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

 

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

 

 

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