Finally, it is the day all football lovers in the world have
been waiting impatiently for a long time. The biggest sporting event in
football’s history, FIFA World Cup Brazil 2014, kicks off this Thursday at
Itaquerao stadium in Brazil. The biggest, costliest and arguably the most controversial
tournament in the football’s history will start with a star-studded ceremony
followed by a match between the host nation and Croatia.
Let’s take a quick glance at the teams that have a better
chance of winning over others in individual groups.
In Group A, it’s Brazil and the rest of them. There is
expected to be a tough fight between Croatia and Mexico for the second place.
As far as skills are concerned, Croatia outguns Mexico this time. But passion
and proximity might turn the game in favour of Mexico. Cameroon, undoubtedly,
will secure the fourth place.
In Group B, Spain is the favourite, while Netherlands is
supposed to take the second place and face the winner of Group A (which is
supposed to be Brazil) in the first knockout. Still one can’t rule out Chile,
who can pull off an upset. Australia will take the fourth place as expected.
In Group C, Ivory Coast with Didier Drogba is still believed
to make it to the top with Colombia following second. While Colombia will miss
Radamel Falcao dearly, Greece and Japan still don’t pack enough punch to make
it to the top.
Group D is definitely the Group of Death. Italy is favoured
to be the winner of the group, although an upset with England can’t be ruled
out. The match between England and Uruguay will definitely be a nail biting one.
Costa Rica will have to be contented taking the last position.
In Group E, France is considered to make it to the top
without any difficulty. There will be a tussle between Ecuador and Switzerland
for the second place. Honduras can rest assured as their fourth position is
going nowhere.
Group F has Argentina written all over it. What needs to be seen
here is the tussle for the second place between Nigeria, who hasn’t made it to
group stage since 1998, Iran and first timer Bosnia-Herzegovina.
In Group G, there will be a major tussle between Germany and
Portugal for the top position. Although Germany has the edge player-wise, but
with Ronaldo in his current form, Portugal will be a force to be reckoned with.
Ghana and USA will have a good match, which Ghana is supposed to win—putting
USA in the fourth position.
Group H is the dark-horse group and Belgium is the favourite
to finish at the top. The match between Russia and South Korea will be an
interesting one and the player to watch out will be Son Heung-min from South
Korea. Algeria will secure the fourth position.
All eyes are now set for the first match of the tournament
between the host Brazil and Croatia. No host has ever lost their first match in
world cup and this time too we are expecting to see the same trend. All eyes
will be on Neymar from Brazil and his left leg, and Rakitic, the midfielder
from Croatia.
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