Argentina, Belgium, France, Algeria, Portugal, Italy, Colombia, Spain, Holland, Chile and Australia all announced their provisional squads for the 2014 World Cup yesterday with notable omissions.
France coach and World Cup 1998 winning captain, Didier Deschamps surprisingly left out Manchester City duo, Samir Nasri and Gael Clichy from his 30-man squad. He cited ‘team unity’ as reason for leaving out Nasri, who scored on Sunday to hand Manchester City their second league title in three years. Nasri was embroiled in a dispute with team mates and media following the 2010 World Cup and 2012 Euros respectively and hasn’t played for Les Blues since then. However, Deschamps gave no reason for dropping Gael Clichy.
Deschamps opted for youth and went for Juventus sensation and Manchester United reject, Paul Pogba and PSG’s Lucas Digne in place of Nasri and Clichy.
France World Cup Squad
Coach: Didier Deschamps
Captain: Hugo Lloris
Goalkeepers: Hugo Lloris (Tottenham Hotspur), Steve Mandanda (Marseille), Mickael Landreau (Bastia).
Defenders: Mathieu Debuchy (Newcastle), Lucas Digne (Paris St-Germain) Patrice Evra (Manchester United), Laurent Koscielny, Bacary Sagna (both Arsenal), Eliaquim Mangala (Porto), Mamadou Sakho (Liverpool), Raphael Varane (Real Madrid).
Midfielders: Yohan Cabaye, Blaise Matuidi (both Paris St-Germain), Clement Grenier (Lyon), Rio Mavuba (Lille), Paul Pogba (Juventus), Moussa Sissoko (Newcastle), Mathieu Valbuena (Marseille).
Forwards: Karim Benzema (Real Madrid), Olivier Giroud (Arsenal), Antoine Griezmann (Real Sociedad), Loic Remy (QPR – on loan at Newcastle), Franck Ribery (Bayern Munich), Stephane Ruffier (Monaco).
Standby: Loic Perrin (St Etienne), Maxime Gonalons, Alexandre Lacazette (both Lyon), Morgan Schneiderlin (Southampton), Benoit Tremoulinas (Dynamo Kiev), Remy Cabella (Montpellier)
Nigeria’s perennial opponents at the FIFA World Cup, Argentina have also named their squad for the mundial. Argentine coach, Alejandro Sabella also sprang some surprises, dropping inform Carlos Tevez, Erik Lamela and Javier Pastore for Franco Di Santo, Ricardo Alvarez and Fabian Rinauldo. Argentina are in the same group with Nigeria, Iran and Bosnia.
ARGENTINA FULL SQUAD
COACH: Alejandro Sabella
Captain: Lionel Messi
Goalkeepers: Sergio Romero (Sampdoria), Mariano Andujar (Catania), Agustin Orion (Boca Juniors).
Defenders: Pablo Zabaleta (Manchester City), Federico Fernandez (Napoli), Ezequiel Garay (Benfica), Marcos Rojo (Sporting Lisbon), Hugo Campagnaro (Inter Milan), Martin Demichelis (Manchester City), Jose Basanta (Monterrey), Nicolas Otamendi (Atletico Mineiro), Lisandro Lopez (Getafe), Gabriel Mercado (River Plate)
Midfielders: Javier Mascherano (Barcelona), Fernando Gago (Boca Juniors), Lucas Biglia (Lazio), Ever Banega (Newell’s Old Boys), Ricardo Alvarez (Inter Milan), Augusto Fernandez (Celta Vigo), Jose Sosa (Atletico Madrid), Angel Di Maria (Real Madrid), Maxi Rodriguez (Newell’s Old Boys), Fabian Rinaudo (Catania), Enzo Perez (Benfica)
Forwards: Lionel Messi (Barcelona), Gonzalo Higuain (Napoli), Sergio Aguero (Manchester City), Rodrigo Palacio (Inter Milan), Ezequiel Lavezzi (Paris Saint-Germain), Franco Di Santo (Werder Bremen).
BELGIUM
Belgian coach, Marc Wilmots has included Manchester United youngster, Adnan Januzaj in his team for the World Cup. Wimots, a World Cup veteran, persuaded the youngster to pledge allegiance to Belgium few months ago. Januzaj is eligible to represent Kosovo, Belgium, England and Croatia but opted for Belgium in the end. A month ago, Kevin Mirallas of Everton urged Wilmots not to select Januzaj for the World Cup, a statement that left Wilmots infuriated. It will be interesting to see how Januzaj is accepted by his team mates. His inclusion in the team means Eden Hazard’s brother, Thorgan has to be content with a place on the standby list. Aston Villa’s Christian Benteke misses out entirely through injury.
