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World Cup 2010 Know Your Rivals: Group C - Fringe Starlets Who Could Make South Africa
The Group C experts name three talented young players who are in the fringes of their national squad and have a chance of being on the plane to South Africa...
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Feb 4, 2010 11:32:00 AM
By Anthony Sormani
Welcome to Goal.com - Know Your Rivals for the World Cup 2010!
In this special series we bring you the local knowledge of the world's leading football tournament. With our worldwide team of experts, each one based in the country in question - from Brazil to North Korea - you'll hear first-hand the latest team news, exclusive interviews, and fan opinions of your World Cup opponents.
Group C at the World Cup features England, United States, Algeria and Slovenia. Each brings with them stars and solid players alike - some more than others.
We asked our local experts from each country to name three youngsters from each country who are on the fringes of making it to South Africa...
England (Amar Singh)
James Milner
The 24 year-old Aston Villa midfielder is having an outstanding season for his club. Milner has made a handful of appearance for England and has always looked comfortable with the step up to international level. In England's 2-1 friendly win over Germany in 2008, he impressed Fabio Capello to the extent that the Italian declared him to be 'the future' of England. The former Newcastle star will hope his versatility - he can play on either wing or in the centre - will get him a place in the Wolrd Cup squad. He is strong, has great technique, can cross or provide the killer pass, so if he does make it the World Cup expect him to make an impact off the bench.
Theo Walcott
Many eyebrows were raised when Sven Goran-Eriksson picked the raw, uncapped 17 year-old Theo Walcott for his 2006 World Cup squad. Walcott had signed for Arsenal from Southampton earlier that year but had not even made his debut for Arsene Wenger's team.
As it turned out, Walcott didn't kick a ball in earnest in Germany, and many regarded Eriksson's move as a gamble that had failed. Since then Walcott has steadily become one of the most feared wingers in the Premier League, with his electric pace and powerful shooting.
His stand out performance came In September 2008 when he became the youngest ever player to score a hat-trick for England in an incredible display against Croatia. His place in Capello's World Cup squad looked a certainty. But this season, after playing for the England under 21s in the European Championship in summer, Walcott has struggled with injuries and looks like he will have to fight for his place in the team against other pacey wingers Shaun Wright-Phillips and Aaron Lennon.
Tom Huddlestone
The burly 23 year-old Tottenham Hotspur midfielder is an outside bet to get a place in Capell's squad. But few would doubt that he has a bright international future ahead of him. In 2006 his then manager, Martin Jol, compared Huddlestone to the great Franz Beckenbauer due to his versatility and class. Huddlestone can play as centre-back, an attacking midfielder or in his preferred holding role, where his superior passing long-range passing ability comes in to play. He also has the ability to score from long range, and has scored several goals for Spurs from outside the box.
USA (Noah Davis)
Stuart Holden
The Aberdeen, Scotland-born midfielder posted a breakout season in 2009 fot both club and country. He provided the offensive spark on his Houston Dynamo side and earned 11 National Team caps -- all after July 4th -- scoring two goals in the Gold Cup. Holden started in the Stars and Stripes World Cup berth-clinching win in San Pedro Sula, Honduras and four days later in the 2-2 draw with Costa Rica that gave the squad the top spot in CONCACAF qualification.
The 24 year old recently signed on with Owen Coyle's Bolton team for the remainder of the English Premier League season. It remains to be seen how much playing time he'll receive. Slovakia's Vladimir Weiss also joined the Wanderers during the winter transfer window and plays a similar game to his American counterpart. If Holden fails to find the pitch, his lack of playing time might serve as a cause for concern to Red, White, and Blue manager Bob Bradley. That said, the U.S. relies on their wide play to score goals, and the midfielder has proved his worth. He should make the 23-man roster.
Robbie Rogers
Like Holden, the Columbus Crew midfielder made his mark on the National Team during the 2009 campaign. He played a key role during the U.S.'s run to the final of the Gold Cup -- although his performance disappointed some who expected a bit more. He better demonstrated his value after coming on for Holden in the 69th minute against Costa Rica. With the team down 2-0, Rogers flew up and down the right side of the pitch, serving dangerous cross after dangerous cross into the box. The American's first goal resulted off one such service, and Jonathan Bornstein's game-tying header came from a cornerkick delivered by the 22 year old.
