It's finally time. The event that captures the entire world is only a few days away! Even those who aren't usually soccer fans tune in for the World Cup. To put things in perspective, the Super Bowl this year was watched by just over 100 million people. The last World Cup final was watched by almost a billion! It's a showcase of the best players in the world representing their respective countries. I personally get chills when I hear the national anthems played and the players are singing along. You can tell how much this means to all of them. Before I give my analysis and predictions for the first four groups, I'll highlight some general headlines to watch for.
Brazil as Host Country
On paper, having the World Cup in Brazil is genius. Not only has Brazil won the World Cup a record 5 times, they constantly produce some of the best talent in the game. This year's team is no exception, from Neymar up front, to guys like Ramires and Oscar in the middle, and Thiago Silva in the back, Brazil have a VERY good team. Playing in front of home fans will surely put the pressure on the Selecao and they are the favorite to win it all. Brazil last hosted the World Cup in 1950 when they lost the final to Uruguay in front of 200,000 people. It is considered one of the biggest upsets in the history of the World Cup. Uruguay is also in this World Cup, and there is even a chance the teams play each other in the final (though it is sort of a long shot). As great as having the World Cup in Brazil is, there are some problems that continue within the country. Preparation of stadiums is the arguably the biggest, with Sao Paulo and Curitiba not expected to be ready on time. Rio de Janeiro's mayor recently said he thinks having 12 host cities was a mistake (8 are required). Other than stadiums, there have been numerous protests and strikes from groups who feel the billions of dollars Brazil spent to prepare for the World Cup could've been better used. Recently, subway workers in Sao Paulo went on strike, saying they will not come back for the World Cup if they don't get a pay raise. Don't panic too much though, South Africa had more than its fair share of problems, and that World Cup turned out ok.
Best Two Players in the World With a Chance to Shine on the Biggest Stage
There's very little debate: Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are the two best players in the world. Who's better? That's really a matter of opinion because you can make an argument for both (Personally I think Ronaldo is the better player). While both players are surrounded by superstars in their respective club teams, they don't have quite the firepower when playing for their countries. Portugal and Argentina are still VERY good teams, don't get me wrong, but it's nothing like Real Madrid or Barcelona. One reason why I think Ronaldo is the better player is he's done better for his country with less. I would argue that overall Argentina is better than Portugal. Messi has never gotten past the quarterfinals with Argentina in the World Cup, while Ronaldo helped them to a 4th place finish in 2006, and to the Euro 2004 Final. Messi has also done very little for Argentina in the Copa America (South American championship). Messi was better during Argentina's qualifying campaign this year, but Ronaldo stole the show in the UEFA playoff, scoring all 4 goals over two legs, guiding Portugal past Sweden. Both players are now in the prime of their careers, and expect both to have great performances. Many argue Messi will never be considered the greatest of all-time if he doesn't win a World Cup. What happens to Ronaldo's legacy if he is able to somehow guide Portugal to the final?
Missing Stars
While Ronaldo and Messi will both play in the World Cup, a host of great players will miss this year's tournament. Zlatan Ibrahimovic is arguably the most notable. It was Ibrahimovic vs. Ronaldo in the UEFA playoff, with Ronaldo triumphing 4-2 (literally, each player scored all of the goals for his respective team). Anyone who's watched Zlatan play knows how skilled of a player he is. Unfortunately, he plays on a Sweden side that overall have suffered in quality over the last few years. Now Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski will also miss out. Poland never really threatened to qualify, despite having a manageable group. The state of Polish soccer is very poor, and there is a huge need to bring a big name coach to put it together. Of course this section couldn't be complete without mentioning the most expensive signing in the history of soccer, Gareth Bale. Bale is from Wales, who have only played in the World Cup once. The team as a whole is not very good, and being in the 5th pot out of 6 in Europe means the Welsh will have tough qualifying groups for the foreseeable future. Other players won't be there because their respective national teams simply didn't call them up. Carlos Tevez of Argentina and Carlos Vela of Mexico are the biggest names. Still other players will miss out because of injuries. Marco Reus (Germany), Franck Ribery (France), and Radamel Falcao (Colombia) were recently ruled out, and a host of other players recently suffered injuries in friendlies (some gruesome, like Mexico's Luis Montes). While most of these teams can deal with losses of players, some of these guys are literally top 10 players in the world, so they will be hard to replace.
Group A
Any team drawn into this group knew they would face the tall task of having to play Brazil. The other three teams in the group include Mexico, Croatia, and Cameroon. I expect Brazil to win this group, though they may not win the first game against Croatia. Usually World Cup openers are very tense, nervous games that end in draws. Overall, Brazil may be the best team from top to bottom. Usually it's the defense and goalies that do them in, but Thiago Silva and experienced veteran Julio Cesar should provide stability. Second place will be a dog fight between Croatia and Mexico. On paper, Croatia is the better team, but the difference isn't huge. They have one of the best midfielders in Luka Modric who enjoyed a career year for Real Madrid. Croatia may have trouble scoring goals though, and Mario Mandzukic is suspended for the opener. Mexico have played much better since hiring new coach Miguel Herrera. The Mexicans needed the United States' help to get to the CONCACAF-Oceania playoff, but they easily trashed New Zealand. The injury to Luis Montes may be crucial, and there is some confusion as to who will play up front, with Javier Hernandez reportedly demoted to the bench. Cameroon is a team that may get by because the other teams will overlook them. Samuel Eto'o will be asked to step up, and the striker had a largely mediocre season at Chelsea. The loser of the Mexico-Cameroon game (if there is one) is all but finished.
