WORLD CUP EXPANDS NEW HORIZON BUT MARRED WITH CONTROVERSY

Last Friday, FIFA announced the host for the World Cup 2018 and 2022 in an eventful night, marred with speculations and controversial votes-buying incident before and after the ballot. Of course, in any major event, there will a winner and loser. The winner was Russia but the losers were Spain, Portugal and England. On another ground, the winner was Qatar and the losers were the United States and Australia. The aftermath of the host announcement, the world has now embarked in a bitter blizzard of distaste and foul-play.

FIFA awarded the World Cup 2018 and 2022 to Russia and Qatar respectively

We shall not talk about the controversial event that leads to the breakdown of several unsatisfied parties first. GREEN TEA WORLD would like to congratulate the citizens of Russia and Qatar for their successful bid to organize the World Cup 2018 and 2022 respectively. Russia and Qatar beat the odds by emerging a surprise winner in the tight multiple-cornered battle to secure the votes of the FIFA executives to host the World Cup.

The result is pretty straight forward. Russia garnered the most votes in the first round with England which has the best technical inspection report was humiliated in the first round. Spain/Portugal bid was the second best in the report but could not have been able to do anything to deny Russia's win. In the end, the announcement sent Russian into unconfined joy but the media in England continues to banging the drums over foul-plays, betrayal and exclusive backdoor stories that exposed FIFA into a money-making organization and landing into a big cash cow deal for money politics.

ALL HAIL VETTEL, RED BULL RACING

Fernando Alonso entered the weekend for the last race in Abu Dhabi with a destiny on his own to nurture. He was leading the closest and tightest Formula One Championship battle ever in the recent memory with a mere 8 points ahead of title rival Mark Webber, 15 ahead of Sebastian Vettel and 24 ahead of Lewis Hamilton. With huge points awarded for classified finish this season, let's assumes that thimhs can go the other way in a swift move.

However, the outcome of last night's dawn-to-night race at Abu Dhabi produced a different story at the end. Sebastian Vettel takes things to the different way by winning the last race of the season and eventually the Drivers champion. At the age of 23, Vettel becomes the youngest world champion ever.

Ferrari's championship leader Fernando Alonso came with a disappointing seventh while another Red Bull's title hopeful Webber was eight.

RED BULL RACING CLINCHES F1 CONSTRUCTOR TITLE

It could not have gone worst for the Red Bull Racing team for not clinching the title earlier at Korea a fortnight ago. Last race at Yeongnam circuit produced one of the most set-back result ever in this year calendar when both Mark Webber and Sebastian Vettel failed to finish, delaying the awaited moment and surrendering the driver's title to Ferrari's Fernando Alonso. Despite the delay, Red Bull Racing has finally clinched the 2010 World Constructors title with one race away following a 1-2 finish at Interlagos.

Last night's race again tells the similar story like what it had been told since earlier this season. The Red Bull Racing has been no doubt the most dominant force in the sport this year, but the blame-game should be pointed to the fact that the consistency and reliability remains one of the issue that requires Adrian Neway, the key technical behind the team to ponder off for the next season.

LIVE BLOGGING: WORLD CUP 15 JUNE 2010

Yesterday was a busy day. I did not made any live blogging yesterday because I have something to do and I was basically away from home since 3pm up until 11pm. So there wasn't any live blogging yesterday. What did you missed? Oh, Netherlands beat Denmark on 2 goals to nil, Japan stunned Cameroon with 1-0 and Italy drew 1-1 with Paraguay.


Today's matches cover up are between Portugal and Ivory Coast, Brazil and North Korea, both matches from Group G. Well, enjoy the live blogging okay.

NOTE: HERE ARE FEW THINGS YOU CAN CONTRIBUTE:

1) Foremost, this is the first time I'm doing live blog with Cover-It-Live. Any short comings that may happen, I first and foremost would like to extend my apologize!

2) Feel free to comment and to participate on the live blogging. You can comment (subject to my moderation - don't worry I will try to put all your comments in!) using your Twitter or Facebook account. In case you are unable to do so, please contact me at Tweeter (@BernardGT) so I can check on the settings. 

