The Hazean

Groups D, E, And F Names To Know

Group C Names To Know

Group G Names To Know

ALGERIA

Who you know:

Madjid Bougherra – Algerian captain with more than twice as many international caps as anyone else on the team. Bougherra has played his club ball all across Europe and Asia, and at 31 years old, finds himself without a club for the 2014 season. Look for Bougherra to make this a statement tournament as he will have his hands full dealing with a power Belgian attack.

Who you should know:

Sofiane Feghouli – with only 20 international caps, Feghouli has made his claim to fame with Spanish club Valencia, where he has played 136 games. Feghouli is not known as a pure goal scorer, but will can create goal scoring opportunities from anywhere on the pitch. Look for Feghouli to find his way onto the stat sheet in the assist column or perhaps from a free kick or two.

Who you will know:

El Arbi Hillel Soudani – Soudani has the makings of an attacker that just likes to score goals. Having scored double-digit goals for every team he has ever played for (club and country), Soudani will look to keep adding to his goal tally.

*NabilBentaleb – mark this one as a gut call or one for the future, but this 19 year old has a talent that can’t be ignored. If he is given a chance on the pitch, keep a close eye on this ~~little~~ large hell on wheels.

BELGIUM

Who you know:

Vincent Kompany – turn on England’s Barclays Premier League and Kompany will either be playing or being talked about. This mountain of a defender earns his money the hard way by knocking down and dominating any opposing attacker. The rock of the Manchester City defense, Kompany is even more deadly when part of a free kick attack. Kompany will most assuredly get his dome on any stray ball in the box and bury it in the net.

Daniel Van Buyten – 80 international caps and 158 games with Germany’s Bayern Munich, Van Buyten is more than battle tested. Van Buyten will be standing tall at 6’6” and lined up right next to other Belgium tower Vincent Kompany. I don’t know of any mountain ranges running through Belgium, but if there are, they most certainly include Kompany and Van Buyten.

Who you should know:

Marouane Fellaini – Fellani has plenty of caps with his nation team, but is another Belgian who is more widely known for his club play at England’s Everton and Manchester United. Another towering figure at 6’4”, Fellaini combines that size with an impressive speed that allows him to roam all over the pitch. Look for Fellaini to move from box-to-box and get his foot on a strike or two.

Thibaut Courtois – one of the best and least known goalkeepers in the world, Courtois led his Spanish club team Atletico Madrid to a La Liga title and Champion’s League finals appearance. Courtois will turn heads with impressive performances and improbable saves. Courtois looks to guide Belgium to a deep run this World Cup.

*Simon Mingnolet – not only does Belgium have a top 5 goalkeeper in the world in Courtois, it actually has a second top 5 goalkeeper in Simon Mignolet. Playing for England’s Liverpool club, Mignolet had a stellar season.

Who you will know:

Eden Hazard – a young attacking midfielder, Hazard has a promising future ahead of him. One of English club Chelsea’s most dangerous attackers, Hazard will undoubtedly have a superb World Cup.

Romelu Lukaku – even after losing striker Benteke an injury, Belgium doesn’t even need to blink in order to replace him. Lukaku has a healthy mix of speed and ball striking and he, too, will make his mark in Brazil.

RUSSIA

Who you know:

Aleksandr Kerzhakov – leading the Russian national squad with 25 goals (next highest is 8), Kerzhakov is synonymous with Russian soccer. Kerzhakov has played his last 6 years of club football in Russia, logging over 150 games and 70 goals. Kerzhakov will need to be fully prepared to carry his nation to World Cup glory as there are not too many others on the squad that can make an impact like he can.

Who you should know:

Igor Akinfeev – another top notch keeper, Akinfeev has played his entire career (280 games) for Russian club CSKA Moscow where he has won five league titles. Often courted by English clubs, Akinfeev has refused to leave his Motherland and gained the respect and admiration of his fellow countrymen and fans.

Who you will know:

Alan Dzagoev – Russia will need a solid showing from its midfield in hopes of making it out of the group stage. Dzagoev is an attacking midfielder who can help out on defense just as much as he can lead a Russian attack. Even though given limited opportunities, Dzagoev knows how to score and will not hesitate to prove it.

