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FIFA World Cup: day 12 preview

Raymond Domenech will be wondering if his team will even show up for France's game against South Africa.

France's view: France is coming into their decisive game against South Africa in meltdown mode. The French team is a mess. The French President is forced to play peacekeeper between Coach Raymond Domenech and the French players. France will have to be in better form than they have all tournament if they want to beat the motivated South African squad. If France doesn't want to be embarrassed, they will have to look like a cohesive unit, something they haven't been doing on, or off, the field.


South Africa's View: South Africa needs to win, and win convincingly, against a self destructing French team if they want any chance of advancing. This is not impossible, since South Africa will be looking to put a show on for their fans. To advance, South Africa will also need either Mexico or Uruguay to lose in their final game. Although it seems like a tough task for South Africa, they could win if they can take advantage of France's weakness, and if the result of the Mexico-Uruguay game is favourable.


Mexico's View: Although Mexico only needs a draw to advance, they will be looking for a win against Uruguay. The second place team will have to play against Argentina. The Mexicans painfully remember being knocked out by Argentina in the 16th round of the last World Cup. Avoiding Argentina will motivate Mexico enough to try to beat Uruguay tomorrow.


Uruguay's View: It looks as though Uruguay will play very defensively tomorrow. As though a draw with Mexico will win them Group A. Uruguay's defence has looked unbeatable in their first two games, but they are playing a much more offensively explosive team in Mexico. If Uruguay's defence continues to play the way they did the first two games, they should be able to hold Mexico with a draw, at least.


Nigeria's View: Nigeria is coming into their last group game against South Korea needing a win. A win would probably see Nigeria through to the next round, since Greece is not likely to beat the strong Argentinian squad. If Nigeria is to beat South Korea, they will need to be more disciplined. Vincent Enyeama will probably have to play as good as he did in the first two games. Nigeria, also, will see the return of Captain Nwanko Kanu, who should provide some attacking power.


South Korea's View: South Korea will almost surely advance with a win against Nigeria. South Korea experienced a let-down against Argentina last game, when they were blown out 4-1 and their defense was in shambles. With a better defensive performance and if they can finish their chances to score, South Korea will be able to advance to the second round.


Argentina's View: One point ensures Argentina first place. And Maradona has promised he will play a strong line up tomorrow. Unless Argentina has some sort of internal break down, they will be able to get at least a point versus the weaker Greek team.


Greece's View: Greece will be looking to do the unthinkable and beat the Argentinian team, which has a very impressive first two games. If Greece can hold Argentina at bay and capitalize on their few chances to attack, the Greeks could be able to get a huge three points.

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