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Group A was a prognosticator's dream

June 21, 2009 02:52 AM | Posted by   Jason de Vos  

It isn't often that pundits get all of their predictions correct.

More often than not, there is an upset or two along the way that throws a wrench in the works. The inability to correctly predict the future usually gets explained by something along the lines of, “It's a funny old game, isn't it?”

When we do manage to get everything right, there is usually a sense of validation that comes along with those accurate predictions. There is generally a sense of satisfaction that comes in knowing you have actually learned something about the game you have worked so hard at for so many years.

I have to admit though, when Group A finished up exactly as I thought it would, I didn't feel any such satisfaction. Even my two children, aged four and six, could have predicted the outcome of that one.

Spain ran away comfortable winners, as everyone in the world of football assumed they would. South Africa finished as credible runners-up, Iraq failed to deliver when it was needed most, and New Zealand - well, let's just say they will benefit from the experience.

Despite going down 2-0 to Spain, South Africa managed to hang on to second place in Group A thanks to Iraq's inability to overcome the Kiwis. Based on their strong play against Spain, I expected more from the Iraqis. Perhaps the burden of expectation was just too much for them to bear, but for a country not headed to next year's World Cup, they will head home from South Africa this week wondering what could have been.

For FIFA, the final Group A table couldn't be any better. Spain winning the group was never any doubt, but it was a big bonus having South Africa make it through to the semifinals as well.

Having the home nation through to the knockout stages of the tournament does two things; it maintains local interest in a tournament that has so far failed to fill the stadiums for all of its matches and, perhaps more importantly, it gives the hosts the belief that they can advance beyond the group stages at the World Cup next summer.

Make no mistake about it - a strong showing by the South Africans next summer will go a long way towards justifying FIFA's decision to award them the tournament. Much like it was for the United States in 1994, hosting the World Cup can be a springboard for the development of the game in the host country. Qualification for the knockout stages at this summer's Confederations Cup, followed by some more success next summer can certainly provide the same sort of boost for South Africa.

As for Spain, perhaps in the semifinals they will come up against an opponent worthy of the name. In beating South Africa, the Spaniards have now established a new world record of 15 victories in a row, eclipsing the previous mark of 14 jointly held by Brazil, France and Australia.

As for whom La Roja will come up against, that will be decided on Sunday. Brazil needs a point against Italy to clinch first place in Group B, Italy needs a victory to enhance its chances of advancing to the knockout stages, while Egypt could upset the apple cart by beating the United States.

I'm wary of putting myself on record here, but I think I have to make a prediction on Sunday's outcome.

We have seen two very different performances from Brazil in this tournament - a shaky, nervous display against Egypt, and a polished, professional performance against the USA. The Italians, on the other hand, could have scored five or six against Egypt in their 1-0 loss, if not for the stellar play of Essam El Hadary in goal. With it all on the line, I'm hoping the Azzurri will rise to the occasion.

As for the other match, you would expect the USA to show up for a match at some point in time, wouldn't you? If they can keep 11 men on the pitch, something they haven't yet managed in the Confederations Cup, they may be able to muster a performance against a very talented Egyptian team. I like what I've seen from the Pharoahs thus far, and I would have to give them the edge against an American team who has so far failed to deliver.

I'm going to go for a narrow Italian victory over Brazil, and three points for Egypt over the USA. That would leave Brazil, Italy and Egypt all tied on six points each, with the USA taking home the wooden spoon.

The tiebreaker goal difference, followed by goals scored. If my predictions hold true, the top three teams will have all beaten each other, so it will come down to goal difference - which is why I can't wait to watch it all unfold on Sunday.

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