SOUTH KOREA

Who you know:

Park Chu-Young – tied for most international caps at 64 and leading his squad with 24 goals, Park may just be the most valuable player on this Korean side. Having scored most of his career club goals from 2005to 2011, Park was picked up by English club Arsenal. Not given many opportunities to prove himself at Arsenal, Park was sent out on loan from 2012 on and has yet to achieve the level of his earlier success. Park will hope to use this tournament has the kick in the pants his career needs.

Who you should know:

Lee Keun-ho – Lee also has 64 international caps and is the 2^nd leading goal scorer with 18 goals. Unlike Park, Lee has spent his career around Asian football clubs, but also possesses that ability to score. Lee will rely on his speed and key passing ability to create some golden opportunities for the Korean attack.

Who you will know:

Ji Dong-won – this 23 year old striker has already netted 8 goals in just 28 international appearances. Ji has supreme talent and the rare size (6’2”) of a Korean footballer. Ji recently signed with German force Borussia Dortmund and he will look to show the world just how deadly he can be.

World Cup Names To Know: Group G

michael-bonaventure — Tue, 17 Jun 2014 09:02:39 -0500

Previously:

Groups D, E, And F Names To Know

Group C Names To Know

GERMANY

Who you know:

Bastian Schweinsteiger – about as rough and tough as the come, Schweinsteiger looks to punish any opponent that dare enter his midfield. Playing in over 100 caps for Germany and over 300 for his local club team Bayern Munich, Schweinsteiger’s over decade long career has made the world take notice of his talents. Dubbed the “midfield mastermind,” Schweinsteiger will slice and dice his way through most opposing defenses.

Philipp Lahm – another nation team member with over 100 caps, this 30 year old German captain still looks like a young man. At only 5’7”, many argue Lahm is undersized as a defender, but he utilizes his speed on the outside to punish teams that dare not respect him. Lahm’s corners and crosses should find their way to awaiting heads of the imposing German attackers

Who you should know:

Mesut Ozil – logging over 100 games for Spanish powerhouse Real Madrid will certainly help a footballer appear on many peoples radar. And that’s exactly what happened last year when he was scooped up by English club Arsenal in a deal which made him the most expensive German football player of all time. Ozil’s presence and creativity in the midfield is hard for most defenses to match and look for Ozil to make some headlines in Brazil/

Lukas Podolski – fellow Arsenal club member for Ozil, Lukas Podolski is another well-known and well respected German midfielder. Podolski will spend his time pushing up the left sideline and will punish other teams with his booming free kicks and surgeon like precision passing.

Who you will know:

Thomas Muller – Germany has never lacked goal scoring ability and this year will be no different. Muller is one of the most deadly headers of the ball in the world and is no stranger to scoring in the World Cup. After scoring 5 goals in 2010, look for Muller to pick up back where he left off and lead the German squad in goals again

Mario Gotze – another young, talented attacking midfielder, Gotze has made the most in his limited role with German club Bayern Munich. Always seeming to find the ball at his foot inside the box, Gotze has lighting quicks speed and finishing capabilities.

GHANA

Who you know:

Michael Essien – this extremely talented midfield has made a living on his ability to stretch the field and play from box to box. Most widely known for his time spent at England’s Chelsea club, Essien recently signed with Italy’s AC Milan after what is mostly considered and unsuccessful loan period to Real Madrid, Essien will look to revitalize his game in Brazil

Who you should know:

Sulley Muntari – another solid Ghana midfielder, Muntari is well known in Italy for his services at both Inter Milan and AC Milan. Muntari is 2^nd in goals scored (20), but is the only midfielder in double digits. Look for Muntari to puts shots on target from anywhere on the pitch.

Asamoah Gyan – Ghana captain and leading goal scorer, Gyan will be heavily relied upon to by the Black Stars if they hope to escape the so called “group of death.” Scoreless draws are unlikely to help this team advance against the likes of Germany and Portugal, so look for Gyan to appear in the stat sheet more than once.

Who you will know:

Kwadwo Asamoah – Asamoah is a natural playmaker and will most likely be lined up on the outside of the midfield for Ghana. Look for him to sneak up a sideline and deliver cross after cross to Gyan.

