Team Profiles

Discussion in 'FIFA and Tournaments' started by gaijin, Dec 13, 2005.

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  1. gaijin

    gaijin New Member

    Aug 1, 2004
    Malaysia
    France

    [​IMG]

    Capital City: Paris

    Official Language: French

    County Population: 60,656,178 (7th out of 32)
    Country Size: 547,030 km² (10th out of 32)

    National Anthem: La Marseillaise

    France is a major industrialized nation in western Europe. France is the third largest country in Europe, after Russia and Ukraine, and the fourth most populous. Officially the French Republic (République Française), the nation includes ten overseas possessions, most of them remnants of France’s former colonial empire. Paris is the nation’s capital and largest city.

    Roughly hexagonal in shape, France shares boundaries with Belgium and Luxembourg to the northeast; Germany, Switzerland, and Italy to the east; and Spain and Andorra to the southwest. In the northwest, France is bounded by the English Channel. At the Strait of Dover, the narrowest part of the channel, France and England are separated by just 34 km (21 mi). France faces three major seas: the Atlantic Ocean to the west, the North Sea to the north, and the Mediterranean Sea to the southeast.

    France is a nation of varied landscapes, ranging from coastal lowlands and broad plains in the north, to hilly uplands in south central France, to lush valleys and towering, snow-capped Alps in the east. Mountainous and hilly areas lie on nearly all of France’s borders, creating a series of natural boundaries for the country. Only the nation’s northeastern border is largely unprotected. Several major rivers drain France, including the Seine, Loire, Garonne, and Rhône.

    France is highly urbanized. Three-quarters of the population lives in cities, including more than ten million people in the metropolitan area of Paris, the most densely populated region in France. The French are among the healthiest, wealthiest, and best-educated people in the world. A comprehensive social welfare system is in place, guaranteeing all citizens a minimal standard of living and health care. Most citizens speak French, the principal language. The dominant religion is Roman Catholicism.


    [​IMG]

    Nickname: Les Bleus (The Blues)

    Website: www.fff.fr/bleus/index.shtml
    Fansite: www.bleusdefrance.com

    FIFA World Ranking: 5th

    WC Participations: 11
    Previous WC: Eliminated in Group Stage
    Best result: Winners (1998)

    Odds to Win WC: 13/1
    Odds to Win Group: 3/2

    Coach: Rayomond Domenech - Was appointed after the Euro 2004 for the departed Jacques Santini. He has failed to win over most of the fans and media with his negative approach to games and his willingness to overlook most talented French players playing abroad. Despite being forced into playing a 4-2-3-1 formation, this essentially gives the team more edge and flexibility when Henry and Trezeguet are fit, effectively turning the formation into 4-3-1-2 and 4-3-3 with Wiltord pushing forward to right wing or pushing back into the centre alongside Makelele and Vieira. The formation thus allows Malouda or Dhorasoo in this case to generally switch between either flank and give support to the wings and/or widemen, becoming at times a rather staggered 4-2-1-1-2 formation. Henry plays most effectively on the left side, using his pace to drift into the centre behind Trezeguet up front as the target man. The back 4 is pretty standard with Sagnol and Thuram on the right and Givet and Gallas on the left. Despite being overlooked, Evra appears to be the natural left sided option thus allowing Gallas to push into the centre. However given past tactical desicions, it would appear that Gallas will be more used on the left than in the centre.

    Favourite Formations:

    a) 4-2-3-1
    b) 4-3-1-2
    c) 4-3-3
    d) 4-2-2-2

    Probable Lineup;

    Coupet (or Barthez)

    Sagnol---Thuram---Givet---Gallas

    Makelele---Vieria

    Wiltord---Zizou---Henry

    Trez​

    Or:

    Coupet (or Barthez)

    Sagnol---Thuram---Givet---Gallas

    Makelele---Vieria---Wiltord

    Zizou

    Trez---Henry​

    Goalkeepers:

    1: Mickaël Landreau (FC Nantes) - DOB (14/05/1979) - 3 caps, 0 goals.
    An highly agile and athletic shot-stopper, the current FC Nantes captain has represented his country on 3 occassion and after a summer transfer to Paris Saint Germain, he will be looking to displace the older duo of Barthez and Coupet in future French squads. Has been part of French teams at the 2003 Confederations Cup and Euro 2004 in Portugal.

    16: Fabien Barthez (Olympique Marseille) - DOB (28/06/1971) - 77 caps, 0 goals.
    A wealth of honours internationally and domestically, the Marseille shotstopper has found Lyon compatriot Coupet a challenger to his position as France's no1. Has played in both France's 1998 and 2002 campaigns with varying degrees of success.