Prediction
1. Brazil
2. Croatia
3. Mexico
4. Cameroon
Group B
This is in my opinion the third toughest group behind D and G. Defending champions Spain have a tall task just to get out of the group, though they should win this group. Chile and the Netherlands will fight it out for second, while Australia are seen as the clear underdog. The opening match between Spain and the Netherlands is a rematch of the 2010 final, and a Netherlands win would really shake up this group. Spain are one of the favorites to win the World Cup, but they are older than last time and it seems as though teams are figuring out how to play against them. The inclusion of Diego Costa is a huge boost, because Spain really have no striker depth. The midfield may be the best in the world with Iniesta and Xavi expected to pull the strings yet again. The defense is also still solid with Gerard Pique and Sergio Ramos anchoring the back line. Chile are a team that not many people really know about, but they are my favorite to finish second. Alexis Sanchez, Arturo Vidal, and Gary Medel give the Chileans a super star at each position (forward, midfield, defense). Chile play a hard press, forcing opponent turnovers and counterattacking goals. The players have tremendous stamina. The Netherlands are looking to get back to the World Cup final after a terrible performance at the 2012 Euros. The team is older, but also has some fresh faces, and it's the new guys that will determine how far this team will go. The back line is inexperienced, and the speed and pressing of Chile could be a significant problem. Robin Van Persie and Arjen Robben are still superstars, but they are older and can't be expected to carry this team. Australia come in as huge underdogs, but don't be surprised if the Socceroos play a part in this group. I don't expect Australia to make it out, but if they steal points from the Netherlands or Chile (or maybe Spain), it can shake up the group.
Prediction
1. Spain
2. Chile
3. Netherlands
4. Australia
Group C
This group is one of the weakest, and every team has a good chance of making it out. The problem is the match-up with Group D in the second round. I don't see any of these teams making it past the round of 16. Colombia would be the clear favorite, but the injury to Falcao knocks them down a few notches. Luckily, Colombia have Carlos Bacca and Teo Gutierrez to cover. These guys are relatively unknown right now, but if Colombia go far, they will play a huge role. James Rodriguez and Juan Cuadrado provide tons of speed in midfield, while Juan Zuniga provides the same at left back. Greece are a very interesting team. They struggle in World Cups, but they won Euro 2004 and made it out of the group at the last Euros. They play an old school, physical, defensive style that seems to get results. Led in the back by Borussia Dortmund's Sokratis Papastathopolous, the Greek's may park the bus and look to counter with Georgios Samaras (who looks like Jesus) and rising star Kostas Mitroglou. Japan are one of the most technically gifted teams at the tournament. Led by their stars in mid-field Keisuke Honda and Shinji Kagawa, I see the Japanese as one of the teams making it out of this group. Maya Yoshida and Yuto Nagatomo provide a solid presence in the back. The only worry I have about Japan is a lack of big name strikers. The Ivory Coast are in my opinion Africa's best shot at getting out of the group stages. They still have plenty of firepower up front with Didier Drogba and Gervinho. Salomon Kalou and Yaya Toure will provide great support in midfield. The Ivorians' weak link is their defense, which is a little older and slower than what you may want. This group gave me the biggest challenge/headache for predictions.
Prediction
1. Colombia
2. Japan
3. Ivory Coast
4. Greece
Group D
Another tough group, this one is littered in history as Uruguay, England, and Italy have all won the World Cup, Italy 4 times. Much like Australia in Group B, Costa Rica will look to play spoiler, and have some added motivation as Uruguay beat Costa Rica in the playoff to get to the last World Cup. Italy are fresh off a terrific performance in the 2012 Euros, where they finished 2nd. Veteran Andrea Pirlo may be the most intelligent midfielder in the world right now; he plays alongside another superstar in Daniele De Rossi. Marco Veratti is a rising star who could have a coming out party this World Cup. On defense, the Italians have Giorgio Chiellini and Andrea Barzagli. In case they falter, Gigi Buffon, provides cover in goal, and was on the 2006 World Cup winning team. Of course I can't forget about Mario Balotelli up front, but Ciro Immobile may also be poised for a big tournament. Uruguay seek to build on their 4th place finish in 2010, and their Copa America Championship in 2012. Like Italy, Uruguay have depth at nearly every position, most notably at forward. Luis Suarez will be fit and will play alongside Edinson Cavani. The defense features Diego Godin, Diego Lugano, and Martin Caceres. The experience and talent of Uruguay will get them out of this group. England actually had a decent Euro 2012 and qualified undefeated. Yet there is a sense that this team is in a bit of a decline, with players like John Terry, Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard, and Ashley Cole getting old. Daniel Sturridge, Adam Lallana, Raheem Sterling and Gary Cahill are less experienced guys that could break out, but it's a tall task in this group. Wayne Rooney may have to carry this team if they want to make it out of the group. Costa Rica were already huge underdogs, but losing arguably their best player in Joel Campbell puts them even further away from making it out. Still, the Ticos are always a tough, scrappy opponent, and a draw will shake up the entire group.
Prediction
1. Italy
2. Uruguay
3. England
4. Costa Rica
Adam Bakiera
@abakiera
Follow me throughout the World Cup! Also, please comment and give your own predictions!
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