COACH: Marc Wilmots
CAPTAIN: Vincent Kompany
Goalkeepers: Thibaut Courtois (Atletico Madrid, on loan from Chelsea), Simon Mignolet (Liverpool), Koen Casteels (Hoffenheim), Silvio Proto (Anderlecht).
Defenders: Toby Alderweireld (Atletico Madrid), Laurent Ciman (Standard Liege), Nicolas Lombaerts (Zenit St Petersburg), Vincent Kompany (Manchester City), Daniel Van Buyten (Bayern Munich), Anthony Vanden Borre (Anderlecht), Thomas Vermaelen (Arsenal), Jan Vertonghen (Tottenham).
Midfielders: Nacer Chadli, Mousa Dembele (both Tottenham), Steven Defour (Porto), Kevin De Bruyne (Wolfsburg), Marouane Fellaini, Adnan Januzaj (both Manchester United), Eden Hazard (Chelsea), Kevin Mirallas (Everton), Divock Origi (Lille), Axel Witsel (Zenit St Petersburg).
Forwards: Romelu Lukaku (Everton, on loan from Chelsea), Dries Mertens (Napoli).
Standby: Sebastien Pocognoli (Hannover), Radia Nainggolan (Roma), Thorgan Hazard (Zulte Waregem, on loan from Chelsea), Guillaume Gillet (Anderlecht), Michy Batshuayi, Jelle Van Damme (both Standard Liege)
PORTUGAL
Cristiano Ronaldo leads the constellation of stars penciled down for the Portuguese team. Nani and Ricardo Quaresma, who have been in oblivion in recent months, were also included in the team.
Coach: Paulo Bento Captain: Cristiano Ronaldo
Goalkeepers: Anthony Lopes (Lyon), Beto (Sevilla), Eduardo (Braga), Rui Patricio (Sporting).
Defenders: Andre Almeida (Benfica), Antunes (Malaga), Bruno Alves (Fenerbahce), Fabio Coentreo (Real Madrid), Joao Pereira (Valencia), Neto (Zenit), Pepe (Real Madrid), Ricardo Costa (Valencia), Rolando (Inter).
Midfielders: Andre Gomes (Benfica), Joao Mario (Vitoria), Joao Moutinho (Monaco), Miguel Veloso (Dinamo Kiev), Raul Meireles (Fenerbahce), Ruben Amorim (Benfica), William Carvalho (Sporting).
Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid), Eder (SC Braga), Helder Postiga (Lazio), Hugo Almeida (Besiktas), Ivan Cavaleiro (Benfica), Nani (Manchester United), Rafa (Braga), Ricardo Quaresma (FC Porto), Varela (FC Porto), Vieirinha (Wolfsburg).
ALGERIA
Tottenham Hotspur youngster, Nabil Bentaleb has also penned down a place in the Algerian team for the World Cuo. The midfielder who is also eligible for France, has been a revelation since making his debut for the English Premier League side this term under the interim manager, Tim Sherwood. Leicester City’s Riyad Mahrez, who is uncapped, is also in the team.
COACH: Vahid Halilhodžić
CAPTAIN: Madjid Bougherra
Goalkeepers: Izzedine Doukha (USM El-Harrach), Rais M’bolhi (CSKA Sofia), Cedric Si Mohamed (CS Constantine), Mohamed Lamine Zemmamouche (USM Alger).
Defenders: Essaid Belkalem (Watford, on loan from Granada), Madjid Bougherra (Lekhwya Club), Liassine Cadamuro (Mallorca), Faouzi Ghoualm (Napoli), Rafik Halliche (Academica Coimbra), Nacereddine Khoualed (USM Alger), Aissa Mandi (Stade Reims), Carl Medjani (Valenciennes), Djamel Mesbah (Livorno), Mehdi Mostefa (AC Ajaccio).
Midfielders: Nabil Bentaleb (Tottenham), Ryad Boudebouz (Bastia), Yasine Brahimi (Granada), Adlene Guedioura (Crystal Palace), Amir Karaoui (Entente de Setif), Medhi Lacen (Getafe), Saphir Taider (Inter Milan), Hassan Yebda (Udinese).
Forwards: Abdelmoumene Djabou (Club Africain), Rafik Djebbour (Nottingham Forest, on loan from Olympiakos), Sofiane Feghouli (Valencia), Nabil Ghilas (Porto), Foued Kadir (Rennes), Riyad Mahrez (Leicester), Islam Slimani (Sporting Lisbon), Hilal Soudani (Dinamo Zagreb).
