Group D

England

Preparations haven’t exactly gone to plan, the manager has only been in place for around a month and the star player is suspended for the first two fixtures.  It is hard to see the positives; expectations are understandably excruciatingly low.

Qualification didn’t exactly go as smoothly as expected, but with five wins and three draws it crucially means they stayed unbeaten.  One plus point they can take is how the goals were shared, Wayne Rooney, Jermain Defoe, Ashley Young and Darren Bent, who unfortunately failed to make the cut through injury, all finished equal with three goals.

Two unconvincing 1-0 wins against Norway and Belgium have done little to generate any hope; realistically it seems like the quarter finals at best.  That is if they can navigate their way through the first games without their talisman.

Key Man

With Rooney suspended for those first two encounters, it is up to Steven Gerrard to really stand up and be counted as captain.  As one of the remaining members of the ‘golden generation,’ you would expect that this will be his last chance to taste success at international level.

Over the years he has been seen dragging Liverpool out of the mire time and time again, similar inspirational performances could be required this summer.  If takes responsibility to stand up and be counted, the others may well just follow suit.

One To Watch

Arsenal wonder kid Alex-Oxlade Chamberlain could explode on to the scene, if given the chance this summer.  Although well known on our shores, on a European and Worldwide scale knowledge of the 18-year-old will not be as vast.

His fearless nature could be his real advantage, not afraid to turn and run at a Defender no matter who they are and no matter their reputation.  He will however have to overhaul club mate Theo Walcott and maybe the preferred James Milner for that chance though.

France

Laurent Blanc has worked wonders to transform a team that performed so miserably at the World Cup two years ago, into genuine contenders this time around.  There is undoubted talent running right through the side, and the 4-0 demolition of Estonia in their final warm up, accompanied by some lovely goals, was the perfect tonic.

However, it didn’t look all so rosy in Blanc’s first competitive game in charge.  A 1-0 home defeat to Belarus threatened to derail their campaign before it had even began.  Four consecutive victories thereafter though turned things around, and three draws and two wins in the final five games was enough to seal qualification.

Key Man

When plying his trade in France Karim Benzema was one of the hottest properties in the world, but after opting for Real Madrid his performances fell off.  Now though he is justifying the €30m, and under Jose Mourinho has been flourishing in La Liga as his side ended the Barcelona monopoly and stormed to the title.

Benzema is now charged with leading the French attack into Euro 2012, but will have to be on the top of the game to keep Olivier Giroud on the bench.  The Montpelier hit man has flourished when given a chance in the national side, and will be determined to showcase his talents this summer.

One To Watch

One man the Premier League has been hearing a lot about in recent months is holding midfielder Yann M’Vila.  Despite only having made a handful of appearances at international level his stock continues to rise, with his club resigned to losing him this summer.  Arsenal are long time admirers and have been urged to make a move by many parties, but many other top European club are waiting in the wings ready to make a move.

Sweden

Perennial nemesis of the Three Lions, you could almost sense that the same group would beckon for these nations.  After failing to qualify for the World Cup in South Africa, Sweden will be keen to make amends and progress from the group stages would be seen as huge positive.

However it nearly didn’t happen this time around either, with seven victories and two defeats in nine qualifiers they need to beat the Netherlands at home to secure their place.  Not an easy prospect against a side who had stormed all put before them, but they duly delivered and progressed in a best runners up spot.

Key Man

When you think of Sweden, the imperious Zlatan Ibrahimovic springs to mind.  Wherever he has plied in trade he has scored goals galore, but the one major doubt that has blighted his career in his ability to do so at the very highest level.  If Sweden are to progress here though they will need him on top form and firing on all cylinders.

One To Watch

Sebastian Larsson could perhaps go down as one of the most underrated players in the Premier League.  The Sunderland midfield has a terrific crossing ability, often makes a nuisance of himself by getting in the right areas in and around the box and everyone knows of his tremendous quality from dead ball situations.  These qualities could be key for Ibrahimovic finding the net on a regular basis, you have been warned.