    23: Gregory Coupet (Olympique Lyonnais) - DOB (31/12/1972) - 18 caps, 0 goals
    A commanding presence in a formidable Lyon team that has seen the keeper rocket up the standings as one of the most competent goalies in Europe. Is now leading the hearts and minds of the fans and press alike with a battle for the no1 position in Germany after playing understudy for so long.

    Defenders:

    19: Willy Sagnol (Bayern Munich, Germany) - DOB (18/03/77) - 35 caps, 0 goals.
    A composed and natural defender home on either flank, Sagnol has been a part of Bayern Munich for many season helping the Bavarian club to a Champions League title in 2000. Having been disused by France for so long, due to the inclusion of Lilian Thuram at right back, the German based fullback has now called the right back spot his own after some solid displays in recent years for Les Bleus. He has played for France at both the Confederations Cup in 2003 and the European Championships in 2004.

    3: Eric Abidal (Olympique Lyonnais) - DOB (11/07-1979) 5 caps, 0 goals.
    A strong and powerful defender often cited as France's left sided Thuram, Abidal has rapidly established himself as one Ligue 1's most dynamic defenders. Home on the left side or in the centre of defence, Abidal has helped Lyon to two consecutive league title after singing from Lille in 2004. With only 5 caps to his name, largely down to injuries he will be looking to establish himself as France's number 1 left back at the World Cup.

    5: William Gallas (Chelsea, Engand) - DOB (17/08/1977) - 37 caps, 1 goal.
    A hugely versatile defender with the ability to play anywhere along the backline, Gallas has proven to be one of Europe's most valuable defenders in a star-studded Chelsea lineup. A solid tackler and a composed figure for Les Bleus in defence, Domenech will be looking for him to sharpen the centre of defence. He played in all ten of France's world cup qualifying matches and appeared in the last two international tournaments for Les Bleus.

    15: Lilian Thuram (Juventus, Italy) - DOB (01/01/1972) - 111 caps, 2 goals.
    The Guadeloupe born defender came back from retirement after the 2004 European Championships to help guide France back into the World Cup. A player with huge international prowess, boasting over 100 caps, he has helped France to a World Cup and European Championships as well as two Confederation Cups. At club level, Thuram forms a formidable partnership with Fabio Cannavaro and will be looking for a similar bond with team-mate William Gallas in the summer.

    17: Gaël Givet (AS Monaco) - DOB (09/10/1981) - 11 caps, 0 goals.
    A product of the Monaco youth system, Givet is a fast and versatile defender who can play on the left or on in the centre of the defence. Givet helped Monaco reach the Champions League final in 2004, forming a impressive duo with fellow Frenchman Sebastien Squillaci. A member of France's 2001 Youth Championship squad, this will be his first ever international tournament with Les Bleus.

    2: Jean-Alain Boumsong (Newcastle United, England) - DOB (14/12/1979) - 18 caps, 1 goal.
    A tall and strong centre back, Boumsong made a name for himself in a young Auxerre side boasting the likes of Phillipe Mexes, Bonaventure Kalou and Olivier Kapo. After a 6 month spell in Scotland with Rangers, Boumsong has come into criticism during his time at Newcastle United in England and will be looking to make amends and live up to the hype in Germany. Only two players scored against him in the 6 qualifiers that he played and was a member of the French team that reached the quarter finals of Euro 2004.

    13: Mickaël Silvestre (Manchester United, England) - DOB (09/08/1977) - 37 caps, 2 goals.
    Silvestre first came to the attention of France whilst playing for Rennes in 1998. After a move to Inter Milan and then onto Manchester United, Silvestre has proven something of player with an 'in and 'out' reputation at international level. Despite being selected at the 2003 Confederations Cup and 2004 European Championships, he was not selected under Domenech during 2005. A surprise inclusion to the team, he will be looking to recapture his early form.

    21: Pascal Chimbonda (Wigan Athletic, England) - DOB (21/02/1979) - 0 caps, 0 goals.

    A huge surprise when his name was announced as a member of the 23 headed for Germany, Chimbonda has been a revelation for plucky Premiership newcomers Wigan Athletic this season. The right sided defender plyed his trade first at Le Havre and then Bastia before Wigan coach Paul Jewell plucked him from relative obscurity. Voted the best right back in the divison at the end of year awards in England, his inclusion may not seem that bizarre.

    Defensive Midfielders:

    Benoît Pedretti (Olympique Lyonnais) - 40%, 5%; Despite a move to lyon in the summer after an unsuccesful year in Marseille, Pedretti is a talented player who often lacks direction and consitency in his game. Stunning for Sochaux during the height of their success, but has failed to live up to expectations since. He will need to find his form quick if he is to dislodge the other established members of the team.