PORTUGAL

Who you know:

Cristiano Ronaldo – another player who needs no introduction. The 2^nd best player in the world, Ronaldo is an electrifying footballer. Ronaldo bests Messi in Spanish league goal-to-game ratio (a staggering 1.07), but falls in behind Messi in overall at a still impressive 0.73. Ronaldo has been unable to put the Portuguese side on his back and really advance them deep into the World Cup, but he will hope to change that this year with a bit more talent surrounding him.

Who you should know:

Nani – a poor man’s Ronaldo, or “Ronaldo-lite,” Nani is capable of producing wondrous balls from his winger positions. His youth, speed and athleticism have aided Nani into making his mark while at England’s Manchester United. Nani’s flopping style and penchant to try to do too much at times, leave him as a player with plenty of talent, but also plenty of room to improve.

Hugo Almeida – Almeida’s size and skillful finishes will draw plenty of attention from both fans and opposing defense this World Cup. Although he loses some of the spotlight to the likes of Ronaldo and Nani, Almeida will need to be on point in order to help Portugal advance from this group.

Helder Postiga – another pure striker much like Almeida, Postiga is a little less deadly in the air, but more than makes up for it with his right foot. Coring the 2^nd most Portuguese goals behind wonderboy Ronaldo, Postiga adds to an already scary attack.

Who you will know:

Fabio Coentrao – with all of the Portuguese attack being named already, the attention turns to the back line. Coentrao has all the necessary skills to be an elite defender and also finds himself in the center of many attacks on his Spanish Real Madrid club team. Portugal will desperately need a strong defensive showing in order to play deep into this tournament, and Coentrao is someone they can rely on to lead them in the right direction.

UNITED STATES

Who you know:

Tim Howard – 100 caps as the United States goalkeeper and recent face of US soccer. Howard boasts the most impressive club record for any current American while playing in nearly 300 games for England’s Everton. Howard is one of the best keepers in this World Cup and will need to play like it if the US has ANY hope to move to the knockout stages. The US backline is largely untested, so will Howard be able to save America on the 1-on-1 attacks? Only time will tell.

Clint Dempsey – even at 105 international caps, Dempsey has largely played in Landon Donovan’s shadow in the American midfield. Dempsey is talented, fit, battle-tested and ready to lead this squad to glory. Having played for both English clubs Fulham and Tottenham, Dempsey recently returned home to play for American based Seattle Sounders. This is the tournament Dempsey can become a US soccer legend.

Who you should know:

Jozy Altidore – it would be hard for a follower of US soccer to not know who Jozy Altidore is, but he is not quite at that “world-wide” level. Jozy has played for Spanish, Dutch and English clubs and is known for his physicality. With a rare combination of size and sped, look for Jozy to out-muscle defenders for Portugal and Ghana in this group and out-run the German central backs.

Michael Bradley – a truly unheralded US midfielder, Bradley had impressive performances at Italian clubs Chievo and Roma. Like Dempsey, Bradley has returned to play his club soccer locally, even though it is across the border in Canada’s Toronto FC. Bradley will be able to run box-to-box and will make at least a big play or two in the American attack.

Who you will know:

Chris Wondolowski – even though Wondo is 31 years old, he does not have much experience for the national team. He does, however, have plenty of experience putting balls in the back of the net. Look for Wondo to be a nice relief for Jozy and make a big impact when he is on the field.

Aron Johannsson – Icelandic-American Johannsson will also look to make an impact as a substitute. Playing in his first World Cup, Johannsson will need to rise to the occasion and make the most of his opportunities here in Brazil. Look for Johannsson to try to make a claim to be a starter for the US team in World Cup 2018.

*Julian Green – Green has dual citizenship in the USA and Germany and has played on U16, U17, U18, and U19 squads in both countries. Look for Green to be a staple of the US midfield in the very near future.

World Cup Names to Know: Groups D, E, and F

michael-bonaventure — Mon, 16 Jun 2014 09:02:02 -0500

Playing a little catch-up this morning in advance of today’s matches.

