Group B: Argentina, Nigeria, South Korea, GreecePlayers to Watch:
Lionel Messi (Argentina)
Yakubu Aiyegbeni (Nigeria)
Chu-Young Park (South Korea)
Theofanis Gekas (Greece)
Match to Watch:
Argentina vs. Nigeria
June 12, 10:00 A.M. (ESPN)
Predicitions:
Argentina vs. Nigeria
June 12, 10 A.M. EDT (ESPN)
One word: Messi. If the little man is to live up to his super-hyped premature title of "The Greatest. Ever. Period." then he'll need to bring the World Cup home to Argentina. On the other hand, many have pinpointed this year's World Cup as the debutante party for African Soccer. Argentina wins, despite Maradona.
Result: ARG 2 - 1 NIG
South Korea vs. Greece
June 12, 7:30 A.M. EDT (ESPN)
The past two months have seen Greece become the economic laughing stock of the world. South Korea has lead East Asia's assault on global soccer powers. In the end, Greece's defensive-minded game which saw it scrape through qualification with little to spare, will not be enough for Korea's lightening pace.
Result: KOR 1 - 0 GRE
Greece vs. Nigeria
June 16, 10:00 A.M. EDT (ESPN)
No matter what happens in Nigeria's opening game, they will be in the ascendancy for the rest of their group games. Greece's lineup and past performances - which have seen them win a UEFA Championship in 2004 only to dramatically fail to qualify for the 2006 World Cup - lack the spark needed to succeed in South Africa.
Result: GRE 1 - 2 NIG
Argentina vs. South Korea
June 17, 7:30 A.M. EDT (ESPN)
Some might say that I'm becoming drunk on the Argentinian cool-aid, but the pre-Cup camps will be the longest time the team has spent together and talent the likes of Messi, Tevez, Aguero, Higuain, Di Maria, Mascherano and Heinze will find a way to gel despite Maradona's managerial incompetence. Korea is just unlucky.
Result: ARG 3 - 1 KOR
Nigeria vs. South Korea
June 22, 2:30 P.M. EDT (ESPN)
Going into the final day of the group stage, both Nigeria and Korea will need the points. Both will need the win to edge out the other into the group stage. Nigeria's de facto home field advantage will prove decisive.
Result: NIG 2 - 1 KOR
Greece vs. Argentina
June 22, 2:30 P.M. EDT (ESPN 2)
Momentum or resilience? The answer to that question gives you the result of this game. Either Messi's inspired performance will render Argentina's momentum will be unstoppable or Greece will summon some national pride and stonewall La Albiceleste. But in my world, there is no way out of it for Greece. They might dampen Messi's sparkle, but Tevez will wear them down.
Result: ARG 1 - 0 GRE
Final standings:
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