I am gonna post my musings on the WC groups.
A no. of squads did altitude training in Austria or Switzerland as there are several venues at high altitude. Australia departed early for South Africa. USA & France...nothing, though the former did arrive earlier than most. Johannesburg, Pretoria, Bloemfontein, Polowane & Rustenburg are the aforementioned sites.
Group A
1. Mexico
2. South Africa
3. France
4. Uruguay
Mexico still unsettled w/ their lineup. Franco's fitness is in question & Hernandez has been less than convincing up top. Marquez may play a holding mid role. In goal, Perez might get the start over Ochoa...not sure about than one.
Regardless, Aguirre has rejuvenated the Mexican squad in his second-go-around. Both Vela & Hernandez could have a breakout WC. There are finishing questions and set piece defending concerns but I don't think any team in this group will exploit either concerns. Needless to say, El Tri will have the majority of poss in their matches.
South Africa is in ascendance, like Mexico. Parreira, also back at the helm, has done wonders for morale and performance. I don't want to extrapolate too much from friendlies but recent results, such as victories over Paraguay & Denmark, are encouraging.
Bafana Bafana look to be a more attacking side than under fellow Brazilian Santana, now managing Botafogo in the Brasileirao. Also, unsettled on their XI as they've experimented w/ Pineaar as a second striker. There is some talent - Pineaar, Modise, Mokoena and, from what I've seen, their GK Khune. They might go w/ Mpehla up top...and he and Parker have to finish their chances.
Host country momentum....don't underestimate this aspect.
France...good lord. There seems to be a dark cloud hanging over the French MNT. The astrology infatuated Domenech is reviled in France. Talk is still lingering over the Henry handball that helped Les Bleus qualify. Team morale is low, due to a lack of cohesion as well as confidence in Domenech...and poor performance.
The talent is their for Les Bleus and it is possible for one match to begin to turn things around for them. I think Benzema , Nasri & Vieira missings will prove to hinder this club...tho many will say their destiny in South Africa has already been written.
Uruguay is the squad I am least familiar with, tho I have seen a couple of qualifiers. Critics charge them w/ inconsistency and I do agree. When you can't beat Costa Rica convincingly in final playoff qualification, well, something is amiss.
I am familiar w/ GK Muslera ( Lazio) and think he's inexperienced tho promising. Central defense w/ Lugano looks solid but we'll see if this is key area that keeps them from getting results. Forward line looks excellent.
A no. of squads did altitude training in Austria or Switzerland as there are several venues at high altitude. Australia departed early for South Africa. USA & France...nothing, though the former did arrive earlier than most. Johannesburg, Pretoria, Bloemfontein, Polowane & Rustenburg are the aforementioned sites.
Group A
1. Mexico
2. South Africa
3. France
4. Uruguay
Mexico still unsettled w/ their lineup. Franco's fitness is in question & Hernandez has been less than convincing up top. Marquez may play a holding mid role. In goal, Perez might get the start over Ochoa...not sure about than one.
Regardless, Aguirre has rejuvenated the Mexican squad in his second-go-around. Both Vela & Hernandez could have a breakout WC. There are finishing questions and set piece defending concerns but I don't think any team in this group will exploit either concerns. Needless to say, El Tri will have the majority of poss in their matches.
South Africa is in ascendance, like Mexico. Parreira, also back at the helm, has done wonders for morale and performance. I don't want to extrapolate too much from friendlies but recent results, such as victories over Paraguay & Denmark, are encouraging.
Bafana Bafana look to be a more attacking side than under fellow Brazilian Santana, now managing Botafogo in the Brasileirao. Also, unsettled on their XI as they've experimented w/ Pineaar as a second striker. There is some talent - Pineaar, Modise, Mokoena and, from what I've seen, their GK Khune. They might go w/ Mpehla up top...and he and Parker have to finish their chances.
Host country momentum....don't underestimate this aspect.
France...good lord. There seems to be a dark cloud hanging over the French MNT. The astrology infatuated Domenech is reviled in France. Talk is still lingering over the Henry handball that helped Les Bleus qualify. Team morale is low, due to a lack of cohesion as well as confidence in Domenech...and poor performance.
The talent is their for Les Bleus and it is possible for one match to begin to turn things around for them. I think Benzema , Nasri & Vieira missings will prove to hinder this club...tho many will say their destiny in South Africa has already been written.
Uruguay is the squad I am least familiar with, tho I have seen a couple of qualifiers. Critics charge them w/ inconsistency and I do agree. When you can't beat Costa Rica convincingly in final playoff qualification, well, something is amiss.
I am familiar w/ GK Muslera ( Lazio) and think he's inexperienced tho promising. Central defense w/ Lugano looks solid but we'll see if this is key area that keeps them from getting results. Forward line looks excellent.
hno:. But they can also attack well w/ talent in the midfield and w/ the likes of tall Zigic ( think England's Crouch) also dangerous on set pieces. 
