Okay, I’m a game late to the party here, the opening match was this morning. But I figured I better jump on the bandwagon and put my predictions on the line… it just makes the tournament that much more fun!

Here’s are the rosters, for reference: http://www.worldcupblog.org/world-cup-2010-squads

Group A

1. France, 2. Mexico

France is a no-brainer and I thought Mexico, although they top South Africa in the world rankings and only edged a tie this morning, was up against the home town crowd – otherwise it could have been 2 or 3-0 Mexico. Plus I’m a Fire fan and Cuauhtémoc Blanco has my heart.

Group B

1. Argentina, 2. Greece

If you haven’t read Diego Maradona’s autobiography, do it now. I don’t think I could root against him. And Messi is a God, so there’s that. I was hung up between Greece and Nigeria, actually, for the #2 spot. But I went with Greece because when they won the 2004 Euros, I happened to be at a Greek bar on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and it was WILD. So go Greece.

Group C

1. USA, 2. England

Wouldn’t that be AMAZING?! Sorry, Emma. USA! USA! USA!

Edit: Sorry fello patriots. After filling out the bracket, I’m changing to England 1, USA 2. I’m terribly conflicted here, and in my heart of hearts I hope I’m wrong. But, I did put $10 in the kitty, and I’m a competitive son-of-a-gun.

Group D

1. Germany, 2. Ghana

I went to the 2006 World Cup in Germany, everything about them = precision engine. From the football on the pitch, to the time the trains arrive and leave the station. For the #2 spot, I give the nod to Ghana over Australia, there’s the continental support of course, but mostly for my friend Enyo, whose parents are from Ghana.

Group E

1. Netherlands, 2. Cameroon

As a Vandervort, I would be sorely mistaken by not rooting for my countrymen. The land of tulips, gouda cheese, windmills, and oh yeah, van Bommel, Sneijder, van der Vaart, Kuyt, Robben and van Persie. Cameroon takes #2 because I like Eto’o. Plus they’re a Puma team and well, Puma pays my bills.

Group F

1. Italy, 2. Paraguay

At the 2006 World Cup, I went to Italy vs. USA… however I spent the game in the Fan Fest area (which rocked BTW) because I was too scared to meet my bookie, “Big John” at the train station to pick up my $600 ticket. Good decision I think. Anyway, #1 goes to Italy because they’ll easily win the group stage. For #2, I saw England v. Paraguay in Frankfurt, and I saw Sweden v. Paraguay in Berlin, and the fans were really nice. So go Paraguay.

Group G

1. Brazil, 2. Portugal

When I lived in Manhattan, my Adidas guy got me a special invite to the Soho loft to meet the AC Milan team when they were in town for a friendly. One word: Kaka. Done. #2. Cristiane Ronaldo. Okay, plus I was just in Portugal in March for the Algarve Cup, and the country was just absolutely amazing. They get my #2 pick over Ivory Coast. Plus, BOO North Korea, politically speaking of course.

Group H

1. Spain, 2. Switzerland.

I mean, just look at the roster. Holy shit Spain is good. Then, I like the Swiss because I wear my hair in braids a lot. :-) Oh, and it’s the home of FIFA. That’s good enough reason, right?

Okay, I’ll finish with the bracket play later today/tomorrow, I have to turn this into the office pool by 11am.

View Original Post at amandavandervort.com

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