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Wags and Stags
Vote for the World Cup's perfect pairings as they compete against each other in our fun-filled game.
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World Cup Fanzoners
- Shane Bailey - Uruguay
- Niall Goeghegan - Mexico
- David Guile - South Africa
- Ali May-Khalil - France
- Christopher Panks - Argentina
- David Garrett - South Korea
- Carl Mullooly - Greece
- Charlie Johnson - Nigeria
- Martin Hines - USA
- Tom Reed - England
- Nick Colling - Slovenia
- Jon Green - Algeria
- Stuart Heaver - Germany
- Ollie Wright - Ghana
- Pete Alexander - Australia
- Matt Bright - Serbia
- Jon Jerrome - Holland
- Matthew Gray - Japan
- Lee Norton - Denmark
- Kevin Clarke - Cameroon
- Hannah Cawsey - Paraguay
- David Stubbs - Slovakia
- Stephen Bradshaw - New Zealand
- Ben Dudley - Italy
- Brett Mendoza - Brazil
- Darren Williams - Portugal
- Adam Sibley - Ivory Coast
- Darren Porter - North Korea
- Robert Edwards - Spain
- Ant Meads - Chile
- Andrew Harding - Switzerland
- Ben Barrett - Honduras
World Cup FanZoners
Group A Fanzoners
Shane Bailey
Niall Goeghegan
David Guile
Ali May-Khalil
Group B Fanzoners
Christopher Panks
David Garrett
Carl Mullooly
Charlie Johnson
Group C Fanzoners
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Martin Hines
-
Tom Reed
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Nick Colling
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Jon Green
Group D Fanzoners
Stuart Heaver
Ollie Wright
Pete Alexander
Matt Bright
Group E Fanzoners
Jon Jerrome
Matthew Gray
Lee Norton
Kevin Clarke
Group F Fanzoners
Hannah Cawsey
David Stubbs
Stephen Bradshaw
Ben Dudley
Group G Fanzoners
Brett Mendoza
Darren Williams
Adam Sibley
Darren Porter
Group H Fanzoners
Robert Edwards
Ant Meads
Andrew Harding
Ben Barrett
Group A
...the lowdown on your international adoptees
Shane Bailey
COUNTRY ADOPTED: Uruguay (or Oo-Roo-Gway, as I'm almost certain it's pronounced).
WHY HAVE YOU ADOPTED THIS PARTICULAR COUNTRY? I've always been a big fan of the Alice band in football (who hasn't?) And there is no finer exponent of its use than Oscar Tabarez's blue and black army.
GIVE US A FACT ABOUT YOUR ADOPTED COUNTRY: Well, so many come instantly to mind. I'm spoilt for choice really. How about, Uruguay were the Inaugural winners of the Jules Rimet Trophy (it's the posh name for the World Cup)? Not a lot of people know that. A fact worth remembering for pub quiz fans everywhere.
KEY PLAYER: Diego Forlan, of course (and not just because he's the only one anyone's heard of). The man who couldn't hit a barn door when he played in this country, but who's been prolific in Spain for the last few seasons. And he's king of the Alice band crew.
WHERE WILL THEY FINISH? Getting out of the group might prove problematic. France, despite their questionable qualification, look the most likely group winners. And no doubt South Africa will feel the benefit of the decisions only a home crowd can provide. They might beat Mexico to the 'Best Central/South American Team in Group A' competition though.
WHO WILL WIN THE WC? England, of course. Ignoring the fact we don't have a goalkeeper worthy of the jersey, our best defender is crocked, two of the back-four are more frequently on the front page of the newspapers than the back, our right-back can't defend, our best central-midfielder plays left-wing. And we have Emile Heskey up front. OK, Spain.
WHEN WILL ENGLAND COME HOME? I hope we'll make it to July. To be more precise, I'll take a punt on the first flight out on the 7th, after another agonising penalty defeat in the semi-final.
AND WHICH PLAYER ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO WATCHING AND WHY? Wayne Rooney. Mr 'White Pele' himself. The one England player worth watching, and the only hope we've got of significant progression. If he performs, we'll go close. Messi might be easy on the eye (in a Lord of the Rings meets Lord of the Dance stylee), but I don't think we should overlook the fact he plays for Argentina. Whilst the media might have emulated him to football God-head status, it isn't going to take away the pain of watching him knock us out!
Niall Geoghegan
COUNTRY ADOPTED: Mexico
WHY HAVE YOU ADOPTED THIS PARTICULAR COUNTRY? (MAKE ONE UP IF YOU LIKE): Everybody likes an underdog, right? Mexico are around 80/1 with many bookies, so they probably won't win it, but they have a slim chance of impressing at the same time.
GIVE US A FACT ABOUT YOUR ADOPTED COUNTRY: Mexico kick off World Cup 2010 against South Africa on June 11th in Johannesburg.
KEY PLAYER: Watch out for Carlos Vela of Arsenal.
WHERE WILL THEY FINISH? Second in the group to France but will proceed to win the World Cup. Honestly.
WHO WILL WIN THE WC? Mexico. Belief is everything.
