Fifa World Cup
Fifa World Cup
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Fifa World Cup 2010: South Africa's And England's Chances
Only one team has qualified for the 2010 FIFA World Cup by right and that is the host South Africa. Even current holders Italy had to undergo the qualification process and although the hosts will undoubtedly put on a show, according to the experts their team is extremely unlikely to progress beyond the group stage of the tournament. Could they be wrong?
There is no doubt that of all the seeded teams at the FIFA World Cup draw they were by far the weakest and after being drawn against France, Mexico and Uruguay face a very tough test. Because, despite qualifying by the skin of their teeth in a two-legged play-off against Ireland, France are currently ranked seventh in the FIFA world ranking; Mexico are 15th and Uruguay 19th while South Africa languish at 86th in the table.
Known as ‘Bafana Bafana' the South African football team has been dismissed by many as having no chance of success in the 2010 finals, however they did equip themselves ably in the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup, narrowly losing out to Brazil at the semi-finals stage of the eight team tournament.
By way of contrast England's draw couldn't have been kinder. The strongest team that they have been drawn against is the USA, who is currently ranked five places below them in the FIFA World Rankings. The remaining two group teams are ranked even lower, with Algeria 28th and Slovenia 33rd in the ranking table.
Flights for South Africa in June 2010 are already heavily booked with expectant England fans, hoping that it will finally be the year that they score their second FIFA World Cup Final success. Given the strength of the competition in the group many are hoping to follow their team all the way to the final in Johannesburg on July 11, but England are always capable of underperforming in the FIFA World Cup. For example, take their 2002 quarter-final performance against Brazil when they squandered a 1-0 half-time lead against ten-man Brazil to lose 2-1.
Similarly, host teams can turn in performances that belie their lowly rankings such as Japan's splendid performance when they co-hosted the 2002 FIFA World Cup with South Korea. Not only did they top their group but were narrowly beaten by a Turkish side that went on to lose to eventual tournament winners Brazil in the semi-final.
When it comes to the FIFA World Cup one thing is for certain, paper rankings count for nothing and South Africa will be hoping they can turn in a similar performance to the one they recorded at the 2009 Confederations Cup, and who knows? They must just surprise us all!
About the Author
Adam Singleton writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.