Frank Lampard will wear the Captain’s armband for the first time, the midfielder who’s been struck with injuries this season has started to show he has been getting back to match fitness and form. He tends to do better playing with England with the absence of Gerrard in the team (and visa versa) so Frank would be a worthy pick for one of your three PickLive players for this game. Being one of the most experienced players on the pitch he will have to lead by example against a tight Danish side.

Other possibilities for you to consider are Arsenal’s Jack Wilshere and Aston Villa’s ‘loanee’ Kyle Walker. Both players offer huge potential and would be great experience for the pair if they were to start the game, however with more experienced players in the squad in the same positions – it’ll be likely they will come off the bench.

The opposition provide some worthy picks with a number of players we see play week in-week out in the Premier League. Nicholas Bendtner always looks impressive playing for his country rather than most of his games for Arsenal or you could have Liverpool pair Daniel Agger and Christian Poulsen. If you want to think out of the box then Ajax attacking midfielder Christian Eriksen would be worth a pick after the youngster has shown bags of potential this season.

Personally my 3 picks for this exciting PickLive game would be Wayne Rooney, Frank Lampard and Nicholas Bendtner. Rooney has shown of late that form is temporary and class is permanent and considering his terrible performance in the World Cup, he must personally be seeking a good performance for his Country. Do you think I’ve got it wrong? Then why not try PickLive for yourself and choose 3 players for the game and you could be the winner!

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10. The Slovenian goalkeeper is a coward

When Landon Donovan’s rocket early in the second half of USA’s game against Slovenia hit the back of the net, one couldn’t help but notice Slovenia’s ‘keeper move out of the way rather than make a save. What is surprising is that the goalkeeper is Samir Handanovic who plays for Udinese and is regarded as a good goalkeeper in Italy. He is probably the side’s most high profile player and to see him bottling a save doesn’t fill you with a lot of confidence about Slovenia’s chances.

9. Dennis Rommedahl is actually a good player!

Fans of Charlton Athletic including myself will be scratching their heads wondering, why couldn’t Dennis Rommedahl show that kind of form at Charlton on a regular basis? The Danish midfielder looked inspired during Denmark’s 2-1 victory over Cameroon. His blistering pace caused the Cameroon defence all kinds of problems down the right hand side managing to put in a cross for Nicolas Bendtner to score and cancel out Samuel Eto’o’ s opener. Then he in the second half he went on to a score the winner for his side by twisting and turning his way through the defence before placing a nicely curled shot into the back of the net.

8. Holland look efficient

Although they didn’t look spectacular in their game against Japan they got the result at the end of it, much like in their game with Denmark. As of writing they are the only side along with Brazil and Argentina to have won their two opening games, and they have made the best start out of all the sides in Europe. The fact that they haven’t blown anyone away yet but possess so much talent is scary thought for other sides and they will surely be a force to be reckoned with in the knockout stages.

7. Ghana know how to celebrate

After coolly slotting away a penalty for Ghana, Asamoah Gyan and his team mates all proceeded to break into a wonderfully choreographed celebration that has got to be the best one of the tournament so far!

6. Luis Fabiano knows how to score a good goal or two

Brazil striker Luis Fabiano finally opened his World Cup account by scoring two well taken goals against the Ivory Coast yesterday. His first was a powerful shot smashed into the back the net after a lovely passing team move. The second goal he scored was a sublime finish reminiscent of Paul Gascoigne’s goal for England against Scotland in Euro 96. It was perhaps the best goal of the tournament so far but the claim will be spoilt because of a debateable hand ball by Fabiano.

Continue reading on the next page to see the final 5

1. Goal keepers are getting crazier

Rob Green had his moment; the following day Algeria keeper Faouzi Chaouchi had his. And then on Monday, Paraguay goalie Justo Villar, miscued to cost his team a couple of points against defending World Champs, Italy. Once is a fluke, twice is a coincidence, but three times means we’re getting into a habit.

