World Cup Draw Breakdown: Top 10 Thoughts

Published by adam | Filed under Fifa World Cup South Africa 2010, Football (aka soccer), Top 10

Group of Death, who got lucky, who is shaking in their feet, and some general talk about the upcoming World Cup…

In no particular order,


1. Charlize Theron, Good looking, but not a good hostess.


2. I still can’t get over that damn haircut…


3. Group of Death.


Group G
Brazil
Korea DRP
Côte d’Ivoire
Portugal


Well if you give the title to a group, you cannot overlook this particular set of teams. Massive amounts of world class talent will be displayed and hopes will be shattered. That is what consists of a Group of Death right? Poor North Korea hasn’t been in the mix since 1966 and finds themselves locked in with some of the toughest teams of the tourney.


What is a Group of Death? Can it be named after Round 1, when underdogs come out and shock the world? There are however, other groups that are much more wide open. See Below.


4. Most Competitive Group(s).


Group D
Germany
Australia
Serbia
Ghana


This group, although less talented than that of Group G, is wide open. Serbia won their group in European qualifying. Ghana will be a force, while tricky Australia has nothing to lose. Look for Germany to squeeze through but watch out for a strong Serbian squad. I hope these rumors of German knockout stage celebrations are not true.


Honorable mention.


Group E
Netherlands
Denmark
Japan
Cameroon


Do not forget that Denmark won their group in European qualifying while Samuel Eto’o led Cameroon look to make more history.


5. Luckiest teams: Italy, France (for more than one reason), and Argentina. These teams should be okay to make it through to the knockout stages.



6. Unluckiest teams


South Africa
Had they have drawn another squad besides France, I would say they would have a chance. As seen in the Confederations Cup, they play well with home field advantage, not to mention with those damn vuvuzelas. However, they will not make it out of their group against strong North and South American squads.


Korea DRP.
No chance in hell. Sorry guys.


You can probably throw Côte d’Ivoire into this group but they are indeed a quality side, and in control of their own destiny. Go Drogba Go! Then you would have to include the following draw in the Group of Portugal. The same can be said as above for Ronaldo and company. This group will be very interesting.


7. Injuries


Injuries for both clubs and national teams have been the story as of late. With 6 months of recovery time ahead, look for teams to regain steam, swagger, and of course injured players. France will be a different team with the arrival of a healthy Frank Ribery. Ribery provides something the French have so desperately needed in the midfield. Van Persie of the Netherlands, should be back to health as they certainly need this guy on the pitch. His injury has certainly sparked the downfall and waning of Arsenal. With full strength, as well as ample preparation time, these squads will be back on top of their game.


8. African teams are in some mega tough groups, but world football is becoming more and more open, with breakout players and teams from all over. This should have been foreseen. Africa will showcase a new age of young talent. As the years go on, more and more teams will have a chance at the gold.


9. England vs. USA
Large implications follow this rivalry. The Beckham – Donovan matchup will be interesting to watch.


Teams, coaches, and fans are getting cocky, already talking about future matches and knockout stages. Fabio Capello has even mentioned an England Italy matchup for the final would be his dream. Come on coach. Wishful thinking. If the Americans don’t make it out, it will cause a huge setback for the growth of the sport in soccer nation.


Furthermore, American soccer fans probably know more about English football and EPL than they do their own MLS. For a long time, American TV access to foreign league football is based with the EPL, and especially now with ESPN owning Premiership rights.


Countless amounts of US players are playing abroad. Every year, more and more are choosing this path, and Donovan’s loan to Everton will no doubt be followed by a handful of other young talent in the coming years.


England somehow managed to get placed in Group C where they have already set up their training camp. Hmmm.


10. I can’t wait! Although, we still have half of a damn year to wait.