FIFA World Cup 2010 rocking news:
On June 12 th the United States will shock the soccer world once again when they beat England in Rustenburg. Despite England having the advantage in almost every positional match-up , the US will find a way to get the win. If the Americans are going to pull off the upset, there are several things.
More:
News: FIFA World Cup 2010 Predictions: United States Stuns England – Bleacherreport.com
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It’s finally here! 1,433 days since Italy lifted the trophy in Germany focus turns to South Africa. Here are the group by group Credit Jungle tips but first some overall thoughts…
Winner – Without doubt The Netherlands. Strength in depth in all positions on the field from the keeper to the front line. Injury prone however it if the key players can maintain fitness they’ve a good chance.
Dark Horses – probably South Africa. Home nations do tend to be buoyed significantly by their native crowd. Look at South Korea in 2002. That said they won’t win it! No dark horses will win it, the time is not right for the European/South American dominance to be broken.
England Predictions – If they can’t get past the EASY (England, Algeria, Slovenia, Yanks) group then something is seriously wrong. Maybe all the way but quarter-finals look most likely given Rio’s injury.
Player of the Tournament – Robin van Persie. this guy will have a tournament similar to Dennis Bergkamp in France ‘98. Remember that goal against Argentina? The Arsenal legend will no doubt conjure up something akin to this.
Golden Boot – there is no significant trend in the Golden Boot winner over the past few World Cups however, on aggregate, more Brazilians appear to have won it than not. On that basis I am going for LuÃs Fabiano.
Emerging Player – somebody South African/from the continent of Africa. Everybody will be looking to Africa. This guy seems to have a good strike rate, Katlego Mphela. Mind you, that’s probably against the likes of Lesotho, Zimbabwe, Central African Republic and other bastions of world football!
Group A – A tricky one for the host nation. Home support will be crucial. France’s recent record shows that they tend to crash and burn having done well in the previous World Cup. Winning in 98 was followed by a poor South Korea/Japan showing. Runners-up in Germany, I predict a flop. Uruguay missing from the world scene for some time may struggle. South Africa and Mexico to qualify.
Group B – Almost a mirror of Group D in USA 94. Argentina must be favourites despite an exceedingly average qualification campaign. Greece is as inconsistent as the British summer. The fact that it is in Africa may well play to Nigeria’s advantage. Argentina and Nigeria to qualify.
Group C – Group EASY (see above). England will qualify, and have to qualify to maintain any respect on the world stage. Given the Premiership quality in the American squad, one would have to fancy them also. The game on Saturday should decide the group winners. England and the USA to qualify.
Group D – it’s a cliche, but you can never write off Germany. Dismissed in many recent World Cups, they have always shown their stereotypical determination and thoroughbred pedigree. The Africa factor should favour Ghana but like the USA, Australia have many established Premiership players. Serbia can be dismissed, don’t travel well. Germany and Ghana to qualify.
Group E – Netherlands, Netherlands, Netherlands. This team has experience, natural ability, and is overwhelmed with creative talent. Japan appear to be very good at scoring in the wrong net and Denmark could well plod on underneath the radar. Will Cameroon wear basketball shirts? Will they dance by the corner flags? No one knows. Tough to call. The Netherlands and Denmark to qualify.
Group F – Paraguay and Italy. I really can’t see this going any other way. The two other teams, New Zealand and Slovakia, are certainly not packed full of big-name players, not always a disadvantage however. Italy and Paraguay to qualify.
Group G – Surely North Korea can be dismissed. They probably have more pressing matters to worry about back home. Brazil may meet a challenge in the Ivory Coast with their star quality and Portugal will need to prove they are more than just Ronaldo. A fancied nation will go out either way. Brazil and Portugal to qualify.
Group H – The much fancied Spain may decide they can play football this year. Your guess is as good as mine! Honduras have had something of a renaissance having been in the doldrums for many years and both Chile and Switzerland are regular Second Rounders. Chile and Spain to qualify.
So that’s it! Let’s broach the Second Round when we get there. Let me know your thoughts and you can all thank me when my tips come good!