Let's do a group by group analysis - Edit 1
Before modification by jh at 08/06/2010 09:48:45 AM
So, 3 days left to go until the action kicks off in South Africa and already the drama has started. Rio's out! Drogba's out (probably)! Robben's out! Essien's out! Someone up there reeeeeeeally doesn't like people who've played for Chelsea.
But who's going to win? Euro champions Spain? A Ronaldinho-less Brazil? Maradona's Argies? England? Ok, maybe not that last one. And who's going to be the best player? Who's going to be the surprise package? Which great team is gonna go out in the group stage? The answers are just 72 hours away.
Personally, I'm backing Spain to win. And I expect England to make their traditional quarter-finals exit on penalties. How about your country?
But who's going to win? Euro champions Spain? A Ronaldinho-less Brazil? Maradona's Argies? England? Ok, maybe not that last one. And who's going to be the best player? Who's going to be the surprise package? Which great team is gonna go out in the group stage? The answers are just 72 hours away.
Personally, I'm backing Spain to win. And I expect England to make their traditional quarter-finals exit on penalties. How about your country?
Group A
France
Mexico
South Africa
Uruguay
Looks to me that France will go through unless they choke like only a french team can do. Second place? Mexico, with perhaps uruguay, but that is unlikely. South africa has the home pitch advantage, but they suck so much monkeyballs that...
Group B
Argentina
Greece
Korea Republic
Nigeria
Should be Argentina and Nigeria. Greece... not a chance. Korea might pull an upset, but... Nigeria without Mikel, could be at disadvantage.
Group C
Algeria
England
Slovenia
USA
This group seems about to be decided in the first round. USA/England to go through, the US on that strange thing they have called 'team spirit'. Both could be quarter final material, but I think the draw makes that impossible.
Group D
Australia
Germany
Ghana
Serbia
This one is tricky, the Krauts will of course make it through, but who to follow? Essien is out, could make the deciding to Serbia's advantage. Australia can make it, too...
Group E
Cameroon
Denmark
Japan
Netherlands
Ah, the oranges rarely fuck up before the knock out stage, so they'll get through this group. My money is on denmark for the second place, as I trust more in their organisation. Cameroon might surprise me, though, it is in Africa, after all. Japan? Unlikely to stand a chance.
Group F
Italy
New Zealand
Paraguay
Slovakia
No matter how hard italy tries, I think it is unlikely that even their geriatric team will miss advancement in this group. Paraguay to follow, most likely.