Rogers can play both wings, a fact that works in his favor when the coaching staff considers its World Cup squad options. The resurgence of DaMarcus Beasley hurts the youngster's case, however, as the Rangers midfielder possesses both pace and experience. Furthermore, Rogers didn't impress during the U.S.'s friendly against the Catrachos in late January. The entire squad struggled in the match, but Bradley no doubt wanted to see more from the player. The Californian will have a couple additional chances to impress, but right now it's even money whether Rogers makes the team.
Charlie Davies
Unlike the two previous members of this list, whether the striker makes the World Cup roster is not a matter of skill, but one of recovery. In October, Davies -- rapidly becoming a star after an excellent Confederations Cup and a sublime goal in Estadio Azteca -- was injured in a car accident. As news trickled out, it appeared as though FC Sochaux forward who suffered a broken right femur and tibia, a broken left elbow, facial fractures, and a lacerated bladder faced a six- to 12-month rehabilitation and would miss the World Cup.
Three months later, however, Davies sounds determined to return to his club by April and make the World Cup roster. By all accounts, this is a very real possibility. For the U.S. team, his presence would be a huge plus, both emotionally and -- assuming he's similar to the player he was pre-injury -- physically. At his best, Davies provides a combination of speed, strength, and finishing that no one else in the American depth pool comes close to matching. He showed an aptitude for playing off good friend and fellow striker Jozy Altidore. Davies will need to be healthy and fit to make the roster -- Bradley won't make the same mistake his predecessor Bruce Arena did in 2006 when he selected John O'Brien, who contributed little due to injuries -- but signs increasingly point towards the former Boston College Eagle finding a spot on the plane.
Algeria (Naim Beneddra)
Rabie Meftah (JS Kabylie)
The great Algerian hope is 24 years old. He made his debut four years ago, and showed he had the quality for playing at the top level. Last year Meftah was appointed captain for his club.
Rabah Saâdane, the coach of the national team, often prefers more tested players to him and Meftah has just six caps. If he shows his best level he could reinstate himself into the national team
Mehdi Kerrouche (Naval)
Currently, the Algerian selection has a great need for a prolific attacker and Kerrouche could be the solution to its problems. At 24 years old, this player has shown the qualities to compete for the national side. Within the modest team of Naval, he scores goals week after week.
Kerrouche misses recognition in his country and its the only defect perhaps there. The player, who is a native of Douai in France is little known among his compatriots and it is only lately that the staff of the Algerian selection discovered him. Today, all that he asks is that his chance is offered to him. Unfortunately, with five months until the World cup, it may be too late.
Michael Fabre (Clermont Foot)
Algeria abounds in talented keepers like Gaouaoui, Chaouchi and Zemmamouche. The trio are undeniable, but it could be that another keeper comes soon to hustle this hierarchy. Michael Fabre, the keeper of the French team of Clermont. World champion of the Under-17s in 2001 in company of Yebda, Meghni and Abdoun, he was a great hope of French football a long time ago but today, and he said it itself, he wants to play for Algeria.
Son of an Algerian originating in Oran, Fabre was always regarded as an Algerian. Today, he dreams to carry the shirt of the Fennecs. His chances to reach that point in the short run are reduced, but Saâdane could surprise everyone by calling him.
Slovenia - Tine Zupan
Tim Matavz
The young Groningen striker is coming of age this season. He's already got seven goals to his name in the Eredivisie, even though he was not playing regularly at the start of the season. In the last round of the Dutch league, his goal was enough to see off the defending champions AZ Alkmaar.
The 21-year old has been included in the Slovenian squad a few times, but has not won a cap yet. He is an Ibrahimovic-like forward, very tall (188 cm), but better with his feet than in an aireal battle. With this sort of quality, he would add an additional dimension to the squad. That is why the coach Matjaz Kek will find it hard to overlook him.
Jan Oblak
He only just turned 17, but the young Olimpija keeper is the hottest prospect in the Slovenian league at the moment. He was the standout performer in the first part of the season, after making his first team debut at the tender age of 16. Since than, he has already broke into the U21 national team and is being chased by a host of Europe's elite. Benifca, Liverpool, Aston Villa, Fiorentina and Atetico Madrid have been identified as big admirers of the talented stopper.
Olimpija has put a 3 million Euro price tag around Oblak's neck. He is determined to stay in Ljubljana for at least the rest of the season and than leave for pastures new. Kek could opt to take the teenager along as the third keeper so he gets acquainted with the squad that he is undoubtedly going to be part of in the future.
