Shorts Cup

Why does Egypt do so well in the African Cup of Nations , but they fall short in World Cup qualifying?

Egypt has an shot of winning its 3rd straight African Cup of Nations (2006, 08) by making it to the Finals yet when it comes to the World Cup that last time they qualified was 1990. Egypt also won the 1998 African Cup of Nations, but failed to qualify for either 1994-98 World Cup.

Because soccer is goals in the end my friend. Plus, as a person who knows a lot about the players. The Egyptian National team players have this thing, like they "wake up" in championships; like suddenly everyone goes like: the team is doing horrible they won't go through the championship, but they suprise you during the championship with amazing playing. Maybe because DURING the championship it's a short period of time and all the players are concentrating ONLY on their target. And maybe because mostly the African Cup of Nations comes after a certain downfall and dissapointement for the national team, so they try to stand up again. So that's what I think from my knowledge of the Egyptian team!

And Ricardo seems to know nothing about anything! Because even the qualifiers are between African Teams !!!

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World Cup 2006 Preview - Argentina

Outright Odds: 9/1
Group C Winners: 5/4

Following a dismal World Cup four years ago which saw first round elimination, Argentina will look to make a serious impact at this year's finals. Again, they enter as one of the favourites to win the tournament but there are still doubts as to whether they can compete with great rivals Brazil when it really matters.

Argentina were the first side to qualify from the pool of South American teams vying for a place in Germany, although a defeat to Uruguay in the final match saw them finish second on goal difference to Brazil. Argentina managed to beat Brazil 3-1 at home but lost by the same score earlier on in qualifying.

However, a single win against the Brazilians does not cover up the fact they were beaten in consecutive summers in the Copa America and were soundly thrashed 4-1 in last year's Confederations Cup. They are a side with plenty to prove if they are to emerge from the shadow of their more successful South America neighbours.

Manager Jose Pekerman, a former taxi-driver after his own playing career finished, has made plenty of changes following old boss Marcelo Bielsa's departure and has slowly introduced new faces to replace the dismal failures of 2002.

Argentina, while they do not possess a Ronaldo or Ronaldinho, have an extraordinary strength in depth to make most opposition sick with envy. In attack there is an abundance of talent with Hernan Crespo, Carlos Tevez, Luciano Figueroa, Javier Saviola and teen sensation Lionel Messi all fighting for a place.

Such is the abundance of available players in midfield, Pekerman can even afford to drop Juan Sebastian Veron without any serious ramifications. Juan Roman Riquelme, at his peak at 28 years old in Germany, looks set to take over Veron's mantle after a sensational qualifying campaign. Supported by Juan Pablo Sorin and veteran Javier Zanetti down the flanks, Argentina could be devastating in attack if they are in the mood.

However, that could be their downfall. Despite a rich selection of midfield and attacking talent, the side is still over-reliant on Riquelme who has a tendency to blow hot and cold. It can also be argued whether or not Pekerman has found an ideal starting line-up.

Pekerman has a magnificent record at developing young players and has enjoyed success with Argentina by winning World Youth Cups in 1995, 1997 and 2001. He has made progress with the senior side but can he take it one step further and win Argentina's first trophy in 12 years?

Recommended Bet:

Despite an obvious abundance of attacking talent and strength in depth, Argentina are like to fall short again when it really matters. They should improve on their last World Cup campaign and qualify from the group stage.

Holland vs Argentina draw @ 2/1

About the Author

David Walker runs a
free World Cup bets
website and written
World Cup previews
. A free 45-page World Cup guide is available from the website and features a "free World Cup football shirt" offer.