History has shown that every host nation progresses past the group stages and into the knockout rounds. Sadly South Africa will be the first to break this tradition, home field advantage won't be enough to push Bafana Bafana into the next round, they lack the experience and skill to qualify for the next round, too many local stars consume the roster; making this an uphill battle from the start. Steven Pienear is one to watch and will anchor the midfield.
Uruguay could be the dark horse of this group, a great striking partnership in Diego Forlan and Luis Suarez are a serious threat (3rd in qualifying with 28 goals for), the team lacks midfield quality and will have to rely heavily on both strikers. A good result against France in their opener is needed. La Celeste have what it take to provide an upset, however I don't see that happening in South Africa.
Speaking of the French, a cloud of controversy surrounds the team, Henry's handball, dwindling support for their manager, some big names being left off the plane and a humiliating loss to China in their last warm-up match. Despite this I think they will play well enough to get the second spot, experience is a huge asset and Les Bleus have a strong resume boasting the likes of Franck Ribery, Yoann Gourcuff, Florent Malouda and have a strong keeper in Hugo Lloris. Problem is the striking duo of Nicolas Anelka and Thierry Henry may be past their prime for the grand stage.
That leaves Mexico, they have bounced back well after the Sven-Goran Erikkson disaster. The team plays well under Javier Aguirre and are my pick to win the group. The mix of youth (Carlos Vela, Javier Hernandez, Giovani Dos Santos) and veteran prowess (Cuauhtemoc Blanoc, Rafael Marquez, Gerardo Torrado) will be tough to stop as they proved in a win against the Italians recently. The Golden Generation; as they have been pegged, are one of the most well-prepared teams at the tournament. (being together since mid-April). The world will be watching the opener vs. the hosts and I see them playing spoiler to the party.
Uruguay could be the dark horse of this group, a great striking partnership in Diego Forlan and Luis Suarez are a serious threat (3rd in qualifying with 28 goals for), the team lacks midfield quality and will have to rely heavily on both strikers. A good result against France in their opener is needed. La Celeste have what it take to provide an upset, however I don't see that happening in South Africa.
Speaking of the French, a cloud of controversy surrounds the team, Henry's handball, dwindling support for their manager, some big names being left off the plane and a humiliating loss to China in their last warm-up match. Despite this I think they will play well enough to get the second spot, experience is a huge asset and Les Bleus have a strong resume boasting the likes of Franck Ribery, Yoann Gourcuff, Florent Malouda and have a strong keeper in Hugo Lloris. Problem is the striking duo of Nicolas Anelka and Thierry Henry may be past their prime for the grand stage.
That leaves Mexico, they have bounced back well after the Sven-Goran Erikkson disaster. The team plays well under Javier Aguirre and are my pick to win the group. The mix of youth (Carlos Vela, Javier Hernandez, Giovani Dos Santos) and veteran prowess (Cuauhtemoc Blanoc, Rafael Marquez, Gerardo Torrado) will be tough to stop as they proved in a win against the Italians recently. The Golden Generation; as they have been pegged, are one of the most well-prepared teams at the tournament. (being together since mid-April). The world will be watching the opener vs. the hosts and I see them playing spoiler to the party.
1. Mexico
2. France
3. Uruguay
4. South Africa
Group B:
Regardless what you think of Diego Maradona as coach, Argentina are heavy favorites to finish first in the group. Their attacking options are vastly superior (Diego Milito, Gonzalo Higuain, Carlos Tevez, Sergio Aguero) then practically every team and have the greatest footballer on the planet in Lionel Messi at their disposal; If only Maradona can get the best out of his star man. Leaving Esteban Cambiasso and Javier Zanetti at home is a major mistake by "El Pibe de Oro", but its not like he hasn't made these type of errors before, yet the class of this team will shine through and steady the ship. Although they are thin at the back, veterans Gabriel Heinze and Walter Samuel are in fine form and will lead the backline. Edge goes to Argentina.
The second spot is open for discussion. Nigeria are always dangerous and one of the stronger African nations, however they struggled to qualify and I see them missing out by the slimmest margin. The loss of Jon Obi Mikel only makes things worse as he is heavily relied upon. The Super Eagles are a different team then in the past. They defend strong, straight forward in the midfield and not as flashy as in previous years up front. But don't be fooled, the Nigerians are lightning quick and will look to play up the wing, with Obafemi Martins and Ayegbeni Yakubu as targets.
South Korea is unpredictable and their play is erratic, much will depend on their first game against Greece. A loss and it could be lights out as they play Argentina next. The team is fairly skilled and has proved to be a formidable opponent, their work rate is fantastic; Park Ji-Sung is an example of their hard work, his stamina and skill will be thr driving force for the Koreans. But inconsistency has always been their downfall.
I'm giving the edge to Greece for the second spot; like you didn`t see that coming. My reasoning for this is they have the best schedule of games and an early win will do wonders for their confidence. Greece live and die from the counter attack, defending till the very end, then scoring from a set piece. Keep an eye out for Sotiris Ninis to breath new life into the Greek attack. The heart of the team is captain Giorgios Karagounis, his deliveries from set pieces are essential and although one of the older veterans, he still has some creativity in those legs. Theofanis Gekas will be the target man, he led all scorers in qualifying with 10 goals. Also look out for the hard working bull at the back for Greece; Sotiris Krygiakios is always a threat in the air and could provide to be a handful for opposing defenders in the 18 yard box.
1. Argentina
2. Greece
3. Nigeria
4. South Korea
The second spot is open for discussion. Nigeria are always dangerous and one of the stronger African nations, however they struggled to qualify and I see them missing out by the slimmest margin. The loss of Jon Obi Mikel only makes things worse as he is heavily relied upon. The Super Eagles are a different team then in the past. They defend strong, straight forward in the midfield and not as flashy as in previous years up front. But don't be fooled, the Nigerians are lightning quick and will look to play up the wing, with Obafemi Martins and Ayegbeni Yakubu as targets.
South Korea is unpredictable and their play is erratic, much will depend on their first game against Greece. A loss and it could be lights out as they play Argentina next. The team is fairly skilled and has proved to be a formidable opponent, their work rate is fantastic; Park Ji-Sung is an example of their hard work, his stamina and skill will be thr driving force for the Koreans. But inconsistency has always been their downfall.
I'm giving the edge to Greece for the second spot; like you didn`t see that coming. My reasoning for this is they have the best schedule of games and an early win will do wonders for their confidence. Greece live and die from the counter attack, defending till the very end, then scoring from a set piece. Keep an eye out for Sotiris Ninis to breath new life into the Greek attack. The heart of the team is captain Giorgios Karagounis, his deliveries from set pieces are essential and although one of the older veterans, he still has some creativity in those legs. Theofanis Gekas will be the target man, he led all scorers in qualifying with 10 goals. Also look out for the hard working bull at the back for Greece; Sotiris Krygiakios is always a threat in the air and could provide to be a handful for opposing defenders in the 18 yard box.
1. Argentina
2. Greece
3. Nigeria
4. South Korea
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