Scott 5World Cup Preview Part 1 (Groups A-D)
June 10th 2010 12:38
So the biggest event outside the Olympics is due to kick off in a day and a half time and it promises to be an absolutely superb event. I am of course talking about the 2010 World Cup, due to be held in South Africa. Predicting a tournament of this nature is awfully difficult and to be honest, I am hoping to get 8 of the final 16 teams correct and in their right spots too.
Anyway here are the brief previews of the first 4 World Cup Groups and the 16 teams in those 4 groups.
Group A:
South Africa
South Africa qualified for the World Cup by virtue of being the host nation. Ever since 2006 they've been playing a lot of friendlies and have had a coaching change in the process. Joel Santana was sacked despite a credible Confederations Cup performance where they came 4th and was replaced by fellow Brazilian, Carlos Alberto Parreira. Since then results have been on the improve and their recent 5-0 win over Guatemala gives them hope of progress.
South Africa's key man is midfielder Stephen Pienaar. He's just come off a wonderful season at Everton and will be looking forward to the chance to help put the ghosts of past World Cup failures behind them
In terms of the South African's, they may be playing better football under Parreira but I don't think they quite have the quality needed to get past the likes of Maxico and France.
Prediction: First Round
Mexico
Mexico had a long winded qualifying process which saw them beat Belize in a Home and Away tie but then they struggled and only escaped Round 3 (group stage) on GD after losses to Jamaica and Honduras. Predictably they then cruised through the 4th round (final group) finishing 1 point behind the USA.
Mexico have a good pedigree at the World Cup and it's up to defender Rafael Marquez to ensure they maintain the recent high standards. He will be the important man in defence to shut out attackers such as Anelka and Forlan.
Mexico are very capable of an extended cup run and I'm actually predicting they'll finish on top of this group ahead of France.
Prediction: Quarter Finals
Uruguay
There's no point denying that the South American World Cup Qualifying Section is the toughest and most intense in the world. It is then of little surprise to see Uruguay finish 5th for the 3rd consecutive qualifying tournament but unlike 2006, they were able to squeeze past Costa Rica in the playoffs.
For Uruguay to be a threat, they need Diego Forlan to fire. He's come off a couple of exceptional seasons at Atletico Madrid including 2 goals in the Europa League final against Fulham and he's very capable of transferring his club form to the World stage
I think that Uruguay will be fighting it out with France for the all-important 2nd spot in this group but I just don't see the creativity needed to get the goals necessary to make the next round.
Prediction: First Round
France:
France? Where can you start with them? Unpopular coach, very bloody lucky to make the World Cup, ordinary build up, coach replaced at the end of the tournament no matter what, it's been a shocking time for the French. Domenech is very unpopular and it sounds like there's been a lot of disputes within the team. Add that to Franck Ribery's sex scandal and it's been a horror time for the French.
For France to play something resembling decency, they need Florent Malouda to transfer his reasonable club form to the World stage.
They are a rabble at this moment in time but we said the same about them in 2006. They are capable of raising their game but they won't go as far as they did in 06.
Prediction: Round of 16
Group B:
Argentina
Well this is a very interesting team to be perfectly honest. Ever since appointing Diego Maradona, the Argentines have become a laughing stock. If it isn't Maradona using 95 players since he's taken over, it's Maradona telling the media to "suck it and keep on sucking it." Really, this team is all about Maradona. Can he coach or can't he? That question and more will be answered in the next month.
Lionel Messi is the key player for Argentina and he can single-handedly drag this team all the way to the semi-finals. It sounds like I'm rating him highly and he deserves every high rating he gets.
Honestly, looking at Argentina, they look exceptional as individuals, but as a team they're a rabble and that's due to Diego. If they achieve anything it won't be because of him but it will be in spite of him. They're capable of going all the way but don't be surprised if they implode
Prediction: 4th
Greece
Greece finished 2nd in Group 2 behind Switzerland and then took us all back to Euro 2004 with a 1-0 aggregate win over Ukraine. King Otto (Otto Rehhagal) still reigns at Greece but the good news for all concerned is that Greece are capable of scoring goals (20 in 10 qualifiers).
Sadly this is a World Cup (similar format to Euros) and I expect that Greece will be looking for another fairytale by scrapping 1-0 wins. For this to happen, they need Giorgos Karagounis to be at his best from the dead-ball.
