Korea Republic

The Korean Republic is one of two Korea's taking part in this years World Cup, but unlike their neighbours across the 39th parallel, South Korea will foster realistic hopes of reaching the last 16 for the second time in a decade.

Qualification for the finals is almost a certainty every four years. The Republic have played in the last six installments and this will be their eight in total. They went through qualifying unbeaten this time around, coming through a group containing Saudi Arabia and North Korea, arguable the weaker of the two final qualifying groups, but a win in the Arabian gulf was the first of the Saudi's in 19 years.   

Football has enjoyed a huge growth spurt in the southern half of the Korean peninsula over the past ten years. The formation of the K-League in 1998 and the success of the Red Devils in the 2002 World Cup on home soil have aided that developement. Guus Hiddink set a new standard in Asian football, but his long term legacy has proved to be unrealistic expectations. Korea's showing in 2006 was a big step backwards: three games, one draw, two defeats, two goals. Not exactly the fairytale adventure of four years previous. 

2010 may yield more of the same, but the inconsistencies of their three group opponents is cause for hope. Currently ranked at 47 in the world, they are the weakest in that regard, but a repeat of the high energy performances of 2002 could make a difference to the outcome of Group B.

SCHEDULE- Group B

Greece       June 12th- Port Elizabeth

Argentina   June 17th- Johannesburg

Nigeria       June 22nd- Durban

The task in front of Korea is daunting yet not insurmountable. Argentina are by far the favourites for the group and to win all three of their games, but Greece and Nigeria will represent point scoring opportunities. One feels that points will need to be on the board after that first encounter, with Greece, if they are to have any chance of getting through. The odds are stacked against the Asian team but their effort and commitment will not be questionied, whatever the outcome.

KEY PLAYERS

Manchester United's Park Ji-Sung is a superstar in Seoul. He is the epitomisation of a Korean footballer: fit as a flee, a team player and commited to his team's cause. Endeavour cannot be faulted. The team captain will need to be all this and more in June.

Joining Park in midfield will be Lee Chung-Wong of Bolton Wanderer's. In his first season in Engand he has become a creative influence on the Bolton team, playing 34 times. A huge amount of game time for a 21 year oll Asian playing his first season in Europe.

The majority of the squad selected by Huh Jung-Moo ply their trade in their home land, or else the J-League in Japan, but that isn't to say their isn't plenty of European experience. Park Chu-Young has had two decent seasons with Monaco. Veteran defender Lee Young-Pyo spent a chunk of his career with Totteham before returning to Asia. Lee Dong-Gook also spent time in England, but it was an unsuccessful period with Middlesbrough.

ONE TO WATCH- Lee Chung-Wong

BEST CASE SCENARIO...

The peak of Korean expectations should be a place in the second round. Achieving that would be almost on a par with 2002's semi final appearence. Escaping the group stage away from home would be steady development for Korean football.

WORST CASE SCENARIO...

A further step backward will not be greeted well at home. Asian football surely needs any team to progress but that seems unlikely this year.

PREDICTION

Bottom of the group following their three games, but unlikely to lose all three. In their seven visits to the World Cup, that has only happened twice, in 1954 and 1990.

Greece

Euro 2004 Champions Greece have failed to match the dizzy heights of that summer ever since. Their world ranking still reflects the extraordinary achievement of June 2004 but that 12th position is not a realistic appreciation of their true standing. True, the Greeks are still tough to beat and form a solid unit, but they are certainly not one of Europe's strongest representatives in 2010.

That said, the current incarnate still possesses key, experienced performers from that month in Portugal, as well as a new crop of talent, but even that was only good enough to make a World Cup play off in a group consisting of Switzerland, Israel and Latvia. The Greeks overcame Ukraine in a tight two legged affair by a single goal, scored in Donetsk, to book there place at a a second World Cup finals.  

Greece's first foray on the world stage was an embarrassing one. That generation lost all three group games without scoring a goal and conceding ten. Since then, and more specifically the appointment of Otto Rehhagel in late 2001, there has been a steady development of football in the country and the national has made progress toward consistency. The Greeks qualified for the European Championships of 2004 and '08, although losing all three games of their title defence and finally the World Cup in 2010. 