Previously:

Group C Names to Know

COSTA RICA

Who you know:

Bryan Ruiz – captain, 2^nd most international caps, and 2^nd most international goals bring Ruiz to the forefront of Costa Rican soccer. Of course, playing on clubs such as England’s Fulham and the Netherland’s PSV certainly doesn’t hurt his chances of being the go to guy for this up and coming squad

Who you should know:

Celso Borges – the rock in the middle of the Costa Rican midfield, Borges will look to provide stability to both the attack and defense. Having gained most of his international fame while on the U-17 (under 17 years old) national team for Costa Rica, Borges failed to capitalize on that momentum and turn it into a booming career. Borges remains a solid player and will be heavily leaned on if Costa Rica hopes to advance out of this extremely challenging group

Who you will know:

Joel Campbell – the youngest Costa Rican to make to the journey to Brazil, Campbell shows plenty of promise as a 21 year old. He was called up to England’s Arsenal club at only 19, but has spent most of his club career on loan throughout Europe. His most recent stop at Olympiacos produced his best year by far while playing in 32 games and scoring 8 goals. It’s Campbell’s international career which shows the most hope scoring almost 10 goals each for his U17, U20 and current senior Costa Rican teams.

ENGLAND

England will also receive 2 players per category, not that they are on the same level as Spain, Brazil, et al, but rather because the Barclay’s Premier League (which boast almost all of these lads) is the most watched League in the world.

Who you know:

Steven Gerrard – the ageless wonder, Stevie G captains both the English national team as well as England’s club team Liverpool. The heart and soul of the midfield, Gerrard is looking to lead his squad to the ever elusive World Cup title. England is getting younger, but even though he is 34, Stevie G plays with the passion of a 20 year old. Wherever England hopes to go this World Cup, Gerrard will be the one leading them there, proving that You’ll Never Walk Alone.

Wayne Rooney – the Energizer bunny of an attacker, Rooney just doesn’t stop when it comes to attacking. Rooney’s headers and flying bicycle kicks make him a walking highlight reel and he will look to gather back some of that magic as he prepares to lead England past the Group stage.

Who you should know:

Frank Lampard – appearing to have gained quite a bit of weight recently, Lampard will still hope to be the vice-leader of an otherwise strong English midfield.

Daniel Sturridge – an up and comer for England’s Liverpool club, Sturridge is deadly with the ball on his foot. A natural finisher, he will look to punish any club that focuses too much on Wayne Rooney and should have plenty of chances to do so. Look for Sturridge to have have the most goals from an English striker this World Cup.

Who you will know:

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlin – fresh on the scene at only 20 years of age, The Ox has quickly made a name for himself as a part of England’s Arsenal club. Rivaled in thickness and pure muscle mass only by Brazil’s Hulk, Ox will make his presence known as soon as he enters the game.

Raheem Sterling – the youngest of English footballers at 19 years old, Sterling earned his spot on this squad with an impressive year at the English club Liverpool. His speed and versatility should present him with several playing opportunities, but the depth of talent in the English midfield could limit his exposure in this World Cup. If he does find his way on the pitch, rest assured he will be involved in the best of ways.

ITALY

Who you know:

Buffon – Buffon is the captain and backbone for the Azzurri and has been for many years.Buffon’s list of accolades is beyond impressive, leading his home club Juventus to 5 league titles and Italy to a World Cup title in 2006. Buffon suffered a leg injury in a friendly only weeks ago and it is rumored he could miss “significant time” in Brazil. If this is the case, the Italians are going to need help from its backup keepers in the worst of ways.

Andrea Pirlo – another Italian mainstay who has over 100 caps to his name, Pirlo is a natural born leader. Pirlo has toured Italy’s elite clubs having spent time at AC Milan, Inter Milan and now rests at Juventus. He has won 5 Serie Aleague titles, 2 Champions League titles and a World Cup. Pirlo is known as the greatest distributor of the ball in recent memory and he has a multitude of options on this current squad.

Who you should know:

Mario Balotelli – nicknames Super Mario, this bizarre creature is a walking headline. Not even his biggest haters can deny his raw talent and ability to break a game wide open, but much like Luis Suarez, Balotelli makes headlines by letting his emotions get the best of him. He will be the focal point of the Italian attack this World Cup and will hope that will be his only appearance in the media.

Daniele De Rossi – playing in only slightly fewer games than the aforementioned Buffon and Pirlo, De Rossi is the last of Italy’s older generation to make the World Cup squad.

