2010 World Cup Draw & Instant Predictions

On Friday, December the 4th FIFA announced the 2010 World Cup draw. All 32 qualifying teams were placed into eight groups of four teams a piece. Inevitably, there is a 'Group of Death' and a few easier groups. Which is bound to happen when you base your match-ups on a random drawing instead of rankings or statistics. Below is a quick summary of the teams in each group and my prediction on which two will advance from the group stage into the knockout round of 16.

Group A:
Teams: South Africa, Mexico, Uruguay, and France
Analysis: The open match should be quite interesting, South Africa vs. Mexico. While Mexico has more talent, the hosts will have an entire nation supporting them and looking to impress from the start. While France had an ugly qualifying campaign, once they get to the World Cup their stars should help them advance. Overall, this is truly a toss up group.
Advancing: France, Mexico

Group B:
Teams: Argentina, South Korea, Nigeria and Greece
Analysis: Argentina struggled to get through the qualifiers, but have plenty of skill to make everyone forget about that. Messi is in top form and if Argentina can find someone to consistently get him the ball they should advance easily. Greece is a defensive master, Nigeria is one of Africa's top five teams and South Korea have become one of the consistent Asian countries at the international level.
Advancing: Argentina, Nigeria

Group C:

Teams: England, United States, Algeria and Slovenia

Analysis: The England vs. USA opening match is a gem for players, fans and the media. If either team comes out with 3 points they are almost assured to advance. Not a lot is known about Algeria and Slovenia, except that they both upset bigger teams to reach the World Cup - Egypt and Russia, respectively. However, that is sure to change as the Americans and English have six months to analyse these other countries.

Advancing: England, USA

Group D:

Teams: Germany, Australia, Ghana and Serbia

Analysis: Germany do not feature a major international star, but are a strong quality side. Australia moved the Oceanic region to the Asian region and excelled. Ghana are an up and coming African team which just won the U-20 World Cup.

Advancing: Germany, Ghana

Group E:

Teams: Netherlands, Japan, Cameroon, and Denmark

Analysis: The Dutch play great soccer, but can they rise up in the big moment and actual win a major tournament? Japan and Denmark are both dangerous teams who can give the Dutch a problem. Samuel Eto'o isn't enough to see Cameroon through to the knockout rounds.

Advancing: Netherlands, Japan

Group F:

Teams: Italy, New Zealand, Paraguay, and Slovakia

Analysis: Arguably the easiest group - Paraguay is the second highest ranked team at 30th in the world. The Italians, although aging, are the strongest and should advance based on talent and experience.

Advancing: Italy, Paraguay.

Group G:

Teams: Brazil, North Korea, Ivory Coast and Portugal.

Analysis: The Group of Death - three of the top teams in the world all in the same group. North Korea's first World Cup in 44 years is not a great welcome back. Kaka vs. Drogba vs. Ronaldo - can anyone ask for more in an opening round group.

Advancing: Brazil, Ivory Coast

Group H:

Teams: Spain, Honduras, Chile and Switzerland

Analysis: Spain is rivaling Italy for the easiest path to the final 16. While the battle for 2nd place should be entertaining, 1st place in the group should be automatic. Chile boasts a strong, young team which finished second in South American qualifying. Honduras barely qualified due to a last minute header by Jonathan Bornstein to equalize against Costa Rica, giving Honduras the last CONCACAF spot.

Advancing: Spain, Chile