World Cup Breakdown

[Vinsane]

GROUP A

South Africa - South Africa is playing the role of "Hey, we're just happy to be here." as the host nation they're going to garnish a lot of "home support". However, despite their strong showing in the Confederations Cup I don't see them with enough talent, or depth to get into the round of 16. I can see an upset of Uruguay, but nothing more. The South Africans have the unfortunate luck of facing France, and Mexico in their group.

Prediction: An early exit for the host nation, possibly picking up a win on Uruguay, but nothing more.

Mexico - One of the two heavily favored to move on in this group. The Mexicans showed that after dropping Sven Goran Eriksson, they can still impress. After their qualification tables, you have to think that the Mexicans will be moving on. Their only possibility of being bounced is in the hands of Uruguay. If the Mexicans can beat France, they'll move on without question.

Prediction: One of the teams moving onto the round of 16. It will come down to their matches against South Africa, and Uruguay. If they can avoid the upset, they'll be in the round of 16.

Uruguay: Another team playing the role of, "Hey, we're just happy to be here." It took a playoff to get the Uruguayans into the World Cup. Which is why they are not considered much of a threat. It will take a monumental game against Mexico to advance. They could also be upset by the South Africans. However, I think if Uruguay can pick up an upset of Mexico they could advance. It will come down to their match against the Host Nation, and an upset of Mexico to advance.

Prediction: It will take a miracle for the Uruguayans to advance. I don't see them getting it and they'll be eliminated next to South Africa.

France: Notorious for starting off slow, they'll need to get it going early if they want to avoid any upsets. Uruguay got one over on them in a 0-0 draw in 2002. However, the French got a good draw, with Mexico really being their only problem, barring a slow start. They also have enough depth and talent to take care of business and advance.

Prediction: The winner of the group. The French will need to avoid a slow start, but again, they have enough talent at their disposal to make it to the round of 16. If they can avoid the slow start, they'll cruise.

GROUP B

Argentina: Some consider this squad to be the favorites, to win it all this year. With the likes of Lionel Messi and Carlos Tevez heading a high powered offense, who can argue? Despite their poor qualifying, the Argentinians got one of the better draws and will have an easy road ahead of them, to the round of 16.

Prediction: Argentina should coast into the round of 16, as the group winners. Barring any freak injuries, they have enough firepower to blow the teams in their group away. Again, Argentina will not have a problem getting to the round of 16.

Nigeria: Next to the Argentinians, they're the best team in this group. And with the home continent to boot they'll have plenty of fan support in the arenas. They didn't look good in qualifications but luckily they got a draw that helps them advance. The key for the Nigerians is to avoid upsets, they're "the team to beat" for the bottom teams of this group.

Prediction: If the Nigerians avoid the upsets, they will take the second seed and advance to the round of 16.

South Korea: The South Koreans key to victory will be to travel well. In 2002 they stunned a lot of teams. However, that was on home soil. The Koreans have enough on their squad to upset Nigeria and take care of business against Greece. If the Koreans make an impact it will be against these two squads.

Prediction: The South Koreans don't have enough to advance, most likely they'll finish third. Unless, they can get an upset on Nigeria. If that happens the Koreans will advance. I just don't see it happening though.

Greece: This is the team of the group, that has the cards stacked against them. While they have enough to beat the South Koreans, a motivated Korean team could knock them around. Greek takes a lot of flack from the rest of the world for their "grind it out" style. A very defensive minded club. The key for the Greeks to advance will be an upset of Nigeria, and beating South Korean.

Prediction: Most likely will finish fourth in this group. Just not enough fire power on the offensive side of the ball to get anything going early. Their grind it out style will only work, if they can get up early on teams. The key to advance is beating both South Korea, and Nigeria. Something I don't see happening.

GROUP C

England: How happy are the English? The answer is, very happy. They get the second best draw of any of the top nations. Getting the United States to start will be a boost for this England squad as they took care of the Americans 2-0 in Wembley. One of the more intriguing stories early will be the showdown of David Beckham and Landon Donovan. Together they failed to win the MLS Cup, falling to Real Salt Lake.

