2010 FIFA World Cup: Who Wins and Who Loses

Group A: South Africa, Mexico, France, Uruguay

South Africa, as the host team, comes to this year's World Cup with an advantage no other team will have—the hometown crowd backing it all the way. As demonstrated in the Confederations Cup, the South Africans can be difficult to beat at home. Couple this with a decent balance of talent and experience, and South Africa could spring an upset.

Mexico used over 60 players in qualifying and will now rely on Javier Aguirre to rally his talented, but woefully inexperienced, side to victory. Mexico is the most in form team of this group though, and with talents like Barcelona defender Rafael Marquez, Carlos Vela, and Giovani Dos Santos, Mexico shouldn't have too much trouble winning this group.

France divides opinion. It is coming off a World Cup final berth in 2006, but struggled to qualify for this year's World Cup, beating Ireland in a playoff on a questionable call. With players like Franck Ribery, Florent Malouda, and Nicolas Anelka on the squad, France has the tools to make a run. However, I feel that its lack of form could be too much to overcome.

Uruguay has not made the Round of 16 since 1970, and its years as a powerhouse are long gone. It also scraped into this year's World Cup, winning a playoff to qualify. Strikers Diego Forlan and Luiz Suarez make Uruguay a scoring threat, but its lack of depth across the field and on the bench means you should not expect Uruguay to make it out of this group.

Qualifiers: Mexico, South Africa

Group B: Greece, Nigeria, Argentina, South Korea

Greece is a notoriously stout defensive team, with a back four and goalkeeper that can shut out many good offensive teams. However, they have also developed into a decent offensive team as well, scoring 20 goals in 10 games in European qualifiers. Its lack of overall depth could haunt it and ultimately lead to an early exit, but there's enough talent and grit here for it to advance.

Nigeria divides opinion. One would think that its slow pace, ball control, and home continent advantage would make them a good bet to advance. However, its lack of explosiveness means that scoring goals will be difficult. Furthermore, Nigeria does not have much momentum going into the World Cup, as it needed two late goals on the last day of qualifying to book its place. Coupled with a flat performance in the African Nations Cup, Nigeria should not make much of an impact in 2010.

Argentina is the clear favorite to win this group, and possibly the entire tournament. Between Carlos Tevez and Lionel Messi, there is more than enough talent to put this team into the next round without much trouble. However, if Argentina was to drop its first match, Diego Maradona could easily overmanage this team into serious trouble. Keep an eye on Argentina in the later stages.

South Korea actually has some star power in Park Ji-Sung, who plays for Manchester United and scored crucial goals for them throughout the season. However, the Koreans lack striking talent and depth and will thus need to play smart football to advance. Spotty form also raises a red flag, with the South Koreans dropping games to both China and Zambia recently.

Qualifiers: Argentina, Greece

Group C: England, USA, Algeria, Slovenia

England is not lacking in talent. Despite the loss of captain Rio Ferdinand, England should have more than enough skill across the field and on the bench to make a run deep into this tournament. Wayne Rooney combined with any of the English strikers also makes for a potent scoring threat. Historically, England finds ways to underperform, raising questions about its ability to advance deep into the latter stages. But it should have no trouble qualifying.

The USA is out to prove that its successes in the Confederations Cup and Gold Cup were not flukes. It is one of the youngest teams in the tournament and has significant star power with Landon Donovan, Tim Howard, Clint Dempsey, and Jozy Altidore. The back four is a concern for the USA, with Oguchi Oneywu still recovering from injury, but the scoring capability of this team should cover that enough to see it advance to the next round.

Algeria already had its World Cup success—beating Egypt in the qualifying playoff sparked celebrations across the nation. Quite simply, this team does not have the talent or depth to string together three consistent matches. While every World Cup may have a surprise team or two, I would not bet on Algeria being that squad this year. Look for an early exit.

Slovenia is banking on a solid defense that allowed just six goals in the team's last 12 games. It played fine football in qualifying, and having one of the youngest teams in the tournament is a plus. However, Slovenia has little history to fall back on, performing terribly in Euro '08. It is not entirely impossible for this team to advance. But if it does, it would be mostly because England or the USA failed to live up to expectations.