WHEN WILL ENGLAND COME HOME? July 11th, beaten in the final by Mexico. I'll bear a smug grin as the rest of the country mourns.
AND WHICH PLAYER ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO WATCHING AND WHY? For Mexico, the young talents Giovani Dos Santos and Vela could be exciting. Overall, it has to be Rooney. What a chance to see just HOW good he is? He won't be playing Hull at home anymore.
Dave Guile
COUNTRY ADOPTED: South Africa
WHY HAVE YOU ADOPTED THIS PARTICULAR COUNTRY? I chose South Africa as my adopted country as a way of paying tribute to Leeds legend Lucas Radebe, my favourite South African of all time. And also because of my fiancee, who is my second favourite South African of all time. Probably.
GIVE US A FACT ABOUT YOUR ADOPTED COUNTRY: A South African monkey was once awarded a medal and promoted to the rank of corporal during World War I.
KEY PLAYER:Steven Pienaar has flair, grit and determination, but South Africa will need good organisation to see off some technically superior outfits. The responsibility for this will fall on Aaron Mokoena, so I'll say him.
WHERE WILL THEY FINISH? I'd love to see a fairytale ending but if they get as far as the semis they could potentially meet England, and that would kick off a civil war in our flat. A dignified quarter-final exit.
WHO WILL WIN THE WC? Argentina have been written off by the experts after a poor qualifying campaign, much in the same way as Brazil were in 2002. Expect Messi to shine, Maradona to spout rubbish and Argentina to take the trophy.
WHEN WILL ENGLAND COME HOME? I predict that we'll finally shake off the penalty jinx by winning a quarter-final shoot-out before going down in the semis. On penalties.
AND WHICH PLAYER ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO WATCHING AND WHY? Juan Sebastian Veron has sublime dead-ball ability, looks suspiciously like Ali G and, best of all, managed to waste an astronomical amount of Fergie's cash during an ineffective stint at Man U. That makes him a legend in my book. This will be his last World Cup, and I don't expect him to bow out gracefully.
Ali May-Khalil
COUNTRY ADOPTED: France
WHY HAVE YOU ADOPTED THIS PARTICULAR COUNTRY? A swathe of current and ex-Arsenal players are in the squad and there is always an incredible pressure on France to do well by their own media. Should be interesting...
GIVE US A FACT ABOUT YOUR ADOPTED COUNTRY: Hard to find a KFC.
KEY PLAYER: Thierry Henry. His final swansong on the world stage. If he performs, then France will perform.
WHERE WILL THEY FINISH? Quarter-finals.
AND WHO WILL WIN THE WC? Spain. Anyone who finishes ahead of them will win it.
WHEN WILL ENGLAND COME HOME? Quarter-finals. Probably on penalties having suffered some form of "injustice" in the process.
AND WHICH PLAYER ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO WATCHING AND WHY? Franck Ribery. Is he as good as the £60m price tag or a big fish in a mediocre sized pond?
Group B
...the lowdown on your international adoptees
Christopher Panks
COUNTRY ADOPTED: Argentina
WHY HAVE YOU ADOPTED THIS PARTICULAR COUNTRY? Because if anyone deserves to win the world cup, besides England, it's a team who are managed by a straight-laced, by the book, rule abider like Diego Maradona.
GIVE US A FACT ABOUT YOUR ADOPTED COUNTRY: Their national football team has won the most major international titles at a total of 19 - a record shared with Uruguay - most recently at the Chinese Olympics in 2008.
KEY PLAYER:Lionel Messi.
WHERE WILL THEY FINISH? Head says quarter-finals, but there's something in the back of my mind which says they've had such a poor qualifying campaign they may come from nowhere to mount a serious challenge.
WHO WILL WIN THE WC? Brazil
WHEN WILL ENGLAND COME HOME: Quarter-finals.
AND WHICH PLAYER ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO WATCHING AND WHY: Wayne Rooney, I think this is his year to make a massive impact on the world stage. (if this has to be for Argentina, then Higuain, he's been on fire this season and would like to see him in a team where he's not overshadowed by the less than impressive Cristiano Ronaldo.)
David Garratt
COUNTRY ADOPTED: South Korea
WHY HAVE YOU ADOPTED THIS PARTICULAR COUNTRY?: When a team has the nickname the 'Taeguk Warriors', what is there not to like? Also Ban Ki-Moon, the UN Secretary General, kind of sweet-talked me.
GIVE US A FACT ABOUT YOUR ADOPTED COUNTRY: Snuppy, the first ever cloned dog, was created at Seoul University. She would beat Dolly the Sheep any day!
KEY PLAYER: Park Ji-Sung, of course - the most underrated player in English football!
WHERE WILL THEY FINISH? Quarter-finals, minimum.
WHO WILL WIN THE WC? Who cares? As long as North Korea don't win it, we will be smiling.
WHEN WILL ENGLAND COME HOME? After losing in the quarter-finals.
AND WHICH PLAYER ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO WATCHING AND WHY? Lee Chung-Yong was the bargain of the season and the player to marvel this summer.
