World Cup Preview And Predictions

Brazil won its opening match of the World Cup yesterday 3-1 despite an own goal that gave Croatia the early lead, and the World Cup was off and running.

Big day today, with three games on tap – including Spain and The Netherlands.

Preview of each group, and predictions, are below.

By: Lucas Cole

Group A

Brazil (Manager: Luiz Felipe Scolari; Projected Formation: 4-3-3)

For decades, Brazil has been known for its free-flowing style in attack; this World Cup cycle, Brazil relies on a back line that is arguably the best in the world.  Centerback and captain Thiago Silva, one of the best defenders in the world, is the rock in the back, and fullbacks Dani Alves and Marcelo are dangerous going forward.  Defensive midfielder Luis Gustavo is one of the most underrated players in the world, and his work rate in front of the back four allows the forwards for Brazil to concentrate on attacking.  Striker Fred’s breakout form has continued during recent friendlies, and the dangers caused by Neymar freely roaming the flanks are well-documented.  Oscar, the playmaking midfielder, is the most important player of the tournament for Brazil.  If Oscar’s on form and cutting through defenses with creative passes and runs, Brazil will build leads for its top-notch defense to protect.  If Oscar struggles and Brazil can’t break down opposing defenses in the final third, right wing Hulk and his teammates can become too enamored with taking shots from distance, making an already-challenging path to the finals nearly impossible.

Croatia (Manager: Niko Kovac; Projected Formation: 4-4-2)

    After a third-place finish at the 1998 World Cup, Croatia failed to escape the group stage in 2002 and 2006, then failed to qualify for South Africa 2010.  The Croatians are back, however, and they have enough attacking talent to pose a real threat to return to the knockout rounds.  Up front, Mario Mandzukic’s heading ability poses a major threat.  He’s not a one-trick pony, though, as he works hard in defense and is dynamic with the ball at his feet.  Behind Mandzukic is the most dangerous aspect of this Croatian team: the midfield.  Luka Modric, the best player on the team, is a dribbling and passing wizard, capable of creating offense out of nothing.  He can be useful defensively as well, if not always reliable.  Ivan Perisic and Ivan Rakitic are both threats to create chances at any moment, with experience playing at big clubs in giant leagues (Borussia Dortmund and Wolfsburg, and Sevilla, respectively), but it remains to be seen if they can hold up defensively for an entire match against some of the better competition.  The defense is full of lesser-known players, but Darijo Srna is the captain and leader in the back.  Against some of the better teams, such as Brazil in the opening match, the midfield may have to sacrifice some of its attacking tendency to help prevent goals.  If Croatia is able to create a goal or two off of counterattacks in those games, it could play the role of spoiler against a team or two that’s considered a contender.

Mexico (Manager: Miguel Herrera; Projected Formation: 5-3-2)

    The loss of midfielder Luis Montes in a friendly leading up to the World Cup to a broken leg certainly stings Mexico’s chances of escaping the group stage, as Montes was the squad’s leading scorer during qualification.  If they are to make up for the loss of Montes, Mexico will need Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez to rediscover his form of past years that established him as a star.  Giovani dos Santos will join him in attack and is perhaps the most skilled player on the team.  Midfielder Andres Guardado offers pace and skill on the left flank, while centerback Rafael Marquez is now 35 but offers experience in the back, as well as an aerial threat on set pieces.  Midfielder Hector Herrera is a name to watch, and the rest of the squad is made up of players from Liga MX who don’t offer the same name recognition but have been Mexico’s most consistent and reliable players throughout an unusually tenuous qualifying campaign.  If this team can find a way to click, the talent and skill is there to make a run and escape the group stage.

Cameroon (Manager: Volker Finke; Projected Formation: 4-3-3)

    Cameroon is in a transitional phase that sees its top players, for the most part, before or beyond their primes.  Striker Samuel Eto’o has had a long and celebrated career, playing at several top clubs in Europe, but has seen his form decline as he’s aged.  Cameroon’s captain, Eto’o is now 33 years old and, along with winger Pierre Webo (32), provides something to think about for opposing defenses, if not striking the same fear into them he has in the past.  Barcelona’s Alexandre Song and Sevilla’s Stephane Mbia provides Cameroon with a solid, if unspectacular, duo in the midfield, and Nicolas N’Koulou and Joel Matip form one of the tournament’s most talented partnerships in central defense.  N’Koulou and Matip are still probably a cycle away from their primes, however, and can be given trouble by some of the more experienced attacking players.  The defensive unit does have talent, so Cameroon could prove tough to score on; however, a lot would have to break right for the Cameroonians to progress past the group stage. 

Group A Overview

    The host nation is the odds-on favorite to hoist the trophy at the end of the tournament, but the pressure of winning a sixth world title on home soil could catch up to a squad still littered with young players.  If the 2013 Confederations Cup, also hosted by Brazil, is any indication, these Brazilians won’t be rattled.  Brazil put on a show for its fans last summer, solidifying its status as the team to beat this year.  The path to the championship is arguably more difficult for members of Group A than any other group, but expect Brazil’s sensational ability to pressure defensively, combined with its irresistible individual creativity and skill in attack, to comfortably advance through the group stage.  

    While the Brazilians are the heavy favorites to win Group A, second place is up for grabs.  Croatia’s individual talent and ability to create chances makes it the favorite to advance past the group stage, but Mexico and Cameroon both pose threats to steal points and find themselves through to the knockout rounds.  

