It's time: the FIFA 2010 CSE World Cup (OOTP)

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welcomes you all to ...

... THE CSE 2010 WORLD CUP FINALS!

Welcome to the beautiful country of South Africa – the host nation of the 2010 FIFA World Cup!

We are live and exclusive in the Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg as we prepare for and countdown to the 2010 World Cup Finals. With just one day to go before the opening ceremony of the ‘greatest show on earth’ here in Jo-burg, the tension and excitement is mounting as 32 countries target the World Cup Final on July 11th and a place in the history of football forever.

Four years ago in Germany, a marvellous World Cup Finals was organised and it was the Italians who secured their fourth World Cup win with a penalties victory over the French in Berlin. Who can forget the amazing scenes that night as Zinedine Zidane bowed out of football in astonishing fashion before Fabio Grosso’s winning penalty that gave Fabio Cannovaro chance to get his hands on the famous gold trophy ...

Who will win this trophy this year and become the nineteenth winning team in World Cup history?

We’ll take a look at the managers looking to secure the World Cup in 2010 next on the World Cup preview show.

CSE WORLD CUP FINALS: PREVIEW SHOW

SERBIA

The descendents of the former Yugoslavian national team, Serbia take part in their second finals as Serbia looking to improve on their first round knock-out in Germany four years ago.

They will be managed by:

cookie15

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USA

After their impressive performances in the Confederations Cup last summer, the USA will be looking to announce their arrival in the biggest ‘soccer’ competition in the world this time.

They will be managed by:

el sid

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NIGERIA

The Super Eagles looked the most likely African side to break into the world’s elite at the turn of the century but have stuttered in recent years. Can they improve this time?

They will be managed by:

PaulHartman71

We’ll look at the next three sides in a moment!

CSE WORLD CUP FINALS: PREVIEW SHOW

PARAGUAY

Paraguay arrive in South Africa as a side of whom not much is ever expected but a side who can cause the bigger nations major problems as they did to England in 2006.

They will be managed by:

Kenco

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SLOVAKIA

The Slovakians succeed where the Czech Republic failed in qualifying for 2010. It will be their first World Cup appearance since the break-up of the former Czechoslovakia.

They will be managed by:

DanGLiverpool

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GHANA

Ghana and their colourful band of supporters join us in South Africa - their second successive appearance. With Michael Essien in their ranks, they are always dangerous.

They will be managed by:

MattFergie

We’ll look at the next three sides in a moment!

CSE WORLD CUP FINALS: PREVIEW SHOW

GREECE

The winners of Euro 2004 are still as defensive and resilient as ever. How will they approach the 2010 World Cup with their new manager?

They will be managed by:

Whoopy D

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HOLLAND

The first of the real big guns to appear are Holland; can they finally fulfil their undoubted potential and win the FIFA World Cup in 2010?

They will be managed by:

dafuge

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SOUTH KOREA

After capturing the hearts of the footballing world – and a few referees – in co-hosting the 2002 competition, South Korea are looking for success outside of their own country this time.

They will be managed by:

Dumax

We’ll look at the next three sides in a moment!

CSE WORLD CUP FINALS: PREVIEW SHOW

PORTUGAL

Can their major star – Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid – fire the perennial darkhorses, Portugal, to their first ever World Cup win? We’ll see in the coming weeks.

They will be managed by:

PluckaDuck

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SLOVENIA

Not to be confused with Slovakia, Slovenia arrive at the World Cup for the second time. They will hope to perform better than in 2002 though where they lost all three games.

They will be managed by:

_Shift

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MEXICO

The always dangerous Mexicans arrive at World Cup 2010 determined to go past the Second Round – they have fallen at the final sixteen in the last four World Cup Finals!

They will be managed by:

Mikel_LUFC

We’ll look at the next three sides in a moment!

CSE WORLD CUP FINALS: PREVIEW SHOW

IVORY COAST

The Elephants look to be the strongest African nation and, with Didier Drogba in their side, could be a outsider to win the competition in 2010.

They will be managed by:

FlUoReScEnT aDoLeScEnT

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NEW ZEALAND

Finally getting a chance to step out from Australia’s shadow in World Cup Qualification, the All Whites are a long-shot for the title but will hope to cause an upset or two.

They will be managed by:

CardioVascular

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DENMARK

Not one of the favourites for the competition by any stretch of the imagination, the Danish will be looking to revive the dreams of 1992 when they stunned Europe to win the Euros.

They will be managed by:

Charlesbeams

We’ll look at the next three sides in a moment!

