Today we begin our preview of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa which begins on June 11th. 32 teams around the world battle for the biggest prize in soccer. You only get to see this every four years so you better enjoy while it last. We begin with the Group A which features France, Mexico, South Africa, and Uruguay. I'll preview each team and let you know in each order how they'll finish as the top two teams in each group will move on to the 16 team knockout stage. Enjoy my predictions and let the debates begin.
1) France (FIFA rank: 9th)
- The 2006 runner-up was very lucky to get past Ireland thanks to defender William Gallas' extra-time goal to finish second to Serbia in qualifiying Group 7 Stage. Captain and forward Thierry Henry will always be remembered for using his hand to set up the game-winning goal against the Irish to move on to the WC, but he's one of the best forwards in soccer. Henry will be the only player from the 1998 World Cup championship team to play in this event. The Barcelona captain could be playing on the bench since coach Raymond Domenech uses a 4-3-3 formation. Midfielder Franck Ribery is one of the best wingman from German Club Bayern Munich. Ribery will be able to get his goals and set up great shots for his players to get the goals his team needs. Forward Nicolas Anelka is one of the better scorers on this squad, but has never scored a goal in the WC. Anelka has scored 11 of his19 goals from Chelsea in the Premier League this season. Defender William Gallas will have to be a force a defend any forward that's ready to hurt their chances at the cup. Forward Yoann Gourcuff emergence will have to be a key as well. Gourcuff scored eight goals and 11 assists this season with France and Broaduax.
2) Mexico (FIFA rank: 17th)
- It took Mexico three coaches to advance to the WC. Coach Javier Aguirre came back to the team after Hugo Sanchez failed to qualify the team to the 2008 Summer Olympics and Sven-Goran Erikson coaching the team to only 13 games and six defeats. Aguirre lead the team to five straight wins to advance to the WC. Mexico has reach the second round for times and that's as far as they go. They havn't made the quarterfinals since 1986 and they are ready to take the next step with this football club. 37-year old forward Cuauhtemoc Blanco came back to Mexico and missed the 2006 WC after having differences with then coach Ricardo La Volpe. 21-year old forward Carlos Vela will bring great youth to the squad. He's not seeing much time with the team but he's was the leading scorer for the U-17 WC team in 2005. Defender Rafael Marquez will play a big role on defense to shut down forwards in this event. The Barcelona defender has won two UEFA Champions League titles, two La Liga titles, a Spanish Super Cup and the Catalonian Cup.
3) Uruguay (FIFA rank: 16th)
4) South Africa (FIFA rank: 83rd)
- This will be the biggest soccer event in this team's history. They are the host country so they already automatically qualify. They may become the first home country to not advance in the second round. The team is led by Midfielder Steven Pienner, who plays for team Everton, is the biggest profile name on the squad. Midfielder Aaron Mokoena has played in the most country appearances and will surpass 100 this year. Forward Katlego Mphela scored two goals againt Spain in the third-place game of the Confederations Cup and will not be overlooked in the WC this year.
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