Carl Mullooly
COUNTRY ADOPTED: Greece
WHY HAVE YOU ADOPTED THIS PARTICULAR COUNTRY? It will be a challenge to write the Greek names!
GIVE US A FACT ABOUT YOUR ADOPTED COUNTRY: Greece have only previously qualified for the World Cup Finals once - in 1994 - USA
KEY PLAYER:Theofanis Gekas
WHERE WILL THEY FINISH? Last 16
WHO WILL WIN THE WC? Spain.
WHEN WILL ENGLAND COME HOME? Runners up.
AND WHICH PLAYER ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO WATCHING AND WHY? Wayne Rooney (if he can stay fit!)
Charlie Johnson
COUNTRY ADOPTED: Nigeria
WHY HAVE YOU ADOPTED THIS PARTICULAR COUNTRY? Due to my many fond memories of bandana-wearing defender Efe Sodje. Also an affinity to great players like Taribo West and Kanu.
GIVE US A FACT ABOUT YOUR ADOPTED COUNTRY: Nigeria is the eighth most populous country in the world.
KEY PLAYER: John Obi Mikel and the evergreen and almost certainly 40+ Kanu
WHERE WILL THEY FINISH? Last 16 at best but I fear they might struggle to get out of their group.
WHO WILL WIN THE WC? Spain.
WHEN WILL ENGLAND COME HOME? Quarter-final exit on pens.
AND WHICH PLAYER ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO WATCHING AND WHY? Xavi of Spain, a truly superb player who can control a game at his own speed
Group C
...the lowdown on your international adoptees
Martin Hines
COUNTRY ADOPTED: USA
WHY HAVE YOU ADOPTED THIS PARTICULAR COUNTRY? (MAKE ONE UP IF YOU LIKE): Because America is quite clearly the greatest and most wholesome country on this beautiful Earth.
GIVE US A FACT ABOUT YOUR ADOPTED COUNTRY: 85 per cent of Americans don't contain any crab.
KEY PLAYER: Clint Dempsey.
WHERE WILL THEY FINISH? Quarter-finals.
WHO WILL WIN THE WC? Spain.
WHEN WILL ENGLAND COME HOME? When John Terry works his way through the WAGS.
AND WHICH PLAYER ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO WATCHING AND WHY? Wesley Sneijder, because he has a slightly funny name and superb footballing skills.
Tom Reed
COUNTRY ADOPTED: England
WHY HAVE YOU ADOPTED THIS PARTICULAR COUNTRY? This country adopted me. I was born here! It's great to be the England FanZoner for World Cup 2010 because I can share the pain that comes with getting knocked out with the readers and maybe, just maybe the joy of winning the thing. Although, If we win I will likely go on a massive bender and not be back for a few weeks.
GIVE US A FACT ABOUT YOUR ADOPTED COUNTRY: England has the largest number of teenagers who think it's brilliant to sit on a bus with N-Dubz blaring out of their mobile phones in the world.
KEY PLAYER: Wayne 'Wazza' Rooney
WHERE WILL THEY FINISH: 1st
WHO WILL WIN THE WC? England will win the World Cup. Every true England fan will get gripped by World Cup mania come June and will be fully expectant of England bringing home the bacon. If you're English and you're not day-dreaming what the feeling will be like when we eventually emerge victorious by the end of May, you probably have some Scottish blood in you... and the pessimism that naturally comes with it.
WHEN WILL ENGLAND COME HOME? England will return in a glorious homecoming parade some weeks after winning the World Cup. Their open-top bus will go on a tour around the whole of the country, where the good old inhabitants of England will shower them with red rose petals and Lambrini. Ashley Cole will have to keep a low profile after the scandal caused by him sending a picture of himself in his Y-fronts to Winnie Mandela.
AND WHICH PLAYER ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO WATCHING AND WHY? I would love to see Jimmy Bullard make the squad. There are few more enthusiastic players out there and you can just tell that he gets the sort of buzz that a fan would by donning the England shirt. Not only that, he can play a bit too. Of the dead certs, I would say Peter Crouch, not for him but for the unapologetically ogling shots of his girlfriend in the crowd.
Nick Colling
COUNTRY ADOPTED: Slovenia
WHY HAVE YOU ADOPTED THIS PARTICULAR COUNTRY? Our captain Robert Koren has always been on of the best players in the English game and has always caught my eye.
GIVE US A FACT ABOUT YOUR ADOPTED COUNTRY: Around 40 per cent of Slovenia's land mass is elevated land - mostly in the form of mountains and plateaus - which is located in the interior regions of the country.
KEY PLAYER: Zlatko Dedic and Bostjan Cesar
WHERE WILL THEY FINISH? I think we will go out in the group stages, it's a shame that players like Terry will advance further than our honest and hard-working bunch
WHO WILL WIN THE WC? No idea.
WHEN WILL ENGLAND COME HOME? Sometime after they set off.
AND WHICH PLAYER ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO WATCHING AND WHY? Darren Bent, without him the World Cup will be a waste of time (Unlucky Nick! - ed)
Jon Green
COUNTRY ADOPTED: Algeria
WHY HAVE YOU ADOPTED THIS PARTICULAR COUNTRY? Because they are the dark horses in England's WC group!