    Patrick Vieira - (Juventus, Italy) - 100%, 100%; Solid as a rock for Juve and Arsenal - he is a crucial player for the French team, his leadership and drive in midfield is the reason he is one of the best in the world in his position - and as a result is indispensable for the team.

    Rio Mavuba (Girondins de Bordeaux) - 15%, 5%; Despite coming into the team during the injury crisis and lack of options in the qualfiying stages, Mavuba has been a regular starter for the u21's. Unless there is severe injuries to Vieira or Makelele, then Mavuba will be the 'Espoirs' for the u21 championships.

    Claude Makelele (Chelsea, England) - 100%, 100%; The water carrier of the team, if Deschamps was the true reason for the 1998 success, then Makelele will be it, if it happens in 2006. Another key player for France whose presence in the current setup is invaluable.

    Alou Diarra (RC Lens) - 50%, 5%; Despite being a huge flop at Liverpool, Diarra has become a central corner stone in Lens. Powerful and strong, he will probably make the team but will be limited on playing due to the basis of Vieira starting.

    Olivier Dacourt (AS Roma, Italy) - 10%, 5%; Daccourt had almost left the international wilderness, but due to injuries and lack of options he found himself back in the fold of Domenech's plans. Unless injuries happen to key players, then I believe he will be called up on emergency.

    Jérémy Toulalan (FC Nantes) - 5%, 0%; - Toulalan is one of France's brightest young prospects from the Nantes youth academy. His problem is similar to that of Mavuba - too young, too soon. Getting into the full squad will be a major achievement - but his time is maybe not now. A long shot for a callup.

    Attacking Midfielders:

    Zinédine Zidane (Real Madrid, Spain) - 100%, 100%; Zizou is the soul and heartbeat of the team, and is crucial to Les Bleus success. After coming out of retirement last year, he breathed new life into a team struggling to adpat with new surroundings and got his team into the finals. One of the most talented and skilful players on the planet he will be looking for another WC winners medal to his huge collection of silverware. A starter no question.

    Robert Pires (Arsenal, England) - 10%, 0%; Despite falling out with the coach after comments he made to the press, the Arsenal winger has no apoligised publicy for his actions and could well be back in the fold for the squad. However the rivers could run deep with this situation and Domenech could well keep him out of the side. Its a progressive situation and one which could well see Pires start and command a place in the side or be staying at home watching unfold on the TV.

    Johan Micoud (Werder Bremen, Germany) - 20%, 5%; The German based midfielder has been in sparkling form his team, but has had little impact for the national team mainly due to his presence being overlooked on numerous occasions for international callups. He may be getting on in years, but its now or never for him.

    Florent Malouda (Olympique Lyonnais) - 85%, 20%; The dynamic left winger proved a huge success in OL's recent campaigns and has also proved his worth for the NT with some solid displays in some crucial games. Injuries to key players allowed him to slot into the team, and it will probably take some injuries at the finals to grant him a starting spot, but he is more than likely to make the trip to Germany.

    Ludovic Guily (FC Barcelona, Spain) - 90%, 40%; Guily has often been something of a rotation player by Domenech and despite starting and playing most games for France he is often replaced by Wiltord for the seemingly more crucial games. However, he still one of the best optons open to France in the attacking midfield positions, and that allow will see him travel to the WC.

    Vikash Dhorasoo (Paris St-Germain) - 60%, 20%; The experienced midfielder can play anywhere along the pitch and his versatility and astute passing and tactical awareness has made him a favourite of the current coach. More than likely to be in the 23 man squad.

    Camel Meriem (AS Monaco) - 5%, 0%; Meriem has played something of a bit role in France's recent games. Despite being hailed as the man that looked likely to succeed Zidane in the centre of midfield, he never lived up to the billing and has struggled to find his feet both on the international scene and with his club side Monaco.

    Franck Ribery (Olympique Marseille) - 10%, 0%; The Marseille hitman is proving to be one of the most exciting young prospects in France at the moment. After a shirt spell in Turkey, Ribery has been putting in some sparkling performances that surely will capture the attention of Domenech. However, the reluctance of the coach to not call up the brighest and best, whom are untried at senior level - coupled with the midfield positions being quite overloaded - then his chances look very slim indeed.

    Attackers:

    Djibril Cissé (Liverpool, England) - 90%, 40%; The pacy Liverpool striker has been a bit part player for Liverpool of late after suffering a horrendous injury last season. But a CL winner's medal has given him the desire to suceed and at international level he stepped up to the plate in the abscence of Trezeguet and Henry and scored some crucial goals to help France qualify for their 3rd straight World Cup. He will travel to France as the main 3rd choice centre-forward.

    Thierry Henry (Arsenal, England) - 100%, 100%; One of the deadliest strikers in world football, Henry will travel to Germany alongside some of the most feared counterparts in his postion. Blessed with pace to burn, Henry is France's most prized asset, it was goal who effectively took France out of the rut and into Germany with a wonder goal against the irish in Dublin and it will be he who could decide France's fate.

