World Cup Preview-First Set

After months of waiting and counting down, the 2010 World Cup has finally arrived. 32 teams enter with the dream of lifting globed trophy on July 11th. Italy comes in as the defending champions, but they will have a long road to repeating. Group G looks like the toughest group as it features Brazil, Portugal, and the Ivory Coast. There are a handful of big matchups in the group stage including the United States-England game. The one element of unpredictability in the group stage is the possibility for many draws. With that in mind, we will see many groups become a numbers game as each team will jockey for position. Winning groups mean you avoid potential major matchups with a power house. Spain, Brazil, Argentina, and Germany might be on a short list of favorites. So, now to turn to the first set of group stage game predictions.


GROUP A

Mexico v South Africa:
South Africa comes into this game as the host nation and thus will be pumped to open up this year's World Cup against Mexico. It will certainly not be an easy game against one of the best teams. South Africa is not one of the strongest teams to host a World Cup and will have to play hard and catch a break or two to move out of the group stage. South Africa enters the matchup ranked a lowly 83rd. South Africa has never been out of the first round. Katlego Mphela is one of South Africa's better players and if he can come out of the gate hot against Mexico; they have a chance to keep it close and even shock the Mexicans. Mexico enters ranked 17th, but has to solidify some questions on their team. They know, as does South Africa, that France; the runner-up four years ago; awaits in group play. Thus, Mexico; the better team; knows that they cannot waste a game like this. Also of note, history might be made if South Africa cannot get out of group play as no host nation has never not made it out of the group stage. Depending what Guillermo Franco's status is could help or hinder Mexico, but if they can put a strong attack around Javier Hernandez than they have a great chance to dominate. Both teams have the potential to place fast and if South Africa can keep Mexico on its toes and use the home crowd to their advantage who knows what could happen. South Africa will probably catch Mexico off guard and that could be good for a goal, but Mexico has a little too much. PREDICTION: MEXICO 2, SOUTH AFRICA 1

France vs Uruguay:
The French qualified by a disputed hand ball call that Thierry Henry committed against Ireland. The team that finished second to Italy four years ago will have a tougher mountain to climb this time around. Henry has been the French's marquee player for much of the last decade. He is not as explosive as he was in previous World Cups. The team overall has struggled throughout the whole qualifying process and might be vulnerable. The combination of the coach and the team overall have not looked like they are on the same page. France will depend on Nicholas Anelka if they are to escape this group and possibly make a run. Uruguay will certainly be a challenge for the French and they seem poised and confident to advance out of group play for the first time in a couple decades. Diego Forlan is the playmaker for Uruguay and the offense overall looks good coming into the World Cup. If one or the other can pull off a win in this one, it might make the difference down the stretch. France's lack of cohesiveness and Uruguay's ability to balance the field might produce a stalemate. For that reason, a draw looks very likely. PREDICTION: FRANCE 1, URUGUAY 1

GROUP B

Greece vs South Korea:
This game is crucial for both teams as they still have to face Argentina, who many peg to be the best team in this group. Greece is playing better than most years while South Korea might seem to be down is still athletic and fast to the ball. They are fairly even and the pace of the game could dictate the outcome. Theofanis Gekas is a key player for the Greeks while Park Ji-Sung brings experience and poise for the South Koreans. Greece has not had a lot of World Cup success and this game and group might be the opening they need. These two are truly not too different and that is how the game will be: close. I'm leaning towards a draw, but something tells me one squad will squeak by the other late in the second half. PREDICTION: GREECE 2, SOUTH KOREA 1

Argentina vs Nigeria:
Argentina's World Cup chances will largely be carried on the back and feet of Lionel Messi. He is quite possibly the team's best player since their coach, Diego Maradona. The player-coach tandem begin their quest for a title by matching up against less talented, but still crafty enough Nigeria teach. Argentina is usually a favorite as they have made runs for the better part of the last two decades. Messi, the reigning World Player of the Year, is not Argentina's only threat as he is flanked by players like Gonzalo Higuain. Together this team is a lethal as some Brazil teams we usually see at the World Cup in terms of their offensive capabilities. Nigeria had to scape by to get in and will depend on Obafemi Martins to get them started. The overall balance that Argentina will field will be a little too much for the Nigerians. PREDICTION: ARGENTINA 3, NIGERIA 0