ITALY
There was no place for Stephane El Sharawy, Alessandro Diamanti and Fabio Quagriella in the Azurri team, however, Gabriella Paletta was included in the team. Paletta, who plays for Parma in Serie A, represented Argentina at junior level, notably in the World Youth Championship 2005 where they outsmarted John Obi Mikel and cohorts in the final. Also, Nigerian-born Angelo Ogbonna, who has been a bit-part player following his move to Juventus from Torino in the summer, misses out entirely.
COACH: Cesar Prandelli
CAPTAIN: Gianluigi Buffon
Goalkeepers: Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus), Salvatore Sirigu (Paris St Germain), Mattia Perin (Genoa).
Defenders: Andrea Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci, Giorigo Chiellini (all Juventus), Gabriel Paletta (Parma), Andrea Ranocchia (Inter Milan), Ignazio Abate, Mattia De Sciglio (both AC Milan), Christian Maggio (Napoli), Matteo Darmian (Torino), Manuel Pasqual (Fiorentina).
Midfielders: Andrea Pirlo, Claudio Marchisio (both Juventus), Thiago Motta, Marco Verratti (both Paris St Germain), Riccardo Montolivo (AC Milan), Daniele De Rossi (AS Roma), Antonio Candreva (Lazio), Marco Parolo (Parma), Alberto Aquilani (Fiorentina), Romulo (Verona).
Forwards: Mario Balotelli (AC Milan), Antonio Cassano (Parma), Alessio Cerci (Torino), Ciro Immobile (Torino), Giuseppe Rossi (Fiorentina), Mattia Destro (AS Roma), Lorenzo Insigne (Napoli).
COLOMBIA
The World of football was thrown into great euphoria at the sight of Radamel Falcao’s name in Colombia suqad for the World Cup despite the striker still nursing a serious knee injury he picked up whilst playing for his club side, AS Monaco in French Ligue 1. Freddy Guarin, Jackson Martinez and James Rodriguez are other notable names on the list.
COACH: Jose Pekerman
CAPTAIN: Mario Yepes
Goalkeepers: David Ospina (Nice), Faryd Mondragon (Deportivo Cali), Camilo Vargas (Independiente Santa Fe)
Defenders: Mario Yepes (AC Milan), Cristian Zapata (AC Milan), Pablo Armero (West Ham United), Camilo Zuniga (Napoli), Aquivaldo Mosquera (America, Mexico), Santiago Arias (PSV Eindhoven), Luis Amaranto Perea (Cruz Azul), Eder Alvarez Balanta (River Plate), Carlos Valdes (San Lorenzo)
Midfielders: Fredy Guarin (Inter Milan), Juan Cuadrado (Fiorentina), Victor Ibarbo (Cagliari), James Rodriguez (Monaco), Abel Aguilar (Toulouse), Juan Fernando Quintero(Porto), Carlos Sanchez (Elche), Macnelly Torres (Al Shabab), Aldo Leao Ramirez (Morelia), Edwin Valencia (Fluminense), Alexander Mejia (Atletico Nacional), Elkin Soto (Mainz)
Forwards: Radamel Falcao (Monaco), Luis Fernando Muriel (Udinese), Jackson Martinez (Porto), Carlos Bacca (Sevilla), Adrian Ramos (Hertha Berlin), Teofilo Gutierrez (River Plate)
SPAIN
Dani Carvajal, Cesar Azplicueta, David De Gea, Koke, Ander Iturraspe and Diego Costa have been rewarded for their fine form this season. All players will play in their first ever World Cup, however, Real Madrid goalkeeper, Diego Lopez, who remains first choice ahead of Iker Casillas, was omitted.
COACH: Vincente Del Bosque
CAPTAIN: Iker Casillas
Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), Pepe Reina (Napoli), David De Gea (Manchester United).
Defenders: Dani Carvajal, Sergio Ramos (both Real Madrid), Gerard Pique, Jordi Alba (both Barcelona), Cesar Azplicueta (Chelsea), Juanfran (Atletico Madrid), Javi Martinez (Bayern Munich), Raul Albiol (Napoli), Alberto Moreno (Sevilla).
Midfielders: Sergio Busquets, Xavi Hernandez, Andres Iniesta, Cesc Fabregas (all Barcelona), Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid), Ander Iturraspe (Athletic Bilbao), David Silva (Manchester City), Santi Cazorla (Arsenal), Koke (Atletico Madrid), Tiago Alcantara (Bayern Munich), Juan Mata (Manchester United), Jesus Navas (Manchester City).
Forwards: Diego Costa, David Villa (both Atletico Madrid), Alvaro Negredo (Manchester City), Pedro Rodriguez (Barcelona), Fernando Llorente (Juventus), Fernando Torres (Chelsea).
