World Cup 2010 Group, Quarter-finals, Semi-finals & Final match
predictions. Find out which teams will be there
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up to the final on July 11. Find out the predicted countries to progress from
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Group A
South Africa, France, Uruguay Mexico
France
Looking at the teams that make up the group, it would be just too easy to say
the French will qualify. It could get
trickier than that A quick glance at World Cup historyy show that France have not
enjoyed playing outside the European continent - the most recent in World Cup
Korea-Japan 2002 where they went early without even scoring a single goal.
They barely made it to this year's tournament and only qualified under
controversial circumstances in a play-off with the Republic
of Ireland and they could again find themselves going home early in 2010. A French
team in transition should prepare themselves well if they are to come up tops in a
groups where the other teams play better under the sun
Mexico
In the last 6 World Cups that they were involved in, Mexico have always progressed beyond the
group stage of the competition. It would not be too far fetched for them to repeat
that this year. It helps that the current Mexican team are a talented bunch of
players who have so far impressed in a recent friendlies including the one against England even though they
lost 3-1.
Uruguay
Uruguay will most likely give their all to progress from a very tough group by
standards. In their last appearance, the South Americans did not go past the group
stage. However, if you read their tournament history, you will find that after an
early exit in a World Cup, they made up for it in the next tournament by progressing beyond the group stages. A
curious trend, but a repeat is something the Uruguayans would no doubt welcome.
South Africa
When the privilege of hosting the World Cup was awarded to South Africa, many questioned
their pedigree as a footballing nation. From what transpired between and now
reinforced that doubt. They have not really impressed in warm-up matches and could
struggle. Conspiracy theorist would claim that the hosts would no doubt qualify to
maintain local interest in the competition. While it is true that all World Cup
hosts have so far qualified to the knock-out stages before this, does it really mean
that early exit for the hosts will never, ever happen? South Africa are probably the weakest of the four countries who make the group and would take a collosal effort from them to make it alive from Group A
Last words on Group A
A Mexican fiesta could toast the French.
Group B
Greece, South Korea, Nigeria, Argentina
Argentina
Argentina, despite their indifferent form, are stil considered favourites to
considered favourites to become World Champions. Progress to the next round
should not be a problem for Maradona's men, but, they may not last long after
that. A stuttering qualification campaign in which they triumph not because of
Maradona's tactical brilliance, but because of the quality of the individuals
that make up the team. The last time Maradona was involved in the World Cup
(USA 94), they were knocked out in the group stage and ironically, Nigeria and
Greece were also in the same group.
Nigeria
Nigeria progressed to the first knock-out round in 1994 by winning their group
which saw Argentina leave the tournament in disgrace. Since then, they have
qualified for three straight World Cups since 1994 before missing out in 2006
They may not be the strongest of the African countries on show and were
unimpressive in the
last African Nations Cup but with continental advantage they have a good
chance of qualifying from this group
South Korea
By far, the best of Asia in this World Cup, South Korea however, have a
bad World Cup record except for the 2002 edition when they were co-host. If
the group was made up of another European country instead of Nigeria, South
Korea's progression to the next round would almost be assured. A good
performance against Nigeria & Greece could secure their progression
Greece
This is Greece's second World Cup since 1994, in which they finished bottom.
It is highly unlikely that they surprise neutrals as they are up against
opposition with so much advantage over them. If Greece avoid two straight
defeats then only the third and final game will decide the top two teams
Last words on Group B
Continental advantage could be vital and it would be Messi for Argentina
Group C
Algeria, United States Slovenia, England
England
The time is ripe for England to make an appearance in a major final. Hence
qualification from a relatively easy group should set England on it's way is
no reason for England not to qualify top of this group. However, they never
made it past the quarterfinals stage of a World Cup held outside e (2002,
1986, 1970, 1962). This team also reached the quarterfinals in e (2002, 1986,
1970, 1962). This team also reached the quarterfinals in 2006 but this time
indications are they are likely to finish at least one better in this
tournament, as they normally do in subsequent World Cups, after a quarterfinal
exit four years before. ournament, as they normally do in subsequent World
Cups, after a erfinal exit four years before for them, England are unlikely to
meet any heavyweights until after erfinals, IF they reach that far
Slovenia
Surprise qualifier to the tournament at the expense of Czech Republic. This is
their second World Cup and their pedigree is still unknown. However nia
could still have a few surprises up their sleeves and the non-European s would
do well to be on their guard nia boast a few players that ply their trade in
major European leagues and minorities, they have nothing to lose.