GIVE US A FACT ABOUT YOUR ADOPTED COUNTRY: Their official language is Arabic
KEY PLAYER:Majid Bougherra of Rangers.
WHERE WILL THEY FINISH:A respectable third in Group C.
WHO WILL WIN THE WC? Spain.
WHEN WILL ENGLAND COME HOME?Semi-finals I'm afraid!
AND WHICH PLAYER ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO WATCHING AND WHY? Wayne Rooney because on his day he can destroy the World!
Group D
...the lowdown on your international adoptees
Stuart Heaver
COUNTRY ADOPTED: Germany
WHY HAVE YOU ADOPTED THIS PARTICULAR COUNTRY?): Adopting the Germans offers a stress-free World Cup with no WAG scandals and no losses on penalty shoot-outs.
GIVE US A FACT ABOUT YOUR ADOPTED COUNTRY: At 115.8 litres, Germany has the highest beer consumption per capita in the tournament. And Germany have contested no fewer than four penalty shoot-outs in the World Cup Finals and won them all.
KEY PLAYER: Lukas Podolski.
WHERE WILL THEY FINISH? Winners or runners up.
WHO WILL WIN THE WC? Germany.
WHEN WILL ENGLAND COME HOME? In the first round of 16, beaten by the Germans.
AND WHICH PLAYER ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO WATCHING AND WHY? Michael Ballack, who as captain will be five times the player we see mincing about at Stamford Bridge and is rumoured to be joining Charlton Athletic in the summer (you heard it here first!)
Ollie Wright
COUNTRY ADOPTED: GHANA
WHY HAVE YOU ADOPTED THIS PARTICULAR COUNTRY? In the hope that they help upset the Germans in what could be a particulalry tricky group (albeit not quite a group of death).
GIVE US A FACT ABOUT YOUR ADOPTED COUNTRY: Some 500,000 Ghanaian children remain out of school due to resource constraints in building schools, training and motivating adequate numbers of teachers and providing adequate textbooks.
KEY PLAYER: Michael Essien.
WHERE WILL THEY FINISH: Second round.
WHO WILL WIN THE WC? England.
WHEN WILL ENGLAND COME HOME? When they've finished winning the World Cup!
AND WHICH PLAYER ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO WATCHING AND WHY? Rosenborg midfielder Anthony Annan has trialled with Blackburn and was once reputed to be a target for Arsenal and Everton. I'm curious to see if he is actually any good.
Pete Alexander
COUNTRY ADOPTED: Australia
WHY HAVE YOU ADOPTED THIS PARTICULAR COUNTRY? During his time managing the Socceroos, El Tel managed to bring over no fewer than eight Aussies to Fratton (the majority of whom were pants). Coincidentally enough, Pompey went into administration shortly afterwards, and even star striker John Aloisi was allowed to go on the cheap. So, that, and a love for shrimp and BBQs!
GIVE US A FACT ABOUT YOUR ADOPTED COUNTRY: Despite only having a population of 22million, Australia is actually the sixth biggest country in the world by land mass. Aussies are also well-known for loving their lash, no matter how senior. Sir John Robertson, five times Premier of New South Wales, drank a pint of rum every morning for 35 years. He later said: "None of the men who have left footprints in this country have been cold water men."
KEY PLAYER: You can't look past Timmy Cahill. Any midfielder who averages a goal every four games is going to be a little bit special.
WHERE WILL THEY FINISH? Going to be favourites to finish bottom of a strong Group D, but they'll give it a go. Germany will no doubt come out on top in the first game so they'll have to pick themselves up for Ghana. A good result there, and they'll be full of confidence for the Serbia game. Very slim chance of qualifying, but they're a brash bunch and don't like losing.
WHO WILL WIN THE WC? If Spain have a fully-fit squad, it's tricky to see who can beat them on their day. That said, the Argies and Brazil will challenge if they hit form, and, of course, England have their best chance for years, mainly due to the fact that Don Fabio is potentially the most talented manager who has ever been in charge of the Three Lions.
WHEN WILL ENGLAND COME HOME? After one helluva party, hopefully.
AND WHICH PLAYER ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO WATCHING AND WHY: Wazza. If (and it's always an if) he's fit, this tournament could be the making of Rooney. Out of all the world-class players we talk about at this tournament, he's the one who has not only had an incredible season, but has also managed to transfer his talent to the international stage. Maradona doesn't like Messi for some reason (he certainly offers a genuine challenge to his legacy), Ronaldo has a decent record for Portugal but hasn't really done it on the world stage, and everyone seems to have forgotten about Kaka! It's going to be a great competition - I just get the feeling that Rooney really wants this, and it could be his tournament.
Matt Bright
COUNTRY ADOPTED: Serbia or The White Eagles to us hardcore fans.
WHY HAVE YOU ADOPTED THIS PARTICULAR COUNTRY? One of the most popular foods in Serbia are pies, so it was an easy decision as every football fan loves the occasional pie.
