Two to advance from Group A

1. France
Struggled through qualifying but still have a ton of experience and ability. I think they come through winning the group.
2. South Africa
I don't believe a host nation has ever not advanced out of the first round. Although this is a tough draw for SA, I think they will keep the streak going!
3. Uruguay
Forian and Suarez don't make the difference, but Uruguay will be in the hunt and lose out on advancing in a tie breaker.
4. Mexico
Can I really pick our biggest rival in CONCACAF? They have righted the ship during the last part of qualifying under Aguirre but I think the magic of playing the hosts will be too much for Mexico.

Mexico
As much as I hate to say it I'm going with Mexico to win the group. It an entirely different team since their coaching chance. I don't like Eriksson, so it was a great coaching change in my opinion. Under Aguirre the team is looking very attack minded and fluid. Even though they lost 3-1 to England in a warm-up they looked to be the better team in my opinion. They possess and attack with numbers forward.
France
I think they have a powerful attack when they get numbers forward to help Anelka. I've read they are looking to play more of a 3 forward attack rather than lone striker formation from qualifying. I hope so, we all remember that they barely made it through. Bottom line is they have plenty of talent to take out South Africa and Uruguay, just not sure if they can cope with Mexico's possession and numbers forward.

Two to advance from Group B

1. Argentina
Messi is the man, he hasn't shown the same flair for his country as he does for Barca, but this will be a special world cup for him. I pick Argentina to win the group, but Maradona could be the wild card, it wasn't exactly a smooth qualifying campaign.
2. Greece
Theofanis Gekas scores goals and Greece can defend. Greece might even sneak a group victory here, but I have them finishing 2nd.
3. Nigeria
I'd like to see the Super Eagles get out, but more likely a close 3rd.
4. South Korea
3 games and out.

Argentina
Maradona...All time greatest player as coach! Messi...Worlds greatest player! I really think that Argentina under Maradona are a huge wild card. They are unpredictable, but you can't really argue with the quality of Messi, Tevez and Milito is in top form.... Plus, Maradona has gone on record saying he'll streak naked around Buenos Aires if they win it all! Got to love him!
Nigeria
Number 2 in this group is a real toss up for me. I'm going Nigeria even though I think South Korea is the better team. Korea showed they can play with the big boys when they gave Spain trouble in their recent friendly. Ultimately, I'm going with the home field advantage and prior Cup experience.

Two to advance from Group C

1. England
England should go through, especially since first round games don't go to pk's!
2. USA
This is a pick with my heart and not with my head. I worry that we may not have enough to carry the game to both Slovenia and Algeria and could end up dropping critical points in those two games, but with Jozy and Gooch fit to play according to Bob Bradley, I'm picking the yanks!
3. Slovenia
Could sneak into 2nd if the US slips up.
4. Algeria
Not much of a chance to advance.

England
My heart says USA, but my head says England. Really the only 2 contenders in this group are the US and England. England has just too much talent. Their guys are playing better competition in league play and ultimately I really like Capello as a manager. He's big time. Even with Ferdinand out, I think they've got too much for us to handle.
USA
Injuries, injuries, injuries. It's too bad how the timing has worked out. We've got some of our best guys in top form (Landon for one) and some good young guys playing well, but I just don't think we can hang with guys like Gooch, and Boca struggling a bit. I really hope I'm wrong and that we step up. I'm excited because I think there's a real shot to advance to the knock out stage, but as the tourney wears on the injuries and form question will unfortunately break us.

Two to advance from Group D

1. Germany
Talented squad, but the ability to score goals will determine how deep of a run.
2. Serbia
Serbia could win the group but most likely will finish 2nd.
3. Ghana
If Essien were healthy I'd like Ghana's chances much better.
4. Australia
Grab a Fosters and enjoy the tournament!

Germany
Never been a big German NT fan...don't know why really. I think they are ridiculously good. They've got some dangerous attackers in Kloose and Podolski, even with Ballack out. They might break down defensively though. The back for are the least capped guys.
Serbia
I'm going Serbia because we've seen Australia are just a weak side and Ghana are hugely depleted without Essien. Don't get me wrong Serbia is a good team but I'm putting them at 2 by default.

