World Cup 2010: Ivory Coast Profile à 13:12

Coach: Sven Goran Eriksson

Confederation: CAF
FIFA Ranking (Apr 10): 27
Previous Appearances: 1 (2006)

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.

World Cup 2010: Portugal Profile

Coach: Carlos Queiroz
Confederation: UEFA
FIFA Ranking (Apr 10): 3
Previous appearances: 4 (1966, 1986, 2002, 2006)


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.

GROUP H

World Cup 2010: Spain Profile à 12:54

World Cup 2010: Spain Profile

Coach: Vicente Del Bosque.

Confederation: UEFA
FIFA Ranking (Apr 10): 2
Previous Appearances: 12 1934 (5th), 1950 (4th), 1962 (1st round), 1966 (1st round), 1978 (1st round), 1982 (2nd round), 1986 (1/8 round), 1990 (1/16 round), 1994 (1/8 round), 1998 (1st round), 2002 (1/8 round), 2006 (1/16 round)

Background
While Spain are regulars at the World Cup, all too often they have underachieved. Their best finish of all-time was fourth at the 1950 tournament, which Uruguay won at the Maracana. But in general La Roja's World Cup record is one of sorrow, comprising a strong squad on paper but a weak team on the pitch. Particularly dreadful was the first round exit at France '98. But after winning Euro 2008 in Austria and Switzerland, and having an absurdly strong midfield and attack ready to fire on all cylinders, Spain have finally proved themselves. They are the only country to have topped the FIFA World Rankings without winning the World Cup.

How They Qualified
Spain were involved in Group 5 with Bosnia, Turkey, Belgium, Estonia and Armenia. Del Bosque's boys had a WCQ to remember: 10 matches, 10 games won, 28 goals and only 5 conceded. Grace, style, and relentless firepower saw Spain recover nicely from their 2009 Confederations Cup loss to the USA, and they are truly back on form.

Strengths

Forget the statistics: let's talk about an idea of how they Spain know how they want to play. It's Barcelona-style football: possession play and an eye firmly on attack. Luis Aragones, the victorious 2008 coach, built a team around Barca pair Andres Iniesta and Xavi. With David Villa, David Silva, and Fernando Torres to aim for, this team does not want either for creativity or firepower. When Spain play, they take no prisoners.

Weaknesses

As Fabio Capello said, it's easier to beat Spain than Brazil at the World Cup. He might well be right. But why? Because Spain have two traditional weaknesses: shakiness when faced with the through ball and set-pieces, and an aversion to playing well when faced with physical, sometimes 'dirty' teams. Recently, in fact, an unspectacular Argentina side gave Spain problems with niggling fouls and plenty of corners. Teams such as Brazil, Italy, England or Argentina could find this out, especially if Spain can't get an early, commanding lead. In short, Spain don't know how not to lose games they can't win. Frustrate them, and they will suffer.

The Coach

Vicente Del Bosque replaced Turkey-bound Aragones right after Euro 2008. Hhe proved to be a successfull choice, specially in two subjects. He showed experience to deal with a squad full of stars, controlling the euphoria, but also avoided wholesale changes. He's his own man, but he knows when to let things continue as they are. His humility serves him well, and his players retain his faith in them.

Star Men
Gerard Piqué (Barcelona)

His great form for Pep Guardiola's magic team sees him now an undisputed member of the first team line-up for Spain. Tall, fast, and with a great header, he's fast becoming a top centre-back - a position with which Spain have struggled of alte.

Xavi Hernandez (Barcelona)

The brain of Barcelona is utterly key to Spain, as well as his club. With one or two touches he can change a game. If he plays, the team works; if not, they have Xabi Alonso, Iniesta, Cesc Fabregas...

Fernando Torres (Liverpool)

He's a killer, but not only that. A gifted counter-attacker, he offers physicality as well as talent. David Villa is the genuine article, but without Torres he'll find much less space and have much less strength by his side. A forward still underrated by some.

Best Footballing Moment

Without a doubt, that Euro 2008 win. Spain finally shook off that underachiever's tag and did the country proud. This was no fluke win, either: it was borne of teamwork and talent, the kind which only appears once in a generation.

Off The Pitch
Famous for: Manolo, El del Bombo! He is the fan who follows the entire team everywhere they go.

Most likely to: Be easily recognisable. Spanish fans have their body, mind and soul split by two colours. If you don't see a red shirt, scarf, cap or even a face bisected by a yellow big stripe, well, it shouldn't be a La Roja supporter.

