April 22, 2010 by DaveB
Group A Team Previews – 2010 FIFA World Cup Predictions
Dave B has already weighed in with his FIFA World Cup 2010 Free Picks. Now he weighs in with his predictions for Group A. Keep checking in with Cappers Picks as we get closer to World Cup 2010 – South Africa Style.
We’ll provide free soccer picks, group by group world cup 2010 predictions, team schedules, our World Cup Handicapping Guide, matchup analysis and more.
The World Cup – the biggest sporting event on the planet is upon us and it kicks off with a Group A matchup on Friday June 11.
From that day on, the world will be fixated on South Africa and the goings on in that country.
Group A includes the host nation, a super sleeper and a nation that has been to the pinnacle of Football success and is expecting good things in 2010.
Group A Teams: South Africa, Uruguay, France, Mexico
FIFA WORLD CUP – ODDS TO WIN GROUP A | ||||
FRANCE | -130 | |||
MEXICO | +350 | |||
URUGUAY | +365 | |||
SOUTH AFRICA | +600 | |||
Group A Matchups / Schedule:
Friday, June 11 2010
15.00 South Africa – Mexico Soccer City Stadium
19.30 Uruguay – France Green Point Stadium
19.30 Uruguay – France Green Point Stadium
Wednesday, June 16 2010
19.30 South Africa – Uruguay Loftus Versfeld Stadium
Thursday, June 17 2010
Thursday, June 17 2010
19.30 France – Mexico Peter Mokaba Stadium
Tuesday, June 22 2010
15.00 France – South Africa Free State Stadium
15.00 Mexico – Uruguay Royal Bafokeng Stadium
15.00 Mexico – Uruguay Royal Bafokeng Stadium
South Africa – FIFA Ranking 88
South Africa – Odds To Win World Cup: +15500
Brazilian coach Carlos Alberto Parreira will have his hands full with a team that will be looking to not embarrass themselves rather than make a real run at legitimacy.
They have some skill, decent keepers, an experienced world class coach and a passionate home town crowd. Will it be enough?
Highly unlikely against FIFA’s 8th, 17th and 18th ranked teams in their Group
South Africa World Cup Predictions:
Disappointing tournament for the host country. A trip to the second round is the goal but an unrealistic one. Heck one win is somewhat unrealistic.
4th place in the Group and an outside chance at a draw in their three games is more realistic.
Mexico – FIFA Ranking 17
Mexico – Odds To Win World Cup: +8500
This could be the team to watch in this group. They have been to the round of 16 in each of the last four World Cups.
With a sketchy France side favored in their group, Mexico is good value at +350 to win the group.
Mexico World Cup Predictions:
Group A champion but out in the round of 16.
Uruguay – FIFA Ranking 18
Uruguay – Odds To Win World Cup: +12500
They haven’t won a World Cup game in 20 years. They needed a playoff and a victory over Costa Rica just to qualify for the World Cup.
They should break their 20 year drought only because South Africa is in their Group.
Uruguay World Cup Predictions:
They should get one win but that is where the success ends.
Third place in the group is likely after they beat the host nation.
France – FIFA Ranking 8
France – Odds To Win World Cup: + 1800
The French fans will be expecting a lot as usual but this side is a mere shadow if its turn of the century self. Without Zinedine Zidane the French have lost their swagger.
They should advance on reputation alone but a long tournament is unlikely.
France World Cup Predictions:
The French have the pedigree but they don’t have the players or the results of teams past. 2nd in the Group is likely but that is about all one can expect.
Let the rebuilding begin.
Conclusion:
Group A is full of intrigue and it could be full of surprises. France is the X-factor. If they somehow draw upon the ghosts of World Cups past they could emerge as winners of group A. If they somehow rear their dysfunctional head, they could fail to advance. Mexico is a lock to advance and South Africa is a lock to finish last.
The other two are a tossup.
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