SCHEDULE- GROUP B 

Korea Republic   June 12th- Port Elizabeth

Nigeria                June 17th- Bloemfontein

Argentina            June 22nd- Polokwane

Despite their shortcomings, progression is a very likely possibility from Group B. Incidentally, the Greeks have been paired with two of the same countries as in USA '94, Nigeria and Argentina, so to suggest they can progress this time is an indictment of their development over the past 16 years.

Winning game one is a must. South Korea are not a strong as eight years ago and are considered the weakest team of the group. Argentina, of course, are the favourites and will be expected to win all three games. The other three relative 'minnows' will be forced into a three way battle for the runner up position, and Rehhagel's team will fancy their chances against the Super Eagles and the Red Devils. Al three teams possess varying flavours, from the structured Europeans to the busy and fit Asians to the mercurial Africans.

If the Greeks can stick to the strict game plan that their German authoritarian will implement, then their rivals can be overcome and a place in the second round with the winners of Group A will be within their grasp.

KEY PLAYERS

Key performers from 2004 Theo Zagorakis, Angelos Basinas, Trainos Dellas and silver haired goalkeeper Antonius Nikopolidis have all gone, but some important faces resume. Georgios Seiteridis, Giorgos Karagounis and Angelos Charisteas are still integral members of the starting line-up and make up the core of the team.

Greece's new star, however is recently relegated Hertha Berlin striker Theofanis Gekas. His ten qualifying goals was the highest in Europe and overall has netted 20 goals in 46 games for his country. That form will need to continue this summer, as Greece are renowned for scoring infrequently.

Karagounis remains the creative fulcrum of the side. Euro 2004 should have been his stage to show off his unique talents that once saw him line out with Inter Milan, but he spent most of the tournament diving, feigning injury and talking to referees, and eventually missed the final through suspension. He is now the captain and his presence in midfield is more important than ever because of retirements. He will be joined there by fellow veterans Kostas Katsouranis and Christos Patsatzoglou.

Greece's most impressive youngster is defender Sokratis Papastathopoulos. He captained the Greek under-19 side to the European Championship final in 2007 and in 2008 moved from AEK Athens to Genoa in Italy where he has been a regular in defence for the past two seasons. 

ONE TO WATCH- Theofanis Gekas

BEST CASE SCENARIO...

A dream World Cup for the Mediterraneans would be a quarter final place. The financial crisis taking place back home could be put to the side for a moment if the national team can win a couple of games in South Africa. A lot is expected of Greece following 2004 and exiting with a whimper to France in the second round might not cut it back home.

WORST CASE SCENARIO...

A repeat performance of 1994 would be embarrassing, especially considering their greater pedigree this time around. South Korea and Nigeria are unpredictable sides but do not have the depth of previous years. If ever the form of 2004 was needed, it is now, for a country in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons.

PREDICTION

Due to their ability to grind out results, rarely lose or concede, Greece should overcome their competition to reach the second round. A that stage however, they could come undone by France, or even Mexico or Uruguay, who possess greater flair and discipline than their group opponents.  

Uruguay

Two time World champions Uruguay were the last team to qualify for this years Word Cup, and they only made it by the skin of their teeth. Having finished fifth in the South American qualifying marathon,. they were forced into a play-off for the third successive time. Rather than Australia, they were faced with Costa Rica, qualifiers for the last two tournaments. A comfortable 1-0 win away should have effectively secured their place in South Africa, but they experienced a scare back in Montevideo, as the central Americans saw a late goal disallowed. They game finished 1-1. 

With that came joyous scenes in both the Centenario and across the capital. Uruguay were back in the Mundial for the first time since 2002. Their rightful place at the top table has been assured. 

La Celeste's glorious history has often been a hindrance to present day teams. Expectations are often far too high and unrealistic due to their two World Cup triumphs in 1930 and 1950 and Olympic victories in 1924 and 1928. The manageable group and quality of some of this generations players have caused optimism back home, but a return to the glory days is not expected this summer. 

The enormity of those achievements are put in perspective with the realisation that only six smaller countries have ever taken part in the World Cup (Wales, Slovenia, Trinidad & Tobago, Northern Ireland, Kuwait and Jamaica), and their world ranking in 2010 is still a respectable 18th.

SCHEDULE- GROUP A

France              June 11th- Cape Town

South Africa     June 16th- Pretoria

Mexico             June 22nd- Rustenburg

The draw has given Uruguayans reason to be optimistic, but the same can be said for all four nations. France will begin the campaign as favourites no doubt but the South Americans will be hopeful of springing a surprise in not only there first game but beyond that too.