3) At the course of the live blog, there will be poll questions that you can join. Don't be shy to voice your opinion.

4) Any feedbacks or comments, please do it on the comment box below. 

5) ENJOY THE GAME

WORLD CUP: MATCHDAY STATS 14 JUNE

It's the fourth day and the World Cup 2010 continues with another three group matches. Two Group E matches and one Group F matches were played yesterday. It was rather a lack of inspiration where no one can really match the excitement of the Germany vs Australia game. Nevertheless, Netherlands overcame a difficult start to score two on second half for a victory against Denmark. Japan made a major upset by defeating Cameroon on 1-0. Italy survived a scare from Paraguay and they were forced to share a point each.


Here are the match highlights on Day 4 - June 14:

GROUP E - FIFA WORLD CUP 2010
Match 09

NETHERLANDS	2-0	DENMARK
19(6)	Shots(On goal)	11(3)
13	Fouls	21
6	Corners	2
4	Offsides	2
66%	Possession	34%
2	Yellow cards	1
0	Red cards	0
3	Saves	5

Goals: NED - Agger (og, 46'), Kuyt 85'
Stadium: Soccer City Stadium, Johannesburg
Attendance: 83,465
Match Time: 1130 GMT, 14 June 2010
Referee: Stephane Lannoy (France)

More matches after the jump....

WORLD CUP: MATCHDAY STATS 13 JUNE

It's third day and the World Cup 2010 continues with another three group matches. One match from Group C and another two from Group D were played. Following a blunder by England's Robert Green, Algeria's Faouzi Chaouchi gave Slovenia their first ever World Cup win in the history. The Ghana stuns the Serbs with 1-0 victory following penalty that was converted decisively by Gyan. The Soccerros were shown how much Germany should also be considered a strong contender following the German 4-0 trashing win. 


Here are the match highlights on Day 3 - June 13:

GROUP C - FIFA WORLD CUP 2010
Match 06

ALGERIA	0-1	SLOVENIA
10(2)	Shots(On goal)	7(3)
17	Fouls	11
4	Corners	3
1	Offsides	3
48%	Possession	52%
1	Yellow cards	2
1	Red cards	0
2	Saves	2

Goals: SVN - Koren 79'
Stadium: Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane
Attendance: 30,325
Match Time: 1130 GMT, 13 June 2010
Referee: Carlos Batres (Guatemala)

More matches after the jump....

LIVE BLOGGING: WORLD CUP AND FORMULA ONE - 13 JUNE 2010

On today's Green Tea World sport section, we bring you a live blogging from Formula One Canadian GP at Montreal and the live game between Germany and Australia.


The live blogging will begin at 11.45pm Malaysian Time (+8 GMT). Formula One Canadian GP will be covered from 11.50pm where live blogging will be provided. Yesterday Lewis Hamilton stormed into a final flying lap to snatch pole position ahead of Red Bull's duo - Webber and Vettel. Catch the action of 70 laps on live blog. This followed by a coverage on World Cup Group D match between Germany and Australia at 2.30am (+8 GMT) from Durban, South Africa.

NOTE: HERE ARE FEW THINGS YOU CAN CONTRIBUTE:

1) Foremost, this is the first time I'm doing live blog with Cover-It-Live. Any short comings that may happen, I first and foremost would like to extend my apologize!

2) Feel free to comment and to participate on the live blogging. You can comment (subject to my moderation - don't worry I will try to put all your comments in!) using your Twitter or Facebook account. In case you are unable to do so, please contact me at Tweeter (@BernardGT) so I can check on the settings. 

3) At the course of the live blog, there will be poll questions that you can join. Don't be shy to voice your opinion.

4) Any feedbacks or comments, please do it on the comment box below. 