Ukraine

The co-hosts qualify automatically of course, so Ukraine have been preparing through a series of friendlies.  When their crippling injury problems didn’t take over that that is.  They will take huge heart from last years draw with Germany and the fact they are currently unbeaten in four, but on the whole results have been four.  With the greatest of respects to Ukraine, you would expect it to be a straight fight between the other three teams in the group for the top two spots.

Key Man

The most capped player in Ukrainian footballing history will have to be at his ultimate best if Ukraine are to avoid being whipping boys.  Step forward Anatoliy Tymoshchuk.  The Bayern Munich midfielder is the rock at the heart of the midfield, and will to produce inspirational performances to spur on his troops.

One To Watch

22-year-old winger and striker Andriy Yarmolenko could well be the one big hope for a bright future for Ukrainian football.  After netting on his international debut, he followed that up last year by underlining his credentials with a goal against Germany.

He has progressed through the ranks at Dynamo Kiev and has been a full international for some three years, he could well be on to bigger and better things with a good showing this summer.

Future stars - Antoine Griezmann

Griezmann in a buoyant mood

Despite being a part of the Real Sociedad squad for some time now, Antoine Griezmann has really pushed on in the last year or so.  Making bigger clubs sit up and take note, with Arsenal one of the clubs most recently linked with a late January move for the youngster.

It has not been an easy road for the 20-year-old, being rejected by several clubs after trials due to size.  How many times have we heard that?  However, after one such trial Griezmann drew admiring glances from several clubs.  It was Real Sociedad who won the race though, where he has gone from strength to strength.

After progressing through the youth ranks, it was prior to the 2009/10 season when he was given a chance to impress in pre-season.  It was't long before a senior debut came his way, appearing as a second half substitute in a Copa Del Rey match against Rayo Vallecano.

He has not looked back from here, being a regular member of the squad and could perhaps be another gem unearthed by the San Sebastian based side.  It would be no suprise to see Premier League sides make a move for Griezmann in the future, with truly exciting wingers not commonplace on these shores.  It is afterall his pace and skill that have put him on the map.

In 2010 a first appearance for France under-19s came about, in addition to a new contract at club level that reportedly has a buy out clause of around €30 million.  After flicking between the under-19, 20 and 21 sides, Griezmann has now established himself as a regular member of the latter.

Currently nearing a century of appearance at club level, it wouldn't be a suprise if we seen the talented youngster make a move sooner rather than later.

Future stars - M'Baye Niang

A striking prodigy at just 16 years of age, SM Caen's M'Baye Niang has the world at his feet.  Already valued at €8 minimum and attracting the interest of many a Premier League team, see Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham, in addition to many other big names all over Europe.  However he is the latest in a long line to be hailed as the next great saviour of French football, so will he fall to the way side like so many others in this position or continue to progress and become one of the most feared strikers on the planet?


After initially being signed up as a 13-year-old following a tip off, Niang excelled in the academy and was eventually awarded a senior contract earlier this year.  It was also rumoured that some of France's big guns were interested, but Caen beat off competition to sign the youngster.

Niang exploded on to the scene last season, becoming the youngest man to represent Caen in a senior match and also the second youngest to score in Ligue 1.  This was as he went on his way to scoring three goals in just seven appearances, four starts and three from the bench, making the world sit up and take note.  He has also represented France at under-16, under-17 and under-21, with the national progression of senior squad surely not too far away.

It is not too hard to see why so many teams are already beginning tentative steps to lure Niang away, with a strong physical presence but plenty of athletic ability with it, is there a league around in which he couldn't develop into a major force.  However all this talk of the future is far too premature, and this best thing at the moment would be for him to stay and progress.  A move at an early stage could be detrimental to his progression, and the best thing is for him to continue to get first team football where he is.

Transfer flops: Florin Raducioiu

You know you've had a bad time of it when a footballer himself describes an ill fated spell at one of his many clubs as a "disaster."  Cue Florin Raducioiu who used those exact words when describing the time he spent plying his trade at West Ham United.  So just how did a Seria A and Champions League winner with AC Milan end up at Upton Park, and what made the spell one to forget.

