World Cup 2010 Day 12 Group A Review

Group A:
Predictions

1 France 7
2 Uruguay 5
3 Mexico 2
4 South Africa 1

Actual
1 Uruguay 7
2 Mexico 4
3 South Africa 4
4 France 1

Well I bet on France and lost my shirt. Shambolic would be kind to describe their performance. A drab opening game was following up by an absolute catastrophe against Mexico. Internal struggle disrupted their preparations for the last group game and they duly lost to an inspired South African side. All of this could have been avoided had they fired Domenech after Euro 2008. Reap what you sow.

The hosts played well but a poor game versus Uruguay doomed them to the distinction of being the first host nation to not qualify for the round of 16. The Bafana Bafana left their fans with an inspired match against Les Bleus but it wasn’t enough.

Uruguay made it through as group winners. That means they will avoid Argentina, which gives them a shot at the quarters. Forlan is in good form and they have just enough edge and toughness to make a go of it.

Mexico make the round of 16, just. Should have done more against South Africa, very lucky to get the first against France and lost to Uruguay. I don’t see how they will hang with Argentina, but they did take them to extra time four years ago. Giovanni has looked good and he might ask questions of an OK Argentinean defense.