So we're at the 3 day mark from what for I'd call the biggest event in world sports. Emotions running high, excitement overflowing, and what I've noticed to be an increasing sourness towards Pitbull's world cup anthem, as we now count hours before Brazil and Croatia kickoff what is to be one of the most exhilarating FIFA World Cups this generation will witness. The match ups are to be phenomenal, with the giants of Europe and South America so beautifully well matched, and quite a few dark horses definitely capable of creating upsets, and if and when they go down, with the capacity to take some of the titans crashing down with them. With just over 72 hours till we're indulged in elite world football, lets take a look at the groups, 4 at a time.
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| Brazil's shining star: Neymar |
Group A:
Brazil
Croatia
Mexico
Cameroon
The first group looks to have a clear winner in Brazil, as the hosts will look to pick up what should be comparatively manageable wins against Croatia, Mexico and Cameroon. Neymar, the new face of Brazil, will look to use group matches to add to his tally, as one of the stars tipped for the Golden Boot. However, competition will be tough for the runners up spot, with the Srna and Modric led Croatians to face tough competition from El Tri and African powerhouse Cameroon. Croatia look like the team to beat for the spot in the pre-quarters, fielding world class players like Ivan Rakitic, Mario Mandzukic and of course the mastermind of the Croatian game, Luka Modric. Darijo Srna, the ever dependable stalwart for Croatia, will look to lead his country straight through to the round of 16, and cause a few upsets thereafter. Alen Halilovic will be a player to look out for, as the 18 year old will look to make a mark on world football. Mexico have always been dicey customers, capable of unnerving the best of teams at times, but often inherent in putting up poor performances when it counts. Javier Hernandez will be the pivotal figure for what seems to be a doubtful Mexican campaign. Cameroon, often termed to be overly reliant on 4 times African player of the year Samuel Eto'o, could be the tougher of the two to challenge Croatia, with Eto'o supplemented by Stephane Mbia, Alex Song, Joel Matip, among others.
Group B:
Spain
Netherlands
Chile
Australia
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| Spain over Brazil |
The second group is quite similar to the first, with defending champions Spain expected to clear the group with ease, and tipped to retain their title, keeping them World and European Champions for 6 years at a stretch. Diego Costa, emerging this season as one of the top strikers in European football, will look to impress at his first World Cup, while experienced veterans Xavi, Iniesta, David Villa, Casillas, Xabi Alonso will form the cerebral backbone of this Spanish side as always. Out of form striker Fernando Torres will be aiming to use this opportunity to turn around his game. Netherlands have had the worst of luck regarding injuries, losing holding midfielder Kevin Strootman, veteran Rafael Van der Vaart, and right back Gregory Van der Viel. It looks like a decent squad, with a right mix of experience and youth flair, and will be dependent on flamboyant manager Louis Van Gaal to push them to a decent campaign. The possible weak link would be their defence, led by Bruno Martins Indi and Stefan de Vrij, which is untested and could make or break their world cup run. Chile are highly regarded as the biggest dark horses in this tournament, led by Claudio Bravo, in demand midfielder Arturo Vidal, and fiery wideman Alexis Sanchez. This team sports names of mediocre celebrity but massive talent such as Mauricio Isla, Gary Medel, Eduardo Vargas, and seriously have a chance of causing disrupt in the ranks of the usual favourites. I wouldn't expect them to go too far, but look likely to knock the Dutch out early on and also give other giants quite a scare. Australia aren't really expected to stir much commotion in Brazil this summer, and will most probably limit their stay in the "samba state" to two weeks.
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| Chilean X factor : Arturo Vidal |
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Club to Country:
Yaya Toure will aim to replicate his club form for his
country |
Group C:
Colombia
Greece
Ivory Coast
Japan
A group of above average performers, this is a group hard to assess. Ivory Coast seem probable to emerge winners, boasting big names such as Didier Drogba, Kolo and Yaya Toure, Gervinho, Kalou, and in form Swansea marksman Wilfried Bony. The Elephants have quite a balanced team, and if they play to their potential, could have a serious chance of vying for a spot in the quarters. Greece and Japan are wild cards, with Japan riding on big expectations. Piratiko and Blue Samurai could potentially knock Ivory Coast from the top spot, but are unlikely to go any further. I personally would support Japan for the meager fact that their mascot is none other than Pikachu. Colombia are hard hit with the hopes of ace striker Radamel Falcao's recovery in time crashing down hard on the South American countrymen. Without the talismanic striker, Colombia are set to have a hard time in Brazil.
Group D:
Uruguay
Costa Rica
England
Italy
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| All talk no game? |
This is perhaps the most exciting group of all, with big-names-poor-performers England and the south European hard hitters Italy challenge South American giants Uruguay for 2 spots among 3. Costa Rica are horribly unlucky to find themselves drawn in such a group, and will hope to survive this campaign without losing their pride. Uruguayan marksman Luis Suarez, tipped as the best striker currently in football alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Argentinian genius Leo Messi, seems to be on track to recover in time, probably missing the opener against Costa Rica, which should be alright. The current Copa America holders will look to maintain their excellent form by topping the group, but face heavy competition from Euro 2012 runners up Italy, and the English, who will be desperate to perform to their capabilities for once. Uruguay is led by one of the most intimidating pair up in front, Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani, with experienced world class striker Diego Forlan among their ranks. Despite an imbalanced team compared to Italy and England, these 3 players themselves have the capability of turning matches around in an instant. Italy look promising, led by legendary midlfielder Andrea Pirlo, along with ace performers Daniele de Rossi, Antonio Candreva, Claudio Marchisio, and proven youngsters in the form of Marco Verratti and Lorenzo Insigne, which puts together a formidable midfield, one to match the Spanish hub. Up front, Mario Balotelli will be expected to put his feet to work, after running his mouth quite a lot in recent months, and finally prove that he's worth the fuss. To support him, manager Cesare Prandelli as brought in Torino strike force Ciro Immobile and Alessio Cerci, who enjoyed a stunning season together. Last, but hopefully not the least, the chronic underperformers, England. Constant providers of brilliant club talents, the English have often failed to make their country proud, especially of late. Sent home by Italy on penalties in Euro 2012, they would want to prove their mettle this time around, hoping fiery striker Wayne Rooney can convert his club form to country and fire them ahead as serious title competitors. The experience of one of a kind Steven Gerrard and Chelsea legend Frank Lampard will be required in this young and hot tempered English squad.
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| Suarez is Uruguay's main hope in brazil |
