May 20th 2010, 18:49:27
Here are mines:
A
France
Mexico
France has an easy group compared to the rest. Mexico played good and they are constant. I think they will pass.
B
Argentina
Korea Republic (surprise winners)
Not too hard group, Argentina should pass easily. Koreans should pass hardly, but I think they will manage. I think they will create the surprise.
C
England
Slovenia
USA improved a lot. But not enough to pass through the group phases. This group is harder than A-B. Slovenia created a surprise by taking out Russians and make a spot for themselves in the world cup. The are a country from ex-Yougoslavia in which the football culture good. Definitely better than USA. USA still need to work hard on development and to attract more players to increase the level of football in the country.
D
Serbia
Germany
THIS is the unofficial group of death. Any of Serbia, Ghana and Germany can pass adding the fact that Australians improved a lot. We saw it during the olympics. They weren't bad at all. It is the least predictable group of them all. I think The teams with the least of pressure there are Serbia and Australia. It will play an enormous role. Germans will not do as good as supposed for 2 main reasons: The atmosphere in south africa (Players will be confined to their hotels and the field for security reasons. Serbians and Ghaneans know what it is to play in such conditions because of recent history in both their countries) and the 2nd reason is the loss of the start midfielder Michael Ballack that is injured and won't play for germans during the World Cup.
E
Netherlands
Denmark
Not too hard group. I think the danish will cause a surprise by taking out Cameroon. But to be honest, it wouldn't be THAT big of a surprise.
F
Italy
Slovakia
Slovakians have much less to lose than any other team in there, I think it will result in a surprise qualification.
G
Brazil
Portugal
No explanation really, just pure logic.
H
Spain
Switzerland
Switzerland improved like hell ever since the Euro 2009. They really played good during the qualifications. They are playing a very good defensive football in the same style as germans and I think it could pay off for them in their group. Chile and Honduras striking power will be controled.
