MIDWAY THROUGH THE WC 2010...
Group A -
Uruguay looks very impressive. Their match against Mexico should be an absolute knocker. Expect at least 2-3 goals in that one.
Mexico would be going for the win too, no less. Their win would put France out for sure, because of the Goal Difference.
France would want Uruguay to win (because they haven't conceded any goals yet), and by at least a margin of 3 - 0, which would make their task of a scoreline of at least 2 - 0 in their must-win match against South Africa.
Easier said than done.
South Africa would want to go out with a bang in front of their home fans, and judging by the football France has displayed so far, I wouldn't be TOO optimistic about their chances.
Group B -
Argentina should win against Greece. No problems there.
The big match here would be Nigeria vs South Korea.
Goal Difference should play a vital role in this group too.
If Nigeria scores the win by at least a 2 goal margin, and Argentina beats Greece, Nigeria can still sneak in.
Don't think South Korea would be giving in so easily though.
Group C -
Slovenia look hot.
England look toothless.
English fans would be clamoring for the win here, and the demand for Joe Cole in the playing 11 with Rooney as the lone striker can become a reality in this game.
The big question is, can England still strike after that? They have to, because if they lose its bye-bye WC.
USA's win over Algeria should tighten the noose around England's neck.
Group D -
The shock defeat of Germany has thrown this group wide open too.
Serbia has a chance of qualifying, if they beat Australia even by a 1 - 0 margin.
Ghana - Germany will be the big match here. Expect some real fireworks in this one.
Group E -
The Netherlands have already qualified for the Round of 16. They should win against Cameroon, given the form they have displayed so far.
But it would be dangerous to take Cameroon easily. Even if they are out of the WC, they might wanna go out with a real bang.
The big match in this one is Japan - Denmark. Whoever wins goes into the next Round, loser goes home.
Group F -
Italy SHOULD fancy their chances against lowly Slovakia. The problem is, with the poor football they have shown so far, you would still doubt them to take the win in their last match. Do I have to mention it is a must-win situation for the Azurri?
Paraguay look good. They should win over New Zealand.
But what if the result goes the other way in this match? If NZL win, it could be bye-bye Italy.
Group G -
THE match of the final stages of the first Round - Brazil vs Portugal.
Both teams look intense and scoring heavily in their previous matches (Brazil has 5 goals so far and Portugal thumped 7 in their match yesterday), so this one should be a real mouth-watering cracker!
Ideally one would expect Brazil to sneak the win here, but Portugal wouldn't want that. Ivory Coast would have fancied their chances in this group with a Brazil win, but now with that huge Goal Difference which Portugal carries, it should be safe to assume that the two heavyweights of this group will pass into the next Round, regardless of the result of their cracker of a match.
Group H -
Spain vs Chile will be the decider in this one, I feel.
There could be a situation here where all 3 teams - Spain, Chile & Switzerland - could end up with 6 points each, and GD will play the pivotal role of choosing the final 2.
Switzerland would win against Honduras, so Spain goes into their final match with a must-win situation. Chile would be a real tough nut to crack. Interestingly poised, this group.
Its great to see at least 4-5 groups with chances wide open for at least 3 teams, if not all 4.
Just imagine the prospect coming along - what if Italy and France are knocked out of the WC in the First Round itself? The 2006 Champions and the Finalists both out?!
Though I am slightly more inclined towards Italy to sneak into the next Round. France's WC 2010 road however, looks like it should end in the first round itself. Too bad for the Les Bleus.