It’s Day One of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. I had hoped to do a lot of work to post here and at other sites but circumstances have dictated otherwise. Just to get my picks “On the Record”, here we go.
My soccer qualifications ??? I lived in Italy for 13 years, Costa Rica four years. My father was on the medical staff of AC Roma and second division Ternana for more than 25 years before passing.
Day One Selections:
Mexico pick -135 over South Africa
Over 2.5 Mexico and South Africa +135
Uruguay +0.5 -110 over France
After an uncharacteristic slow start, Mexico was playing as well as anyone in the Concaf qualifying region and should be considered one of the more dangerous second tier teams. They are in the unenviable position of of facing the hosts on opening day in front of 90,000 fans that will be even more amped by the tragedy surrounding Nelson Mandela’s great-granddaughter who was killed by a drunk driver after last night’s opening ceremony concert. Lots of emotion, lots of energy, and fired up players will translate into mistakes and a higher scoring game. Mexico just far superior technically to the hosts, call it 3-2 Mexico.
The Uruguayans got into the World Cup defeating Costa Rica in a playoff eliminator. Diego Forlan is the best finisher you’ve never heard on and worth a flyer for top scorers. France here based on Henry’s “Hand of God II” and never played well in qualifiers. Injuries to France and bad Kharma gets the South American’s off to a fast start and the French headed for fast exit. Uruguay 2-0.
My pick to win the tournament: ARGENTINA
Longshots to make noise: Chile, Netherlands, Portugal
Good Luck and an enjoy a great event.