Shady
06-07-2010, 05:53 PM
Ladies and Gentleman, the wait is finally over as the greatest game on earth is days away to kick off. This is the first time the World Cup is held in Africa and i expect a few upsets like the 2002 World Cup. Lets take an overall look of how each team fair before moving into in-depth match analysis. There will be 64 games throughout this tournament and I will try to cover as many games as possible and find as many value bet as i could.
Group A
South Africa (88)
France (8)
Mexico (17)
Uruguay (18)
This group heavily favours France to progress as group winners. However as most of the veteran/senior French players are either retired or selected, Raymond Domenech will have to rely on the likes of Frank Ribery, Yoann Gourcuff and Thierry Henry. France struggle to qualify for the WC and they needed a lucky hand to keep the ball in-play before scoring the vital goal against Ireland, I expect France to struggle yet again.
With the days of Zizou (Zidane)long gone, Domenech must be thinking that Henry has what it takes to help France reach yet another WC final. However, Henry’s season with Barcelona had ended in chaos with Guardiola losing faith in the Frenchman and Henry lacking game time and goals, he is hotly tip to start from the bench.
The weakspot in this team is definitely the coach himself, Raymond Domenech. His bizarre tactical idea have often shocked not only the public but also his own team. On the other hand, the strength of this team would definitely be the flanks with Evra, Sagna, Ribery and Malouda all having a good season with their respective clubs.
Uruguay and Mexico have almost an equal chance in progressing however Uruguay might have the edge in not only progressing but also topping the group. Diego Forlan and Luis Suarez will be leading the lines and this partnership up front should cause opposition problems. However, the only main problem with this Uruguay side is the lack of consistency.
When Mexico won the 2005 under 17 WC, it is believe that 2010 would be the golden generation for Mexico. However it has yet to eventuate and the main weakness for Javier Aguirre is the lack of proven experience with this side. No doubt Carlos Vela, Dos Santos, Xavier Hernandez and Andres Guardado are all extremely talented but neither of them have step up and perform consistently at the big stage at club level or international level.
South Africa are the host but it would take a miracle for the Bafana Bafana to get through the group stages. Carlos Alberto Parreira is in charge now but his major concern is the lack of quality. Apart from Steven Pienaar, Aaron Mokoena and probably Bernard Parker and Siphiwe Tshabalala , this entire African squad lacks experience in the highest level and lacks quality. With Benni McCarthy dropped from the final squad, i wonder where will the goals come from.
Strength
France - The Flanks, with Ribery, Malouda, Evra and Sagna. Malouda had a fantastic season with Chelsea especially towards the end of the season. Keep an eye on Anelka as this might be the time for to shine.
Uruguay - Diego Forlan and Luis Suarez up front and the central defense partnership of Godin,
Andres Scotti and Lugano.
Mexico - Counter attack - With fast players such as Vela, Hernandez, Guardado and Dos Santos
South Africa - Home support and the creativity of Steven Pienaar
Weakness
France - Raymond Domenech. The aging Henry and the retirement of Zidane, Thuram and Makelele
Uruguay - Inconsistency and keeper Fernando Muslera
Mexico - Lack of proven experience on the big stage.
South Africa - Lack of quality and experience
The Pick :
I’m going for the outside chance for both Uruguay and Mexico to progress although the more realistic option would be to back France.
More to come....
Group A
South Africa (88)
France (8)
Mexico (17)
Uruguay (18)
This group heavily favours France to progress as group winners. However as most of the veteran/senior French players are either retired or selected, Raymond Domenech will have to rely on the likes of Frank Ribery, Yoann Gourcuff and Thierry Henry. France struggle to qualify for the WC and they needed a lucky hand to keep the ball in-play before scoring the vital goal against Ireland, I expect France to struggle yet again.
With the days of Zizou (Zidane)long gone, Domenech must be thinking that Henry has what it takes to help France reach yet another WC final. However, Henry’s season with Barcelona had ended in chaos with Guardiola losing faith in the Frenchman and Henry lacking game time and goals, he is hotly tip to start from the bench.
The weakspot in this team is definitely the coach himself, Raymond Domenech. His bizarre tactical idea have often shocked not only the public but also his own team. On the other hand, the strength of this team would definitely be the flanks with Evra, Sagna, Ribery and Malouda all having a good season with their respective clubs.
Uruguay and Mexico have almost an equal chance in progressing however Uruguay might have the edge in not only progressing but also topping the group. Diego Forlan and Luis Suarez will be leading the lines and this partnership up front should cause opposition problems. However, the only main problem with this Uruguay side is the lack of consistency.
When Mexico won the 2005 under 17 WC, it is believe that 2010 would be the golden generation for Mexico. However it has yet to eventuate and the main weakness for Javier Aguirre is the lack of proven experience with this side. No doubt Carlos Vela, Dos Santos, Xavier Hernandez and Andres Guardado are all extremely talented but neither of them have step up and perform consistently at the big stage at club level or international level.
South Africa are the host but it would take a miracle for the Bafana Bafana to get through the group stages. Carlos Alberto Parreira is in charge now but his major concern is the lack of quality. Apart from Steven Pienaar, Aaron Mokoena and probably Bernard Parker and Siphiwe Tshabalala , this entire African squad lacks experience in the highest level and lacks quality. With Benni McCarthy dropped from the final squad, i wonder where will the goals come from.
Strength
France - The Flanks, with Ribery, Malouda, Evra and Sagna. Malouda had a fantastic season with Chelsea especially towards the end of the season. Keep an eye on Anelka as this might be the time for to shine.
Uruguay - Diego Forlan and Luis Suarez up front and the central defense partnership of Godin,
Andres Scotti and Lugano.
Mexico - Counter attack - With fast players such as Vela, Hernandez, Guardado and Dos Santos
South Africa - Home support and the creativity of Steven Pienaar
Weakness
France - Raymond Domenech. The aging Henry and the retirement of Zidane, Thuram and Makelele
Uruguay - Inconsistency and keeper Fernando Muslera
Mexico - Lack of proven experience on the big stage.
South Africa - Lack of quality and experience
The Pick :
I’m going for the outside chance for both Uruguay and Mexico to progress although the more realistic option would be to back France.
More to come....