Roster Reaction and Group B Picks

Quick thoughts on the roster:

1.) Robbie Findley... did not see that coming, nor did anyone else it seems. In 2006, we brought a veteran, technical squad. This year, the most athletic team seems to be the one going to South Africa.

2.) Even though I didn't list him among my cuts, I can't blame Bradley for letting Chad Marshall go. I hadn't considered that Edu and Beasley can fill in at the back just as well.

3.) In 2006, there were 11 players from MLS teams on the 23 man roster. This year, there are 4.

Okay, onto the picks for Group B, which, while not really a group of death, could certainly prove to be unpredictable:

South Korea vs. Greece (6/12) - South Korea
Argentina vs. Nigeria (6/12) - Argentina
Argentina vs. South Korea (6/17) - Draw
Greece vs. Nigeria (6/17) - Greece
Nigeria vs. South Korea (6/22) - Draw
Greece vs. Argentina (6/22) - Draw

1st Place: Argentina 2nd Place: South Korea

Rationale: Of the traditional powers, Argentina was the least convincing in qualifying, but I think they do enough here to win the group on goal differential. Greece is known for its defensive play, but I think South Korea, based upon their qualifying campaign and on the recent result against Japan, will use team speed to find some space. No offense to Nigeria, but this is a tough group, and I don't see them beating any of these teams.

Disclaimer: I don't feel even remotely confident in these picks. Argentina, which boasts the presence of the best player in the world, could still show up, lay a complete egg and then this group is anyone's for the taking. Seriously.