World Cup: Argentina leads Group B

GROUP B

ARGENTINA

Coach Diego Maradona’s squad has the talent to go all the way, but whether it does depends on the coach’s questionable man-management skills. How on earth, for instance, is he going to keep these six forwards all happy: Lionel Messi, Gonzalo Higuain, Sergio Aguero, Diego Milito, Carlos Tevez and Martin Palermo?

GREECE

The economic meltdown in Greece has the nation turning to its soccer team for relief. “With the way things are back home at the moment, we have to play a good tournament to give people something to smile about,” said captain Giorgos Karagounis. Coach Otto Rehhagel’s squad is thin on talent, however.

NIGERIA

Nigeria fired its coach in January and brought in Swede Lars Lagerback, then reacted in dismay when he didn’t make sweeping roster changes. To his credit, Lagerback fired back, saying of his players, “They are the best that we have at the moment.” They are, but they won’t carry Nigeria far.

SOUTH KOREA

The South Koreans were unbeaten in qualifying and have what Sixto Vizuete, Ecuador’s coach, calls “a quick, well-organized team.” If Coach Huh Jong-moo’s players can outwit Greece and hold off Nigeria, they could find themselves in the second round. Inspirational Manchester United winger Park Ji-sung is the key to that dream.