Let's face it folks, Greg doesn't know squat about soccer (football, as I call it). So I feel really bad about making him talk about it during the podcast. So, to do him a favor, I won't make him until he actual beginning o the World Cup Finals in Brazil. In order to me to get my fix, I'll have to take things into my own hands and walk you guys through the draw for the upcoming global football championship.
For any soccer newbies out there, each team plays three games in the group stage, one against each other team. A win is worth three points, a tie worth one, and a loss zero. After the round robin, the top two teams in each of the eight groups advance to the knockout stages.
By now, everyone knows that the United States has been royally boned out of a chance at World Cup success. They were thrown into a group with two of the best nations in the world and the one that knocked them out in 2010. Things look quite grim for the Americans, but we will elaborate on that later. For now, we begin at the top with...
Group A
Brazil
Croatia
Mexico
Cameroon
The hosts have quite an easy track into the knockout rounds, as if they needed one. This is no vintage Brazil side, but they don't really have to be to make a run at the title here. Home field advantage throughout the tournament will go a long, long way towards winning matches. Throw them in a group with Croatia, a second tier European team, Mexico, who has all sorts of issues right now, and Cameroon, a fairly formidable African nation and they will cruise to the top of the table.
Second place is where things get interesting. Croatia looked pretty solid in their playoff tie with Iceland. They figure to be the odd man out here, however. Mexico can consider themselves lucky to be heading to Brazil after their woeful qualifying campaign. Cameroon were once an upstart African nation that could possible make a George Mason like run through the knockout rounds, but that no longer is the case. I will put my money on Mexico advancing, assuming they will have recovered from their nightmares over the last year.
Advancing: Brazil and Mexico
Group B
Spain
Netherlands
Chile
Australia
This is the tertiary group of death. The 2010 finalists Spain and The Netherlands will meet up in the first match for this group. Regardless of the result, I expect both of them will move along. Chile could stand a chance with an easier draw, but put them up against two of Europe's best and I don't give them a fighting chance. Australia might lose out and find themselves heading home early.
The minor question make here will be the Dutch and their ability to recover from an awful European championship two summers ago where they failed to win a game. If they stumble the same way they did in 2012, then Chile can sneak into the second place spot, but don't count on it.
Advancing: Spain and Netherlands
Group C
Columbia
Greece
Ivory Coast
Japan
If there was a group of death for non-superpowers, this would be it. Each of the four teams has a shot to make it into the top two, with Columbia leading the charge. They are an attacking first side that struggles defensively, but they certainly can outscore anyone. Ivory Coast have been one of those upstart African teams that Cameroon used to be. They don't have the scoring power that they used to have, but they are still probably the best Africa has to offer. Greece is one of the weakest sides of Europe, their strong defense gives them a chance, though. Japan are Asia's best country and can certainly sneak by with this draw.
I would put my money on Columbia and Ivory Coast, but a Japanese or Greek coup wouldn't shock me.
Advancing: Columbia and Ivory Coast
Group D
Uruguay
Costa Rica
England
Italy
England's draw is almost as bad as their colonial brethren. They get one of the best in Europe with Italy, the always overachieving Uruguay, and Costa Rica, who is really screwed here. Uruguay will have a strong home field advantage as they will not be playing far from home. Italy is an always skilled team that would challenge to win any group. England has all the talent in the world but has a knack for shooting themselves in the foot. Costa Rica, well, good luck and have a safe trip home. No way you are winning a game here.
It will probably end up being a dark World Cup for the English. They are just too outmatched in this group for me to pick them to move on.
Advancing: Italy and Uruguay
Group E
Switzerland
Ecuador
France
Honduras
The French were a miraculous second leg comeback away from failing to qualify for the tournament altogether, and now here they are with the second easiest draw of any of the traditional powers. The French have been notorious for failing in the World's biggest stage, but I doubt they will have that problem this time around. They got the weakest of the seeded teams in Switzerland, a second tier South American team in Ecuador, and the lowest ranked team fro North America in Honduras.
Another example of where second place could be interesting, Switzerland stand the best chance, but they will have no easy battles with Ecuador and Honduras, both sides had strong showings in qualifying.
Advancing: France and Switzerland
Group F
Argentina
Bosnia-Herzegovina
Iran
Nigeria
Argentina has things easier than France does, if for no other reason that they are a far superior team. Any team with the consensus best player in the world, Lionel Messi, should have no problem moving along. The battle for second place will be a struggle between African power Nigeria and Bosnia. Nigeria is a team with many players playing throughout Europe. Bosnia are a team with some serious firepower as well.
I like Bosnia here, but Nigeria coming into the fold would be no shock. Iran, thanks for playing, because you probably won't last long here.
Advancing: Argentina and Bosnia Herzegovina
Group G
Germany
Portugal
United States
Ghana
Here it is folks, the United States and their painful outlook for Brazil 2014. They have to overcome the likes of tournament favorites Germany and perennial power Portugal. To make things worse, they get to play Ghana, the ones who ended them in 2010. With all the success the Americans have had since Jurgenn Klinsman took over, this is a true disappointment.
Sad to say, there is just too much in the USA's way to see them through to the group stages. My first reaction when seeing the draw was "I don't think they can beat any of those teams." And further review supports this. They might take down Ghana, but don't expect an upset against Germany or Portugal.
Advancing: Germany and Portugal
Group H
Belgium
Algeria
Russia
South Korea
This could be quite the competitive group. Belgium are clearly the best, but the other three all have strong merits. Russia hasn't enjoyed much success internationally, but won't let many goals in. South Korea has qualified for two of the last three knockout rounds, and Algeria is an up and coming team.
I like Russia to join Belgium in the next stage. Mostly because I can't say I trust Algeria or South Korea to come through.
Advancing: Belgium and Russia
So, there you have it, my take on each of the eight World Cup groups. I'll give more detailed looks at each nation's teams and tactics as the tournament approaches. Meaning some time in May and June. That is also when I force Greg to join most of the world and talk some football. Should be a hootin' time.
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