World Cup: Group stage predictions

One day to go before the big kick-off. The talking stops (Clive Tyldesley excepted), the gloves are off, Fabio is readying his collection of scowls and frowns. Here are my group-by-group predictions:

Group A – South Africa, Mexico, Uruguay, France

I find this one of the hardest groups to call. South Africa have home advantage, Mexico and Uruguay look good on paper but often fail to perform to their potential in World Cups. And then there’s France. The French have a lot of talent, no doubt about it. But they also have Raymond Domenech, and squeaked into the finals through a handball incident that you almost certainly didn’t hear about at the time.

I still think France will get through the group, but there is the potential for an upset in any of their games, none of which will be easy.

For the second slot, Mexico are many people’s favourites but I have a feeling Uruguay could do well. Diego Forlan is arguably the best striker in the group, and if young playmaker Nicolas Lodeiro fires they will be a tough proposition.

Group B – Argentina, Greece, Nigeria, South Korea

Surely not even Maradona can prevent Argentina getting through this group. There is no easy win here, but they would expect to have too much attacking ability for Nigeria & South Korea, whilst Greece are not adventurous enough to pose a big threat.

Nigeria should have enough to take second spot, but they cannot afford to falter against Greece or South Korea, both of whom are capable of causing trouble.

Group C – England, USA, Algeria, Slovenia

Whilst the rest of the world have England amongst the tournament favourites, back in Blighty we’re not so sure, with questions still to be answered right through the team. Defeat in Saturday’s opener against the dangerous Americans would be a serious dent to their confidence. A draw in this match would be satisfactory, whilst they ought to be able to see off Algeria & Slovenia though not without the usual huffing & puffing.

The USA are highly regarded having beaten Spain and given Brazil an almighty fright in last year’s Confed Cup. Their brand of organised and committed football should see them into the last 16, but they will need to ensure they do not rely too heavily on Landon Donovan.

Group D – Germany, Ghana, Serbia, Australia

They may have a number of inexperienced players in important positions and they may be lacking Michael Ballack, but you still can’t look beyond Germany in group D. The transformation of Bastian Schweinsteiger from wide man to midfield maestro and the emergence of Mesut Özil give them a creative midfield, and with Klose and Podolski they will not lack for finishing ability.

Both Serbia and Australia are good solid teams, but African support will be a big factor in helping Ghana progress. Possibly the strongest African nation present, they will be counting on a dynamic midfield to overpower their opposition.

Group E – Holland, Denmark, Japan, Cameroon

Holland are favourite to win Group E, and could go far if they play at their best. With Robin van Persie fresh after recovering from injury, Wesley Sneijder fundamental to Inter’s Champions League triumph and Arjen Robben in sparkling form for Bayern, their best is very good indeed.

That leaves the other three teams to scrap for second. The Indomitable Lions have more flair, yet rely heavily on Samuel Eto’o and are suspect at the back. Denmark are the antithesis of Cameroon – disciplined and organised yet functional. Japan will bring non-stop dynamism with creative flair from Shunsuke Nakamura and Keisuke Honda.

A tough call, but I’ll plump for local support to carry Cameroon through to the next round.

Group F – Italy, Paraguay, New Zealand, Slovakia

Italy will feel confident in a group containing New Zealand and Slovakia. The defending champions are not at their best, but they are good enough to win the group fairly comfortably.

With plenty of firepower, Paraguay will also be confident of going through. With Nelson Valdez, Oscar Cardozo and Roque Santa Cruz they have plenty of goalscoring options, but the key will be the form of Cristian Riveros in midfield.

Group G – Brazil, Portugal, Ivory Coast, North Korea

The group of death. Except, with Portugal reliant on Ronaldo and Didier Drogba suffering an injury, the way is clear for Brazil to cruise into the last 16. Gone are the days of Samba football, and in a way that makes it even harder to see them being beaten.

Ivory Coast suffered a shambolic African Cup of Nations, and will be hoping for the Sven Effect to propel them to a quarter final defeat. But the injury to Drogba will be too much to overcome and Portugal will progress despite their frailties.

Group H – Spain, Honduras, Chile, Switzerland

A fascinating group that promises to deliver some fantastic entertainment. Everyone knows about Spain and they will have no problems winning this group. Their clash with gung-ho Chile could be one of the best matches in the group stage.

Switzerland are typical of many European teams – see also Denmark – and will be hard to beat. Honduras have some real talent but are untested at this level. I think the tactical nous of Marcelo Bielsa and their attacking instincts will see Chile escape the group alongside the Spaniards.