The 2010 FIFA World Cup kicks off in South Africa tomorrow, with hosts Bafana Bafana taking on Mexico at Johannesburgs Soccer City stadium, in a Group A match that will also preamble the first ever African edition of the worlds biggest soccer carnival. Here are some must-know details of each group. GROUP A
South Africa (100)
Mexico
Uruguay
France
With many people having already put their money on the hosts being ejected in the first round, I will put my head on the block and go against this popular opinion.
When Brazilian coach, Carlos Alberto Parreira, was re-hired by the South African Football Association (SAFA) last year, Bafana Bafana had lost all self-belief and did not look like a side preparing to host the World Cup.
However, the 1994 World Cup winner (with his native Brazil) has managed to convert the hosts from a side that had lost eight games in nine, when he took over, to one that is currently unbeaten in 12, going into tomorrows epic clash.
Parreira also stayed with the bulk of his squad more than any other African coach, fine-tuning them for this competition in a number of training camps and friendly games, something that makes them better prepared than all the other five.
Bafana Bafana proved in the 1996 AFCON that they can raise their game in a major cup competition played on their home soil when they rose from being everyones punching bags to continental champions in their maiden appearance and they look set to repeat that feat by doing well in this World Cup.
GROUP B.
Argentina
Nigeria
Korea Republic
Greece
During their good old days, the Super Eagles would have easily cruised past such a seemingly easy group, but their current crop of players lacks the drive of Sunday Oliseh, the sublime skills of Austin Okocha and the scoring prowess of Rashidi Yekini, Julius Aghahowa and Victor Agali.
The Nigerians have lost their entertaining flair and are now playing like any ordinary African side. Four months before the World Cup, they sacked coach Shaibu Amodu and replaced him with Lars Lagerback, who had already failed to take his native Sweden to the same competition. With their best player Chelsea midfielder, John Obi Mikel, also ruled out of this tournament, things cannot be worse for them.
GROUP C
England
USA
Algeria
Slovenia
The Desert Foxes were rocked by injuries, which threw their preparation into turmoil, and with news that even midfielder Karim Matmour might miss the World Cup, they go into this tournament with a heavy limp.
Inconsistency has always been their worst enemy in most competitions and judging by their performance in Angola 2010, this looks to continue into the World Cup, where they are making their first appearance in 24 years.
They shocked many when they beat tournament favourites, Ivory Coast to progress to the semi-finals of Angola 2010, but crumbled like a deck of cards against eventual winners, Egypt, in their next game.
They are one of the dark horses in this group and should they raise their game against the USA, they will advance to the second round because Slovenia is not that difficult an opponent.
GROUP D
Germany
Australia
Serbia
Ghana
The Black Stars are in a very favourable group, with Germany and Serbia being their main obstacles. The Germans usually put up unconvincing shows in the group stages of major competitions and Ghana should take advantage of that if they are to make two second rounds in as many appearances.
The unavailability of their injured strongman, Michael Essien, is an obvious blow, considering that players like Stephen Appiah and Laryea Kingstone, among some of their experienced stars, will also not take part in this tournament.
GROUP E
Netherlands
Denmark
Japan
Cameroon
The Indomitable Lions are one of the most experienced African sides in this competition and that should count in their favour again this year. They will once again look up to their captain – Samuel Etoo Fils, for goals. However, the Inter Milan striker will best do well not to overwork himself trying to shame the legendary Roger Milla, after a recent public spat that resulted in Etoo threatening a World Cup walkout.
Cameroons weakest link will be ageing former skipper, Rigobert Song, who seems to have developed a habit of giving away silly goals that have cost them games.
They must take advantage of Japans poor form and win their opening game in Bloemfontein on Monday and then hope to beat or draw with Denmark five days later.
GROUP G
Brazil
Korea DPR
Cote dIvore
Portugal
Of all the African teams, Les Elephants are in the toughest group. Coming up against five-time tournament winners, Brazil and 2006 semi-finalists, Portugal, this has been aptly dubbed the Group of Death.
If, as is already feared in their camp, Captain Didier Drogba misses the tournament due to injury, then they do not stand a chance in this group. They however, still have five other strikers in Salomon Kalou, Aruna Dindane, Seydou Doumbia, Gervinho and Emmanuel Kone to carry their hopes, but the talismanic Drogba has always been their guiding light.
Their coach, Sven Goran Erikson has a patchy track record as coach of both England and Mexico.
Post published in: Football