2010 FIFA World Cup Previews: June 22, 2010
France has made a lot of headlines off the pitch: Anelka has been sent home and the already under fire coach is coming under criticism from the players as well.
Henry is likely to replace him, but after watching his lacklustre performance last time he was on, that may not be the best of choices.
This is a French team which doesn’t even look like they want to be on the pitch and they could very easily be receiving an early exit to the Cup.
South Africa will probably start keeper Josephs due to first choice Khune being suspended.
France is not the only team who needs a miracle to keep its World Cup chances alive. South Africa is in the same boat, although their performance will not have come as such a big surprise to most people.
The hosts do, however, have a chance to beat one of the biggest teams in Europe, and that could be a half-decent consolation prize.
Mexico will be without Vela, who has been ruled out with a hamstring injury. A draw in this match would be ideal for both sides as it would result in both of them qualifying, and it is pretty likely this is what Mexico is going to play for.
After all, it is better to be safe rather than sorry, even though it would take an awful lot for either South Africa or France to pip them to the post.
Uruguay was always tipped to progress through the group stages, but not many people expected them to finish top of the group and a draw here would consolidate that.
This could result in a very dull match as neither of these teams needs a win, and both are likely to play defensively as a loss could result in them not progressing.
Uruguay are expected to play the same team that beat South Africa.
Veron is available after recovering from a calf problem; he has proved to be a pretty good playmaker for the Argentineans so this will undoubtedly come as good news.
On the other hand, defender Samuel may not be available as Maradona might not want to risk his fitness despite the player having overcome his thigh strain. The Argentineans should win here, although they only need a draw to go through to the next stage.
Greece still has the opportunity to progress to the next round and it is likely that Greece will play an attacking style of football, which is not all too common for them.
After all, they need a convincing win if they are going to guarantee getting through the group stages.
Greece should stick with the same side that beat Nigeria, although it may not have what it takes to beat the Argentineans. Either way this should be a good match.
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