So I've been using this new application on Facebook called "Galacticos Football." Basically, you have to advance through the league ranks up to the top division. With wins you gain reputation, and noteworthy players desire to come to your club. I was talking about how my team really can't improve much in terms of individual player ranks, but how I would adjust my team to have the players I would want. Naturally, I tried to think of different countries and spread out my players. I ended up with the following:
GK: Casillas, Given
D: Alves, Terry, Piqué, Clichy, Maicon, Vidic
M: Cesc, Kaka, Senna, Essien, Xavi, Iniesta
F: Agüero, Arshavin, Messi, Rooney
Manager: Guardiola
There's a definite Spanish/Brazilian bias and a definite Barca bias to my team. When I was thinking about the different countries, I started to think about what players to watch out for at the World Cup. So I'm going to go Group to Group, Team by Team, discussing players that could make an impact for their countries. I don't really know players on certain teams, so I will list the team, but not have players.
Group A:
South Africa
Mexico: Young Arsenal striker Carlos Vela could make an impact. He has very good finishing skill.
Uruguary: Obviously, Diego Forlan is the big name player, but Luis Suarez is the player to keep an eye on. He's been attracting attention from some of the biggest clubs in the world.
France: France has a star-studded side, but a player I think that could emerge as a star is Andre Pierre Gignac of Toulouse. Additionally, Hugo Lloris could garner accolades in his first major competition as first choice keeper if France has success.
Group B:
Argentina: Argentina has a star studded attack with the likes of Tevez, Agüero, Messi, and Higuaín all competing to earn a place. Messi will get the headlines as the Ballon d'Or winner. However, Higuaín has been fantastic for Real, and Tevez has been the heart beat for Manchester City.
Nigeria
Korea Republic
Greece
Group C:
England: England has some big names in Lampard, Terry, Gerrard, and Beckham, but this is Wayne Rooney's team. Their success depends on his performances.
US: Charlie Davies if he can come back
Algeria
Slovenia
Group D:
Germany: A lot of names to pick from. Ballack, Podolski, Schweinsteiger, and Klose.
Australia:
Serbia: Vidic, enough said.
Ghana: Michael Essien really made a name for himself last World Cup and will be asked to turn in similar performances this World Cup.
Group E:
Netherlands: If Robin van Persie is healthy, he will be the focal point of the attack, but Wesley Sneijder and Arjen Robben are other stand outs.
Denmark: Nicklas Bendtner will have the opportunity to prove that Arsene Wenger's beliefs are well founded.
Japan:
Cameroon: Samuel Eto'o is the biggest name. Alexandre Song could make a name for himself if he is included as a starter. He has been sensational for Arsenal this season.
Groupe F:
Italy: If Balotelli is included, he could make an impact. Otherwise the Italians will be a dull, defensive side to watch.
Paraguay:
New Zealand:
Slovakia
Group G:
Brazil: Brazil has so many stars. Kaka and Robinho should support the forwards of Luis Fabiano. Dani Alves and Maicon should be streaking down the sidelines to send crosses into the box.
Korea DPR:
Coit d'Ivoire: Didier Drogba is in fantastic form.
Portugal: The whole world will watch Cristiano Ronaldo again. 2006 was his coming out party. What will he do for an encore?
Group H:
Spain: Aruagably the most talented team in the competition. Fabregas, Torres, Villa, Xavi, Iniesta should all have opportunities to shine, but the key for their squad will be Marcos Senna.
Switzerland
Honduras
Chile
