group a

World Cup Betting Group A Odds

Tuesday will see the first group settled, and the first places booked in the second round of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. There seems little doubt as to which two teams it will be going through, but in what order remains to be seen. Uruguay top Group A on goal difference over Mexico, and those two go up against each other Monday with both sides only needing a win to progress. But both teams will want to push on for the win, as top spot in the group will mean avoiding the in form Argentina in the second round of the tournament. That means there is a lot to play for between the Central and South American teams. But there is another scenario which could happen, and that is seeing France or South Africa scrape in to second place. That would only happen if the Uruguay v Mexico match ends in a heavy win for one of the teams, and it will also need the winner of the France v South Africa match to win well, for goal difference needs to be overcome. Is there another twist in this fascinating World Cup?

Group A Standings
Uruguay: P2, W1, D1, L0, GF3, GA0, Pts 4
Mexico: P2, W1, D1, L0, GF3, GA1, Pts 4
France: P2, W0, D1, L1, GF0, GA2, Pts 1
South Africa: P2, W0, D1, L1, GF 1, GA4, Pts 1

To Win Group A
Uruguay: 2/7 at Bet365
Mexico: 12/5 at Paddy Power

To Qualify From Group A
Uruguay: 1/33 at SkyBet
Mexico: 1/19 at Bwin
France: 14/1 at Ladbrokes
South Africa 33/1 at Blue Square

Match Odds
France to win: 13/10 at BetFred
Draw: 12/5 at SkyBet
South Africa: 2/1 at Boylesports

Match Odds
Mexico to win: 3/1 at SkyBet
Draw: 4/5 at Bet365
Uruguay to win: 18/5 at SportingBet
 

France V Mexico

Kick-off: Thursday, 17th June – 19:30 GMT
Stadium: Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane
Referee: Khalil Al Ghamdi (Saudi Arabia)
Group A

France

The last time France drew a group encounter with Uruguay was at the 2002 World Cup in Korea/Japan, where a 0-0 draw was played out as the French later went on to finish bottom of their group. Will the same ill fate befriend them in South Africa, as once again France play out a 0-0 stalemate with the same South American opposition. They are in a tough group alongside Uruguay, South Africa and Mexico and if they cannot improve on their drab Uruguay showing last Saturday then there’s every chance of the 1998 winners grabbing the wooden spoon. After all, France did finish bottom of their group at the 2008 European Championships as well.

If you think the pressure on England is immense you should try stepping into say Thierry Henry’s shoes, who has merely been reduced to substitute appearances in a team which has flattered to deceive in recent years and are currently out of sorts. Their 0-0 draw with Uruguay in their first of three Group A clashes compliments their woeful 1-0 loss to China directly before the finals nicely, or at least it backs up their exposed form heading into the finals. Either way, it’s time for the French to pluck up some courage for a change, to show their worth and display the sort of steely determination that seen them not just win the 1998 FIFA World Cup but end Germany 2006 as the runners-up.

Raymond Domenech has already been rocked by news that William Gallas, who is by a country mile France’s most accomplished centre-half in the squad, is a doubt for the game with Mexico although is deemed a minor concern – Phew. However, it has been his partnership with Eric Abidal, a full-back by trade, which has come in for heavy criticism from the French press and the pair could well come unstuck against the tricky Mexicans, who play some sweeping, slick passing moves right through even the most established of defences. Another area of concern for Domenec is up front, with Anelka a proven underachiever at international level  – Yet to score a World Cup goal for France -  while Franck Ribery and Sidney Govou failed to make things happen for France against Uruguay. So are we to expect changes for Thursday’s clash, with perhaps a place in the starting eleven for captain Thierry Henry? Or will Domenech opt the  powerhouse, Andre-Pierre, or the pace Djibril Cisse. Who knows, although everyone is desperate to see the coach ring the changes.

Despite possessing a whole host of creative players; Gourcuff, Ribery, Malouda, the French just aren’t clicking in the final third. One reason we feel it’s going wrong is with Nicolas Anelka, as his lack of movement gives the wingers, generally Ribery and Govou, little options. If anything, the guile of Thierry Henry would be best suited and complimented by the pace of Djibril Cisse, as well as Ribery on the opposite flank. Yoann Gourcuff, a player with a big future ahead of him, needs to bring his A-game to the table as well, as the Bordeaux play-maker was poor throughout the 0-0 draw with Uruguay. In fairness, the entire French team need to come to the boil and show some form of promise, give the demanding French public at least a glimmer of hope that there is far more to come from France.