Raducioiu began his career in his native Romania where he was a product of the Dinamo Bucharest academy, and went on to play for the club for four years after being given his chance at the tender age of just 17.  A four year jaunt in Italy followed this, where he initially joined Bari, before moving on to Verona, Brescia and then Milan.  The trophy haul though doesn't reflect a happy and glistening time at the San Siro, in fact he managed only a handful of games before being shipped off to another country.

It was Espanyol where he found himself this time, but after just two years it was off to Euro 96 in England where a certain Harry Redknapp sat up and took note as he netted his countries only goal of the finals in a 2-1 defeat by Spain.  His time spent in the Premiership didn't exactly go to plan though, with the double figure mark of appearance just being topped and only two league goals to his name.  He will perhaps be remembered for off field controversy, something vehemently denied by the player, when it was alleged he went shopping at Harvey Nichols leaving his side one striker short.  Falling out with your manager is never a good idea, in any walk of life, and it wasn't long before Raducioiu was back off to Barcelona and old club Espanyol.

In the next seven, and final, years of his career, Raducioiu pilled up quite a list of clubs.  After leaving Spain for the second time it was on to Germany and a one year spell with VfB Stuttgart, before heading back to another old club and Brescia.  After two years home comforts lured the right winger/striker to first club Dinamo Bucharest, but it wasn't long before bags were packed once again and he jetted off to pastures new.  This time France was the destination, where Monaco aquired his services for a season, before one final hurrrah came at Creteil-Lusitanos and finally retirement in 2004 which brought an end to an 18 year career.

Radicioiu may have been far from a hit in London, and at many of his club for that matter, but on his jet-set career of Europe he did set an incredible feat.  He is only one of two players, along with Christian Poulsen, to have plied his trade in Europe's big five leagues (England, France, Germany, Italy and Spain.)

No more years of hurt for New Zealand

After 24 long and painful years, containing near misses and tragic failures, New Zealand finally have their hands on the Webb Ellis Trophy once again.  All those years ago France were once again the victims, but this time around it was much closer and Les Blues came mighty close to spoiling the party.

The 8-7 scoreline highlights how The All Blacks were nearly pipped to the post.  Amongst the post match celebration, relief must have been a huge factor.  Tony Woodcock's early try seemed like it would settle the hosts, but the underdogs, overwhelmingly beaten by New Zealand in the group stage and also suffering a loss to Tonga, refused to be beaten.

Thierry Dusautoir, today named International Rugby Board player of the year as some consolation, as he and his forwards pressed at the scrum and line out.  When the captain slid in under the posts and Francois Trinh-Duc converted, a stadium was stunned and a tense last half hour followed.

It was left to Stephen Donald to slot over a late penalty, and some late defensive heroics to seal the win.  The 27-year-old had started the tournament way down the pecking order, and only last week was on a fishing trip, and he couldn't quite believe it after the final whistle.  Talking to the BBC he said: 
"My preparation wasn't ideal but it was an unreal experience.
"To pretty much come from nowhere just feels funny. It hasn't sunk in yet."
He added:  "You always dream about things like playing in World Cups, but as number four in line you start to give that up a bit. But when I got the call I felt like the dream just got that much closer to reality again.
"To pretty much come from nowhere and find yourself playing in a World Cup final is an unreal experience - it just feels funny. It hasn't sunk in yet, and it's the same for the rest of the guys. They were just sitting around the changing room, not moving much and not saying much.
"The coaches said to me to be ready because it could come down to me having to kick the winning goal, and that is exactly how it panned out."

Following the injury to inspirational Fly-Half Dan Carter earlier in the tournament, some doubted whether this side could fulfill it's years of planning to triumph on home soil.  These doubts were heightened when Captain Richie McCaw fell to injury, luckily though it wasn't too serious and he was able to return to lead his side in the knockout faze.  Piri Weepu performed heroics in the semi-final victory over Australia, taking on the tactical nous of Carter, but found himself a little out of his depth in the final but crucially New Zealand had the supplies to call on to get over the line.