GIVE US A FACT ABOUT YOUR ADOPTED COUNTRY: Serbia are the reigning Water Polo World Champions.
KEY PLAYER: Nemanja Vidic or Milan Jovanovic.
WHERE WILL THEY FINISH? I reckon they will get through the group stage, and eventually leave after the quarter-finals.
WHO WILL WIN THE WC? My heart says England, but I reckon Spain.
WHEN WILL ENGLAND COME HOME? Hopefully after the final with the trophy, but I reckon after the semis.
AND WHICH PLAYER ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO WATCHING AND WHY? Messi, the skill the man has is unbelievable and to see him in the greatest football competition will be amazing!
Group E
...the lowdown on your international adoptees
Jon Jerrome
COUNTRY ADOPTED: Holland
WHY HAVE YOU ADOPTED THIS PARTICULAR COUNTRY? As a footballing romantic, the Dutch offer the flamboyant version of the game which can turn any neutral orange.
GIVE US A FACT ABOUT YOUR ADOPTED COUNTRY: The Netherlands have failed to register a goal in the second half of a World Cup finals game since Patrick Kluivert's semi-final strike against Brazil in 1998.
KEY PLAYER: Wesley Sneijder's ability to unlock defences makes him the ace in Bert van Marwijk's pack.
WHERE WILL THEY FINISH? The quarter-final hurdle could prove too much for the current squad who may struggle to contain the attacking threat posed by the stronger oppositions come the latter stages of the competition.
WHO WILL WIN THE WC? If Fernando Torres and company play to their potential over the four weeks, the trophy will surely be heading to Spain for the first time.
WHEN WILL ENGLAND COME HOME? Whilst my heart says it's our year, the head says we'll return as losing semi-finalists amid the usual blaze of controversy.
AND WHICH PLAYER ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO WATCHING AND WHY? Argentine superstar Leo Messi will light up the tournament should he reproduce his club form for his nation on the biggest stage of them all. His unique ability to retain the ball and produce moments of pure genius could add his name to the list of World Cup greats which have graced the competition in previous years.
Matt Gray
COUNTRY ADOPTED: Japan
WHY HAVE YOU ADOPTED THIS PARTICULAR COUNTRY? The national dress for Japanese men is in fact, a dress. I celebrate national Japan day every Saturday night.
GIVE US A FACT ABOUT YOUR ADOPTED COUNTRY: You should never stick your chopsticks upright in your rice. This is an old Japanese custom and is what is done when food is offered to the dead. Also, you can find shops in Japan selling second hand underpants.
KEY PLAYER: Shunsuke Nakamura
WHERE WILL THEY FINISH? Champions, obviously.
WHO WILL WIN THE WC>? Japan, obviously
WHEN WILL ENGLAND COME HOME? A penalty shootout defeat in the quarter-final beckons yet again, with mass disappointment and shock amongst the nation's media and fans.
AND WHICH PLAYER ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO WATCHING AND WHY? How could anyone look beyond Lionel Messi?
Lee Norton
COUNTRY ADOPTED: Denmark
WHY HAVE YOU ADOPTED THIS PARTICULAR COUNTRY? I love Danish pastry (oh and I'm an eighth Danish).
GIVE US A FACT ABOUT YOUR ADOPTED COUNTRY: Home to 'probably the best lager in the World'.
KEY PLAYER: Nicklas Bendtner - his goals will be key if they're going to progress.
WHERE WILL THEY FINISH? Should get into the last 16 behind Holland in Group E.
WHO WILL WIN THE WC? Argentina - they seem to a fairly easy passage to the Quarter-Finals and with a bit of luck could go all the way.
WHEN WILL ENGLAND COME HOME? Semi-finals.
AND WHICH PLAYER ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO WATCHING AND WHY? That's a tough one. It'll be interesting to see if Wayne Rooney can transfer his great domestic form onto the international stage (fingers crossed). Messi is another player that has been outstanding for his club this season and could the key for Argentina.
Kevin Clarke
COUNTRY ADOPTED: Cameroon
WHY HAVE YOU ADOPTED THIS PARTICULAR COUNTRY? I dance like Roger Milla and I am often described as an 'Indomnitable Lion'.
GIVE US A FACT ABOUT YOUR ADOPTED COUNTRY: Cameroon is often referred to as 'Africa in miniature'.
KEY PLAYER: Samuel Eto'o. And me, obviously.
WHERE WILL THEY FINISH? They will win. Go the Lions!!!!!
WHO WILL WIN THE WC? Cameroon
WHEN WILL ENGLAND COME HOME? When they play the indestructible Cameroon.
AND WHICH PLAYER ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO WATCHING AND WHY? Other than any player in a Cameroon shirt, Leo Messi. He has the spirit of Roger Milla, the skills of Francois Oman Biyik and the heart of Ben Massing.
Group F
...the lowdown on your international adoptees
Hannah Cawsey
COUNTRY ADOPTED: Paraguay
WHY HAVE YOU ADOPTED THIS PARTICULAR COUNTRY? Because I have a vested interest in Roman Catholic countries and whether or not their faith will take them to the final.