Who you will know:

Lorenzo Insigne – Insigne, although very undersized at 5’4”, finds a way to score goals in almost every way imaginable. Using his speed while playing from either the left or right wing, Insigne seems to deliver crosses and touch passes. He may also find his way onto a free kick or two and opponents better not blink when the ball his on his foot.

*Salvatore Sirigu – Sirigu may go down as the hero or the villain of this World Cup. As of this writing, Buffon will almost certainly miss Italy’s game against England, which some have called a must win if Italy hopes to advance. If true, Sirigu will be making only his 9^th cap for his nation’s team, although he has plenty of experience while serving as France’s PSG club goalkeeper.

URUGUAY

Who you know:

Luis Suarez – Suarez is a footballer who makes headlines not only for his rare soccer talent, but more so some of his on-field antics. Although he leads an extremely talented Uruguayan team in goals, Suarez more notorious events come from his purposeful handball to save a goal against Ghana in the 2010 World Cup (Uruguay would eventually win that game) and his biting off a bitter-rival Chelsea player at the end of the 2013 Premiership. Suarez has won the adoration of his countrymen and Liverpool supporters, but Suarez is without a doubt the most polarizing figure in all of soccer.

Who you should know:

Diego Forlan – aged 35 years old and with over 100 caps, Forlan has been the face of Uruguayan soccer for over a decade. Playing in his first World Cup in 2002, Forlan has impressed even the stingiest of football fans. Forlan’s venomous strikes on goal have heralded him a savior on his many club teams and for his nation. With the help of Suarez and Cavani, Uruguay may have the most deadly attack in Brazil.

Who you will know:

Edinson Cavani – also known as the Matador, Cavani is a true slayer of beasts. Boasting two separate 3 years stints on Italian clubs Palermo and Napoli, Cavanni has most recently moved to France’s Paris Saint-Germain where he plays alongside Sweeden’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Cavani is deadly from almost anywhere on the pitch and will be a key component in what could be another run at the semi-finals for Uruguay.

ECUADOR

Who you know:

Antonia Valencia – Far and away the most recognizable name on this rather faceless Ecuadorian squad, Valencia has been making a name for himself for quite some time. His breakthrough performance came while on loan to England’s Wigan Athletic, who later picked up his contract. After another stellar season, he was picked up by English powerhouse Manchester United, where he has played in 130 games and scoring over a dozen goals from his winger position.

Who you should know:

Edison Mendez – Mendez is the longest tenured Ecuadorian footballer having played in over 100 international matches. He spearheads the teams attack and will look to take most of the free kicks, from which he is known to be quite deadly. This will most assuredly be his final world cup, so it’s a safe bet that this 35 year old attacking midfielder will be leaving it all out on the pitch.

Who you will know:

Felipe Caicedo – at only 25 years old, this striker has the 2^nd most international goals for his team. At only 20 years of age, Caicedo caught the eye of English giant Manchester City, who signed him in 2008 but sent out his services for much of his 3 years career with the club. Caicedo has a proven ability to score and he will most assuredly find the back of the net at least once during this World Cup.

FRANCE

While most likely not deserving of the “2 player” treatment, The Blues are getting it here as they are my dark horse team of the tournament. Losing Ribery is devastating, but I’ll stick to my guns and say they have a great chance to win the group, should easily win their Round of 16 game, and will be one stellar performance away from winning the Round of 8 and making it to the semi-finals.

Who you know:

Karim Benzema – much like the golfing adage that “chicks dig the long ball,” so too do they dig goal scorers. This is precisely what Benzema is – a world class goal scorer. He will not wow you with his speed, touch, or one-on-one moves, but he always seems to be in the right place at the right time to put the final (sometimes unnecessary) touch onto the ball to bury it in the net. With 130 club goals (72 at Spain’s elite Real Madrid) and 21 international, I introduce to you “Mr. Steal Yo Goal”

Patrice Evra – perhaps one of the best left backs in the history of the game, Evra and the rest of the French defense will be heavily relied upon this world cup. Playing almost 300 matches with Manchester United, Evra is rock solid on the back line. He will occasionally sneak up to put a shot on target and will be looking for his first ever French national goal in this year’s World Cup (Spoiler alert: he gets it).

