World Cup: Group A and B

Here is the breakdown:

There are eight groups containing four teams. Each team plays each other once and the top two teams in the group advance to the Round of 16.

Since Brian needed some help covering the World Cup, I am here to offer some insights and opinions about the group stage.

Group A: (South Africa, France, Uruguay, Mexico)
The host nation of South Africa had to overcome some long odds if they wanted to advance out of this tough group. Uruguay is a powerhouse from the CONMEBOL (South America) region with striker Diego Forlán as their star. El Tri or Mexico are led by the 36 year old Cuauhtemoc Blanco and young Giovanni Dos Santos. At the helm of the French team is Franck Ribéry, Thierry Henry and Nicolas Anelka. In the beginning, this was supposed to be a walk in the park for France and a toss-up for 2nd place spot between Mexico and Uruguay. However, France underestimated each team and created a soap opera in return. Players refused to practice, the fitness coach quit, and Anelka was dismissed from the team for cussing out the coach, Raymond Domenech. Viva la Francia!! At the end of group play, France finished last, scoring only one goal in three games. On the other hand, the Latin-American teams certainly shined for Uruguay finishing first with 7 points(Forlán with 2 goals) and Mexico second with 4 points. South Africa fought valiantly and beat France in their final group stage game 2-1. I will say that the opening goal from South Africans was a golazo…

Group B: (Argentina, Greece, Nigeria, South Korea)
Two words: Lionel Messi. He is a striker for Argentina and arguably one of the best players in the world. His offensive partner, Gonzalo Higuaín, is no dud. In my opinion, Argentina has the best two striker partnership and they have Carlos Tevéz on the bench. With a veteran midfield and no really threat from the group, Argentina cruised to the knockout stage with three wins, nine points and only one goal against.  Now onto the race for 2nd place. Nigeria is a quality African nation with plenty of English Premiership talent especially Joseph Yobo and Yakubu from Everton. South Korea has Manchester United midfielder Park Ji Sung trying to lead the Asian nation to their first trip to the Round of 16 on foreign soil. Last, there is Greece. Ohh Greece. Greece in three words: defense defense defense. The 2004 European Champs never have had much attacking venom which proved costly this World Cup. With Greece’s loss to Argentina on the last day, Nigeria needed to beat the South Koreans to advance but South Korea was able hold on for a tie and join Argentina in the Round of 16.

Tomorrow, the United States plays Algeria. If they win, they advance. England plays group leader Slovenia which is definitely a surprise. My prediction: The US and England both win and advance out the group. Also, Group D has Germany-Ghana and Serbia-Australia. Prediction: Ghana gets a tie against the Germans to advance, Serbia beats Australia to move on and Australia will receive their third red card.

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Brian Hradsky

The owner of MSB, I created this website while in college and it has never died.

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