Predictions: Day 12

France (0-1-1 W-D-L) vs South Africa (0-1-1), 10 a.m. ET

This French team, more midnight Folies Bergere show than vintage Les Bleus, has almost left town, a few days after Nicolas Anelka. And after their mutiny at training on Sunday, will they show up here? Both sides need goals, and a victory by either Mexico or Uruguay in their game, to keep their hopes alive. Bafana Bafana gets 'keeper Khune back. A moral victory? France look ripe for the picking.

Prediction: France 1, South Africa 3

Mexico (1-1-0) vs Uruguay (1-1-0), 10 a.m. ET

Uruguay's Diego Forlan has been one of the best players at this tournament so far. Mexico has been one of the more pleasing sides here, loaded with young talent, but forward Carlos Vela is likely to miss out with an injury. Uruguay gets promising young (21) midfielder Nicolas Lodeiro back. A draw puts them both through, with Uruguay holding the edge on goal differential. Sounds about right.

Prediction: Mexico 1, Uruguay 1

Greece (1-0-1) vs Argentina (2-0-0), 2:30 p.m. ET

Argentina is cruising, while Greece grabbed some life with a comeback win over South Korea. Don't expect a letup, with a win guaranteeing top spot in the group – it would be a “sin” to rest Lionel Messi, said coach Diego Maradona. Messi hasn't scored yet, but has been all over the place. That should end today. Greece will fight hard, but on form and at this stage this Argentina and especially Messi looks irresistible.

Prediction: Greece 1, Argentina 2

Nigeria (0-0-2) vs South Korea (1-0-1), 2:30 p.m. ET

Nigeria have been a big disappointment – even their fans' green and white painted chickens have been refused entry to the stadiums here - while South Korea's bright start was erased by a masterclass lesson from Argentina. Still, the Super Eagles are alive and can advance with a win, and an Argentine win. They'll miss suspended midfielder Sani Kaita, sent off in their last. Koreans are slight favourites on the odds board; this is a tough one to figure out but we'll go with a mild upset.

Prediction: Nigeria 1, South Korea 0

Comments

[Girardo Damato]

I like your picks. Your South Korea / Nigeria pick is especially interesting. Both teams can advance with a win and are determined. Sorry, but I hope Korea wins!

[David]

Greece's win was against Nigeria, not South Korea!

Just letting ya know so you can edit it!

[Richard Callender]

Can anyone answer this question.I have contacted FIFA 4 times but so far no response,so here goes:
Why is the world cup group of 32 teams set up so that the overwhelming majority of teams that qualify be fron Europe?Nothing against European teams but why are they guaranteed more qualifying spots than other continents.
Thanks and enjoy the games.

[Andrew]

France Uruguay
Mexico, im cheering for england but god damn these guys have got my praise always awsome on the field and play well as a team. Mexico will dominate and win this one.
Greece < Argentina
Argentina, well theyve been on fire what can i say
Nigeria < South Korea
This is more of a personal choice then anything, i just wanna see south korea win tbh lol

[Lionel Messi]

what the hell~~~
you didn't pick a right score. NOT EVEN ONE GAME!!!!!