Russia

Russia’s defensive strength witnessed a radical improvement under the tutelage of England’s former head honcho, Fabio Capello. This liability turned into an asset is a definite strength that will help the Russian squad cruise through the airtight matches, which they are about to encounter.
 
The efficiency of Russia’s defence was readily displayed during the qualifiers where they have only conceded 5 goals. One can only expect their seemingly impenetrable defence wall to toughen as the awaited competition takes place.
 
With the provisional squad that Capello submitted, it can be readily observed that the Italian tactician is rooting for a more cohesive contingent as majority of its players are based at home, with the exception of Pavel Pogrebnyak, who currently plays for the Reading outfit in England.
 
Pogrebnyank is one of the squad’s veterans and his surprised inclusion suggests that Capello wants the player’s experience to help the contingent reach its ambitions. Playing alongside with him is the midfield triumvirate of Roman Shirikov, Igor Denisov and Viktor Faizulin.
 
Korea Republic

The Taeguk Warriors are sporting a young and refreshing squad in the most awaited tournament.
 
Top brass, Hong Myungbo explained that while the contingent lacks the experience, the members are nonetheless, playing in competitive clubs. Their exposure into international football is a definite asset of the club.
 
A young squad is also more capable of withstanding the rigid and tedious matches.
 
Included in the group are four Bundesliga based players such as Bayer Leverkusen’s Son Henung-min, FC Augsburg’s Ji Dong-won and Hong Jeong-ho and FSV Mainz 05’s Koo Ja –cheol.
 
Arsenal’s Park Chu-young also made the cut despite his limited appearance in Emirates Stadium.
 
The Taeguk Warriors may not be the group’s favorite in the 2014 FIFA World Cup, but they can easily emerge as one of the competition’s dark horses—just like what they did in the recently concluded Olympics.