2. Players appear to be getting stupider

Uruguay saw substitute Nicolas Lodeiro being sent off for two bookable offences (well, the second challenge was worthy of a red card on its own) against France. Then Algeria, again, get in on the act with an even more inexplicable red card as Abdelkader Ghezzal handled the ball needlessly. Serbia’s Zdravko Kuzmanovic continued the pointless handball motif and on Monday I was certain Nigel de Jong would be sent off for similar stupidity. But, somehow, his two-footer went unpunished and he only received a booking later on in the match. Instead it was the nature of Holland’s opening goal that left me wondering just what is going on at the moment at this World Cup.

3. Vuvuzelas get their first questioning in a match

Robin Van Persie claimed he couldn’t hear the whistle when he was offside and finished cutely past Denmark’s goalkeeper. The Arsenal man didn’t look best pleased when signalling about the noise of the plastic horns. But then again it could just be an excuse because he ignored the whistle.

4. The Dutch need width on the left

It was obvious for everyone to see that Holland played far too narrowly. But what’s unclear is whether it was due to the coach’s instructions or Van der Vaart’s stubbornness to impinge on Sneijder’s territory. Whilst in possession Holland’s central tendency congested the forward line; Van der Vaart was the main culprit as he moved central leaving Sneijder with less space to operate and Van Persie was subsequently starved of service and forced to pull wide left more often to compensate (ironically it was his drifting left that led to the opening goal). Elijero Elia provided some natural width and may have a case to start should Robben not be fit enough for their second match. I would have thought Van der Vaart coming off the right, tucking centrally, allowing van der Wiel to overlap would be far more fruitful than leaving the veteran captain, Van Bronckhorst’s flank without midfield cover.

5. Italy lack creativity

There is a blatant lack of pace running through the team but more worrying than that is last night’s inability to create. Though they waltzed through qualification and were drawn in a largely simple group they remain outsiders to retain their crown. I was surprised not to see Di Natale starting and equally shocked to see the defence playing a high line. But the forwards really do fail to inspire any Italian fan, let alone neutrals. Pirlo’s injury has caused some problems for the deep sitting playmaker’s role but what Italy are lacking more than that is a position they have, historically, provided so well; the classic number 10. Being without Totti for the first time since 1998 means there is no inspirational creative figure in the team. The trequartista position is key in creating for Gilardino’s intelligent movement. We’ll see what Lippi has in store for their next match considering how much better they played in a 4-4-2.

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The favourites
The underachievers
Fallen giants
Surprise Nations

The so called “Favourites”

Brazil- It’s rare to enter a WC without Brazil being amongst the group of favourites, and this is no different. After their poor showing in Germany 06 this Brazil team under guidance of coach Dunga will see anything but lifting the Jules Rimet trophy as a failure. Starting from the top down you can justify their place in this group. They have arguably the best goalkeeper in the world in Julio Ceaser. A defense spearheaded by the no nonsense Lúcio, with their usual gut busting full backs in the form of Douglas Maicon and Michel Bastos. A midfield where Kaka is given freedom to roam and Gilberto Silva he task of protecting the back 4. An attack where the likes of Robhino or Luis Fabiano can cut through a defense without hesitation. The only doubt cast over this squad was the decision by Dunga to leave Pato, Ronaldinho, and Adriano behind.

Strengths: Goals from every area of the field bar the goalkeeper.

Weaknesses: Weaknesses at the back with attack minded defenders.

Spain- Labelled a perennial under achiever, Spain head to South Africa playing the best football in the nation’s history. They won Euro 2008 in an almost effortless fashion and although the WC will pose a tougher test, you wouldn’t put it past them to go all the way. They went on a 35 game unbeaten streak. They eased through qualifying. They have one of the best goalkeepers in the world in Iker Casillas. They have possibly the best front 2 heading into this tournament in Fernando Torres and David Villa. And are spoilt for choice in midfield with names, like Xavi, Inniesta, Fabregas, Senna, Xabi Alonso and Sergio Busquets just to name a few. So what’s stopping them from going all the way? Nobody but themselves.