USA
World Cup 1990, the United States have never achieved back-to-back nation at
the same stage of the tournament. Yes, the Red, White & Blue were
eliminated at the group stage in Germany 2006. But, take a closer look at the
United States, besides Landon Donovan and Clint Dempsey, the United States do
not possess all-round quality especially at the back. This was exposed in a
recent friendly against the Czech Republic where they conceded 3 times in the
second half, thus losing 2-4. cond half, thus losing 2-4. Likely to lose to
England but decent results against Slovenia and Algeria could ntee
qualification to
last 16 after early elimination in the 2006 edition. However, it would
not be much of a surprise if they struggle against Slovenia.
Algeria
Algeria's two previous World Cup experience in the 80s and have never
gone beyond oup stage. Least likely to advance though could get a decent
result against nia or US
Last words on Group C
Dempsey could still make it home in time for Independence Day
Group D
Australia, Serbia, Ghana Germany
Germany
3 time champions Germany are an assured choice to advance to the last
16. Since the last time they were crowned World Champions in 1990 (then West
Germany) Germany have progressed to t least the quarterfinals of every World
Cup. In 2006, as hosts, they finished ird and the last time they finished
third (1970), Germany went on to win the ubsequent World Cup (1974). Most
likely to meet a South American team in the uarterfinals should they advance
Ghana
Ghana, Serbia & Australia all have a good chance of making the next round.
The frican team may struggle against European opponents so the best bet for
them progress is a win over the Australians and hope that other results cancel
each ther. This Ghanaian team could be the best they have had so far. This is
only eir second appearance but still could be a real threat.
Serbia
The team that pipped France to automatic qualification have a decent shot of
reaching the
quarterfinals, if they avoid England in the last 16. Another team that
has qualified to beyond the group stages each time they've been knocked out in
the group stages in previous tournament. Serbia needs to step up their game
against Germany to progress while making sure they do not lose the remaining
two matches.
Australia
Englands's weaker cousins. Australia are most likely to struggle against the 2
uropean & South African countries. They were denied a place in the
uarterfinals amidst much controversional four years ago, but progress to the
nock-out this time looks unlikely
Last words on Group D
Michael Essien would be cursing his luck but would soon have Nemanja Vidic for
ompany
Japan, Cameroon, Netherlands, Denmark
Netherlands
After Spain, the Netherlands boast a handful of talented individual players such as Arjen Robben (doubtful with slight hamstring problems), Robin van Persie, Rafael van der Vaart & Wesley Sneijder, to name a few. Naturally, they would be favourites to nail down a place in the last-16. In the modern era of the World Cup, Netherlands have not failed to progress. However, Cameroon or Denmark could finish above them if the Dutch get careless. A place in the quarter final or beyond beckons if they progress.
Denmark
The Danes have not had an impressive build-up to their opening match, losing to Australia and SOuth Africa recently in a friendly, albeit by a single goal. But, do not write off Denmark yet as in three previous World Cup appearances, they have made it at least to the last 16. But even if they do, it is unlikely that they progress further here in SOuth Africa, outside the European continent. The first match against Netherlands would be crucial. If they avoid a defeat, they could easily progress as group winners.
Cameroon
Samuel Eto'o may be the most recognized player in the Cameroon team, but he could also be their Archiles heel. In the build up to the World Cup, Eto'o have time and time again tried to remind us that Samuel Eto'o IS Cameroon. If so, then this African team would not go far in this tournament. Cameroon featured in 5 World Cups but have only progressed beyond the Group stages just once. With Japan the likely candidate to finish bottom, Cameroon would need a decent result against the Danes to progress.
