As I write this, there are less than twenty-four hours until the world’s premier sporting event kicks off once more. South Africa 2010, carrying the hopes of the nation and the eyes of the world, will officially begin by pitting the host country against Mexico. With the competition now perilously close to a start, let’s cast our eyes over the opening weekend of matches - and have me cast some predictions which in all likelihood will fail in a very embarrassing manner...
Matchday 1: Friday
South Africa v Mexico
The cup kicks into life with the aforementioned clash between South Africa and Mexico, an encounter which will set the tone for Group A. One of the most even groups in the competition, it features a host nation not renowned for performances on the international stage, yet now playing in the presence of a very vocal home support. In contrast, Mexican fans will be demanding their team mount a serious challenge in South Africa, in stark contrast to the perception that Mexico are a team who traditionally underperform on the big stage. In what will initially be a tight tussle, I fancy the Mexicans to just shade a spirited Bafana Bafana side.
Prediction: 1 - 2
Uruguay v France
The other two teams in Group A are the unpredictable Uruguayans and the self-imploding French. When you consider how erratic Uruguay can be, and how mentally fragile the France camp seems to be at the moment, it’s easy to see how at least three - if not all four - teams in Group A would fancy a real crack at the second round. This match should help demonstrate whether or not France are serious about this World Cup. Their squad is ageing, William Gallas is refusing to speak to a media who have been scathing of the team for some time, and recent poor results against Tunisia and China have not done their confidence any good. Yet they, like their opponents, are capable of punishing anyone on the right day; the problem is, it’s awfully hard to tell if it’s their day or not. I fancy a nervous draw with the South Americans looking the better side.
Prediction: 1 - 1
Matchday 2: Saturday
South Korea v Greece
A tussle between two sides that have forged reputations as international battlers - Greece’s defence and physical presence helped them bustle their way to a European Championship, while South Korea have shown they can match it with the big boys on the world stage - albeit in a World Cup held on their own turf. This will be a combative game - the South Koreans have shown in games against Australia that they don’t mind a bit of rough and tumble; and Greece certainly have the potential to provide that. I would fancy this as a game settled by set pieces or one flash of brilliance, but to be fair I don’t think either side will dominate it. Greece to shade it by a prominent nose.
Prediction: 0 - 1
Argentina v Nigeria
Why am I scheduled to work while this match is on? Of the first four games, this is the one that holds the most interest for me. The Super Eagles have a proud history as fighters but as of late haven’t really delivered on the international stage. Argentina on the other hand are one of football’s high rollers - and they need to be winning matches such as this to confirm their status as one of the tournament favourites. If Maradona can keep the crazy juice out of his veins for long enough (or maybe they need it, I’m not actually sure how they work - wait, do they know how they work?) then I expect Lionel Messi’s men to win what should hopefully be an attacking encounter, and to already have one eye on who they might face in the knockout phase.
Prediction: 2 - 0
England v USA
Ah, the match that the whole of the UK is looking forward to. And yes, I mean the UK - not just England - because chances are there’ll be a lot of temporary ‘Seppos’ in Glasgow and Edinburgh this weekend. The Americans aren’t what you’d call contenders, but they can pack a punch if you’re not careful - and the English backline has already lost the services of one first-choice centre back. I think however that England will pass this initial test; they have quality all around the park and a top-class striker in Wayne Rooney to lead the line. The USA might have seen Australia off the other day, but Capello’s boys should be a Bridge too far (away?) - and they might have to think about finishing second in this group instead.
Prediction: 2 - 0
Matchday 3: Sunday
Algeria v Slovenia
So you might sarcastically be thinking that this has the potential to be the game of the tournament - but let’s face it, some of these minnow matches end up creating the best kind of theatre. Both will think they have a red-hot chance of beating their opponent, and collecting full points in a World Cup group is never a bad thing. The loser of this match can probably start packing their bags - while the winner might only need one more point to go through to the second round. With all this in mind, I’ll be tipping the Europeans to triumph and start thinking about somewhat tougher opponents.
Prediction: 1 - 2
Serbia v Ghana
A match of some importance to Australian fans, and I’d be surprised if most weren’t watching it. These teams are essentially the Socceroos’ competitors for what will probably be second spot in Group D after ‘ze Germans’. You can take all your ‘technically proficient Europeans’ and ‘physically intimidating Africans’ stereotypes and throw them in the bin - I think this game will be tight and cagey. Both teams know that if they lose this, there’s precious little hope of hanging around South Africa much longer. While my heart wants a scoreless draw, my head thinks Serbia will edge this by a solitary goal. They were impressive during European qualification, and they’ve got a solid squad.
Prediction: 1 - 0
Germany v Australia
What is it with Germany and Australia? It seems the fate of the Socceroos is permanently entwined with the former Nazi state; having qualified for their first World Cup in 1974 in Germany, being grouped with both East and West Germany, and then making their second World Cup appearance four years ago at... Germany. Now it’s 2010 and guess who the Socceroos are facing first game up? What the hell, man? In any case, if everything plays out as it should in this match, the result is only going one way.
The Germans have world-class players all over the park. Klose, Podolski, Marin, Schweinsteiger, Ozil, Boateng, Lahm - old and young, these are guys playing for big clubs in big leagues. Granted, Australia have talent too - Schwarzer, Cahill, Neill, Grella (when the nation isn’t turning on him) and an ever-present talisman in Harry Kewell. But the depth present in the German squad simply isn’t there for Australia; and should the Germans break through early it will be tough seeing the Socceroos fighting back. The Aussies will defend and screen as hard as they can - but in the end, like Brazil four years ago, they are realistically playing for a draw. It’s obvious what the heart says, but unfortunately the head thinks with German efficiency and precision...
Prediction: 2 - 1
And that is the opening weekend. Those who know the accuracy of my tipping (and the unpredictability of a World Cup) will know that a 50% return on these results would be a pretty damn good effort.
What’s your opening set of tips?