5) ENJOY THE GAME

WORLD CUP: MATCHDAY STATS 12 JUNE

The second day of the competition saw three group matches held. Two matches from Group B and one from Group C were played and little surprise has been produced. The Taegeuk Warriors have a fine day yesterday by beating the lackluster Greek on the opening match of Group B. Argentina has a tough time cracking on Nigeria's goal while on the Group C match; England managed only a draw with USA. Both Nigeria and USA have their goalkeeper to thank for. The sounds of vuvuzelas and the artcraft of makarapa are filling up the atmosphere for the first World Cup in African continent.


Here are the highlights from yesterday's matches.

GROUP B - FIFA WORLD CUP 2010
Match 03

SOUTH KOREA	2-0	GREECE
17(4)	Shots(On goal)	6(2)
14	Fouls	11
6	Corners	11
1	Offsides	5
48%	Possession	52%
0	Yellow cards	1
0	Red cards	0
2	Saves	2

Goals: KOR - Lee Jung-Soo 7', Park Ji-Sung 52'
Stadium: Nelson Mandela Bay, Port Elizabeth
Attendance: 31,513
Match Time: 1130 GMT, 12 June 2010
Referee: Michael Hester (New Zealand)

MATCH HIGHLIGHT: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8U22F-hxggM

------------------------------

More matches, after the jump...

LIVE BLOGGING: WORLD CUP - 12 JUNE 2010

Yesterday I made a live blogging for you guys and I was able to cover-it-live the World Cup opening match between South Africa and Mexico. Today, I will do the same for the day's two most anticipated matches. First at 10.00pm Malaysian Time, we have Argentina taking on Nigeria for Group B. Later at 2.30am Malaysian Time, we have the opening match for Group C where England will taking on USA.

Well, to ease you guys, the live blogging will be done on this post. Stay tune and get updated with Green Tea World on the World Cup 2010! 

NOTE: HERE ARE FEW THINGS YOU CAN CONTRIBUTE:

1) Foremost, this is the first time I'm doing live blog with Cover-It-Live. Any short comings that may happen, I first and foremost would like to extend my apologize!

2) Feel free to comment and to participate on the live blogging. You can comment (subject to my moderation - don't worry I will try to put all your comments in!) using your Twitter or Facebook account. In case you are unable to do so, please contact me at Tweeter (@BernardGT) so I can check on the settings. 

3) At the course of the live blog, there will be poll questions that you can join. Don't be shy to voice your opinion.

4) Any feedbacks or comments, please do it on the comment box below. 

5) ENJOY THE GAME

WORLD CUP: MATCHDAY STATS 11 JUNE

Yes, the world sporting event is back and the stage has set for the 32 teams to fight for the glory and honour of their nation. The African continent hosted World Cup for the first time in the history and with the opening match last night, the month-long festival of football, cultural display and the annoying noise of vuvuzelas begin.


On Matchday June 11, two matches from Group A were played. Here are the match highlights for those who missed out yesterday's matches.

GROUP A - FIFA WORLD CUP 2010

SOUTH AFRICA	1-1	MEXICO
10(3)	Shots(On goal)	16(3)
17	Fouls	13
4	Corners	5
4	Offsides	6
35%	Possession	65%
2	Yellow cards	2
0	Red cards	0
2	Saves	2

Goals: RSA - Tshabalala 55'; MEX - Marquez 79'
Stadium: Soccer City, Johannesburg
Attendance: 84,490
Match Time: 1400 GMT, 11 June 2010
Referee: Ravshan Irmatov (Uzbekistan)

After the jump, the match stat between Uruguay vs France

LIVE BLOGGING: WORLD CUP OPENING MATCH

The showdown will begin in 1 hour and 37 minutes...(at the time of writing!). The stage is set and the world will be in feast for the next 31 days, a rundown of colourful atmosphere until the Final showdown on July 11. Over the course of World Cup, Green Tea World will attempt to do live blogging on selected matches (not all unfortunately!). While I cannot guarantee you if I can do all matches on live, because I do not have an Astro at home. Bringing my laptop to mamak stall just to do live blogging sounds fun but impossible. There are times when my internet connection is not sufficient enough to stream for live match. Well at least that's what I can do right?


But clearly, tonight's matches from Group A: the opening match of South Africa and Mexico, followed by Uruguay vs France at 2.30AM Malaysian time or 8.30PM South African Time.


