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Soccermogul’s Surprise Teams for the 2010 World Cup

The Soccermogul staff has been pouring over the brackets for the upcoming 2010 World Cup kicking off next month in South Africa.  Here are our surprise squads to keep an eye on for the tournament.

1. Nigeria -  Expect an African side to make a deep run into the World Cup.  Personally, I feel an African team will make the semifinals and finish third, but it would not be out of the realm to see an African side in the Final.  Nigeria has the talent to be the surprise African side.  Well known players such as Yakubu, Obafemi Martins, Yobo and Kanu will make Nigeria dangerous in every match.  The question will be if they can defend as a group and have the discipline required to make a run.  They are drawn into Group B with Argentina, Greece and South Korea.  Not the most intimidating of groups.  If they can get a result in the opener with Argentina then look out.

2. Paraguay - When everyone thinks of South American soccer it’s always Brazil and Argentina.  Do not overlook Paraguay in the 2010 World Cup.  They had no problems at all through qualifying beating both Brazil and Argentina along the way.  It is a solid defensive team with a balanced attack with several players that are dangerous.  A good draw has them in Group F with Italy, New Zealand and Slovakia. Paraguay will get out of group and look to cause damage in the knockout rounds for sure.

3. North Korea - I know. I know.  You are saying “huh?”.  Well let me say this. Have you ever seen them play?  I am not looking for great things from North Korea, who are making their first World Cup appearance in ages.  I am just really looking forward to seeing them play to see what they are all about.  They are probably the one team I am looking the most forward to watching early on.  They were drawn into a daunting group with Portugal, Brazil and the Ivory Coast and I just want to see if they can hold up at all to the three powers they must face.  Any result will be hailed as historic for the country.

4. Ghana - The African Cup of Nations runners up will be looking to make waves at the World Cup.  They were drawn into a very inviting group that should be able to get out of easily.  Germany, Serbia and Australia are their foes.  There is a ton of talent on this squad.  Michael Essien, Stephen Appia, Boateng and Sulley Muntari headline. 

5.  Denmark – They cruised through a difficult qualifying group taking out Sweden and Portugal so lookout.  Denmark is a very stingy defensive team that does not give up goals.  The question will be can they manage enough offense to be dangerous in the group stage.  Once out of the group stages lookout because that defense could take them far, but they’ll need goals to advance out of group.   A draw with Japan, Cameroon and Holland is not the easiest to navigate.

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