I haven’t worked this hard in an editorial sense in a while. I have to admit I was intimidated by the
volume of work it would take to comb through these World Cup groups and the time I had to do it in. I’m a working man. I have things to do. Although football is always on my mind its what I dream about and it’s something that I want to be apart of for the rest of my life. However things have to balance itself out if I’m to make a crack at this sports writer thing and that means doing regular old fashion work at my many jobs. I didn’t think I could make the World Cup deadline given my late start but I did. Now are they some grammatical errors I’m committing? Probably. Is my sentence structure on point? Of course not. Despite my shortcomings. I know I am here for a fight and I am determined to leave a mark as a soccer writer as tiny as it maybe. I have weird confidence that comes from an odd place. Simply I back myself even when I’m not doing so well. Group H is the final pot, I guess I will be previewing and for the teams in it this will be a big moment for them because in my opinion each one of them need to prove a point. For one reason or another.
Group H
Algeria Belgium Russia South Korea Algeria
Last World Cup I made myself look rather silly by hyping up Algeria. This time I am not going to be that foolish. I have a kind of weird adoration for North African teams. I can’t put a finger on it but there is something about them. I don’t know if it’s style of play or what but I do fancy them. Enough about that let’s talk about Algeria for a while. The Algerians after CAF group play landed a fixture against a promising Burkina Faso. Algeria loss 3-2 in Burkina Faso and needed to win and not concede to advance to the World Cup. In Algiers the home side came away with a cagey 1-0 win. A result that sealed their right to play in Brazil. “Les Fennecs,” are coached by Bosnian Vahid Halilhodzic the man that oversaw Côte d’Ivoire’s preparation for the 2010 World Cup but didn’t get to take them to the tournament due to his unjustified firing. A decision that was none his fault. He led the Ivory Coast to a tidy unbeaten streak in his tenure and Algeria will hope he will bring some solidity to their program. Some of the key players for Halilhodzic are captain Madjid Bougherra, Hassan Yebda, Djamel Mesbah and Sofiane Feghouli. To me, Algeria has the feel of Egypt a few years ago. There is a defiance about them that cannot be underestimated and they are playing a better brand of football. Let’s see if they can put it all together this summer Key Man- Sofiane Feghouli is the best Algeria has. He’s quick, nice acceleration and is good on the ball. He can create a fair bit of chances and if the Algerians are suppose to get anything out of this group he is going to have manufacture a lot. Belgium
It’s funny. For a guy who works in a basketball arena I run into a lot of conversations about football. One day before the World Cup I had the pleasure of meeting an elderly Belgian couple. Their English was bad and I gathered they were from the French side of Belgium. I was right but that didn’t make my French any better. I helped them out giving some directions. After that the husband ask me. “Do you like soccer?” I smiled and said I know a little then his wife said you like the “Red Devils? You know they will win the World Cup!” I said if Marc Wilmots were playing then you would have a shot. They both looked at me and said. “You know a lot. You tricked us. Why do you work in a basketball store?” I just smiled and said thank you.” That made my day and it meant a lot to me as silly as it sounds. Before they left the lady waved at me and said the whole of Belgium are hopeful they win the World Cup. I didn’t have the heart to tell a woman who looks as old as my own grandmother to dream on. I don’t think Belgium will win the World Cup but they will make noise. The Lowlanders were casted in UEFA’s Group A. Putting Scotland, Wales Serbia, Croatia and Macedonia all to heel as they won the group. In recent times there has been an explosion of talent coming through halls of Brussels. This current crop of Belgium players can call themselves the second Golden Generation. Eden Hazard, Vincent Kompany, Romelu Lukaku, Christian Benteke, Axel Witsel, Thibaut Courtois and Jan Verthongen are some of names all tied to Belgium. The crazy thing about that, is the list I just rattled of is just a fraction of the names. There is so much more. Marc Wilmots finds himself in a odd situation as the coach of this national team. Belgium is probably the most talented team on an individual level so that should equate to World Cup success. He has to do well here but my question is what is a job well done for Belgium? Does it have to be the cup itself? Does have to be stellar play or an infiltration into the latter stages of the tournament? I don’t know but I do know they can’t win the World Cup. What ever they achieve in Brazil is important because Belgium is a team for the future. Key Man- Eden Hazard is one of the darlings of European football and I will go on record and say he can be the greatest player in world in a few years. Russia
