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Words uttered by Theoden King of Rohan from the second edition of Lord of the Rings before the historic battle of Helmsdeep where the horsemen successfully defend against the invading army of Orks and Urukai (If you don’t know what I am talking abt, shame on you – go watch the movie). The exact kind of emotion is what I felt when I heard the vuvuzela’s blare for the first game of the first world cup hosted by the African continent.

This article is going to be a simple breakdown on who I think is going to make it to the round of 16 from each group. I know everyone has their own ideas about the teams over here, but hey, I get to write this and you don’t, so if you don’t agree with me, lets keep it civilized and agree to disagree. ok?

Group A South Africa, Uruguay, Mexico, France

In spite of having a star studded roster, France is on the verge of being knocked out before the round of 16, which might mean, no more moments of brilliance from Ribery or Henry at this world cup. South Africa could also set history here by being the first host to bow out of the tournament before the round of 16. At the moment, Uruguay is in pole position, having racked up 4 points from 2 games and a young Mexico side is coming close second. Still all is left to play, as the top two sides meet each other in the last game and France can still catch up and upstage one of the 2 teams at the top.

Group B Argentina, Nigeria, South Korea, Greece

Argentina under Diego Maradona’s stewardship might not win all their games, but they are going to be entertainers for sure. South Korea is playing good football so far and unless Greece rediscovers the form that won them the Euro 2004 championship, I don’t see them getting out of this group. I am making my bets on the Argies to progress in a canter and South Korea to grab the second spot.

Group C England, USA, Slovenia, Algeria

At this moment, Slovenia are surprisingly in pole position in this group, having racked up a close win over Algeria and a draw with the USA reflecting the insanity that is International football. England stands a better chance to qualify from this group than the US and Algeria needs to come up with a near footballing miracle to qualify from this group. Interesting times await this group.

Group D Germany, Australia, Serbia, Ghana

After seeing the national manschaaft destroy Australia in their opening game (you read that right, that is actually what they call their team for real), I am putting my money on Germany to go all the way to the Semis. I am also betting money on Ghana to pip Serbia for the second spot and Australia to lose all their games.

Group E Netherlands, Denmark, Japan, Cameroon

Another group that looks seemingly normal on paper, but too close to call. Netherlands is a better team than the rest of the group but not by much. Bets must be on Netherlands to top the group and Japan to edge out the Danes and the Lions for the qualifying spot.

Group F Italy, Paraguay, New Zealand, Slovakia

Current world cup holders Italy are clear favorites to top this group, though they are famous in recent history to sleep through most of the group stages and perform only when it really matters. Slovakia are the surprise package of the group with a resourceful set of players and Paraguay bringing some much needed flair to a group that otherwise seems to comprise the who’s who of the catenaccio style of soccer.

Group G Brazil, Portugal, Ivory Coast, North Korea

The Group of Death, as it is famously called, promises much to the neutral football fan. I personally cannot wait for Brazil vs Portugal which would be the highlight of this group. From the first round of games, Ivory Coast and North Korea seem to be ready to provide a real challenge to the other two. I am so impressed with the Ivory Coast, that I am actually expecting them to upstage Portugal and qualify for the round of 16. At least then we won’t have to put up with serial crybaby Cristiano Ronaldo and his histrionics. Go Elephants!!

Group H Spain, Switzerland, Chile, Honduras

European Champions Spain were the first shock casualties at this world cup, but they are still a team so talented that they should still be able to win the group. It is going to be a fight between Chile and Switzerland for the second spot and its going to come down to whether the Swiss can park the bus in front of the goal against Chile just like they did against the Spanish. Spain to qualify and I am not saying anymore.

So that should be it for the world cup group stage, let me know if you think I should go kiss my behind from leaving out your team from qualifying for the next round, but hey so can you – I call it as I see it. More importantly, have fun watching the world cup and I hope the players are so motivated as to make this world cup the best we have ever seen. Ta ta, bye bye, see you and let’s hear it for Africa!!

– Karthik Balasubramaniam

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• Next Issue

  TheBanyanTrees theme for the month of Sept/Oct is titled 'Kaleidoscope'. Instead of one particular theme, this month, we ask you to simply let your creativity flow and send us entries on anything you like. After many months of running a particular theme, we wanted to see what our writers would come up with when given free rein. We are sure its going to be an exciting issue with motley content and we simply cant wait! So send us your entries to editor@thebanyantrees.com. Please maintain a page limit of a page and a half and send your entries by 20th September.

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