CSE WORLD CUP FINALS: PREVIEW SHOW

FRANCE

Although the sense of injustice still rages in Ireland, Thierry Henry’s hand has guided France to the World Cup. Can they now make the most of their fortunate opportunity?

They will be managed by:

Pezz

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NORTH KOREA

The longest odds of all will be for the North Koreans who make the first World Cup Final appearance since 1966 in England. They almost shocked Portugal then; who can they shock this time?

They will be managed by:

Lower Leagues Rule

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URUGUAY

Always entertaining and fun to watch, the first ever World Cup winners, Uruguay, will be hoping for a few miracles to land their third World Cup win in 2010.

They will be managed by:

Almondo

We’ll look at the next three sides in a moment!

CSE WORLD CUP FINALS: PREVIEW SHOW

CHILE

One of the great enigmas of world football, the Chileans could arrive in South Africa and disappear quietly. Or they could deliver their undoubted potential and reach the latter stages.

They will be managed by:

NeoAC

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SOUTH AFRICA

No host nation has ever failed to reach the Second Round of their World Cup Finals but South Africa look likely to be the first. Can they re-create the spirit of South Korea and Japan in 2002?

They will be managed by:

magvest

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BRAZIL

The five-time winners, Brazil, arrive in South Africa with a similar squad to 2002. Not the greatest Brazilian side ever seen but effective. And we know what happened in 2002 ...

They will be managed by:

jack.browne

We’ll look at the next three sides in a moment!

CSE WORLD CUP FINALS: PREVIEW SHOW

CAMEROON

The Indomitable Lions and Samuel Eto’o arrive at the World Cup with less expectation on them since 1990. That year, they made the Quarter Finals. Can they do it again?

They will be managed by:

Sam CCFC

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SWITZERLAND

The Swiss national side – hosts of Euro 2008 a couple of years ago – have steadily improved over recent years and are now a difficult side to beat that could cause an upset here.

They will be managed by:

spartans5

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ENGLAND

England – as always – come to the World Cup with aspirations of winning the tournament for a second time. Unfortunately, Portugal are here and penalties will be used here – can England overcome those hoodoos?

They will be managed by:

joetheref

We’ll look at the next three sides in a moment!

CSE WORLD CUP FINALS: PREVIEW SHOW

AUSTRALIA

After qualification via the Asian qualifiers this year, the Aussies will be looking for another huge impact here after a successful 2006 campaign in Germany saw them scare eventual winners, Italy.

They will be managed by:

Welsh Wizard

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GERMANY

The hosts of four years ago are in South Africa as German as ever: tactically strong, a squad with no star names and guaranteed deadly from the spot. Who is writing them off this time?!!!

They will be managed by:

Robert_296

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ALGERIA

Algeria’s rising young side are competing in their first World Cup since 1986 in Mexico. Having tasted African Nations football for the first time in six years this year too, they are confident of a good performance in South Africa.

They will be managed by:

fergysafc

We’ll look at the next two sides in a moment!

CSE WORLD CUP FINALS: PREVIEW SHOW

HONDURAS

A first appearance at the World Cup since 1982 in Spain, Los Catrachos will be hoping to win their first ever World Cup Finals match in South Africa.

They will be managed by:

rlipscombe

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SPAIN

One of the big favourites and the reigning European champions, Spain have the star names to do well here. However, the Spanish history of failure at World Cup is legendary. Can they avoid it this time?

They will be managed by:

Elnaith

We’ll look at the last two sides in a moment!

CSE WORLD CUP FINALS: PREVIEW SHOW

ITALY

The 2006 winners will be looking to become the first nation since a Pele inspired Brazil in 1962 to retain their crown as World Champions. Will the celebrations be blue again in 2010?

They will be managed by:

weeeman27bob

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ARGENTINA

Another big name and, arguably, the nation with the World’s Greatest Player in Lionel Messi. If the manager can get the best out of the little fella, Argentina should go very close.

They will be managed by:

WBA4LIFE

So that is all the managers. Now for the World Cup Finals Group Stages draw!

CSE WORLD CUP FINALS: PREVIEW SHOW

You may have seen a World Cup group draw posted on the CSE forum in recent days. We can now inform you that it was of course a hoax as the World Cup group stage draw has only just taken place. Rumours about this leaked ‘hoax’ suggest it was done to throw managers off scent but this has yet to be confirmed. The real draw for the CSE World Cup 2010 has only just been released and we can now share the correct draw with you now.

