before the campaign.

Starting by humiliating Malawi 5-0 in what will be remembered for the Houphouet Boigny Stadium catastrophe, they went on to beat Burkina-Faso and Guinea in away games. In the return phase they gave Burkina another 5-0 thrashing before finishing the campaign off by drawing to Malawi and letting their B-team oust Guinea.

Strengths

With Didier Drogba, Salomon Kalou, Gervinho, Aruna Dindane, Amara Diane, Bakari Kone, and many more, Cote d'Ivoire's firepower seems endless. With strikers starting in some of the most successful European clubs, the Ivorians seem to have one of the most impressive attacking lineups in the tournament.

Weaknesses

The main weakness of the team will be the tremendous egos that are in it. Despite an overall great ambiance, the competitive aspect of things has proven to be a negative catalyst over the last year, as several fights have erupted during their qualifying campaign.
The Coach

Sven Goran Eriksson needs no introduction. Already a veteran of two World Cups when he led England to the quarter-finals, the sophisticated Swede has coached in his homeland, Italy, Portugal, England and was recently in charge of Mexico. His African adventure is a first and it remains to be seen if he is the right man to bring a talented group of players together. Still, Eriksson is as experienced and unflappable as they come,

Star Men

Didier Drogba (Chelsea)
With one of the biggest names in football today and being one of the most popular players in Africa, Dider Drogba is a symbol, a role-model and a peace officer, being instrumental in ending the brooding civil war that was threatening his country in 2004. His finishing and powerful play set him apart from other strikers.

Kolo Toure (Manchester City)
The leader on the pitch. He's the one everyone turns to for guidance, as they have always done since his days at the Academie des Mimosas of ASEC Abidjan. With his younger brother being a star, and most of his teammates growing up under his tutelage, he is considered the godfather of the team and his performances set the tone when it comes to the bigger rendezvous.

Gervinho (Lille)
The youngster of the squad. With a style so flamboyant they gave him a Brazilian nickname, the newly-signed Lille player is exciting to watch. His little frame and centre of gravity allow him to change direction instantly, and Gervinho has been called the African Messi.

Best Footballing Moment
Their best moment of international football was during the 1992 African Cup of Nations in Senegal, where they won the trophy on penalties against an Abedi Pele-less Ghanaian side and an amazing Alain Gouamene. They have not managed to find the tournament-winning alchemy since then, though, and the clock seems to be running out for this generation.

Off The Pitch
Famous for: Their local gastronomy: Atieke and Aloko bananas, a vast amount of coffee, delicious fruits, and also cacao. Abidjan is the biggest port in West Africa, and much of the world's best produce leaves its shores.

Most likely to: Have all their fans mixed up with Netherlands fans as they also move dipped in orange from head-to-toe.

World Cup Objective

Getting out of the group stages is expected from them, and making it to the quarter-finals will definitely be an objective for the Elephants as well. With this much quality on paper they should at least go further than they did in Germany, but finding themselves in the group of death alongside Brazil and Portugal will present a difficult task indeed.

[url=http://www.goal.com/en/teams/c%C3%B4te-divoire/770/ivory-coast/profile]Goal.com[/url]

PORTUGAL




Background

The Portuguese national side are late bloomers in a European sense, having only really come to prominence in the mid 1980s. That is, of course, if one discounts their only appearance in the World Cup prior to 1986.
It would be a mistake to do so. In 1966, the Portugal side finished a brilliant third at the World Cup in England, featuring a Benfica quartet of Jose Torres, Antonio Simoes, Jose Augusto, and of course a certain Eusebio.
But then came the lean years, the qualification in 1986, while welcome, brought only a first round exit. Not until the 1990s did Portugal pick up again.
Here the Seleccao das Quinas began to find legendary players again: Luis Figo, Fernando Couto, Rui Costa, Vitor Baia and many more began to creep onto the scene, turning Portugal into genuine continental contenders. Euro '96 and 2000 saw the side advance to the quarter and semi-finals respectively, and then came the 2002 World Cup.
A return to major tournament play on the global stage again resulted in a first Round exit, though, and then the heartache of losing at home in the Euro 2004 final followed. But fourth place in the 2006 World Cup, and a last eight at Euro 2008, sees Portuguese hearts gain hope again for 2010.