Who you should know:

Bacary Sagna – while he may not have this distinction quite yet, I believe Sagna to be on the best right-backs in the world. It comes at quite the convenience that France has two of the best outside defenders on their squad, which is why they are poised for such a deep run this year. Sagna is a player that English club Arsenal can’t afford to lose and will need to sign him to a new contract before this World Cup, as he will be demanding a salary they cannot afford after the World sees his talents this Sumer. (Update – on day 2 of this World Cup, June 13^th, Sagna was signed by the deepest-pocketed English club, Manchester City… called it?)

Franck Ribery – France suffered it greatest blow pre-Brazil when it was announced that Ribery would not make the trip due to an ailing back injury. Ribery is renowned for his service balls into the box and France will be looking to one it’s youthful midfielders to pick up the slack.

Who you will know:

Olivier Giroud – a true assassin in the air if there ever was one. Standing at 6’4”, Giroud will look like a man amongst boys against the Central and Southern Americans he faces in the group stage. Even few Swiss players can match his physicality and presence in the box. If France is going to put up some big point totals, this will be the man to get it done.

Mamadou Sakho – with opposing teams knowing how strong France’s outside backs are, many will try to attack the French goal head on. For those that try, they will be running into this monster. Preforming exceptionally well with new club Liverpool, Sakho is ready to rise to the occasion and shore up and already stout back line.

HONDURAS

Who you know:

Noel Valladares – the one man who can give Honduras a chance to advance will be none other than their last line of defense – the goal keeper. Having played in 122 international games, Valladares had an exceptional showing at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Holding opponents Switzerland to no goals, Chile to 1 goal, and eventual Champion Spain to 2 goals, Valladares did his part. Honduras will need a repeat performance from him as well as some offensive help in order to move on.

Who you should know:

Carlo Costly – the man who has proven he can score time and time again will need to do so once (or twice, or thrice) more to help Honduras win. Having scored 31 international goals, but 0 World Cup goals, Costly is poised and ready to break through.

Who you will know:

Jerry Bengtson – playing in his first ever World Cup, Bengtson is rather green behind the ears. Scoring almost 20 international goals in only 44 games shows that Bengtson has a nose (or head) for the goal. As mentioned earlier, if Honduras hopes to win, then they must score. Bengtson is the man ready to make that happen.

SWITZERLAND

Who you know:

Gokhan Inler – Swiss captain and central midfielder, Inler is a born leader. He will be the calming force in the middle of this potent goal scoring midfield. Having toured Swiss and Italian clubs over the past decade, Inler has seemingly settled down at Italian club Napoli. He leads his country with 74 caps and will be looking to lead the Swiss to the knockout rounds.

Who you should know:

Stephan Lichtsteiner – an attacking right-back currently playing for Italy’s Juventus, Lichtsteiner draws comparisons to “Forrest Gump” with his athletic attacks up the sideline. Nicknames “The Swiss Express,” this is one man opposing teams do not want to see barreling down on them looking for a chance to score.

Who you will know:

Xherdan Shaqiri – perhaps what Switzerland misses the most is a true presence in attack. While the left-footed Shaqiri is a true midfielder, his speed with and without the ball will allow him several chances to lead the Swiss attack. Look for Shaqiri to be all over the box as well as getting a look from a free kick in which a deadly left foot is required.

ARGENTINA

Who you know:

Lionel Messi – The greatest soccer player in the world, Messi is known worldwide. Scoring 243 goals in 276 matches with Spanish club Barcelona, Messi’s goal to game ratio is almost unheard of (Messi also has 26 hat tricks to his credit). For all of Messi’s accolades and club success, he has yet to lead his national team to glory even though scoring 38 goals in 86 matches. Messi will hope to live up to the high expectations in this World Cup and cement his national glory next to the likes of Diego Maradona.

Who you should know:

While a couple of the names could be argued for the “you know” list, I believe it only suitable for Messi to stand alone. Thus, this category will have an extra name or two on it.

Maxi Rodriquez – Argentine midfielder of yester-year, Maxi has had a grand club and national career. His notorious mid-range blast on goal may have lost some of their bite, but when he is on the pitch, he is still a threat to score from anywhere.

Javier Mascherano – another aging midfielder, Mascherano’s contributions cannot go unmentioned. A true leader in the midfield, Mascherano will spend most of his time tracking down opposing attackers. It is safe to say, however, that his defensive duties won’t keep him from taking a shot or two on goal.

