FIFA World Cup 2010: Africa’s Big Six Set For World Cup History

The 2010 FIFA World Cup kicks off in South Africa Today - June 11, 2010. The Football Fiesta, hosted on African soil for the first time and in which the continent is fielding six teams for the first time also, is the heartbeat of all Africans, and the entire world, for the one month (june 11 - July 11, 2010) that it will be on.

In its recent edition, one of Cameroon's leading News Papers of English expression - The Post, begins a blow-by-blow coverage of the soccer jamboree, with incisive sizing-up of the strengths, savvy and chances of the African sides to hold their own to the end.

Africa's Missing Stars

The World Cup will begin in South Africa in less than a week; yet Africa might not be fielding some of its brightest stars not just due to injury, but problems of fitness. Ghana, Ivory Coast, South Africa, Nigeria and Algeria might be missing some of their biggest stars who were dropped from the final list of 23 by the coaches of the respective sides.

Ivory Coast is one of the flag bearers, which shall not be having all its stars at the World Soccer Show piece. Strikers Bakary Kone and Kanga Akale have been left out of the Ivory Coast squad as Coach Seven Goran Eriksson decided to stick with Didier Drogba, Salomon Kalou, Aruna Dindane and Seydou Doumbia

The Swedish born coach also overlooked midfielders Emerse Fae, Gilles Yapi Yapo and Traore Lacina, but there is space for Koffi N'Dri Romaric, who was recalled after missing the Africa Cup of Nations in January. West Bromwich Albion defender Abdoulaye Meite is the only other notable absentee. Nigeria coach Lars Lagerback also created surprise as he left out Real Zaragoza's Ikechukwu Uche and Everton's Victor Anichebe out of his squad for the World Cup.

Uche was the top scorer for the Super Eagles in qualifying and had recently recovered from a knee injury. Another surprise exclusion is Nice defender Onyekachi Apam who was also struggling with a knee problem. The two home-based players, goalkeeper Akpan Bassey and defender Terna Suswan also failed to make the cut. Chelsea FC midfielder, John Mikel Obi will also not be available to play his first World Cup ever, having sustained an injury during a warm up match.

South Africa coach Carlos Alberto Parreira made the most impact in the omissions for the World Cup when he dropped West Ham United striker, Benni McCarthy from his final 23-man squad for this summer competition. The 32-year-old, who is his country's record goal scorer, has struggled with his fitness and came in for criticism at home, for being overweight. McCarthy was one of five players cut from Parreira's provisional squad.

Premier League midfield duo Steven Pienaar of Everton and Fulham's Kagiso Dikgacoi were both selected. Other surprise omissions from the squad are goalkeeper Rowen Fernandez, who plays for German side Arminia Bielefeld, and defender Bryce Moon, who plies his trade in Greece with PAOK.

Ghana will be having their biggest star missing from the World Cup when the tournament kicks off. The country's football association (GFA) announced the news which break the heart of many a football fan. The Chelsea midfielder has been struggling with injury and has been told he will not fully recover until the end of July. The Ghana Football Association, GFA said that the decision was taken after a joint evaluation of his fitness by them and his club.

His last competitive match was for Ghana, during the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year. The Black Stars will also be without Hearts midfielder Laryea Kingston who is the biggest name to be dropped from Ghana's final 23-man World Cup squad. Portsmouth's Kevin-Prince Boateng has been included but there is no room for several other senior players.

The omission of Kingston comes as a surprise, after the player had a long-running battle with his club mid-season over his commitment to the national team. He was desperate to play in South Africa after he missed the trip to Germany in 2006, through suspension. Coach Milovan Rajevac also left out two veterans of Ghana's 2006 World Cup campaign, Eric Addo and Haminu Dramani, after their training camp in Europe.

Ghana: Africa’s Rising Star

The Black Stars of Ghana will be in South Africa, but handicapped by the absence of their star and playmaker, Michael Essien. Bison, as he is fondly called, is out but the future of the Black Stars burns bright. Having qualified from a group which had Mali and Benin, the Black Stars know the responsibility they carry to make the continent proud of one of its representatives.

Black Stars Coach, Milovan Rajevac, knows his team is not a star-studded side like Ivory Coast; so, he has based his tactics on collective play and tactical discipline. The Serbian coach has included five members of the youth side that won the Under 20 World Championships in his squad, for South Africa and he will be counting on the experience of some of the senior members of the team.