Realistically however, even a draw would be satisfactory from the game with France and that will be ideal preparation leading into the final two games with the hosts and finally, the Mexicans, in what will potentially be a play off for the final qualification berth.

Like most teams playing in South Africa, Uruguay are faced with long journeys, particularly from Cape Town to the high veldt of Pretoria. They will be more familiar with altitude than most however, from their regular trips to La Paz to take on Bolivia. In qualification for this tournament, a 2-2 draw was achieved there, faring far batter than biggest rivals Argentina, who went down 6-1.

KEY PLAYERS   

Oscar Tabarez's team may have some talented individuals playing with some of Europe's top clubs but their strenght lies in their organisation and team spirit. Uruguay is a proud nation, sandwiched between Argentina and Brazil on the eastern coast of the South American continent. In football terms, their history is a proud one, and the players are all too aware of that. The legacy that proceeds them will be as much motivation this summer as any words from the coach.

Traditionally, Uruguay's are associated with a physical approach to the game. That reputation was not synonymous with quick passing teams of the 1920s and 30s but has become common since. Martin Caceres, Diego Godin and Diego Lugano encapsulate this modern stereotype of Uruguayan defenders. All three have carved out respecatble club careers in Europe, most notably Caceres who has spent the last season on loan with Juventus from Barcelona. His playing opportunities have been somewhat limited in the past two years, but Godin has been far more consistent with Villarreal, and is an ever present in the starting line up. Lugano is the squad captain, and has been an ever present in the team since 2003.

In midfield, high profile players are scarce, and much hope will be placed on the country's attacking stars. The trio of Diego Forlan, Luis Suarez and Sebastian Abreu will be expected to inspire the team to victories. Forlan has completed yet another successful season in Spain with Atletico Madrid, scoring the two goals that delivered Atleti their first European trophy in 48 years. Suarez is the captain of Ajax, and has continued his high rate of goalscoring in 2010. Journeyman striker Abreu plays in Brazil with Botafogo, and has scored 28 goals in his 56 international appearances, a rate of one in every two. 

Such spectacular form will be needed from all three if Uruguay are to progress from the group stage, a feat which they failed to manage when grouped with France in 2002.

ONE TO WATCH- Luis Suarez

BEST CASE SCENARIO...

Considering the proposition facing La Celeste in the second round, reaching that level may be the height of their expectations. Argentina are expected to top Group B, and with their attacking options will be favourites to beat most teams. Uruguay however, may relish the opposition to take on their more illustrious neighbours and big rivals. A quarter final appearance would be an astounding achievement for Uruguay, considering their recent footballing history.

WORST CASE SCENARIO...

The worst possible outcome would be to exit the tournament without winning a game. Failure to beat South Africa in particular will not be greeted well back in Montevideo. If the front three fail to sparkle then it will be a case of opportunity missed. 

PREDICTION

The Uruguayans should enter the final round of games with a chance to progress to the second round. A three way shoot out with Mexico and France for the top two places could go down to the last match. In such an instance, La Celeste will be the underdogs, as the other tow teams have far stronger World Cup pedigree, but qualification will be a distinct possibility.

France

France are the most controversial qualifiers for the this years World Cup, having needed the hand of Thierry Henry to get them to South Africa. Les bleus were also the last European team to book their place in the group stage, having needed extra time and Henry's intervention to dispose of Ireland at the Stade de France in last November's play-offs.

France had been initially handed what looked a straightforward qualifying group. Serbia, Lithuania, Austria, Romania and Faroe Islands was all that stood in there way. A Euro 2008 hangover and the early defeat to Austria set them back but they eventually recovered to finish second. Franck Ribery's goals in back to back 1-0 wins over Lithuania proved pivotal.

Most of France's problem's stem from there manager, Raymond Domenech. His incompetence has been much publicised, from dropping David Trezeguet pre- 2006, proposing to his girlfriend on live TV after exiting Euro 2008 with a whimper, and now selecting an erratic squad for 2010. Much of the onus will be on the players to get the team to play to their potential, but that has been easier said than done over the past two years.

