FIFA World Cup 2010: The Story So Far... Group A & B

Group A

South Africa 1-1 Mexico

The tournament was opened by the hosts facing off against Mexico. Football is labeled the game of two halves, and the World Cup opener showed exactly why.

Mexico started off the far superior side. Their passing and attacking creativity was causing South Africa all sorts of problems.

If not for the lack of clinical finish on Mexico's behalf, the South African side could have lost the game in the opening half.

South Africa's Itumeleng Khune put in a World Cup-worthy performance between the sticks for the hosts and was the standout performer of the game.

Both teams were wasteful in front of goal. Mexico caused the most problems in the first half, but South Africa closed out the first 45 the better.

They carried that into the second half and after 10 minutes, they were in the lead. Mexico leveled it up thanks to Rafael Marquez.

Mexico should be happy at the fact they were able to come back and salvage a point, but their lack of finishing will be a major concern.

South Africa did well in spurts and had the better chances to take all three points, but they were far from convincing as well.

Uruguay 0-0 France

The second game from Group A pitted the two favorites to qualify against each other, and neither team looked like they wanted to risk the chance of falling behind the rest.

With both Mexico and South Africa gaining a point from the first game, Uruguay and France both knew that the group was going to be very open.

France at times showed class with Ribery and Anelka, but overall they were just as poor as they were prior to the World Cup.

Uruguay did not bring their A-game against France and may feel lucky to have taking a point from the game. Diego Forlan was the only real threat they had going forward.

Both sides will be happy for the most part with how they defended, and both France and Uruguay will feel that they have given themselves the best possible chance to win the group.

Neither team really forced the issue and the best chance flew past Sidney Govou, who was unable to turn the cross goal-ward.

Uruguay's Lodeiro picked up two yellow cards and was the first player to see red at the World Cup, after coming off the bench.

Group Prediction

Despite France playing grossly below-par, they still boast the better quality players in their squad.

Regardless of how average both teams performed in their initial game, France and Uruguay both defended quite well, which is something South Africa and Mexico both failed to do.

Mexico have talented attacking players, but their inability to covert their chances hurt them against South Africa and will hurt them in their hunt for qualification.

South Africa showed heart and determination in the way they took the game to Mexico after the break, but a better side may have had the game out of South Africa's reach before the break.

France and Uruguay are still favorites to qualify, but both teams will need vast improvements if they have expectations of going any further than the last 16.

Group B

South Korea 2-0 Greece

The opening game of Group B yielded the same number of goals as the entire first day.

South Korea, who had previously only won one World Cup game outside of their homeland, took on Greece, who ironically were in the same group as Nigeria and Argentina in the only other World Cup campaign during USA '94.

The match took 90 minutes, but was won after seven.

South Korea dominated Greece, who looked tired from the start and very short of creative ideas.

The majority of Greek attacks came from long balls played from deep. The South Korean side never really looked under threat from the route-one tactics.

Korea out-worked and out-ran Greece, and fully deserved their victory. Greece had one or two half-chances later in the game, none of which really made South Korea fret for their lead.

Argentina 1-0 Nigeria

One of the most anticipated countries took the field and all eyes were on Argentina to see how good the attacking would perform under Diego Maradona's watchful eyes.

Argentina controlled the first half and Carlos Tevez, Gonzalo Higuain, and Lionel Messi will all ask themselves how they did not open the scoring.

The blue and white finally put the ball in the back of the net, but it came from the most unlikely source: Gabriel Heinze.

Despite numerous attacks and chances, Argentina could double their cushion and in the second half, Nigeria created some chances of their own.

Lionel Messi put in a sensational performance, but the man of the hour was Nigerian goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama.

Enyeama single-handled spotted his country enduring an embarrassing score-line and produced some miraculous saves.

Argentina took all three points, which was Maradona's main aim heading into the game, but some defensive issues came to light which will need to be addressed.

Group Prediction

It is hard to say that after one game each the group is decided, but that may just be case with Group B.

South Korea outclassed Greece on every level possible. Greece looked out of their depth, and it is hard to see how their long-ball tactics will serve them any good.

Argentina and Korea are the favorites to qualify, and being three points clear will certainly help.

Both Argentina and Korea have slight defensive issues, but it is hard to see Greece or Nigeria being able to punish either team.

Argentina and Korea will come head-to-head in their next game, which will more than likely decide the winner of the group, while Nigeria and Greece will have one last chance to keep any hopes alive, and to keep their pride intact as well.