Despite its struggles in qualifying, Argentina enters Group B as the favorite, with a plethora of attacking options, including Carlos Tevez, Gonzalo Higuain and FIFA Player of the Year Lionel Messi. If any team is going to outdo Argentina in the group, however, it will likely be Nigeria.
Nigeria has one of the more talented African sides at the World Cup, while also having somewhat of a home-field advantage. The Nigerians also enter the tournament with experienced Swedish head coach Lars Lagerback, who helped Sweden to a surprising 1-1 draw that knocked Argentina out of group play in 2002.
Greece isn't the most aesthetically pleasing team to watch, but its hard-nosed defensive style has been able to produce results. Just look at Euro 2004.
South Korea also lacks the individual star power that Argentina and Nigeria possess, but it does boast its share of attacking flair with Bolton Wanderers' Lee Chung-Yong and Park Ji-Sung of Manchester United.
Here is SBI's take on Group B:
WORLD CUP GROUP B
Top Players to Watch
Lionel Messi, Argentina
Javier Mascherano, Argentina
Sotirios Kyrgiakos, Greece
Obafemi Martins, Nigeria
Danny Shittu, Nigeria
Park Ji-Sung, South Korea
Young Players to Watch
Gonzalo Higuain, Argentina
Angel Di Maria, Argentina
Sotiris Ninis, Greece
Victor Obinna, Nigeria
Lee Chung-Yong, South Korea
SBI's Predicted Order of Finish
1. Argentina
2. Nigeria
3. South Korea
4. Greece
Argentina should win the group with all its quality options in attack, although Nigeria might be able to stun Diego Maradona's troubled side and finish first. South Korea and Greece won't be easy opponents, but they are both destined for early exits.
————
How do you see Group B panning out? Share your thoughts below.
Read my preview here:
http://tinyurl.com/wcpreview
I’m sure the crowds will be rooting for all the African teams.