How They Qualified

Portugal's recent highs threatened to become lows when it came to qualification for 2010. Recently-installed coach Carlos Queiroz failed to find consistency for his first several games in charge, with just six points taken from their first possible fifteen. However, then followed an excellent run of unbeaten matches and impressive victories that culminated in a second-place finish behind Denmark. Bosnia-Herzegovina, impressive in their own campaign, were then brushed aside in a play-off, sending Portugal to South Africa.

Strengths

Portugal are solid at the back. In Bruno Alves and Ricardo Carvalho their central defence is impressive, and Real Madrid's Pepe is deployed just ahead of them in a defensive midfield role, one at which he excels. Then there's the undoubted wing talents of Simao, Nani and a certain Cristiano Ronaldo.
Weaknesses

Portugal's failings in the striking department need hardly be pointed out. Liedson will almost surely start alone up front, and while he's a dominant presence and a tireless worker, his accuracy in front of goal seems to desert him at international level. It's up to the midfield to chip in through the likes of Nani, Simao, and of course Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Coach

Carlos Queiroz is in his second stint as Portugal coach, having endured an ill-fated spell in charge of the country in the early 1990s. From there he became well-travelled, leading a host of foreign clubs and countries, including South Africa, before pitching up at Manchester United as a coach, and later an assistant to Alex Ferguson. He thought his ship had come in when he was hired by Real Madrid in 2003; this arrangement lasted less than a year, so it was back to Old Trafford until Portugal sought him out anew in 2008.
Queiroz is a fiery character who believes both in discipline and in speaking one's mind. He plays a typically Portuguese style of football comprising a tough centre and dynamic play on the flanks.

Star Men

Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid, Spain)
The man who needs no introduction to any football fan, FIFA must have breathed a huge sigh of relief when Portugal qualified, as Ronaldo brings not only undoubted talent and a knack for goalscoring beyond anyone else in football, but also worldwide media acclaim, being the world's most expensive player.

Ricardo Carvalho (Chelsea, England)
The centre-back quietly gets on with his job at Chelsea, without fanfare or ceremony, and he's all the more vital for it. In a team with stars, Carvalho provides the steel, and his services will surely be required as Portugal weather any set-piece storms.

Raul Meireles (Porto, Portugal)
One of a few home-based players in the squad, Meireles is a midfielder only recently given a chance by Portugal, having made his national team debut in 2006. Since then his versatility and character have made him a core member of Queiroz's squad, and since he scored the final goal in the play-off against Bosnia, it's likely that he'll remain a key influence.

Best Footballing Moment

The 1966 World Cup saw Portugal beat the famous Magyars of Hungary 3-1 in their first ever major tournament fixture, before going on to do what was once though impossible by eliminating Brazil. Then followed a miraculous 5-3 win over North Korea in a game that saw the Asian side 3-0 up after just 25 minutes. Eventual winners England knocked them out in the semi-final, but not before Eusebio could add his ninth goal of the tournament and thus finish as top scorer. Portugal has never forgotten the Mozambique-born striker, who remains a by-word for perfection.

Off The Pitch

Famous for: Eusebio, Cristiano Ronaldo, and seemingly endless supply of great players for richer European clubs. Oh, and off the pitch? A vast array of architecture ranging from the Manueline Gothic style through to Romantic and up to modernism. Bacalhau, salt cod, is a traditional favourite, but the francesinha - a bizarre toasted sandwich with a tomato-beer sauce, melted cheese, and fries - is perhaps a more modern symbol of the country.
Most likely to: Toast successes with an icy cold glass of Sagres beer, and unite as a nation to cheer on the Seleccao - before waiting until elimination to get back to arguing about the merits of the 'big three' teams in the country - Sporting, Benfica, and Porto - and their respective intrigues.

World Cup Objective

There is sufficient talent in this Portuguese squad to reach the quarter-finals, providing that all departments operate as they should. In light of the semi-final appearance in 2006, that may be a modest ambition, but the tough road travelled in qualification is perhaps a reminder that this is a team in flux.

Goal.com

tkb417:

i heard the North Koreans dont have a goalie

LOL

one of the strikers will suffice as a goalie

i expect N.Korea to come last

Brasil and Portugal to come 1st and 2nd

i don't believe that, here's their squad list, too bad we can't even differentiate the goalie from the strikers


Korea DPR
Ri Myong Guk, Cha Hyok, Ri Chon, Mun Guk, Ri Jun-To, Choe Chol-Man, Ji Nam, Chol Min Pak, Yong Jo Hong, Seong-Yong Kim, Myong Gil Kim, Song Chol Nam, Kwang-Hyok Ri, Kim Kum, Yong Jun Kim, Nam Chol Pak, Chol-Myong Ri, Song-chol Pak, An Chol-Hyok


as for CIV, na God go save them.

