Adam Santarossa takes you through each side, the players to watch
and what to expect from the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
*This article originally appeared in the Newcastle Herald on June 10, 2014
GROUP A
BRAZIL
and what to expect from the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
*This article originally appeared in the Newcastle Herald on June 10, 2014
GROUP A
BRAZIL
The hosts are expected to progress top of the group. The five-time champions will go in as one of the favourites, but the big question will be how they handle the massive expectation and pressure. They have a tough draw in the second round as they’re expected to face the runner up of Group B, which includes Spain and the Netherlands. From there, Italy and Germany could be next. A horror run to the final.
Key Player: Neymar. There’s no question that Neymar has the most pressure on him going into the tournament. The striker was underwhelming for Barcelona this season, and despite having a stellar Confederations Cup on home soil, the World Cup is a different story.
CROATIA
Croatia would be my favourite to progress as runners-up in this group, but they face a tough test first up against Brazil. They have plenty of goals in them with the likes of Mario Mandzukic, Eduardo, Nikica Jelavic and Ivica Olic, not to mention the playmaking ability of Luka Modric. The squad is experienced and have been together for a number of campaigns now. A big chance to progress and trouble in the second round.
Key Player: Mario Mandzukic. The striker had a stunning season with Bayern Munich and he is vital if Croatia is to have a strong tournament.
MEXICO
Had to go to a playoff just to make the tournament, where they made easy work of New Zealand. Traditionally a heavyweight of CONCACAF, they’ve struggled this time around. Inspirational veteran Rafa Marquez will be a rock in defence and Manchester United’s Javier Hernandez will lead the line. Don’t think it will be enough for them to progress.
Key Player: Javier Hernandez. Chicharito hasn’t had the greatest season for Manchester United, but he remains Mexico’s biggest threat. They’ll need his goals if they’re to progress out of the group.
CAMEROON
The Indomitable Lions will face a tough task getting through the group. Cameroon have failed to progress past the group stage in their last four attempts. They’ll rely heavily on Samuel Eto’o, but can the ageing striker fire them into the second round? I’d say it’s unlikely.
Key Player: Samuel Eto’o. The Chelsea striker has had a solid season, despite splitting playing time with Fernando Torres and at times, Demba Ba. Always handy for a goal.
TO QUALIFY – BRAZIL, CROATIA
GROUP B
SPAIN
They’ve won everything of late.
Their sides dominated the Champions League and Europa League and Spain are the reigning World and European champions. Silva, Xavi, Iniesta, Fabregas, Ramos, Pique, Xabi Alonso, Carzola, Mata, Villa, Costa…should I keep going? The array of talent at their disposal is ridiculous. An ageing squad, but you can’t fault its quality. A huge chance to go back to back. Will want to finish top of group or could face Brazil in Round of 16.
Key Player: Iker Casillas. For all their stars, there is a question mark over their captain. Was restricted to cup football this season for Real Madrid and his blunder in the Champions League final nearly cost them.
NETHERLANDS
The fact the reigning champions and runners-up are in the same group is farcical. They lost to Spain in the final in 2010, but I don’t think their squad is as strong this time around. It still has van Persie, Robben and Sneijder, but I’d argue only Robben is operating on the same level as the trio were at the last World Cup.
Key Player: Robin van Persie. Struggled with injury in the latter stages of the season. Finished the qualification stage as top scorer in Europe with 11 goals.
CHILE
Whilst many predict Spain and the Netherland to progress out of the group, don’t write off the Chileans. Their style of football is brilliant to watch and they have claimed some big scalps on the way to the finals. Three points against Australia in the opening game will put Chile in a good position to advance, particularly if Spain-Netherlands take points off each other in their opening group clash.
Key Player: Arturo Vidal. The Juventus star is the heartbeat of the Chilean midfield, but he goes into the tournament under an injury cloud after suffering a knee injury in the closing stages of the Serie A season.
AUSTRALIA
Many expect the Socceroos to be the whipping boys of this group, but stranger things have happened. Hopes rest on their opening game against Chile, and they must take points against the South Americans if they want to progress. They’ve beaten the Netherlands before and it’s expected that Spain-Netherlands-Chile will take points off each other, so a win and a draw could be enough. It’s unlikely, but I’ll keep dreaming.