Projected final standings:

1. Brazil

2. Croatia

3. Mexico

4. Cameroon

Group B

Spain (Manager: Vicente del Bosque; Projected Formation: 4-3-3)

    The defending world champions entered the 2013 Confederations Cup, held in Brazil, as the favorites.  The Spanish team seemed invincible, having gone five years without suffering a loss in a meaningful match, until being dismantled 3-0 in the final by the hosts.  

    Now, the Spaniards still boast the same talent level, even if the core players are beginning to surpass their primes.  Still, it seems as though Spain is being overlooked in favor of favorites Brazil, Argentina and Germany, as well as flavor-of-the-Cup Belgium.  Spain, with its tiki-taka style of forming passing triangles and boring opponents into checking the stands for ladies a slick give-and-go or two leads to a scoring chance, is still as big a threat to win the Cup as there is in the tournament.  This squad has as much experience playing together as any at the World Cup, and no group of players in the field has achieved nearly the same success as this one.  

    Captain Iker Casillas, despite his poor showing in the UEFA Champions League Final with Real Madrid, is expected to start in net.  A recognizable, if not consistent, quartet of Juanfran/Azpilicueta, Ramos, Pique and Jordi Alba is expected to start in front of him; it isn’t clear who will start at right back.  CB Sergio Ramos has been on a goal-scoring tear for club Real Madrid of late.

    The midfield is unfair, to both opponents and players trying to crack the lineup; there are a plethora of world-renowned names in contention to start.  In attack, Pedro and Iniesta seem to be the most likely names to grace the lineup as the wingers, while the Brazilian dual-citizen Diego Costa is the favorite to play center-forward.

    Despite the aging of the core group of Spanish players, make no mistake: this is one of, if not the, World Cup favorites.  Spain cruised through its qualifying group in Europe.  Though Group B offers tougher competition, expect much of the same.

The Netherlands (Manager: Louis van Gaal; Projected Formation: 4-3-3)

    The Dutch excited world fans all the way to the World Cup Finals in 2010, but experienced a much more disappointing campaign in Euro 2012.  In Brazil to redeem themselves, the Netherlands boast one of the most dynamic attacking groups in the tournament.  Right Wing Arjen Robben, despite ignoring his right foot for his entire career, uses pace and skill to cut in from the right and take advantage of the most dangerous left foot in world football.  Robben, with the right service and support, is fast and skilled enough to create chances out of nowhere for himself or his country’s captain and leading scorer, Robin van Persie.  van Persie, the Dutch Striker, is one of the more dynamic goalscorers in the tournament himself, despite an injury-riddled season at Manchester United.  

    Wesley Sneijder, Nigel de Jong and Leroy Fer will service and defensive support to the front three.  Sneijder is one to watch on free kicks and set pieces.  The Oranje aren’t without their own injury concerns, with starters Kevin Strootman and Rafael van der Vaart out for the tournament.

    For all of the attacking talent, making the Dutch among the most exciting teams in the tournament, the defense is the biggest concern.  The back four will feature several green players from the Dutch domestic league.  Despite the talented individual defenders, the unit is unproven and won’t strike fear into any opposing attacks.  The Oranje will aim to outscore opponents, a goal that is far from out of the question with the dynamic players they have at their disposal.

Chile (Manager: Jorge Sampaoli; Projected Formation: 3-5-2)

    The Chileans offer a different look from most teams, relying on their outside midfielders to provide the majority of the attack.  Midfielder Arturo Vidal is Chile’s best player and, combined with Juventus teammate Mauricio Isla, is the focus for Chile going forward.  Strikers Eduardo Vargas and Alexis Sanchez are Chile’s biggest threats to score goals, while the back three, led by Gary Medel, will try to stay compact and frustrate opposing forwards.  Keeper Claudio Bravo is the captain and he’ll control the defense, which needs to have a good tournament should Chile expect to advance.  

    Chile will enjoy more of a home-field advantage than the European favorites of the group, and the Chileans have the attacking talent to escape one of the toughest groups in the World Cup.  The defense will need to be on form if Chile wants to advance past the group stage.

Australia (Manager: Ange Pastecoglou; Projected Formation: 4-2-3-1)

    A qualifier out of Asia, Australia is at a major disadvantage in this group, or any for that matter.  Forward Tim Cahill, the face of Australian soccer for years, is now 34 years old and reaching the point where somebody else will need to step up and take the lead.  That person has not emerged, and Australia will struggle to earn any points in the 2014 World Cup, especially with Spain, Chile and the Netherlands so tightly contested.  The other three members of Group B know they need to not only beat Australia but pad their goal differential stats as much as possible, so the Aussies will face a stiff test in Brazil.  

    Although Australia is a long shot to advance past the group stage, it could still decide who does.  Cahill, along with captain Mile Jedinak and Mark Bresciano, both midfielders, could be good enough to steal a goal or two. 

Group B Overview

    Despite featuring aging stars, Spain is the still the team to beat in Group B.  The biggest battle is for second place and a spot in the knockout rounds, between the Netherlands and Chile.  The Oranje feature more prestigious names, but their unfamiliarity with South American soil as well as their poor showing in the most recent big tournament, Euro 2012, makes Chile the favorite to escape the group.  Australia has little chance of placing in the top two, but could play a crucial role should it upset one of the top three, or even cause problems for one of them and affect the goal-differential tiebreaker.  

