The World Waits(But Not For Ronaldinho)

It seems a bit presumptuous for the head of South Africa's World Cup organization, Danny Jordaan, to criticize the team selection for any other country, doesn't it? But here he is, complaining that Dunga should have selected Ronaldinho for Brazil's squad.

I can understand why Jordaan would want Ronaldinho there; he wants the World Cup to make as much money as possible, and Ronaldinho has a more recognizable and thus more marketable name than, say, Luis Fabiano.

But Dunga, on the other hand, probably doesn't give a damn about making Danny Jordaan happy. He probably wants to win, and he feels Ronaldinho does not give Brazil the best chance to win at this point.

Is it possible that coaches sometimes allow bias to influence their decisions on team selection? Probably, but I don't think that is the case here. It is generally acknowledged that Ronaldinho has not been the same player as he once was. Brazil has the depth to not miss him, regardless of how that might affect the revenue that benefits South Africa.

DAY 12, JUNE 22, 2010

GROUP A

MEXICO VERSUS URUGUAY

Mexico will be confident with two wins in their first two games. Uruguay will be fighting hard for points, so it should be a good match. I think Mexico will be better overall, but I don't see them winning all three matches.

1-1 draw.

FRANCE VERSUS SOUTH AFRICA

France's frustrations will find an outlet, as the hosts are overrun, 3-1.

GROUP B

NIGERIA VERSUS SOUTH KOREA

I don't see a whole lot to choose between these two teams. South Korea is gaining in experience, and may be a bit underrated. Nigeria has always been a bit of an anti-climax. In all, a 2-2 draw seems the right pick here.

GREECE VERSUS ARGENTINA

Argentina will take their foot off the gas here, so I predict only a 2-0 victory.


So, here are the final standings for groups A and B after all three group games.

GROUP A

MEXICO 2 WINS 0 LOSSES 1 DRAW 7 POINTS

FRANCE 1 WIN 1 LOSS 1 DRAW 4 POINTS

URUGUAY 0 WINS 0 LOSSES 3 DRAWS 3 POINTS

SOUTH AFRICA 0 WINS 2 LOSSES 1 DRAWS 1 POINT

GROUP B

ARGENTINA 3 WINS 0 LOSSES 0 DRAWS 9 POINTS

NIGERIA 1 WINS 1 LOSS 1 DRAWS 4 POINTS

SOUTH KOREA 1 WIN 1 LOSSES 1 DRAWS 4 POINTS


GREECE 0 WINS 3 LOSSES 0 DRAWS 0 POINTS

Nigeria goes through on goal differential against South Korea.