Groups A & B: Impressions

Group A

- Mexico looks impressive. Although slightly disappointing, their draw with South Africa has to be viewed in a positive light considering the massive levels of inspiration pulsing through the Bafana Bafana. Slick-passing and well-organized, Mexico will hope to shred the wet blanket that is France before facing a potentially tricky final fixture versus a cagey Uruguay team. All told, Mexico has the best form of any team in this group and should advance. Whether they do so in first or second place is up to them.

- South Africa showed moments of quality but were lucky to draw with Mexico. Their next match versus Uruguay will determine their fate. Will they use their adrenaline to overcome their lack of quality or will they have a let down after the big first game? A disgruntled, uncaring France side is next and may wither underneath the vuvuzela drone. Its up to South Africa to avoid being starstruck and take advantage of the situation.

- France. No sympathy for this talented pack of underachievers. Coach Raymond Dominech said he would need a gun if the team failed to put aside their egos. At this rate, I would hope he doesn't find said gun and shoot one of his players in a fit of existential angst. There is apparent division in the ranks and without Zidane's Jedi Master abilities to bring the team together, France seems doomed to an whimpering departure.

- Uruguay. Bunkered against France but soon realized they had very little to fear from their toothless opponents. Got forward intelligently and did well to earn a draw after going a man down. Probably has the least quality in the group but with a striker like Forlan and a continued high level of defensive organization, they could sneak into the second round.

Group B
- Argentina. Should have won handily against a Nigerian team that seemed to be suffering from some sort of dietary malaise, perhaps from the prescribed diet of pickled herring and potato from Swedish coach, Lars Lagerbeck. Maradona's madman tactics (Jonas at right back? Starting Higauin over Milito?) showed in this match as the team looked unbalanced and unsure of itself going forward. Although Messi could have had three goals on the day, the Biancoceleste were somewhat lucky to win. They are really going to have to up their game versus an energetic, never-say-die South Korea side.

Nigeria. What a shambles. If Argentina shuffled around in a directionless steak coma, then Nigeria looked as listless and boring as the shots on the sideline of its headman, Lars Lagerbeck. Lagerbeck, for all his experience, really didn't look like he gave a shit and his gig with Nigeria reeks of Sven Goran Eriksson mercenary work. Never have I seen an African team in a World Cup look so boring and passionless and I'm sure that is mostly down to their dour Swedish manager. Luckily their next game is against the equally terrible Greeks.

South Korea. Showed the passion and energy that they came to be known for during the 2002 World Cup. They are well-organized and seem to really want it, as compared to Greece and Nigeria who both seem utterly aimless and lacking in desire. South Korea could give Argentina real problems in their next match if Maradona's team fails to click into top gear.

Greece. They play the most disgusting, negative soccer that you will ever see. No sympathy for this team who will most likely crash out without scoring a single goal, without earning a single point. Their only hope is that Nigeria is as listless as they were in their opener, but that's not likely to be the case.