| Win Odds | Draw Odds | Win Odds | ||||
 | South Africa |  | Mexico | |||
 | Uruguay |  | France | |||
| | South Africa | | Uruguay | |||
| | France | | Mexico | |||
| | France | | South Africa | |||
| | Mexico | | Uruguay |
Group A sees the tournament hosts, South Africa, pitched against Uruguay, France and Mexico. This could be a tricky group to negotiate for the hosts and it's difficult to see them getting through, even with a Brazilian coach leading them. If they do not qualify it would be the first time that a World Cup tournament host has not made it through the group stages. France are highly unpredictable, and don't look like they will improve on previous form. If France come into the tournament as slow starters against any team in this group then they could struggle to qualify, and they're playing a tough Uruguay side first so can't afford to be complacent.
Uruguay qualified in good form in the South American group, almost beating Argentina to the automatic qualifying spot but ending up having to beat Costa Rica in the playoff. Uruguay are certainly no pushover with the likes of Diego Forlan up front, it's just a question of how the different continental styles of football perform when they meet and how consistent Uruguay can be. Uruguay should pick up points from Mexico, although remember this is Uruguay's last game of three in the group, so they may be comfortable with a draw, or may have even qualified on 6 points by this game. Either way, Uruguay should be able to pick up enough points from South Africa and Mexico to see them qualify in a tight group.
The other qualifying place is really an equal race between the remaining 3 teams. Looking at the order of games, if France lose their opener to Uruguay and there is a winner in the opening game between South Africa and Mexico, then the winner of this first crucial game will have a great chance of qualifying.
However, with several draws looking likely between France, South Africa and Mexico, it could be going to go down to a case of goal difference or goals scored if there is not a winner in the opening South Africa v Mexico game. Going on the order of the fixtures you would therefore have to favour Mexico to come through if the group is tight, as Mexico should have a head start on France after beating South Africa. The France v Mexico game is the real decider in this group and with Mexico an up and coming team with the likes of Arsenal's Carlos Vela and Spanish based players like Barcelona's Marquez, you could see them having a real chance of beating France's ageing stars.
France to not qualify.
South Africa to finish rock bottom, losing all 3 games.
South Africa to not score a goal.
