With just over 180 days remaining until arguably the World’s greatest sporting extravaganza kicks off for the first time on African soil, we take a look to see how the teams from North, Central and South America fared in the draw in Cape Town in early December.
Four long years have passed since Germany 2006 and the heroics of the Italian team, but it is time for Cannavaro and co to step aside as there are new figures chomping at the bit to make their names, carve their legacies into the annals of footballing history and lead their nations to the ultimate prize in football. There is no doubt that the football World Cup Finals in South Africa next year look set to pitch some of the most interesting teams head to head and that we will undoubtedly see some upsets and shocks. Here's a look and analysis of how the teams from the Americas or Concacaf and Conmebol leagues fared in the draw.
Group A
South Africa
Mexico
Uruguay
France
Group A will certainly be no picnic for any team. Never write off the host nation despite their appalling record of late, South Africa will have a rowdy noisy nation of millions behind them. Mexico has improved significantly after dumping Sven Goran Eriksson and will give anyone a good game. Uruguay was the last nation to book their place in South Africa after defeating Costa Rica in the playoff and is perhaps the weakest of the South American teams but a wicked counterattacking force in Diego Forlan and Luis Suarez will punish the careless.
Group B
Argentina
Nigeria
Korea Republic
Greece
It is hard to say which Argentina will turn up in South Africa and which of Coach Diego Maradona’s demons will be along for the ride! If the delightfully skilful Veron is on the plane then he is the man that allows the precocious talents of Lionel Messi to shine and we know that the Barcelona star is unstoppable on his day. Many people have criticised Maradona’s tactics and the weakness of the Argentina defence, but the legend from Boca has time to work on his team now and they should be able to get through the group phase.
Group C
England
USA
Algeria
Slovenia
With Landon Donovan at his peak and Tim Howard saving penalties in the Premier league there is no reason why a workmanlike team like the USA that maintain their discipline should not shock some of the bigger football nations…England beware. Jozy Altidore has the skill and bulk to upset any defender and after this nation’s fine showing in the Confederations Cup there is real belief. Team USA could be a bet for the quarter finals and if all works out according to plan they could meet rivals Mexico there in what would be an explosive match.
Group F
Italy
Paraguay
New Zealand
Slovakia
The Guarani must be happy with their group. Paraguay is a strong stubborn side that plays attractive counterattacking football. A great deal will depend on how their opening match versus Italy pans out. If they can secure a good result against the reigning champions they will feel comfortable to play fluid football against Slovakia. In reality the prospect of New Zealand should not have them running scared and they look a decent side with Roque Santa Cruz coming back to fitness soon.
Group G
Brazil
Korea DPR
Côte d'Ivoire
Portugal
The so-called group of death. For the first time in years the Brazilians have not received a straightforward group! However, they are confident, effective and are playing beneath the banner of favourites. If you are going to be the best in the world you’ll need to beat the best and that includes Didier Drogba’s Ivory Coast and Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal. Coach Dunga will have this group sorted out before the final game versus Portugal.
Group H
Spain
Switzerland
Honduras
Chile
Marcelo Bielsa’s Chile could have easily received a prize for the most improved and exciting team in the Conmebol qualifying group. There remain some question marks over their defending and their inability to defend set pieces but they are no mugs and have an out and out proven goal scorer in Suazo. Chile will be looking for victories against Switzerland and Honduras and damage limitation versus the Spanish. Honduras on the other hand is another improving side but this their first World Cup since 1982 might be a learning experience.
Richard McColl - I am a freelance writer from deepest darkest London but for the past 10 years or so I have been maintaining my extended "writing break" in ...
