The excitement is building as we get closer to the 1st African World Cup is building, its going to be great. With The Great Tournament less than a week away, lets finish Group G with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

OFFICIAL NAME: DPR Korea Football Association.



NICKNAME: Chollima

FIFA CONFEDERATION: AFC (Asia)

FIFA CODE: PRK

HOW THEY QUALIFIED: 2nd place in Group 2 of Asian Final Stage Qualifying

WORLD CUP APPEARANCES (INCLUDING 2010): 2

BEST WC FINISH: Quarterfinals, England 1966

WORLD CUP RECORD (MP: Wins - Draws - Losses): 4: 1W - 1D - 2L

HEAD COACH: Kim Jong-Hun

MOST CAPPED PLAYER ON WC ROSTER (# of caps): Kim Yong-Jun (53)

GOAL SCORING LEADER ON WC ROSTER (# of goals): Jong Tae-Se (15)

BRIEF FOOTBALLING HISTORY:
North Korea's greatest footballing accomplishment was reaching the quarterfinals of the 1966 World Cup in England after upsetting Italy 1-0. That was the 1st time an Asian team had advanced to the World Cup quarters. Korea DPR would not qualify for another World Cup for another 44 years.

PLAYER TO WATCH:
The player to watch for Korea DPR has been compared to another dangerous striker participating in this World Cup. The one to watch for Chollima is Jong Tae Se.
(AP Photo/Guillermo Arias)
The man known as the "Asian Wayne Rooney" is Korea DPR's most dangerous goal scorer. Jong (pictured on the left) has an impressive goal scoring record for Chollima having netted 15 goals in 22 games. He will have to be sharp for Korea DPR to have any chance of advancing out of this group.

OUTLOOK:
Allthough Korea DPR is in "The Group of Death," they won't be the whipping boys of the group. They will be organized in defense and opportunistic in attack and will give the other teams a tough time. However, they'll be lucky if they get any points and if by some miracle they advance out of the group it will be massive historical World Cup event.

FINAL 23-MAN WC ROSTER:
Goalkeepers:
RI Myong Guk (Pyongyang City), KIM Myong Gil (Amrokgang), KIM Myong Won (Amrokgang)

Defenders:
CHA Jong Hyok (Amrokgang), RI Jun Il (Sobaeksu), RI Kwang Chon (April 25), JI Yun Nam (April 25), PAK Chol Jin (Amrokgang), PAK Nam Chol (Amrokgang), NAM Song Chol (April 25), RI Kwang Hyok (Kyonggongop)

Midfielders:
PAK Nam Chol (April 25), KIM Kum Il (April 25), MUN In Guk (April 25), KIM Yong Jun (Pyongyang City), AN Yong Hak (Omiya Ardija/JPN), RI Chol Myong (Pyongyang City), KIM Kyong Il (Rimyongsu), PAK Sung Hyok (Sobaeksu)

Forwards:
AN Chol Hyok (Rimyongsu), JONG Tae Se (Kawasaki Frontale/JPN), HONG Yong Jo (FC Rostov/RUS), CHOE Kum Chol (Rimyongsu)

WC GROUP SCHEDULE:
June 15 vs. Brazil
June 21 vs. Portugal
June 25 vs. Côte d'Ivoire

One more group left to breakdown, its Group H.

Korea DPR - WC Team Breakdown

The excitement is building as we get closer to the 1st African World Cup is building, its going to be great. With The Great Tournament less than a week away, we continue "The Group of Death" with Portugal.

OFFICIAL NAME: Federação Portuguesa de Futebol



NICKNAME: Selecção das Quinas

FIFA CONFEDERATION: UEFA (Europe)

FIFA CODE: POR

HOW THEY QUALIFIED: Def. Bosnia-Herzegovina 2-0 in UEFA WC playoff

WORLD CUP APPEARANCES (INCLUDING 2010): 5

BEST WC FINISH: 3rd place, England 1966

WORLD CUP RECORD (MP: Wins - Draws - Losses): 19: 11W - 1D - 7L

HEAD COACH: Carlos Queiroz

MOST CAPPED PLAYER (# of caps): Luís Figo (127)

ALL-TIME GOAL SCORING LEADER (# of goals): Pauleta (47)

BRIEF FOOTBALLING HISTORY:
The small Iberian nation is a footballing factory of talent producing such names as Luis Figo, Manuel Rui Costa, Cristiano Ronaldo and the legendary Eusebio. However, Portugal has yet to put together a total title winning side. Eusebio carried Portugal to a 3rd place finish in 1966 but it would be another 20 years before they qualified for another World Cup. Portugal has come close in Europe with the runner-up finish at Euro 2004 but they have yet to lift a major international trophy.