Projected Final Standings:

1. Spain

2. Chile

3. The Netherlands

4. Australia

Group C

Colombia  (Manager: Jose Pekerman; Projected Formation: 4-3-3)

    Belgium is the popular pick as this tournament’s “dark horse,” but Colombia will be the best unsung squad in Brazil.  The only hype surrounding this team is of its loss of its best player, striker Radamel Falcao.  Another notable player, promising young forward Luis Muriel, was left off the squad; however, there is still plenty of talent in this squad to make a run and, with a little luck and a few breaks, Colombia could find itself challenging for the World Cup.

    The two biggest strengths of this team are athleticism and defense.  The back line of Zuniga, Zapata, Yepes and Armero could be the best in the entire tournament, and the midfield will lend plenty of help in defense.

    There’s plenty of attacking talent as well, led by 22-year-old James Rodriguez.  Freddy Guarin and Victor Ibarbo will also provide dangerous passes and runs, and the forward group is led by the experienced Teofilo Gutierrez.  The loss of Falcao is certainly a big one, as he is one of the top-five scorers in the world, and it means Colombia will need a few more breaks if it wants to contend for the championship.  With the defensive talent and experience they have, and the individuals talented to create goals, though, the Colombians can’t be counted out against any side in the world.

Greece (Manager: Fernando Santos; Projected Formation: 10-1-0)

    The Greeks are known for their proclivity to commit their entire team to defending, which led them to a European Championship in 2004.  Greece will likely set up in a 4-3-3 formation, with a heavy emphasis on defending.  The forward group of Samaras, Mitroglou, Salpingidis and Gekas are fully capable of stealing a goal on the counterattack, and also have little problem tracking back to defend.  

    Captain Giorgos Karagounis and Kostas Katsouranis are older players but provide much-needed experience and leadership for the midfield, as well as the back line.  Center-back Sokratis Papastathopoulos and fullback Vasilis Torosidis lead a defense that always proves difficult to find space against.

    The Greeks will certainly cause problems for opposing attacks because of their defensive discipline, but they will need to find a few goals if they want to advance past the group stage.

Ivory Coast (Manager: Sabri Lamouchi; Projected Formation: 4-3-3)

    There’s plenty of name-recognition on this Ivory Coast squad, led by the legendary forward Didier Drogba and The Elephants’ best player, Yaya Toure.  Toure is the Lebron James of soccer, reminiscing of a thoroughbred racehorse in size and power, overmatching opponents physically and athletically while possessing the skill and vision to dance around them and set teammates up for scoring chances.  Like Lebron, Toure can put the ball in the net, leading Manchester City with 20 goals.  

    Salomon Kalou, Wilfried Bony and Gervinho join Drogba in attack.  Bony, coming off a breakout campaign with Swansea City, provides size and strength up front, even if he doesn’t start over the established Kalou, Gervinho and Drogba.  Cheick Tiote and Max Gradel are the likely starters alongside Toure in the midfield, and both have two-way ability.

    The biggest question for the Ivory Coast is on defense, where only the aging Kolo Toure is a world-established center-back.  The rest of the backline must be on form and compact to prevent enough goals for the Ivory Coast to see an early exit.

Japan (Manager: Alberto Zaccheroni; Projected Formation: 4-2-3-1)

    Japan was a popular team during the 2010 World Cup for its ability to score from seemingly anywhere on the field.  Midfielder Keisuke Honda is now famous for his deadly free kicks from range.  Midfielder Shinji Kagawa is among the most creative players in the game, capable of picking out the right final pass for a chance from all over the pitch.  Atsuto Uchida and Yuto Nagatomo are dangerous fullbacks going forward, while Maya Yoshida anchors the defense.  There isn’t much depth between the star players, however, so gaining enough points to advance past the group stage will prove difficult for the Samurai Blue.

Group C Overview

    Colombia is clearly the deepest and best team in Group C, and the 2014 World Cup taking place in South America only helps its chances of placing first in the group.  Colombia boasts the best back line in the group, and has plenty of goal scorers to accent it.  

    The battle for second place is much more intriguing, with the Ivory Coast leading the way.  The Elephants have a lot of experienced attacking talent leading the way, with Yaya Toure, the best player in the group, pulling the strings from the midfield.  Greece is always a wildcard with its ability to keep its defensive shape, while Japan can score goals out of nowhere with its quick-strike ability.  It wouldn’t be a surprise to see Greece advance, but expect the Ivory Coast to join Colombia in the knockout round.  

Projected Final Standings:

1. Colombia

2. Ivory Coast

3. Greece

4. Japan

Group D

Uruguay (Manager: Oscar Tabarez; Projected Formation: 4-3-3)

    If the Uruguayans have Luis Suarez, who joins Edinson Cavani as the best players on the team, they will likely go with three forwards; Diego Forlan would join them up top.  If Suarez, who is fighting injury, isn’t fit in time, Uruguay will likely run a 4-4-2.  Any combination of Forlan (the Golden Boot winner at the 2010 World Cup with the most goals scored), Suarez and Cavani provides Uruguay with one of the most formidable attacks in the tournament.  How far they advance will depend on the Uruguayans’ midfield and defense, which have talent but can be inconsistent.  Walter Gargano, Alvaro Pereira and Cristian Rodriguez are the likely starters in the midfield, with a good balance of defense and attack when they’re at their best.  Diego Godin, one of the key defenders for Atletico Madrid this season, anchors the back line, which also features Diego Lugano, Martin Caceres and Maxi Pereira.  Fernando Muslera is the keeper, and he’s a solid one.