World Cup Objective
Spain arrive as a favourite, as usual, but this time it's serious. With great players, a unified, friendly group of players, and the hunger to succeed, they are perhaps the first set of Spaniards to truly earn their tag of winners-in-waiting. But as Maradona said, "A favourite has never won the World Cup..."

World Cup 2010: Switzerland Profile à 12:48

 

World Cup 2010: Switzerland Profile

Coach: Ottmar Hitzfeld
Confederation: UEFA
FIFA Ranking (Apr 10) : 26
Previous Appearances: 5 ( quarterfinal 1934, 1938, 1954; round of the last sixteen 1994, 2006)

Background
Switzerland is a small country that always has to fight hard to qualify for the World Cup every four years. They Swiss have qualified eight times for the World Cup and their best results were in 1934, 1938 and 1954.

How They Qualified
Switzerland earned top spot in Group 2 of the UEFA zone, but it was far from easy. They had a lot of problems on the way to qualifying for South Africa. They drew with Israel in the first match and somehow lost to Luxembourg at home. Ottmar Hitzfeld's men bounced back and defeated Greece in Piraeus and it was pretty clear sailing from there. In the last match Switzerland needed only one point and earned a draw against Israel to qualify directly for South Africa.

Strengths

The motivation in the team was never a problem. They have players like Barnetta, Frei, Senderos and Benaglio who have European experience. The collective in the team is very important and that’s the key for good results.

Weaknesses

Switzerland sometimes pick up poor results against teams they really should beat like Finland, Norway and Luxembourg just to name a few examples.

The Coach

Ottmar Hitzfeld is a big name in football circles. He is a pleasant coach with good character. He wasn't a stranger to winning trophies with Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich. Switzerland can be happy and can profit with a coach like Hitzfeld guiding the side.

Star Men
Alexander Frei (FC Basel)

The captain and topscorer in the team. He is a person who wants to win every match. With a good instinct for goal he can be very dangerous for opponents.

Diego Benaglio (VFL Wolfsburg)

A young 'keeper who are earned the number 1 jersey in the team. With Wolfsburg he won the Bundesliga last season and now has experience in the Champions League.

Tranquillo Barnetta (Bayer Leverkusen)

The 'Cristiano Ronaldo' of the Swiss Team. Barnetta has tons of pace and flair and at 24-years-old has a bright future with the national team.

Best Footballing Moment
The victory in the U-17 World Cup in Nigeria by an unfancied Swiss side. They beat the likes of Italy, Brazil, Germany and Nigeria to win the title.

Off The Pitch With big cow bells and beer - Switzerland ready for a crazy party in South Africa.

World Cup Objective
To get out of their group and pull off some major surprises like the U-17 squad did.

World Cup 2010: Honduras Profile

Coach: Reinaldo Rueda
Confederation: Concacaf
FIFA Ranking (April 10): 40
Previous Appearances: 1 (1982)

Background Honduras will participate in its second World Cup. The first one was the 1982 edition in Spain. There are not many achievements for the Bicolor, most notably a third place finish in the 2001 Copa America and a runner up position in the CONACAF Gold Cup in 1991. Honduras have won the Central American Championships twice. This year has been one of the best in Honduras' football history. In addition to World Cup qualification, the Under-17 and Under-20 teams qualified for their respective youth tournaments. The Under-23 team was also present last year in the Beijing Olympics.
How They Qualified
Honduras finished in third place in CONCACAF zone, with 16 points, just bellow USA and Mexico. The Catrachos punched their ticket to the South African jamboree on October 14, 2009, after beating El Salvador 1-0 thanks to a goal from Carlos Pavon. Nevertheless, Honduras need Costa Rica to lose to the USA, and that happened in a dramatic fashion, with United States scoring the winning goal in the 94th minute. That goal allowed Honduras to celebrate their qualification, and sent Costa Rica to the play-off, which they eventually lost.
Strengths
Honduras has a strong defence and a powerful midfield. Its back line conceded less goals than any other in the qualification phase. The counterattack is its main weapon, thanks to the fast players at the front.
Weaknesses
During the whole qualification phase, goalkeeper Noel Valladares was criticised because of his constant mistakes. Honduras is a strong side playing at home but in away matches it lacks audacity. The team also has psychological limitations, due to the lack of international competition at the top level, something that is starting to change with the several Honduran players playing in Europe.
The Coach
Colombian Reinaldo Rueda showed two styles during the World Cup qualifiers. At home, the coach implemented a 4-4-2 tactical formation, with two fast paced forwards. However, when playing away matches, Rueda used a 4-5-1, adding one more defensive midfielder. That defensive tactics were widely criticised by the press.
Star Men
Carlos Pavon (Real Espana, Honduras)

The 37-year-old striker is considered a symbol in Honduras football. He is the all-time leading goalscorer for the national team with 55 goals, and also the all-time goalscorer of his team, Real Espana, with 64 goals. This will be his first World Cup.

