We’re fewer than four weeks away from the kickoff in South Africa and as European leagues close out the world’s collective football eye turns towards national teams. National team camps gear up in the next week or two and a few international friendlies will precede the big event. Here are World Cup Buzz’s breakdown of each of the eight groups and the game to watch in each of them. Feel free to leave your predictions in the comments section below and get ready for the biggest sporting event in the world.
We’ll be releasing group analysis every couple of days.
Group A
Even casual observers of the World Cup know that no host nation has failed to survive their group and move on to the knockout rounds. Teams that had no business in the final 16 were spurred to surpass expectations by the home crowds. Notable examples are the USA in 1994 and South Korea/Japan in 2002 but many experts are predicting that South Africa (SPI rank 60) will buck the trend. The Bafana Bafana face a tough group including 2006 finalists France (SPI rank 12), Mexico (SPI rank 18) and Uruguay (SPI rank 8). Everton’s Steven Pienaar will lead the hosts, who showed flashes of brilliance in 2009’s Confederation’s Cup.
Despite overachieving in Germany 2006 it will be difficult for France to overcome a tumultuous qualifying campaign, off-field drama, and a lack of confidence in manager Raymond Domenech. After wining the tournament in 1998 France crashed out of the 2002 tournament without scoring a goal and all signs point to a repeat of that Asian debacle. The French Football Federation has already hired Laurent Blanc as Domenech’s replacement and such an utter lack of faith in the current manager makes it difficult to believe Les Blues will excel.
Mexico has survived the group stages in ever tournament since failing to qualify for Italia 90. A favorable draw and a resurgance of scoring flair has reawakened Mexican hope. Javier Aguirre replaced embattled manager Sven-Göran Eriksson during CONCACAF qualifying and led his team to a second-place finish, only a point behind the USA. Recently-signed Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez will lead Mexio’s scoring charge and, despite a less than steady road to South Africa, expect a solid Mexican squad in South Africa.
Uruguay, winners of the inaugural World Cup in 1930, have struggled in recent tournaments. The Charruas have won only one match in World Cup play since 1970 and failed to even qualify in 78, 82, 94 and 98. Oscar Tabarez’s side defeated Costa Rica in a home-and-away playoff to book their ticket to South Africa. A mix of young talent and seasoned veterans could be the perfect mixture for a surprise success, or a glorious failure.
Prediction: Mexico seem to be the one team in the group headed towards stability and cohesion instead of away from so they are in a good position to win the group. It’ s also never a good idea to underestimate the host nation. Despite having superior talent Uruguay and France will be heading home early with South Africa squeaking into the second round.
Game to Watch: Mexico vs. South Africa, June 11. The opening game of the tournament will be a celebration of Africa’s glorious moment in the sun. Vuvuzela’s will be blasting, fans will be going nuts and both teams will be desperate for a result. It will also give those of us in America the first look at ESPN’s new and improved World Cup coverage. Those with 3D televisions will get their first taste of the beautiful game in a new dimension