Due to problems with squad selection - I holidayed a day too far - I had to go back to an earlier version of the save game. This meant that a new draw took place and is the reason for the old draw being 'scrapped' for want of a better word!

Group A looks to be fairly straightforward for the World Champions, Italy, as they draw three teams that they shouldn’t have many problems against. However, the battle for second place might not be so simple. Although you would expect Uruguay to win a place in Round 2, New Zealand and Slovenia are capable of upsetting the South Americans and it could snatch a top two place in the group.

Group B could be very interesting indeed. The strongest team on paper are Germany but the other three sides all have recent pedigree and could un-seat the Germans from top spot. Greece won at Euro 2004, South Korea reached the World Cup Semi Finals in 2002 and Paraguay are a notoriously difficult side to beat – just ask Argentina and Brazil – and will be no pushovers.

Group C is wide-open after the host nation, South Africa, avoided the big guns from the unseeded pots. Chile, Japan and Serbia will all fancy their chances of winning their group as will the hosts despite their poor form in recent years. The surprise package in the latter stages could well come out of this group as winners.

Group D includes the infuriating Dutch side in their latest attempt to finally live up to their potential and seal a World Cup win. Their group should see them safely through – although that is never certain with Holland – whilst second place should go to Australia if they perform well.

Group E is headed up by the French – heading into the tournament having stole the ‘luck of the Irish’ in qualification – and their luck has continued with a not too difficult group. Cameroon and Denmark should be fighting for second spot with North Korea expected to be the whipping boys.

Group F is the ‘group of death’ needed in every World Cup. Usually containing three of the biggest names in the competition, this group contains four and each will fancy their chances of making the knockout stages. On paper, it should be Argentina and England but both nations will be aware of the strengths of the other two sides, Ivory Coast and Mexico. Expect one of the big guns to fall in this group.

Group G sees Spain face a relatively easy group as they seek to follow their Euro 2008 win with a first World Cup triumph. Honduras, Nigeria and Switzerland shouldn’t cause the Spanish many problems and will be concentrating – for now – on securing second place behind the Spaniards.

Group H is a ‘group of death’ in its own right but is over-shadowed by Group F here. The clash between Brazil and Portugal could be a mouth-watering one and with Ghana and USA looking to take advantage if one of the two loses, this could be an excellent group to watch.

So there you have it. The groups and managers are ready, their squads are selected and we are ready to go in South Africa! It promises to be spectacular so make sure you join us tomorrow for the opening game of the World Cup Finals as champions, Italy, take their bow.

Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to the 2010 CSE World Cup Finals!

South Africa 2010 - The Introduction

So it’s almost here, and it brings out our the inner 3 year olds that we are at heart,

Algeria – Karim Ziani is the main to watch for Algeria in Group D. His creative flair, as shown at German giants Wolfsburg will be key if the Algerians want to get through to the knockout stages. The likelihood of that happening though is slim, and I think that they’ll fall at the first hurdle.

Argentina – Lionel Messi is the greatest player on the planet at the moment, and his creative vision, flair and eye for goal are some of the main reasons why I have tipped the two time World Champions to reach the Final again here in South Africa. If they do indeed meet the Danes in the 2nd round as I have predicted, I reckon that things could get a little messi.

Australia – They key man for the Socceroos is Tim Cahill. The Everton attacking midfielder had a great season at Goodison Park this year and will be instrumental for them if they are to pull off any major shocks at this tournament. In my view, they will get to the 2nd round before being knocked out by Serbia on penalties. They are the kings of late goals, with 4 out of 5 goals in Germany in ’06 coming from later than the 80th minute, so tiring teams beware!

Brazil – They have one of the greatest attacking midfielders that has ever lived in the always lively Kaka. He will be the key to their success in this competition, but one man cannot win the World Cup on his own. Yes, he will have support from Luis Fabiano, but I feel that they are a little lacking, which is why I have predicted them to be knocked out by Argentina in the Quarter Finals.

Cameroon – The Africans are competing in their 3rd World Cup, however despite the talented Samuel Eto’o, I feel that they are a little inexperienced to go any further than the group stages, although I feel that they could present Denmark with a challenge if they are on top form.

Chile – Competing in the 8th World Cup, although their first since 1998. Their key man in my eyes is Alexis Sanchez. Nicknamed “El Niño Maravilla”, or the wonder boy, he could be something of a surprise package for the South Americans. They do have a relatively simple group with no real big nations, although I still feel that they don’t have quite enough to reach the latter stages.