Mexico

Mexico have had a knack in previous finals of registering wins in their opening game, having done so in their last three successive World Cup’s (1998, 2002 and 2006). But they, too, were held to a draw on Day 1 of the tournament, Rafael Marquez’s prod home cancelling out South Africa’s opener in an atmospheric and packed out Soccer City stadium in Johannesburg. While Mexico originally set out to pick up all three points, the one point they did register has done little to harm their bid of making the knock-outs for the fifth consecutive finals, although it does leave them needing a positive result against the 2006 losing finalists.

The North Americans, nicknamed ‘El Tri, don’t have the best of records against the French, having never beaten France in six meetings, losing all but one of those encounters. Javier Aguirre, the Mexico coach, will need to change their fortunes against the French, and fast, if they are to continue harbouring hopes of making the last-sixteen. A draw would keep Mexico in contention with a game to play, that final game being against Uruguay, but victory over a team many deem to be ‘lost’ at the current time would put them within touching distance of their successive fifth Round of 16 match.

So can Mexico break their French duck in Polokwane at the seventh time of asking? We see no reason why they can’t, as the Mexicans play some delightful football at times and if they could only sharpen up in front of goal, could be a serious player in South Africa. Their ability to pass up golden opportunity after golden opportunity is a concern, alarming in fact, as against the big nations, those classed in that elite bracket of about eight, will punish them for their wastefulness. The question now is, can Mexico put away their many chances, and if no, are France still a ‘top 8′ country ready to give Mexico a good spanking should they not grab the gifts when they arise.

The one good news to come out of their 1-1 draw with hosts South Africa was that no-one took a knock or suffered an injury, so Javier Aguirre has a full strength squad to choose from as he aims to pile the woes onto his opposite number. However, there are decisions to be made, none more so than who should start up front. Guillermo Franco clearly has bags of experience but he doesn’t have the pace to get in behind a sketchy France defence, so could we see the a first World Cup start for new Man Utd signing Javier Hernandez, or what about Alberto Medina, who scored a couple during Mexico’s pre-tournament World Cup internationals. Whoever he opts for, the Mexico forwards need to get their shooting boots on in a contest they simply cannot afford to lose in case of risking their South Africa 2010 status.

Match Odds:

France – 2.38 Coral
Draw – 3.30 Ladbrokes
Mexico – 3.50 BetFred

Our Prediction: France to WIN – 2.38 Coral

We have opted for France although that’s purely because we see the ‘Draw’ as a last resort, usually in the instance where two teams appear unreliable or simply rubbish. Ironically, France could be classed by the latter judging by their latest outing against Uruguay, but while Mexico do play some beautiful football, there finishing at times is woeful and against a French side which know how to ride their luck and have the quality up top to punish sides, France narrowly get our vote.

Huge amounts of improvement are need though from France, with their attacking in particular in need of a revamp. We don’t see it happening, but Anelka’s exclusion from the starting eleven would be a start, as well as removing the useless Govou from the fray in place of either Malouda or Henry. Whichever, we aren’t fussy in the slightest. If Domenech starts with the same eleven which drew 0-0 with Uruguay, we fear the worst for our pals across the pond.

Our Recommended Bet: Franck Ribery FGS – 11.00 Coral

South Africa V Mexico

Kick-off: Friday, 11th June – 15:00 GMT
Stadium: Soccer City Stadium, Johannesburg
Referee: Ravshan Irmatov (Uzbekistan)
Group A

South Africa

Once all the commotion of the opening ceremony is done and dusted, the hosts, in a traditional and timely manner, will officially kick-off proceedings while at the same time trying to uphold an age-old World Cup tradition by qualifying for the knock-out stage of the competition. In order to achieve what is widely considered a minimum target from the South African’s, Bafana Bafana will need to register some positive results against Mexico, who they play on the opening day of the tournament in Johannesburg, Uruguay and 1998 world champs France. Failure to climb out of the group would result in South Africa etching their name in World Cup folklore, becoming the first host nation not to compete in the knock-out stage of the tournament. Obviously a feat the entire country are desperate to avoid.