GIVE US A FACT ABOUT YOUR ADOPTED COUNTRY: Paraguay is the third largest exporter of Soybeans!
KEY PLAYER: Roque Santa Cruz of Manchester City.
WHERE WILL THEY FINISH? World Cup Final.
WHO WILL WIN THE WC? Paraguay. As a Grimsby fan, I always back the winning side.
WHEN WILL ENGLAND COME HOME? Early because they'll get kicked out because of the Chelsea players cheating and lying lifestyles which doesn't sit well with South Africans.
AND WHICH PLAYER ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO WATCHING AND WHY? Wayne Rooney - he's a looker!
Dave Stubbs
COUNTRY ADOPTED: Slovakia
WHY HAVE YOU ADOPTED THIS PARTICULAR COUNTRY I've been to the capital city Bratislava and loved it there. Plus their up-and-coming star is soon to be a world beater and he's a Manchester Blue player.
GIVE US A FACT ABOUT YOUR ADOPTED COUNTRY: South Africa 2010 is Slovakia's first World Cup as an independent nation. The country itself has been to two World Cup Finals (when known as Czechoslovakia) in 1934 and 1962.
KEY PLAYER:The key player for Slovakia is cultered midfielder and national captain Marek Hamsik. The Napoli playmaker is a class act.
WHERE WILL THEY FINISH: They have a tough group with Italy expected to top the table so Slovakia will have to battle it out for second with Paraguay. For Man City fans that equates to Roque Santa Cruz v Vladi Weiss.
WHO WILL WIN THE WC? England, obviously.
WHEN WILL ENGLAND COME HOME:July 12th, 2010 (the day after the final).
AND WHICH PLAYER ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO WATCHING AND WHY?God, there are too many to name. As an adopted Slovakian, I'm keen to see how Hamsik and Weiss fair. Hamsik is a real talent and has been touted with a few big named clubs in recent years. He's also a Football Manager legend and is a player I always sign for Man City. Weiss is the obvious one for me to see during the world cup as I waxed lyrical a few months ago for the Sky Sports FanZone website, and if I'm not mistaken I did put Weiss in the same sentence as Messi and Ronaldo. Away from my adopted nationality I am keen on following the usual suspects that are expected to light up the world cup. Messi, Ronaldo, Kaka, Robinho, Rooney, Tevez, Ribery etc etc. I will also be keeping tabs on any Man City players taking part in this year's tournament and keep tabs on the transfer circus that will undoubtedly circle my beloved club. I will be personally checking out the players and if I think they are worthy I will be on the blower to Bobby Manc to give my blessing for the player. Regardless of who shines/disappoints this year's World Cup promises to be the best yet as the continent of Africa welcomes the world to its doorstop.
Steve Bradshaw
COUNTRY ADOPTED: New Zealand
WHY HAVE YOU ADOPTED THIS PARTICULAR COUNTRY? My son and his family live in New Zealand and we have had two really wonderful visits. There are a lot of ex-pats and most follow a team in UK. There is a renewed interest in soccer due to the All Whites' qualifying run. I was there for the final qualifying match against Bahrain and there were some good celebrations - Kiwis like a beer after their sport. A good performance in South Africa could lead to a big take up of the sport.
GIVE US A FACT ABOUT YOUR ADOPTED COUNTRY: From the early 1980s, when NZ was home to over 70 million sheep, the population has declined to around 39 million in 2008. This means the oft-quoted statistic, that NZ has 20 sheep for each human, is wrong! Nowadays it's only about 9 to 1. This decline hasn't stopped NZ from cornering 50% of all international trade in sheep meat. Unlike the human population, the majority of New Zealand's sheep are based on the South Island, where there are more than 20 sheep for every human!
KEY PLAYER: Ryan Nelson (Blackburn Rovers) - As highlighted in a recent friendly against Mexico in front of 90,000 screaming Mexicans, the All Whites defence looks shaky when confronted with pace and skill. In fairness, the majority of the side have never had any regular exposure to top class opposition, but Ryan Nelson is the exception. His experience should help the team-mates around him keep their composure. If New Zealand are to get any points during the group stages, they simply must not concede goals. Scoring any will prove even more difficult. Watch out too for striker Shane Smeltz. Now playing for Gold Coast United in the Australian A-League, Smeltz is the most likely candidate to snatch a goal or two in open play.
WHERE WILL THEY FINISH? Realistically, if New Zealand are to come out of the Group stages with even a single point (most likely against Slovakia), it will be heralded as a huge success by the Kiwi public. This is only the second time the All Whites have qualified for the World Cup Finals (the first being in 1982 when captained by a fellow Prestonian of mine, Steve Sumner). Their biggest World Cup achievement to date was scoring two goals in a 5-2 defeat against Scotland in Malaga.
WHO WILL WIN THE WC? Spain.
WHEN WILL ENGLAND COME HOME? England will lose in the semi-finals.
AND WHICH PLAYER ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO WATCHING AND WHY? Wayne Rooney. He is England's talisman and they won't progress without him. He has matured a lot over the past few years and is now a truly world class player. If England do well, then he could well be the leading goalscorer in the competition.