Greece are capable of anything and in a group that I believe to be a lot closer than people think, I believe that they are very capable of pinching a spot in the knockout rounds. If that happens, they can surprise there but somehow, I highly doubt it
Prediction: Round of 16
South Korea
The South Koreans have maintained their consistency by qualifying for yet another World Cup. They played in 2 group stages (round 3 and 4) and topped the group on both occasions with Nth Korea second. In Round 4 though, they had by far the tougher group with Nth Korea, Saudi Arabia, UAE and Iran, all of which should stand the Koreans in good stead.
For the Koreans to perform, they need Park Ji-Sung to be at his creative best. They need him on the ball quite often and delivering teasing crosses, not to mention taking on players
Some would say that the Koreans still have credit points from their fairytale run in 2002 but sooner or later, these points will expire. They're not known for physicality either and it's likely they will get found out again
Prediction: First Round
Nigeria
Nigeria qualified fairly easily for the World Cup, topping their group in Round 2 (ahead of South Africa who were playing for qualification to African Cup of Nations) and topping Group B in the 3rd round ahead of Tunisia. Under Swede Lars Lagerback, the Nigerians are a lot more organised than usual and Lagerback's experience will be vital.
Beisdes Lagerback, the key for the Nigerians is Nwanko Kanu. He may be a veteran but he is also very capable of scoring goals and vital goals at that. They will certainly need his goals to stand a chance of progressing from this group
The Nigerians from all reports are more organised than ever and have developed a very capable counter-attacking style of football. Having said that though, the World Cup is a whole new ball game and the Nigerians, though capable, I believe they'll fall just short.
Prediction: First Round
Group C
USA
The USA qualified at the best team in CONCACAF after knocking off Barbados in a home/away tie and finishing top of the group in both Round 3 and Round 4. They also very nearly became the first team from CONCACAF to win the Confederations Cup, leading 2-0 in the final against Brazil before losing 3-2.
For the USA to progress, they need Clint Dempsey to fire. The Fulham midfielder has had a full on year with Fulham's dream progress in the Europa League but he now needs to provide assists for Jozy Altidore and Eddie Johnson.
The USA will probably be fighting it out with Slovenia for 2nd in the group and honestly can't see them getting close to England. Having said that, they're going to get thrown a vicious curve ball in the Round of 16 and sadly, that's where their campaign comes to an end.
Prediction: Round of 16
England
Qualified easily for the World Cup but since then have had one problem after another. John Terry? Ashley Cole? Even Fabio Capello has gotten into the act with the controversial "Capello Index." Add that to Rio's knee and England have had a far from smooth build up to the World Cup.
For the Poms to be a success, people would say that Rooney is the key. I agree with that but I also believe that John Terry is key. With no Rio to hold the backline together, John Terry is going to have to step up and lead from the front.
England have a manager that has seen the top level of football on a regular basis and his and his experience is going to be oh so crucial. They’re very capable of going all the way and really, I see them making it all the way to the final before running into the Spanish.
Prediction: Runners Up
Algeria
Algeria hasn’t had an easy qualifying path for the World Cup. In Round 2 they topped a group containing Gambia and Senegal. In Round 3 they finished level with Egypt on Points, Goals Scored and Goals Conceded. The powers that be, decreed a playoff in a neutral location and amid bitterness between the Egyptians and Algeria, the Algerians triumphed 1-0.
For Algeria to make an impression, they need Nadir Belhadj to be at his best from the dead-ball. They won’t get many chances but set pieces could be their best hope of snagging a goal or 2.
Algeria have had a very tough time of it and really, I don’t think they are quite cut out for this group and may very well go home goalless and pointless.
Prediction: First Round
Slovenia
Slovenia qualified for their 2nd World Cup ever after finishing 2nd in their group behind Slovakia and then shocking Russia on away goals. Their buildup has been steady if not spectacular and to be perfectly honest, not much is known about them.
For the Slovenians to be competitive, they need Milivoje Novakovic to be at his best and scoring goals. He was the hero of the playoffs against Russia and his goals will be very important for the Slovenians
Honestly, they may have beaten Russia and that’s an outstanding effort but the World Cup is a whole different ball game and to be quite honest, I’m not sure if the Slovenians have what it takes. In fact, I’m certain, they don’t have what it takes to be successful here
Prediction: First Round
Group D
Australia
Well the Aussies have done the bare minimum thus far and made their 2nd successive World Cup despite being criticized by all and sundry for their dull play. Football is a results first game and Pim Verbeek has done what has been needed so far. The Aussies qualified by finishing top of Group 1 (round 3) ahead of Qatar and top of Group 1 (round 4) ahead of Japan and Bahrain.
