World Cup 2010: Group A/B preview
Lionel Messi, one of the world's highest profile players, will be leading Argentina in South Africa. Will his outstanding play be enough to claim a third title for the Argentinians?
Clash of the Titans
June 2, 2010 11:10 PM ADT
Millions worldwide will relish the next two months as the beautiful game will take center stage in South Africa. The four year wait is over as the 2010 FIFA World Cup is only days away and Chris and Colin are back at each other's throat debating which team will emerge victorious. Here's what they said:
Group A: France, Mexico, South Africa, Uruguay
Chris: France and Uruguay
Thierry Henry and the boys from France will be making a playoff push in the 2010 edition of the World Cup. After winning their first title in 1998, they lost out in the first round in 2002 and were runners-up in 2006. This team has a good mix of veterans and upcoming world class players, so this choice is simple.
You may not like the thought of Uruguay taking the second spot from Group A, but it is going to happen. This is a young team with some players to watch out for in Diego Lugano and Diego Forlán. They are tied for fourth all-time for championship titles and after some rebuilding, this country seems as though it is moving towards that championship level once again. Watch out.
Colin: France and Mexico
It's a shame that the first African host won't win a game in their third appearance in a FIFA World Cup. The 83rd ranked South Africans will be in tough against France, Uruguay, and Mexico, who are ranked 9th, 16th, and 17th respectively. The French have been awaiting this tournament ever since their heartbreaking shootout defeat at the hands of the Italians in the 2006 final. Led by Thierry Henry, the French have seen quite a bit of turnover in star power, but familiar names like Gallas, Anelka, Malouda, and Diarra will power them into the second stage. Look for France to come out flying, but don't think they'll run over the competition.
The Mexicans, under the influence of new bench boss Javier Aguirre, have looked sharp in the qualifying rounds. Mexico, in their 15th appearance, have progressed to the round of 16 in the previous four tournaments and should squeeze past the Uruguayans on goal differential.
Group B: Argentina, Greece, Nigeria, Korea Republic
Chris: Argentina and Nigeria.
With players like Lionel Messi, Javier Mascherano, Carlos Tevez, and Juan Veron, Argentina has a strong core of skilled players. Their only potential problem will be getting the players to mesh together. This country has two World Cup titles under its belt, but none since 1986. In the 2006 World Cup, they lost in the quarter-finals to Germany on penalty kicks showing they are still amongst the top in the world. We should expect nothing less than a quarter-final berth for the Argentinians.
Nigeria was the best of the rest so to speak in this pool. They have a team of unsung heroes, but, at the same time, have a balanced team with the ability to hold off their opponents and tickle the twine. This is only the fourth time on the world stage for this country with their best finish being in the first round of the playoffs. Each time Nigeria has been in the World Cup they have found a way to unexpectedly win games early in the tournament, but don't get too excited. Just because they're going to win a spot out of Group B doesn't mean they are going anywhere fast.
Colin: Argentina and Greece
When the pundits separate the contenders from the pretenders at the start of every World Cup, Argentina is always slotted in potential champion category. Coached by the great Diego Maradona, the two-time world champions will be led by one of the finest footballers alive today, Lionel Messi. They should have little trouble advancing to the round of 16 and don't be surprised to see this club go deep.
It will be a tight race for the second spot in Group B. The Koreans could surprise Greece and Nigeria, but it should come down to who takes the June 17 match between the two. My money is on the Greeks as they continue to surprise the soccer world since their Cinderella-story win in Euro 2004. Greece has played some impressive soccer to qualify and will be fielding a group of veterans that are experience in international play. They'll move on to the round of 16, but that's where their journey will be halted.
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