As I am painfully reminded every time that I load FIFA’s website, we still have a torturously long 140 days, 17 hours, 40 minutes, and 38 seconds until the start of the 2010 world cup. Imagine looking up at the clock during a particularly long class and seeing that you still have an hour to go. Then multiply that feeling by 140. That’s roughly how soccer fans feel at this point.
While we wait for the world cup to kick off, I’ll provide a run-down of the 2010 draw and some quick analysis of how things look to shape up for each group. (On a personal note, I skipped the first half of an astronomy class last semester to see this draw. Let’s hope Dr. Lewis doesn’t read this!)
| Group A | Group B | Group C | Group D |
| South Africa | Argentina | England | Germany |
| Mexico | Nigeria | USA | Australia |
| Uruguay | (South) Korea | Algeria | Serbia |
| France | Greece | Slovenia | Ghana |
| Group E | Group F | Group G | Group H |
| Netherlands | Italy | Brazil | Spain |
| Denmark | Paraguay | Korea DPR | Switzerland |
| Japan | New Zealand | Ivory Coast | Honduras |
| Cameroon | Slovakia | Portugal | Chile |
(Note: Two teams advance from each group)
Group A: France’s luck cannot be overstated. They get an incredibly easy group and are a virtual lock to advance. The other three teams will have to duke it out for the second spot, one that is likely Mexico’s for the losing. However, Mexico could be in for a surprise as the crowds will overwhelmingly favor the host and the South African squad could be spurred on.
Group B: Nigeria and Argentina are the slight favorites in this group, edging out two very solid sides from Greece and South Korea. Don’t be surprised to see this group get decided on the last day of games.
Group C: England highlights this group with the USA and Algeria battling for the second spot. After being drawn into the “Group of Death” in 2006, the USA will be more than happy with their draw but can’t get complacent; they’re not assured of advancing.
Group D: The first of two “Groups of Death” in this year’s draw, Group D boasts four incredibly competitive sides. Any two of the four teams could advance and there isn’t much point in speculating. This group should provide us with some world-class matches.
Group E: Holland, a perennial European powerhouse looks to dominate this group. The second seed will fall to either Cameroon, a skilled but volatile team, or Denmark, a stout team without many holes. Sorry Japan, better luck next year.
Group F: The defending champion Italians will devour the competition and Paraguay will likely pull out the second spot. New Zealand could compete for it but Paraguay (having performed impressively in qualifiers) has a flair about it that should be too much for New Zealand to handle.
Group G: The other “Group of Death” this year, Group G, features three of the top countries in the world…and North Korea. Korea will play the role of punching bag as the three heavyweights battle for two spots. With as impressive as Brazil looks, it will likely be either Portugal or The Ivory Coast watching the knockout rounds at home. Either way, one very good side will undoubtedly be left out.
Group H: Spain’s group for the taking with the last spot up for grabs. The slot could go to any team but the most likely candidate is an ambitious Chilean team. This group should also produce some stellar games.
Only 140 days, 17 hours, 22 minutes, and 43 seconds left…sigh.