HOLLAND
COACH: Louis van Gaal
CAPTAIN: Robin van Persie
Goalkeepers: Jasper Cillessen (Ajax), Tim Krul (Newcastle United), Michel Vorm (Swansea City), Jeroen Zoet (PSV Eindhoven)
Defenders: Daley Blind (Ajax), Stefan de Vrij, Daryl Janmaat, Terence Kongolo, Bruno Martins Indi (all Feyenoord), Karim Rekik (PSV Eindhoven), Patrick van Aanholt (Vitesse Arnhem), Paul Verhaegh (FC Augsburg), Tonny Vilhena (Feyenoord), Ron Vlaar (Aston Villa), Joel Veltman (Ajax)
Midfielders: Jordy Clasie (Feyenoord), Jonathan de Guzman (Swansea City), Nigel de Jong (Milan), Leroy Fer (Norwich City), Arjen Robben (Bayern Munich), Wesley Sneijder (Galatasaray), Rafael van der Vaart (Hamburg), Georginio Wijnaldum (PSV Eindhoven)
Forwards: Jean-Paul Boetius (Feyenoord), Memphis Depay (PSV Eindhoven), Klaas-Jan Huntelaar (Schalke 04), Dirk Kuyt (Fenerbahce), Jeremain Lens (Dynamo Kiev), Quincy Promes (Twente Enschede), Robin van Persie (Manchester United)
CHILE COACH: Jorge Sampaoli
CAPTAIN: Claudio Bravo
Goalkeepers: Claudio Bravo (Real Sociedad), Johnny Herrera (Universidad de Chile), Cristopher Toselli (Universidad Catolica), Paulo Garces (O’Higgins).
Defenders: Gary Medel (Cardiff City), Gonzalo Jara (Nottingham Forest), Marcos Gonzalez (Union Espanola), Enzo Andia (Universidad Catolica), Jose Rojas (Universidad de Chile), Eugenio Mena (Santos), Mauricio Isla (Juventus).
Midfielders: Jorge Valdivia (Palmeiras), Felipe Gutierrez (Twente), Rodrigo Millar (Atlas), Jose Pedro Fuenzalida (Colo Colo), Pablo Hernandez (O’Higgins), Matias Fernandez (Fiorentina), Francisco Silva (Osasuna), Arturo Vidal (Juventus), Charles Aranguiz (Internacional), Marcelo Diaz (Basel), Carlos Carmona (Atalanta), Miiko Albornoz (Malmo).
Forwards: Alexis Sanchez (Barcelona), Esteban Paredes (Colo Colo), Eduardo Vargas (Valencia), Gustavo Canales (Union Espanola), Jean Beausejour (Wigan Athletic), Mauricio Pinilla (Cagliari), Fabian Orellana (Celta).
AUSTRALIA COACH: Ange Postecoglou CAPTAIN: Mile Jedinak
Goalkeepers: Mark Birighitti (Newcastle Jets), Eugene Galekovic (Adelaide United), Mitchell Langerak (Borussia Dortmund, Germany), Mat Ryan (Club Brugge, Belgium)
Defenders: Jason Davidson (Heracles Almelo, Netherlands), Ivan Franjic (Brisbane Roar), Curtis Good (Dundee United, Scotland), Ryan McGowan (Shandong Luneng, China), Matthew Spiranovic (WesternSydney Wanderers), Alex Wilkinson (Jeonbuk Hyundai, South Korea), Luke Wilkshire (Dinamo Moscow, Russia), Bailey Wright (Preston North End, England)
Midfielders: Oliver Bozanic (Luzern, Switzerland), Mark Bresciano (Al Gharafa, Qatar), Joshua Brillante (Newcastle Jets), James Holland (Austria Vienna, Austria), Mile Jedinak (Crystal Palace, England), Massimo Luongo (Swindon Town, England), Matthew McKay (Brisbane Roar), Mark Milligan (Melbourne Victory), Tommy Oar (FC Utrecht, Netherlands), Tommy Rogic (Melbourne Victory) Adam Sarota (FC Utrecht, Netherlands), James Troisi (Melbourne Victory), Dario Vidosic (FC Sion, Switzerland)
Forwards: Tim Cahill (New York Red Bulls, USA), Ben Halloran (Fortuna Dusseldorf, Germany), Josh Kennedy (Nagoya Grampus, Japan), Matthew Leckie (FSV Frankfurt, Germany), Adam Taggart (Newcastle Jets)
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This article was first published on 14th May 2014
arinzeude
Arinze Ude is a PhD Student at the University of the West of England Bristol, UK, where he's exploring on the mechanisms of donor cell leukaemia. He shares his deep thoughts on his blog and the Naked Convos. He is keen to promote personal development of the Nigerian youth via thought-provoking articles.