Armin Bacinovic
The 20-year old Maribor defensive midfielder has been included in the squad in the past and has even won his first cap at home against San Marino, but has disappeared from the roster of late. The reasons for this include the loss of form and a party nature that has even condemned him to the bench at his club. After the reality check, Bacinovic has stareted performing better and is determined to show what he is worth in the second part of the season.
Kek is a big fan of the youngsters ability but is yet to be persuaded, if he has the mentality to use his talent and built a proper career. If Bacinovic finds his old form in the reminder of the season, he stands an outside chance of making it to South Africa.
In this special series we bring you the local knowledge of the world's leading football tournament. With our worldwide team of experts, each one based in the country in question - from Brazil to North Korea - you'll hear first-hand the latest team news, exclusive interviews, and fan opinions of your World Cup opponents.
Group C at the World Cup features England, United States, Algeria and Slovenia. Each brings with them stars and solid players alike - some more than others.
We asked our local experts from each country to name three youngsters from each country who are on the fringes of making it to South Africa...
England (Amar Singh)
James Milner
The 24 year-old Aston Villa midfielder is having an outstanding season for his club. Milner has made a handful of appearance for England and has always looked comfortable with the step up to international level. In England's 2-1 friendly win over Germany in 2008, he impressed Fabio Capello to the extent that the Italian declared him to be 'the future' of England. The former Newcastle star will hope his versatility - he can play on either wing or in the centre - will get him a place in the Wolrd Cup squad. He is strong, has great technique, can cross or provide the killer pass, so if he does make it the World Cup expect him to make an impact off the bench.
Theo Walcott
Many eyebrows were raised when Sven Goran-Eriksson picked the raw, uncapped 17 year-old Theo Walcott for his 2006 World Cup squad. Walcott had signed for Arsenal from Southampton earlier that year but had not even made his debut for Arsene Wenger's team.
As it turned out, Walcott didn't kick a ball in earnest in Germany, and many regarded Eriksson's move as a gamble that had failed. Since then Walcott has steadily become one of the most feared wingers in the Premier League, with his electric pace and powerful shooting.
His stand out performance came In September 2008 when he became the youngest ever player to score a hat-trick for England in an incredible display against Croatia. His place in Capello's World Cup squad looked a certainty. But this season, after playing for the England under 21s in the European Championship in summer, Walcott has struggled with injuries and looks like he will have to fight for his place in the team against other pacey wingers Shaun Wright-Phillips and Aaron Lennon.
Tom Huddlestone
The burly 23 year-old Tottenham Hotspur midfielder is an outside bet to get a place in Capell's squad. But few would doubt that he has a bright international future ahead of him. In 2006 his then manager, Martin Jol, compared Huddlestone to the great Franz Beckenbauer due to his versatility and class. Huddlestone can play as centre-back, an attacking midfielder or in his preferred holding role, where his superior passing long-range passing ability comes in to play. He also has the ability to score from long range, and has scored several goals for Spurs from outside the box.
USA (Noah Davis)
Stuart Holden
The Aberdeen, Scotland-born midfielder posted a breakout season in 2009 fot both club and country. He provided the offensive spark on his Houston Dynamo side and earned 11 National Team caps -- all after July 4th -- scoring two goals in the Gold Cup. Holden started in the Stars and Stripes World Cup berth-clinching win in San Pedro Sula, Honduras and four days later in the 2-2 draw with Costa Rica that gave the squad the top spot in CONCACAF qualification.
The 24 year old recently signed on with Owen Coyle's Bolton team for the remainder of the English Premier League season. It remains to be seen how much playing time he'll receive. Slovakia's Vladimir Weiss also joined the Wanderers during the winter transfer window and plays a similar game to his American counterpart. If Holden fails to find the pitch, his lack of playing time might serve as a cause for concern to Red, White, and Blue manager Bob Bradley. That said, the U.S. relies on their wide play to score goals, and the midfielder has proved his worth. He should make the 23-man roster.
Robbie Rogers
Like Holden, the Columbus Crew midfielder made his mark on the National Team during the 2009 campaign. He played a key role during the U.S.'s run to the final of the Gold Cup -- although his performance disappointed some who expected a bit more. He better demonstrated his value after coming on for Holden in the 69th minute against Costa Rica. With the team down 2-0, Rogers flew up and down the right side of the pitch, serving dangerous cross after dangerous cross into the box. The American's first goal resulted off one such service, and Jonathan Bornstein's game-tying header came from a cornerkick delivered by the 22 year old.