Japan
Japan progressed from a relatively easy group when they were co-hosts in 2002 but did not make it past the group stages in 98 & 2006 when grouped with superior oppositions. With Netherlands, Denmark and Cameroon in the group, it is unlikely that they would make it to the last-16. The Japanese have not impressed in warm-up matches and the pressure is on them to perform. They could crack under the hot sun.
Last words on Group E
Danish delight as the sun sets on Africa
Group F
New Zealand, Paraguay. Slovakia, Italy
Italy
Oddly, as defending champions, the Azzuris have seldom progressed beyond the last-16. But an unlikely exit at the group stage would be incomprehensible. Though dumped in the 1st round of the recent Confederations Cup, the Italians have not failed to progress beyond the Group stages in eight consecutive World Cups.
Slovakia
As part of Czechoslovakia, they reached the quarterfinals of Italia 90. This will be their first tournament as an independent country. Topped their qualifying group and could prove to be a surprise challenge for group winners.
Paraguay
The third automatic qualifier in CONMEBOL could struggle in the competition. They boast a strong form at home but outside their comfort zone, wins are few and far. Interestingly, they have always finished in a lower rank than in previous World Cups, so very likely to go home early.
New Zealand
If their Confederations Cup appearance is used as a benchmark, little or nothing is expected from them. Finished bottom in all their Confederations Cup appearances so one suspects it will be the same story in their frist appreance in the World Cup. However, it is possible for them to pull of at least one good result in the tournament.
Last words on Group F
It's Italy again for the Slovaks
Group G
Korea DPR, Portugal, Ivory Coast, Brazil
Brazil
Brazil is one country that have successfully progressed from the groups stages since 1970. The South Americans just love to win World Cups outside their own continent and are the only team to do so. It is no surprise that besides Spain, they are the hot favourites to win this edition.
Portugal
If they make it out of the Group stage, Portugal have a decent shot of making a semifinals appearance. Unfortunately, they have been knocked out of the group stage on both occasions they qualified for the World Cup held outside Europe. Cristiano Ronaldo may be one of the best players in the world after Lionel Messi, but like the Argentinians, Portugal do not have sufficient quality to compliment their talismatic captain. Progress would depend on how well they perform against Ivory Coast.
Ivory Coast
Ivory Coast made a dissapointing debut in their first World Cup in Germany 06. This time, they are again drawn in the Group of death. With Portugal likely to struggle, Ivory Coast could take advantage of playing in their own continent and progress ahead of the Portuguese. Would still be a strong contender even if captain Didier Drogba is ruled out of the group matches.
Korea DPR
This is only their second appearance in a World Cup final. Progressed to the quarterfinals in 1966 but is unlikely to go beyond the group stage this round. No match for Brazil and inexperience could bring them down. However, could prove to be a tough opponent for the Portuguese.
Last words on Group F
It's samba time in the Coast.
Group H
Honduras, Chile, Switzerland, Spain
Spain
Spain will progress to quarter-finals, hands down. But may not even make it to the final game. The Spaniards have the tendency to climax too early in tournaments and lose steam as it progresses. Individual talents count for nothing if they struggle to find the right combination of players. Good news for them is that these are the same bunch of players that won the 2008 European title.
Chile
Unless the World Cup is hosted in Chile, the chances are, the South Americans would pack up after the group stages. They have never progressed beyond the group stages, except for when they were hosts, regardless in which continent the World Cup is staged. A three way fight for second between Switzerlands, Chile & Honduras would be interesting watch.
Switzerland
The Swiss have managed to at least progress beyond the group stage in their last two World Cup appearances. A decent result against Chile & Honduras would definitely see them through.
Honduras
In their second World Cup and this could just be deja vu for them. Drawn in the same group as Spain in 1982 and again in 2010. However, they may not be able to replicate their 1-1 draw result against Spain in 82 this time but lets not forget, Honduras gave United States & Mexico a run for their money in qualifers.
Last words on Group H
The rain is Spain falls mainly on falls mainly on the neutral plain.
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