Strengths: Clinical forwards, and an army of talented midfielders.

Weaknesses: Consistency. They have never maintained consistency throughout a WC.

Argentina- So far Diego Maradona’s spell as Argentina’s coach can only be described as eventful. Saying that they scraped qualifying by the skin of their teeth would be exaggerating, but they did cut it fine. Despite not beating Brazil in their 2 games and getting hammered 6-1 by Bolivia, they still head to South Africa with one of the best squads. Maradona has mixed and matched youth and experience. With players like Juan Seba Veron with bags of experience, and the likes of 22 year old current world player of the year Lionel Messi. By looking at this squad you can already see where they’re strongest. They have an abundance of fire power. With the likes of Messi, Tevez, Higuain, Aguero, and Diego Milito, once can’t help expect a bagful of goals from this team. Their only weakness here is Maradona’s indecisiveness. He’s so far used 78 players during his spell as coach and is not any closer to knowing his best XI.

Strengths: An embarrassment of riches up front

Weaknesses: Left out 2 big names in Cambiaso and Zanetti. Still doesn’t know best XI

Click here to see the underachievers

The World Cup is a stage not only for established players in football, but it’s also a stage where young rising stars can showcase their talents and become household names in years to come.

Here are the top 10 young stars to look out for at this year’s World Cup in South Africa:

Mesut Ozil (Germany)

Young, talented and highly ambitious, three words to describe Germany’s rising star Mesut Ozil.

Playing his football for Bundersliga side Werder Bremen, the 21-year-old has already established himself as one of, if not, the Germans main man for World Cup glory. Ozil put himself on the map when he was just 17, when the German attacking midfielder signed for Schalke 04 in 2005. In 2008 Ozil signed for Werder Bremen for an estimated £4.3 million and has since shined very brightly.

Ozil was playing his international football for the German U-21 team and was the key catalyst to his side winning the U-21 European Championships last summer.

Ozil will be taking a huge step playing for the senior national team, but with the talent he possesses the midfielder is sure to be a big hit for Germany and the tournament in whole. A definite one to watch this summer and clubs around Europe will no doubt be monitoring the German ace in South Africa.

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Alexis Sanchez (Chile)

Known as ‘El Nino Maravilla’ (the wonder boy) the Chilean is exactly that. The 21-year-old Udinese winger is blessed with explosive pace, bags of trickery and has a keen eye for goal. With all these attributes at his disposal, the Chilean poses a major threat for any full-back that comes up against him this summer.

Sanchez has already managed to make 28 appearances for his country and has netted 11 times along the way. Chile boasts a real star in the making, and a great tournament for the young winger/striker could spark interest from a number of clubs around Europe and in England. Watch out for him this summer in South Africa, he looks to be a potential star of the tournament.

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Simon Kjaer (Denmark)

At only 21 years of age, the Danish centre-back has already established himself as a first-team performer for Serie A side Palermo in under just 2 years. A lot of interest has been shown in the 6’ 2’’ defender in recent months and a buy out clause of £11 million will no doubt attract more attention this summer.

He is currently one of the most talked about defenders on the market, and his performances this season have no doubt credited such gossip. Kjaer is young, strong, quick and very assured when in possession of the ball (everything a defender must acquire to become a great one).

Although Kjaer is still very young, he is highly rated in Europe and is tipped to be a world-class centre-back in the near future. Look out for the solid defender this summer, he is sure to be a big hit this summer.

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See the next 4 stars on page 2

The following eleven players are all likely to be the subject of transfer speculation before, during and after this summer’s showpiece.

Hugo Lloris – GK – France

Having established himself as France’s undisputed number one, the Lyon man is one custodian likely to receive a lot of attention this summer. Recently named Ligue 1 Goalkeeper of the Year for the second year running, Lloris’ fine displays against English opposition in the Champions League over the past two seasons have garnered much attention from UK-based suitors.