Bennio Dudlenio
COUNTRY ADOPTED: Italy
WHY HAVE YOU ADOPTED THIS PARTICULAR COUNTRY? They play in blue, have extremely passionate fans and their players fall over a lot. As a Cardiff City fan this makes them just about perfect for me to adopt! As an added bonus, Italy was also the nation to give the world pizza (the only food I can cook) and San Marino (the only international team Wales can beat). With all of this in mind, Italy was the only logical choice.
GIVE US A FACT ABOUT YOUR ADOPTED COUNTRY: The average Italian of legal drinking age drinks 26 gallons of wine every year.
KEY PLAYER: An obvious answer perhaps, but Gianluigi Buffon is the key man if a repeat of the 2006 triumph is to take place. He conceded just two goals in the last tournament, which were an own goal and a penalty. With a strong but not brilliant strikeforce, Italy will be relying on the man widely considered to be one of the greatest of all time to ensure they don't need to score many themselves.
WHERE WILL THEY FINISH? A potential quarter-final with Brazil looks a tricky prospect. However, get past this and there is no reason why they cannot win the whole tournament. I'm going to stick my neck out and say runners up. Italy are a team who can do well at tournaments without being in great form, and I expect the Azzurri to improve greatly from their Confederations Cup showing.
WHO WILL WIN THE WC? Germany. Again. Unless you live in North Korea, where it will be reported that they triumphed, probably with the winning goal in the final from Kim Jong-il.
WHEN WILL ENGLAND COME HOME? Quarter-finals. An easy group for Fabio's men will lead to misplaced overconfidence, which when mixed with the John Terry school of team morale, will lead to England being home before the main party begins yet again. There will be much laughter, until we remember that the last time Wales qualified for a World Cup, they were knocked out by Pele.
AND WHICH PLAYER ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO WATCHING AND WHY? I expect this will be a common answer, but for me it's Lionel Messi. With Scotland not qualifying meaning that Chris Burke will not be there, Messi is sure to be the best player at the tournament and Argentina would be my tips for glory in Africa if not for the slightly (!) strange antics of Diego Maradona. Watching Messi play is like playing against Lincoln on the easiest setting on a football console game, he just makes it look effortless.
Group G
...the lowdown on your international adoptees
Brett Mendoza
COUNTRY ADOPTED: Brazil
WHY HAVE YOU ADOPTED THIS PARTICULAR COUNTRY? Like Shaun Wright-Phillips, I was a surprise last-minute call up that no one suspected would be part of a World Cup team. My surname sounds a bit Brazilian too.
GIVE US A FACT ABOUT YOUR ADOPTED COUNTRY: There is a female haircut named after this country
KEY PLAYER: Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite or "Kaka" for short. At £56m he has to be quite good hasn't he?
WHERE WILL THEY FINISH? Runners up.
WHO WILL WIN THE WC? Spain .
WHEN WILL ENGLAND COME HOME? Out (against France) in the quarter-finals on penalties, it's the law!
AND WHICH PLAYER ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO WATCHING AND WHY? Waldo Ponce of Chile. He has a tremendous name, long hair, a bandana and white boots. What's not to like? He will be the flair icon that lights up the World Cup and is my favourite Panini football sticker! As for a Brazilian player, I would pick Dani Alves. I like his marauding surges forward and his sprints from anywhere on the pitch to be first to get to a free-kick that is within 45 yards of the opposition's goal.
Darren Williams
COUNTRY ADOPTED: Portugal
WHY HAVE YOU ADOPTED THIS PARTICULAR COUNTRY? I adopted Portugal as my country as, like me, they are good at football, good looking and they have a pretty good football strip. Oh, and they like wine too!
GIVE US A FACT ABOUT YOUR ADOPTED COUNTRY: An independent kingdom since 1143, Portugal is one of the oldest nations in Europe and has a current population of approx 10.3m people.
KEY PLAYER:Cristiano Ronaldo.
WHERE WILL THEY FINISH?Portugal will get beat in the semi-finals.
WHO WILL WIN THE WC? Spain will win it.
WHEN WILL ENGLAND COME HOME?England will come home probably after being beaten in the semi-finals after a penalty shoot out.
AND WHICH PLAYER ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO WATCHING AND WHY? I'm looking forward to watching Lionel Messi, as I want to see if his undoubted club class can transfer onto the world stage.
Adam Sibley
COUNTRY ADOPTED: Ivory Coast
WHY HAVE YOU ADOPTED THIS PARTICULAR COUNTRY? I have adopted this team because I think they are in the most exciting group in the World Cup and have a real chance of pulling off an upset and qualifying ahead of Portugal.
GIVE US A FACT ABOUT YOUR ADOPTED COUNTRY: Ivory Coast is among the world's largest producers and exporters of coffee, cocoa beans, and palm oil.
KEY PLAYER: Didier Drogba
WHERE WILL THEY FINISH? Quarter-finals.
AND WHO WILL WIN THE WC? Spain.
WHEN WILL ENGLAND COME HOME?Semi-finalists losing to a goal in the last minute of extra time just when we think we are going to penalties again.