Prediction: The group winners, their only real threat is the United States, and Algeria. If they take care of business though, they'll cruise into the round of 16.

United States: This is a United States team determined to get to the round of 16. They want to relive the magic of 2002. And can, as long as they stay focused and avoid upsets. They have one of the better chances to advance, barring any upsets. The goal of bringing David Beckham to the United States was to raise the profile of American Soccer. Drawing England in game one, will do just that.

Prediction: The United States does not have a cake walk. It will take focus for the United States to get into the round of 16. However, I think that one of the teams they're over looking will get the upset and keep the Americans out. Most likely a third place finish.

Algeria: They had to beat Egypt to get here. While happy about this, some are refusing to view them as a dark horse just yet. I think the Algerians have enough to upset the United States. As the United States mindset seems to be focused more on England, and not the bottom two teams. Algeria's key to advancing will be an upset of either of those squads.

Prediction: Taking the second seed, after an upset of the United States. The Algerians will advance.

Slovenia: After defeating Russia, the Slovenians bring a lot of momentum to this table. However, they're outmatched against the likes of England. The key to them advancing will be an upset of the United States, and Algeria. One of which I can see happening in the United States who will most likely overlook this team. The Slovenians can not be underestimated, or they will sneak up on teams.

Prediction: If the United States suffers two upsets, they'll most likely finish third. However, I don't think Slovenia is bringing enough to the table and will finish in the fourth spot.

GROUP D

Germany: The Germans will provide plenty of talent, and fire power to take the group. And could be one of the teams in the finals if they can overcome some of the other top teams in the tournament. Don't be surprised to see the Germans go far. Without an upset in this group the Germans will move on, in what I consider the runner up to the "Group of Death."

Prediction: Germans win the group, rather easily.

Australia: The Australians came through the Asian region. And that means that they played tougher competition to get here. They unfortunately have the tough draw of playing the Germans first. Australia is the team with their back against the wall in this group. Don't be surprised if the Australians struggle early and often.

Prediction: With Germany winning the group, the Australians only hope is to take the second seed. I'm not really going out on the limb here, but the Australians do not advance, falling to an upset and finishing third in the group.

Serbia: This is the team that would shock if they make the round of 16. Serbians have a lot of youth, and good youth at that. Their lack of experience though will hinder them. They'll have the toughest test ahead of them in this group, and I don't think they bring enough to the table to advance. For them to advance would be to take a blueprint from Greece, get up early and control the ball with defense late.

Prediction: Serbians will not advance unless they make two of three upsets. Something I don't see happening and they will finish in the bottom of this group.

Ghana: The Black Stars are not pulling a lot of weight with some predictors. They are not to be over looked though, the Black Stars bring a lot to the table, and can quite possibly upset the Germans. I don't think that it happens though, and they'll still have a strong showing.

Prediction: Second in the table, taking care of business against the Serbians, and the Australians. An upset or draw with Germany is possible but not needed to advance.

[Vinsane]

GROUP E

Netherlands: A very impressive squad that could push far in the tournament. They should have no problem making the round of 16 as they'll more then likely top the group. They have to be rather pleased with their draw that I'll call the third best of the tournament for a top seed.

Prediction: Top of the group, may struggle later but should have no problem making the round of 16.

Denmark: Their focus is most likely beating the Dutch. And they'll over look a team like Cameroon. They can push for the top spot and have the talent to do so. It will be interesting to see where this group finishes. I know they have enough to advance but...

Prediction: Will finish third, being upset by another team in the group. Denmark will make a push for the top spot, but if they don't beat the Netherlands they have a very real chance of being eliminated.

Japan: Oh, the Japanese. They're very upset with their draw and in recent friendlies and qualifying didn't really impress. And in some instances were beating easily. They will not really pose a threat in the group, barring a miracle.

Prediction: Bottom of the group, having one of the tougher draws. Not enough talent on the squad to push anyone to the limit.