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Argentina, Belgium, France, Algeria, Portugal, Italy, Colombia, Spain, Holland, Chile and Australia all announced their provisional squads for the 2014 World Cup yesterday with notable omissions.
France coach and World Cup 1998 winning captain, Didier Deschamps surprisingly left out Manchester City duo, Samir Nasri and Gael Clichy from his 30-man squad. He cited ‘team unity’ as reason for leaving out Nasri, who scored on Sunday to hand Manchester City their second league title in three years. Nasri was embroiled in a dispute with team mates and media following the 2010 World Cup and 2012 Euros respectively and hasn’t played for Les Blues since then. However, Deschamps gave no reason for dropping Gael Clichy.
Deschamps opted for youth and went for Juventus sensation and Manchester United reject, Paul Pogba and PSG’s Lucas Digne in place of Nasri and Clichy.
France World Cup Squad
Coach: Didier Deschamps
Captain: Hugo Lloris
Goalkeepers: Hugo Lloris (Tottenham Hotspur), Steve Mandanda (Marseille), Mickael Landreau (Bastia).
Defenders: Mathieu Debuchy (Newcastle), Lucas Digne (Paris St-Germain) Patrice Evra (Manchester United), Laurent Koscielny, Bacary Sagna (both Arsenal), Eliaquim Mangala (Porto), Mamadou Sakho (Liverpool), Raphael Varane (Real Madrid).
Midfielders: Yohan Cabaye, Blaise Matuidi (both Paris St-Germain), Clement Grenier (Lyon), Rio Mavuba (Lille), Paul Pogba (Juventus), Moussa Sissoko (Newcastle), Mathieu Valbuena (Marseille).
Forwards: Karim Benzema (Real Madrid), Olivier Giroud (Arsenal), Antoine Griezmann (Real Sociedad), Loic Remy (QPR – on loan at Newcastle), Franck Ribery (Bayern Munich), Stephane Ruffier (Monaco).
Standby: Loic Perrin (St Etienne), Maxime Gonalons, Alexandre Lacazette (both Lyon), Morgan Schneiderlin (Southampton), Benoit Tremoulinas (Dynamo Kiev), Remy Cabella (Montpellier)
Nigeria’s perennial opponents at the FIFA World Cup, Argentina have also named their squad for the mundial. Argentine coach, Alejandro Sabella also sprang some surprises, dropping inform Carlos Tevez, Erik Lamela and Javier Pastore for Franco Di Santo, Ricardo Alvarez and Fabian Rinauldo. Argentina are in the same group with Nigeria, Iran and Bosnia.
ARGENTINA FULL SQUAD
COACH: Alejandro Sabella
Captain: Lionel Messi
Goalkeepers: Sergio Romero (Sampdoria), Mariano Andujar (Catania), Agustin Orion (Boca Juniors).
Defenders: Pablo Zabaleta (Manchester City), Federico Fernandez (Napoli), Ezequiel Garay (Benfica), Marcos Rojo (Sporting Lisbon), Hugo Campagnaro (Inter Milan), Martin Demichelis (Manchester City), Jose Basanta (Monterrey), Nicolas Otamendi (Atletico Mineiro), Lisandro Lopez (Getafe), Gabriel Mercado (River Plate)
Midfielders: Javier Mascherano (Barcelona), Fernando Gago (Boca Juniors), Lucas Biglia (Lazio), Ever Banega (Newell’s Old Boys), Ricardo Alvarez (Inter Milan), Augusto Fernandez (Celta Vigo), Jose Sosa (Atletico Madrid), Angel Di Maria (Real Madrid), Maxi Rodriguez (Newell’s Old Boys), Fabian Rinaudo (Catania), Enzo Perez (Benfica)
Forwards: Lionel Messi (Barcelona), Gonzalo Higuain (Napoli), Sergio Aguero (Manchester City), Rodrigo Palacio (Inter Milan), Ezequiel Lavezzi (Paris Saint-Germain), Franco Di Santo (Werder Bremen).
BELGIUM
Belgian coach, Marc Wilmots has included Manchester United youngster, Adnan Januzaj in his team for the World Cup. Wimots, a World Cup veteran, persuaded the youngster to pledge allegiance to Belgium few months ago. Januzaj is eligible to represent Kosovo, Belgium, England and Croatia but opted for Belgium in the end. A month ago, Kevin Mirallas of Everton urged Wilmots not to select Januzaj for the World Cup, a statement that left Wilmots infuriated. It will be interesting to see how Januzaj is accepted by his team mates. His inclusion in the team means Eden Hazard’s brother, Thorgan has to be content with a place on the standby list. Aston Villa’s Christian Benteke misses out entirely through injury.