I am very excited for Russia at this World Cup. I see them as a dark horse. I haven’t heard anyone talking about them and they are dangerous which is confusing. They came out of UEFA's Group F as the winners just above Portugal. They are coached by Italian mastermind Fabio Capello and they have the young talisman Alan Dzagoev. The last Euros showed me something. Russia had an identity issue. In the past they didn’t know what their game was. Under Capello, Russia will be doing a lot of kicking with out the ball and a lot of tidy smooth offensive plays with it. The Europeans will be sturdy defenders and they will bully the opposition. My only fear I have is Russia’s psyche. For years I don’t think Russia saw themselves as a big boy in football. Yes Russia is a big country literally but in a football sense I don’t think the Russian people thought so or the players. Capello is trying to cultivate a culture of superiority. Russia has to start seeing themselves a top team and they should. Their performances and stats say that they are. I hope Capello can get these guys mentally sharp for this tourney because I of believe Russia is a sleeper. Key Man- He was awesome in the Euro 2012 and I think he will do well this summer. Alan Dzagoev is a top player and can be a difference make for the Europeans. South Korea
I love South Korea’s team crest by the way. That white tiger looks pretty cool. I just thought I would share that before I delve into South Korea’s chances at this year’s World Cup. So what do the Asians have? Well they can be assured that they have been here before. This will be the Koreans 9th World Cup so they shouldn't feel too much pressure. South Korea also has a young energetic team. When you scroll through the Korean team all your seeing is a bunch of 24 year olds sprinkled with some 21s and the odd 27 year old hanging around . That has to count for something when your running through the midday South American sun. The Koreans also have the skills of a very promising young player in Son Heung-Min. I usually like to give a little snippet of each team’s key player later on in the post but Son’s abilities warrants an early preview. This kid is lighting up the German Bundesliga. He is mobile and a big big big goal threat. South Korea will depend heavily on him and the goalkeeping prowess of veteran Jung Sung-ryong. Mr. Hong Myung-bo will be coaching the Korean team at this World Cup and should take great confidence from his side’s qualifying campaign. South Korea advanced out of the AFC by finishing second out of Group A just behind Iran. The chances of South Korea advancing out of this group are slim. Belgium are too good and Russia will be too strong. The only points I can see Korea getting is against Algeria and even then I don’t think can peg back the North Africans. So what do we have here? We have a solid side. In a fair group. That will play well but will come up short. Key Man- Son Heung-Min is a special player and he will come up against two stout defenses in Russia and Belgium. it will be a challenge but I am looking forward in seeing him attacking it. Predictions- Russia 1st, Belgium 2nd, South Korea 3rd and Algeria 4th. I’m going for the Russians I think Capello will have them primed for this moment. Belgium are awesome but I do see some kinks and injuries are swirling around in their camp right now. South Korea will pick a few points. The Algerians won’t. Algeria
Group G aka the “Group of Death.” Or so they are calling it. Am I calling it that? I don’t think so. In sports being dramatic is often celebrated. Yes this group in the 2014 World Cup is competitive and it does have some marquee teams but is it really a “Group of Death?’ I can basically see only two teams even really getting out of the group anyway and by some margin. I just filled out a World Cup fantasy football bracket and I can tell you it didn’t take more than a minute and a half to complete it. A minute and a half and not a minute because I was drinking some water at the same time. I know sports are played to prove if really good teams are actually good but the culture of the underdog is so strong not just in one or two countries but worldwide. It always hypes up an occasion. I’m not saying inferior teams in what ever sport should not even bother to compete, I’m just saying 9 times out of 10 they will get the hammer and I know in this Group G there will be no surprises. Now that I have spouted off what I think could be sense let’s check out the group. Group G Germany Ghana Portugal USA Germany
If you read my last post and I hope you did, you would know that I picked Argentina to win this year’s World Cup. As I said in my little introduction that’s just above this scribble that I had completed a World Cup bracket. In the bracket you basically pick the group winners then who beats who in the later rounds and this goes on all the way to the finals. Well I’ve done that and I have gone with a bold prediction that sees Argentina beating Germany in the final. I’m going to make this as short as possible because when it comes to Germany dramatics are not the norm. Plus when describing one of the game’s superpowers less is more. Germany won their place in Brazil by advancing from UEFA’s Group C. Taking out Sweden, Austria, Republic of Ireland, Kazakhstan and the Faroe Islands. This will be the Germans 18th World Cup and their on the hunt for their fourth title. The first of which came in 1954 when the tournament was held in Switzerland. It’s been a while since the Germans hoisted the cup. Last time was in 1990 in Italy, so the Germans are desperate to bring home the crown. The word in Berlin is that now German coach Joachim Löw maybe under pressure if doesn’t produce the goods. The fact of the matter is he has been in charge of the German national side for a while now. He succeeded now United States coach JürgenKlinsman and that was in 2006. So that means Löw has overseen two Euros and one World Cup so far and Germany has nothing to show for it. Simply this has to be it for Löw. A setback for him is absence of midfield man Marco Reus. Other than that the German looks solid as usual. Familiar names like Bastian Schweinsteiger, PhilippLahm and Manuel Neuer will be in Brazil. While relative newcomers like Mats Hummels, Mario Götze and André Schürrle will add quality to an already stacked squad. What can I say, the Germans are the real deal. A team that will definitely power it’s way through this World Cup. Key Man- A player who seems to do better for club than country, Mesut Özil will look to gas up Germany with his silky play. For me one of the best players on the planet. Ghana