Cameroon: Eto'o is one of my favorite players, and could lead this Cameroon team in the tournament. Another helpful hand is they're on their home continent. They'll pull a lot of support from the crowds, and could overcome a lot of teams if given the right circumstances. They also bring a lot of physical power to the table. They can overpower a lot of teams, and possibly make a push far in the tournament.

Prediction: Don't be surprised to see Cameroon advance to the round of 16. They'll most likely finish second in the group. That all depends on their play against Denmark, picking up a win there will secure a second seed for Cameroon.

GROUP F

Italy: One of the most popular teams in recent memory. For whatever reason, a lot of people support the Italians, and most aren't even Italian. They get a good draw here and as the favorites they should have no problem not only advancing but pushing for the World Cup finals. Age is really the only Achilles Heel to this squad. However, in the group stages Age shouldn't be a problem.

Prediction: Winning the group, and advancing far in the tournament.

Paraguay: They have to be happy with their draw. Outside of the Italians they really don't have a threat to their squad. The only thing that could hinder this team is their lack of experience. However, with the other two teams below them, they shouldn't have a problem advancing.

Prediction: Pulling in second, Paraguay will advance.

New Zealand: The proverbial whipping boys of this group. Too bad, so sad, New Zealand. Don't be surprised if this team picks up zero points, as well as zero goals.

Prediction: Dead last.

Slovakia: The Slovakian squad is happy to be grouped with New Zealand. That will give them at least a win in this group. If they can manage to pull of an upset, they very well could advance. I don't see it happening though. This squad lacks experience and most likely will make an interesting run, but nothing more then that.

Prediction: Coming in third, they could surprise but I doubt it happens.

GROUP G
"The Group of Death"

Brazil: For the Brazilians it will be a tougher road then expected. Many could not imagine a knock out round without them. Their style of attack goes at teams throats early and often. The attack of their media though could be more potent. The Brazilians have their backs against the wall back home, and are pressured to do well. If they dwell on that, they could be knocked out.

Prediction: Barring two shockers, the Brazilians will move on. At worst you have to think this team finishes second. I believe they'll top the group, but it won't be an easy road.

North Korea: More then likely they'll be joining New Zealand with zero points after it's all said and done. They are facing an insurmountable task ahead. North Korea will be the whipping boys of this group and will be tested the hardest to pick up not only a win, but a draw.

Prediction: The bottom of the group, a draw would be surprising and an accomplishment for this squad.

Ivory Coast: This is the team that will surprise. Again, another benefactor of playing on home soil. With the home nation behind them they're the favorites out of the African groups to make it far into the tournament. Their test will be Brazil and Portugal, both teams that they have a real chance of upsetting.

Prediction: Second in the group, the Ivory Coast is playing the role of knockout team. If any of the top seeds will suffer an upset in the knockout rounds, it will be at the hands of the Ivory Coast.

Portugal: This is why it's called "The Group of Death". One of the top teams will be eliminated and I'm afraid that Cristiano Ronaldo will not be enough to lead this team to the round of 16. The Portuguese squad is in disarray and because of that, they will be missing out on the Round of 16.

Prediction: Third in the group. North Korea will not be a test for them, their key to advancing will be in beating either Brazil or the Ivory Coast. Both of which I don't see happening.

GROUP H

Spain: There couldn't be a better draw for Spain, which is why they take the honor of the easiest draw. The Spaniards are one of the favorites to win the tournament, and with this easy group will be well on their way in doing so. There only real tests will come in the knockout rounds. Which of course will be later, for now Spain has nothing to worry about.

Prediction: Sweeping the group, and coming into the round of 16 the winners.

Switzerland: The Swiss will have a tough challenge in upsetting the Spaniards. They could win this group, but I doubt that will happen. There real test will be against Chile, if they fail to win that match they will not make it the round of 16. The Swiss bring enough to the table to get to the knockout rounds, but will not advance further.

Prediction: Toss-Up. They could place in second, or they could place in third. Their game against Chile will decide who joins Spain in the round of 16, from this group.