COACH: Marc Wilmots
CAPTAIN: Vincent Kompany
Goalkeepers: Thibaut Courtois (Atletico Madrid, on loan from Chelsea), Simon Mignolet (Liverpool), Koen Casteels (Hoffenheim), Silvio Proto (Anderlecht).
Defenders: Toby Alderweireld (Atletico Madrid), Laurent Ciman (Standard Liege), Nicolas Lombaerts (Zenit St Petersburg), Vincent Kompany (Manchester City), Daniel Van Buyten (Bayern Munich), Anthony Vanden Borre (Anderlecht), Thomas Vermaelen (Arsenal), Jan Vertonghen (Tottenham).
Midfielders: Nacer Chadli, Mousa Dembele (both Tottenham), Steven Defour (Porto), Kevin De Bruyne (Wolfsburg), Marouane Fellaini, Adnan Januzaj (both Manchester United), Eden Hazard (Chelsea), Kevin Mirallas (Everton), Divock Origi (Lille), Axel Witsel (Zenit St Petersburg).
Forwards: Romelu Lukaku (Everton, on loan from Chelsea), Dries Mertens (Napoli).
Standby: Sebastien Pocognoli (Hannover), Radia Nainggolan (Roma), Thorgan Hazard (Zulte Waregem, on loan from Chelsea), Guillaume Gillet (Anderlecht), Michy Batshuayi, Jelle Van Damme (both Standard Liege)
PORTUGAL
Cristiano Ronaldo leads the constellation of stars penciled down for the Portuguese team. Nani and Ricardo Quaresma, who have been in oblivion in recent months, were also included in the team.
Coach: Paulo Bento Captain: Cristiano Ronaldo
Goalkeepers: Anthony Lopes (Lyon), Beto (Sevilla), Eduardo (Braga), Rui Patricio (Sporting).
Defenders: Andre Almeida (Benfica), Antunes (Malaga), Bruno Alves (Fenerbahce), Fabio Coentreo (Real Madrid), Joao Pereira (Valencia), Neto (Zenit), Pepe (Real Madrid), Ricardo Costa (Valencia), Rolando (Inter).
Midfielders: Andre Gomes (Benfica), Joao Mario (Vitoria), Joao Moutinho (Monaco), Miguel Veloso (Dinamo Kiev), Raul Meireles (Fenerbahce), Ruben Amorim (Benfica), William Carvalho (Sporting).
Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid), Eder (SC Braga), Helder Postiga (Lazio), Hugo Almeida (Besiktas), Ivan Cavaleiro (Benfica), Nani (Manchester United), Rafa (Braga), Ricardo Quaresma (FC Porto), Varela (FC Porto), Vieirinha (Wolfsburg).
ALGERIA
Tottenham Hotspur youngster, Nabil Bentaleb has also penned down a place in the Algerian team for the World Cuo. The midfielder who is also eligible for France, has been a revelation since making his debut for the English Premier League side this term under the interim manager, Tim Sherwood. Leicester City’s Riyad Mahrez, who is uncapped, is also in the team.
COACH: Vahid Halilhodžić
CAPTAIN: Madjid Bougherra
Goalkeepers: Izzedine Doukha (USM El-Harrach), Rais M’bolhi (CSKA Sofia), Cedric Si Mohamed (CS Constantine), Mohamed Lamine Zemmamouche (USM Alger).
Defenders: Essaid Belkalem (Watford, on loan from Granada), Madjid Bougherra (Lekhwya Club), Liassine Cadamuro (Mallorca), Faouzi Ghoualm (Napoli), Rafik Halliche (Academica Coimbra), Nacereddine Khoualed (USM Alger), Aissa Mandi (Stade Reims), Carl Medjani (Valenciennes), Djamel Mesbah (Livorno), Mehdi Mostefa (AC Ajaccio).
Midfielders: Nabil Bentaleb (Tottenham), Ryad Boudebouz (Bastia), Yasine Brahimi (Granada), Adlene Guedioura (Crystal Palace), Amir Karaoui (Entente de Setif), Medhi Lacen (Getafe), Saphir Taider (Inter Milan), Hassan Yebda (Udinese).
Forwards: Abdelmoumene Djabou (Club Africain), Rafik Djebbour (Nottingham Forest, on loan from Olympiakos), Sofiane Feghouli (Valencia), Nabil Ghilas (Porto), Foued Kadir (Rennes), Riyad Mahrez (Leicester), Islam Slimani (Sporting Lisbon), Hilal Soudani (Dinamo Zagreb).
