2010 FIFA World Cup Preview: Part 1 of 8

By Domenic Favata

This is the first part of eight of my 2010 FIFA World Cup preview. The biggest sporting event on the planet which kicks off on the 12th of June. Last time it was Italy who took the chocolates and held the title of champions. This time it could be anyone; the field is open and very balanced which makes it a highly anticipated event. So who will it be: Could it be the wonder men of Brazil? The euro champions Spain? Or even our very own Socceroos? We’ll just have to wait and see.

GROUP A:

South Africa: The host nation kicks things off against Mexico on the 12th of June, going into the tournament with the hopes of Africa on their shoulders. Ranked 88th in the world, the South Africans will want to prove their better than what their position suggests and perform it in their ‘backyard’.

Player to watch: Stephen Pinnear (Midfielder) Solid, all round midfielder who can set up goal scoring opportunities out of nothing.

Mexico: The speedy South Americans will go into this World Cup with a lot of confidence in their ability. The hopes are riding on their younger players who can set the game alight once they are on.

Player to watch: Rafael Marquez (c) (Defence) Full of talent which sees him at Spanish giants Barcelona. With the fiery temper, Marquez is able to shut down the opposition’s most dangerous forward.

Uruguay: Another South American country who are the nemesis of Australia- back in 2005. They have a formidable attack but the question is will they perform on the big stage. Frustration has been their recent calling card, but if they can keep things to a limit and perform in the big games, they could advance in their group.

Player to Watch: Diego Forlan (Striker) A naturally gifted performer, who has the stage to prove to the world he is one of the best strikers going round.

France: The way they stumbled to the World Cup did not impress many (handball goal by Henry in the playoffs). But the tournament wouldn’t be the same without the French. They have the players, the coach, but do they have the desire?

Player to watch: Thiery Henry (Striker) The man who literally handed France a spot in the Cup. Will want to go out and prove the critic’s wrong with his freakish goal scoring ability. One of the all time greats of France.

My tips for the group: France & Mexico to proceed through to Round of 16

Headline: FRANCE SPOIL SOUTH AFRICA PARTY

Comments

  1. Tim Ivins says

    Uruguay for mine, as much as it pains me to say it…

  2. Ian Syson says

    How long is it since a host hasn’t got into the round of 16?

  3. Darren Smith says

    The host country has always made it to the ‘second round’ although the size of the pool at this stage has varied over time. The last time a host or co-host didn’t make it to at least the semi-final was USA in 1994.

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