Ghana has to be the most well rounded of African sides at this summer’s tourney. The Ghanaians will be looking to a make it out of this tough group but before I break down what they have to do let’s see how they got to Brazil. Ghana made it to the Wold Cup when advanced out of group play to face Egypt in African qualifying. The Ghanaians destroyed the Egyptians 7-2 on aggregate thus clinching a World Cup birth. This will be Ghana’s third consecutive World Cup and there will look to improve on their quarterfinal finish four years ago in South Africa where they came up short against Uruguay. The Ghanaians have gone local in the coaching department. James Appiah was promoted from the country’s U-23 side to coach the full national team in 2012 he will look to push Ghana onto the next level. The main men for the “Black Stars,” are Kevin Prince Boateng, Michael Essien, SulleyMuntari and the Ayew boys Jordan and Andre while captain AsamoahGyan is likely to be the main goal threat. For Ghana to get out of this group they are going to have to pick their moments. They have defend well because each one of their opponents have one or two guys that are deadly in front of goal. Lastly they have to make sure Gyan, Boateng and Andre Ayew see a lot of the ball. If they can stick to that they could do well. It is a tough group but given the various sub plots swirling around there is no reason why Ghana can’t capitalize. Key Man- Kevin Prince Boateng is Ghana’s best player. I am big fan of his work and I love his energy. He is a smarter footballer than people think. Portugal
Mine and Portugal’s greatest concern right now is the health of Cristiano Ronaldo coming into this tournament. It is reported that he Portuguese forward has tendinitis and is in a race to be fit for their group opener against Germany. I don’t know if Portugal can win the World Cup but if they do they have to do it with Ronaldo. If he is not around I don’t even fancy Portugal to get out of the group. I haven't seen a national side so bumbling without one man than Portugal without Ronaldo. I had the pleasure of watching Mexico vs Portugal in a friendly match in just prior to the World Cup. Mexico as they usually knock the ball around nicely and had Portugal looking a bit silly but in the end a Bruno Alves header in extra time won the game for the Portuguese. Mexico should had one the game and if not for brilliance of goalkeeper Eduardo the Portuguese would had easily fell to a loss. Portugal’s build up play didn’t look horrible but it was aimless at times. With Ronaldo on the pitch the Iberians at least have a plan as simple as it is. Just get him the ball, it’s very effective. Ask Israel, Northern Ireland, Azerbaijan and Luxembourg. They all fell to the Portuguese in World Cup qualification. Despite that Portugal actually finished second in the group behind Russia. So they had to reach the tournament via the play off route. In a hotly contested series with Sweden the Portuguese game out on top 4-2 on aggregate due to last minute drama by you know who, Mr. Ronaldo to send Portugal to the World Cup. Surprisingly this is Portugal’s sixth World Cup. The Europeans best ever finish came in1966 when they earned a third place. This time around Portugal is led by Paulo Bento who has chosen a fairly experience squad. To me it doesn’t matter who he picks, one thing is clear is that who ever he fields they have to support Ronaldo. I’m not a fan of Hugo Almeida or HelderPostiga. For they have never really produced for me. The Portuguese can win this thing but it all depends on Cristiano Ronaldo. Will he be 100%? Or will he get the help he needs? We will wait and see. Key Man- I’ve said his name like a million times already. Cristiano Ronaldo has to be in complete control. As we have seen in recent times he is an awesome teammate but can his teammates be awesome to him? United States
The United States got to Brazil thanks to coach Jürgen Klinsmann’s crafty navigation of CONCACAF’s Hexagonal. The Americans topped the “Hex,” finishing above Jamaica, Costa Rica, Honduras, Panama and Mexico. The big story lines for the United States are the fact they are in such a difficult group and the fact they will have to face it without the country’s leading goalscorer Landon Donovan, following his omission from the squad. The USA are a good team. I think I have seen every one of their matches over the past 6 years. I live here. I know them. I know what they can do. That being said this group is too much for them. It is unfortunate that the work they have put in, in recent times will count for nought. I just can’t believe that this US squad can overturn former World Cup winners Germany. Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal and a rampant Ghana. Secondly, I don’t think Landon Donovan would have saved the United States in this situation but he definitely would had helped. He is a senior player. The nation’s all time leading goalscorer and most of all a player the team respects and adores him. I’m a big believer in team chemistry and as much as the likes of Michael Bradley, Clint Dempsey and Tim Howard may want to down play it I feel they would have loved to have Donovan by their side for one last time at a World Cup. The form of JozyAltidore is not good. Until recently he hadn’t scored a goal like in a year. I just don’t get how America and Klinsmann can spearhead an attack with a man in such a rut. I give Klinsmann credit for poaching Aron Jóhansson from Iceland and stealing away Mix Diskerud from Norway but I don’t think these two will play major roles at this tournament. I heard some say this squad assembled for this World Cup is just here to learn but that baffles me. How do you work so hard and invest so much into a coach and his philosophy just to learn from an experience. As I said before there is a ton of sub plots at this World Cup and this group has plenty. So maybe the United States can use them to jettison into out of the group. Key Man- Clint Dempsey is a player in form. Since he has returned to Major League Soccer he has been an unstoppable attacking force. In a group with wonderful attacking players, America will need some one to bang them in to keep up with the pace. Clint might be that guy. Predictions- I can see Germany being the outright winner of the group that much is clear to me but who advances along with them? Portugal depends too much on Ronaldo and if he isn’t firing there will be a problem. Ghana is good but can they overpower the rest in the group? While the United States has no pressure on them really because no one expects them to get out the group. This can lead to the States playing with a freedom. If I had call it I would have to say Germany 1st, Portugal 2nd, Ghana 3rd and USA 4th. Germany
The other day while I was at work I had the pleasure of running into a young man from Brazil. We talked for a bit and for me it was an interesting conversation. He went on and on about basketball and he told me his favorite players and he even told how Brazil beat Team USA years ago in basketball to win a championship. I was impressed. He rattled off names like Nenê, Anderson Varejão and Tiago Splitter. His knowledge of basketball was surprising. Surprising...because I stereotyped him. Why would a Brazilian know anything about basketball? I asked myself but he knew his stuff. I was curious I had to ask what he thought about the World Cup? He said. “I hate it.” I was shocked I said why? He said that this World Cup is not for the people in Brazil. He followed by saying if it were local kids playing the game he was all for it but for these big names and companies he couldn’t get on board. He added that the World Cup is taking the people’s money and that he would rather the government there put the money to better use. I think he is absolutely right. I think FIFA has only considered the game and has disregarded what effect it would have on the populous. They overestimated Brazilians love for the game and now the situation is getting out of hand. I am not an economist or a social commentator but I know when something is looking a little shaky and this is. Hopefully for us neutrals we can have a World Cup that is full of great moments and for Brazilians I pray they can get what they want. Not a great way to segue into a group preview but sometimes seriousness is the order of the day. Group F Argentina Bosnia-Herzegovina Iran Nigeria Argentina
Where do we start with Argentina? Home of arguably the best player on the planet...Lionel Messi. Home of one of the greatest players of all time Diego Maradona. Two time Copa America and World Cup winners. Home of some quality bistros as well. Seems like the South American nation has it all but does she have what it takes to win it all? Argentina qualified for this World Cup by topping CONMEBOL finishing with 32 points, two points clear of Colombia and four points beyond a hot Chile. Leading the Argentines this summer will be Alejandro Sabella and the 59 year old has oodles of talent at his disposal. Up front he can count on the magical Lionel Messi, Sergio Agüero and Ezequiel Lavezzi. While in midfield he has the likes of Ángel di María, Fernando Gago and Javier Mascherano at his service. The defense will feature the Manchester City duo Pablo Zabaleta and Martín Demichelis while in goal it looks like Sergio Romero. I am going to go on record and say that Argentina is my pick to win the World Cup. Simply because Mr. Messi has had a barren year. He didn’t win any thing last season so I have to think he will be extra motivated. I think his anemic performances for the national side will be put to bed this summer. Argentina for the chip! Key Man- Lionel Messi. Do I really have to write a following sentence? Bosnia-Herzegovina
The football legacy that Yugoslavia has left behind is absolutely stunning. Here I sit giving all the glory and pomp to yet another country that has risen out of the old empire. Bosnia-Herzegovina like Croatia, like Serbia and like Montenegro are promising footballing nations that are giving the established order in Europe a run for their money. Croatia and Bosnia are off to this summer’s tournament and the latter will be going to the World Cup for the first time and they aren’t here to just make a number. Bosnia made it to the championship when they advanced out of UEFA’s Group G. A group that featured Slovakia, Greece, Latvia, Lichtenstein and Lithuania. The Balkans topped the group purely on goal difference with Greece dropping down to second. Bosnia are coached by Safet Susic, a coach who believes in attacking and he will set up his side out to fire in some goals no doubt. Men like Edin Dzeko, Miralem Pjanic, Zvjezdan Misimovic and Vedad Ibisevic will be doing the firing. While in the back goalkeeper Asmir Begovic and defender Emir Spahic will look to shepherd the back line along the way. Bosnia find themselves in a light group and should advance. The Argentines will get by them but I don’t expect Iran and Nigeria to. Bosnia with their firepower will upset a few. Key Man- Edin Dzeko is a tall, slick and most of all unforgiving striker. He has been in the goals for the past few seasons and I see him netting a bunch for Bosnia this summer. Iran
