World Cup Group Stage Preview

With the competition this is arguably the greatest sporting event in the world right around the corner, I wanted to preview the group stage for each of the eight groups and give my insight as to which teams will advance. Some of the notable groups are Group C; Group G; and Group H. Group C features the United States and England, which will be a much-anticipated battle on June 12. Group G is named the "Group of Death", as it features soccer powers Brazil and Portugal, as well as Ivory Coast as a dark horse. Group H features a very strong Spain squad that is always a favorite in international competition. As the tournament is held in South Africa, I will begin with Group A, featuring the host country South Africa. Group A: The first group in the 2010 FIFA World Cup features traditional soccer powers that have fallen out of title contention, and a host country that is potentially underestimated. France played for the championship in the last World Cup, in 2006, but since then have fallen due to age and inexperience. Longtime star Thierry Henry struggled this past season, and may have trouble producing in South Africa. Mexico seems to be the best team in the group which kicks off the tournament tomorrow. The team that Mexico is bringing to South Africa is being called one of the best that they have ever assembled. For South Africa, they have the home-field advantage, but as a team, they are simply not on the same level as Mexico. They may score a few goals, and steal a few points but they will not have enough to advance to the knockout stage. Finally, Uruguay is a tough team that uses their physicality as well as their goal scoring to win games. For fans that love contact and penalties, Uruguay is the team to watch in Group A. I believe Uruguay will have just enough to advance. Teams Advancing: Mexico, Uruguay Group B: This group is one of the weakest groups in the field, but features one of the greatest players in the world, in Argentina's Lionel Messi. Argentina is head and shoulders above the rest of the teams in this group and will have no trouble moving on as the talent at Diego Maradona's disposal is incredible. Messi, along with Carlos Tevez, and Diego Milito will provide plenty of offensive firepower. Nigeria does not have the ability that Argentina has but they feature solid play from their starters, which should end in their advancement to the knockout round. South Korea and Greece are both teams with experience issues, whose greatest moments seem to be ahead of them. Expect Argentina to steamroll through this group, with Nigeria rounding out the top two. Teams Advancing: Argentina, Nigeria Group C: Much of the suspense surrounding this group centers on one game: the June 12 contest between England and the United States. The game features the two best teams in the group facing off in a match sure to captivate American soccer fans like no other game from the opening whistle. While England is a surefire lock to make its way through this group, the United States does not seem to be as much of a certainty. The Americans game against Slovenia on June 18 could decide who will advance as the second game out of Group C. Personally, I believe the U.S. will be able to defeat Slovenia, although if they do not play well, the U.S. could be heading home early. Algeria seems to be clearly outmatched in this group, and while they may end the group stage with a few points, it will not be enough to advance. Teams Advancing: England, U.S.A. Group D: Before Michael Essien was lost to injury, it was likely that Germany and Ghana would advance from Group D. However, after Essien went down, Serbia appears likely to take the second spot. Germany is the favorite to win this group, while the offense of Serbia will keep them in any game.Australia will also fall short due to their lack of a goal-scoring threat. Expect Germany to advance with little trouble, with Serbia edging out Ghana for second place. Teams Advancing: Germany, Serbia Group E: All of the teams in Group E are teams that would be capable of advancing out of almost any other group, other than Group G. The Netherlands are the strongest team on paper, however a hamstring injury to star Arjen Robben leaves the Dutch possibly without one of their best players. However, with Robin van Persie still healthy, the Dutch should be able to advance. The most exciting match will be between Cameroon and Denmark on June 19. The Danish team is a squad that makes up for a lack of power with impeccable strategy. Cameroon is one of the fastest teams in the tournament, and along with their home-field advantage should be able to beat Denmark. Netherlands will win the group, while Cameroon will edge Denmark for second. Teams Advancing: Netherlands, Cameroon Group F: In perhaps the weakest group in the field, Italy, and Slovakia seem to be the strongest teams. Italy features Gianluigi Buffon, the bonafide best goaltender in soccer, and Danielle De Rossi but little else. In a stronger group, it is likely that none of the teams in Group F would advance. The Slovakian team plays superb offensive soccer, allowing to beat teams they otherwise would have little hope against. This offensive power should lead them to a second-place finish in Group F. Paraguay has suffered injury after injury, that will likely leave them just short of advancing. They should still provide exciting moments, however. New Zealand is perhaps the weakest team participating in the FIFA World Cup and will have little to no chance in this group. Italy's experience will win them the group, while Slovakia will finish in second. Teams Advancing: Italy, Slovakia Group G: The appropriately-named "Group of Death", features two of the top five teams in the FIFA world rankings, in Brazil and Portugal, while also featuring Ivory Coast. Ivory Coast was considered a very strong dark horse just a week ago. Since then, the star of the Ivorians, Didier Drogba fractured his arm in a friendly against Japan. The possibility that Drogba could miss time, leaves Ivory Coast without its most dangerous offensive weapon. Brazil and Portugal should be able to take advantage of Ivory Coast's slight misfortune and run away with the two available spots in the knockout round. However, another dark horse in Group G is North Korea. They should provide a challenge to Brazil and Portugal, but I believe that Brazil and Portugal will be up to the challenge in defeating North Korea and advancing to the knockout round. Teams Advancing: Brazil, Portugal Group H: This group has received attention both for its soccer potential, and the fact that the native countries of the top two male tennis players in the world are represented, with Spain (Rafael Nadal), and Switzerland (Roger Federer). However, the soccer potential will be on everyone's mind once this group commences. Spain is the major giant in this group and should have little trouble advancing. If Chile can defeat Honduras, they will join Spain in the second round. Chile is without a doubt capable of beating a small, yet poweful Honduras squad, and I believe that they get the job done. Switzerland will receive moral support from Roger Federer, but they are not a very strong team and will find difficulty scoring in this group. Expect Spain to win the group by a point or two, with Chile edging Honduras for second place. Teams Advancing: Spain, Chile The World Cup will be a exciting month of soccer for all of the nations competing, and is a truly global event. There will be many tense and exciting moments throughout group play, as each team fights for each crucial point. The energy and determination that the players will exhibit will create drama in the greatest sporting event on Earth. Win, lose, or draw, the World Cup will capture and captivate of everyone involved. Players, coaches, and fans alike will join as one in support of their nation's quest for the cup. Sources Used: sportsillustrated.cnn.com, espn.com