Glenn Stromberg’s World Cup Preview – GROUP A

1. France 1.90
2. Uruguay 5.00
3. South Africa 6.75
4. Mexico 4.30

• Going through: France/Uruguay

• My best bet: Uruguay going through – odds 2.10

France are a funny team as their style of play lacks creativity, especially going forward. Domenech’s reign as coach will come to an end after the 2010 World Cup and this can only be negative in my opinion. They have great players and if they start well, they have the potential to go all the way.

Uruguay’s coach Oscar Washington Tabarez is under pressure despite their results in recent years. They play in a 4-3-3 formation and tend to adapt to their opponents. They are often underestimated but are a tough side with some great players like Diego Forlan and Porto star Rodriguez.

Mexico, led by Aguerre, play in a very well settled 4-3-3 formation and have a group of highly experienced and skilled players that can pass the ball around with ease. They tend to struggle away from home turf and their key players are Blanco, Marquez and Franco.

South Africa has Parreira as their coach. He has a lot of experience and a very shrewd and smart tactician. Their players are technically gifted and well organized but they lack firepower in attack. Everton’s Pienaar is their star player but with local support will be hard to beat. However, they are just not strong enough.