The hosts are quite unlucky by the group stage draw as they will have play against three very strong teams. France and Mexico have the upper hand on this group although we shouldn’t underestimate Uruguay. The bookmakers offer France (8th) to win the final at 19.00, Mexico at 67.00, Uruguay at 81.00 while South Africa betting odds to reach the final is at 151.00.
| Group A | World Cup Group A News | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The host of World Cup 2010 South Africa will begin their matches playing a crucial game against Mexico as the winner will have an important advantage to qualify for the next stage. On the other Group A match, France is the favorite against Uruguay. |
| World Cup 2010 – Group A Fixtures | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Group A: South Africa is the hosting country of the 2010 World Cup but Lady Luck was not fair with them. Mexico, France and Uruguay are very strong opponents for the African team. However, this group doesn’t have a clear favorite as France and Mexico might have theoretically the advantage but Uruguay has also a very good team. The most important game seems to be the one on the second day between France and Mexico as the winner will get a clear advantage.
South Africa participates for the third time in their history in a World Cup final stage. The previous ones were in France at 1998 and in Japan – South Korea at 2002. At 1998 secured the 24th position with 2 draws while at 2002 the 17th with 1 win and a draw. They never managed to proceed further than the groups stage.
Mexico has a long history in the World Cup as they participated in 14 out of the total 19 competitions. They have hosted the World Cup twice and in both occasions managed to reach the quarter final which is their record so far.
Uruguay is another regular of the World Cup competitions with 11 participations. Their best position was the 4th back at 1970 when they reached the semi final.
France has thirteen World Cup participations and one trophy back at 1998 when they were the hosts. The team managed to reach last competition’s final (2006) but they lost the game from Italy.
Argentina, Nigeria, Greece and South Korea. Argentina shouldn’t have any problems regarding the first spot. It is far better team than all the rest and they should be able to secure at least 7 points. Greece, South Korea and Nigeria will battle for the second spot. All the remaining teams are on similar level despite the fact that all three are from completely different football schools. Argentina is one of favorites to win the final (4th) as they enjoy a betting odd factor of 8.00 while Greece and Nigeria are at 151.00. South Korea is further down to 201.00.
| Group B | World Cup Group B News | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Group B is an evenly matched group where Argentina is the first choice to qualify to the next stage of World Cup while Nigeria, Greece and Korea Republic will fight for the second place. |
| World Cup 2010 – Group B Fixtures | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Group B features the high profile Argentina team under the guide of the football legend Diego Maradona. The south American teams shouldn’t encounter any problems against other Group B teams such as Nigeria, Greece and South Korea. Although on the first spot we might have a prime candidate, the facts regarding the second spot are completely different. Greece has a slight advantage but Nigeria and Korea Republic are excellent teams. The first day games are essential especially the one between Korea and Greece. The winner will get a significant advantage for the second spot race.
Argentina has won the world cup twice on 1978 as hosts and at 1986 at Mexico. They have participated in 15 out of the total 19 World Cup events and they are one of the favorites this year.
This is the second time Greece manages to reach the World Cup final stage. The first one was back at 1994 in United States. They team managed to win a Euro Cup back at 2004 in surprise of the whole football world. Their manager, Otto Rehagel enjoys respect of a whole nation despite the strong criticism of the last years.
Nigeria travels to a World Cup final stage for the third time since the beginning of the World Cup back at 1930. They managed twice to advance from the group stage to the next round. However, in their last participation at 2002 they disqualified managing only a draw.
South Korea was the World Cup co-hosts at 2002 alongside with Japan. Back then they managed to reach the semi finals while on all the other 7th entries were not able to advance from the group stage.
England, USA, Algeria and Slovenia. A similar group like the above mentioned one as England is the clear favorite for the first spot. Slovenia, Algeria and USA will battle for the second place. England is one of the favorites to win the final (3rd) as their betting odds factor is at 7.50. USA is next by 81.00 while Slovenia is at 301.00 and Algeria at 501.00.
| Group C | World Cup Group C News | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| England is the boss of the Group C as they will manage to qualify to the next stage with one way or another. United States is the favorite for the second place but Slovenia or Algeria shouldn’t be underestimated. |
| World Cup 2010 – Group C Fixtures | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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On Group C we have England, USA, Algeria and Slovenia. The team from United Kingdom has a clear advantage while all the rest will fight for the second spot that leads to the next World Cup stage. United States and Slovenia are on similar level but we shouldn’t write off Algeria.
England holds a World Cup trophy back at 1966 when they host the tournament. In the last two world cups they managed to advanced only up to the quarter finals. They have participated 13 times in a World Cup final stage.