Martin Demichelis and Pablo Zableta – not only to these two defenders play side by side for Argentina, they also fill the same roles for English club team Manchester City. If Argentina hopes to reach the finals, and it is assumed they can, these defensive pillars will need to be steady on the back line.

Who you will know:

Gonzalo Higuain – Higuain certainly needs no introduction as he surely introduced himself to the world playing for Real Madrid and netting over 100 goals. After recently being bought for 40 million euros, but Italian club Napoli, Higuain has taken a step out of the lime light. Higuain will be chomping at the bit to help lift his country, and himself, into the championship discussion.

Sergio Aguero – another striker who is not being introduced to the world, but certain to make the most of his chance to perform on the world’s biggest stage. Aguero joins countrymen Demichelis and Zableta on England’s Manchester City club team and has been a major contributor to Man City’s two recent BPL titles. Aguero will look to capitalize on every scoring opportunity he is presented with.

BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

Who you know:

Zvjezdan Misimovic – being the most capped player in the history of his nation and being 2^nd in goals, Misimovic will look to solidify the midfield with his role as vice-captain. Spending his club career in Germany, Turkey and China, look for the 32 year old to regain a spring in his step while trying to help B&H exit this wide open group.

Who you should know:

Edin Dzeko – a diverse striker with both speed and size, Dzeko has scored goals in almost every way you can think of. Leading the Bosnian team with 35 goals, Dzeko has proven time and again he can deliver on the big stage. A fine 4 years at Germany’s VfL Wolfsburg, Dzeko was called up to the English league to play for Manchester City, where he has had an equally impressive run. Dzeko will not sneak up on any defender in this group, but with his skill set, he won’t have to.

Who you will know:

Miralem Pjaniic – as fine of an attacking midfielder as there is in this group, Pjanic will rely on his youth and speed to be a game changer in this World Cup. While not a pure goal scorer, his technical skill, stellar dribbling, and visionary passes will have Pjanic involved in nearly every B&H scoring chance.

IRAN

Who you know:

Javad Nekounam – with an astonishing 140 caps for his national squad, Nekounam has earned his captaincy with nearly 40 goals (note the 2^nd most on the team is 10). From his central midfield role, look for Nekounam to blast some of his patented shots from long range.

Who you should know:

Karim Ansarifard – at only 24 years old, Ansarifard has already managed 42 caps. With a penchant for scoring, and scoring A LOT for his club teams, Ansarifard will look to reach double digit national goals with a strong performance in Brazil.

Who you will know:

Reza Ghoochannejhad – with a nickname like “Gucci,” you just know this kid loves the spotlight. Playing for 5 different clubs in the past 5 years, this 26 year old strike is certainly road tested. This stage is the chance Gucci has been waiting on to impress a club enough to secure a long time contract and he may do just that.

NIGERIA

Who you know:

John Obi Mikel – while helping to lead Nigeria to its 2013 Africa Cup of Nations title, Mikel is most widely known for his 8 year stay at English club Chelsea where he has played just over 200 games. Mikel will be all over the pitch from his central midfield role and could certainly help lead Nigeria to the knockout rounds.

Who you should know:

Peter Odemwingie – aged 32 years old and leading Nigeria with 10 goals, Odemwingie has also proven himself with club success. Bouncing around England the past 4 years, Odemwingie had his longest and most impressive stint at West Bromwich Albion. Wherever there is a scoring chance Nigeria, bet the house that Odemwingie will be nearby

Who you will know:

Ahmed Musa – riding an impressive 2 year career with Russian club CSKA Moscow, Musa is riding high coming in to this World Cup. One could certainly question how many true scoring chances Nigeria will muster, but Musa will find himself spearheading at least a few.

Victor Moses – listed as midfielder for the Nigerian national team, look for Moses to sneak up into his more comfortable winger position. Moses can move the ball from the backline to the attack with blazing speed. Having played for England’s U16, U17, U19, and U21 national teams, Moses chose to return to his birth country of Nigeria for this World Cup. Moses brings his vast experience to a rather inexperience Nigerian side.

World Cup Group C Names To Know

michael-bonaventure — Sat, 14 Jun 2014 12:35:00 -0500

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