Following the latest news and results, I believe that a reevaluation
of the World Cup group predictions from last time is called for.
Alongside this, I'll also be making some fearless guesses at the Round
of 16 and on. Who'll win? As much as I would like it, probably not
Germany. Off we go! In Group A, barring a complete collapse by the Brazilians, the only thing that has changed is who will be in second: I think Croatia might just be able to pull it off. They have shown by far more quality than Mexico
of late which leads me to exchange the two in the standings. While the
Central Americans may fare better in the climate, the Croatians have
more on the bench for me as well as the endurance to push through any
troubles. Cameroon is a side that I would love to see get out of
the group. While Samuel Eto'o is a phenomenal player - even at his age -
and the other members of the squad have a decent amount of class as
well as strength, I fear that they may be out-matched in Brazil. It's
possible that the Africans may take a point from the Mexicans, but it
won't be enough. Not much has changed in my estimation of Group B. Spain and the Netherlands are still my picks to advance from the group, even though Chile
will have the likes of Arturo Vidal in their arsenal. The South
Americans won't roll over for the Europeans, they may even push them
until the final match, but I fear that the Spaniards and the Dutch just
have too much for the Chileans to handle. Australia remain odd ones out in my book!
Turning to Group C, Colombia should push through with the squad they have, while Greece
will muddle on, defending as if their lives depended on it. Goals will
be a concern for the Southern Europeans, but they should tally on the
counterattack against sides like Ivory Coast and Japan;
winning through in the process. While the Africans are certainly
physically fit, you must wonder whether they may be outdone by the
technical ability of the Japanese. Nevertheless, I would tip the
Africans to finish in third despite the fact that I much prefer Japan's
style of play. Group D is far more tricky as Italy and Uruguay remain my picks to progress, though England will hope to serve as dark-horses with Costa Rica
probably occupying the bottom of the group standings by the end. While a
World Cup win for any of the sides in this group looks unlikely,
neither Italy, Uruguay, or England can be taken lightly. Between the two
European sides, Italy and England, I would say that the Italians have
the right balance of youthful exuberance and aged experience. True, the
midfield looks somewhat gray behind the ears, but even so, England will
be hard-pressed to match them in the South American heat. Uruguay
meanwhile should run the English ragged. At the same time, they might
not have the same physical presence as either the English or the
Italians. But, they do have proven goalscorers who should harass the
defenders of their opponents.
Group E is somewhat more straightforward. So long as the French actually arrive in Brazil, they have the talent to progress from a deceptive group. I say deceptive because the Swiss are a well put together side while Ecuador may
serve as a surprise package. All the same, the two European sides are
my choices for group winners. Honduras on the other hand would probably
count a draw as a success in this group. In terms of title contenders, Group F has one such side: Argentina,
who might not be on everyone's lips, but perhaps should be. If Lionel
Messi is on target, there will be no stopping them. While the
Argentinians should progress rather easily, Bosnia and Herzegovina
are the team that I would pick to snatch second. In offense they are
deadly while on defense they are as solid as a brick. The same cannot be
said for the Nigerians or the Iranians who may pose a few roadblocks, though nothing that the higher quality sides in the group can't handle.
Finally, Groups G and H
are rather similar. Both have two sides that should win it, while each
have a third side that might just slip in under the radar. In the
former, Germany and Portugal are the teams that are clear favorites. The potential stowaway? The United States.
Yes, even without Landon Donovan I believe that they can edge Ghana,
tie Portugal, and keep things tight in their last match against Germany
who may have already qualified at that point. That is no to say that Ghana are push-overs, but they can certainly be beaten. In the latter Group, Belgium and Russia are most likely going to pull through, but don't be surprised if South Korea
are able to surprise the Russian bears. And while the Belgians are
certainly charismatic, you may wonder what happens when they get
flustered or fall behind. It's true, I may be biased towards the South
Koreans because of their technique and flair, but I also believe that
the Russians are not nearly as strong as they have been in the past. As
for the Belgians, they are certainly a force to be reckoned with, but
the lack of international experience and change of climate may prove
disadvantageous for them. As for Algeria, as wily as they may hope to be, there is only so much that a talent deficit can be concealed.
What of the Round of 16 and beyond? Well, I'll offer some considerations. Depending on how rough the Brazil-Netherlands match goes may determine further progression for either side as Colombia (or Italy, depending on how good the Colombians turn out to be) will offer stiff competition for whoever they face in the Quarter-Finals. France-Bosnia and Herzegovina should
be a thrilling fixture with the two sides putting on a great attacking
performance. On paper, the French should win the day, setting up a match
with Germany who should make easy work of Group H second place side Russia. In the other fixture bracket, Spain will probably face Croatia and claim victory in typical Spanish fashion. The defending champions would then encounter Uruguay who will have beaten Greece in a rugged battle. Meanwhile, Argentina and Switzerland will take to the field in the Round of 16 as Belgium and Portugal face
off in their respective fixture. Argentina will likely claim victory
over their European opponents before facing off against either Portugal
(probably more likely if Cristiano Ronaldo and company are in form and
able to play) or Belgium (who would win if they are able to shut down
Ronaldo and get their strikers to score as much as they have
domestically) in the Quarter-Final.
Speaking of the Quarter-Finals, Brazil will likely best Colombia if they have gotten this far while Germany should handle anything the French can throw at them. Meanwhile, Spain-Uruguay and Argentina-Portugal will be contests just as heated
as if they were the Final with Spain probably getting the better of the
representatives from Uruguay and Argentina deconstructing the
Portuguese. That means the Semi-Finals would place hosts Brazil against Germany while Spain take on Argentina.
As much as I would love to see the Germans in the Final, I think that
Brazil would claim victory if they made it this far. Argentina would
then outdo the Spaniards, setting up a South American Final and a
European Third Place match. Argentina would then perhaps break
the hosts' hearts as Germany finally dispel their ghosts by defeating
Spain in the Third Place match-up. What are your thoughts? Do you agree
or disagree? Feel free to leave a comment! Enjoy the build-up to the showdown!
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