It wasn’t so long ago that South Africa were enjoying a fourth-place finish at the 2009 Confederations Cup in South Africa, the prep tournament for the World Cup. Despite positivity surrounding their respectable finish, South Africa went in the opposite direction in terms of results, and their lengthy drought without a win ultimately cost Joel Santana’s his job and seen his Brazilian counterpart Carlos Alberto Parreria regain the South Africa reigns for the second time. While his appointment was controversial, none more so because of his lucrative wage packet, the former World Cup winner with Brazil in 1994 has been an utter revelation and has quickly transformed the country’s national team into one with far more organisation, discipline and, more importantly, self-belief.

Parreria has to be congratulated for his commendable work with a team which was on it’s knees and waiting to be put out of its misery under Joel Santana. So much so that Bafana Bafana will kick-off against North Americans Mexico in high spirit after a run of 12 internationals without losing, a streak which stretches back eight months and one South Africa will probably need to extend by another three games if they’re to stand any chance of qualifying from a tricky Group A. They aren’t without a realistic chance though, with Perreria’s revamp of the national team restoring some pride and faith previously lost from their own fans. They are far more organised under Parreira’s favoured 4-2-3-1 formation, with the ‘killer’ – Katelgo Mphela – admirably leading the line up front all by himself. The latter scored a late winner against Denmark as South Africa closed out their World Cup preparations with a tough of style, thus boosting the hopes and expectations of a nation further.

On Friday evening, you’re likely to see a scrappy game of football from South Africa, with the more attractive play coming from the silky Mexicans. Parreria’s sets up his team to be resolute, with the sole intention to avoid conceding anything cheap, or anything at all for that matter, as the Brazilian looks to instil some positional discipline and organisation into the South Africa ranks. From what we’ve seen from them in some of their warm up games, chances will be few and far between but the hosts have been clinical, with forward Mphela, who will lead the line on his lonesome against Mexico in a five-man midfield, particularly deadly and the Mamelodi Sundown’s striker could, as he’s so proven in recent internationals, could be the match winner for Bafana Bafana in their World Cup opener.

Mexico

As their Group A opponents, South Africa, set out to protect a timely tradition in the finals by progressing from the group, Mexico themselves have a streak of their own to protect, having made the knock-out stage of the competition in their previous five attempts. In the previous four finals, Mexico, a team which has never really been blessed with a stand-out performer, has head to deal with the heartbreak of exiting the tournament at the last-sixteen stage. In 2010, in the first ever finals to be held on African soil, Mexico won’t just have to overcome two former World Cup winners in Uruguay and France but also the host nation.

There are no doubts as to whether or not Mexico have the quality within their 23-man squad to outplay South Africa for large parts in Johannesburg on Friday, as they did to a certain extent against England at Wembley a little over two weeks ago. The problem, though, has been scoring goals, converting their dominance with possession into goals that could see them win games instead leaving their encounters with plaudits for their attractive play but nothing to show in regards to the result. They did, however, prove at least that they do have the quality, some composure up front to beat the more talented and equipped nations, as in their last warm up game before the finals against Italy, Mexico scored twice in a stunning 2-1 win.

The Mexico coach, Javier Aguirre, has done a similar job at the held to his opposite number, rescuing a team which appeared doomed and destined to underachieve. Were it not for Aguirre’s intervention during qualifying, Mexico may not have made the finals. Aguirre has took the Mexico national team by the scruff of the neck and shook the players into life and finally got some with overinflated ego’s to value wearing the green colours of their country. They too will arrive in Johannesburg for this World Cup opener with noteworthy form, winning five of their last seven internationals and also boasting a 2-1 win over the reigning champions, Italy.

Mexico couldn’t be any different to South Africa if they tried, with El Tri opting instead for slick passing moves and bright on and off-the-ball movements. Aguirre has Mexico playing at a high-tempo, with their passing play in the forward third crisp and fast, while the players remaining energetic and are always eager to impress with the ball. Some players which can make things happen are Giovanni Dos Santos, who with his quick-feet and enthusiastic attitude, will be a constant threat as well will Arsenal’s Carlos Vela. The marauding runs from their full-backs will give them more options when attacking, with PSV left-back Carlos Salceido in particular a prominent feature down the left flank. It is, however, the forwards where any criticism will lye should Mexico not get anything from this game, as Manchester United’s Javier Hernandez looks to shine on the biggest stage he’s ever come across, while the experienced Blanco will look to inspire his country to a priceless win which could set them on their way nicely.

