Group A - The TeamsSouth Africa
Mexico
Uruguay
France
On paper, this group looks easy to pick 2 teams that will advance, but when you look at the teams involved, it can be difficult to predict the first and second place teams.
South Africa have 2 key players on their roster, Steven Pienaar (Everton FC) and Benni McCarthy (West Ham United). When performing at their best, these two can be a lethal combination up front for South Africa.
Dating back to 2009, South Africa is on a 9 game unbeaten streak where they have beaten the likes of Jamaica and Colombia and have also pulled out a draw against Korea DPR.
Mexico are looking to easily move on from this group, even setting their sites on a first place finish. The Mexican side have some of the best young talent in the game with the likes of Carlos Vela (Arsenal F.C), Giovani dos Santos (Tottenham Hotspur), Jonathan dos Santos (Barcelona F.C.) and Guillermo Ochoa (Club America).
Mexico are a team that should not be taken lightly and will come 100% each time their starting 11 hit the pitch.
Uruguay have some of the best talent in the World Cup tournament this year. With player such as, Diego Forlan (Atletico Madrid), Luis Suarez (AFC Ajax), Edinson Cavani (U.S. Palermo), Walter Gargano (S.S.C. Napoli) and Martin Caceres (Barcelona F.C.) holding the top, middle and back of the starting 11, Uruguay have a team that can fight for those 2 top spots in the group stage and even be a contender in the Round of 16, if they are able to get there.
And finally, France. France have had ups and downs since making the 2006 World Cup finals four years ago. With a dreadful tournament at the 2008 UEFA Euros and barely making it into this years tournament, not very many see France heading far in this 2010 World Cup.
It will be easy for some to say that France will finish top of this group, but if they show the same low tenacity and zero drive they have been showing for the past four years, they could easily be pushed out of the top 2 spots in the group and fail to qualify for the Round of 16.
France have always had great players at each tournament. This year, the likes of Hugo Loris (Lyon), Franck Ribery (Bayern Munich), Yoann Gourcuff (Bordeaux), Jeremy Toulalon (Lyon), and Nicolas Anelka (Chelsea F.C.) will play key roles in the success of the French at this tournament.
And also, do not expect much from Thierry Henry this year. He should get comfortable on the bench during games.
My prediction for this group may surprise many but I feel this is the direction the group will go.
Mexico - 2 Wins, 0 Losses, 1 Draw
Uruguay - 2 Wins 0 Losses 1 Draw
France - 1 Win, 2 Losses, 0 Draws
South Africa - 0 Wins, 3 Losses, 0 Draws
Mexico and Uruguay progressing to the Round of 16.
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