2010 World Cup Group A Preview

Group A at the 2010 World Cup consists of France, Mexico, Uruguay and host South Africa. The opening game in Group A will be Mexico vs. South Africa on June 11 at 10:00 a.m. ET.

France
Despite being finalists in the 2006 World Cup and one of the world soccer powers of the past fifteen years, France nearly missed qualifying for the 2010 World Cup. After finishing second in their qualifying group, the team was forced to play in a playoff against the Republic of Ireland. A controversial missed handball by Thierry Henry helped France win the playoff and book a spot in South Africa. While the defense has been strong throughout their qualifying matches, the French attack will need to find the back of the net more often for the team to advance deep into the tournament.

Players to watch for: Thierry Henry, Karim Benzema, Franck Ribery

Prediction: France should win Group A and have the potential to make a run to the quarterfinals. Don't expect another trip to the finals though.

Mexico
Mexico struggled early in the qualifying rounds, but they pulled it together to go on a streak of good results to qualify. The Mexican team has qualified for four consecutive World Cups and advanced from the group each time. With a dominant 5-0 win over the United States in the Gold Cup final, Mexico has its hopes set high on advancing further than before.

Players to watch for: Rafael Marquez, Andrés Guardado, Cuauhtémoc Blanco

Prediction: Whether or not Mexico advances from the group will likely depend on their game against Uruguay. Mexico seems to be the more consistent team, so look for them to advance second from the group.

Uruguay
Uruguay makes its return to the World Cup after beating Costa Rica in a playoff for the final spot. Uruguay also participated in a qualifying playoff prior to the 2006 World Cup, but the team lost to Australia in penalty kicks and missed out on the tournament. While the Uruguay team is not as strong all-around as France or Mexico, they do have two star strikers in Diego Forlan and Luis Suárez who could create goals. They will likely need outstanding play from these two strikers to advance out of the group.

Players to watch for: Diego Forlan, Luis Suárez

Prediction: If Forlan and Suárez make some magic and are able to lead their team to an upset win over France or a win over Mexico, Uruguay could be a scary team to face in the Round of 16 with their striking power. The defenses of France and Mexico should be enough to knock Uruguay out though. A win over South Africa will likely see them finish the group in third.

South Africa
South Africa automatically qualified for the 2010 World Cup because they are hosting the event. It is possible that the South Africans would not have qualified if they had gone through the qualifying rounds. The South Africans have a tough road ahead of them, although being placed in one of the weaker groups could be beneficial. Host nations also historically overachieve in World Cups.

Players to watch for: Steven Pienaar, Benni McCarthy

Prediction: Even with home field advantage, South Africa has struggled all year in friendlies and will just be happy to be there. Don't be surprised if they pull off one upset win, but the South Africans will be done after group play.