Ghana will not be going as favorites, in a Group having the likes of Serbia, Germany and Australia. So, the Black Stars will have to work extra hard to make it to the next round.
Apart from the agility of youths like Inkoom, Dominic Adiyah and Andre Dede Ayew, the Black Stars will be fielding a side full of players honing their skills in some of Europe's top clubs.

Dede was a jewel to watch during the 2009 World Junior Championships and, in a good day, might prove the difference in a tight game. The side will be boosted by the return of Champions League winner and the combustible Sulley Muntari of Inter Milan. The midfielder, who was dropped from the African Cup of Nations for disciplinary reasons, has since returned to play a central role for the team.

Defensive lynchpin, John Mensah, is also back after missing the African Cup due to injury. The experienced defender will be expected to bring in vivacity and stability in the Ghanaian defence.
John Paintsil is another great asset for the team. The West Ham United full back has had some outstanding displays in the last months with clubs and he is expected to replicate his club form.

An impressive Stephen Appiah will help to bring solidity and ambition to the Black stars. Nicknamed the Tornado, Ghana's inspirational captain has been a precocious talent and started playing for his country. The Bologna midfielder has struggled at club level over the last two years but was still picked by Milovan Rajevac for the competition.

Eventhough he is not guaranteed a starting place Appiah says he is excited about the opportunity to play in another World Cup and is confident he is fit for the rigours of it despite his recent injury history. Ghana will draw on the memories of their World Cup debut in 2006 where they enjoyed two group stage wins before being outclassed by Brazil in the second round.

They fear nobody and have every chance of progressing with Group D looking wide open. Replicating their performance at the 2006 World Cup, where they reached the second round, would be a superb achievement given how difficult Group D could be to get out of.

Algeria: The Light Of North Africa

Algeria will be one of Africa's flag bearers at the World Cup in South Africa and the Desert Foxes know the enormity of the task that lies ahead for them. The team shall end a drought of 24 years when they touch down in South Africa for the finals of the FIFA World Cup, after their 1-0 win over Egypt in a one-off play-off match secured that their status in the biggest global sporting spectacle.

Their manner of qualification for the World Cup against Egypt rate for a long time as Africa's best, make many believe that the Desert Foxes might go places this time. The Desert Foxes or the Fennecs will be at their third attempt at the World Cup after Spain in 1982 and four years later in Mexico. On both occasions, Algeria failed to make it past the group stages and will have their work cut out qualifying up against the might of England, the USA and a hopeful Slovenia.

The team has been widely reputed for upsetting the favourites and we might just see more of that when matches of Group C get underway. Memories are still alive of Algeria famously beating West Germany in the 1982 World Cup and infamously being knocked out unjustly from the competition. The national team of Algeria has been unable to lift any silverware since 1990 but there is much quality within the team at the moment. Observers expect the team to be a major player in their group.

The Desert Foxes are a side bubbling with talent and courage. The contingent of French-born players is a plus to the already skilled and fast pace players honing their skills in the local championship. Algeria will be counting on a number of stars who have the experience playing at the highest level of club football in Europe.

Majib Bougherra is rated high and plays at the heart of the Algerian defense. The Glasgow Rangers centre back is reputed for his tough tackles, overlapping runs and is the current Algerian player of the year. Bougherra, alongside Anthar Yahia and Rafik Halliche will form a defensive backline that has proven its resilience in the past.

The Desert Foxes will also be hoping Captain Yazid Mansouri brings in his experience and flair to the side. The most-capped player in the squad has both French and Algerian nationality and even though he has struggled with club side Lorient this season is hoping to bring in much firepower.

Star player Karim Ziani will provide the much needed pace and tact in the midfield, capable of overcoming England, the USA and Slovenia. The Algerian national side has an abundance of speed and natural agility which makes them a difficult team to handle. Nadir Belhadj is a bright spark down the left-flank, currently with Portsmouth, possessing plenty of pace and will provide the forwards with some decent service.

Rabah Saadane, himself an experienced coach, knows if his team should perform well, they must have to show plenty of courage and will. He will be banking on Matmour and Ghezzal for the much needed goals upfront but also on the experience of veteran forward Rafik Saifi who plies his trade in France with FC Istres. The relatively unknown Algerian forward line has great attacking potential and their opponents should be watchful, as unity in strength, which the team possesses, can take the Desert Foxes to the knockout stages.

