South Africa is ranked 89th in the FIFA rankings. That, and they drew an especially tough group. I don't see how they would have a chance in most tournaments. What is the lowest team to advance into the knock-out stage of a World Cup?. But South Africa has two advantages...
Every country that has hosted a world cup has advanced to the knock-out stages. This country riots if the Flintstones gets blacked out. If South Africa didn't advance, how many people (and members of other soccer teams) might die in rioting? This has to weigh heavily on the minds of the referees.
They also have an additional home field advantage: the vuvuzelas. The average decibel level for stadiums permitting these is 100.5, and peaked at 144.5 decibels. This deafening noise has made defensive schemes that change on the fly much more difficult -- especially during corner kicks.
Does this under-powered South African team have a chance in its brutal group with France, Uruguay and Mexico? France is #9. Uruguay is #16, and Mexico is #17 in the World. This is arguable the hardest group for a #1 team to advance to the knock-out stages.
South Africa is close to Pick'em versus both Uruguay and Mexico. They will probably be a moderate underdog versus France. The odds on South Africa advancing are +161 yes, -183 no at Pinnacle.
They are bad. Really bad. But between the refs and the sonic assault, they might have a chance.
Do you guys think South Africa will advance? Shakira bet the "yes", and here is another not-so-random late-night video.
Every country that has hosted a world cup has advanced to the knock-out stages. This country riots if the Flintstones gets blacked out. If South Africa didn't advance, how many people (and members of other soccer teams) might die in rioting? This has to weigh heavily on the minds of the referees.
They also have an additional home field advantage: the vuvuzelas. The average decibel level for stadiums permitting these is 100.5, and peaked at 144.5 decibels. This deafening noise has made defensive schemes that change on the fly much more difficult -- especially during corner kicks.
Does this under-powered South African team have a chance in its brutal group with France, Uruguay and Mexico? France is #9. Uruguay is #16, and Mexico is #17 in the World. This is arguable the hardest group for a #1 team to advance to the knock-out stages.
South Africa is close to Pick'em versus both Uruguay and Mexico. They will probably be a moderate underdog versus France. The odds on South Africa advancing are +161 yes, -183 no at Pinnacle.
They are bad. Really bad. But between the refs and the sonic assault, they might have a chance.
Do you guys think South Africa will advance? Shakira bet the "yes", and here is another not-so-random late-night video.
