Complete 2010 FIFA World Cup Predictions: Group A

Welcome to a new segment that will be taking place in the upcoming days on MWS as a countdown the 2010 World Cup.

Finally, a long four years has passed, and the world will start cheering on their nation in the biggest international sports event (take that, Olympics!).

Those of us whose country didn't quite make it get to sit back and make some nice, unbiased projections.

So, without further ado, here are my complete predictions for Group A:

South Africa 1 - 2 Mexico (June 11, Soccer City - Match 1)
Uruguay 0 - 2 France (June 11, Cape Town - Match 2)

South Africa 1 - 1 Uruguay (June 16, Pretoria - Match 17)
France 2 - 1 Mexico (June 17, Polokwane - Match 20)

Mexico 3 - 2 Uruguay (June 22, Rustenburg - Match 33)
France 2 - 1 South Africa (June 22, Bloemfontein - Match 34)

Final Standings:

1. France 3W-0D-0L 9PTS 6GF 2GA
2. Mexico 2W-0D-1L 6PTS 6GF 5GA
3. South Africa 0W-1D-2L 1PT 3GF 5GA
4. Uruguay 0W-1D-2L 1PT 3GF 6GA

Reflections:

Despite France's close finish against Ireland, I think that they will come into this tournament using that game as a wake-up call, and have a rather easy time coming out with three wins in Group A.

Of course, the biggest surprise in my predictions is Uruguay finishing fourth, but a loss to France seems inevitable. I also think Mexico may be just a little offensively stronger, giving them a win over their South American counterparts.

While South Africa picking up any points may be a stretch, I do see them taking advantage of the home field advantage and support, giving Mexico and France a run for their money, and then taking Uruguay to a draw in their second game.

As per Mexico, I see them simply making the most of their chances in beating South Africa and Uruguay, but falling short against France, landing them in second place.