We're less than 24 hours away from the world's biggest and most popular event, and the anticipation couldn't be higher. With almost every team missing one or two of their best players, this World Cup has the potential to be one of the most exciting or disappointing ones we'll ever see. These injuries, however, give the opportunity for players who have never gotten an international cap to show they deserve to represent their nation. The first game, Mexico vs. South Africa, is tomorrow at 8:30 AM central time on ESPN and foxsoccer.com has a great article helping anyone who isn't a huge follower but would like to know enough to keep up with the players, teams and past success of the nations (http://msn.foxsports.com/foxsoccer/worldcup/lists/Idiots-guide-to-the-World-Cup#sport=World Cup&photo=11276400).
As for the upcoming game between the United States and England, Saturday at 12:30 PM central time on ABC, tension couldn't be higher. With the recent news coming out that Liverpool fans were actually burning the American flag in protest of their beloved club team's American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett Jr. Now this has actually been going on a while ago, but with our big game coming up in a few days, American soccer writers made a good choice by deciding to publish this story now to get both non-soccer watchers as well as die hard yank fans more involved and raise the bar for our fan support.
PREVIEW: MEXICO VS. SOUTH AFRICA
The first game is less than a day away, and after seeing the World Cup Kick-Off Concert, there's no doubt that South Africa's supporters will be in full force; win, lose, or draw. Mexico is coming off of a pretty impressive run of pre-World Cup friendlies, and seem to be in great form with such a young team headlining for them. After upsetting losses to England and Netherlands (both games Mexico showed great possession and passing), they rallied back and crushed Gambia 5-1.
They have a young midfield and strike force lead by the seasoned and experienced veteran Cuauhtémoc Blanco. Pretty much a God to them, expect Blanco to give a final "hoorah" to his long international career and show the world that a soccer career doesn't have to end at 34 years old (Blanco is 37).
Like their offense, their man between the posts is only 24. Guillermo "Memo" Ochoa is nothing short but great. He isn't considered to be in the top 10 best keepers in the world, but if he can perform, he can come out as top 10 in the tournament. Mexico looks like a surprising force to be reckoned with and I see them advancing with no problems, and possibly upsetting Argentina if it gets to that match up depending on what result they will get against France and where they finish in their group.
South Africa can really only have the mindset "we're just here to have fun". There aren't a lot of expectations for the host nation outside of the country and for good reason. They've only been in three World Cup finals, were banned by FIFA for 30 years, and only have one win in the tournament (1-0 against Slovenia). This being the first ever World Cup held on the continent of Africa, there has been a lot of skepticism and doubt that this will be successful for the country, the continent, and of course the South African national team. No host nation has ever not made it out of their group stage, until now.
PREDICTION: MEXICO 3, SOUTH AFRICA 1
This game has the potential to go many ways. The host nations fan turnout will undoubtedly overpower that of the Mexican supporters and anyone knows that with a powerful support group in a stadium, a team can perform well beyond their normal standards. Both teams will come out fighting for that win a remain hopeful of getting out of their group. When all is said and done however, Mexico is just too good to lose to a team like South Africa. Although "El Tri" have a shaky record outside of their country, they usually provide good performances in the World Cup. If they can pass the ball and maintain possession, expect them to tear apart and below average defense and net in at least three. South Africa can score a goal though, and when they do, expect to hear a roar from the crowd and a celebration like they just won the final game.
PREVIEW: FRANCE VS. URUGUAY
Any sports fan can tell you that France is a good soccer team that can produce results when they need to. Any sports fan will also tell you that they're recently known for on-field fighting (Zidane's infamous head-butt to Marco Materazzi in the 2006 finals) and questionable hand balls (specifically the obvious hand ball committed by Thierry Henry that handed France a play-off win against the better side Ireland that booked their ticket to the World Cup). Besides these recent controversies, France is always considered to be a force to be reckoned with. There's no taking away from their players; on pen and paper, they have one of the best teams in the competition, with players like Franc Ribery (Bayern Munich), Patrice Evra (Manchester United), Bacary Sagna (Arsenal), Eric Abidal (Barcelona), and so many others playing for the top clubs in the world. Watch out for their youth to shine like keeper Hugo Lloris (23), and Yoann Gourcuff (23). Their downfall with surely be their questionable and ridiculously unusual coach Raymond Domenech, who should have been sacked multiple times already. He is way past due to be replaced, and it will show if they don't get out of their group.
Uruguay has a surprising successful history that people may not be aware of. They have two World Cup championships, and hosted the first ever World Cup. Although the rules were significantly different then, they still accomplished something twice that most nations will never accomplish once. They are a dark horse in this tournament after barely qualifying for it, but that shouldn't stop them from competing and giving teams like France or Mexico a scare to finish top of their group. Look out for veteran Diego Forlan and Sebastian Abreu to bring experience to a relatively young team. Also, look for young striker Luis Suarez who's been on clubs like Chelsea, Barcelona, and Manchester United's radar in this upcoming transfer window.
PREDICTION: URUGUAY 2, FRANCE 1
France will not get out of this group. They are caught in loads of scandals, bad team chemistry, a crazy coach, and a poor run of form. Uruguay has an offense that can score goals and in great fashion. They can control the ball, bring defenders in which will allow speedy strikers like Suarez to get past a shaky defense and an unexperienced keeper to put some in. France better kick it into high gear after a scare against Uruguay or else their only win, or draw will be against South Africa. If they're lucky.
JOGA BONITO
No comments:
Post a Comment