    David Trezeguet (Juventus, Italy) - 100%, 100%; Along with Henry, Trezeguet can forge a deadly tandem capable of destroying most teams. Having started brillantly with Juventus this season, his injuries at crucial times has seen him miss a large chunk of international action. There is no question he will start alongside Henry in Germany, but will he be fit?

    Sylvain Wiltord (Olympique Lyonnais) - 100%, 90%; Wiltord has been a revelation at Les Gones and has commanded a place in the NT with his dazzling displays for club and country. Aided by Pires exclusion from the squad, he has proved a useful utilty player for Domenech, playing in the centre or right of midfield or up top. Will be a shoe-in to start.

    Sidney Govou (Olympique Lyonnais) - 60%, 20%; The Lyon right winger, cetnre forward has been a crucial part of OL's domiance in the past few years. Despite some discontent amongst the fans and media over his legality in the international set-up he appears to be a firm favourite of coach Domenech's plans.

    Pegguy Luyindula (AJ Auxerre) - 20%, 0%; The former Marseille man has found himself on loan at Auxerre after numerous staff changes at Marseille. During a heavy injury crisis he was called up, but looks increasingly more of a bit part player for France.

    Nicolas Anelka (Fenerbahce, Turkey) - 30%, 5%; After a long absence in the team, Anelka found himself back in the squad and scored a goal against Costa Rica. Given the paucity of decent strikers, Anelka could be whisked back in the squad as the 4th choice alternative.

    Louis Saha (Manchester United, England) - 5%, 0%; Recently has come back from a long injury layoff, Saha will need to prove his fitness in a struggling Manchester United side. Unless he can proves his worth until the end of the season his chances look very slim for going to Germany.

    Anthony Le Tallec (Sunderland, England) - 0%, 0%; Le Tallec has been a revelation for the u21's, and has yet to make his senior debut. If he carries on this form, he could well receive a distant callup. However his presence is more than likely needed in the u21 championships and therefore it seems very unlkely he will be going to Germany.

    [​IMG]

    How they Qualified:

    France finished top of Group 4, despite starting with three successive goalless home draws with their three main rivals, Israel, Switzerland and Israel. A less than convincing win against the Faroe Islands, kept Les Bleus hopes in it, but only thanks to the other teams incapable of beating each other, could the 1998 World Champions salvage a realistic aim of qualifying for Germany. The return of former FIFA Player of the Year Zinedine Zidane and Juventus defender Lilian Thuram boosted the team into action. In the final group games France clinched a crucial 1-0 win in Dublin courtesy of a magnificent Thierry Henry strike to give them a fighting hope along with three other sides to claim top-spot. A 1-1 draw in Bern meant that the final matchday would go down to the wire, with France hoping for a favourable result in Dublin. A 0-0 draw between the Swiss and the Irish, ensured that France's thrashing of lowly Cyprus, mean they would be heading for Germany in the summer.

    Code:
     1.[b]FRANCE       10  5  5  0 14- 2 20[/b]
     2.Switzerland  10  4  6  0 18- 7 18  [2 0 2 0 3-3 2]
     3.Israel       10  4  6  0 15-10 18  [2 0 2 0 3-3 2]
     4.Ireland      10  4  5  1 12- 5 17
     5.Cyprus       10  1  1  8  8-20  4
     6.Faroe Isl.   10  0  1  9  4-27  1
    4th Sepetmber 2004 - France 0-0 Israel

    8th September 2004 - Faroe Islands 0-2 France [Guily 32, Cissé 73]

    9th October 2004 - France 0-0 Ireland

    13th October 2004 - Cyprus 0-2 France [Wiltord 38, Henry 72]

    26th March 2005 - France 0-0 Switzerland

    30th March 2005 - Israel 1-1 France [Badir 83; Trezeguet 50]

    3rd September 2005 - France 3-0 Faroe Islands [Cissé 14, 76, Olsen (og) 18]

    7th September 2005 - Ireland 0-1 France [Henry 68]

    8th October 2005 - Switzerland 1-1 France [Magnin 80; Cissé 53]

    12th October 2005 - France 4-0 Cyprus [Zidane 29, Wiltord 32, Dhorasoo 44, Guily 84]
     
  2. gaijin

    gaijin New Member

    Aug 1, 2004
    Malaysia
    Thanks to KUBI_nu11 for the info on the team...!

