Seriously though, I can really see SA being the true dark horse of the comp. Apart from the obvious home team advantage, many people simply don’t expect them to achieve anything. In many cases this can be a blessing. Every manager has given the generic “there are no easy teams…” speech, but I cant see Mexico and especially France being scared of them, and this could lead to upsets.

Mexico have experienced a mini renaissance since Sven was politely asked to leave. I would be very surprised if they don’t make it to the next round.

France is an interesting prospect; which team will show up? I believe that France will be an all or nothing team this tournament. They will either make it to the final or be eliminated in the first round. All depends on the first game against Uruguay, if they win they’ll be full of confidence and could bolt to the finals, however if they draw or lose; I think the wheels may fall off.

I haven’t been very impressed with Uruguay, they seem to be content with just being there. They will cause trouble for all three teams but I can’t see them advancing.

Mexico and South Africa are to advance with France and Uruguay bringing up the rear.

If you follow the link to my Roar page (above the title), you can read about my background, and you will note that my favourite YouTube clib is that Eder goal against the USSR in 1982 (when Brazil came back from 1-0 down).

As you know Mr Cheese, from a very young age, one becomes wedded to one’s football club – and we might go through life sampling many pleasures – buy you never forget where you come from.

Re running and bouncing in aussie rules – you can only run a maximum of 15 metres with the ball, upon which you must either dispose of it legally or bounce/touch it on the ground (Gaelic football has a similar rule, different distances involved, and you can only bounce the once, afterwhich you must do one of those little dinky toe jobs back to yourself while running – which I suspect would be quite difficult).

Ask and you will receive – the Laws of Australian Football:
http://afl.com.au/Portals/0/afl_docs/Development/umpiring/Laws%20of%20Football_2008.pdf

good point.

If COMCACAF get two of three through, and the AFC get none (effectively out of 5 spots) – it will not bode well for any future discussions about places.

tell me the score.

On this site, si je comprends bien, people belong to one “code” or another. Are you an AFL person ? If so, is it strange that you’re writing detailed theses on the subject of football ???

By the way, does anyone here know of a site where I can read the rules of Aussie Rules ? I don’t get it and I would like to have a go at understanding.

I saw a clip on Youtube: the dude was bouncing the ball like a basketball. That was a surprise. I assumed you just ran with ball in hand as in Rugby.

Mexico have South Africa, USA’s group is probably the softest but the could still be knocked out. Honduras would be expected to be knocked out but they could have done a lot worse.
It’s reasonably likely that mexico and USA will both get through. 2 out of 3 looks good when comparing confederations and deciding spots.

For Asia Nth korea are stuffed, Sth Korea and Australia it’s possible but it will be tough and one of them absolutley has to get through. This is where I worry about Sth koreas mentality a little, they have enough talent to take it Nigeria and greece but they may be too respectful.
Japan have a good group too and their team seems to be struggling a little. Before the draw I would have said 2 out of 4 for the AFC into the 16 should be the pass mark (and nudging for 5 full spots). Now i think it’s likely only 1 of 4 will get through and possibly none…. if it’s none then 4 and a half spots looks too many and the AFC wills truggle to keep them.

A shame because head to head matches between the confederation would be more favorable to the AFC I think but that wasn’t possible because of how they did the draw. A bit frustrating really.

Yes – as it’s worked out – Group A has a real seeded team in it and is a very balanced group.

The key is: despite being the weaker team, South Africa will take points of one or two teams – but which ones??

It must be said though – Zizou has not been replaced (not that that was ever possible in a hurry, maybe never).

As a long time follower of the World Cup – I know all about the refs!!

For a slightly more serious article, sticking to facts and figures, I made a conscious decision to leave out speculation about the refs – but Sth Korea 2002 remains a pretty good guide on what’s possible.

As usual good work.

I thought it was justice France landed in Group A.

People can say what they want about the Henry incident but france deserved a seeding. Landing in group A effectively made them one.

Interestingly everyone said before the draw that they wanted to be in Sth Africa’s group.

Looking at it now, I dont think people would be saying that. This is a tough group. Had Australia been in place of mexico, it would still be tough to get out of.

One advantage the Group A winner has, they will have a nice run to the quarters.

I shall read your article when I find a few spare hours.

It’s pretty comprehensive, je pense.

I like it, though: an 8 part series devoted to the Jules Rimet.

World Cup history are full of teams who struggled through qualifying and then do well in the World Cup. Brazil in 2002 (as well as germany who reach the final), Argentina 1986

No one should rule out france for this world cup.

I’m surprised that you didn’t mention referee to be another possible factor whether South Africa reach the next stage. Something tells me that South Africa will make it to the round of 16 after a few controversial decisions.