What to Expect: GROUP B

Argentina:
Games: vs. Nigeria (June 6, Johannesburg); vs. South Korea (June 17, Johannesburg); vs. Greece (June 22, Polokwane)

How they qualified: Argentina struggled much more than was expected during qualifying, including a devastating loss to Bolivia 6-1, in Diego Maradona's first game as head coach. He had replaced Alfio Basile, ten games into qualifying. They eventually beat Uruguay, 1-0 in their final qualifying game to earn the final spot in the World Cup.

World Cup History: They have won twice, in 1978 and 1986, and finished second in 1930 and 1990. They have made 14 total appearances. Expectations are always high for the Argentinians which is what led them to hire Maradona, a controversial figure, in the middle of qualifying.

Player to watch: Lionel Messi is one of the best players in the world. Currently playing for FC Barcelona, he is expected to win the FIFA world player of the year award. He is an electrifying midfielder with unmatched ball skills, at the ripe age of 22.

Prediction: 2-0-1; 3rd place, lose to Spain in semis, beat England in 3rd place game.


Nigeria:
Games: vs. Argentina (June 6, Johannesburg); vs. Greece (June 17, Mangaung/Bloemfontein); vs. South Korea (June 22, Durban)

How they qualified: Nigeria also struggled more than expected in the the final round of African qualifying. They had to win their final game against Kenya, 3-2, and had to rely on a shocking loss by Tunisia to Mozambique on the final day of qualifying.

World Cup History: Nigeria has played in three of the last four World Cups, their only three appearances ever. They made it to the second round in both 1994 and 1998 behind the play of national hero Jay Jay Okocha.

Player to Watch: 25 year old Ikechukwu Uche led Nigeria in qualifying with four goals. He plays for Real Zaragoza in the Spanish Premier Division.

Prediction: 2-1; Lose to Uruguay in the second round


South Korea:
Games: vs. Greece (June 6, Port Elizabeth); vs. Argentina (June 17, Johannesburg); vs. Nigeria (June 22, Durban)

How they qualified: South Korea qualified easily going 4-0-4 in the final stage of group qualifying in Asia. They only conceded four goals while scoring twelve.

World Cup History: South Korea finished fourth in 2002. They have six other appearances and will be playing in their 7th straight World Cup. They have always been an Asian powerhouse and look to prove themselves against the class of international soccer in South Africa this summer.

Player to watch: Ji-Sung Park plays for Manchester United in the English Premier League where he started 21 games last season including the quarterfinals and semifinals of the Champions League playoffs. His work ethic and intelligence make him a star on the Korean national team.

Prediction: 1-2; don't advance


Greece:
Games: vs. South Korea (June 6, Port Elizabeth); vs. Nigeria (June 17, Mangaung/ Bloemfontein); vs. Argentina (June 22, Polokwane)

How they qualified: The Greeks went 6-2 in their UEFA qualifying group but both losses came at the hands of group winner Switzerland. In a playoff against Ukraine, Greece scored the lone goal on a counter attack, in the two game aggregate playoff to advance to the World Cup.

World Cup History: Greece has only appeared in one World Cup, in 1994. They lost all three games and did not score a single goal.

Player to Watch: Theofanis Gekas looks to make a splash in South Africa after leading all of European qualifying with ten goals. He will need to step it up against elite level teams if Greece expects to make a bid at advancing.

Prediction: 1-1-1; do not advance