ITALY
There was no place for Stephane El Sharawy, Alessandro Diamanti and Fabio Quagriella in the Azurri team, however, Gabriella Paletta was included in the team. Paletta, who plays for Parma in Serie A, represented Argentina at junior level, notably in the World Youth Championship 2005 where they outsmarted John Obi Mikel and cohorts in the final. Also, Nigerian-born Angelo Ogbonna, who has been a bit-part player following his move to Juventus from Torino in the summer, misses out entirely.
COACH: Cesar Prandelli
CAPTAIN: Gianluigi Buffon
Goalkeepers: Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus), Salvatore Sirigu (Paris St Germain), Mattia Perin (Genoa).
Defenders: Andrea Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci, Giorigo Chiellini (all Juventus), Gabriel Paletta (Parma), Andrea Ranocchia (Inter Milan), Ignazio Abate, Mattia De Sciglio (both AC Milan), Christian Maggio (Napoli), Matteo Darmian (Torino), Manuel Pasqual (Fiorentina).
Midfielders: Andrea Pirlo, Claudio Marchisio (both Juventus), Thiago Motta, Marco Verratti (both Paris St Germain), Riccardo Montolivo (AC Milan), Daniele De Rossi (AS Roma), Antonio Candreva (Lazio), Marco Parolo (Parma), Alberto Aquilani (Fiorentina), Romulo (Verona).
Forwards: Mario Balotelli (AC Milan), Antonio Cassano (Parma), Alessio Cerci (Torino), Ciro Immobile (Torino), Giuseppe Rossi (Fiorentina), Mattia Destro (AS Roma), Lorenzo Insigne (Napoli).
COLOMBIA
The World of football was thrown into great euphoria at the sight of Radamel Falcao’s name in Colombia suqad for the World Cup despite the striker still nursing a serious knee injury he picked up whilst playing for his club side, AS Monaco in French Ligue 1. Freddy Guarin, Jackson Martinez and James Rodriguez are other notable names on the list.
COACH: Jose Pekerman
CAPTAIN: Mario Yepes
Goalkeepers: David Ospina (Nice), Faryd Mondragon (Deportivo Cali), Camilo Vargas (Independiente Santa Fe)
Defenders: Mario Yepes (AC Milan), Cristian Zapata (AC Milan), Pablo Armero (West Ham United), Camilo Zuniga (Napoli), Aquivaldo Mosquera (America, Mexico), Santiago Arias (PSV Eindhoven), Luis Amaranto Perea (Cruz Azul), Eder Alvarez Balanta (River Plate), Carlos Valdes (San Lorenzo)
Midfielders: Fredy Guarin (Inter Milan), Juan Cuadrado (Fiorentina), Victor Ibarbo (Cagliari), James Rodriguez (Monaco), Abel Aguilar (Toulouse), Juan Fernando Quintero(Porto), Carlos Sanchez (Elche), Macnelly Torres (Al Shabab), Aldo Leao Ramirez (Morelia), Edwin Valencia (Fluminense), Alexander Mejia (Atletico Nacional), Elkin Soto (Mainz)
Forwards: Radamel Falcao (Monaco), Luis Fernando Muriel (Udinese), Jackson Martinez (Porto), Carlos Bacca (Sevilla), Adrian Ramos (Hertha Berlin), Teofilo Gutierrez (River Plate)
SPAIN
Dani Carvajal, Cesar Azplicueta, David De Gea, Koke, Ander Iturraspe and Diego Costa have been rewarded for their fine form this season. All players will play in their first ever World Cup, however, Real Madrid goalkeeper, Diego Lopez, who remains first choice ahead of Iker Casillas, was omitted.
COACH: Vincente Del Bosque
CAPTAIN: Iker Casillas
Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), Pepe Reina (Napoli), David De Gea (Manchester United).
Defenders: Dani Carvajal, Sergio Ramos (both Real Madrid), Gerard Pique, Jordi Alba (both Barcelona), Cesar Azplicueta (Chelsea), Juanfran (Atletico Madrid), Javi Martinez (Bayern Munich), Raul Albiol (Napoli), Alberto Moreno (Sevilla).
Midfielders: Sergio Busquets, Xavi Hernandez, Andres Iniesta, Cesc Fabregas (all Barcelona), Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid), Ander Iturraspe (Athletic Bilbao), David Silva (Manchester City), Santi Cazorla (Arsenal), Koke (Atletico Madrid), Tiago Alcantara (Bayern Munich), Juan Mata (Manchester United), Jesus Navas (Manchester City).
