by Matthew Adams

Created on: June 07, 2010

The 2010 World Cup kick-offs with opening games from each group. These opening fixtures could be fun games, as the teams begin their World Cups. So, here are the opening group fixtures for 2010 World Cup football.

South Africa V Mexico:

The opening game of the 2010 World Cup features the hosts South Africa and Mexico. The South African friendlies have seen three recent South African victories, while Mexico showed their credentials with a 2-1 friendly win against Italy. As such, the hosts do not have an easy opening game. Therefore, a draw could be on the cards in this match.

Argentina V Nigeria:

This opening game includes two teams which could potentially go far in 2010 South Africa. Argentina are one of the favorites for the 2010 World Cup, with their star player Messi being compared to Maradonna. However, their qualification for the World Cup was not so smooth, and against Nigeria they play one of the stronger African sides. Argentina may just get a win on the board in this game by a goal or two.

England V USA:

Group C's opening game of the 2010 World Cup features England and the USA. England are the seeded team of the group, and even without Ferdinand at the back should still be able to fill the gap. The Rooney and Gerrard front combination could be the key to England's World Cup. The USA will be expecting to get beyond the group, but from this game will likely be happy enough with a point. England will win, but only narrowly.

Germany V Australia:

Germany start the 2010 World Cup against Australia. For the most part, Ballack will be their key player that could take them some way in the World Cup. Australia are a team with more modest ambitions, but could potentially make it out of the group. However, expect Germany to win this game.

Holland V Denmark:

Holland warmed up for the 2010 World Cup with a 6-1 thrashing of Hungary. However, the fitness of Robben has been called into doubt for their opening game against Denmark. Denmark's form has been less impressive, losing to South Africa and Australia in friendly fixtures. As such, a Dutch victory looks the most likely result in this game.

Italy V Paraguay:

The world champions Italy begin the defense of the World Cup against Paraguay. In truth, the Italians are still relying on the old campaigners such as Buffon, Cannavaro, and Guttuso for this 2010 World Cup. Therefore, they have plenty of quality players in their '30s but do not have any especially exciting new players. Against Paraguay, boasting the talents of Santa Cruz, they play a side that could push them in the group. Therefore, Paraguay could potentially draw with Italy in this opening game.

Ivory Coast V Portugal:

This opening game featuring Ivory Coast and Portugal is an excitng one. With the prospect of playing Brazil in this group, neither Ivory Coast or Portugal will want to lose this game. Ivory Coast will be weary of Ronaldo, but equally their own Drogba is a player that could score quite a few goals in the 2010 World Cup. With some great players on both sides, a good game could end as a score draw.

Honduras V Chile:

This 2010 group game is somewhat more predictable. Honduras are relative minnows in the 2010 World Cup, playing in only their second World Cup. Against Chile they play a side that are very good going forward, and finished second in qualification. As such, a comfortable win for Chile looks the most likely outcome of this game.

So, the 2010 World Cup begins with these group games. Overall, the opening games include some exciting fixtures. Ivory Coast V Portugal could be a good game, while Argentina V Nigeria is another good opening fixture. For more details, visit the 2010 World Cup site.

Sources: http://www.fifa.com/index.html 

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