Tuesday 7 September 2010

First written 14th April 2010.
World Cup fever is here! In just two months time, South Africa will kick off in Soccer City, Johannesburg, against Mexico. Bafana Bafana will be looking to be the winners of the first African World Cup, but so will another 31 sides. In this blog, I will be looking to evaluate the groups in the fairest way possible.


Looking at this group, its obvious who the favourites are to progress, or so you might think. France have had a tough time lately, struggling to qualify, in fact they almost weren't representing at the World Cup this year at all (see Lé Hand of God).

South Africa, mainly due to home advantage, aren't to be taken lightly during this competition. Boasting players such as Aaron Mokoena, Steven Pienaar and Benni McCarthy, they are sure to pose problems to all of the teams they meet.

Uruguay don't boast many household names - Diego Forlan (Atletico Madrid) and Luis Suarez (Ajax) are the only ones who really stand out when I look at the squads - but they are certain to cause problems, historically having a team of very good passers, and with Forlan up front you can be sure of a few goals as well.

Mexico A lot of Mexican players ply their trade in Europe, Marquez (Barcelona), Vela (Arsenal), Dos Santos (Tottenham) and most recently Javier Hernandez (Manchester United). But the ones to look out for feature only in their native leagues. Johnny Magallon (Chivas Guadalaraja) and Gerardo Torrado (Cruz Azul) are two players sure to feature at the World Cup, and two who can really pull the strings for Mexico.

France Not much can be said about the World Cup Finalists. A talented team, but a poor team. If I had to choose 2 players to look out for I'd go for Yoann Gourcuff (Girondins Bordeaux) and Franck Ribery (Bayern Muchen). Both supremely talented players, and both sure to be in the starting XI for France.

Prediction: France (Winners)
Uruguay (2nd Place)



Standouts come in the shape of Argentina who boast the magnificent Lionel Messi(Barcelona). Qualification was not easy for the sky blues, Diego Maradona showing he doesn't have what it takes to be a manager of a Sunday league football team, never mind an International team. They have an 'easy' group, but if Argentina are to go far in this tournament, Lionel Messi must be utilised properly (for once).

Nigeria Nigeria's hopes lie with Yakubu (Everton) and Obafemi Martins (Wolfsburg). Jon Obi Mikel (Chelsea) is also a key player for the Super Eagles, but not one I expect to make any influence. Contenders for 2nd place.

Greece 2004 European Champions. Girogos Karagounis (Panathinaikos) and Kostas Katsouranis (Panathinaikos) are the key men for the Greeks. Both have ability, Karagounis showed this in 2004, can he rise to the challenge once again for his country? Contenders for 2nd place.

Korea Republic or more notably South Korea. The team who were praised for their efforts in the 2002 World Cup, shocked the world by beating Italy, Spain and Portugal en route to the Semi Finals. Underdogs for this tournament once again. Park Ji-Sung must contribute heavily if they are to do well. Possible Contenders for 2nd place.

Prediction: Argentina (Winners)
Greece (2nd Place)





The group I suppose many people will be looking out for most. On the face of it, an easy group. Look closer, however, and it is much more of a challenge than first thought.


England for those of you who are unfamiliar with Capello's team, Wayne Rooney is key. Players such as Gerrard, Lampard, Young, Barry, Ferdinand, Johnson, Cole and Green are all expected to play a big part, but no one really knows the final team. Favourites to progress.


USA a very, very good team on their day (just ask Spain). Landon Donovan (LA Galaxy), Clint Dempsey (Fulham), Oguchi Onyewu (AC Milan) and Maurice Edu (Rangers) are the players I expect to influence the USA. A very athletic team, all the players are able to run themselves into the ground if needed. Contenders for progression in either place.

Algeria fourth place in the African Cup of Nations. Another team of hard workers, and a team of hot heads. Anyone who seen the game v Egypt at the ACoN will know what I mean.
Key Players: Nadir Belhajd (Portsmouth) Madjid Bougherra (Rangers) Karim Ziani (Wolfsburg). All three players influential to Algeria. Contenders for 2nd place.

Slovenia The underdogs. Can't say I know much about Slovenia.
Performed well against Northern Ireland in the Qualifiers. Key man is undoubtedly Robert Koren (WBA). 4th Place.

Prediction: England (Winners) 
USA (2nd Place)



The hosts of the last World Cup, Germany have an outsiders chance of claiming the trophy. Dramatically knocked out in the Semi-finals by eventual winners Italy in 2006, Germany will fancy their chances. For players such as Michael Ballack (Chelsea) and Miroslav Klose (Bayern Muchen), this will be their last chance at claiming the trophy. Key players: Michael Ballack, Phillip Lahm (Bayern Muchen) and Stefan Kießling (Bayer Leverkusen). Should take 1st place easily.

Australia make the short journey to South Africa in good form. The Socceroo's boast a wealth of European quality players. Despite his recent exclusion from the squad, expect Mark Schwarzer to return. Mark Bresciano and Scott McDonald are also expected to be back. All three of these players are integral to any hopes Australia might have. 2nd place contenders.

Serbia perhaps one of the most exciting teams coming to the World Cup this year, Serbia boast a wealth of talent. Milos Krasic (CSKA Moscow), Nemanja Vidic (Manchester United), Branislav Ivanovic (Chelsea), Zoran Tosic (FC Koln), Dejan Stankovic (Internazionale) all have tremendous amounts of ability, and are sure to impress. 2nd place contenders, possible 1st place.

Ghana their hopes lie with Michael Essien (Chelsea) and Asamoah Gyan (Stade Rennais).

