World Cup 2010 Group Predictions

(Despite the late posting, this was wrote before the first group games)

Group A: France, Uruguay, Mexico South Africa

Despite the recent criticisms of France, and Domenech especially, I still see France topping this group, they’ve got strength across the pitch, Ribery and Gourcuff are capable of lighting up the tournament, and their back five is strong. I don’t see South Africa winning a game. I think second will be between Mexico/Uruguay, but I think Uruguay’s superior fire power will see them through.

Group B: Argentina, Greece, Nigeria, South Korea

Argentina are surely nailed on for top spot, Maradona might be a mental but he’s got Messi/Higuain/Tevez/Milito/di Maria/Cambiasso/Zanetti, no-one could mess that team up so much. I think (based on not knowing their players) South Korea could be the whipping boys here, Greece might be dull but they’re pretty solid and Nigeria have got decent forwards. Greece to squeeze into second, boring their way through.

No Zanetti and Cambiasso? Oh.. He is a mental.

Group C: England, USA, Slovenia, Algeria

England really couldn’t have asked for a better group, USA aren’t pushovers but they aren’t blessed with a huge amount of quality either. I don’t know much about Slovenia, but they edged Russia in the playoffs and finished second ahead of the Czech Republic, so they can’t be all bad, which, after seeing them a few times, can not be said for Algeria. I’m baffled they are there, a bit of spirit but really low on quality. I don’t see them getting a point.

Group D: Serbia, Germany, Australia, Ghana

Four relatively even teams, probably the most even group, and at one time arguments could be made for all topping the group, injuries have played a big part though. Germany missing their influential leader Ballack, Ghana losing Essien is a huge blow and Austrlia struggling to get Kewell and Cahill fit. All big losses. Serbia are very solid, with quality all over. With Germany looking a little toothless, Ghana lacking their true quality player and Australia being a little workman like, I see Serbia topping this with Germany coming in behind them.

Group E: Holland, Cameroon, Denmark, Japan

I see Holland getting nine here, Japan getting nil. So it’ll all come down to the middle game, between Denmark and Cameroon as to who progresses with the Dutch. I just think Samuel Eto’o will be such a big factor, he’ll surely relish being allowed to be the man again, not backing up Milito, leading his country and becoming the Milla of his generation, a big opportunity against a set of not so Great Danes.

Group F: Italy, Paraguay, Slovakia, New Zealand.

Nailed on top spot for Italy, surely? They might be old, but they are World Champions, they’ve still got good players and they’re in an easy group, Paraguay could potentially cause trouble, but Cardozo is missing for them. I still see Paraguay getting two wins in the other games to go through though. New Zealand will get nothing, and will be happy with it, any team with Rory Fallon up front should not be competing at the World Cup. I don’t know much about Slovakia, I know some of their players, but not a lot, for that I’ll put them third, they must beat New Zealand.

Group G: Brazil, Ivory Coast, Portugal, North Korea.

Seriously mental group. Three teams who’d fancy themselves as winners, and one that Kim Jong il has already named as World Cup winners. North Korea surely can’t get a point here, it could be embarrassing for them. The big game in this group should be the opening one in the group, as Portugal take on Ivory Coast, who are praying for Drogba to be fit enough to play. If Drogba plays, I think they will get second, if not, Portugal will. Crucial game, crucial player. Brazil to go through as winners, nine from nine, Kaka to be pulling the strings for Robinho and Fabiano, this could be his tournament.

Group H: Spain, Chile, Switzerland, Honduras.

Spain are the most complete side in world football at the moment, I think they’ll win here, but could have their feathers ruffled a little by the dull Swiss, attacking Chileans and a physical Honduras side, led by Palacios of Spurs. I don’t know a lot about the three others here, Switzerland have always been dull so I’ll have them third, I do want to see more of Gokhan Inler though. For Chile, I seen a few of their World Cup qualifiers, and they seem attractive., pushing Brazil for top spot, so them in second and Honduras struggled to finish ahead of Costa Rica in the CONCACAF Qualifiers, they’ll find it tough here.

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