South Africa 2010 - Group A

The purpose of this blog (and the next few) is to offer a preview of each team, by group, and an easy guide to refer to during the month's festivities.

World Cup 2010, South Africa, Group A
South Africa
Mexico
Uruguay
France

I am sure you will agree that this is an absolute crackerjack of a group to kick things off with in South Africa. Two Latin American sides, the hosts and a touch of Gallic flair.

South Africa

Population: 49,320,000
Capital: Johannesburg
National Dish: Bobotie - a spiced mincemeat dish with an egg-based topping
National Dress: Madiba Shirt - a batik silk shirt, a personal favourite of Nelson Mandela
Greatest Invention: The heart transplant
Most Famous Supporter: Nelson Mandela

FIFA ignored the advice for tourists to keep
an eye on one's possessions at all times

Nickname: Bafana Bafana (The Boys)
Most famous player: Lucas Radebe
World Cup Record: Round 1 '98 and '02
Prediction: Another round 1 exit beckons, but the crowd could hold the key.


Mexico

Population: 111,211,789
Capital: Mexico City
National Dish: Enchillada, Quesadilla, Guacamole
National Dress: Sombrero, Mariachi Suit
Greatest Invention: Tequila
Most Famous Supporter: Elsa Benitez

The key to the Mexican challenge is
how much potency they have upfront

Nickname: El Tri
Most famous player: Cuauhtemoc Blanco
World Cup Record: Quarter Finals '70 and '86
Prediction: A two horse race between themselves and Uruguay for the second spot in the group. Too close to predict a definitive outcome.


Uruguay

Population: 3,494,382
Capital: Montevideo
National Dish: Chivito - steak sandwich with olives, mozzarella, tomatoes and bacon.
National Dress: Gaucho cowboy outfits
Greatest Invention: A car than runs on compressed air
Most Famous Supporter: Natalia Oreiro

Oh dear! That isn't Natalia!

Nickname: Charruas, La Celeste Olimpica
Most famous player: Obdulio Valera
World Cup Record: Winners '30 and '50
Prediction: Between them and their Latin American cousins for the spot behind France


France

Population: 65,447,374
Capital: Paris
National Dish: Snails and other creatures found in the garden
National Dress: Hooped shirts and Berets
Greatest Invention: Melissa Theuriau
Most Famous Supporter: Melissa Theuriau

Miettes! (Crumbs!)

Nickname: Les Bleus
Most famous player: Zinedine Zidane (for that headbutt)
World Cup Record: '98 Winners
Prediction: Top of the group. Top of the World?

Quote of the Day: "Never underestimate the bravery of the French. For it was they that discovered you could eat snails."- Anon.

Word of the Day: Adoxography - Skilled writing on an unimportant subject