Rogers can play both wings, a fact that works in his favor when the coaching staff considers its World Cup squad options. The resurgence of DaMarcus Beasley hurts the youngster's case, however, as the Rangers midfielder possesses both pace and experience. Furthermore, Rogers didn't impress during the U.S.'s friendly against the Catrachos in late January. The entire squad struggled in the match, but Bradley no doubt wanted to see more from the player. The Californian will have a couple additional chances to impress, but right now it's even money whether Rogers makes the team.
Charlie Davies
Unlike the two previous members of this list, whether the striker makes the World Cup roster is not a matter of skill, but one of recovery. In October, Davies -- rapidly becoming a star after an excellent Confederations Cup and a sublime goal in Estadio Azteca -- was injured in a car accident. As news trickled out, it appeared as though FC Sochaux forward who suffered a broken right femur and tibia, a broken left elbow, facial fractures, and a lacerated bladder faced a six- to 12-month rehabilitation and would miss the World Cup.
Three months later, however, Davies sounds determined to return to his club by April and make the World Cup roster. By all accounts, this is a very real possibility. For the U.S. team, his presence would be a huge plus, both emotionally and -- assuming he's similar to the player he was pre-injury -- physically. At his best, Davies provides a combination of speed, strength, and finishing that no one else in the American depth pool comes close to matching. He showed an aptitude for playing off good friend and fellow striker Jozy Altidore. Davies will need to be healthy and fit to make the roster -- Bradley won't make the same mistake his predecessor Bruce Arena did in 2006 when he selected John O'Brien, who contributed little due to injuries -- but signs increasingly point towards the former Boston College Eagle finding a spot on the plane.
Algeria (Naim Beneddra)
Rabie Meftah (JS Kabylie)
The great Algerian hope is 24 years old. He made his debut four years ago, and showed he had the quality for playing at the top level. Last year Meftah was appointed captain for his club.
Rabah Saâdane, the coach of the national team, often prefers more tested players to him and Meftah has just six caps. If he shows his best level he could reinstate himself into the national team
Mehdi Kerrouche (Naval)
Currently, the Algerian selection has a great need for a prolific attacker and Kerrouche could be the solution to its problems. At 24 years old, this player has shown the qualities to compete for the national side. Within the modest team of Naval, he scores goals week after week.
Kerrouche misses recognition in his country and its the only defect perhaps there. The player, who is a native of Douai in France is little known among his compatriots and it is only lately that the staff of the Algerian selection discovered him. Today, all that he asks is that his chance is offered to him. Unfortunately, with five months until the World cup, it may be too late.
Michael Fabre (Clermont Foot)
Algeria abounds in talented keepers like Gaouaoui, Chaouchi and Zemmamouche. The trio are undeniable, but it could be that another keeper comes soon to hustle this hierarchy. Michael Fabre, the keeper of the French team of Clermont. World champion of the Under-17s in 2001 in company of Yebda, Meghni and Abdoun, he was a great hope of French football a long time ago but today, and he said it itself, he wants to play for Algeria.
Son of an Algerian originating in Oran, Fabre was always regarded as an Algerian. Today, he dreams to carry the shirt of the Fennecs. His chances to reach that point in the short run are reduced, but Saâdane could surprise everyone by calling him.
Slovenia - Tine Zupan
Tim Matavz
The young Groningen striker is coming of age this season. He's already got seven goals to his name in the Eredivisie, even though he was not playing regularly at the start of the season. In the last round of the Dutch league, his goal was enough to see off the defending champions AZ Alkmaar.
The 21-year old has been included in the Slovenian squad a few times, but has not won a cap yet. He is an Ibrahimovic-like forward, very tall (188 cm), but better with his feet than in an aireal battle. With this sort of quality, he would add an additional dimension to the squad. That is why the coach Matjaz Kek will find it hard to overlook him.
Jan Oblak
He only just turned 17, but the young Olimpija keeper is the hottest prospect in the Slovenian league at the moment. He was the standout performer in the first part of the season, after making his first team debut at the tender age of 16. Since than, he has already broke into the U21 national team and is being chased by a host of Europe's elite. Benifca, Liverpool, Aston Villa, Fiorentina and Atetico Madrid have been identified as big admirers of the talented stopper.
Olimpija has put a 3 million Euro price tag around Oblak's neck. He is determined to stay in Ljubljana for at least the rest of the season and than leave for pastures new. Kek could opt to take the teenager along as the third keeper so he gets acquainted with the squad that he is undoubtedly going to be part of in the future.