Match Odds:

South Africa – 2.90 WilliamHill
Draw – 3.30 Ladbrokes
Mexico – 2.60 Boylesports

Our Prediction: Mexico to WIN – 2.60 Boylesports

Were this on neutral ground, there’s little doubt that Mexico would be the clear favourites due to the fact they have a host of talented individuals, some of which apply their trade with some giants clubs in Europe. South Africa however, the majority of their players are based in their home land and won’t exactly be accustomed to facing world-class players on a day-to-day basis. Granted the Mexico team isn’t exactly brimming with superstars, but there are more match winners in El Tri’s corner than in Bafana Bafana, and while we would love the host nation to get off to the best possible start, Mexico tick more boxes than South Africa do and so get our vote of confidence.

Recommended Bet: Mexico to WIN 1-0 @  7.00 VCbet

No team from the CONCAFAF zone – North America – Has ever lifted a FIFA World Cup trophy aloft for all to see, and with the USA and Mexico likely to be their biggest players in South Africa, that win-less trend looks set to continue past South Africa 2010. The Mexicans, though, seemingly have the better chance of making some real in-roads in the forthcoming 2010 finals but their tendency to bow out at the Round of 16 is a major concern ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, with Mexico having been knocked out at the Round of 16 stage in the previous four World Cup finals.

1986, on home soil, was the last time Mexico evaded the dreaded last-sixteen stage of the tournament, 24 years ago. However, while that may seem a tad spooky and frustrating if you’re a Mexico follower, the sheer consistency of Mexico bypassing the group stage is a big positive and a factor which should fill punters with confidence about the chances of Mexico easing past a Group A consisting of two former World Cup winners and the hosts; South Africa, France and Uruguay. The obvious danger are France, a team packed with quality and gifted individuals, but both South Africa and Uruguay are beatable, the Africans especially, whom have never made it any further than the group stages of a World Cup, while Uruguay, who used to be a big player in World Cup’s in the early days of the tournament – Winners in 1930 and 1950, have rarely even made an appearance since, failing to qualify for the World Cup in 1994, 1998 and 2006 while they came up short in the group stage of Japan/Korea in 2002. On paper, neither South Africa nor Uruguay boast formidable World Cup statistics, at least not recently, so Mexico, who do at least boast some group stage consistency, remain a very good bet to make the last-sixteen part of the competition once again if statistics and trends are your thing.

The problem with Mexico, and the main reason why their price to progress from Group A is so appealing, is their lacklustre efforts during qualifying. The fans back home feel they have a team good enough to be genuine contenders this summer, but the start they made to qualifying for the finals was horrific, losing their opening two qualifiers. Javier Aguirre was indeed their saviour at the Mexico helm. Masterminding a Mexican revival with the help of forward great, Blanco. Mexico, in the end at least, somewhat eased through to South Africa after a five-match unbeaten run in the latter stages of qualifying, winning four, ensured they finished strongly and with qualification in the bag. While it was a bumpy ride, the positive spin you could put on it is that Mexico finished strongly, hopefully turning over a new leaf, and head to South Africa with plenty of form and momentum.

The Mexican team on the whole is a mixture of bright, young prospects and experienced warhorses. Barcelona’s Rafael Marquez will be the chief commander in defence, alongside PSV centre-half Francesco Rodriguez and his PSV team-mate Carlos Salcido. In midfield, a player with huge potential, and possibly a big future in the game, really needs to show his worth in South Africa, as former Barcelona bright-spark Giovanni Dos Santos, who endured a pretty miserable stay in the English Premier League, needs to shine and deliver in a midfield containing Deportivo’s Andres Guardado, another player with a bright future ahead of him, and Alberto Medina, who has scored a few goals in international friendlies in the build up to the finals. Up front, at 37 years-old, Cuauhtemoc Blanco will look to spearhead the attack, passing on his valuable experience during the course of the finals after having scored 38 times for his country in 114 caps. Arsenal’s Carlos Vela has had his fair share of critics in Mexico, and in England for that matter, so he’ll have a point or two to prove, while new Man Utd recruit Javier Hernandez is said to be the next best thing in Mexican football – next best forward anyway – and so he’ll need to match the hype surrounding him with an impressive tournament if given the chance by coach Javier Aguirre.

