South Africa (host)
Mexico
France
Uruguay
Mexico's a team on the rise. France is a team on the downfall. South Africa will get homefield advantage, and no World Cup host has failed to advance beyond the group stage. Until now. Mexico wins Group A, France comes in 2nd.
Group B:
Argentina
Nigeria
Greece
S. Korea
This is a tough group. Obviously Argentina is a favorite, but selecting the 2nd place team is difficult. I'm tempted to take Greece, but will give Nigeria some continental advantage. So Argentina wins, Nigeria also advances.
Group C:
England
USA
Slovenia
Algeria
This should be a good draw for the US, although you never know. Slovenia doesn't suck. England to win, US 2nd.
Group D:
Germany
Australia
Ghana
Serbia
Ghana is playing without Essien, but they'll still be a tough team to beat. Germany is not as strong as years past, but they weren't perceived to be strong in 2008 and they advanced to the Euro finals. Germany wins, Ghana finishes 2nd.
Group E:
Netherlands
Denmark
Japan
Cameroon
The Dutch aren't a sexy pick, but they're always loaded. They should cruise through the group stages. I'm going to randomly pick Cameroon to take 2nd.
Group F:
Italy
Paraguay
Slovakia
New Zealand
This should be a fun group to watch. Paraguay can play pretty well. '06 WC Champs Italy haven't been amazing the last 4 years, and Slovakia always presents a good team. I'm taking Italy to win, Slovakia 2nd.
Group G:
Brazil
Ivory Coast
N. Korea
Portugal
This is the Group of Death. Ivory Coast is a top team that got a lousy draw here against Portugal and the always fearsome Brazil. I'll take Brazil to win, Ivory Coast to take 2nd.
Group H:
Spain
Switzerland
Honduras
Chile
Anyone speak Spanish? The Red Fury (Spain) got over a sort of choking habit by winning Euro 2008. It was their first major title since 1964. They'll win this group. I'll take Honduras to finish 2nd, but Chile will be fun to watch too.
No comments:
Post a Comment