Well, to ease you guys, the live blogging will be attached at the sticky note above this post (if you view from the home page!). Stay tune and get updated with Green Tea World on the World Cup 2010! 




HERE ARE FEW THINGS YOU CAN CONTRIBUTE:
1) Foremost, this is the first time I'm doing live blog with Cover-It-Live. Any short comings that may happen, I first and foremost would like to extend my apologize!


2) Feel free to comment and to participate on the live blogging. You can comment (subject to my moderation - don't worry I will try to put all your comments in!) using your Twitter or Facebook account. In case you are unable to do so, please contact me at Tweeter (@BernardGT) so I can check on the settings. 


3) At the course of the live blog, there will be poll questions that you can join. Don't be shy to voice your opinion.


4) Have fun!! Any feedbacks or comments, please do it on the comment box below. 


5) ENJOY THE GAME

THE BEST ADVERTISEMENT EVER!!!

[NIKE] One can argue that this is no doubt the best advertisement ever. Why? Check the video below yourself and what say you?



This has to be the most expensive advertisement in the world, considering that it has Didier Drogba, Fabio Cannavaro, Wayne Rooney, Franck Ribery, Ronaldinho and Christiano Ronaldo. Others who also can be seen in the video includes Kobe Bryant, Homer Simpson, Theo Walcott, Nike Elite Series, Landon Donavan, Tim Howard, Cesc Fabregas, Roger Federer, Gael Garcia Bernal and Alejandro González Also, it's a three minute long video and it should have cost Nike tens of thousands for each second this video is made!

So, why Write The Future? Apparently, the World Cup is coming and the fate of each nation and player is subjected to whatever they kick, they dribble and they head in  this coming weeks. Bet you are right, Nike!! But I have to say, the future thoughts by Rooney and Ronaldo seems a bit over the top! May God bless the Queen and err..The Simpsons.

[UPDATE] I just add in another video advertisement - by [Adidas]

On June 4, Adidas posted on Youtube its latest Star WarsTM Cantina - World Cup 2010 ads. First thing came into my mind - WOW, A BIT LAME but it ends with a LOL!! You see Star Wars creatures in it, you see R2D2 too. If Nike's commercial focus on football players and their ambitions to create a future and destiny for their teams, the Adidas' commercial deals more from an audience's point-of-view. Guest starring in the commercial - includes David Beckham, Daft Punk, Snoop Dogg, Franz Beckenbauer, Noel Gallagher (of Oasis), Ian Brown, Ciara, Jay Baruchel and DJ Neil Armstrong.

Enjoy the video please:



WORLD CUP IS COMING!!!!

FIFA WORLD CUP 2010: PART THREE - COMMENTARY OF GROUP C

The third part of FIFA World Cup 2010 preview will look at the teams in Group C. Group C consists of England, United States, Here are yet again my amateur opinions.

C1: ENGLAND
Nickname: The Three Lions Coach: Fabio Capello FIFA Ranking*: 8 Last 5 matches: v Slovenia (2-1), v Brazil (0-1), v Egypt (3-1), v Mexico (3-1), v Japan (2-1) Past appearances: 13 - 1966 (Champion); 1990 (Fourth Place); 1954, 1962, 1970, 1986, 2002, 2006 (Q-Finalist); 1982 (Round 2); 1998 (Round of 16); 1950, 1958 (Round 1); 2010
The Squad: GK 1 David James, 12 Robert Green, 23 Joe Hart DF 3 ashley Cole, 6 John Terry, 18 Jamie Carragher, 2 Glen Johnson, 20 Ledley King, 15 Matthew Upson, 13 Stephen Warnock, 5 Michael Dawson MF 4 Steven Gerrard (C), 8 Frank Lampard, 11 Joe Cole, 14 Gareth Barry, 17 Shaun Wright-Phillips, 22 Michael Carrick, 7 Aaron Lennon, 16 James Milner FW 10 Wayne Rooney, 21 Emile Heskey, 19 Jermaine Defoe, 9 Peter Crouch