Cameroon: Hope Of Africa

The Indomitable Lions of Cameroon will be one of Africa's six representatives at the global soccer showpiece that starts in South Africa on June11. Many soccer pundits around the World believe if Africa must perform well at the competition, then Cameroon should be able to deliver. The Cameroon national team qualified for the World Cup from Group A of the joint qualifiers of the African zone fending off challenge from a rejuvenated Gabonese side, 2006 World Cup participants Togo and former World Cup finalist, Morocco.

Gabon had taken an early lead in the last round qualifying stage and Togo were just behind them before the Lions woke up from slumber. Cameroon were on the verge of missing out on the competition as they began the last round with a defeat and a draw at home, until Frenchman Paul Le Guen, was hired in July 2009, to turn around the dwindling fortunes of the side.

Le Guen did not disappoint, and is the man widely credited for the success after he led the side to four successive victories; twice against Gabon in four days, against Togo in Yaounde and, finally, against Morocco in Fez, to seal a World Cup spot. Since then, he has tried to change the dynamics and mentality of the side and is racing against the clock to get the team ready in time for the World Cup.

Le Guen has also brought in some fresh legs into the side to replace the ageing generation and he knows that glory in South Africa is a must for the four times African champions. Despite his initial impact on the team, Le Guen has failed to properly install the required discipline as the players are now reported to be in camps.

In South Africa, Cameroon will be counting on the skills of its talented and hugely young side. The likes of Enoh Eyong Takang, Georges Mandjeck, Alexandre Song, Nicolas Nkoulou, Joel Matip, Stephane Mbia and co., will be expected to produce exceptional football against some of the World's greatest sides.

The hopes of the millions of Cameroonian fans will also lie on ageing defensive duo; Rigobert Song and Geremi Soreil Njitap who are in their "swansong" stage. The coach of the national team has already indicated they will not be playing front line roles at the competition, but their experience will be needed to galvanise the young and less experienced generation.

Inter Milan striker, Samuel Eto'o Fils, shall lead the side after threatening at the end of last week to leave the team, following criticism from an old Lion and football icon, Roger Milla. In Eto'o, the Lions have a world superstar, albeit one on the wane, who scored eight goals in qualifying, and is expect to score vital goals that should take Cameroon to the knock-out stages. He now has the pressure to prove his mettle after Milla's remarks.

Cameroon will be participating in its sixth world cup since the inception of the competition - an African record. The Lions were present in 1982 where they created sensation and finished third in a group that had Italy (eventual winners and Poland who emerged third).

The climax of their participation came in 1990, when they reached the quarter finals, thanks to unrivalled team spirit and also the efforts of one man, Albert Roger Milla. It was during Italia 1990 that Milla cemented his place in history as the greatest ever footballer Africa has ever produced. The Lions were a disappointing presence in 1994, 1998 and 2002 when a dispute over bonuses spoiled the soccer party in Korea/Japan.

The Cameroon national side, which rose to prominence in the 1982 finals in Spain, has what it takes to go right to the depth of the World, according to football analyst, Darren Tullet, who wrapped up a week long tour of Cameroon at the weekend. The only major handicap might be the inexperience of most of the players within their ranks who shall be taking part in the World Cup for the first time. The Lions are expected to put a tough fight against Group E opponents Japan, Denmark and the Netherlands.

Ivory Coast: The Superstar Team

Ivory Coast are sweating on the fitness of their captain Didier Drogba's after the striker broke a bone close to his elbow in a friendly with Japan on Friday. Drogba left the pitch holding his right arm and he underwent a successful operation Saturday that might see him return to the field within ten days.

But coach Sven-Goran Eriksson said there was still a chance the talismanic Drogba could feature in South Africa. Chelsea's powerhouse striker is one of the most feared forwards in world football. His international career has been just as prolific as his club career. Nine goals in qualifying was the impetus behind the Ivory Coast reaching their first World Cup in 2006.

Eriksson is in South Africa with a star studded side and despite the uncertainty of Drogba, the Ivory Coast will be expected to do battle. The team is rated high not just for the depth of quality of their team but because of the charisma of the man now charged with presiding over their destiny. The Swede is noted for his classical tactics and his work ethic and this might have a positive impact on the Ivorian side.The West Africans are in their second shot at the World Soccer fiesta after the 2006 expedition.

