Group A Predictions

1-France: 7 points
2-Mexico: 5 points
3-Uruguay: 4 points
4-South Africa: 0 points

This is a very good group with three teams that could legitmately finish first. There is much incentive to finish atop the group as well, as the runner-up will likely face Argentina in the Round of 16.

France have the edge, with experienced 2006 Cup veterans Thierry Henry and Franck Ribery leading the charge. The first day of the cup, just three days away, will say a lot about how this group will sort out. If Mexico fails to pick up all three points against hosts South Africa, or if Uruguay manages to draw against France, then all hell will break loose.

South Africa is likely to earn the dubious distinction of becoming the first host nation to fail to qualify for the Knockout Stage (USA should have been out in 1994, but a tragic Colombian own-goal saved the Americans. With an impressive 2009 Confederations Cup showing, the South African side will try to build off of past successes to gain momentum. The fanatical crowd will help, especially if the hosts manage to draw against Mexico. In the end, this is a three-horse race.

above: Thierry Henry's infamous handball was so derided that FIFA considered allowing Ireland in the Cup as a 33rd team. The global governing association also considered banning Henry from playing in the finals. In the end, neither occured.