The Amazing and Agonising Account of Group A

And it begins...

African hosts, Super light footballs, high altitude conditions, ticketing issues. Have I missed any of the controversies that went down ahead of the World Cup? Well there were plenty and it would take plenty of space for me to discuss them here - but if you want a bit of banter on these issues then do share your views and comment as I will be pleased to get back to you on them.

...But for now to Group A and South Africa, France, Mexico and Uruguay. An interesting group made up of stronger teams than the hosts would have liked and leaving them a difficult task to make it into the last 16.

South Africa then entered the competition without a recognised goal scorer after deciding that record holding striker Benni McCarthy was not deserving of a place. Their team also looked to lack strength in depth - with only a handful of players that ply their trade at the highest level.
Mexico looked like a dangerous attacking side that could put some excellent moves together that would tear through opposition defences. However, as seen in a warm up game against England they tended to lack in the finish and were very vulnerable at the back.
France were lucky to have qualified at all after a disputable goal against Ireland (I say disputable - it was downright cheating). However, now that Henry's handball had got them into the finals - they surely had the stars to rally and produce on the big stage.
Uruguay have some fire power in attack with Forlan and Suarez who have both been in great form this season. Though with few other star players their chances of going far seemed to be in doubt.

Well the first game was greeted by the expected raptures from home fans as they enjoyed seeing their team open the World Cup. Both teams seemed to struggle with expectations, but a wonder goal arrived from South Africa's Tshabalala. This looked like it had made the fans dreams come true until Mexico took advantage of poor defending and struck an equalizer through Rafael Marquez.

Unfortunately hind sight has shown me that the second game was prophetic of the tournament as a whole. To give them their due Uruguay did a good job to stifle the attacking threat of France, but it is a shame that teams seem more scared to lose than they are willing to gamble on a win. For France's part, the emergence of stories about their rifts in the camp seemed to be taking its toll on team performances.

The rest of the group games followed suit for France with them getting thoroughly outplayed by Mexico - who beat them 2- 0 with France looking particularly ineffective up front. Despite which the manager's seeming rift with Thierry Henry left the legend languishing on the bench. France then were beaten by South Africa in their final game - where they were simply out done for passion. I make this statement now - France = worst team of the World Cup - discuss.

South Africa's win against France gave them an outside chance of reaching the last 16 despite their thrashing by Uruguay in the second game. Uruguay had seemed to open up and play more against a perceived weaker opposition and this allowed their two star strikers into the game to cause a lot of damage. Unfortunately for South Africa, Mexico's defence held up stronger that theirs against the Uruguay attack and despite a 1-0 defeat in the final game it was Mexico who progressed on goal difference.

Final Thought:  

France - Disgraceful Attitude, South Africa - Unlucky to have a difficult group, Mexico - promising but suspect in defence, Uruguay - Classy in attack and well organised