Honduras: Another of the teams "Happy to be here". The Honduras squad is solid, but they have the toughest test ahead of them. They won't have enough to beat Spain, or Switzerland. Their only real chance of success would be a win against Chile, aside from that they won't do much more in this tournament.

Prediction: Bottom of the group, not making much noise and could be one of the win less squads.

Chile: They bring toughness to the table. And that might be enough to advance in the group. Their toughness will not be enough to overcome Spain, but will be enough to overcome Switzerland. As the second team in my toss up, I'm pulling for Chile to come in second.

Prediction: Toss Up. Their match against the Swiss will decide if they advance. I'm picking them as the winners for the sake of making a prediction, though that game could really go either way.

[Archer]

I like Englands prediction . It's probable that Beckham will be riding the bench for most of the WC though .

Beckham himself has even admitted that may not make the final squad that travels to South Africa . I think with a solid few months in Italy he could get himself a bench role however

[Senser81]

I think you are selling Uruguay short. Group A is the weakest group IMO, and there really is no reason to think they would finish behind Mexico and South Africa.

Slovenia has some scoring class up front, which will give problems to everyone else in Group C because the rest of the teams are grinders. I think they could win the group.

Germany isn't all that great this time around, and I could see both Serbia and Ghana overtaking them in the group. Germany does tend to play well in the World Cup, though.

Denmark and Cameroon in Group E is a very interesting matchup. Could see it going either way.

Group F is garbage. Its funny to me that both France and Italy managed to weasel their way into the easiest groups...they both play horrible football, yet they can't help but advance to the knockout stage.

[Archer]

I think you are selling Uruguay short. Group A is the weakest group IMO, and there really is no reason to think they would finish behind Mexico and South Africa.

Slovenia has some scoring class up front, which will give problems to everyone else in Group C because the rest of the teams are grinders. I think they could win the group.

Germany isn't all that great this time around, and I could see both Serbia and Ghana overtaking them in the group. Germany does tend to play well in the World Cup, though.

Denmark and Cameroon in Group E is a very interesting matchup. Could see it going either way.

Group F is garbage. Its funny to me that both France and Italy managed to weasel their way into the easiest groups...they both play horrible football, yet they can't help but advance to the knockout stage.

I think you are selling Uruguay short. Group A is the weakest group IMO, and there really is no reason to think they would finish behind Mexico and South Africa.

Agreed

Slovenia has some scoring class up front, which will give problems to everyone else in Group C because the rest of the teams are grinders. I think they could win the group.

I predicted Slovenia to come second behind us .... I think people will be suprised by how decent they actually are

Germany isn't all that great this time around, and I could see both Serbia and Ghana overtaking them in the group. Germany does tend to play well in the World Cup, though.

Germany will probably do what they always do . Look like shit coming in , play like shit in the groups , somehow make it through and then come alive in the knockout stage . They have an annoying habit of peaking when it matters most

Group F is garbage. Its funny to me that both France and Italy managed to weasel their way into the easiest groups...they both play horrible football, yet they can't help but advance to the knockout stage

France are easily the most overrated team coming into this tourney .U.S Fans are telling me that they were happier to get England over France . I'd be shocked if they get past the first knockout round to be honest

[davie]

Group F is garbage. Its funny to me that both France and Italy managed to weasel their way into the easiest groups...they both play horrible football, yet they can't help but advance to the knockout stage.

What chance did you give Italy before the tournament started in 2006?

[Vinsane]

I think you are selling Uruguay short. Group A is the weakest group IMO, and there really is no reason to think they would finish behind Mexico and South Africa.

Just because I said it's possible for the South Africans to get a win, didn't exactly make it a strong possibility. Which is why I mentioned in the French prediction. If France starts off slow, Uruguay can pull off the upset, then they go on to beat South Africa, I don't see them beating Mexico. For Uruguay it all depends on how the French start.

If they're beaten by the French their backs are against the wall against South Africa/Mexico. I can see the South African game going either way, with the "Home Pitch" advantage being the only real upside for the South Africans. Even if they pick up a win against South Africa, a 1-2 record isn't going to be enough to advance, unless South Africa stuns either Mexico or France. Highly unlikely.