Armin Bacinovic
The 20-year old Maribor defensive midfielder has been included in the squad in the past and has even won his first cap at home against San Marino, but has disappeared from the roster of late. The reasons for this include the loss of form and a party nature that has even condemned him to the bench at his club. After the reality check, Bacinovic has stareted performing better and is determined to show what he is worth in the second part of the season.
Kek is a big fan of the youngsters ability but is yet to be persuaded, if he has the mentality to use his talent and built a proper career. If Bacinovic finds his old form in the reminder of the season, he stands an outside chance of making it to South Africa.
| Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £100 in free bets! |
|
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up with Paddy Power for a free bet up to £50 |
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2/15/12
And with that, we're going to call it a night, folks.
We've had two tremendous matches today, so lets hope the intensity keeps up in the next clashes!
Until next time, this is LIVE commentator Stephen Crawford signing off.
From everyone here at Goal.com, thanks for joining us!
We've had two tremendous matches today, so lets hope the intensity keeps up in the next clashes!
Until next time, this is LIVE commentator Stephen Crawford signing off.
From everyone here at Goal.com, thanks for joining us!
2/15/12
All this focus on the Arsenal and Milan game should not take away from another cracker earlier tonight between Zenit and Benfica. The Russians came from a goal down to lead 2-1 in the closing minutes before Oscar Cardozo levelled things for Benfica, but it wasn't over there as Roman Shirokov won the game for Zenit in the 88th minute.
Here's the thoughts of Benfica coach Jorge Jesus, who felt his side deserved a point from the game.
Here's the thoughts of Benfica coach Jorge Jesus, who felt his side deserved a point from the game.
2/15/12
Arsenal keeper Wojciech Szczesny bemoaned his side's luck tonight but refused to give up. Here's some of his quotes:
"They were the better team on the night and that's the story of the day.
"We have to keep fighting, pick ourselves up, get the confidence back and challenge in the other competitions and in the second leg of this tie too.
"They punished us on every occasion; they scored some quality goals and they deserved to win."
Full story HERE
"They were the better team on the night and that's the story of the day.
"We have to keep fighting, pick ourselves up, get the confidence back and challenge in the other competitions and in the second leg of this tie too.
"They punished us on every occasion; they scored some quality goals and they deserved to win."
Full story HERE
2/15/12
Another Milan player who was willing to share his thoughts after the match was Mark van Bommel, who has urged caution ahead of the second leg in London.
“The score made it look like it was an easy game, but it certainly wasn't.
(Strange... it looked pretty easy from where I was sitting, but hey.)
“I do not think it's over yet. I remember a clash between Milan and Deportivo la Coruna when Milan was also ahead by four goals, and in the end Deportivo eliminated Milan.
“I went into the Arsenal dressing room after the match to speak to Robin van Persie. I had agreed with him to swap shirts – my sons are big fans of his and he brought two for them. They will be delighted.
Van Bommel went on to talk about a possible move to PSV in the future, but was quick to point out his terms for the move.
“I've spoken with PSV, but we don't have an agreement yet. The club has to decide what they want.
“If Louis van Gaal turns out to be the new coach, I won't go.”
“The score made it look like it was an easy game, but it certainly wasn't.
(Strange... it looked pretty easy from where I was sitting, but hey.)
“I do not think it's over yet. I remember a clash between Milan and Deportivo la Coruna when Milan was also ahead by four goals, and in the end Deportivo eliminated Milan.
“I went into the Arsenal dressing room after the match to speak to Robin van Persie. I had agreed with him to swap shirts – my sons are big fans of his and he brought two for them. They will be delighted.
Van Bommel went on to talk about a possible move to PSV in the future, but was quick to point out his terms for the move.
“I've spoken with PSV, but we don't have an agreement yet. The club has to decide what they want.
“If Louis van Gaal turns out to be the new coach, I won't go.”
2/15/12
Next up is the Milan maestro Clarence Seedorf. He only managed 12 minutes on the pitch, but watching from the sidelines he was delighted at how his team mates had dominated the game.
"Tonight everything went in the right direction and we did a very good match. You don't start a match thinking to win 4-0, but at the end i think we deserved it coz we played very well."
"Tonight everything went in the right direction and we did a very good match. You don't start a match thinking to win 4-0, but at the end i think we deserved it coz we played very well."
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