Who will escape from World Cup Group A?

With less than 50 days left until the Word Cup I thought I would add to the excitement by looking at who I think will qualify from Group A which contains France, Uruguay, Mexico and hosts South Africa.

France

Not everybody’s favourite team after their controversial play-off win over Ireland but the gods were shining on them when they were drawn in a favourable group. However, Coach Raymond Domenech is unpopular with fans and what looks like an impressive team on paper needs to stand up and be counted. They might be some people’s football tips to win the tournament, but I have a sneaky feeling they may crash and burn in this one.

Mexico

They have a good record at qualifying from their group – but don’t go any further. They have been eliminated at the first knockout stage in their past four tournaments. They could have done with a kinder group though as their best players are also their oldest, take 37-year-old Chauthemoc Blanco for example. I predict they will go home with the wooden spoon.

Uruguay

The two times winners are back in the World Cup for the first time since 2002 and it is only the second time they have qualified since 1990. However they boast a strong line up including strikers Diego Forlan and Luis Suarez. They will be a real threat but their inconsistency could mean they end up winning the group or finishing bottom. Still, I have a suspicion though that they will make it through to the last 16.

South Africa

With the World Cup on African soil for the first time it is vital the hosts do well in order to sustain interest in the competition. It will be tough for South Africa and their failure to make the African Nations Cup highlighted their deficiencies. However home advantage will be a big draw and, like South Korea in 2002, I fancy the hosts to be carried through on a wave of national optimism. They are my World Cup bet to finish second.

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2. June 11: What am I still doing in NY?
3. Photos: June 11th – South Africa vs. Mexico, France vs. Uruguay
4. 6 more qualify: 2010 World Cup in South Africa is complete.
5. World Cup Qualifiers: Portugal still alive. Argentina qualifies.