The former Nice goalkeeper rejected a move to AC Milan two summers ago in favourite of Lyon, but with Manchester United looking to secure a long-term replacement for Edwin van der Sar and Arsene Wenger looking for a top-class goalkeeper to replace the inconsistent Manuel Almunia, it will be no surprise if Lloris departs Les Gones this summer.

Aleksandar Kolarov – LB – Serbia

Serbia have been tipped as dark horses for this summer’s World Cup, and it is unsurprising when considering consider the wealth of talent they possess in their ranks. Aside from experienced, established campaigners such as Nemanja Vidić and Dejan Stanković, coach Radomir Antić has at his disposal a clutch of fine young players. Lazio defender Kolarov is one such player, and the Lazio defender is expected to make a big impact in South Africa next month.

Nicknamed the ‘Serbian Roberto Carlos’ due to his long-range and set piece shooting abilities, Kolarov is an attacking defender in the mould of traditional Brazilian full-backs. Jose Mourinho is said to be a huge fan of the 24-year-old, with rumours suggesting that the player was close to a move to the San Siro during the last transfer window. With Mourinho all but confirmed as Real Madrid coach, it is now thought that Kolarov may be on his way to the Bernabeu.

The Serbian international has expressed doubts over his future at Lazio, having told La Repubblica that, “Everyone knows that I want to join a team with ambition, but I do not know what my future holds and whether I will leave in the summer.”

Gregory Van Der Wiel – RB – Netherlands

Yet another product of the esteemed Ajax Academy, van der Wiel’s excellent performances for his side saw him receive international recognition within his second season of first-team football. Now fully established within the Netherlands fold, the 22-year-old’s superb foraging displays at right-back lead to the Ajax man receiving the prestigious Johan Cruijff award for Young Player of the Year for the 2009/10 season.

Unsurprisingly, van der Wiel has been linked with a switch to the Premier League, with Eastlands and Emirates thought to be the most likely future destinations for the Dutchman. A quick, mobile, attacking right-back, van der Wiel is thought to be the ideal replacement for Bacary Sagna should the Frenchman decide to leave the Emirates this summer.

Simon Kjaer – CB – Denmark

One of the most coveted defenders in football today, Kjaer’s displays for Palermo over the last two seasons have drawn admiring glances from all over Europe. Compared to England captain Rio Ferdinand, Kjaer’s assured performances in the pink of Palermo have shown that the Dane has the potential to become a truly world-class centre-back.

Resigned to losing the Danish international’s services, Palermo have indicated that Kjaer can be prised away for the release clause fee of €12 million. Having come close to joining Tottenham in the January transfer window (this deal was alleged to have collapsed on the basis of Kjaer’s wage demands), Manchester United, Arsenal and Juventus are all thought to have exhibited interest in signing the Dane. However, it appears that the 21-year-old has his heart set on a move to Anfield, having said that, “England and the physical playing style would probably suit me better. In case the right offers come, it would be exciting to form a partnership with Daniel Agger at Liverpool.”

Nicolás Otamendi – CB – Argentina

Diego Maradona may have made a lot of questionable choices so far during his time as coach of La Albiceleste, but his decision to call up Nicolás Otamendi has been one of his more sensible ones. The 22-year-old Velez Sarsfield defender has completed a meteoric rise from unknown youth defender to established international within just two years, drawing comparisons to Argentine greats Roberto Ayala and Daniel Passarella along the way.

The left-footed centre-back, who can also play on the left side of defence, is reported to have drawn interest from a host of European clubs. Otamendi himself has expressed a desire to try his hand abroad, telling Calciomercato.com that “It’s a dream that Milan are interested in me. If I had the chance to play with the great players there, then it would be a great joy for me. I like the Italian league, but also the Spanish and English ones.”