Denmark – An ageing squad, but with Nicklas Bendtner I feel that they have just enough firepower to reach the 2nd round, but I don’t think that they’ll go any further than that as they would be due to meet Argentina, and they could be left in a very messi state after that encounter.

England – They always promise so much, but fail to deliver. The last time that they reached the semi finals was 20 years ago, and with such a bad record in penalty shootouts you can see why they have failed to live up to the hype. This time around, with the 2nd best player in the world at the moment in Wayne Rooney, I think they could potentially go further. However, with a potential Quarter Final with Spain on the cards, they would have to go some to beat the very best in the world over 90 minutes.

France – They have a good squad full of players such as Thierry Henry and William Gallas, but I consider their man threat to be Nicolas Anelka. The 31 year old is in good form after an excellent season at Chelsea, but there are questions being asked of how well he can deal with the pressure. They have a strong side, but I fear that their tournament will end prematurely in the 2nd Round where they are due to meet England, and I think that it will be just one step too far for them.

Germany – A squad with plenty of class and skill, but not much flair. They work well as a unit and barring any major shocks or injuries, they should Kroos through to meet Holland in the Quarter Finals. Their potential meeting with Holland is almost too Klose to call, but I fear that the Dutch manager dafuge will manage to outwit Robert_296 in the tactical battle, which will be the death knell for the Germans, and I have no doubt that they will be the Butt of many English jokes!

Ghana – They reached the 2nd Round in Germany 4 years ago, but I believe that they will be sent packing at the first hurdle this time around. In a group which contains 5 times champions Brazil, along with Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal and the USA, they will find it hard to get the results to get past the first hurdle. If they do manage to pull off a shock, then it will most likely be to the presence of Michael Essien in the middle of the mark pulling all the strings for the Black Stars.

Greece – Surprise European Champions 6 years ago, but will little chance of repeating that feat in the World Cup here in South Africa. Their key man here will be Sotirios Kyrgiakos, the Liverpool defender should prove to be somewhat of a rock at the back compared to the rest of the Greek side. Sortis Ninis could also be a threat on the wings, but they lack real firepower. I’m backing them to spring a surprise and get to the 2nd round, but that’s going to be touch and go with South Korea also fighting for that 2nd spot in Group B.

Honduras – The definition of a 1 man team. Wilson Palacios is the standout player by far and with all due respect to the Los Catrachos, they should be comprehensively beaten. They’ll fight hard, but ultimately are just too weak to progress. One thing is for sure, if/when they do get beaten, things will probably get a little out of hand, with several ‘incidents’ likely to occur in the aftermath.

Italy – The reigning World Champions from 4 years ago after Zizou’s famous headbutt on Matterazzi and Grosso’s supreme winning penalty in the shootout are something of a dark horse 4 years on. Not the most impressive qualifying campaign by any standards, but with players such as Luca Toni, Buffon and De Rossi they should be a strong force. Whether they have enough legs in them to perform for the whole 90 minutes in every game remains to be seen however.

Ivory Coast – Another team that rely on just a few men. Didier Drogba, Yaya Toure and Salamon Kalou. However, these 3 men together present a major force in world football, and I believe that they will provide England, Argentina and Mexico with a stern test. However, I just can’t see them getting past England or Argentina, and this group of death will be too much for them to handle.

Japan – Currently 45th in the World Rankings, and in a group with Serbia and South Africa, I just can’t see them getting through. They’ve also never won a World Cup game outside of their homeland, and I feel that this run will continue in Group C in South Africa. It’s sayonara to the men from Asia in the group stages for me.

Mexico – If they were in any other group but this one, I’d back them to go through. With the likes of Giovani Dos Santos, they pose a threat to any team in the competition, but that threat will be easy quashed by the likes of Terry and Heinze. I can see them adding to their 22 defeats in World Cups, which is a FIFA record, something that they will not be proud of.

Netherlands – They have a strong team with the likes of Arjen Robben and Robin Van Persie, and on their day can beat anyone in the world. With legendary manager and tactical genius dafuge at the helm, I can see them flying like a Kuyt into the semi finals. (Yes I am aware that was very bad! ) Whether dafuge can mastermind them to victory over predicted semi final opponents and 2nd favourites Argentina remains to be seen however. They might just Sq-vorm into the Final, but I doubt it.

New Zealand – Who are they? This is their 2nd World Cup appearance, their first was 28 years ago, and if you look at their squad you can see why. Ryan Nelson is the only real ‘star’ in their team, and as much as I love an underdog, I fear that they’re going to hit a rather Barron* run of form when facing such high quality opposition.

*NB: Reference to Andrew Barron, who is in the real-life NZ World Cup squad.