Slovenia has some scoring class up front, which will give problems to everyone else in Group C because the rest of the teams are grinders. I think they could win the group.

Noted. At best they finish second, I can't see them winning the group.

Germany isn't all that great this time around, and I could see both Serbia and Ghana overtaking them in the group. Germany does tend to play well in the World Cup, though.

Mostly the experience is the real upside the Germans have, over the Serbians. For whatever reason, like Archer said, they turn it on just at the right moment and peak when they need to. A motivated German team could be very dangerous in the Knock Out Rounds.

Serbia has youth, and could take energy deep into the matches, but I see their lack of experience being a real problem against them, and especially against the seasoned Germans. And Ghana is not to be over looked, I really think if anyone is going to surprise and overtake the Germans, it's the Black Stars.

Denmark and Cameroon in Group E is a very interesting matchup. Could see it going either way.

I really think it's the most interesting match-up of the entire group stages, aside from the Chile/Swiss match-up. The winner here is advancing in at least the second seed, barring them letting the Japanese deliver a stunner, which I can't see happening.

Group F is garbage. Its funny to me that both France and Italy managed to weasel their way into the easiest groups...they both play horrible football, yet they can't help but advance to the knockout stage.

I said Spain got the easiest of the groups, but now that I look it over again you're right. You could give that honor to either of those teams.

[Vinsane]

underrated as usual

we had a harder group in 06 and we got through, theres no difference in 2010

United States? Or...

[Archer]

United States? Or...

He's from Australia

[Senser81]

What chance did you give Italy before the tournament started in 2006?

I actually picked them to win. They had a good all-around team, and most of their players were in their prime. I think having Buffon in goal gave them a big advantage over teams like France and Brazil. I think the current version of Italy isn't nearly as strong.

[davie]

I actually picked them to win. They had a good all-around team, and most of their players were in their prime. I think having Buffon in goal gave them a big advantage over teams like France and Brazil. I think the current version of Italy isn't nearly as strong.

Their defence is creaking, with Chiellini being the only starter under 30. But the Valencia team that reached the 2001 Champions League Final (only to lose eventually on penalties) had only 1 defender under 30 in arguably a better tournament talent-wise. Nesta possibly coming out of International retirement. Domenico Criscito (former Juve youth player, now with Genoa) could be starting next year, if he finishes the season well, since Lippi likes to pick in-form players.

Wealth of talent in midfield, dependent on whether a 4-3-3 or 4-3-1-2 is used. With the latter it will likely be Camoranesi, Gattuso and a choice of Palombo, Montolivo, Biondini, Marchisio, D'Agostino, Aquilani or De Rossi. Pirlo will most likely get to play the advanced role. Upfront will be Gilardino partnered with Quagliarella/Di Natale/Pazzini/Rossi/Iaquinta.

In a 4-3-3, the 3 in midfield would Gattuso, Pirlo and one from the list. The wider forwards will probably be 2 from Camoranesi, Montolivo, Pepe, Quagliarella, Palladino, Rossi, Di Natale. Central role is Gilardino's to lose to either Pazzini or Iaquinta.

I'd prefer to see the 4-3-1-2 used since when they've used the 4-3-3 it usually becomes 4-5-1 and Gilardino isn't good enough when isolated. But with the 4-3-1-2 I think that's a team capable of winning a World Cup.

[citizenerased]

GROUP E

New Zealand: The proverbial whipping boys of this group. Too bad, so sad, New Zealand. Don't be surprised if this team picks up zero points, as well as zero goals.

Prediction: Dead last.

Fuck You.

[PP]

You really think Algeria is going to upset the USA? I actually see Slovenia upsetting England

with the US winning the group and Slovenia moving on.

[Archer]

You really think Algeria is going to upset the USA? I actually see Slovenia upsetting England

with the US winning the group and Slovenia moving on.

:bizzaro:

[Bomberooski]

I'm not a soccer fan at all but I love the World Cup. All the commercials for it have made me want to go get Fifa 10.