    [​IMG]

    Switzerland

    Capital City: Bern

    Official Languages: German, French, Italian, Romansh

    County Population: 7,489,370 (27th out of 32
    Country Size: 41,290 km² (31st out of 32)

    National Anthem: Swiss Psalm

    Switzerland is a federal republic in west central Europe. Switzerland is a small, landlocked country set amid mountainous terrain in the heart of the European continent. It is bordered on the west by France, on the north by Germany, on the east by Austria, and on the south by Italy. The tiny principality of Liechtenstein lies between Switzerland and Austria. Each of the four major bordering countries has had an influence on Swiss culture. The Swiss people are an ethnic mix consisting mainly of native German, French, and Italian speakers, and most towns have two or even three correct names in those languages. The country has an area of 41,285 sq km (15,940 sq mi). Its largest city is Zürich, and the capital is Bern.

    Switzerland’s official name is Confoederatio Helvetica (Latin for “Helvetic Confederation”), which is frequently translated in English as Swiss Confederation. The Helvetii, an ancient Celtic people who occupied what is now western Switzerland, were defeated by the Roman army of Julius Caesar in the 1st century bc. As a province of Rome, the region became known as Helvetia. The name Confoederatio Helvetica, an ethnically and linguistically neutral term that recalls this ancient history, is testimony to an enduring desire to forge unity among a diverse population. The name Switzerland (French Suisse; German Schweiz; Italian Svizzera), the nation’s widely recognized but unofficial designation, is a variation on Schwyz, a territory that in 1291 became the first member of the present-day confederation. The Swiss flag, a red square with a centered white cross, is a variation on the traditional flag of the Schwyz region.


    [​IMG]

    Nicknames: "Nati", "Gli elvetici", "Les Helvétiques", "Die Eidgenossen"

    Website: http://www.football.ch/
    Fansite: http://www.sam-swiss.ch/

    FIFA World Ranking: 36

    WC Participations: 8
    Previous WC: Last 16
    Best result: Quarter Finalists (1934, 1938, 1954)

    Odds to Win WC: 125/1
    Odds to Win Group: 6/1

    Swiss trainer: Kobi Kuhn
    He has two different tactics depending on the team he have to play against
    4-1-2-1-2 or 4-5-1

    He favors fast, ball possession style with short fast passes.

    Most likely starting 11:


    ---------------Zuberbühler--------
    --P. Degen---Senderos---Müller----Spycher
    ----Barnetta-------Vogel--------Wicky(or Gygax)
    ---------------Cabanas------------
    -------Vonlanthen-------Frei-------


    Goal
    Pascal Zuberbühler (Basel/34/32/0)

    Can be incredible sometimes... saving his squad a few times against France and Turkey. Some other times, he can makes stupid mistakes that costs us big time. Not very good in the air although he is very tall. Should come out to get the ball in the air more... 2 of the Turkish goals were part his fault.
    Chances of making final roster: 100%
    Chances of starting: 100%

    Fabio Coltorti (Grasshoppers/24/0/0)
    Not enough experience internationally, only a little UEFA cup experience. He doesn't stand a chance playing unless Zubi gets injured.

    Jakupovic
    The future for us, very young and great goalkeeper but never played with Swiss squad only Champion's League experience this year with Thun.


    Defense
    Philipp Degen (Dortmund/22/9/0)

    A very fast defender with a good technic that can bring a lot offensively for the Swiss team. He unfortunately goes forward a little too much and not the way it should be done (like Roberto Carlos for example)

    Ludovic Magnin (Stuttgart/26/26/2)

    The same in a way as Degen BUT a key element of the Swiss squad since a few games. Very good defender but also bring a lot offensively. Good at dribbling/passing other players, also very good at shooting fare away free kicks. He scored against France and gave the 1-0 goal to Senderos against Turkey.

    Chances of making final roster: 100%
    Chances of starting: 100%

    Patrick Müller (Basel/28/60/3)
    Philippe Senderos (Arsenal/20/8/2)

    Only played 8 games for Switzerland but he his our key defender with Muller. He his very young but (almost) never makes mistakes, very tall and strong in the air. His only problem? When strikers are (too) fast, that can cause him trouble. For example Didier Drogba caused him some problem when Arsenal played against Chelsea. That is, until now, the only striker that caused problem to the Swiss rock.

    Chances of making final roster: 100%
    Chances of starting: 100%

    Stéphane Grichting (Auxerre/26/2/0)
    Boris Smiljanic (Basel/29/2/0)
    Christoph Spycher (Frankfurt/27/18/0)

    Midfield
    Johann Vogel (AC Milan/28/79/2)
    One of our other key players in the midfield. When he plays well, the entire team plays well. Very good at keeping the ball, or slowing the game when needed. Great passer too...

    Tranquillo Barnetta (Leverkusen/20/8/0)
    Another very young new talents, probably one of the best player for the future just like Senderos. He is extremely fast, incredible dribbler and passer. He will, in the near future, make the Swiss team win 'almost' by himself...