Tim Cahill is without a doubt the key for the Socceroos to be any chance here in South Africa. He’s in career best form and his knack of scoring goals is going to be vital. Another day like Kaiserslautern (Scoring twice) would be most welcome for him
The Socceroos couldn’t have been drawn a worse group and the goal is to achieve the same as 06 (second round) but somehow I just get the sinking feeling that this may not occur
Prediction: First Round
Germany
Germany qualified for the World Cup by finishing above Russia and not losing a game either. This is a marvelous effort by no means but they’ve been hit with a blow with Michael Ballack ruled out of the World Cup with injury. This is a younger Germany than we’re used to seeing and I’ve no doubt that they will be very capable again, similar to the 06 team.
With Ballack gone, Bastien Schweinsteiger becomes the key player. His experience will be vital for the Germans plus his ability to use the ball and provide goal scoring opportunities.
The Germans are an interesting team. We continually underestimate them and they have the ability and the means to go all the way. Unfortunately I see them running into Argentina and losing
Prediction: Quarter Finals
Ghana
Ghana had a tough qualifying process and very nearly got eliminated in Round 2 of the African section only qualifying on goal difference from Gabon and Libya. They then topped Group D (round 3) with ease though. Unfortunately, they too were thrown an injury curve ball with Michel Essien ruled out injured.
For Ghana to be a threat, Inter midfielder Sulley Muntari will need to step up and deliver. He can be temperamental but give him responsibility and he has the potential to thrive.
I believe they’re capable of making the second round, similar to 06 but somehow I just think the loss of Essien is a bigger blow than they’ll admit
Prediction: First Round
Serbia
Ah Serbia. They’re a very intriguing team to watch. They are capable of playing and beating the best one day but then slipping up the next. They also are capable of imploding as seen at the 06 World Cup when they conceded 10 goals in 3 games. Lead up form hasn't been good and their fans have already rioted once (during the embarrassing 1-0 loss to New Zealand)
For them to have a chance, they need defender Nemanja Vidic to be at his absolute best and closing down players like Miroslav Klose, Josh Kennedy and Asamoah Gyan.
As said earlier, the Serbs are capable of beating the best but the squad tension is well known and documented. Under Radomir Antic though, I believe the Serbs can make it out of this tough group
Prediction: Round of 16
So ends the first part of my World Cup Preview. Hopefully the second part will be coming later tonight (AEST) or by Saturday.
Anyway here are the brief previews of the first 4 World Cup Groups and the 16 teams in those 4 groups.
Group A:
South Africa
South Africa qualified for the World Cup by virtue of being the host nation. Ever since 2006 they've been playing a lot of friendlies and have had a coaching change in the process. Joel Santana was sacked despite a credible Confederations Cup performance where they came 4th and was replaced by fellow Brazilian, Carlos Alberto Parreira. Since then results have been on the improve and their recent 5-0 win over Guatemala gives them hope of progress.
South Africa's key man is midfielder Stephen Pienaar. He's just come off a wonderful season at Everton and will be looking forward to the chance to help put the ghosts of past World Cup failures behind them
In terms of the South African's, they may be playing better football under Parreira but I don't think they quite have the quality needed to get past the likes of Maxico and France.
Prediction: First Round
Mexico
Mexico had a long winded qualifying process which saw them beat Belize in a Home and Away tie but then they struggled and only escaped Round 3 (group stage) on GD after losses to Jamaica and Honduras. Predictably they then cruised through the 4th round (final group) finishing 1 point behind the USA.
Mexico have a good pedigree at the World Cup and it's up to defender Rafael Marquez to ensure they maintain the recent high standards. He will be the important man in defence to shut out attackers such as Anelka and Forlan.
Mexico are very capable of an extended cup run and I'm actually predicting they'll finish on top of this group ahead of France.
Prediction: Quarter Finals
Uruguay
There's no point denying that the South American World Cup Qualifying Section is the toughest and most intense in the world. It is then of little surprise to see Uruguay finish 5th for the 3rd consecutive qualifying tournament but unlike 2006, they were able to squeeze past Costa Rica in the playoffs.
For Uruguay to be a threat, they need Diego Forlan to fire. He's come off a couple of exceptional seasons at Atletico Madrid including 2 goals in the Europa League final against Fulham and he's very capable of transferring his club form to the World stage
I think that Uruguay will be fighting it out with France for the all-important 2nd spot in this group but I just don't see the creativity needed to get the goals necessary to make the next round.