AND WHICH PLAYER ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO WATCHING AND WHY? I am most looking forward to seeing Rory Fallon. As my full-time gig is blogging on Plymouth Argyle it will be great to see an Argyle player playing in the World Cup.
Darren Porter
COUNTRY ADOPTED: The Democratic People's Republic of Korea, or North Korea to you and I.
WHY HAVE YOU ADOPTED THIS PARTICULAR COUNTRY Have you seen 'Team America'? How could you not love them?
GIVE US A FACT ABOUT YOUR ADOPTED COUNTRY: North Korean dictator Kim Jong-il broke the world record for a round of golf in his first ever game. The amazing leader shot an incredible 38 under par with 11 holes in one. A natural!
KEY PLAYER:The one and only captain Hong Yong-Jo, 38 caps 11 goals, 'nuff said
WHERE WILL THEY FINISH? World Champions if the sporting prowess of their leader is anything to go by. If not they may be going back home to their mysterious paradise a little earlier than hoped.
WHO WILL WIN THE WC? If not the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, then maybe Spain.
WHEN WILL ENGLAND COME HOME? Quarter-finals.
AND WHICH PLAYER ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO WATCHING AND WHY? Apart from Hong Yong-Jo, I am quite looking forward to seeing the rest of the North Korean squad. I also hope that the cheating fat Argentinian manager allows Messi and his friends to play some football.
Group H
...the lowdown on your international adoptees
Robert 'Roberto' Edwards
COUNTRY ADOPTED: Spain
WHY HAVE YOU ADOPTED THIS PARTICULAR COUNTRY? Because that was who I was given! I did liver there for all of three months though, so that may mean I am even eligible to play for them!
GIVE US A FACT ABOUT YOUR ADOPTED COUNTRY: During the 16th Century, Spain was one of the most powerful empires in the World. Nowadays, they are too bust sleeping in the afternoons...
KEY PLAYER: Fernando Torres.
WHERE WILL THEY FINISH? Third place.
WHO WILL WIN THE WC? England, of course!
WHEN WILL ENGLAND COME HOME: AT THE END VICTORIOUS!
AND WHICH PLAYER ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO WATCHING AND WHY? Wayne Rooney - in the form of his life and is unplayable when he's on it!
Ant Meads
COUNTRY ADOPTED: Chile
WHY HAVE YOU ADOPTED THIS PARTICULAR COUNTRY? They annexed Easter Island in 1888 so basically saw some amazing statues that looked a bit like Kenny Jackett and just decided to take them. This appeals to the Millwall fan in me.
GIVE US A FACT ABOUT YOUR ADOPTED COUNTRY: Their national flower is the 'Copihue' which grows in the woods of Southern Chile.
KEY PLAYER:Star keeper and captain Claudio Bravo.
WHERE WILL THEY FINISH?Second in the group behind Spain and then a heroic defeat in the first knock-out round.
AND WHO WILL WIN THE WC? If it can't be Chile then probably another Spanish speaking country. I'll say Spain.
WHEN WILL ENGLAND COME HOME? Most of the squad will return after the semi-final defeat but John Terry will stick around for some peace and quiet.
AND WHICH PLAYER ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO WATCHING AND WHY? I'd love to see Wayne Rooney show his Man Utd form for England.
Andrew Harding
COUNTRY ADOPTED: Switzerland
WHY HAVE YOU ADOPTED THIS PARTICULAR COUNTRY? Bruno Berner has had a tremendous season at Leicester, whilst he hasn't featured for the Swiss national team for a number of years it was my wish to see him back, my love for Swiss chocolate, my respect for their diplomatic neutrality, and my ultimate admiration for their multi-tools that has made my adoptive nation Switzerland.
GIVE US A FACT ABOUT YOUR ADOPTED COUNTRY: Surprisingly, women were not given the right to vote or to hold office until 1971.
KEY PLAYER: Alexander Frei
WHERE WILL THEY FINISH?Second round
AND WHO WILL WIN THE WC?Spain
WHEN WILL ENGLAND COME HOME?One better than usual - semi finalists
AND WHICH PLAYER ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO WATCHING AND WHY?Wayne Rooney - he seems to have increased his previous high standards. If England want to go far he'll have to stay in fine form and remain fit. He represents our only chance of improving our recent average World Cup history.
Ben Barrett
COUNTRY ADOPTED: Honduras
WHY HAVE YOU ADOPTED THIS PARTICULAR COUNTRY? I'm a fan of the underdog, and Wilson Palacios is nothing short of a Honduran hero.
GIVE US A FACT ABOUT YOUR ADOPTED COUNTRY: They used to use the humble Beetle as their police cars. They also have a team called Arsenal!
KEY PLAYER:Wilson Palacios
WHERE WILL THEY FINISH?On a rather early plane home.
WHO WILL WIN THE WC? Spain.
WHEN WILL ENGLAND COME HOME? Semis/final.
AND WHICH PLAYER ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO WATCHING AND WHY?The Spanish midfield, Xavi, Inesta and Fabregas are just sensational together
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