    Ricardo Cabanas (Grasshoppers/26/31/3)
    His technic is above average, good dribbler, works very hard for the team in the midfield and sometimes makes decisive passes.

    Raphael Wicky (Hamburg/28/62/1)
    A key player to Switzerland, very experienced and great defensively but not such an asset in offense like Gygax but works very hard.

    Valon Behrami (Lazio/20/2/1)
    Another young talents that his considered to become a star internationally if he continues to improve like he does right now. Always, everywhere on the pitch and very fast. Proved decisive against Turkey scoring the second goal after just coming in the game.

    Daniel Gygax (Lille/24/17/3)
    Struggling with his club Lille but a very good player that needs to work a little bit more defensively. Apart from that? Incredible mid-fielder, great ball control, dribbling and fast runner.

    Benjamin Huggel (Frankfurt/26/15/0)
    He will probably not be playing the World Cup since he will probably et suspended for getting revenge after one Turk tripped Behrami at the end of Turkey-Switzerland.

    Johann Lonfat (Sochaux/32/24/1)

    Forwards
    Alex Frei (Rennes/26/40/23)

    Our lethal weapon, this player almost always scores for us. Usually, give him 1/2 a chance and he will score. He his not the fastest but does great passes and works for the team. Very good with headers and always at the right place at the right time.

    Chances of making final roster: 100%
    Chances of starting: 100%

    Johan Vonlanthen (Breda/19/15/5)
    Mauro Lustrinelli (Thun/29/4/0)
    Marco Streller (Stuttgart/24/5/0)

    The few surprise that might happen for the Swiss squad? Chuimiento decide to play for Switzerland and he his believed to be one of the best n 10 in the World according to some specialist like Lippi at Juventus.

    [​IMG]

    How They Qualified:

    Code:
     1.FRANCE       10  5  5  0 14- 2 20
     2.[B]Switzerland  10  4  6  0 18- 7 18  [2 0 2 0 3-3 2][/B]
     3.Israel       10  4  6  0 15-10 18  [2 0 2 0 3-3 2]
     4.Ireland      10  4  5  1 12- 5 17
     5.Cyprus       10  1  1  8  8-20  4
     6.Faroe Isl.   10  0  1  9  4-27  1
    Along with fellow Group G hopefuls, France and Israel and Ireland - Switzerland were part of a four team assault for the top-spot in the group, but succumbed to a late French surge to pip Israel to 2nd spot after grinding out a 0-0 draw in Dublin. As with the rest of the other teams in the group, the Swiss struggled to beat their fellow rivals and despite holding out against France and Ireland, they gave away the leads in the reverse fixtures and twice were pegged back both home and away by a resilient Israeli side. A crushing opening win against the Faroe Islands, set a good tone for Kubi Kuhn's team. The inability to beat any of the other main rivals, proved their downfall, however it was that 6-0 thrashing in the opening match of their campaign that ultimately saw them pip Israel to 2nd after narrowing them out on goal difference. In the playoffs, the Swiss faced a tough test against the 2002 3rd placed team Turkey, but ran out winners on away goals despite losing the second leg 4-2 in Turkey amid ugly scenes of violence amongst the crowd and players.

    4th Sepetmber 2004 - Swizterland 6-0 Faroe Islands [Vonlanthen 10, 14, 57, Rey 29, 44, 55]

    8th September 2004 - Swizterland 1-1 Ireland [H. Yakin 17; Morrison 9]

    9th October 2004 - Israel 2-2 Swizerland [Benayoun 9, 48; Frei 26, Vonlanthen 34]

    26th March 2005 - France 0-0 Switzerland

    30th March 2005 - Switzerland 1-0 Cyrpus [Frei 88]

    4th June 2005 - Faroe Islands 1-3 Switzerland [Jacobsen 70; Wicky 25, Frei 72, 84]

    3rd September 2005 - Swizterland 1-1 Israel [Frei 6; Keisi 20]

    7th September 2005 - Cyprus 1-3 Switzerland [Aloneftis 35; Frei 15, Senderos 71, Gygax 84]

    8th October 2005 - Switzerland 1-1 France [Magnin 80; Cissé 53]

    12th October 2005 - Ireland 0-0 Switzerland

    Playoffs:

    1st leg - 12th November - Swizterland 2-0 Turkey [Senderos 41, Behrami 86]

    2nd leg - 16th November - Turkey 4-2 Switzerland [Tuncay 22, 36, 89, Necati (pen) 52; Frei (pen) 2, Streller 84]

    * Switzerland win on away goals rule.
     
