Group Stage Draw

[Mustafa]

I actually think Ivory will send Portugal packing.

I really hope so too, and it's the opening game in the group.

 

[Alex de Large]

Ghana and Ivory Coast always have bad luck in draws, man, in 2006 it was the same.

 

[FCBarca]

Ghana and Ivory Coast always have bad luck in draws, man, in 2006 it was the same.

Bums me out a little, not sure how Côte d'Ivoire has gotten screwed again...Best side in Africa into a group like that?...You wonder sometimes how these things happen

Still, I think they can advance outta the group.


I'm not as confident about Argentina...Let's face it, they've looked a shadow of what they can/should be...And against compact defenses like Greece, Korean Republic & Nigeria?...On paper, I'd say yes but seeing that I've watched them a lot?...Not gonna be easy, I think

 

[Mustafa]

Bums me out a little, not sure how Côte d'Ivoire has gotten screwed again...Best side in Africa into a group like that?...You wonder sometimes how these things happen

Still, I think they can advance outta the group.


I'm not as confident about Argentina...Let's face it, they've looked a shadow of what they can/should be...And against compact defenses like Greece, Korean Republic & Nigeria?...On paper, I'd say yes but seeing that I've watched them a lot?...Not gonna be easy, I think

Same was said about Brazil last time they won the World Cup. They qualified at the last moment from the 4th place if I'm correct. Changed maybe 3 coaches during qualifiers and around 60 players.

 

[Jnr]

This time I will be supporting Argentina. I believe they will win it.

REALLY??? UNDER MARADONA ??

 

[Mustafa]

REALLY??? UNDER MARADONA ??

Maradona might be sacked. Plus qualifiers are different. Once all 23 players are together for like few weeks pre season, all in top form even I will lead them to glory

 

[FCBarca]

Like to see LiLo and Perotti find a place for the Albicelestes...Perhaps even Riquelme?

 

[Interista Gallese]

Good group draw for Italy, Forza Gli Azzurri!

 

[Wallace]

Once all 23 players are together for like few weeks pre season, all in top form even I will lead them to glory

You might, but he's Maradona

 

[Mustafa]

You might, but he's Maradona

That's a good one. But let's hope he will get fired and someone better appointed. Really want Argentina to win this one, since overall they have the best players in their squad is balanced. And also 3-4 Inter players will play for Argentina.

 

[rsz85]

Ivori Coast will send home Portugal. I saw them in the quali group, they are very weak, only big names.

 

[vitomins]

I thought this was interesting...

This is the average FIFA Ranking (as of 16 Dec) of each group in the World Cup. Many people say that Group G is this years toughest group, but it is far from it rankings wise. I am happy to say that Italy has the easiest group based on rankings, which I am sure many people can agree on. Amazingly, Group H, which looks like a relatively easy group for Spain, is the toughest group based on rankings...



GROUP A (32.25)
South Africa (85)
Mexico (17)
Uruguay (20)
France (7)

GROUP B (23.75)
Argentina (8)
Nigeria (22)
Korea Republic (52)
Greece (13)

GROUP C (20.00)
England (9)
USA (14)
Algeria (26)
Slovenia (31)

GROUP D (20.00)
Germany (6)
Australia (21)
Ghana (34)
Serbia (19)

GROUP E (21.25)
Netherlands (3)
Japan (43)
Cameroon (11)
Denmark (28)

GROUP F (37.00)
Italy (4)
Paraguay (29)
New Zealand (82)
Slovakia (33)

GROUP G (27.25)
Brazil (2)
Korea DPR (86)
Cote d'Ivoire (16)
Portugal (5)

GROUP H (17.75)
Spain (1)
Honduras (37)
Chile (15)
Switzerland (18)

 

[Suneet]

D is similar to H

 

[vitomins]

D is similar to H

And C is the same as D so therefore C is similar to H...

Isn't that how logic works??

 

[rsz85]

Yeah, C is the same as D.... and in life?

C is a mirror-clear group. D is a tricky, harder one.

 

[vitomins]

Yeah, C is the same as D.... and in life?

C is a mirror-clear group. D is a tricky, harder one.

I don't think C is clear at all...Any of USA, Algeria or Slovenia could finish second...