As Africa hosts the next world cup, Africans themselves believe that for the first time their representatives of Algeria, Cameroon, Nigeria, Ghana and South Africa might perform better than in the previous tournament to qualify for the semi finals and possibly even participate in the final.

However, this might not be such a major factor as is the question of  how prepared are the teams? To date, the final squads have been named but some are not ready for the fight.
 
Cameroon
The wrangle sparked off in the camp might affect the moral of the team. Veteran player Roger Milla's attack against Captain Samuel Eto created tension with Eto threatening to leave the team before the word cup yet he is one of the inspirational players.

Cameroon coach Paul Le Guen has named his 23-man squad for the 2010 World Cup.
With striker Jacques Zoua already out because of injury, Guen cut off another six players.  Arsenal's Alex Song and his veteran uncle Rigobert will be on the plane as well as the pair of Benoit Assou-Ekotto and Sebastian Bassong.

The Squad    
Goalkeepers: Hamidou Souleymanou  Carlos Kameni, Guy Roland Ndy Assembe defenders: Benoit Assou-Ekotto, Sebastien Bassong (Tottenham/England), Gaetan Bong (Valenciennes/France),

Aurelien Chedjou, Geremi, Stephane Mbia, Nicolas Nkoulou Rigobert Song, Midfielders: Eyong Enoh, Jean II Makoun, Georges Mandjeck, Joel Matip, Landry Nguemo, Alexandre Song, Forwards: Vincent Aboubakar, Eric Choupo-Moting, Achille Emana, Samuel Eto'o, Mohamadou Idrissou, Achille Webo.

Ivory Coast,
New Coach Eriksson acknowledges there is not much time for him to make his mark but he is doing his best. "The time is short, yes," he said.

"But I cannot do anything about it. It's up to us leaders and players to form a team on and off the field.

And I think we are going the right way. [The squad has] a combination of technique, speed, and many of them are so incredibly physically strong. It is a very interesting team. I have never had a team with that combination before."

He added that "This is perhaps a greater challenge. I know we have a good team and going into a World Cup is more than wonderful."

Nigeria
Basing on their performance against Saudi Arabia, the West African giants have a lot to change before the world cup kick off. The Super Eagles are known for having good and creative midfielders one could remember, as in the days of the likes of Kanu and Okocha.

Today's team for sure is full of physical players who could not challenge any serious team. In their game against Argentina, it will be a determination for the qualification for the second round or being eliminated at group stages.

John Obi Mikel is still injured but will link up with the rest of his Nigeria team-mates today Friday, according to a spokesman for the country's football federation.

The Chelsea midfielder recently underwent surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his knee, raising doubts over his participation in the FIFA World Cup.

South Africa
The return of Alberto Pereira was a blessing to the country. He has changed everything and re-organised the team dominated by young and potential talents.

They play as a team and the style of play could match the world level. With his experience, Pereira has anything it takes to defeat any opponent.

Being the host, S.A is expected to at least qualify for the second round as the record shows that the host nation always reach the quarter finals. In this campaign, Makoena, Stephen Pienaar, Siabongo Nomvete will be inspirational to guide the young stars.

South Africa is not safe in the group; their opening game against Mexico will be a major determinant towards their qualification for the second round.   

Algeria
They are in the tough group C with USA, England and Slovenia. Though they qualified they have no pressure as their pride was just to play in the final tournament.

To avoid humiliation, Algeria coach Rabah Saadane warned his players that they may face World Cup humiliation at the hands of England if they do not pull up their socks.

Apart from the few names, the Desert Fox have no big and experienced players at a world level therefore in the group, they are the underdogs. blog comments powered by Disqus