Key Player: Tim Cahill. He holds the record for the most goals by a Socceroo and has scored in his two previous World Cup appearances. He’s saved the Socceroos’ bacon on several occasions and he’ll need an almighty performance to do so again in Brazil. With no Josh Kennedy or Rogic, Newcastle’s Adam Taggart may be asked to support Cahill in the front third.
TO QUALIFY – SPAIN, NETHERLANDS
GROUP C
COLOMBIA
Group C is one of the most open groups at the World Cup. Currently ranked fifth in the world by FIFA, they go in to the tournament as one of the seeds, their first World Cup since USA 1994. The Colombians finished second in qualification and their passage to Brazil was secured thanks to Radamel Falcao, who fired nine goals in qualification. But Falcao will not be part of the World Cup with the striker not recovering from an ACL injury in time. He’s a huge loss, one they may not recover from.
Key Player: Teofilo Guitierrez. With Falcao out, they’ll be looking to one of their other strikers to fill the void. Guitierrez scored six in qualification.
GREECE
The Greeks had to go to a playoff against Romania to qualify for Brazil but three goals from Kostas Mitroglou booked their place. Greece will be looking for much better than 2010, where they failed to get out of the group. Plenty of goals in Fernando Santos’ side with Giorgos Samaras, Theofanis Gekas and Kostas Mitroglou options up front. Greece has underachieved on the world stage for too long, will they add Brazil 2014 to the list?
Key Player: Giorgos Karagounis. The 37-year-old Greek captain is the rock of the side and his experience may just see the Greeks go on a run similar to when they won Euro in 2004.
IVORY COAST
The biggest disappointment of the last two World Cups, failing to get out of the group each time. 2014 may be their chance to rectify that. Any side with the likes of Yaya Toure, Didier Drogba, Cheick Tiote, Gervinho and Salomon Kalou should be confident of getting out of this group, but the defensive frailties that plagued them in 2010 could return. Watch for Wilfried Bony, he was a revelation at Swansea this season and big clubs are circling.
Key Player: Yaya Toure. The best all-round player in the English Premier League for mine. He’s a physical presence in midfield; he can score goals and make things tick.
JAPAN
A dark horse. The second round is a real possibility for the Blue Samurai, but this group is a toss of the coin. Undoubtedly the best team in Asia, despite being ranked second.
Their style of football has won many admirers. The Asian Champions have players playing regularly in the big leagues and have a settled mix that has found success at both the 2010 tournament and the Asian Cup. Hopes are high, can they live up to them in what is the most open group in the tournament?
Key Player: Shinji Kagawa. A disastrous season with Manchester United where he was firmly out of favour with David Moyes. His form with the national team has been good and his combination with Keisuke Honda is dynamite and is a big part of Japan’s threat.
TO QUALIFY: JAPAN, IVORY COAST
GROUP D
URUGUAY
They finished 4th in the 2010 World Cup, but they struggled to 5th place in South American qualification, ensuring a playoff with Jordan. They will rely heavily on Liverpool striker Luis Suarez, whose 11 goals in qualifying kept them in touch. His form has been stunning this season at club level, but recent knee surgery has him racing the clock. Italy and England make this the group of death, but three points against Costa Rica in their opening match will ensure ‘La Celeste’ hold the aces.
Key Player: Luis Suarez. He has been a sensation this season for Liverpool the national team, when he keeps his head he’s one of the best in the world. He carries a lot of pressure though with Diego Forlan and Edison Cavani out of form.
COSTA-RICA
The Costa-Ricans would have similar emotions to the Australian fans after they were drawn in the “Group of Death”. They finished 2nd in Concacaf, after failing to qualify in 2010. Costa-Rica didn’t win a game in their last attempt at the World Cup; it may be a similar story in 2014.
Key Player: Joel Campbell. The 21-year-old set the Champions League alight on occasions this season whilst on loan at Olympiacos. He’s owned by Arsenal and it’s expected he’ll return to England next season. He’s pivotal to Costa Rican hopes.
ENGLAND
Whilst the English aren’t giving their team much hope, I’m impressed with Roy Hodgson’s decision to go with youth. Hodgson has given young stars Adam Lallana, Luke Shaw and Ross Barkley their chance and will put faith in the Liverpool midfield trio of Steven Gerrard, Raheem Sterling and Jordan Henderson. The pressure of expectation has crippled them in recent tournaments, but will the lack of faith back home prove a godsend in Brazil?
