2010 World Cup Predictions - Group B

Despite Argentina being managed by an absolute lunatic, I'd say it will be very surprising if they don't easily finish top of a group that includes Nigeria, Greece and South Korea. If Argentina is going to falter it will be in the 2nd round or more likely in the quarterfinal, where they'll probably face Germany or possibly England if South Korea upsets them to a second place group finish.
South Korea is not as strong as they once were, but I'd still expect them to finish second in this group. Their recent performances have been erratic, with 2 wins over Japan and a win each over Ivory Coast and Latvia. However, they've suffered unlikely losses to the likes of Zambia and China. They finished top of their qualifying group, but with only 16 points from 8 matches. That's not a strong showing from a group that included North Korea, Saudi Arabia and UAE.

Greece had a fairly easy European qualifying group finishing second behind Switzerland. They went on to win their 2 leg playoff series against Ukraine with a scoreless draw at home and then scoring an unlikely goal away to win the playoff and earn a spot in the finals. They are not a strong side, suffering 3 losses in the group stage of the 2008 Euro. They may squeeze a point or even a win against Nigeria, but it looks like they're headed for a 3rd or 4th place group finish.

Nigeria could surprise, as at least one African team usually does. But they're recent matches have mostly been against other African teams. It's hard to judge how they'll do up against these three opponents.

If Korea can take a point off Argentina then the group is a little more open. There will then be great pressure on the Nigeria-Greece match after Nigeria's likely loss to Argentina. Without taking a point, Nigeria will be finished.

My predicted outcome:
Argentina        9
South Korea    4
Greece            2
Nigeria            1