Group Work

The Group Stages of the 2010 FIFA World Cup have been drawn. And as always, he first thing people look for is "the Group of Death" where nothing must be left to chance as a team is bracketed with some of the best of the world. Before the teams from outside Europe had a hard time playing in the old continent because of the difference in weather. It was vice versa for the European teams when they'd go out to Asia or to the Americas. On the African continent for the first time... it's hard to say how well teams will be perform. I don't think the recent Confederations Cup that was won by Brazil is enough to say who will perform or not because there will be changes in line-ups before June 2010. Before June then I could make my predictions.

Group A: 

South Africa, Mexico, Uruguay, and France

South Africa and Mexico can possibly advance to the knockout stages here because France starts slowly and for a team with great talent, Raymond Domenech cannot draw out that talent. The Afrikaans will have home field advantage while Mexico could be the dark horse here.

Group B:

Argentina, Nigeria, South Korea, and Greece

They say that Diego Maradona breathed a sigh of relief that his side drew these other countries. I say that Nigeria and Greece will be dangerous. Any one loss here could be disastrous as all sides are equally capable of pulling surprises. The favorites though are Argentina and Greece. 

Group C:

England, United States of America, Algeria, and Slovenia

Perhaps the most favorable of all draws. England and the US could advance here but they shouldn't be taking anyone lightly. It is even possible that the Americans could top the Three Lions as they're on first gear out of the gates. But you think Fabio Capello will have that? This match is big -- Landon Donovan vs. David Beckham. 

Group D:

Germany, Australia, Serbia, and Ghana

We're likely to see some big time upsets in this group. Nothing should be taken for granted. Germany will not have an easy time. 

Group E:

Netherlands, Denmark, Japan, and Cameroon

Do you go with the traditional favorite in the Netherlands? Euro 2008 is no indication. But see here, I feel we could have a surprise like Japan advance.

Group F:

Italy, Paraguay, New Zealand, and Slovakia

The defending champs must be pleased. Look for them and Slovakia to advance.

Group G:

Brazil, North Korea, Ivory Coast, and Portugal

Looking for that group of death? This could be it. North Korea? I wouldn't take these guys lightly. They showed that they belong. Who would have thought that they played the beautiful game behind the Iron Curtain? They are actually good. At this stage it depends on who's healthy and who brought their big guns to play. 

Group H:

Spain, Switzerland, Honduras, and Chile

Spain will sleepwalk here. And Honduras just might make it.