PLAYER TO WATCH:
When Portugal plays, the spotlight will be on Cristiano Ronaldo but its his former teammate that could shine, he is Nani.
(AP Photo/Paulo Duarte)
The Manchester United winger was a crucial part of Portugal's qualification setting up both goals in the qualifying playoff triumph against Bosnia-Herzegovina. Nani's influence for the Portuguese side is as important as Cristiano Ronaldo's. Nani's pace and passing ability gives Portugal a balanced attack with the team able to spread defenses and open up space on both sides of their formation.

OUTLOOK:
Portugal's qualifying campaign was unimpressive and its still a stunner that Coach Carlos Queiroz still has his job. The talent for Portugal is excellent but their teamwork and poise could be their downfall. Expectations for a team with the talent of Portugal is at least a quarterfinal spot but how they handle this tough group from a poise and psychological standpoint will be the main concern.

FINAL 23-MAN WC ROSTER:
Goalkeepers: Eduardo (Braga), Beto (Porto), Daniel Fernandes (Iraklis)

Defenders:
Duda (Malaga), Bruno Alves (Porto), Paulo Ferreira (Chelsea), Miguel (Valencia), Ricardo Carvalho (Chelsea), Rolando (Porto), Fabio Coentrao (Benfica), Ricardo Costa (Lille)

Midfielders:
Deco (Chelsea), Tiago (Atletico Madrid), Raul Meireles (Porto), Pedro Mendes (Sporting Lisbon), Miguel Veloso (Sporting Lisbon), Pepe (Real Madrid)

Forwards:
Nani (Manchester United), Simao Sabrosa (Atletico Madrid), Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid), Hugo Almeida (Werder Bremen), Danny (Zenit St Petersburg), Liedson (Sporting Lisbon)

WC GROUP SCHEDULE:
June 15 vs. Côte d'Ivoire
June 21 vs. Korea DPR
June 25 vs. Brazil

It is now time to move to the final group, Group H.

Portugal - WC Team Breakdown

The excitement is building as we get closer to the 1st African World Cup is building, its going to be great. With The Great Tournament less than a week away, its now time to look at the teams in Group F, "The Group of Death" beginning with arguably the "World's Team" Brazil.

OFFICIAL NAME: Confederação Brasileira de Futebol



NICKNAME: Seleção

FIFA CONFEDERATION: CONMEBOL (South America)

FIFA CODE: BRA

HOW THEY QUALIFIED: 1st place in CONMEBOL WC Qualifying

WORLD CUP APPEARANCES (INCLUDING 2010):20

BEST WC FINISH: 5x Champions, Most recent: Korea/Japan 2006

WORLD CUP RECORD (MP: Wins - Draws - Losses):92: 64W - 14D - 14L

HEAD COACH: Dunga

MOST CAPPED PLAYER (# of caps): Cafu (142)

ALL-TIME GOAL SCORING LEADER (# of goals): Pelé (77)

BRIEF FOOTBALLING HISTORY:
There is a saying about football that,""The English invented it, the Brazilians perfected it." The footballing use of the term "Beautiful Game" is a direct translation of the Brazilian style of football known as Jogo Bonito. What else is there to say about Brazil's football history? Brazil has the most World Cup titles, the most World Cup match victories, they are the only nation to compete in every World Cup tournament, and Brazil is the only country to win a World Cup on three different continents. The only thing missing from Brazil's legendary trophy case is an Olympic Gold Medal.