Prediction: First Round
France:
France? Where can you start with them? Unpopular coach, very bloody lucky to make the World Cup, ordinary build up, coach replaced at the end of the tournament no matter what, it's been a shocking time for the French. Domenech is very unpopular and it sounds like there's been a lot of disputes within the team. Add that to Franck Ribery's sex scandal and it's been a horror time for the French.
For France to play something resembling decency, they need Florent Malouda to transfer his reasonable club form to the World stage.
They are a rabble at this moment in time but we said the same about them in 2006. They are capable of raising their game but they won't go as far as they did in 06.
Prediction: Round of 16
Group B:
Argentina
Well this is a very interesting team to be perfectly honest. Ever since appointing Diego Maradona, the Argentines have become a laughing stock. If it isn't Maradona using 95 players since he's taken over, it's Maradona telling the media to "suck it and keep on sucking it." Really, this team is all about Maradona. Can he coach or can't he? That question and more will be answered in the next month.
Lionel Messi is the key player for Argentina and he can single-handedly drag this team all the way to the semi-finals. It sounds like I'm rating him highly and he deserves every high rating he gets.
Honestly, looking at Argentina, they look exceptional as individuals, but as a team they're a rabble and that's due to Diego. If they achieve anything it won't be because of him but it will be in spite of him. They're capable of going all the way but don't be surprised if they implode
Prediction: 4th
Greece
Greece finished 2nd in Group 2 behind Switzerland and then took us all back to Euro 2004 with a 1-0 aggregate win over Ukraine. King Otto (Otto Rehhagal) still reigns at Greece but the good news for all concerned is that Greece are capable of scoring goals (20 in 10 qualifiers).
Sadly this is a World Cup (similar format to Euros) and I expect that Greece will be looking for another fairytale by scrapping 1-0 wins. For this to happen, they need Giorgos Karagounis to be at his best from the dead-ball.
Greece are capable of anything and in a group that I believe to be a lot closer than people think, I believe that they are very capable of pinching a spot in the knockout rounds. If that happens, they can surprise there but somehow, I highly doubt it
Prediction: Round of 16
South Korea
The South Koreans have maintained their consistency by qualifying for yet another World Cup. They played in 2 group stages (round 3 and 4) and topped the group on both occasions with Nth Korea second. In Round 4 though, they had by far the tougher group with Nth Korea, Saudi Arabia, UAE and Iran, all of which should stand the Koreans in good stead.
For the Koreans to perform, they need Park Ji-Sung to be at his creative best. They need him on the ball quite often and delivering teasing crosses, not to mention taking on players
Some would say that the Koreans still have credit points from their fairytale run in 2002 but sooner or later, these points will expire. They're not known for physicality either and it's likely they will get found out again
Prediction: First Round
Nigeria
Nigeria qualified fairly easily for the World Cup, topping their group in Round 2 (ahead of South Africa who were playing for qualification to African Cup of Nations) and topping Group B in the 3rd round ahead of Tunisia. Under Swede Lars Lagerback, the Nigerians are a lot more organised than usual and Lagerback's experience will be vital.
Beisdes Lagerback, the key for the Nigerians is Nwanko Kanu. He may be a veteran but he is also very capable of scoring goals and vital goals at that. They will certainly need his goals to stand a chance of progressing from this group
The Nigerians from all reports are more organised than ever and have developed a very capable counter-attacking style of football. Having said that though, the World Cup is a whole new ball game and the Nigerians, though capable, I believe they'll fall just short.
Prediction: First Round
Group C
USA
The USA qualified at the best team in CONCACAF after knocking off Barbados in a home/away tie and finishing top of the group in both Round 3 and Round 4. They also very nearly became the first team from CONCACAF to win the Confederations Cup, leading 2-0 in the final against Brazil before losing 3-2.
For the USA to progress, they need Clint Dempsey to fire. The Fulham midfielder has had a full on year with Fulham's dream progress in the Europa League but he now needs to provide assists for Jozy Altidore and Eddie Johnson.
The USA will probably be fighting it out with Slovenia for 2nd in the group and honestly can't see them getting close to England. Having said that, they're going to get thrown a vicious curve ball in the Round of 16 and sadly, that's where their campaign comes to an end.
Prediction: Round of 16
England
Qualified easily for the World Cup but since then have had one problem after another. John Terry? Ashley Cole? Even Fabio Capello has gotten into the act with the controversial "Capello Index." Add that to Rio's knee and England have had a far from smooth build up to the World Cup.