Many sides had huge hopes coming into this tournament, and true the trophy could have gone back to any number of countries.  Australia and South Africa are always strong, England always confident but marred by off field antics, Ireland played some excellent rugby and defeated The Wallabies but were undone by a Wales side unlucky to have Sam Warbuton sent off in their semi-final loss to the runners up.

It is now on to England 2015, and while there's room for improvement in hosting a tournement they do have a huge act to follow.  New Zealand will no doubt head over as favourties, and Red Rose amongst others have some growing up to do, but right now it's about a nation that will celebrate a victory that is long long over due.

Wimbledon looms

With the French Open coming to an end yesterday, we are seeing the build up to our own Grand Slam get underway. The time of year when England goes Tennis crazy, and everyone digs out the rackets to hit the courts.

The 'king of clay' debate will continue to rise, as Spaniard Rafael Nadal grew level with Bjorn Borg's record of six titles on the French clay. That put the 25-year-old on ten slam wins in total, six behind Roger Federer who he yesterday defeated. Now though attentions switched to our fair shores, where it will no doubt be one of these greats who triumphs.

Don't get me wrong I'm not saying that their is a lack of talent in the men's game, just that these two are the standard setters and rise above the rest. Novak Djokovic has been in fine form this season, leading up to his defeat by Federer in France. And these are of course plenty of capable players, and upsets are sure to happen as they usually do. But the Swiss and Spaniard have dominated grand slam successes and I see no reason why it won't continue.

Federer dominated this event between 2003 to 2007, until he traded wins with Nadal in the last three years. He still sits one behind Pete Sampras' record seven triumphs here and he will be as determined as ever to get on equal terms. However a certain Spaniard sits in his way, and with two wins here already he will be looking to close the gap further of slam titles.

Future Stars - Yann M'Vila

If like most football fans you keep an eye on the rumour mill, which seems to get crazier by the day, then the name Yann M'Vila won't have escaped your attention. Stade Rennes' 20-year-old defensive midfielder is making a name for himself in his native France, and could be charged with being one of the few to bring an ailing national team back it's best.

A whole host of European clubs are believed to have taken a look, Liverpool, Manchester United and the Milan's though are the names that are popping up most frequently. That's quite a list of admirers, so let's take a closer look at the young man.

After starting his career at Sains-Saint-Fussien where he stayed for three years, M'Vila had future stints at Ameins SC and Mantes before making his way to Rennes. After five years in the youth set up he made the step up to the seniors, and it was a match made in heaven. He became a key member of the squad in his debut season, and hasn't looked back. This season M'Vila has been key in Rennes charge up the table, where they are still in the hunt for a maiden Ligue 1 title.

Nationally representations have being earned all the way from the France under 16s side, all the way through to the seniors. Raymond Domenech chose to axe the midfielder from his initial 30 man World Cup squad, but in the new Laurent Blanc reign he is becoming somewhat of a mainstay. His hard working nature ensures he performs greatly in his defensive midfield role, but he isn't restricted to just this role. In addition to cutting out moves and passing expertly, he is comfortable going forward with thee ball at his feet.

It is clear to see why clubs are queuing up to take him, but it will no doubt take a huge offer to convince his club to part with such a key member of their squad. One thing though is for sure, will be hearing the name Yann M'Vila for many years to come.

Transfer flops: Jean-Alain Boumsong

After a transfer that raised many eyebrows to start off with, it was soon evident that the public were right all along.

In his native France Jean-Alain Boumsong built up quite a reputation, alongside Philippe Mexes at the heart of the Auxerre defence.

However at four years at the club, and with his contract coming to an end Rangers lured Boumsong to Ibrox in the summer of 2004.

Despite his upcoming frailties in England though, he adapted quickly in Scotland and enhanced his reputation.

So much so that Newcastle manager Graeme Souness paid £8m in January 2005, ending his Scottish adventure after just half a season.

However the defensive mistakes began to creep in and it was clear he didn't possess the movement or nous to keep out Premier League strike forces.

After 18 months his unhappy spell came to end, as he moved to Juventus for barely a third of the fee Newcastle paid Rangers.

After another year and half he was on the move again, this time back to France with giants Lyon.
Citing the fact he felt he had more chances of making the French Euro 2008 squad with this transfer.

