Group A will see hosts South Africa go up against 2006 runners-up France, Uruguay and Mexico. Will Tidey makes his predictions.
- Group A fixtures
- Group A table
Raymond Domenech's side scraped into the Finals with a controversial play-off win against the Republic of Ireland, courtesy of 'the hand of Henry'. After a run of poor results, with the team embroiled in scandal and Domenech in his last tournament as manager, most pundits have written off French chances in South Africa. But it is really wise to ignore a team that boasts the qualities of Franck Ribery, Nicolas Anelka, William Gallas and Florent Malouda? In my opinion, yes. France are a team in disarray and will come unstuck.
Prediction: Third place
Odds: 20/1
The South Americans beat Costa Rica in a play-off to book a spot in South Africa and boast a formidable strikeforce in the form of Diego Forlan and Luis Suarez. If either of those catch fire, I expect them to prove the dominant force in the group. Uruguay are a dark horse and could well reach the latter stages.
Prediction: Group winners
Odds: 100/1
After stuttering early on, Mexico ultimately qualified in convincing fashion after former Atletico Madrid manager Javier Aguire took over from Sven-Goran Eriksson. This will be their fifth successive Finals, and they've been knocked out at the last 16 stage on their previous four outings. A testing opener awaits against South Africa in the wake of the opening ceremony, where partisan support could see a more even contest than it looks on paper. With that in mind, and France up next, Mexico could be in for disappointment this time around.
Prediction: Fourth
Odds: 80/1
Never before have the host nation failed to get beyond the group stages, but many expect South Africa to fall at the first hurdle. I'm not so sure. Bafana Bafana are a busy side with everything to prove and an entire nation behind them. If they can avoid defeat against Mexico a fascinating showdown against France awaits. And I'm backing the hosts to squeeze through.
Prediction: Runners-up
Odds: 250/1
Source: DSG