If I’m honest my knowledge about Iran as a football team isn’t that great and I definitely have to cast an eye over them in the near future. That’s what I like about the World Cup it forces me to be a bit of a scholar because normally I wouldn’t be talking about Iran. The last thing I wrote about Iran came in the form of an editorial piece and that was a few years ago. It was kind of uncomplimentary to the Iranians. I made suggestions on what countries in that part of the world needed to do to become more successful. Now, I’m not taking any credit for Iran’s success but I do want to believe my article on this blog helped them to get where they are today...probably not but since my story the Iranians have really pushed the envelop. Iran made it to Brazil by coming out of the AFC’s Group A. Where they topped a group that had South Korea, Lebanon, Qatar and Uzbekistan. Iran aren’t mugs and this isn’t there first World Cup either having qualifying for the tournament three times before. The nation are also three time Asian Cup winners and are usually at the front of the queue when it comes to lifting the trophy along with Japan and South Korea. Some of the men in the Iranian squad at this World Cup are skilled midfielders Javad Nekounam and Ashkan Dejagah. Iran can also rely on the man who I think has the coolest name at the tournament forward Reza Ghoochannejhad aka “Gucci.” Iran should take a lot of good from this World Cup and with a favorable group I can see them getting at least one decent result Key Man- Javad Nekounam has been playing in Spain for a number of years and though it maybe with Osasuna, Iran will welcome it. At 33 years old it’s a wonder if he still has the legs. What he does have is the passing ability and that will be on show for sure. Nigeria
I always feel that Nigeria is at the World Cup but remarkably this is only the fourth tournament.The Nigerians got to Brazil by winning Group F in the second round of African qualifying where they bested Malawi, Kenya and Namibia. In the third round Nigeria defeated Ethiopia in a two legged playoff advancing 4-1 on aggregate. The Nigerians are coached by former player Stephen Keshi. Keshi has picked a strong side to vie for the cup. A lot of European based players are in his squad. Players like the excellent goalkeeper Victor Enyeama. Chelsea’s John Obi Mikel and Liverpool’s Victor Moses. How far can they go is the issue. I think it will be Nigeria and Bosnia-Herzegovina battling it out for the second spot. The Nigerian players do have the big game experience that Bosnia does not have yet so they might be able to advance out of the group. Key Man- Not a very stylish pick but he is a man I know. John Obi Mikel is a patient player who can quietly affect a game in a positive way. Mikel is vastly underrated. Predictions- I have Argentina coming out on top with Bosnia finishing second. Nigeria will fill that third spot and Iran will round out the group. As I said before I expect Argentina to win the World Cup I have a funny feeling about them. Bosnia can easily outscore their opposition. Nigeria have talent but will they be able to be consistent at both ends of the field at the same time? As for Iran, I don’t think they have the personnel to cope with the sides they will face. Argentina
Group C is next on the agenda and when I first saw it I didn’t know what to make of it. A few months on and I still don’t know what to make of it. The four teams bunched together are no means lightweights but if they were casted in other groups you would have to say they would be the second or third options. For the four nations in Group C there is nothing to really fear at this stage. All of them would look around and say we can get something good out of this thing. The participants to me have a great advantage because they can simply fly under the radar, gain confidence while lowering the expectations of more illustrious foes, that they will face in the latter stages of the tournament. It can be a really sweet scenario. Avoiding larger more accomplished teams in the early takes the pressure off and here is hoping that the teams in the group decide to play their natural game. Will some one form this group win the World Cup? Probably not but I am looking for a sleeper to come through and upset a lot of teams on their way. Group C Colombia Côte d’Ivoire Greece Japan Colombia
