***Group A Thread (Uruguay 1st, Mexico 2nd advance)***

GROUP A​

Table



[size=14pt]Schedule

Friday June 11th

South Africa 1 : 1 Mexico (Soccer City)

Uruguay 0 : 0 France (Cape Town Stadium)

Wednesday June 16th

South Africa 0 : 3 Uruguay (Loftus Versfeld Stadium)

Thursday June 17th

Mexico 2 : 0 France (Peter Mokaba Stadium)

Tuesday June 22nd

South Africa 2 : 1 France (Free State Stadium)

Mexico 0 : 1 Uruguay (Royal Bafokeng Stadium)


South Africa:





Last App: 2002(Group Stage)
Best App: 1998 & 2002 (Group Stage)
Record in WC: 1-3-2

Players to Watch: Steven Peinaar[Everton]



South Africa, also known as Bafana Bafana, has had a very brief World Cup history. Due to apartheid, they were banned by FIFA for a long time, and made their first World Cup appearance in 1998 finishing in third place with two points. In 2002, they came dangerously close to advancing out of group play, but were held back on goals scored. Their 3-2 loss to Spain in the final game of group play held them back.

Due to being the hosts, they were not forced to go through qualifying. They did however play in the Confederations Cup last summer and finished 4th, but since have played numerous friendlies and struggled which led to the sacking of manager Joel Santana and the reappointment of Carlos Parreira

Mexico





Last App: 2006(Round of 16)
Best App: 1970 & 1986 (Quarterfinals)
Record in WC: 11-12-22

Players to Watch: Carlos Vela[Arsenal]



Americas bitterest rivals have a notorious history of struggling on the big stage. Their most successful World Cups have been quarter final appearances in 1970 and 1986. In 2006 the Mexican squad finished 2nd to Portugal, and moved on to lose 2-1 to Argentina in the Round of 16. And as all American fans know, in 2002 the Mexicant’s got bitch slapped 2-0 by the US.

The Mexicans almost imploded in qualification, but were able to finish qualifying strong and clinched a 2nd place finish in the CONCACAF, behind the USA. They finished their final six games 5-1-0 with wins at home over America and Honduras, as well as a win at Costa.

Uruguay:





Last App: 2002(Group Stage)
Best App: 1930 & 1950 (Champions)
Record in WC: 15-10-15

Players to Watch: Diego Forlán[Atletico Madrid]



The former world power, who hosted and won the first World Cup, were able to grab the last spot available in the World Cup Finals. This group, led by Europa League hero Diego Forlan, were able to fend of the Costa Ricans in the play-in game. I wouldn’t expect too much from this Uruguayan squad, as they barely made the finals, and they have one of the tougher overall groups, and would be forced to beat the hosts to move on.

France:





Last App: 2006(Runner-up)
Best App: 1998 (Champions)
Record in WC: 25-10-16

Players to Watch: Franck Ribery[Bayern Munich]



The French, often referred to as Les Bleus, had a very difficult trip to South Africa. Whether you’re discussing the play on the field, or all of the drama occurring off it, the road has been up and down. The team was forced to playoffs in qualifying and relied on a handball goal from Thierry Henry to beat the Irish and solidify a spot in South Africa.

The team has a plethora of talent, with quite a few big time names including Malouda and Anelka from Chelsea, Sagna from Arsenal, as well as Thierry Henry from Barcelona. While the team struggled in qualifying, and have struggled as much in the time prepping for the World Cup, I expect their talent to be too good not to advance.

[size=14pt]Group Overview

This group is going to be one of the entertaining ones to watch. South Africa has the home field advantage, and in history, no host country has failed to advance out of group play. To go with the Bafana Bafana, you have the damn Mexicans, who tend to struggle whenever a big competition comes around. Along with them, you get the historically successful countries in France and Uruguay. Uruguay didn’t make it out of group stage their last go around in 2002, and don’t expect them to make it through this go around either. The French were lucky to get into the World Cup, and the luck continued when they got this draw.

Game(s) to Watch: South Africa vs Mexico – Not only is this the opening game of the 2010 World Cup, this should also be the game that decides the identity of the second team advancing from Group A. The South Africans had a very entertaining style of play in the Confederations Cup last summer, and if they have the same passion and performance on the field, they should advance past the Mexicans

Picks to Advance: France - S. Africa

 

Re: ***Group A Thread (South Africa, Mexico, Uruguay, France)***

Wouldn't be shocked if there's a 4 way tie after tomorrow

 

Re: ***Group A Thread (South Africa, Mexico, Uruguay, France)***

Gio isn't in South Africa

 

Re: ***Group A Thread (South Africa, Mexico, Uruguay, France)***

well n/m.

I think South Africa will move on, no host has never not advanced, and they will have a huge crowd advantage since no tickets sold...And plus, Mexico sucks ass on the international stage.

 

Re: ***Group A Thread (South Africa v Mexico, Uruguay v France)***

ITS HERE ITS HERE ITS HERE

 

Re: ***Group A Thread (South Africa v Mexico, Uruguay v France)***

This. Excited to watch Vela, dos Santos, and Peinaar