Click here to see the midfielders looking to use the World Cup as a shop window this summer…

Here are just 5 names (in alphabetical order) that caught my eye, and showed the world this summer what they are truly capable of when they are in ‘the zone’:

Dennis Rommedahl (Charlton Athletic & Denmark)

Although the winger cost Charlton £2 million in the summer of 2004, Dennis Rommedahl never set the Premier League alight as he did in the Eredivisie with PSV Eindhoven. The Danish international spent more time on the bench and in the medical room than he did on the pitch. In his 3 year spell at the London club, Rommedahl only managed to make a total of 85 appearances (20 coming off the bench) in all competitions and netted 9 times for The Addicks. Having signed the speedy winger for £2 million, the player and Charlton agreed to sell him to Ajax in the summer of 2007 for £680,000…a big loss for the London based club at the time. However, this summer Dennis Rommedahl rolled back the years and was undoubtedly one of, if not the best player for his country. Rommedahl managed to start all 3 games for Denmark in the World Cup and managed to net a goal against Cameroon which proved vital at the time, as well as assist with a goal or two in the other group matches. The 32-year-old received the man of the match award that night against the Lions, and was a constant threat throughout the tournament.

Diego Forlan (Manchester United & Uruguay)

The Uruguayan international flopped so badly in the Premier League that some quarters of the media dubbed the striker ‘Diego Forlon’ and ‘Diego Birtles’ (after Gary Birtles, who was also a United striker that flopped). Forlan was signed by Fergie from Argentinean side Independiente for just under £7 million in 2002. The striker made his debut for the club against Bolton on the 29th of January 2002, and did not score a goal for his new club until the 18th of September that same year. The former Manchester United forward went on a 27 game goal drought which lasted up to eight months. The Uruguayan could not settle in Manchester as he would have liked, and as a result, was forced to move on in 2004. The Uruguayan has since resurrected his career in Spain having had a 3-year spell with Villarreal from 2004-2007 and more recently with Atletico Madrid. Forlan carried his great form into South Africa this summer and showed the world what he was truly capable of. Forlan was Uruguay’s main focal man, and in my opinion, single handily led his country to the 3rd place play off match of the tournament. The striker played all 7 games for his country this summer and also managed to bag 5 goals along the way. Diego Forlan was undoubtedly one of the best players at the tournament this summer, and has done nothing more than enhanced his reputation as one of Europe’s finest. Let’s see how many clubs will be knocking on Atletico’s door for the services of the 31-year-old striker this summer.

Click here to see the other 3 players on the list

The other strongest European countries all qualified for the finals in South Africa next summer, with some nations more impressive than others. Spain and The Netherlands both won all of their matches and topped Group 5 and 9 respectively, and Spain especially who have Liverpool’s Fernando Torres and Arsenal’s Cesc Fabregas among their ranks, will head into the tournament as one of the favourites. Elsewhere Italy and Germany both remained unbeaten, and will be there or there abouts at the FIFA 2010 World Cup once again.

England led by Fabio Capello were in good form as they won their first 9 qualifying matches, and expectations will be high once more come next summer. With many Premiership stars featuring, including Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney, Chelsea’s Frank Lampard and Liverpool’s Steven Gerrard, a fully-fit England can compete with almost anyone. The other group winners were Denmark, Switzerland, Slovakia and Serbia, who will all provide a tough test for any nation in the tournament next summer after coming through one of the toughest qualifying sections.

The 4 play-off fixtures decided the last four World cup qualifiers from the European section, and France, Portugal, Greece and Slovenia all progressed in varying circumstances. The most controversial game was the match between France and Ireland, where the fixture was heading to penalties before France scored thanks to a helping hand from Barcelona striker Thierry Henry to break Irish hearts. Elsewhere, Greece secured a 1-0 aggregate win over Ukraine, Slovenia caused an upset and won an ill-tempered encounter with Russia, and Portugal who were without injured Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo cruised past Bosnia-Hercegovina.