Predictions so far.....

We'll take a look at the way things turned out and I'll either offer up excuses as to why I got it wrong, pat myself on the back, or maybe even own up and admit I just plain lost the plot.


Group A:

Uruguay
Mexico
South Africa
France

I got this one completely wrong. I just didn't have the guts to pick France to fail, despite huge reservations about them. I did correctly tag Uruguay as a darkhorse, but I underrated Mexico at the same time. South Africa became the first host country to fail to advance to the knockouts, but still did their country proud with a solid campaign. That opening goal scored by Tshabalala will be one of this tournament's defining moments.


Group B:

Argentina
South Korea
Greece
Nigeria

Argentina was a no brainer. I did pick South Korea to do well, but in the end I wanted to pick an African side to advance so I chose Nigeria. Nigeria were cruising against Greece before an insanely stupid red card ruined their hopes. I will always contend that they would've advance if not for that.


Group C:

USA
England
Slovenia
Algeria

I never though USA would WIN this group, but Group C proved unpredictable. Not necessarilly with who advanced, but how it played out. England were disappointing, Slovenia were better than expected, Algeria raised a few eye-brows, and the US never gave up.


Group D:

Germany
Ghana
Australia
Serbia

I tagged Serbia as a legitimate darkhorse. I said they'd top this group. They finished dead last in Group D. But I have an excuse! They absolutely gave their first game away agaisnt Ghana with a stupid handball penalty and a red card. That game effectively sealed their fate, and not even a suprise win over Germany could lift them up.


Group E:

Netherlands
Japan
Denmark
Cameroon

The Dutch didn't let me down, although without Robben they haven't looked themselves just yet. Denmark was right where they needed to be, beat Japan in the last game and they're in. Japan took it to the Danes though and earned a spot in the last 16. Japan has to be one of the revelations of the tournament. I did at least tip Keisuke Honda for success. That counts for something right?


Group F:

Paraguay
Slovakia
New Zealand
Italy

Nobody saw this one coming, no one. Italy joined France in having a miserable World Cup. I did pick Slovakia to take that 2nd spot, but how did I miss Paraguay. I underrated the South Americans big time. As for New Zealand, I said they wouldn't score a goal, or get a point. They proved me wrong, going unbeated (with 3 draws) and not 1, but 2 goals scored! Hats off the the Kiwis, you did your country proud.


Group G:

Brazil
Portugal
Ivory Coast
North Korea

I got this group spot on. I was correct in playing down the hype around the Ivory Coast. Drogba wasn't 100 percent, and their cohesiveness as a unit wasn't there.


Group H:

Spain
Chile
Switzerland
Honduras

Another 100 percent record for me! But really, this group fell as it should've, apart from the Swiss win over Spain. The Spaniards did make things hard on themselves, but came back and won the group.