They have within their ranks some of Africa's brightest stars honing their skills in Europe. Assistant Captain Habib Kolo Toure is an established defender, first with Arsenal and now with Manchester City and his younger brother Yaya is a lynchpin for Spanish giants Barcelona. Salomon Kalou is a highly rated striker with Double Cup and Championship winners Chelsea while Aruna Dindane has proven that he can score from any part of the field.

Apart form the experience of Kolo and co. the younger generation is represented by the upcoming Gervinho who plays with Lille and Seydou Boumbia who plies his trade with CSKA Moscow. The two will be facing the toughest test of their careers. Ivory Coast, many observers, say were unlucky during the draw as they found themselves in what is being referred to as the "Group of Death" involving Brazil, Portugal and North Korea.

Brazil seen as one of the favourites is expected to be a tough test for the Elephants who know they must put up a fight against the South African Champions if they need to emerge from their group. Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal will also be a hard nut to crack for the Ivorians.

In spite of the delicate task many still reckon the Elephants may overcome and reach the knockout stages. Eriksson's late arrival to take charge of the team is seen as a major handicap for the side. The Swede has barely had any time to work with his squad and met most of the players for the very first time when they arrived at a training camp on 24 May.

It is not the sort of preparation you need when preparing for the might of Brazil and Portugal. Emerging from Group G will be the target but that looks like a major task for Eriksson's men. Avoiding defeat in their opening match against Portugal is a key to attaining that objective.

Nigeria: Africa's Heartbeat

The Super Eagles of Nigeria shall be one of Africa's representatives at the Global Soccer show piece and are the continents second best rated African team in the FIFA Rankings, one place off Cameroon in19. The Nigerians will be happy to be in South Africa after qualifying for the competition on the last day of the qualifiers in dramatic fashion.

Some analyst say the footballing Gods were with them as Tunisia had to be defeated by Mozambique (1-0) in Maputo and Nigeria beat Kenya ( 2-3) away in Nairobi in the dying minutes of the game, to ensure the Super Eagles go through. Nigeria had to scrape through African qualifying by the skin of their teeth and securing their spot in the finals by a narrow one point margin as they did not loose a single game.

The Super eagles will be counting on the experience of the plethora of stars they have within their ranks, who are honing their skills in the top leagues around the World. The likes of Captain Joseph Yobo, Taiwo Taye and Danny Shittu, will bring in much energy and robustness in the defense. Dickson Etuhu, Sheyi Olofinjana and Chelsea's John Mikel Obi will be there to destroy any potential threat at the midfield as the blistering pace of Peter Osaze Odemwingie and Obafemi Martins, combined with the tact and skill of Yakubu Aiyegbeni, will be vital to propel the Super Eagles to higher heights.

The Nigerian attack has seen goals that had to come during the qualifying stages and in Angola during the Nations Cup, it wasn't any different. Portsmouth's goal poacher Nwankwo Kanu will be there for a swansong. The veteran striker will be sticking around as his experience shall be needed when the chips are down.

The West Africans side shall also be counting on their huge fan base which is seen as a vital element during crucial games. The country has the biggest and most organised fans around the continent. Over 40 thousand fans are expected to make the trip down south to cheer the Super Eagles who must beat South Korea and Greece to eye a second round spot. Nigeria is also expected to face Diego Maradona's Argentina in what pundits rate as one of the toughest games of the group stages.

Nigeria's main advantage is their abundance of pace and strength boosted by their physical stature. But they seem to lack the necessarily technical ability and tactical know-how when it matters most, observers say. The team will be expected to show plenty of endeavour and enthusiasm on the field and the new coach, Lars Lagerback, expects his big talents up front; Obafemi Martins, Victor Obinna Nsofor, Chinedu Obasi and Yakubu Aiyegbeni, to slot in some important goals.

The Swedish born Lagerback was appointed to take over the helm of the team late but his experience with previous sides should be a plus. Another handicap of the Super Eagles is their lack of mental strength which is very important if the team must go far during such competition.

Nigeria in its fourth attempt in the World Cup this year and with the competition being played in Africa, many around the continent expect them to make the second round. The Super Eagles had their first attempt at the trophy in 1994 and four years later they answered present in France. They were present in Korea/Japan 2002 and missed out on the 2006 event just like Cameroon.