Boumsong is now playing his trade in Greece, after moving to Panathinaikos during last summers transfer window.

England V France: Time for the talking to stop

We are now a little over two days away from what is being billed as the crunch encounter of this years Six Nations campaign.

By the time England and France have finished doing battle at Twickenham on Saturday, the victorious team will be fully expected to go on and claim a grand slam.

In the build up it seems France are a little on edge ahead of the game.

We have seen Marc Lievremont shouting off, with his 'everyone hates England' jibe, attempting to wind up the hosts and provoke a response.

Instead we have seen Martin Johnson remain tight lipped, and Toby Flood openly mock the comments.

In addition the visitors to HQ have made several changes to their starting XV for the game.

Sebastien Chabal, Vincent Clerc, Dimitri Yachvili and Yannick Jauzion have all been recalled, while Maxime Medard is shifted to full back.

There's no doubt they will attempt to be more physical than Italy, and get in the faces of the English front row.

But in addition they will not concede sloppy ball like the Italians did, and will definitely not stand off and allow England to attack in flowing fashion.

England on the other hand have made just one change, as Andrew Sheridan comes back in after injury with Alex Corbisiero moving out of the side.

This seems a more settled side, and it is no secret that they have been scoring freely while France haven't exactly had a tight defence.

And despite French claims that they have a plan to contain Chris Ashton, the Northampton wing will no doubt be a threat.

On home soil, and form considered, England should run out the victors but it certainly won't be easy.

However after their next game at home to Scotland, a potential grand slam finale will rest on a tricky trip to Ireland.

How nice it is to be able to dream of a first English grand slam since 2003.

England disappoint against Montenegro!

After that shambles in the summer, England fans were once again beginning to get optimistic following a series of victories.

Added into this mix was the emergence of new talents, think Adam Johnson, and it was widely believed that Euro 2012 qualification was a mere formality.

But who are England to disappoint, and right on cue they have reminded their public that this isn't the case with a very poor performance.

Should this have been against one of the top sides, a draw wouldn't seem so bad but it was against the side tipped to finish bottom of the group.

Well that certainly is the case if you tip the current table upside down.

Added into the mix is also their current standing in the FIFA rankings, where Montenegro sit fortieth one ahead of Colombia and just behind Burkina Faso.

Montenegran fans celebrated like they had won at the final whistle at Wembley and who could blame them, if it wasn't for a lick of paint they could well have done.

But with Joe Hart well beat Milan Jovanovic's shot shuddered off the bar, and reminded England not to be too complacent.

The Sixth ranked best side in the world dominated possession for the most part, but struggled to make any real openings.

And when they did they found a keeper in top form, with Mladen Bozovic proving the last line in what was mostly a very staunch defence.

People connected with the national side will point to the clear penalty that should have been awarded when Jovanovic handled in the box.

But the truth is England shouldn't struggle to break these sides down, even if they settle for the most part.

Ashley Young and Adam Johnson may be the positives to take out of the game, with both being lively but during the course of the whole game not seeing enough of the ball.

Glen Johnson and Ashley Cole were also subdued in attacking from their full back berths, something we are all to used to seeing.

Most worrying of all though for Fabio Capello and Sir Alex Ferguson alike, will be another subdued performance from Wayne Rooney.

The Manchester United striker of a few months ago would have buried the two chances that fell his way, but on the night Bozovic thwarted him.

Injuries should have subsided by the next qualifier in Cardiff in March, but before that is the friendly against France at Wembley next month.

A stark improvement is needed if the three lions are to get back on track.

Group A

SOUTH AFRICA - World Ranking 83

We'll start this preview with the largely unfancied hosts, who will have it all to do just to make it out of group A. A recent run to the semi-finals of the Confederations Cup has restored some belief into the nation, where they matched Brazil until an 88th minute Daniel Alves goal, but all three other teams in this group have some pedigree.

However being on home soil will no doubt improve their chances, but the fact that no host has ever gone out at the group stage will play on their mind. The side has gone backwards since the 2002 World Cup, and didn't even qualify last time out. That coupled with this years pour African Nations showing, where they didn't make it out of the group, will make it a tough tournament for the hosts.