    Uruguay features a balanced team, with talented players across the board.  Although Forlan is aging, he is still very skilled, while Suarez and Cavani have the ability to break down any defense in the world.  The midfield and defense, despite their name recognition, need to be at their best if Uruguay expects to challenge for a chance to win the tournament.  If they slip up, Group D is good enough to send them home before the knockout rounds.

England (Manager: Roy Hodgson; Projected Formation: 4-2-3-1)

    England has plenty of quality players, it just hasn’t been able to break through on the biggest stage.  Injuries to Arsenal midfielders Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain robs the English of two of its primary young threats on the flanks, but there is still a good balance of experience and youth, of athleticism and skill.  

    Wayne Rooney and Daniel Sturridge are the biggest names at forward.  Steven Gerrard is the captain and leader of the team, while he shares the midfield with a few young studs, such as Raheem Sterling, Ross Barkley and Jack Wilshere.  Glen Johnson and Leighton Baines will start at fullback,while Gary Cahill and Phil Jagielka will man the middle of the defense.  While there’s talent in the back line, there’s also inconsistency, and the midfielders good enough to start may not be committed enough to cover them.  As a result, England may struggle to score and defend at the same time.  

    The English team has a nastiness and physicality that may not be matched at the World Cup; the question is, can they score enough goals while defending at a high enough level to defeat some of the more technically-sound teams in the tournament and in their group.

Costa Rica (Manger: Jorge Luis Pinto; Projected Formation: 4-4-2)

    The Costa Ricans are at a severe disadvantage talent-wise in this group, but they’ve proven to be tough to beat in CONCACAF qualifying and will be a tough out in Brazil.  The captain is forward Bryan Ruiz, while Joel Campbell is one to watch for the future.  Celso Borges will command the midfield, while Michael Umana and Junior Diaz lead the defense.  

    Costa Rica doesn’t feature any household names and relies on chemistry, but it’s dangerous to any team that takes it lightly.  Like Australia in Group B, Costa Rica could be the team to decide who advances from a group made up of teams better than itself; unlike Australia, the Costa Ricans are good enough to steal a point or two in group play.

Italy (Manager: Cesare Prandelli; Projected Formation: 4-3-3)

    Italy is the most prestigious team in Group D, and has the most talent and depth as well.  Like Spain, the core group, especially in the midfield, is getting old.  Like Spain, the older players still have plenty of quality to take this squad deep into the tournament.

    Keeper and captain Gigi Buffon has been at the top of the game for more than a decade now, and defensive-midfielder Andrea Pirlo is an inventive passer, the puppeteer pulling the strings for Italy.  Daniele De Rossi, Claudio Marchisio and Thiago Motta are among the several defensive-minded midfielders who excel in creating offense with key passes.  The forward group is stacked, featuring Lorenzo Insigne, Antonio Cassano, Ciro Immobile.  The best of the bunch is Mario Balotelli, a loose cannon that is capable of changing a match with a single touch.  The defense is led by a trio of experienced Juventus players in Andrea Barzagli, Giorgio Chellini and Leonardo Bonucci.  

    The Italians have struggled in recent friendlies, as well as the qualifying campaign for the 2014 World Cup, but have risen to the occasion to become major factors in the biggest tournaments in recent years.  Expect them to find their form at the right time and escape Group D.

Group D Overview

    Italy is the deepest and most talented team, while Uruguay features a good, balanced squad with forwards that strike fear into opponents.  England brings a squad with less talent and athleticism, especially with the injuries to Walcott and Oxlade-Chamberlain, but with physicality and toughness that could frustrate the other two favorites.  Costa Rica will play an important role in this group, as it won’t qualify for the knockout rounds but has a chance to steal crucial points away from one of the favorites.  Uruguay has the greatest potential to win a tiebreaker on goal differential, while Italy and England will focus on defense to win matches.

    Projected Final Standings:

1. Italy

2. Uruguay

3. England

4. Costa Rica

Group E

Switzerland (Manager: Ottmar Hitzfeld; Projected Formation: 4-4-1-1)

    Switzerland benefitted from a relatively easy qualifying group, but still played its way into one of the top eight seeds in the World Cup.  The Swiss won’t feature any household names, yet they play with great chemistry, and there are some very talented players in the squad, led by Bayern Munich’s winger Xherdan Shaqiri.  Shaqiri possesses the pace and skill to become a star during this tournament.

    Captain Gokhan Inler sets the wheels in motion for the attack from the midfield, and left midfielder Tranquillo Barnetta is capable of punishing defenses.  Juventus Fullback Stephan Lichtsteiner will join Shaqiri in attack on the right flank, and offers a major weapon for the Swiss as well.

    Those four players will be counted on to create most of the attack, while the rest of team does a great job with playing defense as a unit and frustrating the opposing offense.  Switzerland was one of the best stories throughout World Cup qualifying, and has carried that momentum through the friendlies in preparing for the World Cup.  In a Group E that lacks the star power that some of the other groups possess, the Swiss are in a great position to qualify for the knockout rounds.

France (Manager: Didier Deschamps; Projected Formation: 4-3-3)

    Like Colombia, France will be without its best player throughout this tournament due to injury.  Left wing Franck Ribery, a top-10 player worldwide, will be unable to play because of a back injury.  The cupboard is far from bare for France, but replacing Ribery’s dynamic ability on the left will be difficult.