Making there fifth World Cup appearance the Colombians have to be pleased about the strides they have made over recent years. For a while the men from Bogota were absent from the tourney. As I continually bark, qualifying from CONMEBOL is super difficult and with the likes of Brazil, Argentina, Chile and Uruguay knocking about you know you know it was going to be tough for Colombia. I say that and they end up finishing second in qualifying behind Argentina this time around. I’ve always said what has been missing for Colombia for along time was star power. Back in the day players like Carlos Valderamma and René Higuita made the South American side charismatic and fresh. They were watchable and they could play. I think the emergence of James Rodríguez, Fredy Guarín, Juan Cuadrado and more importantly Radamel Falcao has brought back that spark to national side. As I said before Group C is a wide open but I do favor José Pékerman’s side to advance out of the of this early round. Pékerman is an experience coach and will come with his tactics. Then you have the players at his disposal. The names I mentioned before alongside defenders like Pablo Armero, Cristián Zapata and Juan Zúñiga make Colombia look like a real solid outfit. The X-factor for this side is the fact they will be heavily supported while in Brazil. There is no doubt that their fans will be there in droves to cheer them on. Key Man- It is well documented that star forward Radamel Falcao suffered horrible leg injury in France while playing for his Ligue 1 side Monaco a few months back. Ever since then the player and his nation has been doing everything they could to get him ready for Brazil. Reports has his chances of making the World Cup up in the air. If he does make it he won’t be 100% for sure, due to the serious nature of the injury. If he doesn’t make that will be a heavy blow for Colombia. So I have earmarked James Rodríguez to be the man to propel the South Americans forward. A hybrid winger/attacking midfielder, James has had a good season alongside Falcao at Monaco so he is in good form. Côte d’Ivoire
I was pretty hard on the Ivorians last time around. It was premature. I didn't really know what the Africans could do and I was basing it on performances of some the players prior to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. I was a tad bit ignorant and I undervalued them. This time I won’t make that mistake. This will be the Ivory Coast third World Cup and I'm more optimistic about their chances in this one. The last two trips to the finals the Africans failed to get out of the group stage. Drawn with Brazil and Portugal four years ago didn’t serve them well but this group they find themselves in is too easy not to advance. The African side came out of Group C in CAF qualifying, topping Morocco, Gambia and Tanzania in round two, earning a two legged playoff with Senegal. The Ivorians took initiative by dispatching the Senegalese 3-1 in the first encounter. While the second leg produced a 1-1 draw allowing Côte d’Ivoire to advance 4-2 on aggregate. Ivory Coast has a luxury of stars to call on. Yaya Touré, Kolo Touré, Didier Drogba, Gervinho, Seydou Doumbia, Salomon Kalou, Cheick Tioté, Wilfried Bony and Max Gradel all make up the Ivorian squad. This side will do very at this tournament and will be a headache for the other Group C combatants as well as opponents as they move deeper in the tournament. Key Man- Yaya Touré is the alpha dog for the Ivory Coast. He has won things for Barcelona and Manchester City. He is a multiple African Footballer of The Year recipient and is generally seen as one of the most dominating players on the planet. I fully expect him to put the opposition to the sword. Greece
I have to applaud the Greeks. Every time the Euros or the World Cup comes around they always seem to be there. Look at the Europeans countries who haven’t book passage to Brazil. The Czech Republic, Sweden, Denmark, Austria, Republic of Ireland Serbia, Montenegro, Norway, Ukraine, Poland and Turkey will not be joining us. There is some big countries on that list and Greece did what they couldn’t do. The Greeks got to this World Cup via UEFA’s Group G. The Mediterranean nation actually finished joint top of the group along with Bosnia-Herzagovina but finished second due to goal difference. Not qualifying automatically meant they had to enter a two legged playoff against Romania. The Greeks bested the Romanians 3-1 in Athens and in the return leg in Bucharest managed a 1-1 draw to advance 4-2 on aggregate. Greece is trying to live a life after long time coach Otto Rehhagel who has got her so much success in the past. The new man in charge is the Portuguese coach Fernando Santos and he will look to make Greece’s third trip to the World Cup a good one. Santos will depend on the experience of Giorgios Samaras and Giorgios Karagounis to them through but the real power punch for Greece will come from Konstantinos Mitroglou. Greece will have to play well as I do see them as the weakest in this interesting group. If they play their game they have a shot. Key Man- Last World Cup I poked fun at the Greeks for putting the phalanx out and just defending with little regard for attack. The Greeks in fairness to them are very good defenders and should play to their strength and this World Cup they should look to do so but this time around I think they have more of an attacking edge. Konstantinos Mitroglou will give the Europeans a greater threat than in recent times. Bless with a high football IQ, Mitroglou will be a danger. Japan