Qualifiers: England, USA

Group D: Germany, Serbia, Ghana, Australia

Germany is also one of the favorites to win it all this year. Captain and midfielder Michael Ballack will be missed, but this team is organized and efficient enough to cope with his loss. German strikers Lukas Podolski and Miroslav Klose took home the Best Young Player and Golden Boot awards respectively in 2006. Look for them to make a similar impact in 2010. One area where the Germans could be weak is between the pipes—all the goalkeepers on the squad lack international experience.

Serbia also divides opinion. On paper this team could make a run to the semifinals, with 16 players on the roster playing for major European clubs. Defender Nemanja Vidic leads a very talented team, one that finished at the top of its qualifying group. However, inconsistent form will hurt it, as it did not even qualify for Euro 2008. This is a team that also had difficulty deciding what pace to play at in 2006, which could prove detrimental, or even fatal, to its hopes should this be a problem in 2010 as well.

Ghana is unlucky. Despite being the first African team to qualify, it is probably not the best on the continent. That honor goes to to Ivory Coast or Cameroon. Surprising talent and sheer determination saw it make a surprising run to the round of 16 in 2006. But with the loss of Michael Essien, Ghana's best player and pace setter, a similar result should be overwhelmingly difficult this time around.

Australia has a lot of talent playing in major clubs across Europe, but its success as a national team is difficult to judge, as it plays in a weak qualifying conference and cannot always assemble a complete roster. Its hopes rest in the hands of star goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer and midfielder Tim Cahill. It played tough, aggressive football in 2006, losing to Italy in the round of 16 on a penalty kick goal in the 90 ^th minute. Don't sleep on the Socceroos this time around.

Qualifiers: Germany, Australia

Group E: Netherlands, Denmark, Japan, Cameroon

The Netherlands has all the pieces in place to make a lot of noise this year. Players like Wesley Sjnider, Robin van Persie, and Arjen Robben make Oranje a relentless opponent, one that always seeks to apply pressure. But the other side of the coin is that the Dutch have a habit of imploding on the world stage, bombing out of Euro 2008 after blazing through the group stage. Yet if the Netherlands survives its group and the round of 16, a berth in the finals is a very real possibility.

Denmark didn't qualify for either FIFA World Cup 2006 or Euro 2008, but it jumped to a 5-0-1 record at the beginning of 2010 qualifying. It cooled off soon after, drawing thrice and losing at home in its last four games. The Danes have a decent squad, but what could ultimately prove to be its biggest weakness is an inability to score goals—none of its strikers could be considered to be in their primes.

Japan's speedy strikers keep opposing defenses honest and could help spring an upset. However, a mediocre and unorganized defense should prove to be its downfall in a group where it will probably need two wins to advance. If the Japanese want to have any hopes of advancing they will need dead-ball specialist Shunsuke Nakamura to make some magic. An early exit is the most likely scenario.

Cameroon challenges Ivory Coast as the best African team. Striker Samuel Eto'o is the heartbeat and most skilled player on this team, and he will be fed the ball regularly. Cameroon was 7-0-0 when Eto'o scored in qualifying. Its match against Denmark will prove to be crucial to its hopes of qualifying for the next round—a loss will almost surely keep it out, while a win or draw should see it through to the next round.

Qualifiers: Netherlands, Cameroon

Group F: Italy, Paraguay, Slovakia, New Zealand

The defending champions have drawn in a weak group and should have no trouble advancing to the next round. Italy is returning more than 10 players from its World Cup triumph in 2006, with goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon heading the squad. The trouble for Italy will come in the second round—this is a team that is rapidly aging and has gone 1-5-1 in matches against Top 10 opponents since 2006.

Paraguay qualified for its fourth consecutive World Cup on the back of a solid campaign, finishing only behind Brazil and Chile. Paraguay's biggest strength lies in its ability to play careful, defensive football. Experience at striker is thin, but there is enough talent across the field to see it through to the next round. Don't expect much more past that though.