The Three Lions - a team where all of these started and history has pointed out that indeed the Englishmen who were the first to play football. England has been consistently been in the quarter-final round, occurred 6 out of the 12 World Cup campaigns. Duly noted, they won the trophy back in 1966 and remained down the history as the only time they made that far. England is not a winning team, not even close to the year when Alf Ramsey was the manager. However, they remained one of the most respected and fearsome team in the world. Like I said, England will definitely not win this year's World Cup, but Fabio Capello's side has been radical under his management and have seen a much improvement since they were dumped out of Euro 2008 when Steve McClaren was unable to propel them to the Final rounds, at the expense of Croatia and Russia. Time have changed ever since and the lions are back to roar. They have finest players on crops like John Terry on the back, Steve G and Frank Lampard are the key middle-men while the recent bullish performances by Rooney and Defoe could made them a lethal goal machine. But here's the problem, Capello is currently worried about his players' fitness and many of them had injured in the recent months. Rio Ferdinand was ruled out due to injury while Rooney has seen some drop in pace after suffering injury. Gerrard (calf), Barry (ankle), Warnock and Terry are all on the injury list too. This could be a major setback for Capello because he has only little time to ensure the whole England team functions well. Looks like old lady luck is not on his side.

(L) Steven Gerrard (Liverpool, 80 caps, 16 goals); (C) Frank Lampard (Chelsea, 78 caps, 20 goals); (R) Wayne Rooney (Manchester United, 60 caps, 25 goals)

After the jump, more on USA, Algeria and Slovenia.....

FIFA WORLD CUP 2010: PART TWO - COMMENTARY OF GROUP B

The second part of FIFA World Cup 2010 preview will look at the teams in Group B. Here are yet again my amateur opinions.

B1: ARGENTINA
Nickname: La Albiceleste (White and Sky Blue) Coach: Diego Maradona FIFA Ranking*: 7 Last 5 matches: v Costa Rica (3-2), v Jamaica (2-1), v Germany (1-0), v Haiti (4-0), v Canada (5-0) Past appearances: 15 - 1978, 1986 (Champion); 1930, 1990 (Finalist); 1966, 1998, 2006 (Q-Finalist); 1974, 1982 (Round 2); 1994 (Round of 16); 1934, 1958, 1962, 2002 (Round 1); 2010
The Squad: GK 1 Diego Pozo, 21 Mariano Andujar, 23 Sergio Romero DF 2 Martin Demichelis, 3 Clemente Rodriguez, 4 Nicolas Burdisso, 6 Gabriel Heinze, 12 Ariel Garce, 13 Walter Samuel, 15 Nicolas Otamendi MF 5 Mario Bolatti, 7 Angel Di Maria, 8 Juan Sebastian Veron, 14 Javier Mascherano, 17 Jonas Gutierrez, 20 Maxi Rodriguez, 23 Javier Pastore FW 9 Gonzalo Higuain, 10 Lionel Messi, 11 Carlos Tevez, 16 Sergio Aguero, 18 Martin Palermo, 19 Diego Milito

They struggled in the Qualifying - almost lost the fourth automatic place to World Cup while the worst of missing the cut for the last chance play-off too. They lost 1-6 to Bolivia, lost to Chile, Colombia, Ecuador and Paraguay at away matches. Diego Maradona was once a legendary player but his coaching skills put too much emphasis on try and error in matching up the payers. His method proved to be disastrous and controversial - leading to an unexpected inconsistency in form during the Qualifying round. Huge call up and he had tested more than 60 players since 2008 but the quality of games have improved tremendously over the last few games. The team can depends on a strong attacking squad led by Barcelona's Lionel Messi, Real Madrid's Gonzalo Higuain and Man City's Carlos Tevez. Adding in Veron, Mascherano and Maxi Rodriguez on the central line up, the team could be one of the strongest team in the tournament. While the Argentinian players are skillful in individual display, their team-work as an unit is still far from captivity of their rival, Brazil. All the terrible past of qualifying means almost nothing but usually Argentina can breeze past the group stage. They are however, in the same group with South Korea, Greece and Nigeria - dubbed as another tricky group as well. If Argentina can pass the group stage, they are most likely to face France or Mexico in the Round of 16. For the record on the previous World Cup, Argentina can assured of a spot in the final if they were able to pass through the quarter-final round! Can the Argentinian do magic like what they have did for their club? Most likely they can!

