World Cup 2010

Goal.com Know Your Rivals Special: Dream And Nightmare Draws – North & Central America

Can CONCACAF surprise the world?

Dec 2, 2009 11:39:28 AM

David Suazo - Honduras-Mexico (Mexsport)

Photo Gallery

Zoom

David Suazo - Honduras-Mexico (Mexsport)

Related Links

In Goal.com’s new dedicated World Cup feature called 'Know Your Rivals', experts from the 32 teams involved in the tournament give their take on various issues regarding the showpiece event.

With the Final Draw fast approaching, we asked them about the ideal matchups for their respective teams, and of course the sides they are hoping to avoid when the groups are decided in Cape Town on Friday. With that in mind, we posed three questions to each of them, and this is what the contributors from the CONCACAF countries had to say...

1. Who would you want to avoid in the draw?
2. Who do you want to get in the draw?
3. If you get a bad draw, how will your fans drown their sorrows?

USA - Noah Davis

1) Simply put: Stay out of 'The Group of Death'. In 2006, the U.S. was drawn into a group including eventual champions Italy, the high-flying Czech Republic, and hard-nosed Ghana. The injury-ridden Americans can advance to the Round of 16, but they will need some help. Although the Red, White, and Blue defeated Spain and almost knocked off Brazil this summer in South Africa, facing either of these squads -- who won't overlook Bob Bradley's side once again -- could result in an early return to the States.

2) Aside from the obviously weaker teams in the tournament -- South Africa, North Korea, and New Zealand to name three that most sides want to face -- the Americans wouldn't mind drawing Italy again. They fared well against the Azzurri in '06 and played the squad tough during the summer's Confederations Cup. The U.S. matches up well with the reigning world champions, and FIFA (and American television) would undoubtedly like the intrigue of the Giuseppe Rossi storyline.

3) Resign themselves to the fact that life as a third-world soccer power just isn't fair and complain that once again Mexico found an easy way to the knockout stage.

Mexico - Juan Antonio Davalos

1) There are several rivals that Mexico will seek to avoid, especially the difficult European sides such as Italy, England or Germany. Plus it's best for us not to meet two European rivals in the same group as throughout history, Javier Aguirre's team usually struggle against European opponents. The Mexican FA expects the lottery to fall in their favour and for us to be placed in a group that allows qualification to the next round.

2) Although they are one of the world powers, Mexico would like to face Brazil because recent results have been favourable towards us. Our lads beat the Seleccao in the last two official tournament games that we faced them in: the Confederations Cup 2005 and the Copa America 2007. It would be even better to get hosts South Africa, a team that has not performed well in recent months.

3) If Mexico get a bad draw, fans will have to pray, not drink! That said, we all expect the squad to be in great shape as they will be in a 60-day camp prior to the tournament.

Honduras - Marco Aguilar

1) I hope that we can avoid teams such as Brazil, Italy or England. We don’t want a very hard group, as with a bit of luck in the draw Honduras could make it to the second phase. But up against a top seed, our chance of that all-important tie is reduced.

2) South Africa would be the best option from the head groups pot. Of course, every team is praying for them. Despite their status as being hosts, Honduras can be more than a match for them. The same for European sides such Slovenia. In South America, Uruguay or Chile are not impossible not beat.

3) After a 28-year absence from the World Cup, everything is welcome, including a very hard group. We'll toast, rather than lament, our campaign.