Groups A & B: Who will hold their mettle?
Groups A & B: Who will hold their mettle?
By Gordon Fleetwood, writing from New York City
Group A
1.Uruguay (Points: 4 Goals For: 3 Goals Against: 0 Goal Differential: 3)
2. Mexico (P: 4 GF: 3 GA: 1 GD: 2)
3. France (P: 1 GF: 0 GA: 2 GD: -2)
4. South Africa (P: 1 GF: 1 GA: 4 GD: -3)
The games
Mexico - Uruguay
South Africa - France
The situation
After an insipid match-day one, Mexico and Uruguay took control of the group with impressive wins over France and South Africa respectively. The Mexico-Uruguay game could become a repeat of the gentleman’s agreement between Germany and Austria in World Cup ‘82, as a draw would see both teams qualify. However, there is a caveat to this notion. Whoever finishes second will most likely have to face Argentina in the round of 16. Mexico are in this position at the moment, and will surely look to take the game to Uruguay. At the other end of the spectrum, there are two teams looking to salvage their pride. South Africa are sitting at the bottom of the group, and look on course to become the first host nation not to qualify for the knock-out stages. There is a still a chance for them to go through but it is razor-thin. They will surely try go out with a bang and give their fans something to cheer about. Above South Africa lie France, who have been simply abysmal. Bereft of ideas, the presence of numerous divisions within the squad, and the scandals out this week, France will be looking to save face. They can advance, but given their previous performances, it is hard to see them finishing with anything other than a whimper.
