Group A - Final Games Preview

Teams Mathematically Eliminated:
None

Final Games:
Uruguay 4 points - Mexico 4 points
South Africa 1 point - France 1 point

The big stories with Group A are the complete meltdown of France and the most likely elimination of the host country, South Africa, for the first time in World Cup history.

Uruguay and Mexico really don't have much to play for in terms of getting to the next round, a tie sends them both through regardless of the other game. A loss by either team is also probably not enough to knock them out since they have +3 and +2 goal differentials respectively. However, I think they will want to win since the group runner-up most likely plays Argentina, who look pretty unbeatable (yes, a little part of me died just typing that). The group winner plays...who knows, could be South Korea, Greece or Nigeria. So, I expect a low scoring game 1-0, 1-1, maybe 2-1. If there was a way for both teams to actually lose I would be happy with that. Uruguay's game against South Africa turned me against them. I felt they dove too much, got away with too many fouls and scoring that 3rd goal in injury time and celebrating like they had just gone ahead after being 2 down at halftime (yes, everything I write about this World Cup from now on will have some reference to the robbery of USA's historic win against Slovenia) just seemed classless to me. I know, every goal is important and necessary but, come one, it's the host nation, let them keep a little dignity. Then there's Mexico, what can I say, they are hated CONCACAF rivals... and Blanco is on the team, hate that guy. At the same time they are CONCACAF brothers, the better they do the more respect we (meaning CONCACAF in general) should get. It doesn't really happen that way, Eurosnobs will be Eurosnobs, but it does give me more ammo. Final prediction: 1-1

France and South Africa, on the other hand, have everything and nothing to play for. In order for either team to get through they need a winner in the other game and high scoring in both games. France would need a +5 GD if Uruguay won and +6 if Mexico won. South Africa has an even harder road, they would need +6 with a Uruguay win and +7 with a Mexico win. I don't see any of those scenarios working out. France is in absolute shambles. There are reports of infighting on the team. Nicholas Anelka has been sent home for fighting with the crazy coach. They've looked pretty horrible offensively in both games having yet to score a goal. South Africa, on the other hand has played aggressive, attacking soccer which cost them against Uruguay. I think they've looked fairly decent. Final prediction: 3-0 South Africa