SCHEDULE

Uruguay           June 11th- Cape Town

Mexico            June 17th- Polokwane

South Africa    June 22nd- Bloemfontein

Seeing as France were not included in the top eight seeds, they can count themselves lucky that they were handed the group with South Africa rather than the big boys. Despite struggling to qualify, they were instantly named favourites to emerge from this group as winners, setting up a last 16 clash with Nigeria or Greece. For all the French teams failings, they might just find themselves in a quarter final without even playing to their potential. 

But the group wont be as easy as it may read. Uruguay possess an attacking triumvirate worthy of any team in Diego Forlan, Sebastain Abreu and Luis Suarez. Mexico are perennial qualifiers from the group stage and South Africa are the hosts who will have the raucous noise of the Vuvuzelas behind them.

For Les Bleus to negotiate a safe passage to the second round, their front men will have to click, and a win in their first game against Uruguay is a must. The to sides played out an uneventful 0-0 draw in Korea in 2002, in a game which saw Henry sent off. France had a better team that year, and cant afford a similar result this time. A slow start will kill confidence, the press will swarm like vultures and the pressure could be palpable.

KEY PLAYERS

Domenech's squad announcement on May 11th was as notable for the players absent as the players present. To the surprise of many Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema has been left out of even the 30 man preliminary squad, as well as Arsenal's Samir Nasri. For all their strenght in depth, these players are two of France's most naturally gifted, who are capable of the kind of magic that wins world cup matches. Clearly Domenech has become disillusioned with them over the past two years. Nasri has rarely featured through injury and Benzema has never produced his best for the national team. The former Lyon striker has had a poor season overall in Madrid but he still contains qualities far superior to the likes of Djibril Cisse or Jimmy Briand.

If France are to progress as far as in 2006, their defence will need to be as strong. Patrice Evra, Eric Abidal, Bacary Sagna and William Gallas has been a settled back four for a while, but the Arsenal centre back is coming into the tournament of a long term injury. If he doesn't recover in time, then the French defence will be in trouble. For all the qualities of Sebastien Squillaci and Anthony Revelliere, they are inexperienced at this level and don't inspire confidence. Surley Julien Escude and Phillipe Mexes would have provided superior cover but they have been left out in favour of home-based defenders.

In midfield le Tricolore are solid but rarely spectacular. Jeremy Toulalan, Lassana Diarra and Yoann Gourcuff will be responsible for rescuing the ball from the opposition and providing quick passes to the from three. Chelsea's Florent Malouda may play himself into this triangle in light of his spectacular form in the Premier League. Failing that he could easily slip into the front three because Thierry Henry, Nicolas Anelka and Henry- Pierre Gignac have all had relatively quiet seasons. Anelka has been the best of the three, as he's been a regular for Chelsea who've just won the Premier League. Henry however has rarely featured for Barcelona and Gignac has been less prolific for Toulouse than in previous seasons. His mantle as France's number one striker is almost scary, and is reminiscent of Stephan Guivarc'h at France '98.

Ideally, Domenech will move Anelka into the middle and bring in Ribery on the wing. Additionally, he should play Malouda in a more advanced role, replacing Toulalan, therefore France would have their best 11 players on the pitch. Alas, that will not be the way of things, and France's inconsistency will no doubt continue. Just this time, there is no Zinedine Zidane to call upon.

ONE TO WATCH- Hugo Lloris

BEST CASE SCENARIO...

For a nation like France, the focus will be on actually winning the World Cup, and that is still a distinct possibility. They have a squad to match most others, and a first 11 as good as any in the world with some amazingly talented individuals. Therefore, for France, they will be disappointed with anything less than ultimate victory.

WORST CASE SCENARIO...

A repeat of 2002 is unthinkable but cannot be ruled out. This team has been so erratic and unpredictable that an early exit isn't unfathomable. Such an occurrence will see Domenech dismissed for sure this time and the French press and public will fall even further out of love with their team.

PREDICTION

Given their superior quality of players to South Africa, Uruguay and Mexico, as well as there experienced yet youthful defence, France should do enough to escape a tight group as winners, even though all four teams will take points off each other. Much like in 'o6, anything will then be possible but the quarter finals should finally see the end of Les Bleus.  

Mexico

The Mexican national team had a shaky start to their qualifying campaign for the 2010 World Cup but they finished strongly in the CONCACAF zone to cement their place in South Africa. Under Sven Goran Eriksson Mexico scraped through the first round of qualification on goal difference from Jamaica, but the appointment of Javier Aguirre saw an improvement in results. In the final group stage, impressive home form that included a victory over the USA was the catalyst for qualification to a 14th World Cup finals. 