One thing is for certain though the fans of Bafana Bafana - translated as 'the boys the boys' - will make it very colourful and noisy. Particularly with those Vuvuzela's we are hearing so much about.

Strengths

Out of the many holes that could provide their undoing, the hosts are fairly organised and do have a fairly strong defence. Their defence is made up of both European and South African based players, and this eclectic eclectic mix could work in their favour. Aaron Mokoena, just one cap away from his century, is the stalwart and often breaks up play from the centre of midfield. And after his turbulent season at Portsmouth, he will be determined to make a mark this summer.

Weaknesses

With top scorer Benni McCarthy currently out of favour, goals could be the main problem for this side. McCarthy hasn't enjoyed the best of spells for West Ham since his January move and as a result is out of the squad, so someone's going to have to be a hero if they are to progress.

Key Man - Steven Pienaar

Despite his slow start on Merseyside, Pienaar is now an integral cog in David Moyes side. His pace, trickery and eye for goal have enhanced his reputation, however the latter needs to improved for country as he's netted just twice. If he can put transfer rumours out of his mind, Pienaar could just be the spark required.

One to Watch - Kagisho Dikgacoi

The Fulham man hasn't really been given a chance at Craven Cottage, but here he forms a key partnership in the centre of midfield with Captain Mokoena. A good tournament here could restart his career, and this determination could ensure they are a tough side to break down.

Manager - Carlos Alberto Parreira

Now in his second spell in charge of South Africa, split up by a spell at Fluminese in 2009, Parreira certainly has a tough job on his hands. However he is very experienced, and a World Cup winner when he took his home nation of Brazil to the title in 1994, so he could provide the spark required.

Odds - 125-1

Prediction - If Mokoena can instill some of the fight evident at Portsmouth during the final months of the Premiership season, South Africa could have an outside chance of making it out of the group. Realistically though, it is a very long shot.

France - World Ranking 9

The build up to this year World Cup hasn't been the smoothest for the '98 winners. Firstly a poor qualifying campaign led to a playoff place, that was settled by THAT Thierry Henry moment. Then a sex scandal rocked the build up, before it was confirmed that Raymond Domenech would be leaving after the tournament with Laurent Blanc taking over.

Never has a French side been so hated both internally and externally, and they will have a lot to do to silence the critics that have been circling for years.

Strengths

This side is crammed full of quality throughout, and on there day could well be capable of defeating anyone in the world. Their midfield has plenty of craft and creativity, with the goalkeeping department also very strong. Both Hugo Lloris and Steve Mandanda have been linked with every European heavyweight, and the latter has also just won the league title with Marseille.

Weaknesses

It is well documented that age is the reason behind the sudden decline of France, however you could also point the finger at their lack of goals. Nicolas Anelka can't turn his club form into his country, Thierry Henry isn't looking anywhere near his best anymore and the one time golden boy of French football Karim Benzema isn't even selected following his lack of game time at Real Madrid. Instead Domenech has turned to forgotten man Djibril Cisse who has netted 29 times for Panathinaikos this term to turn his sides fortune.

Key Man - Franck Ribery

When your called the 'jewel of French football' by Zinedine Zidane, it is fair to say that some kind of creative spark can be expected. Last season he helped Bayern Munich to the double contributing 16 goals, which fuelled rumours of a £60m move. However a new contract has been signed, and with his future sorted his sole focus is now the World Cup.

One to Watch - Mathieu Valbuena

The creative Marseille midfielder was a suprise inclusion in France's 23 man squad, but netted on his debut against Costa Rica to silence some of the doubters. He is battling in a midfield full of creative spark, but he could just slip under the radar and shock a few people this summer.

Manager - Raymond Domenech

After taking the job in 2004, Domenech was always going to be onto loser after he confessed that astrology played a bigger part in team selection than statistics. And after it was confirmed that Laurent Blanc will soon be replacing him, motivation could be hard to come by. On the other hand, a surprise World Cup win could be the ultimate send off to show his nation what they'll be missing.

