Well, just when you figure that everything has been sorted out and you can sit down and relax for the lead-up to the World Cup, the team news comes out and your predictions are shaken. Obviously, it isn't an exact science, but let's move on shall we? First of all, there have been some very unfortunate injuries. Probably first on the list is in the Colombia camp: Radamel Falcao who has failed to recover from his niggling knee injury that has been an issue since January. Alongside such a huge loss, Colombia will also be without Luis Muriel and Luis Amaranto Perea - both aging but talented and deeply committed players - as per Jose Peckerman's decision. Despite these setbacks, consider that several of the Colombian back-line: Pablo Estifer Armero and Camilo Zuniga as well as Cristian Zapata and Mario Yepes play in the Italian first division with quality sides such as Napoli, AC Milan, and Atalanta. In addition to such a strong defense, the likes of James Rodriguez (who plays at Monaco) and Teofilo Gutierrez (a man who earns his keep at River Plate in Argentina) will mean that the Colombians are - while not as strong as they may have once been considered - still a formidable side. As far as reconsidering their chances, I would say that they should progress from their group, but upon meeting Italy (or potentially Uruguay) in the Round of 16, they will make their exit from the competition with their heads held high. Costa Rica are a side that will enjoy their time in Brazil, despite the fact that Alvaro Saborio will be out due to injury alongside Bryan Oviedo. However, Joel Campbell, Bryan Ruiz, and Keylor Navas make for a talented basis of the squad despite a lack of extensive depth.
Honduras have also been rocked by injury news, with Arnold Peralta out of contention due to a thigh problem. Nevertheless, the Hondurans have quality on the pitch with Boniek Garcia and Jerry Bengtson in the side. Meanwhile, Ecuador has named Segundo Castillo - despite being injured - to a side that includes Antonio Valencia among a host of Central and South American players. I don't believe that any of these changes will impact the manner in which these teams perform to any great extent. As for Australia, the veterans Mark Bresciano, Tim Cahill, and Mark Milligan will all be there for the Aussies. Mark Birighitti, Josh Kennedy, and Luke Wilkshire have each failed to be selected while a number of domestic players will be making their run out. It'll be interesting if
Mitchell Langerak manages to get a chance to play in goal. Belgium are lucky enough to not have any injuries going into the World Cup... beside the phenomenal Christian Benteke. Frankly, there isn't a position that I can see the Belgians lacking in resources. With Thibaut Courtois in goal and a defensive line that includes Toby Alderweireld, Daniel Van Buyten, Vincent Kompany, Jan Vertonghen, and Thomas Vermaelen, the Belgian defense is formidable to say the least. What about moving up the pitch? Romelu Lukaku, Eden Hazard, Adnan Januzaj, Marouane Fellaini, and Axel Witsel are a fierce attacking force that have a history of scoring for club and country.
Nigeria meanwhile are going to be without midfielder Sunday Mba - one of the members of the side that took third in the African Cup of Nations last year. Also out are Joel Obi and Nnamdi Oduamadi. Back in the line-up: Joseph Yobo and striker Peter Odemwingie who have illustrated their resolve after a lack of selection. Interestingly, Babatunde Michael and Kunle Odunlami will suit up in the national colors beside keeper Vincent Enyeama, defenders Elderson Echiejile and Efe Ambrose as well as John Mikel Obi, Ogenyi Onazi, and Victor Moses. With that kind of quality, the Nigerians may just give Argentina and Bosnia and Herzegovina a run for their money. They should be able to dispatch Iran. The only concern for Argentina is goalkeeping. Sergio Romero will probably get the nod, but he isn't quite on the level of Manuel Neuer of Germany, Spain's Iker Casillas, or Italian Gianluigi Buffon.On the other hand, with defenders like Ezequiel Garay, Pablo Zabaleta, Hugo Campagnaro, and Martin Demichelis who needs a goalie? Doubtless, Argentina will rely heavily on their attacking resources - Sergio Aguero Gonzalo
Higuain, Ezequiel Lavezzi, and a little guy named Lionel Messi. They just might be able to do it too! Control of the midfield and ensuring that Messi is not isolated at the front will be two of the major things that may make or break this talented side.
The other side in Group F, Bosnia and Herzegovina, will be without Ervin Zukanovic, though the main core remains: Asmir Begovic at the back, a contingent of defenders who ply their trade in Germany, forwards Vedad Ibisevic and Edin Dzeko, and a midfield serving in Italy among other places. They should be enough to get out of the group so long as they keep it together against Argentina in the opener and bounce back from what will likely be a defeat against the South Americans. France will be a solid, well-oiled machine despite Franck Ribery's struggle with a back injury. Although they have great keepers, Hugo Lloris will doubtless get the nod to start as the defense will have a vaguely English feel: Mathieu Debuchy, Patrice Evra, Bacary Sagna, and Laurent Koscielny all play on the island. The midfield is much more "French" in the sense that Yohan Cabaye and Mathieu Valbuena among others play in Ligue 1. With Karim Benzema, Olivier Giroud, and Ribery leading the charge, Les Bleus might just go far.
The Germans also look set to take the field in Brazil, despite their recent friendly performances (yes, Cameroon are good, but Germany looked childish at many points in their match). And despite the fact that their only "striker" is an over-30 (though always gifted!) Miroslav Klose. In Manuel Neuer and Roman Weidenfeller the team has some of the brightest goalkeepers at the same time as the defense - though not as impregnable as it once was - continues to be put together thanks to the likes of Philipp Lahm, Per Mertesacker, Kevin Grosskreutz, Benedikt Howedes, and Mats Hummels. The midfield is a zoo. Though largely developed from German-based talent, Sami Khedira, Mesut Ozil, Lukas Podoloski, and Andre Schurrle all play in England. Nevertheless, the play has seemed disjointed of late. The teammates need to start connecting if they are to have any chance against sides like Portugal as early as the group stage. As for Cameroon, the Africans are great. High energy and a joy to watch, the side is also built out of largely foreign-based material. However, you have to wonder whether there is such a thing as too much age and experience. Samuel Eto'o, Makoun, and Song are great to be sure, but alongside goalkeeping concerns and a defense that has its moments, you have to wonder whether they will rocket, or fall flat. Less than ten days to go!!!
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