USA tries to become a regular in the World Cup final stages. After the changes in the qualification groups, USA maintains the strongest football team in the region along side with Mexico. They hosted the 1994 World Cup and their best record is a participation in the semi final back at 1930. The team has 8 entries in the World Cup final stage.
Algeria has managed to reach this stage only three times (1982 and 1986) but they never managed to advance from the group stage.
Slovenia is a recently formed country. This is their second participation to a final stage – the first one was back at 2002 where they suffered three defeats.
Germany, Australia, Serbia and Ghana. Germany is the strongest team in this group but will face stern opposition from Serbia and Ghana. Australia does not have the power to resist any of the other teams and if they manage to get a single point will be a success. Germany’s (6th) betting odds to win the final is at 15.00, Serbia’s at 51.00, Ghana’s at 81.00 while Australia’s betting odds are at 176.00.
| Group D | World Cup Group D News | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Germany and Serbia will fight for the first place of Group D. Those two teams have the quality overcome the obstacles of Australia and Ghana. Most probably the first place will go to the winner of the match Germany V Serbia. |
| World Cup 2010 – Group D Fixtures | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Group D: This is one of the most unpredictable groups in the world cup. Germany will have to exceed themselves in order to get one of the two spots that offer a qualification ticket for the next stage. Serbia and Ghana will try for the best while Australia is too weak to play any role to this group. The match between Serbia and Ghana at the first match day it is very important especially if there will be a winner.
Germany is one of the most successful teams in the World Cup. They have appeared 17 times in a final change while they have won the trophy three times (1954 – 1974 and 1990).
Serbia was one of the teams that participate to the first World Cup at 1930 as Yugoslavia. Their best record so far was a fourth place back at 1962. They have participated 8 times in a World Cup final stage so far.
This is just the second time for Ghana in the tournament. The first time was at 2006 when they managed to advance from the groups’ stage.
Australia participates to the World Cup for third time. The first one was back at 1974 while their best record was at 2006 when they managed to advance from the groups’ stage.
Netherlands, Denmark, Japan and Cameroon; Netherlands shouldn’t face any problems regarding occupying the first spot as neither of the other teams in the group have the quality of the Dutch team. The second spot should go to either Denmark or Cameroon while Japan might play an important role for the final outcome. Holland is 5th on the betting odds regarding their win on the final. Next is Cameroon at 101.00, Denmark at 151.00 and last is Japan by 351.00.
| Group E | World Cup Group E News | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Netherlands is the boss of the Group E as they are a click higher than the rest three teams. Denmark, Cameroon and Japan will fight for the second ticket that leads to World Cup knock out stage. |
| World Cup 2010 – Group E Fixtures | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Group E: Netherlands, Denmark, Japan and Cameroon are the teams of this group. Holland has a clear advantage while Cameroon and Denmark will fight for the second spot. Japan is a good team and they do have the power to win a couple of points.
Netherlands has 9 appearance in the World Cup tournament so far and have made it all the way to the final twice (1974 and 1978) without success however. The team is one of the strongest in the Europe and the majority of the players are playing in high profile European football teams.
This is fourth appearance for Denmark while their best record is a participation to quarter final back at 1998. All the times they have managed to reach the World Cup tournament they advanced to the next round.
This is the fourth appearance for Japan as well. Their best record was back at 2002 where as hosts managed to advance for the groups’ stage.
Cameroon is the most successful African team in World Cup as they are the only nation that managed to reach a quarter finals stage (1990). This will be the fifth appearance for Cameroon.
Italy, Paraguay, New Zealand and Slovakia; Italy is the boss of Group F and 7th in predictions to win the World Cup final. Paraguay follows by a 81.00 betting odds factor while Slovakia is next by 301.00. New Zealand is last on the predictions to win the final as they enjoying a betting odds factor of 2001.00!
| Group F | World Cup Group F News | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Italy is the clear favorite for the first place on Group F. Paraguay, New Zealand and Slovakia will battle for the second qualifying ticket where Paraguay has a slight more chance to succeed. |
| World Cup 2010 – Group F Fixtures | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Group F: The 2006 World Cup winners Italy are the clear favorite on this group. Paraguay and Slovakia will try for the best while New Zealand should most likely enjoy their participation to the World Cup.
Italy holds four World Cup titles (1934, 1938, 1982 and 2006) while this will be their seventeen appearance in the tournament. It is the most successful European national team outnumbered in titles only by the mighty Brazil.
Paraguay is a world cup regular in the final stage of World Cup with eight entries. Usually they advance from the groups’ stages but they do not go any further.
This is the first time for Slovakia in the World Cup. The newly formed country had four opportunities to reach at this stage but they managed to do so only this year.
This is the second time for New Zealand in the World Cup. The first one was back at 1982 when they were not able to advance from the group stage.