    The new best player will be midfielder Paul Pogba, who led France’s U-20 team to a World Cup title last summer.  Most of Pogba’s midfield companions are, like him, defensive-minded, but Mathieu Valbuena is the exception.  Valbuena usually opts to create offense whenever he’s in possession, sending cutting passes and dangerous long-balls up the field.  However, Deschamps has given him a role up front, because his high-risk, high-reward style often hurts France’s possession numbers.  

    At forward, strikers Karim Benzema and Olivier Giroud are best suited for the middle, while the young Antoine Greizmann offers a dynamic style most reminiscent of Ribery on the wing.  The back four will feature Arsenal teammates Bacary Sagna and Laurent Koscielny, along with Liverpool’s Mamadou Sakho and Manchester United’s Patrice Evra.  Raphael Varane is the future for France’s defense, and will likely see some playing time.  

    France still has plenty of talent, but chemistry has been a big problem in recent tournaments, and the loss of Ribery doesn’t help its cause.  If the French can pull together, they can make a run in the knockout rounds.  Another lackluster performance, creating as many problems amongst each other as for the opponents, will send Ecuador through and France packing.

Ecuador (Manager: Reinaldo Rueda; Projected Formation: 4-4-2)

    South America boasts five teams that are considered legitimate threats to reach the semi-finals; Ecuador is not among them.  That’s not to say they don’t have the talent to escape Group E.

    Manchester United’s Antonio Valencia is the best player on the team, and serves as captain.  Joining him in the midfield is Edison Mendez, now 35 years old but one of the best players in Ecuador’s history and one of the leaders of this year’s squad.  Jaime Ayovi and Felipe Caicedo are the strikers, and must be on form if Ecuador wants to gain enough points to advance.  34-year-old Walter Ayovi anchors a solid-but-unspectacular back line.  There’s enough talent on Ecuador’s team to reach the knockout rounds, but Switzerland and France are better teams, and one of them must play poorly enough for Ecuador to take advantage.

Honduras (Manager: Luis Fernando Suarez; Projected Formation: 4-4-2)

    Honduras is a solid team, but one that will be at a distinct disadvantage based on talent in Group E.  Jerry Bengtson and Carlo Costly lead the attack, while Wilson Palacios and Oscar Garcia are the primary playmakers in the midfield.  Hull City’s Maynor Figueroa is the best defender on the team.

    Honduras doesn’t feature any well-known names, but it is a solid team capable of causing problems for the opposition.  Switzerland, France and Ecuador each outclass Honduras, however, and anything but a fourth-place finish in Group E would be a surprise.

Group E Overview

    Switzerland is the team with the best combination of talent and consistency entering group play, and are likely to advance to the knockout stages.  France possesses the most talent by far, and if the French can find a way to play together, they will finish atop the group.  Ecuador is the wildcard, more than capable of taking advantage if one of the top two slip up, especially on South American soil.  Honduras will likely be on the outside looking in.

    Projected Final Standings:

1. France

2. Switzerland

3. Ecuador

4. Honduras

Group F

Argentina (Manager: Alejandro Sabella; Projected Formation: 4-3-3)

    With a starting front line of Lionel Messi, Gonzalo Higuain and Sergio Aguero, no team boasts an attack as dangerous as Argentina.  Midfielder Angel di Maria has the best blend of offensive skill and defensive work rate in the world, while Fernando Gago and Maxi Rodriguez will battle it out to be the third midfielder beside di Maria and defensive specialist Javier Mascerano.  

    The defense is led by right back Pablo Zabaleta, but it becomes murky aside from him.  Martin Demichelis will be one of the center backs, while the other two positions are up in the air.  There are certainly worse defenders in the world to choose from, but the defense, at least on paper, is a major weakness for a team that’s considered a favorite to win the World Cup.  Monaco keeper Sergio Romero isn’t among the best in the world at his position, but he’s good enough to win as long as the defense plays well in front of him.

    There’s no question that Argentina is among the major players for the World Cup, but the defense is concerning.  The offense is downright scary, though, so outscoring teams is a probability for Argentina until it reaches, at the very least, the quarterfinals, should Belgium advance that far.  On South American soil, anything short of a semifinals berth will be a disappointment for Argentina.

Bosnia-Herzegovina (Manager: Safet Susic; Projected Formation: 4-4-2)

    Bosnia-Herzegovina is one of the most underrated teams entering the 2014 World Cup.  It features several dangerous attacking players, along with a couple of talented defenders.  The Dragons aren’t quite a complete squad, and won’t challenge for the title, but they are a talented bunch capable of making a run and spoiling a superior team’s tournament.

    The biggest names are up front in strikers Edin Dzeko and Vedad Ibisevic, but midfielder Miralem Pjanic is the best player on the team and a future star on the world stage.  Zvjezdan Misimovic and Senad Lulic provide experience to the midfield.

    Captain Emir Spahic leads the defense at center back, while his central partner, 20-year-old Sead Kolasinac, is a rising star.  Sejad Salihovic and Avdija Vrsajevic are the fullbacks.

    Bosnia-Herzegovina isn’t nearly as talented as Argentina, but the Dragons offer plenty to think about for opponents.  Especially in a group that doesn’t feature a dangerous third team, it would be a surprise if Bosnia-Herzegovina failed to qualify for the knockout rounds.

Nigeria (Manager: Stephen Keshi; Projected Formation: 4-2-3-1)

    Nigeria challenged itself against some of the best sides in the world in the friendlies leading up to this tournament, and has experience (although not positive experience) playing great teams in Brazil after participating in last summer’s Confederations Cup as Africa’s representative.  If you’re looking for the ultimate dark horse, look no further, as the Nigerians have plenty of world-class players, but they’ll all have to be in the best forms of their lives to really make a splash in this tournament.