Do we honestly feel Mexico have solid claims in Group A? Yes we do. While the team has been massively underachieving and under-performing in recent years, the fact Mexico haven’t reached their potential but have still qualified for South Africa is a massive plus point, while it also means Mexico still have plenty of room to peak, and if there run back in Germany 2006 is anything to go by, bowing out once again at the Round of 16 stage after a valiant performance against Argentina, Mexico should go close to having the chance of putting their last-sixteen record to bed. Their first match is against the hosts, so they’ll need a quick and bright start before they take on the group favourites France in the second group encounter.

Were Mexico to bypass Group A with little fuss, it looks likely that Argentina will await them in the Round of 16, thus increasing the odds that Mexico could once again, for what would be the fifth time in a row, bow out at the Round of 16. If they could somehow finish top of Group A, although that would require a victory over France by the looks of it, Mexico would receive a favourable last-sixteen draw, probably against either Nigeria, South Korea or Greece.

Mexico World Cup Bets:

Mexico Top CONCAFAF Team – 6/5 SportingBet
Mexico to Qualify from Group A – 9/10 Expekt
Mexico to Reach the Quarter-Finals – 7/2 PaddyPower
Mexico to Reach the Semi-Finals – 12/1 PaddyPower
Mexico to be Eliminated at the Round of 16 Stage – 5/2 Ladbrokes

World Cup Group A Betting Preview: Having the host nations in the competition for as long as possible, always adds that extra special feeling to a World Cup. Sadly, the historic 2010 FIFA World Cup, which is being held on the African continent for the first time, looks set to lose their hosts in the group stages.

Group A World Cup Teams: South Africa, Mexico, Uruguay, France

South Africa have not shown any signs that they can cause an upset or be a surprise package through the tournament, and that will be a shame. Maybe playing in front of their home crowd will inspire them to better things, but certainly in terms of odds judgement at the best World Cup Bookmakers, the apparent signs are not there. For Mexico, who go up against South Africa in the opening match of the 2010 World Cup on June 11th, will be taking a relatively young side to the tournament. Mexico finished second behind the USA in the CONCACAF qualification zone, and make their fifth consecutive appearance. Being so young they will be full of vim and vigour, and should play quite open attacking football. France will be favourites to win the group, even though the European side seem a big disjointed and lacking direction at the moment. Coach Raymond Domenech is one of the controversial figures, and you are never sure what you are going to get from him or his team. They clinched their World Cup spot in a play-off against Ireland with the famous Thierry Henry handball incident. In contrast to Mexico, France are full of experience and age. Not a great team when stood up alongside some of Europe’s other entrants, but should get through the group. South America is represented by Uruguay in Group A, and they also needed a playoff to reach South Africa 2010. Much in the vein of Mexico, Uruguay have a core of youngsters that will represent them at the tournament in June. Looking at the Group A World Cup Fixtures, it appears as if their game against Mexico which could decide second place in the group.

Group A Head to Head Betting Info:

South Africa: Lost in their only World Cup match against France. Have not played Mexico or Uruguay at the World Cup.

Mexico: Failed to beat France in three World Cup matches, losing twice and drawing once. Have not played South Africa before. Drew 0-0 with Uruguay at the 1966 World Cup.

France: Beat South Africa 3-0 in World Cup 1998. Have lost once and drawn once against Uruguay. Beaten Mexico twice and drawn against them once in World Cup History.

Uruguay: Never lost to France at the World Cup, beating them once and drawing against them. Produced a scoreless draw in their only World Cup match against Mexico. Will be the first World Cup match against South Africa.

World Cup Group A - Table

Group Stage Fixture List

World Cup Betting at Bwin for Outright Winner of Group A, has hosts South Africa at 7/1, Mexico are at 62/17, Uruguay 62/17 and France are favourites at 4/5 (and 16/1 to Win the World Cup Outright).