Selling Africa

South Africa, Nigeria, Algeria, Ghana, Cameroon and the Ivory Coast will make up the largest African contingent at a World Cup ever and on "home" field many are picking a large contingent to get through to at least the second round. Here's why it's not going to happen, along with my picks for the group stage of the World Cup Finals.


Group A

I'll start with the African team favoured 2nd least to progress but who i think will most likely exceed expectations. Paying $2.75 to make the second round and in a group with Uruguay, Mexico and France one would expect South Africa to fall by the wayside, but never underestimate the power of home field. While not quite the Russian military at home, 91,700 screaming Africans will be sure to give Bafana Bafana a lift against a Mexican team much more talented but likely to be uncomfortable playing against a unpredictable and fired up home team. The Blogfather will go out on a limb and predict a South African victory first up, but then back to earth versus France and a dark horse in Uruguay.

To advance: France and Uruguay


Best Home Advantages:


LA Lakers 28-3 over last 31 home playoff games.

Green Bay Packers Unbeaten in a playoff game at home between the opening of Lambeau in '57 and the arrival of the SPCA's most valuable player.

MCG Boxing Day test: Since 1990 an 83% win percentage when a result occurs.

Carisbrook All Blacks: 85% win percentage lifetime.


Russia: Europe 0, Russia 2. Napoleon and Hitler know what I'm talking about.


Group B








Argentina should romp here and even a previously untested, confirmed cheater/cocaine addict/messiah could not stuff things up this early on. Who will join them is the big question, with Nigeria the most likely paying $1.90 but facing teams in Greece and South Korea who have both caused upsets at recent major tournaments. This 2nd spot could go anywhere but the physicality of Nigeria should prevail against an organised Korean unit and a Greek team who will be about as successful as their financial markets.

To Advance: Argentina, Nigeria

Group C

Bit of a yawner in this one as well with England sure to march through to the second round and a United States team set to join them. The US had never really shown much life on the major tournament stage but a Confederations Cup runners up postion in South Africa last year has them primed to make a run at least to the second round. Algeria are the least favoured of the Africans and should be taken care of by the other three, with the Slovenia vs USA game lining up as crucial.

To advance: England, USA



Group D


Germany, Australia, Ghana and Serbia combine for quite the group here. Germany as usual will be efficent, but missing Ballack will have to rely on Bastian Schweinstager, a focal point of Bayern Munich's double run, along with the Polish born strike pairing of Podolski and Klose (golden boot last time). I'm picking Germany to win 2 but draw or lose 1 and the team they slip to will be the one to advance. Ghana are rightfully the favourites of the rest and Australia will face an uphill battle without the talismanic Mark Viduka. Serbia are quality and while a slip up against New Zealand can't be read into too much, they perhaps lack the attacking firepower to advance. I'm picking Australia's tenacious attitude to overcome Ghana's more skillful but inconsistent unit, with Tim Cahill improving upon his already impressive world cup resume.


To advance: Germany, Australia


2nd half to come....