PLAYER TO WATCH:
The player to watch for Brazil has solidified the one position that was a bit of a worry for Seleção. He is Michel Bastos.
(AP Photo/Andre Penner)
Brazil is very deep in every position but Dunga was searching for a standout player at left back and Michel Bastos (pictured on the right) has stepped in to solidify that position. The Olympique Lyon player is a typical Brazilian wingback in that he can pass and finish. In 2008, he became the only player in Ligue 1 history to appear in the top five of both the goalscorers' table and the assists' table. Bastos' abilities now gives balance to Brazil's backline.

OUTLOOK:
Brazil is a heavy favorite to win its 6th World Cup trophy. For Brazil anything less than raising the Jules Rimet trophy is a failure and justifiably so. Head Coach Dunga has been criticized for not playing Jogo Bonito during his tenure but Brazil gets results and are more organized defensively than in years past. Its "Title Or Bust" for Seleção.

FINAL 23-MAN WC ROSTER:
Goalkeepers: Julio Cesar (Inter Milan), Doni (Roma), Heurelho Gomes (Tottenham)

Defenders: Maicon (Inter Milan), Dani Alves (Barcelona), Lucio (Inter Milan), Juan (Roma), Luisao (Roma), Thiago Silva (AC Milan), Gilberto (Cruzeiro), Michel Bastos (Lyon)

Midfielders: Gilberto Silva (Panathinaikos), Felipe Melo (Juventus), Josue (Wolfsburg), Elano (Galatasaray), Ramires (Benfica), Kleberson (Flamengo), Kaka (Real Madrid), Julio Baptista (Roma).

Forwards: Robinho (Santos/Manchester City), Nilmar (Villarreal), Luis Fabiano (Sevilla), Grafite (Wolfsburg).

WC GROUP SCHEDULE:
June 15 vs. Korea DPR
June 20 vs. Côte d'Ivoire
June 25 vs. Portugal

We continue the breakdowns of the "Group of Death" with Côte d'Ivoire.

Brazil - WC Team Breakdown

The excitement is building as we get closer to the 1st African World Cup is building, its going to be great. With The Great Tournament less than a week away, the breakdowns of teams in "The Group Of Death" continue with African side, Côte d'Ivoire.

OFFICIAL NAME: Fédération Ivoirienne de Football



NICKNAME: Les Éléphants

FIFA CONFEDERATION: CAF (Africa)

FIFA CODE: CIV

HOW THEY QUALIFIED: 1st Place in Group E of African WC qualifying

WORLD CUP APPEARANCES (INCLUDING 2010): 2

BEST WC FINISH: Eliminated group stage, Germany 2006

WORLD CUP RECORD (MP: Wins - Draws - Losses): 3: 1W - 0D - 2L

HEAD COACH: Sven-Göran Eriksson

MOST CAPPED PLAYER (# of caps): Didier Zokora (80)

ALL-TIME GOAL SCORING LEADER (# of goals): Didier Drogba (44)

BRIEF FOOTBALLING HISTORY:
Côte d'Ivoire has burst onto the world footballing stage over the last 15-20 years as the nation has flooded the European leagues with talent. Les Éléphants won its only major title in 1992 when they captured the African Cup of Nations trophy in Senegal. Côte d'Ivoire is the only team to have never been shut out in any World Cup match.

PLAYER TO WATCH:
The player to watch for Côte d'Ivoire will have to step up due to an injury to Côte d'Ivoire's superstar, Didier Drogba. The one to step up is Gervinho.
(Issouf Sanogo/Agence France-Presse)
His full name is Gervais Yao Kouassi and he will have to become a goalscoring beast if Didier Drogba misses the World Cup with his broken arm. Gervinho plays for Lille in France and his versatility in attack has made him a target of English club powers, Arsenal. The #10 for Les Éléphants has the ability to be the breakout star of the Group and ease the possible loss of Drogba.

OUTLOOK:
If Côte d'Ivoire were in another group, it would be a sure thing that they would advance to the Round of 16. However in a group with Brazil and a dangerous Portugal side, Les Éléphants will have to be near perfect to advance out of the group.

