GROUP A: South Africa, Mexico, Uruguay, France
In the host nation's group, as it stands now I'm going to say that France will finish at the top of the group, and despite the energy from the home fans, South Africa will fall to Mexico (as much as I hate to say it for all my dislike of Mexican soccer).
GROUP B: Argentina, Nigeria, South Korea, Greece
Despite Argentina's recent form I think they're a shoe-in for the second round, with Nigeria finishing second. The latter seem to be a fairly strong representative of the African continent, and I think they can overpower South Korea and struggling Greece to move on.
GROUP C: England, USA, Algeria, Slovenia
This group (on paper anyway) is fairly easy to call. England are in barring a major meltdown 3 matches in a row, and if the US men can't pull off a win each against 2 of the weakest contenders then they don't deserve to move on anyway. With luck however, USA will tie with England and move through in first place on goal differential.
GROUP D: Germany, Australia, Serbia, Ghana
In this group, Germany could have an easy time of it if they play their game and remain disciplined. I think the Aussies can pull through as well, although Ghana could certainly give them a run for their money.
GROUP E: Netherlands, Denmark, Japan, Cameroon
Even though lately the Dutch haven't appeared to be as strong as the last several years, I predict they will win the group this time around. Japan had a strong showing in 2002, but I believe Denmark will pull through in second place.
GROUP F: Italy, Paraguay, New Zealand, Slovakia
Italy being another team I strongly dislike, it pains me to say that they will win the group in all likelihood. The battle for second is much tougher to call, but I'm going to say Paraguay will have what it takes to move on.
GROUP G: Brazil, North Korea, Ivory Coast, Portugal
Brazil is one of the favorites as usual, and I'm not going to argue. Portugal barely made it into the Cup in the first place, and although I'm sure they will try hard, Ivory Coast will be the second African nation to get to the second round.
GROUP H: Spain, Switzerland, Honduras, Chile
Spain are my pick to win the whole thing, and as such they will start by winning the final group. Honduras had a decent showing in qualification, however I'm banking on the Swiss to become the 16th team to reach the second stage of competition.
If things go as I predict, the second stage will look as follows (with the winners in parentheses):
France vs. Nigeria (France)
Argentina vs. Mexico (Argentina)
England vs. Australia (England)
Germany vs. USA (USA)
Netherlands vs. Paraguay (Paraguay)
Italy vs. Denmark (Italy)
Brazil vs. Switzerland (Brazil)
Spain vs. Ivory Coast (Spain)
Regardless of whether or not I'm right on the rest of the results, I'm picking Spain to win the Cup and shall be rooting for them along with team USA. As next June draws closer I may change my predictions based on roster changes, injuries to key players, etc. and will write a new post concerning those changes. Until then, all we can do is wait till next summer!
