Lionel Messi Will Lead Argentina at 2010 World Cup

Argentina is one of the favorites at the 2010 World Cup. With the best player in the world in Lionel Messi, they should be.

La Albiceleste should walk its way through Group B play in South Africa. But the second team to come out of the group is anybody's guess.

Argentina
They might have the most talent of any nation on the planet. Because of it, La Albiceleste will advance at the 2010 World Cup out of Group B to the knockout stages. With Messi, fellow striker Carlos Tevez, midfielders Javier Mascherano and Maxi Rodriguez, and defenders like Martin Demichelis, the only team in the group that can stop Argentina are Argentina. With Diego Maradona in charge, Argentina will have to overcome its coach to advance to the next round.

Greece
The Greeks are making their first return to the World Cup finals since 1994. They had to qualify the hard way, ending up in a home-and-home playoff with the mighty Ukraine (as we all know, the Ukraine is not week). But the Greeks got the best of them after a 0-0 draw in Athens, winning 0-1 at Donetsk.

Theofanis Gekas led the team, and European Zone, in qualifying with 10 goals.

With their recent success in Europe the Greeks will make a plausible case for reaching the knockout stages.

Nigeria
Much of Nigeria's success lies on the shoulders of midfielder John Obi Mikel. The Chelsea midfielder missed the FA Cup final with knee surgery. He has been declared fit for the World Cup, but only time will tell. The Super Eagles need to prove they can score if they want to advance.

With English Premier League players like Joseph Yobo (Everton) and Danny Shittu (Bolton Wanderers), the Super Eagles will attempt to win low-scoring games.

South Korea
The darlings of the 2002 World Cup, the Taeguk Warriors will have a tough group road, but one they can take advantage of.

South Korea will have to use its speed to advance. Watch for all-around strong midfielder Park Ji-Sung (Manchester United) to dictate the Taeguk Warriors' play. South Korea is hoping for a goal-scoring boost from left-footed 21-year-old Kim Bo-Kyung.