FINAL 23-MAN WC ROSTER:
Goalkeepers: Boubacar Barry (Lokeren), Daniel Yeboah (ASEC Mimosas), Aristide Zogbo (Maccabi Netanya).

Defenders: Sol Bamba (Hibernian), Arthur Boka (Stuttgart), Emmanuel Eboue (Arsenal), Siaka Tiene (Valenciennes), Kolo Toure (Manchester City), Guy Demel (Hamburg), Steve Gohouri (Wigan), Benjamin Angoua (Valenciennes).

Midfielders: Didier Zokora (Seville), Romaric (Seville), Cheick Tiote (FC Twente), Yaya Toure (Barcelona), Jean-Jacques Gosso (Monaco), Abdel Kader Keita (Galatasaray).

Forwards: Aruna Dindane (Lekhwiya), Seydou Doumbia (CSKA Moscow), Didier Drogba (Chelsea, Salomon Kalou (Chelsea), Gervinho (Lille), Emmanuel Kone (CFR Cluj).

WC GROUP SCHEDULE:
June 15 vs. Portugal
June 20 vs. Brazil
June 25 vs. Korea DPR

The next team breakdown in "The Group of Death" is Portugal.

Côte d'Ivoire - WC Team Breakdown

 
Drogba out of the World Cup after elbow fracture (ZUMA Press)

The ¨Crack Heard ´Round The World¨ left The Elephants and Drogba's elbow in a precarious position. Sven-Göran Eriksson will not only be missing the heart and soul, but the most prolific scorer in that national team's history.

Drogba yet is another casualty of the pre-World Cup preparation and will be a spectator alongside other big names, such as Chelsea teammates Michael Ballack and Michael Essien as well as Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand.

Ivory Coast will make their World Cup debut against Portugal in Group G over in Port Elizabeth on June 15th.

More on this story as it develops...

Drogba to miss World Cup after injury

Grafite is the big surprise on Dunga's list as the Canarinha had their list published on Tuesday.   The Wolfsburg striker was the Bundesliga's leading scorer in 2008/09.  He was called up on two occasions

Adriano was left out after Dunga publicly expressed his displeasure over the Flamango star's motivation as of late. 

AC Milan had only one Brazilian player selected.  Left out of the list was Alexandre Pato, Ronaldinho, and Dida.  The only Rossoneri called up to the list was former Fluminense defender Thiago Silva. 

Ronaldinho was officially shunned as it looks like his international career is virtually done.  The same thing goes for Juventus forward Amauri, who was hoping for a miracle after being nixed by Marcello Lippi over at Italy. 

Brazil will have a very tough group in Group G where they will face Portugal, Ivory Coast, and North Korea.

Goalkeepers: Júlio César (Inter-ITA), Gomes (Tottenham Hotspur-ENG), Doni (AS Roma-ITA).

Defenders: Juan (AS Roma-ITA), Lucio (Inter-ITA), Luisão (Benfica-POR), Thiago Silva (AC Milan-ITA), Gilberto Silva (Arsenal-ENG), Dani Alves (Barcelona-ESP), Maicon (Inter-ITA), Michel Bastos (Lyon-FRA), Gilberto (Cruzeiro)

Midfielders: Felipe Melo (Juventus-ITA), Josué (Wolfsburg-GER), Kléberson (Flamengo), Elano (Galatasaray-TUR), Ramires (Benfica-POR), Kaká (Real Madrid-ESP), Júlio Baptista (AS Roma-ITA), Gilberto (Panathinaikos-GRE)

Forwards: Luis Fabiano (Sevilla- ESP), Nilmar (Villarreal- ESP), Robinho (Santos), Grafite (Wolfsburg- GER)

Players by team

Inter- 3
AS Roma- 2
Benfica- 2
Wolfsburg- 2
Flamengo- 1
Santos- 1
Sevilla-1
AC Milan- 1
Villarreal- 1
Real Madrid- 1
Barcelona- 1
Galatasaray- 1
Tottenham Hotspur- 1
Lyon- 1
Panathinaikos- 1
Cruzeiro- 1
Sevilla- 1
Arsenal- 1

Dunga presents his World Cup list