World Cup Preview - Group G - Togo

Togo

Nickname: “The Sparrow Hawks.” (Excellent, eh?)

Coach: German Otto Pfister.

Game Schedule:
June 13 – Togo vs. South Korea (9 a.m. EST)
June 19 – Togo vs. Switzerland (9 a.m.)
June 23 – Togo vs. France (3 p.m.)

Prospects: Togo are the biggest surprise package of a group of African surprise packages this time around. They qualified by topping their qualifying group, which included 2002 surprise package Senegal. Togo will hope to put France to the sword in the same way that Senegal memorably did in that tournament’s opening match. If so, they’ll have to improve on their disappointing African Nation’s Cup performances, which saw them eliminated in the first round. Pfister has produced a young side with lightening quick attackers. However, one weakness is that they tend to start very slowly in games. They could get caught out against Korea if they don’t hit the ground running.

Key Player: Lanky Arsenal forward Emmanuel Adebayor, despite being Nigerian-born, is the undisputable hero of Togolese football. He scored eleven goals in qualifying, including all five against Senegal.

Youngster to watch: Metz midfielder Mamam Cherif-Toure, who scored seven goals in qualifiers.

Who Will Get the Goals: Addy, obvious, but he’ll expect his strike partner Adekanmi Olufade to chip in with some goals too.

Who Will Get the Cards: Keep an eye on goalkeeper Kossi Agassi, whose nickname is “Magic Hands.”

Funniest Name: They’re all pretty unpronounceable, but Ouro-Nimini Tchagnirou take’s the bleedin’ cake.

Prediction: Their lack of World Cup experience will weigh against them. Out after some exciting performances in the first round.