The World Cup, arguably sports\u2019 biggest event, is just weeks away from taking South Africa by storm. Who has the best shot to emerge from each group?\u00a0<\/p>\n
We\u2019ll start the preview with Group A, which features the host nation.<\/p>\n
FRANCE (+1600 to win World Cup)<\/strong><\/p>\n We have to wonder if karma is due to catch up to the French in the big way after Thierry Henry\u2019s handball goal recreated the \u201cHand of God\u201d and squeaked France past the Republic of Ireland in qualifying. <\/p>\n Interestingly, he\u2019s the only remaining piece of the 1998 championship team. Given France\u2019s ugly showing at Euro 2008, are they still the threat they once were? The key will be Frank Ribery. <\/p>\n The enigmatic scorer has the talent and speed to take over a game but hasn\u2019t shown consistency in the past.<\/p>\n MEXICO (+8000 to win World Cup)<\/strong><\/p>\n Whereas France can be a rollercoaster ride, Mexico is a straight linr, seemingly always passing the group stage but never making a serious run for the title. <\/p>\n It will have a different makeup with all-time leading scorer Jared Borgetti gone but the likes of Carlos Vela, Andres Guardado and Giovani Dos Santos give the Mexicans some solid speed and athleticism. SOUTH AFRICA (+12500 to win World Cup)<\/strong><\/p>\n Amazingly, every single host nation has passed the group stage at the World Cup, but some soccer betting sharps worry that South Africa will end the trend. <\/p>\n It looked respectable in the Confederations Cup last year but is short on talent compared to some of the other African entries in the 2010 World Cup. <\/p>\n Midfielder Steven Pienaar can\u2019t do it all on his own.<\/p>\n URUGUAY (+10000 to win World Cup)<\/strong><\/p>\n We can\u2019t count Uruguay out right away. It\u2019s nicely under the radar in this high-profile group. Uruguay has plenty of firepower up front with guys like Diego Forlan and Luis Suarez plus back-end support from Diego Godin. <\/p>\n But will Uruguay\u2019s week midfield be a problem?<\/p>\n THE PICKS<\/strong><\/p>\n France seems to have the talent to emerge on top of this group, as Henry and Ribery alone could make the difference. South Africa looks like the odd man out; it won\u2019t score enough. That means Mexico and Uruguay will battle for the last spot. <\/p>\n Call me crazy, but I have a feeling Uruguay\u2019s offense will help it become a surprise team.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/banners.bmaker.ag\/images\/book_soccer_260_140_0.gif?cmpid=14237_416\")
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