    Vincent Enyeama is the keeper and captain, and Efe Ambrose, Azubuike Egwuekwe and Joseph Yobo will be three of the four defenders protecting him.  John Obi Mikel will roam the midfield, providing cover for the back line, while Victor Moses will look to make runs forward.  Emmanuel Emenike, Peter Odemwingie and Shola Ameobi are all forwards who are capable of grabbing a goal against nearly any defense.

    Nigeria isn’t expected to get through Group F, but there is enough talent to do so if one of the favorites slips, or if the Nigerians play the tournament of their lives.  As it stands, Nigeria will likely head home before the knockout stages, but this is a team with the potential to make a little bit of noise.

Iran (Manager: Carlos Queiroz; Projected Formation: 4-4-2):

    Iran is one of the biggest underdogs at the 2014 World Cup, and the outlook is bleak for Iran to do much damage.  Its best player is captain and midfielder Javad Nekounam, while Karim Ansarifard and Reza Ghoochannejhad are the strikers.  Pejman Montazeri and Jalal Hosseini lead the defense.

    Iran won’t likely make much noise at this tournament, but the accomplishment is being in Brazil for the Iranians.  Unfortunately, the gap in talent is too large for Iran to advance to the knockout stages. 

Group F Overview

    Argentina is the clear favorite in Group F, and would be the favorite in most other groups as well.  Bosnia-Herzegovina is the most likely team to join Argentina in the knockout rounds, but Nigeria will be waiting to pounce if they underachieve.  It’s a great accomplishment for Iran to be in the field, and they will play with pride, despite being overmatched.

    Projected Final Standings:

1. Argentina

2. Bosnia-Herzegovina

3. Nigeria

4. Iran

Group G

Germany (Manager: Joachim Low; Projected Formation: 4-2-3-1)

    Germany, another of the short list of favorites to win the whole thing, is not without its own injury concerns.  Attacking midfielder Marco Reus, one of Germany’s top scoring threats, rolled his ankle and suffered tendon damage in his ankle in a recent friendly.  The Germans already struggle to score at times because of their lack of a true striker, but make no mistake: this team is loaded.  

    The midfield is the greatest strength, with Mesut Ozil playing a central role.  Ozil is one of the most captivating and magical players in the world, capable of creating something out of nothing at any moment.  With Reus’s injury, Ozil may have to move to the flank, because wingers and strikers are running low for the Germans.  Either Thomas Muller or Mario Gotze will likely be the striker, with the other playing on a wing.  Ideally, Gotze will play up top as a false-9, while Andre Schurrle, Ozil and Muller will occupy the attacking midfield.  The defensive midfield will be chosen between the versatile Toni Kroos, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Sami Khedira and Philipp Lahm, Germany’s captain and a fullback who has impressed in the defensive midfield for Bayern Munich this season.

    The defense can be concerning at times as well, especially if Lahm is used in the midfield.  Mats Hummels, a very talented center back, will be joined by Jerome Boateng, Benedikt Howedes, Per Mertesacker and the youngster Erik Durm on the back line.  If Lahm plays right back, the defense becomes a strength.  If not, it could let Germany down.  Keeper Manuel Neuer is among the best in the game.

    Germany is not only the favorite in Group G, but one of the favorites to win the tournament.  This group is among the deepest in the tournament, but Germany should win it and advance to the knockout stages, where the Germans will be a very tough out.

Portugal (Manager: Paulo Bento; Projected Formation: 4-3-3)

    The biggest name at this world cup, and the best player, is winger Cristiano Ronaldo.  Ronaldo has the best combination of size, quickness, pace, athleticism and skill this generation has seen, and he’s capable of scoring at any moment in any game against any team.  The Portuguese captain will have the freedom to roam at forward, allowed to make runs anywhere across the pitch.  Hugo Almeida, Helder Postiga and Eder are the other forwards for Portugal, and are much more static players, still with the abilities to net goals when set up properly.  

    The versatile Nani, an outside midfielder, is the outlier in the midfield because of his pace and athleticism; the rest of the midfield is strong, but with less-athletic, highly-skilled passers in Miguel Veloso, Joao Moutinho and Raul Meireles.  Defensively, a back line of Joao Pereira, Bruno Alves, Pepe and Fabio Coentrao is very talented, if always teetering on the edge of being sent off by stupid challenges.  

    Portugal didn’t seem to play up to its potential throughout qualifying, having to beat Sweden in a playoff to qualify for the World Cup after losing its group to Russia.  However, if the Portuguese, Ronaldo excluded, can find their form, this is a very talented and dangerous team.  On paper, Portugal is probably the second most-likely team to advance past the group stages; however, the matches aren’t played on paper, so Portugal had better find its form.  A 5-1 dismantling of Ireland in a friendly just before World Cup play begins is a good start.

THE United States of America (Manager: Jurgen Klinsmann; Projected Formation: 4-1-2-1-2)

    The big news state-side has been the exclusion of arguably the best player to suit up for the U.S., Landon Donovan.  Donovan is America’s best and most creative attacking player, always turns it up for the U.S. and will be sorely missed.