The first team to qualify for the 2014 World Cup, Japan is easily the best team in AFC. For years Japan has shown steady growth in the sport. Seeing off the advances from the likes of Saudi Arabia, South Korea, North Korea and now Australia for dominance in the region. The country fully deserves any plaudits given. Japan booked her trip to Brazil by coming out of Group B in the latter stages of AFC qualifying. Where they topped the group finishing ahead of Australia, Oman, Iraq and Jordan. This will be the Japanese fifth World Cup and the “Blue Samurai,” will look to go beyond the Round of 16 their best ever finish. The man leading the Japan into Brazil is Italian Alberto Zaccheroni. The Italian led AC Milan to a Serie A title back in 1998 and also boast fantastic records with Lazio, Juventus and Inter Milan. The Japanese squad traveling to tournament is packed with European based players. Shinji Kagawa, Keisuke Honda, Atsuto Uchida, Eiji Kawashima, Makoto Hasebe, Yuto Nagamoto and Shinji Okazaki all ply their trade in Europe but Japan just won’t rely on them. The Japanese J-League has been churning out some wonderful players over the years and believe some them will be making the trip and will have prominent roles to play. This World Cup the climate is a talking point. Out of the four in this group the Japan come from the mildest climate but I don’t expect that to hinder their chances. Traditionally the Japanese have always had players blessed with great levels of energy and I fully expect Zacheroni to tap into that. Key Man- Keisuke Honda was my pick for Japan four years ago and this time it’s no different. He sparkled while he was in Russia and now he has moved the to AC Milan looks even more polished. A dead ball specialist and virtuoso with the ball, Japan has a special talent in her ranks. Predictions- Let’s get to it! Côte d’Ivoire 1st, Colombia 2nd, Japan 3rd, Greece 4th. If Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal couldn't stop Yaya Touré this year, I don’t expect the teams in Group C to. Making Colombia 2nd was a tough choice. The Falcao issue is a concern but I think they have too much reserve to fail. Plus it’s in South America, Colombia is right next door to Brazil their fans will push them over the edge. Japan I’m a big fan of but can they out fox the two teams I just mentioned? I doubt it. As for Greece I don’t know if their midfield can actually create enough chances for the front men. They might become rather painful to watch if they don’t get it right. Japan
I am not going to make this about me. There will be no story to tell. It is all business. The World Cup is here and I’m very excited about it. It is a special tournament and deserves a lot of media and fan fare. The fact that it is four years makes it even more intriguing. Ask yourself where were you four years? What were you doing? What was your frame of mind? I can tell you where I was. I was in college. I was preparing my thesis for my final year of school and I was tad bit negative about stuff. This World Cup has returned to South America and I do think Brazil was a fine choice despite of the country's socio-economic problems. Despite the protests and all of the clamor about the climate and the murmurs about stadium completion. Brazil is still a proper football nation with the right attitude for the game and no one deserves this opportunity more. The problems that the country face is a major concern and it is not right to just sweeping them under the rug because they need to be discuss but I don’t think I am the one to tackle them. So I will deal with what I know or pretend to know and that is the football. So here is my semi educated attempt of a group preview. Group A Brazil Cameroon Croatia Mexico Brazil
Naturally let us start with the host. Unlike the last World Cup this year’s host can actually play the sport. I’m trying to be ask courteous to South Africa as I can but they aren’t and weren’t very good and in my opinion didn’t deserve the honor and if they didn’t host the tournament would not have being vying for trophy in 2010. In contrast Brazil are the model host. A past winner. A country with the pedigree in the game. A regular World Cup attendee and a land that belches out one football great after another. Brazil is aiming to capture her sixth World Cup crown a stat that is crazy if one was to think about it. The objective is clear for the “Seleção,” win the World Cup at home. The pressure to do so will be enormous but coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has the credentials to do it having won the tournament before but that was in 2002 in France. To lift the cup at end will be difficult, I just can get pass the pressure this group of young men from Brazil will face. The country may actually suffocate them but that being said it could go the other way, the energy from nation could embolden them. It will be interesting for Brazil and for their coach who has to get a side sharp that has not played a competitive match since the Confederations Cup in 2013. Granted Brazil did host and won the tournament but playing a handful of games in a tourney that boasted Tahiti does not compare to the grind of a World Cup qualifying campaign. We will see how they do. A lot of factors will be at play. As for the personnel I think host look strong throughout their squad. They have some solid goalkeepers and the defense is very strong, which is even weird to say when talking about a Brazilian national side but Thiago Silva and company have proven in recent times to be very rigid. In midfield, Oscar is the name that leaps out at you as well as young Bernard. Up front it’s all about Neymar. With all of that, will Brazil win the tournament? They could but they aren’t my favorite despite that I do think they will go deep. Key Man- If Brazil are to win their sixth World Cup crown Neymar will have to play a big role. The party tricks he breaks out will have to be flawless and his ability to score will be needed to sling Brazil into winning positions. Cameroon Volker Finke’s men virtually strolled through the process of World Cup qualification. Cameroon secured her seventh trip to the FIFA World Cup by firstly topping Group I in the Africa’s qualifying zone (CAF). A group that contained Libya, Democratic