Sinking its venomous fangs into our heads every 4 years, you
should know it’s about to happen once again – but this time the scar is going
to be even bigger. On June 12th, the world’s greatest event will
have taken over everyday life, what could be better? Rio de Janeiro’s turn at
hosting the prestigious competition is coming closer and closer; is it set to
be the best World Cup we have ever seen? Football is the Brazilian passion, the
perfect setting for the most exciting month of Football we’ll see for years.
Below is just a little preview as the 8 groups, and who we
are expecting to progress into the further stages. I think it’s pretty obvious
that Brazil are favourites to lift the trophy in the comfort of their own
house, but not without close competition from local rivals Argentina and strong
European contenders Germany & Spain. You'll see my opinion at the end of the article.
Group A (Brazil, Croatia, Mexico, Cameroon)
A relatively easy group for Brazil, con
sidering their home advantage. The real battle within this group is that of second place. Croatia have a very good chance of progressing, a decent side full of some technically superb players. An excellent goal scorer in Mandzukic and two great playmakers in Modric and Rakitic. However they have not reached into
the round of 16 since 1998. Mexico in my opinion are unlikely to finish second in this group; they have the basis of a good team, but no stand-out game changing players. Their only threat comes from Hernandez, an excellent poacher. However, I don’t think Mexico are
likely to cause any real problems for the other teams. They are missing out by
not having Vela in their side. Cameroon were incredibly lucky to have qualified for the
World Cup after winning only half of their 8 games in the qualifying stage. However,
like Croatia they have some very talented players. Mbia is the definition of versatile, he can play at centre-back, centre midfielder, centre forward, but his position for Cameroon tends to be at right back. Obviously Eto’o will be a big
threat for all of Cameroon's opponents, and after a reasonably successful season at Chelsea his ability to score goals might shine through.
Group B (Spain, Holland, Chile, Australia)
On paper it's fairly obvious that this group is destined to have Spain and Holland run out in first and second place fairly comfortably. But that's the opinion of the silly man who excludes the strong Chilean side. Arguably the greatest team Chile have ever been able to field, they have the potential to reach the later rounds of the tournament. Vidal who commands the centre of the park will be a huge bonus in all 3 of their group games, and the pace of Sanchez running down the wings will send fear into their opponents eyes. Holland aren't the team they used to be, and they don't have the same level of chemistry as they did previous. Van Gaal has reunited it to some extent, and with this being his final bow as the Dutch boss before his big move to Manchester United, it's expected that Holland will go out with a bang. As for Australia, they are the lowest ranked nation in the tournament, and unfortunately I don't see them getting a point this time round.
Group C (Colombia, Greece, Ivory Coast, Japan)
5th best team in the World isn't exactly an easy feat, so let's not rule out Colombia for going the distance just yet. However, Falcao's injury means that it isn't yet a certainty as to whether the successful hitman will be bagging the goals in the tournament in 15 days time. Ivory Coast have the potential to win the group, a great team and there's no need of an introduction for Yaya Toure is there? But let's not rule Greece out either, especially when they are ranked higher than England in the FIFA World Rankings. A solid defence combined with a decent finisher in Mitroglou could cause problems. Do we need to mention Euro 2004? Japan don't really get a say in this group, with the exception of Kagawa and Honda they haven't got much hope of winning any game.
Group D (Uruguay, Costa Rica, England, Italy)
You could consider this the 'group of death', but that's if you consider England to be a formidable playing nation. Uruguay are without a doubt favourites to top this group, and they should do so fairly comfortably. Cavani and Suarez up front is perhaps the deadliest strike force possible at this World Cup, but that's only if Premier League top scorer Suarez overcomes his injury. Second place has got to be between Italy and England, with the result of the game between the two on the 14th June having a key say in who finishes where. Let's hope our young team surprises us, but let's not expect miracles from them. Italy are a solid side, but they aren't a giant anymore.
Group E (Switzerland, Ecuador, France, Honduras)
If France don't win this group, heads will roll at the French Football Federation. Much like Italy and Holland, France aren't the same team as they used to be. Talented players lie deep within their ranks, but their chemistry is pretty much non-existent. Ribery and Benzema are obvious threats that don't need to be explained. The Swiss are somehow ranked 8th in the World, one place below Argentina. An unbeaten road to qualifying for the World Cup, with perhaps the easiest group possible, they don't stand much competition for second place. A good team with no stand-out players, but i'm sure Shaqiri will do some damage when he's given the chance. Ecuador have an outside chance at third place, but Honduras are probably relishing performing alongside some of the best footballers on the planet.
Group F (Argentina, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Iran, Nigeria)
Argentina should win this group quite comfortably, lots of world-class players and experience of the South American climate are two of the primary factors as to why they are in with a serious chance of winning the whole thing. Bosnia will be hoping for a second place finish, with Dzeko being able to score against absolutely anyone. A magnificent stopper in Begovic should help them stay in with a chance in all of their games. However, the outside shot at second place has to go to Nigeria. Winners of the African Cup of Nations in 2013, a team filled with great speed and enthusiasm, they could well surprise us. Iran have had a very easy road to the World Cup facing teams such as: Bahrain and Lebanon. They aren't a great team and have no stand out players, so I don’t really see them grabbing a point against anyone. I dread to think the damage Messi is going to cause against them.
Group G (Germany, Portugal, Ghana, USA)
This, in my opinion, is the ultimate 'group of death'. Germany are one of the best teams around right now, players such as Lahm, Schweinsteiger, Muller and Ozil are the reason the Deutsch will run away in first place. Despite being ranked third in the FIFA World Rankings, Portugal will face an incredibly tough time finishing second. Even though they have the likes of Ronaldo and Pepe, they struggled to qualify for the World Cup; finishing below Russia. Over-rated comes to mind. Ghana are probably going to struggle, but they aren't a bad team, they just unfortunately have been placed in the toughest group going. USA will surprise everyone - you heard it here first. Klinnsmann has done a terrific job since taking over. They finished top in their qualifying group, and they beat Germany in a friendly last year. The exclusion of their talisman Donovan could be a costly decision however.
Group H (Belgium, Algeria, Russia, Korea Republic)
Belgium have improved vastly over the last few years, and should come out on top of this group. Players such as Hazard, Lukaku and Kompany will provide them the strength to reach the further stages of the tournament. An exciting team with plenty of young talent, keep an eye on them for the next few tournaments. Russia should finish second, a strong finisher in Kerzhakov will pose threats to everyone in the group. Their excellent form in qualifying should continue to the World Cup, however the climate does provide a serious problem to their players. Brazilian temperatures are going to be on the other end of the stick that the Russian players are used to, and it could see them suffer. Algeria have a couple of decent players, including Valencia playmaker Feghouli, but I can't see them getting out of the group. Korea Republic are the second lowest ranked team, and it's a fair judgment.
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This is the perfect opportunity for
Messi to come to the front and show the World what he is made of, and explain to the global audience why he should be considered in the same bracket as South American footballing legends Pele and Maradona. The climate is set to play a big part in deciding who makes the final stages of the World Cup, leading me to believe European teams will struggle.
Whatever happens, it should be a brilliant World Cup and I
am incredibly excited for it.
By Joe Shine
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