Brazil, Korea DPR, Ivory Coast and Portugal; Brazil will have a difficult task against Ivory Coast and Portugal. Korea DPR will enjoy their first participation to the World Cup and will play all the games without stress or tactical restrictions. The bookmakers offer Brazil to reach the final at 5.50 which is their second choice out of the 32 teams. Portugal is high as well as is their 9th choice by 26.00 while just a spot behind at 10th is Ivory Coast by 34.00. Korea DPR is their 31st choice outmatching only New Zealand and their betting odds is at 1501.00.
| Group G | World Cup Group G News | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Group G is one of the hardest groups in the World Cup. Brazil is certainly the favorites for the first place but Ivory Coast and Portugal have the quality to produce stern opposition against Brazil. Korea DPR will have to settle with good performances as they are clearly the underdogs of Group G. |
| World Cup 2010 – Group G Fixtures | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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On Group G we have the most successful team of the World Cup competitions, Brazil. The South American team however will have a difficult task against Portugal and Ivory Coast. Korea DPR is the weakest team of the group and most likely will concede a lot.
Brazil is the most successful football team in the world. They hold 5 trophies (1958, 1962, 1970, 1994 and 2002) while they participated in all the tournaments – 20 times after 20!
Portugal might be one of the strongest teams in Europe but this just their fifth time in the World Cup. Their best record was back at 2006 when they managed to reach the semi finals.
For Ivory Coast (Côte d’Ivoire) is the second time on a final stage of World Cup. The first one was back at 2006 when they were not able to advance to the next round.
Korea DPR enjoys their second participation on the tournament. The first one was back at 1966 when they managed to reach the quarter finals.
Spain, Switzerland, Honduras and Chile; On this group we have the top choice of the online sports betting sites as Spain is their prime choice by 5.00 to win the World Cup Final. Chile follows on this group by 67.00 while Switzerland is at 201.00 and Honduras at 1001.00.
| Group H | World Cup Group H News | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Spain will have absolutely no problem at all to qualify to the World Cup Knockout round from this Group. Chile and Switzerland will battle each other for the second ticket of Group H while Honduras can only hope for some good performances. |
| World Cup 2010 – Group H Fixtures | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Group H: Spain is the absolute boss on this group and the #1 choice of the bookmakers to reach the final. The 2008 Euro Cup winners will seek to bring back the most important trophy of the football world. Switzerland, Honduras and Chile will fight for the second spot that offers a ticket to the next stage. Chile might have a small advantage but they will have to prove it on the pitch.
Spain is the rising power of Europe. This is their thirteenth time in the World Cup final stage and they are the favorites to reach the final. There best record was the semi finals back at 1950.
This is the eighth time for Switzerland in the tournament. Their team have managed to reach the quarter final phase three times back at 1934, 1938 and 1954 when they ere the hosts.
Honduras traveled to South Africa 2010 World Cup featuring their second participation to the tournament – the first one was at 1982 when they were not able to advance from the groups’ stage.
Chile is a World Cup regular with 7 entries. Their best record is a third place back at 1962 as hosts.
The World Cup also known as the Fifa World Cup is a football championship hosted every 4 years by male national teams and adds up from the involvement of a total of 32 teams which compete for the title for a period of 1 month. The qualification period for the teams that will reach the World Cup which is hosted every four years is run for a period of 3 years after each championship concludes. The Fifa World Cup is known to be the football tournament (or soccer tournament as the sport is abbreviated in several countries) with the most spectators in terms of figures. World Cup happenings in the past were known to circulate between two continents with America and Europe being the main candidates, over the years Fifa introduced a pattern of rotating the hosts across the world with the 2002 World Cup being the first event in the history of the event to be hosted in Asia following up with the South Africa World Cup 2010 which is the first ever event in the history of the World Cup to be hosted in Africa. During past years the event had suffered boycotting from several countries which felt it was unfair for the Championship to be held in particular regions of the world solely although the event was mainly hosted in countries in which football (soccer) was extremely popular. The argument was that the decision to host the event in particular regions was more or less minimizing the possibility of raising the bar of competition and interest for nationwide interest in the game in particular countries were football (soccer) was less popular. Nowadays the decision on which region or country will host a World Cup is made six or seven years prior to the event therefore allowing the country or region to prepare itself both in terms of facilities for the sporting event itself but also in terms of facilities for accommodation and entertainment for guests and spectators. It is only realistic to say that the honor of hosting a World Cup is something that boosts and increases GDP, Worldwide Recognition and Advertising as well as the tourism industry very much. The World Cup was first televised back in 1954 and is today the most widely viewed and followed sporting event held worldwide exceeding even the Olympic Games. Since 1196 each World Cup is allowed to maintain its own mascot or logo. More information can be found at the original source of information under World Cup on Wikipedia.