    But the U.S. has done well without Donovan in recent matches, and is on a roll unlike any the country has seen entering a World Cup.  Striker Jozy Altidore, perhaps the most important player for the U.S. in this tournament because of his ability to put the ball in the back of the net, finally got the monkey off his back by scoring tap-in early against Nigeria after going goalless since December 4 for club and country.  He later chested down a fantastic long ball from midfielder Michael Bradley, made a move to create space, and fired home a laser finish that raised the hopes and dreams of soccer fans across America.

    Altidore, and his forward companion and captain Clint Dempsey, are key to the U.S. hopes of escaping a tough Group G.  If they can provide goals, with the service of Bradley, The Land Of The Free’s best player, it takes pressure off the rest of the team playing defense.  Midfielder Jermaine Jones has been fantastic of late in his defensive role, patrolling the space in front of the defense to win the ball back.  Jones, though, is always prone to a dumb foul and is a danger to be sent off at an inconvenient time.  Alejandro Bedoya and Graham Zusi have emerged as the favorites to start on the outside of the midfield.  

    The defense has started to gel lately, with fullback Fabian Johnson leading the way.  A fantastically talented two-way player, Johnson is a danger to the opposition on both ends of the field.  Geoff Cameron and Matt Besler have formed a surprisingly solid central defense, while the aging-but-athletic Damarcus Beasley will start at left back.  Keeper Tim Howard will try to save whatever shots get through between screaming matches with his defenders.

    The U.S. has the least individual talent in the group, especially without Donovan, but has been playing a good brand of soccer throughout the past two years.  Riding high on that momentum, the Americans expect to advance through the group, and can do so with a few breaks. It won’t be easy in likely the most balanced group in the World Cup, but the U.S. has a decent shot at playing into the knockout rounds.  And if they don’t make it through Group G, at least the Americans get to return to the greatest country on Earth.

Ghana (Manager: James Kwesi Appiah; Projected Formation: 4-4-2)

    Ghana, the Achilles Heel for the USA in the past two World Cups, was fatefully placed in America’s group again.  Forward Asamoah Gyan, the Ghanaian captain, has been a thorn in the U.S.’s side, along with several other clubs and countries throughout his career, and returns as Ghana’s top threat to score goals.  Majeed Waris and Jordan Ayew join him up front.

    The midfield is the strength of this Ghana team, with Michael Essien, Kwadwo Asamoah and Sulley Muntari playing more defensive roles.  This frees Kevin-Prince Boateng and Andre Ayew to go forward and create problems for the opposition.  Boateng is the most dynamic player on the team and a real problem when he’s playing well.

    The back line is the weakness in Ghana’s team, and Appiah may call upon Kwadwo Asamoah to play in the back four, as he did in the most recent friendly.  John Boye, Harrison Afful, Samuel Inkoom and Jonathan Mensah are the other primary options in defense.

    Ghana has a lot of talent in its team, and is a real threat to escape the group stage.  If Boateng, a real wildcard, and the defense play well, Ghana could find itself in the knockout rounds.  It will be an uphill climb, but the Ghanaians are fully capable of sending Portugal and the USA packing earlier than they hope.

Group G Overview

    Group G is the most balanced in the 2014 World Cup, with each of the four teams having legitimate hopes of advancing.  Germany possesses the most talent, and is a favorite to not only win the group but advance to at least the semifinals.  Portugal is second in the talent standings, but have a few chemistry kinks to work out.  Ghana has the individual talent to advance, but must play well together to achieve the results they want.  And the United States are balanced and on-form, and expects to continue its winning ways.

    Projected Final Standings:

1. Germany

2. Portugal

3. United States of America

4. Ghana

Group H

Belgium (Manager: Marc Wilmots; Projected Formation: 4-3-3)

    Belgium has quietly formed one of the most talented and deep squads in the world over the past few years.  It is unclear which formation they’ll fall into, as top forward Eden Hazard was unavailable throughout qualifying due to injury.  Without knowing the Belgians’ formation, it’s still easy to name the laundry list of players who can make an impact for them at the World Cup.

    Striker Christian Benteke will miss the World Cup with a ruptured Achilles, but Romelu Lukaku will capably take his place.  Eden Hazard is a left wing on par with Ribery and Ronaldo in terms of quickness and skill, and can create chances out of nothing.  Kevin De Bruyne is dangerous on the right side, while Kevin Mirallas and Dries Mertens offer dynamic skillsets themselves.

    Alex Witsel and Marouane Fellani serve as good defensive midfielders, while Mousa Dembele will back them up.  Steven Defour is a good two-way midfielder.

    The defense is led by captain and center back Vincent Kompany, one of the best two or three defenders in the world.  Thomas Vermaelen or Daniel Van Buyten will serve as his partner in central defense, while Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld are the favorites to start at fullback.  

    Belgium has become most people’s “dark horse” for the 2014 World Cup, but that title does this squad a disservice.  Make no mistake, Belgium is talented and deep enough, with plenty of individual ability, to be one of the favorites.  With such an inexperienced group, winning the whole thing will be difficult, but the Belgians will be very tough to beat in the knockout rounds.

Russia (Manager: Fabio Capello; Projected Formation: 4-1-4-1)

    Russia surprised by winning their European qualifying group over Portugal, but will be without captain Roman Shirokov.  Russia is another very good team that lacks any big names, relying on chemistry and player roles.  

    Forwards Aleksandr Kokorin and Aleksandr Kerzhakov are the threats to score goals.  Igor Denisov and Sergei Ignashevich will serve as defensive midfielders and captains, while Yuri Zhirkov and Alan Dzagoev serve as other goal scorers in the midfield.  

