Has anyone else noticed the strange old-world geo-political (correct term?) connection within the world cup groups? England-USA Portugal-Brazil France-Mexico Spain-Honduras, Chile....meh There might be more that I am not aware of...
Its definitely going to make for some awesome pre-game hype for each game. I expect ESPN to play up the England-US game as a Second War of Independence, except this time were fighting for respect and not freedom.
France-Algeria I would have understood. Please explain France-Mexico? Is there some historical event I'm forgetting?
Yup,you're missing a big one...in the 1860's France invaded Mexico and wanted to overthrow the Mexican Republic and establish a monarchy and put some Austrian guy in charge of their country. (this is off the top of my head,feel free to correct me...) This war is why they celebrate "Cinco de Mayo". From the Battle of Puebla.
Many thanks. I didn't realize Emperor Maximillian was a French puppet. Thought he was German. And at last I know what Cinco de Mayo is all about. I always drink a few Margaritas, but I thought the Mexicans were just late celebrating May Day However, the OP's analogy still leaves France-Mexico as the "one of these things is not like the others". USA - England: former colony versus founding nation Brazil - Portugal: former colony versus founding nation Mexico - France: former invaded country versus the country that invaded it
Well I guess the France-Mexico connection isn't exactly the same "motherland-colony" as the others, but it is still a significant historic connection. Besides just ask any Mexican about the whole France-Mexico thing and they'll be happy to inform you of what went down... I'll trade Algeria for Uruguay to complete my theory. People here need to be shown they are not strong at all.
It's not surprising when you consider that 13/16 of the Pot 2 & 3 countries were colonies of countries in Pots 1 and 4. And of those 3 that weren't, the two Koreas were colonies of Japan! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2010_FIFA_World_Cup#Final_Draw
I see what you are saying about the pots. However I think it was an improbable, but interesting, surprise that it ended this way. Japan-Koreas couldn't happen because of the zoning. Netherlands-South Africa couldn't happen due to seeding. Italy-Argentina, though different type of connection, couldn't have happened due to seeding. The ones that did occur happened to be among the most noticable and interesting IMO.