(L) Gonzalo Higuain (Real Madrid, 5 caps, 2 goals); (C) Lionel Messi (Barcelona, 44 caps, 13 goals); (R) Carlos Tevez (Manchester City, 52 caps, 9 goals)

B2: NIGERIA
Nickname: Super Eagles Coach: Lars Lagerback FIFA Ranking*: 20 Last 3 matches: v Congo DR (5-2), v Saudi Arabia (0-0), v Colombia (1-1) Past appearances: 4 - 1994, 1998 (Round of 16); 2002 (Round 1); 2010
The Squad: GK 1 Vincent Enyeama, 16 Austin Ejide, 23 Dele Aiyenugba DF 2 Joseph Yobo, 3 Taye Taiwo, 6 Danny Shittu, 17 Chidi Odiah, 5 Rabiu Afolabi, 21 Uwa Elderson Echiejile, 15 Dele Adeleye MF 10 Mikel John Obi, 13 Ayila Yussuf, 12 Kalu Uche, 14 sani Kaita, 20 Dickson Etuhu, 19 Lukman Haruna, 11 Peter Odemwingie, 7 Chinedu Obasi FW 4 Nwankwo Kanu, 8 Yakubu Aiyegbeni, 22 John Utaka, 18 Victor Obinna, 9 Obafemi Martins

The Nigerian or Super Eagles as they preferred to be called that, has achieved a moderate success. Once, they are the mighty giant in the African football but has saw slight drop on performances over the years. They missed out the last edition; following a dismay qualifying campaign, at the expense of Angola who created history. Currently ranked 21st and third in Africa behind Egypt and Cameroon, the Nigerian need to find more excitement to return to the glory of their past. The last time they won an African Cup of Nations was back in 1994 and since then, they have constantly chalked up the third prize. With the talents from crop of players who played in domestic leagues in England and Israel mostly, the Super Eagles may be another dark horse that need to be cautioned for. The midfielders like Mikel John Obi and Chinedu Obasi are some of the finest in their generation while the attacking force relied heavily on veterans like Kanu, Utaka or Aiyegbeni. Should we look at their past three World Cup entries, they managed to slot themselves in 1994 and 1998 but scrambled in 2002. While their performance is no where near the 1998's squad which has Jay Jay Okocha, Rashidi Yekini and Daniel Amokachi - all whom were the best Nigerian ever had.

(L) Nwankwo Kanu (Portsmouth, 82 caps, 13 goals); (C) Mikel John Obi (Chelsea, 34 caps, 2 goals); (R) Yakubu Aiyegbeni (Everton, 51 caps, 19 goals)

Click Read More for more on Group B - after the jump - South Korea and Greece

FIFA WORLD CUP 2010: PART ONE - COMMENTARY OF GROUP A

A1: SOUTH AFRICA
Nickname: Bafana Bafana (The Boys) Coach: Carlos Alberto Parreira FIFA Ranking*: 83 Last 5 matches: v Jamaica (2-0), v Thailand (4-0), v Bulgaria (1-1), v Colombia (2-1), v Guatemala (5-0) Past appearances: 3 - 1998, 2002 (Round 1), 2010 as host
The Squad: GK 1 Shu-Aib Walters, 16 Itumeleng Khune, 22 Moeneeb Josephs DF 4 Aaron Mokoena (c), 14 Matthew Booth, 3 Tsepo Masilela, 2 Siboniso Gaxa, 5 Lucas Thwala, 19 Anele Ngcongca, 20 Bongani Khumalo 21 Siyabonga Sangweni MF 6 MacBeth Sibaya, 10 Steven Pienaar, 11 Teko Modise, 8 Siphiwe Tshabalala, 13 Kagisho Dikgacoi, 17 Surprise Moriri, 7 Lance Davids, 23 Thanduyise Khuboni, 12 Reneilwe Letsholonyane FW 16 Siyabonga Nomvethe, 9 Katlego Mphela, 15 Bernard Parker