GROUP C

United States vs England:
This might be one of the most anticipated first round matches. England is a perennial challenger and the United States is still looking to a moment that launches U.S. soccer into the next level. Sixty years ago, the United States shocked England in the World Cup and are looking to defeat the English again. Joe Gaetjens' goal for the U.S. has been the country's crowning achievement and a blemish on England's overall record. This game is crucial to both as they are the favorites in their groups and if one wins over the other; it could impact who they face if they get to the Round of 16. This game has major potential for the U.S. program and this year's team comes in with much experience. England, though, is loaded with a talented roster featuring Wayne Rooney. Rooney's temper will be of importance in how well he plays as his anger has gotten the best of him in the past. England has a slight edge based on talent, but the United States will play hard and England might not attack as strong as they are capable of. PREDICTION: UNITED STATES 1, ENGLAND 1

Slovenia vs Algeria:
These two are fairly even and each could use a win in this one to stay in the race in this group. Both countries barely got in and neither have a rich history; practically none. They are two of the lower ranked squads and will need to be sharp if they have any hope of moving past the group stage. Mental toughness will be key in this one. The one team that makes the fewest mental mistakes increases their winning chances. Algeria will depend mostly on Rafik Saifi and Abdelkader Ghezzal. While Milivoje Novakovic will be important for Slovenia's success. Both teams also will have to focus on their defenses and coming into the World Cup, Slovenia has shown the ability to limit goals. This one will turn on simply one goal. PREDICTION: SLOVENIA 1, ALGERIA 0

GROUP D

Ghana vs Serbia:
These two are pretty evenly matched. They enter this year's World Cup with Germany in their group and thus a win here can go a long way. Ghana is a mix of young and experienced players, but will be without their captain, Michael Essien. Djan Stankovic will be the key player for the Serbs. He is playing very well right now. This can be one of those exciting back and forth battles as both teams can create opportunities. PREDICTION: GHANA 1, SERBIA 1

Germany vs Australia:
The Germans enter the favorites in Group D and a potential champion. They have a very good World Cup history as they rose the trophy three times and finished second four times. Additionally, they have gone 12-0-5 in the group stage the last 28 years. They will certainly be challenged at times by all members of this group starting with Australia. They finished third four years ago as the host nation and look to make a similar run. They were also one of the better teams during qualifying. Miroslav Klose will a major cog for the Germans and will be the main player around some younger players who have a lot of potential. Australia surprised many four years ago and is a better team than in many years past. Harry Kewell will need to play well to get his teammates going in this one. The Germans will be aggressive and after being tested early will start to show their dominance. PREDICTION: GERMANY 3, AUSTRALIA 1

GROUP E

Netherlands vs Denmark:
The Dutch enter with a similar squad as past years: balanced offense and great defense. Despite many times having a great team, they can't seem to win the big one. This group is not especially strong and the Netherlands can take advantage of that as they were one of the best teams during qualifying. A key player for the Dutch, Arjen Robben, went down with a injury recently and will be missed, but they will turn Wesley Sneijder to get their offense moving. Injuries are also affecting the Denmark team as Nicklas Bendtner and Simon Kjaer are banged up. Bendtner is one of Denmark's best players and his absence might have them worried not just in this one, but with their other two group stage games. The Dutch seem to have the poise and enough to overcome almost anything thrown at them by Denmark. PREDICTION: NETHERLANDS 2, DENMARK 0

Japan vs Cameroon:
Cameroon enters this year's World Cup as probably the continent of Africa's best chance to make a run. They are led by Samuel Eto'o, who has the chance to show that he might be one of the premier players not just in Africa, but the whole world. His team will draw Japan first and they can give Cameroon some headaches. They do not enter very strong, though, so that should also give Cameroon confidence if this one is close as expected. Look for Keisuke Honda to be a key facet of the Japanese as they need him to be all over the field if their offense is going to be successful. Cameroon looks like the better team and have the home continent advantage. PREDICTION: JAPAN 1, CAMEROON 2

