Group A Preview
When France was paired along with Uruguay, South Africa and Mexico, everyone believed that Lady Luck was shining on France. In FIFA ranking France is ranked at number nine, Mexico at 17, Uruguay at 16 and South Africa at 83. From the numbers it should be a cake walk for France and the second spot should be a fight between Uruguay and Mexico. But this could be very much far from the truth. France recent form has been appaling at its best. Meanwhile Mexico inspired by the young talents of Giovani dos Santos, Javier Hernandez and Vela has been creating huge trouble for experienced defences. Their performance in the defeat against England and the victory against Italy showed the glimpse of what Mexico is capable of. Meanwhile South Africa is in the middle of an unbeaten run and a look back at last year's confederation cup shows that, with the crowd backing they could be the most tricky opponent. FIFA world cup has always seen host nations doing well, even winning the cup. South Africa may not be winning the World Cup but with crowd behind them they could take some big teams along with them. Uruguay now looks like the minows in the team but has the firepower to upstage even the group favourite, France. Add all these factors to France's terrible form, Group A could emerge as the potential "Group of Death".
Group B
Argentina meanwhile should be pleased that none of their opponents have shown any kind of dangerous form to the build up of the game. Baring complacency, they should easily see off South Korea, Nigeria and Greece. This is not going to be easy, but we can expect them to prevail from the group without much proble. As I have written earlier Argentina World Cup Preview, Maradona has to get the lin-up correct. The real competition could be for the second place as every team has a decent chance, but one has to fancy South Korea for their recent experiences.
Group C
Group C looks less complicated with England being the strongest team and USA the second. The chances of Algeria or Slovenia creating an upset looks rather bleak at this moment. For a number of English players, this could be their last World Cup and would like to make this one special. Meanwhile USA players will be hoping to produce another sensational performance like last year's Confederation Cup.
Group D
Group D looks like a mess at this moment. Germany and Ghana were favoured by many to go through. But injuries to Ballack and Essien makes this group very very interesting. With these stars absent we can expect a very close contest. Germany will be banking on their experience to get through this group. Past history shows German teams always do well in World Cup and we can expect them to get out of this group. Of all the Group of deaths, this one looks the toughest one.
Group E
Favourites Netherlands should be pleased at their Group and Pre-tournament form. The Dutch national side has a great chance to win this World Cup and should ease past through this group. The second place could be a clean fight between Japan and Cameroon. Japan's recent records are not that good and we can fancy Cameroon proceeding from this group.
Group F
Defending Champion Italy and Paraguay looks favourite to proceed through this group. Minows Denmark and Slovakia may present interesting challenge, but it is very difficult to see them upstaging Italy or Paraguay.
Group G
We now come to the most talked about Group of the Tournament. Brazil, Ivory Coast, Portugal and North Korea are all clubbed together in the official Group of Death. In the presence of Portugal, Ivory Coast and Brazil, North Korea may be just there to make up the numbers. Brazil looks favourite to emerge as the Group Winners but there is no Guarantee. The fixture puts Ivory Coast in a very advantageous position. Ivoy Coast plays Portugal first and Brazil after that. If they can get one draw out of these two matches, they could do well to qualify as the last match would be with North Korea. Meanwhile Portugal's form coming into the tournament doesn't inspire many. So it will be upto Ronaldo to inspire his team and qualify from this group. My afvourites are Brazil and Portugal to go through.
Group H
Spain should not have any problem in topping the group, but the second round is going to be tricky. Chile looks the next favourite to go through as both Honduras and Switzerland may not present much of a challenge.