2010 FIFA World Cup: Tournament Breakdown

Group A:
South Africa, Mexico, Uruguay, France

When France failed to receive a top seed, the club seemed destined to enter a Group of Death for the second straight tourney. However, the sun shined on December 4th and the French side were given a blessing. With the odds at twelve percent, France was grouped with the weak underdog South Africa (the host nation of this years’ World Cup). So, because Lady Luck speaks French, the country is now the clear favourite to win this grouping. Still, look out for Uruguay. This underrated country has developed drastically and have an incredibly gifted offence, look for Uruguay to clinch the second spot or even give Raymond Domenech (the disliked and ridiculed French coach) a run for his money.
Favourite: France
Dark horse: Uruguay

Group B:
Argentina, Nigeria, South Korea, Greece

It’s incredibly ironic how the controversial and unpredictable Argentinean manager, Diego Armando Maradona, ended up in such a capricious and random grouping. In this bracket, you never know what you’re going to get. See, on paper, Nigeria look splendid but their lack of coaching ability and cohesion hurt them. South Korea, in the past year, has upset many talented teams (Spain, Holland and Germany) but each was considered “fluky” or “unjust”. And for Greece, well, let me remind you of 2004 when their defensive minded game surprisingly led them to European glory. Each of these teams has what it takes to go the extra mile, so Lionel Messi (the talented poster boy for Argentina) will have to give it his all.
Favourite: Argentina
Dark horse: Greece

Group C:
England, United States, Algeria, Slovenia

Fabio Capello (the head coach of the English national team) must win this grouping. The English side is the sure favourite due to their impressive talent display in the qualifiers and currently mended roster. With the fans happy with their club, they expect victory. But, with that being said, let me remind you of another similar occurrence. 1950, the last time England was ever as hyped. The team could feel the glory. Ironically enough though, it ended in tragedy as the Americans humiliated the “football country”. Now, look who’s in the grouping. The United States will fight for first while Algeria and Slovenia will attempt to sneak their way through and suffice with second. England must remain aware and focused in order to avoid past faults.
Favourite: England
Dark horse: United States

Group D:
Germany, Australia, Serbia, Ghana

When I first looked at this grouping, the words “cake” and “walk” rolled off my tongue. But later, after examining each team as a whole, I realized it definitely will not be. See, although the German side out matches the opposing three nations player to player, the teams as a whole will be the decider. The group is a bloodbath of size and tenacity. Australia has the grit; Serbia has the height and Ghana, the talented midfield. With these attributes, Germany could possibly suffer due to injury, fatigue and/or absolute shock. However, most likely, Germany will still manage to slip away with first while Serbia takes second, close behind.
Favourite: Germany
Dark horse: Serbia

Group E:
Netherlands, Denmark, Japan, Cameroon

Although the Dutch have proven themselves in qualifying (8-0-0), the team still sadly maintains an inconsistent reputation. The club does well to overcome the audition, but struggles to continue the momentum on stage. If this occurs, each opponent will need to capitalize and take advantage of the predicament. Watch Denmark stick with their original gameplay from years past, Japan to utilize their speedy offence while Cameroon exploits the talented striker Samuel Eto’o.
Favourite: Netherlands
Dark horse: Cameroon

Group F:
Italy, Paraguay, New Zealand, Slovakia

Although Marcello Lippi (Italian coach) would refuse to admit it, we all know he is secretly clicking his heels. I mean, lets get real. Even if Italy played like their exhausted grandmothers, they’d still be the favourite over any of the contrasting teams. Paraguay is soft, New Zealand is flimsy and Slovakia, a complete fluke. Chiefly, the only obstacle Italy has in this grouping is themselves.
Favourite: Italy
Dark horse: Paraguay

Group G:
Brazil, North Korea, Ivory Coast, Portugal

Besides the weak North Korean side, we have three heavyweights thrown into one grouping. Hello, Group of Death. We have Brazil, the world-renowned football nation that has such sexy odds in achievement, FIFA should probably just hand them the trophy. Then, we have the Ivorians. The Pot 2 franchise that raged havoc upon their opponents, going a fancy (5-1-0). And last but not least, meet Portugal. Home of the world-class striker, Cristiano Ronaldo. Although they lacked finish in qualifying, they easily linger as a World Cup contender.
Favorite: Brazil
Dark horse: Portugal

Group H:
Spain, Switzerland, Honduras, Chile

Just like Marcello Lippi, Spanish coach, Vincente del Bosque is also jumping for joy. Spain is far too tough and will move on without breaking a sweat, leaving three featherweights to battle it out for second. Switzerland fails to bring game when needed, Honduras looks overmatched and Chile, although they did well in qualifying, is a nobody nation. Look for Spain to obliterate the opposition, while Chile suffices with a measly second place.
Favourite: Spain
Dark horse: Chile