GROUP F

Italy vs Paraguay:
Italy comes into 2010 as the defending World Cup after winning it all amid scandals and various issues in the Italian league. This team comes into this year with a lot of questions again, but it has to do with their play. They started to stumble down the stretch in qualifying and their chemistry is not at its best. Italian teams are based on defense with timely offense. That is not happening regularly. Much of their success in 2006 was due to goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon. He will need to come out strong in the group stage to prepare for a potential title defense run. Fabio Cannavaro has been one of their better players over the years, but he along with a few others are getting up in years and that is one of the knocks on this years team along with the coaching style of Marcello Lippi. The road isn't too tough to get out of the group stage with Paraguay as most likely their toughest opponent. Paraguay had a pretty stellar qualifying path and are led by Lucas Barrios. Italy might display a little rust and lack of speed early, but they should be able to ride enough of their skill in this one. PREDICTION: ITALY 1, PARAGUAY 0

New Zealand vs Slovakia:
This is Slovakia's first World Cup as an independent nation. They seem poised to make it out of the group round and much their success might depend on how well Marek Hamsik plays. New Zealand got more than a few breaks to make the World Cup. They are shaky in all facets and will depend on defender Ryan Neslen to keep them in games. Both teams have question marks, but something tells me it might be close and very interesting down to the end. PREDICTION: NEW ZEALAND 0, SLOVAKIA 0

GROUP G

Ivory Coast vs Portugal:
These two are probably two of the better teams overall in this year's World Cup. Unfortunately for them, they drew World Cup power house Brazil in their group; which is all but eliminates one of them early on. So, this game becomes that much more important. These two teams also feature two of the best players in the world with Didier Drogba for the Ivory Coast and Cristiano Ronaldo for Portugal. Ivory Coast drew Argentina and the Netherlands four years ago don't get much better of a draw this year. Drogba, though, suffered a broken arm and will be limited in this one and throughout the group stage. Ronaldo has not been very sharp of late and will need to find a rhythm if this team wants to make a serious run and challenge a heavyweight like Brazil. Deco is a key contributor for the Portuguese and should pick up any slack from Ronaldo. These two will move the ball around for 90 minutes and matchup very even. PREDICTION: IVORY COAST 1, PORTUGAL 1

Brazil vs North Korea:
The five time World Cup champions open with the worst team in this year's World Cup. They have a wide open offense that presses teams hard and they have more than one capable scorer behind Kaka. Former champion player, Dunga, is at the helm and brings a mixed philosophy stressing more on defense and that could make things difficult for opponents if they start to score and have strong defense. They enter as the top ranked teams and hold victories overall several top teams leading up to the World Cup. North Korea has a steep road ahead as they play in a group with three very tough teams. This one might get ugly. PREDICTION: BRAZIL 3, NORTH KOREA 0

Group H

Honduras vs Chile:
Chile is expected to receive one of their key players, Humberto Suazo, back in time for this opener against Honduras. Chile's attack, though, can be stable without Suazo and might turn to Alexis Sanchez if needed. They enter with confidence against a less than stellar Honduras team. Honduras has players like Carlos Costly out and a couple others banged up and questionable. Their offense has also gone cold at the worst time. They play fairly good enough defense and that might help them in this one. PREDICTION: HONDURAS 0, CHILE 1

Spain vs Switzerland:
Spain has been one of the toughest and best teams since the last World Cup. They come in as one of the top favorites. Their quest for the World Cup title begins with Switzerland. Last summer they had their 35 games unbeaten streak snapped by the United States in the Confederations Cup. Xavi will be a key part of the Spaniards attack. Also David Villa is an established player who can turn this game into a rout with his play. The Swiss will be without one of their top players, Alexander Frei. The pressure falls to Blaise Nkufo to get the offense going. Switzerland will have to rely on strong defense to slow the Spanish attack. That will be tough. They are loaded and as deep as a Brazil team. PREDICTION: SPAIN 2, SWITZERLAND 0


Those are my first set of predictions. Not sure how they will all hold up. The excitement is high and the South Africans are ready to start a four week party to crown this year's champion. Let the ball drop!