My World Cup Group Stage Predictions

As World Cup fever has hit the country let me give a few predictions as to who I predict will make it to the second round.

Group A: France and Mexico
As a South African I'd like to say we will make it through, but for now I'll go with the experience of the French and the youthful exuberance of the Mexicans to come through this tough group. Its a tight group to call and a lot will depend on the outcomes of the first two games in this group. I'd love to be proven wrong though.

Group B: Argentina and Nigeria
For this group Argentina will have too much quality for the others and as Nigeria will have a lot of support, I can see them edging South Korea for the runners up spot.

Group C: England and USA
This is another group similar to group B, in that England will have too much quality for the others and as a survey has suggested, the Americans have bought the most tickets of the overseas nations. That support coupled with their good run in the Confederations Cup last year, should see them finish at least 2nd.

Group D: Germany and Ghana
This group may prove to be a lot tighter than many think but when it comes to World Cups Germany never disappoint. That being said I think Ghana will give them a good go for top spot but with Serbia losing recently in a warm up game and Australia too, I can't see them getting the better of the Germans or Ghanaians in getting to the next round.

Group E: The Netherlands and Denmark
The Dutch have had an impressive run in the lead up to the World Cup and while the battle for second spot may be a tight one, I can't see Cameroon and Japan being consistent enough to qualify for the next round. With Denmark finishing top of a group consisting of Portugal and Sweden in the qualifiers, I'll give them my vote to finish in second spot, but only just.

Group F: Italy and Paraguay
I think this group will be one of the easier to call. Italy although by no means convincing will progress alongside Paraguay as the other remaining teams in this group, New Zealand and Slovakia, I think have had their moments already when they qualified and may just be overawed on the biggest stage of them all.

Group G: Brazil and Ivory Coast
The Brazilians go into this World Cup as my favourites. Its going to be interesting seeing who joins them in the next round, and as much as I want Portugal to go far, I can't see them doing well now that Nani is injured. With Drogba now fit, the Ivory Coast are going to be dangerous.

Group H: Spain and Chile
The Spanish have got a strong team and should find this group easy. Chile though are a good team and should be able to overcome both Honduras and Switzerland for the runners up spot.

I'll reassess things after the first round before making any more predictions but for now My predictions for the golden boot and best young player are as follows:

Golden Boot winner: David Villa and
Best young player: Mesut Ozil.