2010 World cup: A group analysis
We can call “Group A” as new “Group of Death” along with Group G. France, Mexico and Uruguay are separated by just 8 ranks in latest FIFA rankings. Things are further complicated by poor form of France while South Africa is in good form and no longer a pushover. Mexico raised hopes after defeating Italy in a warm-up game. Uruguay is an unpredictable team.
Along with Group B and D, A group also contains 3 teams from top 20 FIFA rankings while fourth team is a host. South Korea in 2002 created sensation by reaching semi-finals despite low FIFA ranking. We have to see whether South Africa can replicate that kind of sensation by using familiar high altitude conditions.
Qualification of Group A teams:
1. France: Qualified under dubious circumstances (handball). France defeated Ireland in a play-off.
2. South Africa: Automatic qualification being a host.
3. Mexico: Coach and Blanco guided Mexico to second spot in qualifying group.
4. Uruguay: It qualified by defeating Costa Rica in play-off. It finished fifth in South American qualifying group.
Analysis of Group A teams:
1. France: It is runner-up in 2006 world cup. It qualified under controversial circumstances. Despite having many world class players, they are struggling to play as a unit. Spain ruthlessly exposed its limitations in a friendly match. It is now low on confidence after losing to China in a warm-up game. I am still strgulling to understand France and why it is playing so poorly despite having many world class players in all positions. Even in-form players are struggling to play in this squad.
2. Uruguay: South Americans have best forwards but South Africa is unbeaten since November, 2009.
3. Mexico: Mexico is peaking at right time. It is high on confidence after defeating Italy. Despite losses, they played well even against Holland and England.
4. South Africa: Its form is rapidly improving and has home advantage. Its performance in 2009 Confederations cup is exceptional. They are unbeaten in last 12 games.
Predictions on group A teams:
1. France: Drastic slump in form reduced hopes of France progress. It will be a miracle if France reaches second round.
2. Uruguay: Uruguay fans have lot of hopes on their star forwards. Tough to predict due to its unpredictable play.
3. Mexico: Can top group A and can even advance to quarter-finals if they continue current good run.
4. South Africa: South Africa is a gaint at home. It reached semi-finals in 2009 Confederations cup and gave tough fight to Brazil and Spain. It may surprise world by reaching second round.
Final analysis of Group A:
After deep slump in France form, equations changed drastically in group A. All teams have equal chance to progress to second round. Mexico and South Africa are favourites to advance to second round. But, if France stars regain form, they can easily advance to second round. Due to tight contest between four teams, each game in group stage is significant.
Schedule of Group A games:
Date | IST | Venue and City | Soccer Game |
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June 11 | 7:30 PM | Soccer City stadium, Johannesburg | |
June 12 | 12 AM | Green Point stadium, Capetown | |
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June 17 | 12 AM | Loftus Versfled stadium, Pretoria | South Africa Vs Uruguay |
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June 18 | 12 AM | Peter Mokaba stadium, Polokwane | France Vs Mexico |
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June 22 | 7:30 PM | Royal Bafokeng stadium, Rustenburg | Mexico Vs Uruguay |
June 22 | 7:30 PM | Free State stadium, Bloemfontein | France Vs South Africa |
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Group A sqauds and analysis:
| France | South Africa | Mexico | Uruguay |
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World Cup Appearances: | 12 times | 2 times | 13 times | 10 times |
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Best Performance: | World cup winner in 1998 | Exited from group stage | Quarter-final in 1970 & 1986 | World cup winner in 1930 & 1950 |
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FIFA ranking: | 9 | 83 | 17 | 16 |
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My Rating: | 6.5/10 | 6.5/10 | 6.5/10 | 6/10 |
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| Coach Name: | Raymond Domenech | Carlos Parreira | Javier Aguirre | Oscar Tabarez |
Coach rating: | 5/10 | 8/10 | 7/10 | 7/10 |
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Captain: | Thierry Henry | Aaron Makoena | Gerardo Torrado | Diego Lugano |
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Squad: |
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Goalkeepers: |
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1. | Hugo Lloris | Moeneeb Josephs | Guillermo Ochoa | Fernando Muslera |
2. | Cedric Carrasso | Itumeleng Khune | Oscar Perez | Juan Castillo |
3. | Steve Mandanda | Shu-Aib Walters | Luis Michel | Martin Silva |
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Defenders: |
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1. | Patrice Evra | Aaron Mokoena | Rafael Marquez | Diego Lugano |
2. | William Gallas | Tsepo Masilela | Carlos Salcido | Martin Caceres |
3. | Eric Abidal | Siboniso Gaxa | Paul Aguilar | Andres Scotti |
4. | Gael Clichy | Anele Ngcongca | Efrain Juarez | Diego Godin |
5. | Bacary Sagna | Matthew Booth | Ricardo Osorio | Jorge Fucile |
6. | Marc Planus | Bongani Khumalo | Javier Rodriguez | Mauricio Victorino |
7. | Anthony Reveillere | Siyabonga Sangweni | Hector Moreno | Maximiliano Pereira |
8. | Sebastien Squillaci | Lucas Thwala | Jonny Magallon |
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| Jorge Torres Nilo |
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10. |
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Midfielders: |
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1. | Yoann Gourcuff | Steven Pienaar | Andres Guardado | Walter Gargano |
2. | Abou Diaby | Kagisho Dikgacoi | Castro | Diego Perez |
3. | Florent Malouda | Teko Modise | Gerardo Torrado | Alvaro Pereira |
4. | Jeremy Toulalan | Siphiwe Tshabalala |
| Alvaro Fernandez |
5. | Alou Diarra | Macbeth Sibaya |
| Ignacio Gonzalez |
6. | Mathieu Valbuena | Lance Davids |
| Egidio Arevalo-Rios |
7. |
| Thanduyise Khuboni |
| Nicolas Lodeiro |
8. |
| Letsholonyane |
| Sebastian Eguren |
9. |
| Surprise Moriri |
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10. |
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Forwards: |
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1. | Nicolas Anelka | Katlego Mphela | Giovani Dos Santos | Diego Forlan |
2. | Franck Ribery | Siyabonga Nomvete | Javier Hernandez | Luis Suarez |
3. | Thierry Henry | Bernard Parker | Carlos Vela | Sebastian Abreu |
4. | Djibril Cisse |
| Guillermo Franco | Sebastian Fernandez |
5. | Andre-Pierre Gignac |
| Pablo Barrera | Edinson Cavani |
6. | Sidney Govou |
| Cuauhtemoc Blanco |
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| 7. |
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| Alberto Medina |
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8. |
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| Adolfo Bautista |
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Share your views on Group A teams and predict their progress in 2010 football world cup.