Nigeria – They have a strong attacking line-up with Yakubu, Kanu and Utaka, but offer very little resistance defensively. Likely to be on the end of chants such as “Danny’s absolutely Shittu”, and many critics, including myself will be asking Kan-u get out of the group stage this time around?

North Korea – Their second appearance at a World Cup, and likely to be an explosive one, although perhaps for all the wrong reasons. They have a good manager in LLR at the helm, who had a brilliant track record with clubs such as Lusitano de Evora, but the question remains, can he keep the Fafe with such a poor nation!?

Paraguay – This unlikely to be much of a pleasure Cruz for the South Americans, in a tough group with Germany, South Korea and Greece to face, I think that things could hit the Roque’s if Santa Cruz doesn’t fire. Jonathan Santa-na is unlikely to be able to provide the Paraguayan people with an unlikely present of a 2nd round tie against South Africa or Japan.

Portugal – The team who knocked our beloved England out of the 2006 tournament in Gelsenkirchen. Supposedly boss Carlos Queiroz has asked for a diving board to be installed in the team hotel’s swimming pool for recreational purposes, although it’s obvious that it’s for Cristiano Ronaldo to do some training sessions on On the pitch, I reckon this World Cup could be a bit of a Dud-a, with a possible meeting with neighbours & favourites Spain looming in the 2nd round, I think that Ronaldo and his pals will be sent packing back to their Villa’s by Spain.

Serbia – A very interesting side this one. They have plenty of quality defenders such as Nemanja Vidic and Branislav Ivanovic in their side, but not much attacking flair. I reckon that they’ll get to the Quarter Finals before being booked onto the next flight home after a heavy defeat by the Italians in Cape Town.

Slovakia – With the Dutch and Australians in their group, of which most of the games will be played at high altitude, I reckon this could be a real energy Sapar-a for the Eastern Europeans. They’ve done well to get to the biggest tournament of all, but even with a bit of ad-Weiss from manager DanGLiverpool, they’ll be on one of the first planes back to Europe.

Slovenia – The biggest name in their side by far is Baggies player Robert Koren, which says it all really. No strength to resist even any of the medium sized teams, and like their neighbours Slovakia, this will be one step too far for them. Sure, they will be Dedic-ated to their cause, but simply do not have enough skill to progress.

South Africa – The host nation are under immense pressure to get through what seems like a relatively simple group. With Steven Pienaar onboard, it should be a relatively successful World Cup by their own, admittedly rather poor, standards. I can’t see them passing Round 2 though, with a potential tie against the Dutch in Rustenburg.

South Korea – Prime Ministers and Presidents all over the world could take a sigh of relief when it was revealed that South and North Korea could not meet until the quarter finals, given the tension between the two countries at the present moment in time. The Koreans from the south half of the island are an interesting bunch, Ji-sung should control the middle of the Park, but apart from him, their squad looks very thin and weak. With just 1 win in 17 attempts outside of their own country, it looks like it will be goodbye to the Asians in the group stages.

Spain – And finally we get to the favourites. A side packed with some of the best players that have ever graced the game. Their manager has suggested that they will have a free Rein-a in the group stages with such a straightforward group, which provides the likes of Torres, Villa and Xavi to get into top gear before the knockout stages. They have always been hyped so much before, and failed to deliver. The question begs, can they hold their nerve on the biggest stage of all?

Switzerland – The plucky Swiss will give it all they’ve got on the world stage, but I fear that once they hit the hit the 2nd round, they will be left to Frei in the South African sun by the Brazilians. Having Senderos as your main central defender doesn’t really inspire much confidence among the fans either!

USA – The North American’s are tricky customers, but I don’t think they will spring many surprises in a very tough Group H. I would love Tim Howard to keep the likes of Ronaldo & Kaka at bay, but I just can’t see it happening. The Yanks are heading out at the first hurdle.

Uruguay – A decent squad but lacking in depth to be any kind of force for me. Could spring an upset or two, and with players like Alvaro Pereira you wouldn’t bet against them doing so, but they’ve just got to hope that Diego doesn’t make a habit of Forlan-over like he so often does in La Liga! I believe that they’ll be ripped apart by ze Germans in ze 2nd round in Johannesburg to put an end to their tournament.

So that, ladies and gentlemen, is the roundup of the 32 teams in the tournament. No doubt i will be proved wrong on many occasions, so i suggest that we just grab the beer, throw ourselves onto the sofa & sit back and bite our nails for a month of what promises to be enthralling drama!