For the Poms to be a success, people would say that Rooney is the key. I agree with that but I also believe that John Terry is key. With no Rio to hold the backline together, John Terry is going to have to step up and lead from the front.
England have a manager that has seen the top level of football on a regular basis and his and his experience is going to be oh so crucial. They’re very capable of going all the way and really, I see them making it all the way to the final before running into the Spanish.
Prediction: Runners Up
Algeria
Algeria hasn’t had an easy qualifying path for the World Cup. In Round 2 they topped a group containing Gambia and Senegal. In Round 3 they finished level with Egypt on Points, Goals Scored and Goals Conceded. The powers that be, decreed a playoff in a neutral location and amid bitterness between the Egyptians and Algeria, the Algerians triumphed 1-0.
For Algeria to make an impression, they need Nadir Belhadj to be at his best from the dead-ball. They won’t get many chances but set pieces could be their best hope of snagging a goal or 2.
Algeria have had a very tough time of it and really, I don’t think they are quite cut out for this group and may very well go home goalless and pointless.
Prediction: First Round
Slovenia
Slovenia qualified for their 2nd World Cup ever after finishing 2nd in their group behind Slovakia and then shocking Russia on away goals. Their buildup has been steady if not spectacular and to be perfectly honest, not much is known about them.
For the Slovenians to be competitive, they need Milivoje Novakovic to be at his best and scoring goals. He was the hero of the playoffs against Russia and his goals will be very important for the Slovenians
Honestly, they may have beaten Russia and that’s an outstanding effort but the World Cup is a whole different ball game and to be quite honest, I’m not sure if the Slovenians have what it takes. In fact, I’m certain, they don’t have what it takes to be successful here
Prediction: First Round
Group D
Australia
Well the Aussies have done the bare minimum thus far and made their 2nd successive World Cup despite being criticized by all and sundry for their dull play. Football is a results first game and Pim Verbeek has done what has been needed so far. The Aussies qualified by finishing top of Group 1 (round 3) ahead of Qatar and top of Group 1 (round 4) ahead of Japan and Bahrain.
Tim Cahill is without a doubt the key for the Socceroos to be any chance here in South Africa. He’s in career best form and his knack of scoring goals is going to be vital. Another day like Kaiserslautern (Scoring twice) would be most welcome for him
The Socceroos couldn’t have been drawn a worse group and the goal is to achieve the same as 06 (second round) but somehow I just get the sinking feeling that this may not occur
Prediction: First Round
Germany
Germany qualified for the World Cup by finishing above Russia and not losing a game either. This is a marvelous effort by no means but they’ve been hit with a blow with Michael Ballack ruled out of the World Cup with injury. This is a younger Germany than we’re used to seeing and I’ve no doubt that they will be very capable again, similar to the 06 team.
With Ballack gone, Bastien Schweinsteiger becomes the key player. His experience will be vital for the Germans plus his ability to use the ball and provide goal scoring opportunities.
The Germans are an interesting team. We continually underestimate them and they have the ability and the means to go all the way. Unfortunately I see them running into Argentina and losing
Prediction: Quarter Finals
Ghana
Ghana had a tough qualifying process and very nearly got eliminated in Round 2 of the African section only qualifying on goal difference from Gabon and Libya. They then topped Group D (round 3) with ease though. Unfortunately, they too were thrown an injury curve ball with Michel Essien ruled out injured.
For Ghana to be a threat, Inter midfielder Sulley Muntari will need to step up and deliver. He can be temperamental but give him responsibility and he has the potential to thrive.
I believe they’re capable of making the second round, similar to 06 but somehow I just think the loss of Essien is a bigger blow than they’ll admit
Prediction: First Round
Serbia
Ah Serbia. They’re a very intriguing team to watch. They are capable of playing and beating the best one day but then slipping up the next. They also are capable of imploding as seen at the 06 World Cup when they conceded 10 goals in 3 games. Lead up form hasn't been good and their fans have already rioted once (during the embarrassing 1-0 loss to New Zealand)
For them to have a chance, they need defender Nemanja Vidic to be at his absolute best and closing down players like Miroslav Klose, Josh Kennedy and Asamoah Gyan.
As said earlier, the Serbs are capable of beating the best but the squad tension is well known and documented. Under Radomir Antic though, I believe the Serbs can make it out of this tough group
Prediction: Round of 16
So ends the first part of my World Cup Preview. Hopefully the second part will be coming later tonight (AEST) or by Saturday.
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