Slovakia qualified for its first-ever World Cup this year, and there is a lot of intrigue with regards to what it can actually do. Its form is scratchy, winning seven of 10 qualifying matches but going 3-9-1 in its last 13 friendly matches. While most players on the Slovakian team play for second tier clubs, they also play wide open football. In a group as weak as this, that might be enough to cause the upset it needs to advance.

New Zealand, more than anything else, should be happy to be here. This is just its second World Cup appearance, and after its losses to Tanzania, Fiji, and Thailand in the last 18 months, it is easy to see why. The Kiwis will almost certainly need a magical run to advance in this tournament. But congratulations to them—maybe we can get to see the hakka once or twice.

Qualifiers: Italy, Paraguay

Group G: Brazil, Portugal, North Korea, Ivory Coast

Brazil is the No. 1 side entering into the tournament according to both ESPN and Yahoo!. Creativity is the hallmark of Brazilian football, especially with Kaka in the midfield and Luis Fabiano at striker. Furthermore, this team is deep —so deep that former wunderkind Ronaldihno did not make Brazil's squad. It is also 10-0-0 in its last 10 contests against other World Cup qualifiers, and 23-3-3 overall against them since the last World Cup in Germany. Expect a deep run for the Brazilians.

Portugal has shaken off a relatively poor qualifying run and comes into this World Cup with most of its players in good form. Cristiano Ronaldo is a real talent who has the ability to singlehandedly win matches for his side. Deco and Tiago also provide playmaking ability, making the Portuguese side a real threat to make the semifinals this year, barring injury or inexplicably poor play.

North Korea is unquestionably the weakest side in the tournament. It plays dull, defensive football and was incredibly fortunate to qualify. Its only goal is to have a better goal differential than South Korea.

Ivory Coast is also unfortunate. Drawn into the “Group of Death,” Ivory Coast would probably advance in any other group. With the fifth best offense in the world, it has the firepower to stretch any team. However, its 45th-ranked defense could prove to be a major weakness. This team will go as far as Didier Drogba can carry it. However, if he fails to recover from a broken arm, expect an early exit in its second World Cup appearance.

Qualifiers: Brazil, Portugal

Group H: Spain, Honduras, Switzerland, Chile

The Spanish are favorites to make this year's final, and for very good reason. Rather than being just a collection of talent, the Spaniards play as a well-oiled and cohesive unit. Fernando Torres, Iker Casillas, and David Villa will help this team go far in this tournament. Spain's biggest downside is mental fortitude—it has developed a reputation of being chokers, a tag that proves difficult to shake. But after winning Euro 2008, the Spanish hope that they are slowly shedding their bad rap.

Honduras is a difficult team to gauge, given that its plays most of its matches inside of its conference. However, Honduras has proven that it is capable of causing upsets, beating the USA in a friendly in California a few months ago. This is Honduras' second Cup appearance, and with six players who play in Serie A and the Premiership, it possesses the talent necessary to cause a few shocks.

Switzerland made a surprising run to the round of 16 in 2006 on the back of efficient and cohesive football. Switzerland has played 16 matches against other World Cup qualifiers and is 6-8-2 against that competition. This signifies a team that is probably too inconsistent to qualify out of a tough draw, but, as shown in its 2-0 victory over Portugal in the European Championship, this team has the skill needed to win a crucial first match against Chile.

Chile finished second in CONMEBOL qualifying, only one point behind Brazil. The Chileans are difficult to judge, given that they do not play against nations outside of South America often and have not qualified for the World Cup since 1998. However, as a 2-2-1 record against European teams in friendlies (all away from home) shows, Chile has the talent to run with the best. Its opening match against Switzerland will be crucial to its hopes of securing a berth in the round of 16.

Qualifiers: Spain, Switzerland

Round of 16

Argentina vs South Africa

Winner : Argentina

This is a plain and simple case of the South Africans being outclassed. They'll most definitely exit the tournament with their pride and dignity intact, but backing them to beat Argentina is a fool's bet.

Greece vs Mexico

Winner: Greece

Do you think this is a shocking prediction? Hear me out—the Mexican team is talented but inexperienced. Furthermore, there has not been much cohesiveness in the Mexican unit prior to this World Cup. Meanwhile, Greece has been relatively cohesive, possesses a stout defense, and has developed goal-scoring capabilities. This match might come down to penalties, but I think Greece can eke out a win.