Two to advance from Group E

1. Netherlands
Bring back total football, clockwork orange!
2. Denmark
Won a solid qualifying group and are coached very well.
3. Cameroon
Had to fight off wanting to pick Cameroon being close to home, but I think Denmark has too much.
4. Japan
Japan is an up and coming soccer country, the J-League is entertaining to watch, but at the end of the day when I think about Japan, I think about players with great mullets.

Netherlands
The real deal. I think they will advance no problem. Snyder and Van Persie are dangerous. Robben might be out, but the Dutch attack and it's fun to watch!
Cameroon
Eto'o is one of the best goal scorers around. Fun to watch. I've read that they are well organized and play with great spirit. I haven't seen them play but I'm excited to see what they bring.

Two to advance from Group F

1. Italy
Never bet against the Italians especially when a win and 2 draws could win the group.
2. Paraguay
Should be a fun team to watch.
3. Slovakia
Hardworking and tough team, but not enough juice.
4. New Zealand
I'd love to see them get out, especially with all the ex-collegians, but it would be an uphill climb.

Italy
The defending champs have their work cut out for them. They are a quality side, but just like everyone is saying, they are getting up there in age. I've always liked Italian soccer and Lippi's tactical moves. I think they are a great side they just don't have the players to win the world cup this go around.
Paraguay
I don't like New Zealand and I don't like Slovaki. Paraguay has talent up top, hard working midfielders and experienced backs. Let's see if they come out in a 3-5-2 like qualifying. They will probably be the only team in the tournament to come out this way.

Two to advance from Group G

1. Brazil
Brazil might have been able to qualify as many as 3 teams for the world cup. Lots of depth here.
2. Ivory Coast
An emotional group rallies even with the question of Drogba's health, to advance.
3. Portugal
A little soft for me.
4. North Korea
Not the same class as the first three teams.

Brazil
Hands down my favorite. I think they'll win it all. I actually like Dunga as the manager and I like is more European approach. I think they will be more defensively sound, but obviously will play with a fluidity and flair that is second to none. I'm hoping Kaka finds his form quickly and the same for Robinho.
Portugal
I actually have been very disappointed with Portugal lately. Even though they have one of the best attacking players in Ronaldo, their attack has been flat. I hear Nani is out, so this is bad news. The good news is that they are still better than N. Korea and an Ivory Coast without Drogba (who knows...maybe he will play with broken arm and all...wouldn't surprise me).

Two to advance from Group H

1. Spain
My pick to win the whole thing.
2. Chile
I think Chile edge out a tough Swiss team.
3. Swiss
Ignored neutrality lately and stolen players from other countries with Swiss heritage. I like the aggressive moves!
4. Honduras
Did well to qualify for WC 2010.

Spain
Best style of play in the world. They are probably the best collective team too. I love watching their attack. Great possession and decision making going forward. Xavi, Torres, David Villa... so tough to contain these guys. I'm thinking the group will be a cake walk
Chile
Chile is a crazy unorthodox side. I think that they will surprise a lot of people. It's always entertaining to watch a team whose coach is nicknames El Loco!

Final Four Teams

England
Brazil
Argentina
Spain

England
Brazil
Argentina
Spain

Championship Match

Brazil v Spain

Brazil v Spain

Champion

Spain

Brazil

Sleeper of the Tournament

If I'm picking a sleeper, I'm picking Serbia as a team that could pinch England and France and play in the semifinals vs Brazil.

Well, they're not really a sleeper, but I think Argentina will do much better than most people are expecting. Same goes for Mexico, Chile, and Cameroon.

Biggest Bust of the Tournament

I love Messi but Maradona is a huge wild card and could lead Argentina to an early exit.

France or maybe Italy. The bar is high for both of these teams. I just don't think Italy has the right players to advance to the quarterfinals.

Key for the United States

If the US is to make a long run, we are going to need to defend very well as a group and Tim Howard will need to have a similar performance to last summer's Confederations Cup.

A win over England in the opener would be huge and would really swing some momentum. Really, that comes down to us being able to stop Wayne Rooney, so that means a stellar defensive performance by some guys that aren't at peak performance. Across the board we are athletic, quick, and fit so I do think we have the ability to score goals.

Difference Maker for the U.S.

Winning our group could get us a match-up with Serbia instead of Germany and I think we could potentially fare better there.

Well Landon is sharp and on top of his game. He is without a doubt one of the best our country has produced if you look at his impact in the EPL, but it is going to take great performances in the back and up top, and probably from some relatively inexperienced guys if we are going to make a run.