The 2010 World Cup will kick off on Friday with Group A, a very difficult group to judge because there is some reason to believe that any of the four teams in the group could qualify.
South Africa is the long-shot, but being the host has meant a place in the second-round in every previous World Cup. That trend could change though, especially with three other tough teams.
France comes in with plenty of baggage, but also loads of talent, while Mexico has shown glimpses in the World Cup run-up of being capable of finally advancing past the Round of 16.
Then you have Uruguay, which is known for having quality attackers but a suspect defense.
Here is SBI's take on Group A:
WORLD CUP GROUP A
Top Players to Watch
Franck Ribery, France
Nicolas Anelka, France
Diego Forlan, Uruguay
Andres Guardado, Mexico
Steven Pienaar, South Africa
Young Players to Watch
Yoan Gourcouff, France
Hugo Lloris, France
Luis Suarez, Uruguay
Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez
Bernard Parker, South Africa
SBI's Predicted Order of Finish
1. Mexico
2. France
3. Uruguay
4. South Africa
France has the star power, and goalkeeper Hugo Lloris could have a breakout tournament, but Mexico is playing well and has the skill to be the surprise team in the group. South Africa will have the home-field advantage, but won't be able to overcome the talent gap.
—————
How do you see Group A playing out? Share your thoughts below.
Why does the majority people here think that France is going to do bad and Uruguay is going to do well? I have FRANCE WINNING ALL THREE GAMES! I believe South Africa, Mexico, and Uruguay will just all draw with each other and the team with the most goals will adavance behind France.
France——-9
South Africa-2
Uruguay——2
Mexico——-2
Just as I do… because there’s nothing the french like more than to piss off everybody
I think the current allocation is relatively fair. I think FIFA realizes that there might be better teams on the outside looking in, but they want world-wide representation. Due to the size, wealth, and talent a 2 bid CONCACAF would mean only U.S. and Mexico would ever qualify that is not really ideal.
Did Ecuador deserve a birth over Honduras this time around? During qualification the only team they beat away from home was Bolivia and in the second to last game of qualification they lost to Uruguay at home.