For a traditional footballing nation, Mexico are perennial underachievers at the World Cup. The competition has twice been hosted in the country, but two quarter final exits were all 'El Tri' had to show for it, even though both the 1970 and 1986 tournaments are regarded as the finest ever. In the past four 'Mundials', Mexico have been beaten in the second round at the last 16 stage, when much more was expected of them. A penalty loss to Bulgaria (1994), a Maxi Rodriguez wonder goal (2006), an unfortunate defeat to Germany (1998) and a humiliating 2-0 reverse against neighbours USA in 2002 have all cost Mexico a place in the quarter finals for a third time.

This year Mexico come in to the tournament in a far more low key position. Four years ago they were a seeded team but this year expectations are slightly lower, but not back at home. Recent results suggest that this team is back on an upward curve. Last years victory in North America's Gold Cup, the positive end to qualifying and their run of unbeaten friendlies this year has given Mexicans hope for a successful summer. Five more friendly matches against challenging opposition like England, Holland and Italy should be ideal preparation ahead of Mexico's World Cup opener against hosts South Africa.

SCHEDULE- GROUP A

South Africa     11th June- Johannesburg

France              17th June- Polokwane

Uruguay           22nd June- Rustenburg

The draw is definitely negotiable for Mexico. Group A consists of four teams who will all have aspirations of qualifying or the second stage and Mexico are definitely capable of such a feat. Having to play the hosts first can either be a blessing or a hindrance. The atmosphere in Johannesburg is set to be fervently nationalistic and Mexico could end up standing in the way of a magical day for the rainbow nation. On the other hand, Bafana Bafana are regarded as the weakest of the four teams in the groups, and the quality of their players would suggest that.   

Group stages are always dependent on momentum and a victory in their first game would not only be an ideal start but would leave them only needing one win from their final two games.

Mexican teams are renowned for their natural ability on the ball, their discipline and occasional flair. If all three of these attributes can be expressed in South Africa then qualification from this group and beyond is a realistic possibility.

KEY PLAYERS

Much of Mexico's hopes will be placed on the shoulders of Barcelona's Raphael Marquez. The veteran defender has 88 caps for his country and is facing into his third World Cup finals and second as captain. His return from injury this season is more important to his country than to his club team as he doesn't play as regularly now as he did four years ago. That will be of little concern to Mexicans however who will be just hoping Marquez stays fit for the tournament. 

Roughly half of Mexico's squad are European based but many of them are very experienced or important players for their clubs. Carlos Salcido has been a major player at PSV Eindhoven for a number of years now, while Andres Guardado has been pivotal in midfield for Deportivo La Curuna for the past three seasons since he moved to Europe. Gerardo Torrado is still an essential past of the Mexican midfield at the age of 31. He was impressive in the 2002 World Cup in particular and is one of the most caped player in the squad with 108 appearances to his name.

A new wave of attacking talent has emerged in recent years .Giovani dos Santos had a promising start to his career in Barcelona under Frank Rijkaard but has gradually disappeared since his move to Tottenham Hotspur in the summer of 2008. He has recently been reunited with Rijkaard at Galatasaray and is at least playing more regularly. Carlos Vela captained the Mexican under 17's to the World Cup in 2006 but his progress at Arsenal has been slow, although he is notable for scoring spectacular goals when given a chance.

Despite their young talent, there is still a reliance on veterans. West Ham's Guillermo Franco is an important member of the squad at 33. With only 20 caps to his name he has hardly been a regular over the years as he lived in the shadow of legendary striker Jared Borghetti. He has since gotten more opportunities however and has scored six times in 20 games for his nation. Cuauhtemoc Blanco has been reinstated in the squad since his absence in Germany four years ago. His impressive form for Chicago Fire earned him a return to the more competitive football of the Mexican League with Vera Cruz. Blanco is known best for his Cuauhtemina in France '98, when he caught the ball between his feet and jumped between two defenders in a game against South Korea.

More important than any player for Mexico is their coach Javier Aguirre. This is his second spell in charge of his country, having first brought them to the World Cup in Japan/Korea in 2002. His expertise as a manager that was often undervalued in Madrid with Atletico despite leading them to the Champions League for the first time in 12 years.    