David Suazo (Inter)

Fast and strong, a typical striker that doesn't need a great technique to be a threat to defenders. The Inter player will finally have the chance to play at the highest level. He is the hope of goals for every Honduran fan.

Amado Guevara (Toronto FC, Canada)

This skilled midfielder is the captain of the Honduran team. Guevara is a player that never misses a match and his presence inspires his team-mates. He is cool in the midfield and has great technique. He is a true born leader.

Best Footballing Moment
It was at the Copa America 2001 in Colombia. Honduras was invited after USA declined, and the team ended up in third place. But the very best moment was on July 27, when Honduras destroyed Brazil in quarter-finals, with a 2-0 victory thanks to two Saul Martinez goals.
Off The Pitch
Famous for: Honduras is known for its delicious foods. The baleada is the most famous one, which is kind of a flour omelet, with beans, cheese and butter. There are also several nice foods with shellfish.
Most likely to: Players will not miss their traditional food. The Federation will take several chefs to South Africa who will cook typical Honduran food for the team.
World Cup Objective
Despite being its second World Cup adventure, Honduras will not be happy only with participating in the tournament. The players  have already said that they want to get at least to the round of 16.

World Cup 2010: Chile Profile à 11:56

World Cup 2010: Chile Profile

* Chile

Coach: Marcelo Bielsa

Confederation: Conmebol
FIFA Ranking (April 10): 15
Previous Appearances: 7 (1930, 1950, 1962, 1966, 1974, 1982, 1998)

Background

Chile doesn’t have a great tradition in football like Brazil, Argentina or Uruguay. Chile fights for being in the second order in South America and through the years, have dealt with good and bad administrations of its FA, which never have let the national team cement a solid base to the future. Despite all this, Chile manages to qualify for World Cups.

How They Qualified

Chile qualified when they beat Colombia (4-2) in Medellin. Chile had never before won so many times as on the road as they did in this qualifying campaign. Chile always qualified in the past by being strong at home, but not away but that wasn't the case this time around.

Strengths

A very attacking team, with a high-powered offence. From the very first minute, Chile will go searching for goals. And when the team is winning, they keep up the pressure and do not fall into a defensive shell. Synchronised movements are the key to their success.

Weaknesses

The defence. Errors in the backline due to the pressure create at the opposite end. Another weakness is the defensive aerial game, due to their lack of height.
The Coach

Marcelo Bielsa is a personality in football. He is studious and ‘crazy’ (his alias is ‘El Loco’) for strategy and football. A faithful follower of the ‘Coerver’ method, implanted his identity in a group of players that blindly trust in him and mechanise their moves throughout the game. Their lineup either at home or away is always 3-3-1-3.

Star Men

Humberto Suazo (Monterrey)
He was the top scorer of the South American Qualifiers with 10 goals. He is owner of a very good shot and if you give him a even few centimetres, he will make you pay.

Alexis Sanchez (Udinese)
'El Nino Maravilla' (The Wonderboy) will be 21 years old in the World Cup. He is fated to be one of the greatest figures of the Chilean team. He doesn’t have Suazo’s scoring ability but he is explosive as a right winger and at any minute can generate a chance or a penalty.

Matias Fernandez (Sporting CP)
He was the Best South American Player in 2006 and despite having a mediocre stint at Villarreal in Spain, his level has never dropped in the Chilean team. He is the key in the midfield and despite his dispute with Jorge Valdivia for being the playmaker of the team, he will probably be the starter in the first match of the World Cup.

Best Footballing Moment

Without any doubt, it occurred in 1962 when Chile finished in third place in the World Cup that took place on their home soil. After losing to Brazil in the semi-finals, Chile beat Yugoslavia 1-0 in the third place match.

Off The Pitch

Famous for: It’s a land of poets. Gabriela Mistral and Pablo Neruda won the literature Nobel Prize. Its wines are also recognised all over the world.

Most likely to: encourage their team in large crowds, like in the 1998 World Cup. ‘La Marea Roja’ won recognition for its passion and encouragement in that tournament, although many of them are still paying their debts for that adventure... In South Africa, something similar will happen.

World Cup Objective

For Chile and Bielsa, the first objective is to win a match away from home. The other mission is to replicate what the ’98 team did in France. In that World Cup, Chile reached the Round of 16. From there, everything is a gift.