FIFA WC010: Group stage
Fédération Internationale de Football Association’s World cup is the biggest sporting event held in world. It is been held in every 4 years since 1930 except 1942 and 1946 due to the 2nd World war. The last tournament was held in Germany in 2006. It is estimated that approximately 715.1 million people watched the final match of that tournament between Italy and France. The crucial game ended {1-1} after a penalty shootout and Italy lifted their 4th world cup trophy. The thing to notice was that the goal scorers in final match (Zidane and Materazzi) had a conflict. Zidane head butted Materazzi in the chest in an off ball incident which resulted a sending off to Zidane. Zidane retired after the incident as a football player.
FIFA world cup’s group stage is divided into 8 groups. In each group there are 4 teams which results a total 32 teams participating in the tournament. I will be giving my view on each group and there teams.
Group A: South Africa – Uruguay – Mexico – France. Definitely a group that we can single out. The host country South Africa is in this group which makes the group a unique one. Many spectators believe France as the favourites in this group which I disagree. France is coming without star young guns Benzema and Samir Nasri and giant Viera which lead there team morale down. I guess Mexico is having a great team morale which is the reason they can go through. And for no doubt the VUVUZELA will bring the South African team to 2nd round in my view. Still Uruguay can compete. They have individual talents like Suarez and Forlan.
Group B: Argentina – Nigeria – Korea Republic – Greece. Argentina looks far away the favourites in this group. There attacking force Messi, Tevez, Aguero, Milito and Higuain are world’s best at the time. The problem will be between other 3 teams. I think Greece will be unlucky that this world cup is in Africa. But South Korea and Nigeria will be benefited and I’ll take the one hope of Asia to 2nd round, South Korea will reach in my thought with Park ji Sung.
Group C: England – USA – Algeria – Slovenia. England will be so happy to see their name on one of the simplest groups. But England is having so many injury problems which includes Beckham (sad news for ladies), Hargreaves, Owen and still Terry, Ferdinand, Rooney are not fully fit. USA’s Donovan specially would give everything they have to be the number one in this group ahead of England. Algeria and Slovenia has no chance in my opinion cause of the 2 powers.
Group D: Germany – Australia – Serbia – Ghana. Another huge group. I hope to see lots of fight in this group, especially when Germany lost their key man Michael Ballack last week due to injury. Australia are very unlucky to be in this group still they have the ability to fight and I hope cause Australia also joined World cup as an Asian team. Ghana is my favourite team because they will feel South Africa as their home and they are one of the biggest hopes of Africa. Serbia is a surprise team of Europe, A team who has players like Olic, Krasnic, Ivanovic and Vidic can do anything. So I will surprise all by choosing Ghana and Serbia leaving Germany.
Group E: Netherland – Denmark – Japan – Cameroon. Netherlands will be the favourites of the group for no doubt with players like Robben, Persie, Van Bommel and Sneijder. The other 3 teams looks same level. But by looking at the current condition I would prefer Cameroon to the 2nd round with the star man Samuel Eto’o. Denmark still can fight with Bendtener but I can’t see Japan winning.
Group F: Italy – Paraguay – New Zealand – Slovakia. Another heartbreak to ladies. There will be no Francesco Totti and Luca Toni in the Italian team. But the Italians will be quite happy to be in this group. Paraguay looks a dangerous side but Italy as the defending champions should not have any problem. Slovakia can make a surprise yet Paraguay looks in a good shape. And I don’t have any hopes for New Zealand. So all the best Paraguay and mighty Italians.
Group G: Brazil – Korea DPR - Côte d'Ivoire – Portugal. THE GROUP OF DEATH. North Korea will be in the middle of happiness and sadness. Happy cause they’ll get the chance to play against world’s top players Kaka, C.Ronaldo, Drogba etc. Sad cause they are in the group of death when they are in the world cup after so many years. Brazil’s coach Dunga is coming to the world cup leaving star man Ronaldinho, Adriano and super kid Pato (known to be similar as Pele), But with Kaka and Robinho. Portugal consists of the top most Cristiano Ronaldo and in form Manchester United winger Luis Nani. Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast) is with Didier Drogba, Toure brothers and Kalou too. I hope Brazil will be disqualified from the 1st round. Still I think the very unlucky Ivory Coast will struggle again while Kaka and C.Ronaldo will go to 2nd round.
Group H: Spain – Switzerland – Honduras – Chile. Spain came to the World cup as the favourites from Europe. They are the defending Euro champions. Their squad known to be overall best squad with Puyol and Sergio Ramos at defence and mighty Xavi, Iniesta, Silva, Alonso and Fabregas in midfield, also Torres and Villa are known to be best partners in Forward line. So the other 3 teams will struggle against Spain. Still Chile looks in a great shape after they were just 1 point behind Brazil and topped the great Argentina. Suazo is the man to watch from Chile. Switzerland and Honduras were guaranteed a place in WC010 on the last minute of qualification. So Spain and Chile would make it easy to the 2nd round.
I hope I had given enough information through my view on this year’s World cup group stage. I will bring an end to this article by briefing my teams to the 2nd round.
Group A: South Africa – Mexico
Group B: Argentina – South Korea
Group C: England – USA
Group D: Ghana – Serbia
Group E: Netherlands – Cameroon
Group F: Italy – Paraguay
Group G: Brazil – Portugal
Group H: Spain – Chile
18/05/10