I expect Brazil and CIV to qualify why Crynaldo and go come third

. . .

honeric01:

i don't believe that, here's their squad list, too bad we can't even differential the goalie from the strikers


Korea DPR
Ri Myong Guk, Cha Hyok, Ri Chon, Mun Guk, Ri Jun-To, Choe Chol-Man, Ji Nam, Chol Min Pak, Yong Jo Hong, Seong-Yong Kim, Myong Gil Kim, Song Chol Nam, Kwang-Hyok Ri, Kim Kum, Yong Jun Kim, Nam Chol Pak, Chol-Myong Ri, Song-chol Pak, An Chol-Hyok


as for CIV, na God go save them.

i'll get the story from soccernet and post here

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF KOREA



Background

If you are only going to have one World Cup appearance under your belt then you could do a lot worse than North Korea’s 1966 adventure. The Chollima’s 1-0 victory over Italy in the final group game is one of the most famous shocks in the history of the World Cup, or any other tournament. The quarter-final against Portugal almost matched it. The East Asians raced into a 3-0 lead in Liverpool before the mighty Eusebio and fatigue intervened to give the Iberians a 5-3 win and a place in the last four. Now, after 44 years, they are back.

How They Qualified

It was a long journey from Pyongyang to South Africa. Joining in the second round of qualification with a two-leg thrashing of Mongolia, it was the third round of qualification where the real test began. North Korea went through those six matches against their southern neighbours, Jordan and Turkmenistan by scoring just four goals and conceding none. That defence was breached in the final round but wins at home to Saudi Arabia and a home and away double over UAE gave the team the platform to finish second behind South Korea. With draws at home to Iran and away in Riyadh on the final day of action, North Korea squeezed into the South African spots.

Strengths

The statistics don’t lie. North Korea’s modern success stems from a solid backline. A five-man  defence conceded just seven times in 16 qualifiers and it is a defence that isn’t afraid to stay behind the white line. The team counter-attacks at speed and is capable of catching out an opposition that strays too far forward.

Weaknesses

A lack of firepower is perhaps something that was evident in qualification. Goals are hard to come by as is experience. North Korea has had little chance to play teams from outside Asia and has even declined to participate in the Asian Cup. Recent trips to France and planned sorties to Brazil and Africa should go some way to addressing that problem but the fact remains that most North Korean players are internationally inexperienced.

The Coach

Kim Jong-hun is a brooding presence on the sidelines but don't let Kim's quiet demeanour fool you, the no-nonsense manager is capable of blowing his top and has received more international red cards than his players. Kim, a former international who took his team to the World Cup at his first attempt, is respected by the players though rumours abound in Pyongyang that his position isn't as secure as it should be.

Star Men

Jong Tae Se (Kawasaki Frontale)
'The People’s Rooney' as he has been labelled by the Seoul media prefers to compare himself to Didier Drogba. Fast, powerful and direct in the search for goals, Jong has had trouble finding the net for the national team of late but is in great form for Japanese title hopefuls Kawasaki Frontale.

Hong Yong Jo (FC Rostov)
If Jong is the battering ram of the north’s attacks, Hong is the brain and the one who makes things tick. Barely a counter-attack, fast or slow, doesn’t go through the Russian-based star. His set pieces aren’t bad either.

An Yong Hak (Omiya Ardija)
The holding midfielder goes about his job quietly in the middle of the park. An intelligent player, who rarely puts a foot or a pass wrong and makes those surrounding him look good. The kind of player that every team needs.


Best Footballing Moment

Can only be that winner from Pak Do-Ik at Ayresome Park back in 1966. It was a goal that sent DPRK into the annals of World Cup history and the Italians back home to be greeted by a hail of tomatoes.

Off The Pitch

Famous for: Unique local brand of Stalinism called 'Juche'; being the only country to have a head of state who isn't alive any more (Kim Il-Sung, the Great Leader, is the Eternal President.)


Most likely to: Have more bodyguards and shady men in sunglasses per capita than any other team at the tournament.