  3. gaijin

    gaijin New Member

    Aug 1, 2004
    Malaysia
    [​IMG]

    Togo

    Capital City: Lomé

    Official Languages: French

    County Population: 5,681,519 (29th out of 32)
    Country Size: 56,785 km² (27th out of 32)

    National Anthem: Salut à toi, pays de nos aïeux (Hail to thee, land of our forefathers)


    Togo is a republic in West Africa, bounded on the north by Burkina Faso (Upper Volta), on the east by Benin, on the south by the Gulf of Guinea (an arm of the Atlantic Ocean), and on the west by Ghana. Togo extends about 550 km (about 340 mi) in a northern-southern direction and ranges from about 40 to 130 km (about 25 to 80 mi) in width. The country has an area of 56,785 sq km (21,925 sq mi). Lomé is the capital and largest city.

    In the south of Togo is a narrow, low-lying coastal belt containing a series of inland lagoons. To the north lies a plateau region that increases in elevation from about 60 m (about 200 ft) in the south to about 425 m (about 1,400 ft) to the northeast. A central chain of hills, the Akwapim-Togo Ranges, extends across the country from southwest to northeast. They have an average elevation of about 700 m (about 2,300 ft) and reach a maximum of 986 m (3,235 ft) in Mount Agou (Pic Baumann) in the southwest. To the north of the hills lies a plateau drained by the Oti River; the terrain increases in elevation and becomes more rugged to the northeast. Much of the southern part of the country is drained by the Mono River and its tributaries.

    Mangrove swamps are found in the coastal regions of Togo, and tropical forests occur in the southwest. Savanna vegetation, however, predominates in the rest of the country. Crocodiles and hippopotamuses are found in the rivers. Large mammals are limited mostly to the north and include buffalo, antelope, lion, and deer. Various species of monkeys and snakes are common.


    [​IMG]

    Nickname: Les Eperviers (The Hawks)

    Website: http://www.ftf.tg/

    FIFA World Ranking: 56

    WC Participations: None
    Previous WC: n/a
    Best result: n/a

    Odds to win WC: 400/1
    Odds to win Group: 18/1

    Team: Coming soon....

    How they qualified:

    Despite struggling to overcome Equatorial Guinea in two legs in the opening stage of qualification - Togo stunned the World by ceremoniously dumping out 2002 surprise finalists Senegal. Togo started the group campaign how they began in Bata, by losing via a solitary goal in Lusaka, Zambia. However thanks to the goal scoring exploits of Monaco's Emmanuel Sheyi Adebayor, Steven Keshi's men produced some solid displays to grind out results against their fellow Group 1 opponents. It was the 2-2 draw in Dakar, that put the Hawks into first gear in the group. It was due in mainly in part to Senegal's poor form and inability to finish teams such as Mali and Congo, that they piped them to top spot in the group. And despite needing one point in their final match of the campaign, they overturned a 2-1 deficit in Brazzaville thanks to a brace from Abdel Coubadja to finish out their remarkable journey in style.

    Code:
     1.[B]TOGO         10  7  2  1 20- 8 23[/B]
     2.Senegal      10  6  3  1 21- 8 21
     3.Zambia       10  6  1  3 16-10 19
     4.Congo-Brazz. 10  3  1  6 10-14 10
     5.Mali         10  2  2  6 11-14  8
     6.Liberia      10  1  1  8  3-27  4
    Qualifying Round 1st leg - 11th October 2003 - Equatorial Guinea 1-0 Togo [Barila (pen) 25]

    Qualifying Round 2nd leg - 16th November 2003 - Togo 2-0 Equatorial Guinea [Adebayor 45+, Salifou 57]

    5th June 2004 - Zambia 1-0 Togo [Mulenga 10]

    20th June 2004 - Togo 3-1 Senegal [Adebayor 29, Senaya 78, 89; Bouba-Diop 83]

    4th July 2004 - Liberia 0-0 Togo

    5th September 2004 - Togo 2-0 Congo [Makita-Passy (og) 39, Adebayor 70]

    10th October 2004 - Togo 1-0 Mali [Adebayor 23]

    27th March 2005 - Mali 1-2 Togo [Coulibaly 16; Salifou 83, Maman 90]

    5th June 2005 - Togo 4-1 Zambia [Adebayor (pen) 15, (pen) 88, Maman-Touré 44, Coubadja-Touré 60; Kampamba 17]

    18th June 2005 - Senegal 2-2 Togo [Niang 14, Camara 30; Olufade 11, Adebayor 73]

    4th September 2005 - Togo 3-0 Liberia [Adebayor 57, 85, Maman-Touré 75]

    8th October 2005 - Congo 2-3 Togo [Bouity 26, Mamouna-Ossila 56; Adebayor 40, Coubadja 60, 70]
     
  4. gaijin

    gaijin New Member

    Aug 1, 2004
    Malaysia
    [​IMG]

    South Korea

    Capital City: Seoul

    Official Languages: Korean

    County Population: 48,422,644 (10th out of 32)
    Country Size: 98,480 km² (24th out of 32)

    National Anthem: 애국가 (Aegukga)

    South Korea country in northeastern Asia that occupies the southern portion of the Korea Peninsula; officially known as the Republic of Korea. South Korea is bounded on the north by North Korea; on the east by the East Sea (Sea of Japan); on the southeast and south by the Korea Strait, which separates it from Japan; and on the west by the Yellow Sea. The capital and largest city is Seoul.