South Africa is the host nation for the first time and also the first African nation to host the biggest football event in the world, South Africa has a mountain of challenge to overcome. With their 83rd ranking in the world and not in the 80 years history of World Cup did a host nation failed to qualify to the second round, they need to prove something out of nothing. With them in Group A are Mexico, France and Uruguay, the Bafana Bafana should face a tough fight in this tricky group. Bad news are; top-scorer Benni McCarthy has been sidelined for injury and their last two appearance in World Cup only saw them stuck on Round 1. Out of six games in World Cup, they only won one - against Slovenia in 2002. They also failed to qualify for this year's African nation Cup - a major setback for the team. However the good news are; with their recent on-form and expected home support, they may emerge as a dark horse and the underdog in the group, seriously possessing threat to the underperformed French squad. Under the Brazilian coach Carlos Alberto Parreira, the team is currently unbeaten in their last 11 matches, stretches back to 2009.

(L) Steven Piennar (Everton, 46 caps, 2 goals); (C) Katlego Mphela (Mamelodi Sundowns, 30 caps, 14 goals); (R) Aaron Mokoena (Portsmouth, 100 caps, 2 goals)

A2: MEXICO
Nickname: El Tri (The Three-colored) Coach: Javier Aguirre FIFA Ranking*: 17 Last 5 matches: v Angola (1-0), v Chile (1-0), v England (1-3), v Netherlands (1-2), v Gambia (5-1) Past appearances: 14 - 1930, 1950, 1954, 1958, 1962, 1966, 1978 (Round 1); 1994, 1998, 2002, 2006 (Round of 16); 1970, 1986 (Q-Finalist); 2010
The Squad: GK 1 Óscar Pérez, 13 Guillermo Ochoa, 23 Luis Ernesto Michel DF 2 Francisco Javier Rodriguez, 3 Carlos Salcido, 4 Rafael Márquez (c), 5 Ricardo Osorio, 12 Paul aguilar, 15 Héctor Moreno, 16 Efraín Juárez, 19 Jonny Magallón, 20 Jorge Torres Nilo MF 6 Gerardo Torrado, 8 Israel Castro, 18 Andrés Guardado FW 7 Pablo Barrera, 9 Guillermo Franco, 10 Cuauhtémoc Blanco, 11 Carlos Vela, 14 Javier Hernández, 17 Giovani dos Santos, 21 Adolfo Bautista, 22 Alberto Medina

Mexico is undoubtedly the powerhouse of soccer in North America. Having won their eight CONCACAF Cup last year against the rival USA, there is no question on how excellent Mexico is. However, their records in the past World Cups have been mixed - achieving quarter-final in '70 and '86 while only in Round of 16 for the last 4 tournaments. Fortunately, Mexico is built from a mixture of great talents of young and old. Ranked 17th on FIFA ranking, 'El Tri' can place their hopes on their experienced players like Barcelona's defender Rafael Marquez, goalie Oscar Perez and striker C Blanco; although veteran Jared Borgetti - the nation's top-scorer will miss this edition. They also have Carlos Vela (Arsenal), Andreas Guardado and Efrain Juarez whom are having great forms recently. Under the reign of Javier Aguirre, they have won 15 out 23 matches and losing only to 2 European - England and Netherlands over the past one year. It is an impressive record following the failure of Sven Goran Eriksson's stinct to guide the Mexican to an inspiring status. The Mexican was at time proved to be a little bit inconsistent. Placed in the tricky Group A but if they can maintain their fine records particularly if able to hold the host in the opening match and particularly with France, they should be able to advance to the second round with ease.

(L) Carlos Vela (Arsenal, 27 caps, 8 goals); (C) Rafael Marquez (Barcelona, 90 caps, 10 goals); (R) Javier Hernandez (Manchester United, 11 caps, 7 goals)

Click Read More for more on Group A - after the jump - Uruguay and France