England vs Australia

Winner: England

The bottom line in this match is that Tim Cahill and Mark Schwarzer can only carry this team so far. Not to say that the Socceroos don't have talent —England just has much more of it. Australia will put up a good fight, but not enough to keep it in the tournament.

Germany vs USA

Winner: Germany

In order for the USA to make a deep run in this tournament, it needs a collective effort from all of its players. Unfortunately, I feel that Germany's organization and superior talent will win out. If the USA wants to win this game, Buddle, Altidore, and Donovan will need to get hot and stay hot. An upset is possible, but I wouldn't bet the farm on it.

Netherlands vs Paraguay

Winner: Netherlands

Again, this is just a matter of a superior team beating a weaker team. The Oranje have too much talent and overall explosiveness to give Paraguay an opening in this match. Tough draw for Paraguay, but that's the way it goes.

Italy vs Cameroon

Winner: Cameroon

The defending champions will bow out here. The Italians will have to contend with Samuel Eto'o, whose speed and skill will be too much for the aging Italian squad. Buffon can only stop him for so long. Cameroonian youth will beat the Italians in extra time.

Brazil vs Switzerland

Winner: Brazil

The round of 16 will be defined by the men separating themselves from the boys. This is another case of just that. Switzerland is not a bad team, but Brazil is one of the favorites. It's like the New York Yankees playing the Bad News Bears.

Spain vs Portugal

Winner: Spain

The match of this round by a longshot. Both teams are incredibly talented with playmakers who can swing a game on a moment's notice. Cristiano Ronaldo and Iniesta will be squaring off in a excellent battle in the midfield. Ultimately, goalkeeping will probably be the difference, and Iker Casillas is probably the best keeper in the entire tournament.

Quarterfinals

Greece vs England

Winner: England

The Greeks have a steady and compact defense, one that will make scoring difficult for almost any team. But the English have the power to be an offensive juggernaut. Wayne Rooney will be challenging for the Golden Boot this year, and combine him with Frank Lampard, Stephen Gerrard, and Peter Crouch, and Greece will just have too much to deal with.

Argentina vs Germany

Winner: Germany

Maradonna's overmanaging of the Argentine team dooms it here. Aside from Argentina historically being chokers on the world stage, its tactics just won't work here. In a game where German organization and efficiency could be countered by patience and discipline, Messi and the Argentinians will try to run over the Germans with overly aggressive football. It won't work for them.

Brazil vs Holland

Winner: Holland

Brazil has apparently ditched its famous style of play, titled “Joga Bonita.” More defensive players have been brought in, which won't mesh well with Brazilian football philosophy. Its skill can be overwhelming though. But Holland has stellar playmakers, especially if Arjen Robben recovers from his injury in time. Ultimately, there isn't much to choose a winner between the two sides. Gut feeling says that Holland will be able to run Brazil close enough to win in the game of the tournament.

Cameroon vs Spain

Winner: Spain

Cameroon's dream run ends now. This team will only go as far as Eto'o can take it. Eto'o simply cannot take it past the Spanish. They're just too good.

Semifinals

England vs Holland

Winner: Holland

England has a somewhat suspect defense, and it will take the capabilities of Oranje to expose those flaws. Van Persie and Kuyt will be able to pick apart the English defense, especially with Rio Ferdinand out because of injury. Expect a high scoring game.

Germany vs Spain

Winner: Germany

Call this speculation, but I don't think Spain sheds its "choker" label this year. In a rugged repeat of the Euro 2008 final, Germany finds a way to grind down Spain enough to sneak into the World Cup final. This match could very well be decided by penalties.

Final

Holland vs Germany

Winner: Germany

As you've probably noticed by now, I firmly believe in patient, counterattacking, and disciplined football. Those are all of Germany's strengths. This one could go either way. It should be a very interesting final, especially if Robben recovers from his injury. Ballack will be missed, but there is enough depth and skill on Germany's side for it to outlast the Dutch.