2010 South Africa FIFA World CupGroup Stages predictions
Group A:
South Africa
Mexico
Uruguay
France
My bid is that France and South Africa/Uruguay will qualify for the Quater-finals. Quite obvious France will be the powerhouse in this group. They had a glimpse of gold in 2006 but lost to Italy in that controversial-packed match. With a bunch of experience in them, they might be on top of the group.
Not to leave out Uruguay as their friendlies prove to be vital clinching 2 wins and a draw. Who knows? This team might be a wild card. However, hosts South Africa, who has the advantage of training on their own turf regularly, might use it against their rivals and qualify for the quarters.
Group B:
Argentina
Nigeria
Korea Republic
Greece
The top 2, in my opinion, will be Argentina and Greece or Korea. Argentina may have a rough road during qualifications, but Maradona might have learnt his lessons and who knows? Argentina might buckle up their laces and finish near finals?
Greece might stand a chance as well, although their friendlies weren't that good, but they have experienced players in their squad and that might prove to be the winning factor. And if all those fails, Korea might qualify for the quarters with Argentina.
Group C:
England
United States of America
Algeria
Slovenia
England and USA/Slovenia are my bids for the top 2. Capello controversial squad selection might just change England's luck in the World Cup as they were denied to the semis since 2002. With their league the best in the world, they might ease through this group.
USA has a huge breed of talents like Donovan, who made an impact in Everton. With their country now gaining a lot of support, the Americans may find themselves through the quarters for the first time since 1998. And again, if all those fails, the next candidate would be Slovenia. Renowned for their midfield discipline, they might just capitalize on any mistakes made and top the group.
Group D:
Germany
Australia
Serbia
Ghana
My personal favorite Germany and Ghana or Australia is my bid to top the group. Germany, an experience-packed team, may get a chance for gold like in 2002. With an all-rounded squad players, Germany will no doubt top the group with ease.
Ghana West Africa is the next favorite. They could use their neighbor's soil for training and with that familiarisation of the pitch and play, they would definitely top the group. The Socceroos will also no doubt hunt for any banana slips of the 3 teams they are contesting to top the group.
Group E:
Netherlands
Cameroon
Japan
Denmark
Holland and Denmark. Holland breed their players from all over the world and with such experience in their team, this favorites will no doubt advance to the quarters.
Denmark has a rising growth of talent and like Netherlands, they breed players from all over the world to gain experience and might use it against their rivals to compete for the 2 spots.
Group F:
Italy
New Zealand
Paraguay
Slovakia
Reigning champions Italy and Slovakia will be in the top 2 spots. Italy will look to defend their championship this year again and with this determination, together with the same squad competed in 2006, they might cruise to the top without any difficulties.
Slovakia, renowned for their solid defending will compete with Italy for the top spot and a top 2 finish seems inevitable.
Group G:
Brazil
Korea DPR
Ivory Coast
Portugal
Brazil and Portugal or Ivory Coast are my bid to be top 2. Brazil, known for their samba/dribbling skills, have a squad of eager youths and experienced players from the finals in 2002, and won it. They would look to regain what's they have lost 4 years ago.
Portugal, with their powerful forwards will surge to top the group. However, the Elephants might step in their way and who knows? Top the group with Brazil.
Group H:
Spain
Switzerland
Honduras
Chile
My bid for the top 2 would be Spain and Chile. Ranked first in the world, Spain will look to win the cup like they won the Euros 2 years ago. With young talents in their squad, they would have lots of 'energy' to surge to the top of the table.
Chile, known for their midfield control, are very likely to top the table with Spain as they have the movement of the game very much in their control.