Forwards: Diego Costa, David Villa (both Atletico Madrid), Alvaro Negredo (Manchester City), Pedro Rodriguez (Barcelona), Fernando Llorente (Juventus), Fernando Torres (Chelsea).
HOLLAND
COACH: Louis van Gaal
CAPTAIN: Robin van Persie
Goalkeepers: Jasper Cillessen (Ajax), Tim Krul (Newcastle United), Michel Vorm (Swansea City), Jeroen Zoet (PSV Eindhoven)
Defenders: Daley Blind (Ajax), Stefan de Vrij, Daryl Janmaat, Terence Kongolo, Bruno Martins Indi (all Feyenoord), Karim Rekik (PSV Eindhoven), Patrick van Aanholt (Vitesse Arnhem), Paul Verhaegh (FC Augsburg), Tonny Vilhena (Feyenoord), Ron Vlaar (Aston Villa), Joel Veltman (Ajax)
Midfielders: Jordy Clasie (Feyenoord), Jonathan de Guzman (Swansea City), Nigel de Jong (Milan), Leroy Fer (Norwich City), Arjen Robben (Bayern Munich), Wesley Sneijder (Galatasaray), Rafael van der Vaart (Hamburg), Georginio Wijnaldum (PSV Eindhoven)
Forwards: Jean-Paul Boetius (Feyenoord), Memphis Depay (PSV Eindhoven), Klaas-Jan Huntelaar (Schalke 04), Dirk Kuyt (Fenerbahce), Jeremain Lens (Dynamo Kiev), Quincy Promes (Twente Enschede), Robin van Persie (Manchester United)
CHILE COACH: Jorge Sampaoli
CAPTAIN: Claudio Bravo
Goalkeepers: Claudio Bravo (Real Sociedad), Johnny Herrera (Universidad de Chile), Cristopher Toselli (Universidad Catolica), Paulo Garces (O’Higgins).
Defenders: Gary Medel (Cardiff City), Gonzalo Jara (Nottingham Forest), Marcos Gonzalez (Union Espanola), Enzo Andia (Universidad Catolica), Jose Rojas (Universidad de Chile), Eugenio Mena (Santos), Mauricio Isla (Juventus).
Midfielders: Jorge Valdivia (Palmeiras), Felipe Gutierrez (Twente), Rodrigo Millar (Atlas), Jose Pedro Fuenzalida (Colo Colo), Pablo Hernandez (O’Higgins), Matias Fernandez (Fiorentina), Francisco Silva (Osasuna), Arturo Vidal (Juventus), Charles Aranguiz (Internacional), Marcelo Diaz (Basel), Carlos Carmona (Atalanta), Miiko Albornoz (Malmo).
Forwards: Alexis Sanchez (Barcelona), Esteban Paredes (Colo Colo), Eduardo Vargas (Valencia), Gustavo Canales (Union Espanola), Jean Beausejour (Wigan Athletic), Mauricio Pinilla (Cagliari), Fabian Orellana (Celta).
AUSTRALIA COACH: Ange Postecoglou CAPTAIN: Mile Jedinak
Goalkeepers: Mark Birighitti (Newcastle Jets), Eugene Galekovic (Adelaide United), Mitchell Langerak (Borussia Dortmund, Germany), Mat Ryan (Club Brugge, Belgium)
Defenders: Jason Davidson (Heracles Almelo, Netherlands), Ivan Franjic (Brisbane Roar), Curtis Good (Dundee United, Scotland), Ryan McGowan (Shandong Luneng, China), Matthew Spiranovic (WesternSydney Wanderers), Alex Wilkinson (Jeonbuk Hyundai, South Korea), Luke Wilkshire (Dinamo Moscow, Russia), Bailey Wright (Preston North End, England)
Midfielders: Oliver Bozanic (Luzern, Switzerland), Mark Bresciano (Al Gharafa, Qatar), Joshua Brillante (Newcastle Jets), James Holland (Austria Vienna, Austria), Mile Jedinak (Crystal Palace, England), Massimo Luongo (Swindon Town, England), Matthew McKay (Brisbane Roar), Mark Milligan (Melbourne Victory), Tommy Oar (FC Utrecht, Netherlands), Tommy Rogic (Melbourne Victory) Adam Sarota (FC Utrecht, Netherlands), James Troisi (Melbourne Victory), Dario Vidosic (FC Sion, Switzerland)
Forwards: Tim Cahill (New York Red Bulls, USA), Ben Halloran (Fortuna Dusseldorf, Germany), Josh Kennedy (Nagoya Grampus, Japan), Matthew Leckie (FSV Frankfurt, Germany), Adam Taggart (Newcastle Jets)