Prediction: Germany (Winners)
Serbia (2nd Place)



Holland Another team who boast an amazing array of talent. Arjen Robben (Bayern Muchen), Wesley Sneijder (Internazionale), Klaas Jan Huntelaar (Milan) and Rafael Van der Vaart (Real Madrid) will all be sure to feature. If the Netherlanders play to their ability, they are sure to challenge for the World Cup, but when have they ever played to their potential? Should steamroll the opposition, 1st place.

Denmark ran riot in a group which contained Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal. Should be considered dark horses for the group, and should not be taken lightly. This will be a real test for Olsen's team, who boast  the young Simon Kjaer (Palermo) who is sure to attract attention from major clubs. Dennis Rommedahl is the top scorer in the team, with a massive 16 goals in 93 caps. Nicklas Bendtner is a man who will be hot and cold at the World Cup. Could struggle, contenders for 2nd.

Japan Unfavoured due to their lack of big names. Can always rely on the trusty stalwart Nakamura if needed, or his protégée Keisuke Honda. Don't expect fireworks from this lot. Lowly 4th.

Cameroon will rely heavily on Samuel Et'to. Much like Ghana, rely on Essien. Possible 2nd.

Prediction: Holland (Winners)
Cameroon (2nd place)



The group I'm looking forward to watching least. No team here will get you off your seat, all are just footballing sides, not exciting.

Italy the world Champions. Embarrassed at Euro '08, the Azzuri's lack of youth was blatantly obvious. Have youngsters coming through, in the shape of Giuseppe Rossi (Villarreal), Danielle De Rossi (Roma) and Davide Santon (Internazionale), but can they afford to drop the likes of Pirlo, Gattusso and Del Piero to accomodate them? Should canter to 1st place.

Paraguay will rely heavily on Roque Santa Cruz (Manchester City). Contenders for 2nd.

New Zealand will show up and have fun. Hardworking team, but lack real quality. Will struggle to make an impact. 4th place.

Slovakia boast a few young gems, such as Miroslav Stoch (FC Twente), Vladimir Weiss (Bolton Wanderers) and Marek Hamsik (Napoli). Showed they can overcome stern opposition when facing Northern Ireland, could trouble Italy and Paraguay. Contenders for 2nd.

Prediction: Italy (Winners)
Slovakia (2nd Place)



5 time World Champions Brazil were in a transitional period during the 2006 World Cup. Players such as Ronaldo, Cafu and Roberto Carlos were making their final bows. Having moved them on, the new generation. The new generation includes Ramires (Benfica), Dani Alves (Barcelona), Robinho (Santos) and Thiago Silva (Milan). Always there, or there abouts come the end of the tournament, Brazil cannot possibly be overlooked. Players such as Kaka and Ronaldinho will be looking to impress. Should go through in first, with some difficulty.

Korea DPR the overwhelming favourites, to finish last that is. Noone knows much about Korea DPR, and so they are a danger to all they will play against. Should finish last.

Cote d'Ivoire or Ivory Coast are another exciting prospect for the World Cup. Known as the underachievers, having not fulfilled their potential, they will be looking to give a good account of themselves. Boasting the world-class players such as Didier Drogba (Chelsea), Soloman Kalou (Chelsea), Yaya Toure (Barcelona) and Kolo Toure (Manchester City), this is possibly the best chance Africa has at getting its hands on the trophy. Could challenge Brazil for 1st.

Portugal a talented team. Will rely hugely on the mercurial Cristiano Ronaldo. Boast talents such as Miguel Veloso and Joao Moutinho (both Sporting CP), Ricardo Quaresma (Internazionale) and Simao (Atletico Madrid). Strong at the back, and talented in midfield and attack. Could challenge Brazil for 1st alongside Ivory Coast.

Prediction: Brazil (Winners)
Ivory Coast (Second Place)



European Champions Spain are the favourites to lift the trophy, and rightfully so. A huge amount of talent in their squad, they will rely on Xavi Hernandez (Barcelona), Andres Iniesta (Barcelona), David Villa (Valencia) and Iker Casillas (Real Madrid) to get them through. They have quality all over the pitch, and are obviously difficult to play. Overwhelming favourites for 1st.

Switzerland are beginning a new generation of footballers, and are in a transitional period. They will rely hugely on Tranquillo Barnetta (Bayer Leverkusen) to get them through games. Could surprise a few, but are not contenders for the trophy, overall. Should fight for 2nd.

Honduras are a little known team, but have a few exciting players. Wilson Palacios (Tottenham), Maynor Figueroa (Wigan Athletic) and David Suazo (Genoa) are all sure to feature, and will trouble. Could be considered outsiders for 2nd place.

Chile are another relatively unknown side, only Mark Gonzalez (CSKA Moscow) really stands out. Could cause an upset. 4th place.

Prediction: Spain (Winners)
Switzerland  (Winners)

Looking at the groups, and at the players, my money would go on Spain. Spain have by far the most talented team there, and after their European Championship victory, will feel able to win it.

Brazil are always a good bet for a World Cup, and their experience in winning it before will stand them in good stead.

The usual contenders, Italy, France and Germany shouldn't struggle to reach the knockout rounds, but don't expect fireworks from the two formers. Both have relatively old squads, and both were embarrassed at the Euros'.

Outside contenders for me, are England, Ivory Coast and USA. England are always contenders for the World Cup, but this year I feel it is too much for them. The quality of other teams is more than that of England, and I know I wont get a lot agreeing with me.

Ivory Coast are a very talented squad, and the advantage of being in Africa will help them. Perhaps this is their year.

USA. What to say about the USA. Shocked the world last year, beating Spain in the Confederations Cup, before succumbing to defeat in the final to Brazil. Outside possibility of a Yankee win.

Bring on South Africa!

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