World Cup Objective

Nobody north or south of the 38th Parallel will be expecting another appearance in the last eight. Getting out of the group stage will be a huge success.

Spambot don chop north korea own ooooo. . . Chai! See bad omen

North Korea named Kim, who plays as a striker for Amrokgang, as one of their goalkeepers as they looked to boost their attacking options, relying on just two shot-stoppers for the tournament.

However, the World Cup Regulations state that "each association will be required to provide FIFA with a final list of no more than 23 players (three of whom shall be goalkeepers)".

FIFA has now told the country they will not be allowed to use Kim as an outfield player and, unless there is an injury, no changes will be permitted to their final squad.

"The three players listed as goalkeepers can only play as goalkeepers during the FIFA World Cup and cannot play outfield. This will be communicated to the teams in the team arrival meetings and will be enforced on match days.

"So to answer the question regarding the North Korean player concretely: Kim Myong-Won will not be allowed to play as an outfield player if he has been put on the list as a goalkeeper."

i think they have just 2 goalies as against what i posted initially and a striker will now act as the 3rd goalie

Yaya's group my group

Who con change the topic na?

honeric01:

i don't believe that, here's their squad list, too bad we can't even differential the goalie from the strikers


Korea DPR
Ri Myong Guk, Cha Hyok, [/b]Ri [b]Chon, Mun Guk, Ri Jun-To, Choe Chol-Man, Ji Nam, Chol Min Pak, Yong Jo Hong, Seong-Yong Kim, Myong Gil Kim, Song Chol Nam, Kwang-Hyok Ri, Kim Kum, Yong Jun Kim, Nam Chol Pak, Chol-Myong Ri, Song-chol Pak, An Chol-Hyok


as for CIV, na God go save them.

I just pity the person wey go run commentary for this match. e go almost chew him tongue.

loooooool I wouldn't want to be him/her either

tkb417:

i think they have just 2 goalies as against what i posted initially and a striker will now act as the 3rd goalie

u got me wondering before, why would a team that was able to qualify for the worldcup not have at least 1 goalkeeper and you only conceded 1 goal all through the qualifiers.

na_so:

I just pity the person wey go run commentary for this match. e go almost chew him tongue.

don't bite ya tongue abeg, some Nigerian names are worse than that, ever seen a name with BVHW before? go to the south south

Japan trail Ivory Coast in a warm up game for SA 2010. Didier Drogba's deflected freekick the only goal so far but Drogba has been substituted in what appears to be an injury after a tackle from a Japan's Marcus Tulio Tanaka. Drogba limped off two minutes after scoring, apparently with an injury to his groin and right hip

The Chelsea striker was forced off the pitch with an apparent elbow fracture during the first half of a warm-up game against Japan  in Sion, Switzerland.

L'Equipe reported on its website that he was immediately taken to hospital for scans, after which he confirmed he would play no part in the upcoming tournament in South Africa.

Ivory Coast coach Sven-Goran Eriksson confirmed after immediately the incident that the striker was rushed away for treatment, but at that point had no further news.

"It's an elbow injury but we don't know how bad it is, we (are going) straight to the hospital," said Eriksson. "I think we should get an answer before we leave."

"If it's serious, it's very worrying, he is our captain, one of the best strikers in the world."

Asked if he was concerned the injury could rule Drogba out of the World Cup he added: "Yes, I'm worried, of course I am."

The Elephants' star player went down under a heavy challenge from Japan defender Tulio after 15 minutes which left him spread-eagled on the pitch.

After rising groggily to his feet, the Chelsea forward hobbled off and was replaced by Seydou Doumbia.

Ivory Coast were leading 1-0 after Drogba's free-kick was deflected into his own goal by Tulio in the 13th minute.

omo, if drogba doesnt make the team, wahala go dey oh
he is the talisman.
anyway i see portugal and brazil making it out of the group,

Drogba is OUT!!!!

which kind yeye thing be this one now? who be this Tulio Tanaka self?

Without Drogba,Portugal'll likely pick the 2nd spot.

Drogba's not out. . .

For real?

~Borat~:

Drogba's not out. . .

honeric01:

For real?

Of course
He's goin to have surgery on his elbow, and will be fit to play in 10 days which is just a day before they play

noo Injury angel please leave us alone o

Tuilo Tanaka is the best defender in J league, very ruteless,