ONE TO WATCH- Carlos Vela

BEST CASE SCENARIO...

For many Mexicans, the only aim is actually winning the World Cup. They don't believe that any team should be inferior to theirs and winning the competition is a realistic dream. Maybe that would have been more possible in previous installments of the World Cup, but in the real world a quarter final spot would be well received. Progression from the group will be expected and any victories after that will be a bonus.

WORST CASE SCENARIO...

Just exiting early on would be a disaster for Mexico but three defeats, especially in the first game, would be a national embarrassment. 

PREDICTION

Considering the country's recent World Cup pedigree, a second round exit will more than likely be the outcome for a fifth consecutive World Cup.

  

South Africa

South Africa represents potentially the weakest team ever to host the World Cup. Saying that, they have been handed a group that they will be hopeful of escaping.

South Africa's build up has been far from ideal. There have been managerial changes. Current coach Carlos Alberto Parreira initially left his position for a year and then came back in late 2009 when Joel Santana was dismissed. The two time coach of Brazil has been an inspiring influence on Bafana Bafana in his time there, only leaving due to the ill health of his wife.

Whether his presence will be enough to get South Africa through to the second round is still under question. More important than any manager is the quality of the players that he has to work with, and their squad is mostly home based, which is not a good sign. If this team is to be competitive come June, the players are going to have to produce miraculous unprecedented performances.

Last years showing in the Confederations Cup has been the barometer by which this side is judged. A 1-0 semi final defeat to Brazil appears to be an admirable result but that masks their true standing. Bafana Bafana came through their group by beating Iraq, drawing 0-0 with New Zealand and losing to Spain. In addition, South Africa failed to even qualify for this years Nations Cup in Angola.

Currently ranked 90th in the world, they are the second lowest ranked team playing in the World Cup.

SCHEDULE

Mexico     11th June- Johannesburg

Uruguay   16th June- Pretoria

France     22nd June- Bleomfontein

Considering the opposition, South Africa have been placed in an unpredictable group. All three sides are inconsistent to say the least but they all have superior players than Bafana Bafana. If the host nation have any hope of avoiding the anonymity of becoming the first host nation to experience an early exit, four points will be a minimum. The Mexico represents their best chance of three points, primarily because it is their first game. The element of surprise, as well as home advantage will be exploited to the max. There will be a weight of expectation and the atmosphere and passionate local support will play a major factor in getting South Africa past the group stage.

KEY PLAYERS

South Africa's best player is unquestionably Everton midfielder Stephen Pienaar. The former Ajax and Borussia Dortmund player is vastly experience, as well as an extremely talented individual. His ability to pass the ball quickly and beat players will be essential to any chance his team have.

Captain Aaron Makoena will need to call on all his European experience to inspire his team mates. The Portsmouth midfielder will sit in the centre of the pitch in front of his back four. His main role on the pitch Will be to give the ball to Pienaar, but his importance will also extend to off the pitch.

Few of Parreira's squad are plying their trade in European leagues, but a couple of players ave been picking up medals. Macbeth Sibaya has won the Russian championship twice in succession with Rubin Kazan and Bernard Parker has just picked up an Eredivisie winners medal with FC Twente, although appearances were sporadic.

The most important inclusion in the squad might just be record goal scorer Benni McCarthy. The West Ham striker has not featured for the national team since 2008. He has scored 32 goals in 78 games for his country. Adding to that tally will be very helpful to his teams cause this summer.

ONE TO WATCH- Stephen Pienaar

BEST CASE SCENARIO...

One gets the impression that qualifying to the second round would represent an amazing achievement. If they somehow manage a second place finish Argentina may be waiting for them. A quarter final therefore would be a miracle, but the country would be proud with a respectable last 16 finish.

WORST CASE SCENARIO...

There is a fear that the team may be embarrassed on home soil. The ultimate disaster would be to exit the competition without making any impression on the tournament, not scoring a goal and losing all three of their games. Such a scenario would be sad for the tournament and for the hosts who have invested to much energy into putting on a show for the world.

PREDICTION...

Realistically, the final outcome will be somewhere in between. South Africa might not escape from their group but they will be up a real fight in all three games. Being competitive is all that is asked. If Bafana Bafana can go into their final group game with France with a second round place at take, they will have achieved respectability at least.