France will take the group

[Brownstar]

France
Mexico
Uruguay
South Africa

Maybe Mexico to top the group but France have the quality

[izzi]

1 France
2 Mexico
3 Uruguay
4 South Africa

France – FIFA World Ranking (9th) – Europe (7th) – Best Result: Champions (’98)
Despite France’s recent struggles and Raymond Domenech’s shaky performance at the helm, Les Bleus have too much class not too progress past the group stage. However, expect them to be tested by Mexico and Uruguay. Franck Ribery, Yoann Gourcuff and Thierry Henry are easily the biggest stars in Group A but for France to come through they will need a strong defensive performance from the expected back four of Sagna, Gallas, Abidal and Evra. Expect Florent Malouda to make a big impact for France.

Mexico – FIFA World Ranking (17th) – North America (2nd) – Best Result: Quarter Final (’70, ’86)
Mexican legend Cuauhtémoc Blanco is 37 and on his last leg. Rafael Marquez is the key man in the defense while the offensive burden falls onto the young shoulders of Carlos Vela and Javier Hernandez as Mexico cannot expect the 37 year old Blanco to carry the load. Javier Aguirre has done a tremendous job since replacing the disappointing Sven-Goran Eriksson and has brought back a feeling of pride for “El Tri”.

Uruguay – FIFA World Ranking (16th) – South America (3rd) – Best Result: Champions (’30, ’50)
Uruguay is a long way from their dominant past, but the 2010 version of "Los Charrúas" have a strong spine. Starting from the back Diego Godín and Diego Lugano will be asked to hold fort while Diego Forlan and Luis Suarez should partner up front, a combination which should find a way to manufacture goals. It would be massive boost for Uruguayan football if they can compete with Mexico and France in Group A. The match between Mexico and Uruguay takes places on June 22nd and should be an exciting match.

South Africa – FIFA World Ranking (83rd) – Africa (17th) – Best Result: Group Stage (’98, ’02)
Home field advantage won’t be of much help for the Bafana Bafana. Everton’s Steven Pienaar is South Africa’s brightest talent and the man with the job to carry the team. Benni McCarthy, the leading goal scorer for the national team was omitted from the squad due to poor fitness. While it would be a terrific story, it appears very unlikely that South Africa will progress, and would become the first host country not to make it past the group stage.

Let me know what you guys think, I've done write ups for the other groups as well and I'll post them if you guys would like.

[Czech_Rubes]

I think it's a nice preview, unfortunately I am still going with Mexico at the top. I woud like to see the other previews as well.

[Brownstar]

Post them up Izzi, it will hopefully start some debate

[redshark]

Originally Posted by izzi

Let me know what you guys think, I've done write ups for the other groups as well and I'll post them if you guys would like.

Good job Izzi, keep em coming!

[izzi]

It appears all the earlier reports about Thierry coming off the bench are true, seeing as Patrice Evra has been given the captaincy (much to the chagrin of William Gallas)

As a supporter of France and a supporter of Thierry (he is the player that got me into football, he will always be my favorite player) I don't have high expectations for this France team. The talent is there but Domenech hasn't been able to put it together, coming up with strange tactics and essentially becoming public enemy #1 in France. My one hope for the World Cup is that Henry can leave the French team with his head held high, hopefully he can be that impact substitute. I believe he still has a couple goals left in him for me to enjoy.

[Czech_Rubes]

Originally Posted by izzi

It appears all the earlier reports about Thierry coming off the bench are true, seeing as Patrice Evra has been given the captaincy (much to the chagrin of William Gallas)

As a supporter of France and a supporter of Thierry (he is the player that got me into football, he will always be my favorite player) I don't have high expectations for this France team. The talent is there but Domenech hasn't been able to put it together, coming up with strange tactics and essentially becoming public enemy #1 in France. My one hope for the World Cup is that Henry can leave the French team with his head held high, hopefully he can be that impact substitute. I believe he still has a couple goals left in him for me to enjoy.

and hopefully a few deadly quick sprints

[woodpecker]

Originally Posted by woodpecker

we pick Uruguay and Mexico to advance. despite the mess in Mexico they actually will show up and play unlike France.

big UP this prediction!!