Key Player: Wayne Rooney. It’s time for Rooney to deliver in a big tournament. He’s been disappointing on the biggest stage. For so long the hope has been that the striker will simply ‘make something happen’ but now he has the support of Daniel Sturridge to ease the burden.
ITALY
After winning the World Cup in 2006, they didn’t get out of the group stages in 2010, but since Cesare Prandelli has taken over the reigns it’s been a different story. The Azzurri were runners up at Euro 2012 and qualified for Brazil with ease. Whilst they can make life difficult at times, by starting slow in the group stages, if they reach the knockout round anything can happen. They are second-round specialists, but they have to get out of their group first.
Key Player: Mario Balotelli. The hopes of the nation rest on the prodigious talents of the 23-year-old. If his mind is in the right place he’s a world beater, as he showed at Euro 2012. But if he’s not, he can be a disaster.
TO PROGRESS: ITALY, URUGUAY
GROUP E
SWITZERLAND
Despite the fact you may look at their squad and not see the superstars of some other nations, Switzerland come into the tournament as a seed, courtesy of their 8th place in the FIFA rankings and having not lost a game in qualifying. They disappointed in South Africa four years ago, but they are a big chance to finish top of the group this time around.
Key Player: Tranquillo Barnetta. A big tournament specialist. He launched himself on the international scene at the 2006 World Cup and was again a feature in South Africa. He may be a veteran now, but his extreme pace can unlock most defences. Will provide strong support to stars Gokhan Inler and Xherdan Shaqiri.
ECUADOR
After not qualifying in 2010, Ecuador is back at the World Cup. There second half demolition of the Socceroos highlighted their attacking threat and they took it to the Netherlands in their recent World Cup warm up. Their opening game against the Swiss will be hugely important with France expected to topple Honduras.
Key Player: Felipe Caicedo. Scored six goals in qualifying and has been described as the greatest Ecuadorian player in history.
FRANCE
Despite the talent at their disposal France are making a habit of just sneaking into the tournament. They had to go to a playoff again this time against Ukraine and after losing 2-0 in the first leg; they managed to turn it around, winning 3-0 in the second. Manager Didier Deschamps had gone with a young side and left the likes of Samir Nasri at home. France could go deep into the tournament if it all starts to click.
Key Player: Paul Pogba. Since moving from Manchester United to Juventus, Pogba has become a star. Still only 21, Juve may struggle to hold onto him for long. A big World Cup will see his value skyrocket.
HONDURAS
It will be tough to see ‘Los Catrachos’ getting past the group stage in what is their second consecutive appearance at the World Cup. They didn’t win a game in 2010 and will struggle to do so again this time. They’ve impressed at youth level and that stock is starting to filter through to the senior team, but they have a lot of work to do.
Key Player: Wilson Palacios. A warrior in midfield, Palacios both pulls the strings and does the mopping up. He will be joined in the squad by his brother Jerry.
TO PROGRESS: SWITZERLAND, FRANCE
GROUP F
ARGENTINA
So much is expected of the Argentineans at the World Cup, but in recent times they’ve disappointed. Any team with the ability to leave out Carlos Tevez should be a favourite and they come into the tournament after topping the South American group. They’ve failed to get past the Quarter-Finals on the last two occasions; they must do better this time around. Argentina is helped by the fact they are in the weaker section of the draw.
Key Player: Lionel Messi. Messi has swept all before him at club level, but it’s time he does so on the international stage. If he does, they could win it all.
BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA
With a population of less than four million, they’ve qualified for only their first World Cup in history. They lost just one game in qualifying and should progress to the second round.
Key Player: Edin Dzeko. 10 goals in qualification helped send Bosnia & Herzegovina to the World Cup. Coupled with 26 goals for Manchester City this season, he can’t come into the tournament in better form.
IRAN
Ranked No.1 in Asia and managed by Carlos Queiroz, Iran are not to be completely dismissed, but they will be up against it. They’ve never been out of the group stage in three previous appearances and they face a must win first up against Nigeria.
Key Player: Javad Nekounam. One of the most experienced players at the tournament having represented Iran over 140 times.
NIGERIA
The Super Eagles have long been looking for their next golden generation. Made the second round in 1994 and 1998, but haven’t got out of the group since then and haven’t won a game in their last two World Cup appearances. Nigeria will send a young squad to Brazil, coupled with the experience of John Obi Mikel, Joseph Yobo and Shola Ameobi. The clash with Bosnia will be crucial in deciding who finishes second.
