This special edition of the Set Piece Analysts Podcast is all about the World Cup Draw.
Johnathan Starling, Brian Zygo, Jeff Kassouf, and Kevin McCauley spend this show breaking down all eight groups of the upcoming 2010 World Cup. What do we think is the Group of Death? What is the easiest group? Who do we think get out of the group stages? We break down what we think the USA’s most realistic expectation is as well.
Richard Farley joins us for his thoughts on the draw and a primer on groups A-C.
Leave us feedback either here, via Twitter (spanalysts), or at podcast@setpieceanalysts.com.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Quick Predictions (in order of finish). Keep in mind, however, that a lot changes in six months and I reserve the right to change at any time:
Group A: France, Mexico, South Africa, Uruguay.
I think you can make a case for South Africa or Uruguay. South Africa at home, will obviously have that advantage, but just not enough quality to get through. Diego Forlan is good, but not enough to carry Uruguay by himself. Mexico and France have the most quality, even if they’re not the most consistent teams, but they go through.
Group B: Argentina, Greece, South Korea, Nigeria.
Just don’t see the quality in South Korea, and Nigeria is just all over the place with their federation. Some players don’t want to play, some don’t care, just not the way to go to a World Cup. So that leaves Greece, who could bore their way all the way to the quarterfinals if they get France in Round 2. Believe it or not, Greece actually led their qualifying group in scoring (with Israel) and Gekas has 20 goals for the national team. Argentina, dysfunctional or not, should grab top spot and eliminate Mexico.
Group C: England, USA, Slovenia, Algeria
What a draw for the US. England in the first game, where all the pressure is on the English, then two sides with zero history on the big stage. Both teams have to be thrilled to just be in South Africa, and the US is just better right now. Really can’t believe you guys doubt the US team that much that they can’t beat Algeria and Slovenia. There are a lot of questions still to be answered by Bradley, but we will get out of this group.
Group D: Germany, Ghana, Serbia, Australia
I thought this group could get some Group of Death mention. I was ready to pick against Germany until I looked it up and found the last time they didn’t qualify for the second round was … 1950, when they were still banned after World War II. Yikes. Meanwhile, Ghana has a Serbian coach who I’m sure will have them ready, and if Essien is half the player he was in the 2006 World Cup, they should be fine. But Serbia is obviously no joke with Vidic and Ivanovic, but think they’re up against it here, as is Australia, who might have done better with a different group. Can Ghana take out England? I think they might be able to, but Germany is a bad matchup for the US.
Group E: Cameroon, Denmark, Netherlands, Japan.
Have to pick an upset somewhere, don’t I? Holland when healthy is dangerous, but when are those guys ever healthy? Van Persie is already hurt, when is Robben not hurt, and then you have Kuyt and Babel. Good luck with them. Meanwhile, Denmark has never been knocked out in the group stage when they qualify and are solid from front to back. Cameroon is loaded, too, and led by Eto’o and Webo, win the group. Japan is just outclassed here, I’m afraid.
Group F: Italy, Paraguay, Slovakia, New Zealand
Italy can sleepwalk their way to the top of this group, I don’t like any of the other three teams. Paraguay is OK, but I think they peaked a year ago and don’t like their overall talent. Still Slovakia is so green at this level that I think Paraguay makes it through. New Zealand may be feisty enough to grab a point somewhere, but if they string together more than three passes at any time during the Cup, I’d be surprised. Italy beats Denmark on a disputed penalty to reach the quarters, and Cameroon stomps Paraguay.
Group G: Brazil, Portugal, Ivory Coast, North Korea
Hate to pick against Ivory Coast, but Portugal has been playing a little better, and I think the Ivorians still have some trouble with that defense thing, and the Portugese are smart enough to take advantage of it. Brazil may find themselves in some trouble at some point, but I think they have the talent to fight their way out of it. Poor, poor North Korea better enjoy the scenery.
Group H: Spain, Chile, Switzerland, Honduras.
Switzerland was good in qualifying, but I can’t get the image out of my head of a very poor side at the Euro 2008s who were only there because they were hosting. still, good job by them qualifying for the last three major tournaments. By the way, guys, Switzerland is the only team to get eliminated without conceding a goal, which they did in 2006. But Spain should take care of that quickly. Chile lacks experience at the World Cup, but I think they have enough to get through. Honduras just ships too many goals to make any strides here, I’m afraid. Brazil takes care of Chile and Spain the same with Portugal in two very interesting second round encounters.
Just one man’s opinion.