Republic of Congo and Togo. After the group stage Cameroon went onto hammer North African heavyweights Tunisia 4-1 in a two leg play off thus booking their passage to Brazil. Cameroon along with Côte d’ Ivoire are the only two African teams that should actually be feared in my opinion. The men from Yaoundé will for me ultimately battling out with Croatia for that second spot in Group A as I expect Brazil to dominate and Mexico to flag. Cameroon’s squad is littered with European based players. The likes of Samuel Eto’o, Alexander Song, Benoît Assou-Ekotto, Joël Matip and Jean Makoun have all been knocking about Europe for years and have some big game experience and will be called on to perform. If they can’t produce I see a third place finish because the Croats are too business like to slip up. What could work in the Africans favor is the climate...I know people are talking about how hot it will be in Brazil and every pundit has spoken at length about it. As they should. Cameroon does have an advantage playing in these conditions it's nothing new to them but it isn’t new for Brazil or Mexico either. The odd man out is Croatia but I even ask how much advantage is it in a case like this. It’s not like Croatia is a winter land, the Balkans can get steamy too. Cameroon as a country has a ton of World Cup experience and has a well travelled squad so you never how far they can go but I have to say I can only see a lone Mexico win in their future. Key Man- There has been a lot of talk about Samuel Eto’o’s age but to me he is still a stud. It’s funny how Jose Mourinho never once mentioned Didier Drogba’s age. A man who is a clear three years older than Eto’o. Cameroon will peg almost all their attacking endeavors on Eto’o. If they are looking to advance out of the group the Cameroon will have to find him early and often. Croatia
Under the umbrella of Yugoslavia, Croatia has seen a few World Cups and as apart of the old federation they have seen wonderful times. As a lone entity the Croats will be making their fourth trip to the World Cup but their qualification took the long route. Croatia was placed in Group A of European qualification along with Belgium, Serbia, Scotland, Wales and Macedonia. The Balkan state finished second behind group winners Belgium and was forced into a two legged play off with Iceland. A match up that the Croatians eventually topped by coming out 2-0 winners. My thoughts on Croatia are leaning to the optimistic side and why not? In their ranks Croatia have a recent UEFA Champions League and Copa Del Rey winner in Luka Modric. A multiple Bundesliga champion in Mario Mandzukic. They also have Ivan Rakitic´ a player who just wrapped up a Europa League title with Sevilla and Dejan Lovren who is coming of a fine season with Southampton. In short the Europeans are stacked. I think they will have what it takes to slot in behind Brazil for the second spot above Cameroon and Mexico. This is a nation who has always done well at FIFA tournaments I feel that this one will be kind to them as well. Key Man- Mario Mandzukic’s goals will be vital for the Croatians. I don’t think that this group in the World Cup boast the most defensive savvy teams and there will be goals to be had. It’s just matter how much more Mandzukic can score than the rest of the bunch. Mexico
I have seen a lot of Mexico these past four years and let me say they should prepare themselves for a short stay in Brazil because they just don’t look very good. The constant hiring and firing of coaches. Poor Gold Cup and Confederation Cup showings and the shaky World Cup qualifying campaign has Mexico looking fairly soft. This World Cup will be the 15th for “El Tri.” The man chosen to lead the Mexicans is Miguel Herrera and to his credit has steered the national side through a bad patch. The fact that Mexico needed the United States to pick up a victory against Panama in the CONCACAF Hexagonal to ensure a playoff birth against New Zealand shows what bad a shape they were in. All said in the end New Zealand were beaten so all the stress of qualifying must now be a bad memory for Mexico. I honestly don’t think Mexico’s players will have what it takes to topple Cameroon, Brazil or Croatia. Main players for Mexico are either in or out of form like Giovani Dos Santos or have not been playing enough like Javier Hernandez. A big blow to the side has the self omission of Carlos Vela. Which is a real shame because the striker has had a stellar year for Real Sociedad. If Mexico are to get out of this group which I doubt they will, coach Herrera has to heavily depend on home based players like Oribe Peralta, Miguel Layun, Rafael Marquez and Marco Fabian. Key Man- Giovani Dos Santos has to produce the silky skills and look to link up with other members of Mexico’s attacking force. Blessed with amazing vision and is a true playmaker. Mexico will need all of his wizardry to advance out of this group. Predictions- Brazil to win the group with the Croatia hanging on to second, with Cameroon slotting into third with Mexico propping up the table. I hope I’m right simply because I hate being wrong. Brazil’s World Cup pressure will come in later rounds, this group will cause no problem to them. Croatia’s big game players will have enough to teach Cameroon and Mexico a lesson. Cameroon will be very dependent on Samuel Eto’o’s goals. if he can not find the net the Africans will look lost. As for Mexico I just feel the lead up to the games wasn’t the best and the bad habits will spill over into this tournament for them. Brazil
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