    The nation of South Korea was established in 1948 following the post-World War II partitioning of Korea between the occupying forces of the United States in the south and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) in the north. After the Korean War (1950-1953), South Korea rose from devastation to become one of the world’s largest economies in the 1990s.

    South Korea occupies the southern half of the Korea Peninsula, which extends about 1,000 km (about 620 mi) southward from northeastern China. The total area of South Korea is 99,268 sq km (38,328 sq mi), including about 3,000 islands.

    South Korea is a mountainous country. Lowlands, located primarily in the west and southeast, constitute only 30 percent of the total land area. South Korea can be divided into three general regions: an eastern region of high mountain ranges and narrow coastal plains; a western region of broad coastal plains, river basins, and rolling hills; and a southern region, where a maze of mountains and valleys in the west contrasts with the broad basin of the Nakdong River in the southeast.


    [​IMG]

    Nicknames: Taeguk Warriors, Asian Tigers

    Website: http://en.kfa.or.kr/main.asp

    FIFA World Ranking: 29

    WC Participations: 6
    Previous WC: 4th place
    Best result: 4th place (2002)

    Odds to win WC: 300/1
    Odds to win Group: 13/1

    Coach: Dick Advocaat

    Team: Coming soon

    How they Qualified:

    South Korea eased to the World Cup after a sneaking past tricky opponents Lebanon in the 1st stage and then vying with Saudi Arabia for the top two postions in the second stage of qualification. Despite an early hiccup in the Madlives (a result which cost coach Humberto Coelho his job) the Koreans cooly beat the Vietnamese twice and then saw off the Maldives at home to progress into the 2nd phase. Although they just scrapped a draw against Uzbekistan in Tashkent and lost a meaningless game at home to Saudi Arabia in the last match, two solid displays against Kuwait ensured their passage into their 7th World Cup finals.

    1st Stage:

    Code:
     1.[b]South Korea  6  4  2  0  9- 2 14[/b]
     2.Lebanon      6  3  2  1 11- 5 11
     3.Vietnam      6  1  1  4  5- 9  4
     4.Maldives     6  1  1  4  5-14  4
    18th February 2004 - South Korea 2-0 Lebanon [Cha-Doo-Ri 34, Jo-Byeong-Guk 50]

    31st March 2004 - Maldives 0-0 South Korea

    9th June 2004 - South Korea 2-0 Vietnam [Ahn Jung-Hwan 30, Kim Do-Heon 61]

    8th September 2004 - Vietnam 1-2 South Korea [Park Jae-Hong (og) 50; Lee Dong-Gook 64, Lee Chun-Soo 77]

    13th October 2004 - Lebanon 1-1 South Korea [Naserreddine 27; Choi Jin-Cheul 8]

    17th November 2004 - South Korea 2-0 Maldives [Kim Do-Heon 65, Lee Dong-Gook 79]

    2nd Stage:

    Code:
     1.SAUDI ARABIA 6  4  2  0 10- 1 14
     2.[B]SOUTH KOREA  6  3  1  2  9- 5 10[/B]
     3.Uzbekistan   6  1  2  3  7-11  5
     4.Kuwait       6  1  1  4  4-13  4
    9th February 2005 - South Korea 2-0 Kuwait [Lee Dong-Gook 24, Lee Young-Pyo 81]

    25th March 2005 - Saudi Arabia 2-0 South Korea [Khariri 29, Al-Qahtani (pen) 75]

    30th March 2005 - South Korea 2-1 Uzbekistan [Lee Young-Pyo 55, Lee Dong-Gook 62; Geynrikh 79]

    3rd June 2005 - Uzbekistan 1-1 South Korea [Shatskikh 63; Park Chu-Young 90]

    8th June 2005 - Kuwait 0-4 South Korea [Park Chu-Young 19, Lee Dong-Gook 29, Chung Kyung-Ho 55, Park Ji-Sung 61]

    17th August 2005 - South Korea 0-1 Saudi Arabia [Al-Anbar 5]
     
  5. Knave

    Knave Member+

    May 25, 1999
    I'm unsticking this to make room for the pre-match threads.

    I have, however, put a link to this thread in the new Group G "read me" thread.
     

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