Key Player: Victor Moses. Like his country, Moses has shown so much potential for so long. A bit player for Liverpool this season, whilst on loan from Chelsea. Stunning pace and an eye for goal, he and Odemwingie could just fire Nigeria into the second round.
TO PROGRESS: ARGENTINA, BOSNIA
GROUP G
GERMANY
Runners-up in 2002 and third place in 2006 and 2010, they’re my favourites to win the tournament in 2014. A side mixed with the best from Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund and those flying the flag in the Premier League at Arsenal and Chelsea. The squad is at its peak, with just three players over the age of 30 in their 23-man squad. Germany will come through the weaker half of the draw, with Spain, Netherlands, Brazil and Italy on the other side until at least the semi-finals.
Key Player: Miroslav Klose. The oldest player in the German squad at 35 and one of just two recognised strikers in the squad. If there is a weak point for the Germans it’s the lack of a true quality number 9. 14 World Cup goals makes him joint second all-time.
PORTUGAL
Two words. Cristiano Ronaldo. Portugal had to go to a playoff to book their place to Brazil, beating Sweden 4-2 on aggregate. Ronaldo scored all four. FIFA ranks them third in the world, which to be honest flatters them a bit. They’ll fight Germany for the top of the group, and should fight off the other two for 2nd spot.
Key Player: Cristiano Ronaldo. He’s the best player in the world. The question is – How far can he carry them?
GHANA
Made the second round in the last two attempts, with a Luis Suarez handball robbing them of a semi-final place in 2010. They’ll fight it out with Portugal for the runners-up spot.
Key Player: Asamoah Gyan. He was one of the stars of the last World Cup with his heroics earning him a Premier League club in Sunderland and a club record transfer fee. It all ended in tears though and since then he’s been plying his trade in the UAE. He’ll be fighting Christian Atsu for a starting place, but he just keeps scoring for the national team.
USA
Jurgen Klinsmann pulled the biggest shock leaving out Team USA legend, Landon Donovan. They topped Concacaf, but they’re expected to. There’s enough quality there to suggest it’s possible they’ll get out of the group, I just can’t see it happening.
Key Player: Clint Dempsey. With Donovan not making the plane the pressure falls on Dempsey. He’s the captain and most recognised in the squad. But he’s no longer in the Premier League, having returned to the MLS. He has a point to prove.
TO PROGRESS: GERMANY, PORTUGAL
GROUP H
BELGIUM
The talent that exists in their squad is insane. Hazard, Lukaku, Dembele, Fellaini, Kompany, Vermaelen, Januzaj and Courtois make up the new ‘Golden Generation’. With talent like that, they’re a genuine dark horse. Having not been to a World Cup since 2002, the new era could bring unprecedented success. They should top the group and from there, anything is possible, but it could just be four years too early though.
Key Player: Romelu Lukaku. With Christian Benteke injured, the goal scoring responsibility falls on Lukaku. He scored a hat-trick in a pre-World Cup friendly and with the support of Eden Hazard, Belgium have it covered.
ALGERIA
Topped their group in Africa, without losing a game, before beating Burkina Faso on away goals to book their ticket. Hoping to do better this time around after failing to win a game or score a goal in 2010. They’ll improve, but won’t get out of this group.
Key Player: Madjid Bougherra. The Algerian captain and their most experienced player named in the squad for Brazil. Currently without a club, but has been on the big stage before in England and Scotland.
RUSSIA
Edged out Portugal to secure automatic qualification under Fabio Capello. Capello waved goodbye to the likes of Andrei Arshavin and Roman Pavlyuchenko, with both playing no part in qualification. The new faces have done the job for now and should battle South Korea for 2nd place.
Key Player: Aleksandr Kerzhakov. Capello has made Kerzhakov his first choice striker and after doing the job for him in qualification, he’ll be hoping he continues his form in Brazil.
KOREA REPUBLIC
Mixed results in the lead up to the World Cup, highlighted by their 1-0 loss to Tunisia. A second place finish in their Asian qualifying group sealed their place, but they’ll have to improve significantly if they’re to reach the second round like they did in 2010. The clash with Russia is crucial.
Key Player: Kim Bo-Kyung. He’s been hand picked by Park Ji-Sung to wear the no.7 shirt following his retirement and he’s the new darling of South Korean football, given his performances at Cardiff City. He’s not just inherited the number, but also the weight of a nation.
TO PROGRESS: BELGIUM, RUSSIA