    Aleksei Kozlov and Vasili Berezutski lead the defense.  Russia plays tough defense in front of keeper Igor Akinfeev, making it difficult to beat when it can poach a goal or two.  Russia is a very cohesive unit, and one that makes it difficult on whoever they play against to win.  The Russians lack of talent keeps them from being a contender to advance deep into the tournament, but they should escape a pretty light Group H.

South Korea (Manager: Hong Myung-bo; Projected Formation: 4-2-3-1)

    Most Asian qualifiers don’t offer much of a threat to advance past the group stage, and South Korea is no different.  However, despite their lack of individual talent, there’s a reason the South Koreans made it to Brazil.  Park Chu-Young is the likely starter at striker, while being fed by attacking midfielders Son Heung-Min, Lee Chung-Yong and captain Koo Ja-Cheol.

    The defensive midfield is led by Ki Sung-Yeung, while the defense is anchored by center back Kwak Tae-Hwi.  

    South Korea will likely feature an open playing style, susceptible to being scored on.  It’s unlikely that the South Koreans will advance past the group stage, but they shouldn’t be taken lightly.

Algeria (Manager: Vahid Halihodzic; Projected Formation: 4-3-3)

    Algeria is the biggest threat to Belgium and Russia to qualify for the knockout rounds, and there’s a lot of talent on this squad, especially in the midfield.  Sofiane Feghouli and Medhi Lacen.  Madjid Bougherra is the captain and leads the defense, while Mehdi Mostefa, Carl Medjani and Djamel Mesbah, among others, offer additional defensive support.

    Islam Slimani and El Arbi Hillel Soudani are the best strikers, two names for opposing teams to keep track of.

    Aside from Feghouli, who is a fixture in Valencia’s midfield, there aren’t many notable names in Algeria’s squad; however, the Algerians have a dangerous and tested group, and one who won’t go away easily.  Belgium and Russia are the heavy favorites to advance, but Algeria is a team to be reckoned with.

Group H Overview

    There’s no question that Belgium is the best team in Group H, and it would be a surprise if the Belgians didn’t finish first.  Russia is the clear-cut second-best team, and should take second place and a berth in the knockout rounds.  Algeria is good enough to take advantage should Russia or Belgium fall on its face in the Brazilian heat and humidity, while South Korea seems likely to finish in fourth.

    Projected Final Standings:

1. Belgium

2. Russia

3. Algeria

4. South Korea

World Cup Overview

    Despite rumors circulating about the potential downfalls of the 2014 World Cup, Brazil should be a fantastic host, showcasing its well-off economy, soccer-breathing natives and gorgeous scenery.  With such a unique and fun-loving culture, the world won’t be able to wait the two years until returning to Rio de Janeiro for the Summer Olympics in 2016.  

    The host nation has high expectations for its World Cup squad, but an incredibly dominant Confederations Cup in 2013, along with a difficult draw in the elimination brackets, lead to a little bit of slack for Brazil’s squad and its manager, Luiz Felipe Scolari.  There’s more of an optimistic pressure on the hosts, knowing that their team is among the best, but isn’t a clear-cut favorite by any means.  

    Fellow South Americans Argentina boast the second-best odds of winning, while Colombia and Uruguay are major threats to anybody they play against.  If the defensively-loaded Brazilians don’t win the Cup, the offensive juggernauts Argentina are in the mix to hoist it, with an especially interesting final should the two South Americans meet.

    No European nation has ever won the World Cup in South America, but Spain and Germany are the favorites to end the drought.  Spain is twice the defending European Champions and the defending World Champions, while Germany has a similarly strong midfield, while offering a more dynamic style that could match up better against some of the more fluid South American sides.  Belgium is another talented and deep European team that has a chance to challenge the best for the Cup.

    Brazil, Germany, Spain and Argentina are heavily favored to reach the semifinals, while Belgium, Colombia and Uruguay are the next men up should one of the top teams falter.  Neymar has a great opportunity to continue his work from the past year towards becoming one of the best players in the world, while Lionel Messi looks to lead Argentina to a World Cup for the first time after a series of disappointing performances on the world stage.  Spain’s endless squad list of notable names is reinvigorated by center forward Diego Costa, a Brazil native who will play for Spain for the remainder of his career, while Germany will rise and fall with Mesut Ozil.

    There are several notable names that have been already unfortunately excluded from the World Cup, including Franck Ribery of France and Radamel Falcao of Colombia.  If Luis Suarez, a Uruguayan, is healthy, he could be good enough to lead his country to a berth in the semifinals or better.  Cristiano Ronaldo, the top player in the world, is surrounded with a good enough supporting cast to allow him to carry Portugal to the semis– and a chance at the Cup– because of his ability to cause problems for any defense.

    Although there are several reasonable outcomes, and there are no perfect teams who are heavy favorites, this should prove to be one of the most exciting World Cups in recent history.  However, the chalk final four of Brazil, Germany, Spain and Argentina is a good bet, with Brazil and Spain meeting for the final in a rematch of last summer’s Confederations Cup, when Brazil dismantled Spain for a 3-0 victory, ending Spain’s reign at the top of world football.

    I see a similar result, with Brazil’s incredibly deep, balanced and talented squad riding the wave that the home crowds will provide to a record sixth world title.  Captain Thiago Silva will hoist the World Cup Trophy, the most prestigious in the sport, and 22-year-old Neymar will stake his claim as the most dynamic player in the world.

Source: https://thehazean.tumblr.com/post/88666765677