Odds - 18-1

Prediction - France should walk the group with some ease, but a run to the quarter-final is perhaps the best they can hope for unless Domenech can utilise some of the attacking talent at his disposal.

Mexico - World Ranking 17

Sven came and left in double quick time after a less than impressive qualifying campaign, that left Mexico on the verge of not qualifying for this year World Cup. However Javier Aguirre came in and restored the lost belief, and guided them to the finals. Therefore keeping up their impressive record of World Cup appearances since 1994.

A stark improvement is needed though if they are to progress, as they notoriously do not travel to World Cups well. Apart from reaching the last eight in hosting years of 1970 and 1988, they have only ever reached the second round.

Strengths

One of the main points to note that came out of Mexico's qualifying campaign, is the depth that goals can be found throughout the side. Eighteen different players found the back of the net, while young players have also begun to find there feet. This youth though is harnessed by experienced, the likes of Rafael Marquez and Cuauhtemoc Blanco are still heavily relied upon.

Weaknesses

Goals can often be leaked where they are on top, e.g. the recent England friendly. On top of that they also didn't do anything to quash there 'dirty' reputation that follows them around.

Key Man - Carlos Salcido

Despite being one of the older members of the Mexico side, Salcido's attacking up the left flank is an integral part of his play. He had an impressive tournament in Germany 2006 after which he was linked with Arsenal, and he will be hoping to continue where he left off.

One to Watch - Gio Dos Santos

Spurs forgotten man Dos Santos has found his feet in the national side, and has begun to become an important part of the squad. If he can get back to the type of form when he broke through at Barcelona, he could have a sterling tournament and put himself well and truly in the shop window.

Manager - Javier Aguirre

In his second stint as manager, Aguirre took over from the doomed Sven era and guided Mexico to the Concacaf Gold Cup and the World Cup. He is however a controversial character, being fined £16,000 after a Gold Cup bust up in which he kicked Panama's Ricardo Phillips.

Odds - 80-1

Prediction - If they can overcome Uruguay they will be strong favourites to progress from the group behind France, however history tells us this is where it will end.

Uruguay - World Ranking 16

After just squeezing through qualifying by a single point, Uruguay will not be overly ambitious but will be confident of beating there last World Cup finish. They crashed out of the group stage in 2002 (along with France), an didn't even qualify last time out in Germany. A marked improvement is needed if they are to beat Mexico to second place.

Strengths

Undoubtedly Uruguay's main strength is the attacking talent that lies within their squad. Diego Forlan is now a veteran of the side, but is arguably in the form of his life for Atletico Madrid (just ask Liverpool and Fulham). Alongside him is Luis Suarez who is the jewel in the Ajax crown, a player of terrific talent whose links to Manchester United are seemingly unending.

Weaknesses

Inconsistency has blighted Uruguay for many a year, and it is something that will need to be sorted before June 11. They no doubt have the quality to progress, but a 6-0 win over Peru followed by a 4-0 thrashing by Brazil in qualifying sums this up.

Key Man - Diego Forlan

The Manchester United flop has found his feet in La Liga, and is going to the World Cup in great form and with great confidence after his Europa League success. After first moving to Spain he become golden boot winner at Villareal, before moving to Atletico to replace Fernando Torres. A difficult task it would seem, but his scoring has continued and he could from a great partnership with my one to watch.

One to Watch - Luis Suarez

A terrific young talent who could greatly benefit from the wise old head of Diego Forlan. He been scoring goals galore in Holland for Ajax, so attack could really be the best form of defence for Uruguay.

Manager - Oscar Washington Tabarez

Another coach in his second spell in charge of his national side, Tabarez is known as El Maestro in his homeland due to his ability to make the most of limited resources. Spells at AC Milan and Boca Juniors show that he has ability to atleast take Uruguay through the group.

Odds - 100-1

Prediction - With the form of Diego Forlan, they should just get second place ahead of Mexico. However along with France, they won't progress much further.

Next Time

Join me tomorrow, as we go through group B of Argentina, Nigeria, South Korea and Greece.