*FAN SUBMISSION by Frank Servidio of Chicago, Illinois. Follow him on Twitter @fservid.*
Group A
Courtesy: Sports Illustrated/CNN
Brazil – Easily the favorites because of their age and conditioning in the adverse South American climate, the biggest hurdle to beating Brazil this summer is, well…Brazil. The country itself is unmatched when it comes to the greatest sport in the world. With the entire country behind them, it will take either a seasoned/cagey opponent, or a shock defeat to see them out of the tourney. There has been questions raised at the club level over star players such as Hulk and Neymar, however, they seem to be different players at the national level, especially the latter. Player to watch: Thiago Silva – Brazil always has enough firepower to create chances and any team in the world can struggle to score, however defense is perceived to be their weak point. Notoriously they get beat because of their joga bonita style even from the backline. Silva is one of the best backs in the world and, should Brazil win it all, will no doubt save a game or two for them in the knockout stages.
Croatia – A European squad who is typically a tough out might be a bit more this time around. A very strong midfield pairing of Rakitic and Modric feeding the ball to Mandzukic up top is going to cause problems for the other three teams. It is a blow not to have Mandzukic (one-game suspension) against Brazil in the opener, but even with him the first game would have been tough. Modric has really come into his own for Real Madrid this season and should continue to impress. Player to watch: Rakitic had a stellar season for Sevilla and led them to the Europa league title. He is wanted by the top three teams in Spain so he has even more incentive to prove his worth. Rumor has it he will head to Barcelona so the young gun will be on full display in June.
Mexico – It is no secret Mexico underwhelmed in qualifications as they needed a last gasp comeback by USA, in a meaningless final qualifier for the Americans, to even make it into a playoff for the last spot against New Zealand. Playing better at the moment, Mexico is still a country where not making the knockout stage would be a big disappointment. A bit of an aging defense could cause issues as we saw in the confederations cup last summer, but there is more than enough skill from the rest of the team. Players such as Guardado, Chicharito, Dos Santos will always give Mexico a fighting chance along with a few others who are playing their club football in Europe. Player to watch: Javier Hernandez. Simply put, if he has a bad world cup, they do not have a chance. He is trying to play his way out of Manchester United and into a regular starting lineup somewhere in Europe; for him, motivation will not be an issue. He is up against it with the national team and fitness, however, even as a super sub it is hard to see Mexico advancing without a strong impact from him.
Cameroon – For me, they are the wildcard of the group. Cameroon boasts many players who regularly feature in a top flight league somewhere in Europe. They are notoriously a top African nation and are usually good for a surprise. With midfielders like Assou-Ekotto and Alex Song, ball possession is something their opponents will need to work for. Somewhat of a weak backline will ultimately be their undoing, but they will be tough to beat. Player to watch: Samuel Eto’o – Simply put, he is both their best and most experienced player. He has great motivation after a suspect season at Chelsea and has always been a goal scorer who relishes the big stage. Plus, he always has some good celebrations up his sleeve as the Special One at Stamford Bridge is well aware of.
Group Prediction:
Matchday1 – Brazil over Croatia 3-1, Cameroon 1 – 1 Mexico
Matchday2 – Brazil over Mexico 2-1, Croatia 3 – 2 Cameroon
Matchday3 – Brazil over Cameroon 2-0, Croatia 2 – 1 Mexico
I am not sure Brazil will bring it on Match day 3, but I still have them finishing with all 9 points while Croatia comes in 2nd with 6. I would not be surprised if Mexico or Cameroon snuck up into that 2nd spot, but either way, I expect all 3 teams to have a chance at qualifying come match day 3.
Group Winner: Brazil Runner-up: Croatia
Group B
Courtesy: NY Times
Spain – No secret here; the two-time defending European champs and defending World Cup champs are the favorite out of teams not named Brazil or Argentina. Their experience is tantamount, their skill high, and their previous success unmatched. However, I believe fatigue will play a large factor in this squad which will really put the pressure on them to win the first match and gain rest on Match day 3. We are talking the crème de la crème. A team flooded with Real Madrid and Barcelona players who have repeatedly won at the highest level. This season, Madrid played many games due to their Champions League success and Barcelona saw an aging squad struggle to keep pace with the likes of Atleti. Player to watch: Diego Costa. Spain left a lot of talent at home for him. He not only has the pressure, but is a huge risk as he is recovering from injury. The most surprising aspect of Spain’s run is how difficult it can be for them to get that first goal. Once that happens, it is usually lights out.
Netherlands – Looking to remove the bad taste from their mouth from 2010, they get their crack at Spain immediately in the first game. A team filled with talent and notoriously appealing play will look to correct their awful final performance from the last world cup. Having Strootman out of the lineup is a big blow, but the talent pool is high. Overall, I am not sure they have the game changers they normally do, or at least while at their peak physical levels. Nonetheless, le oranje know how to score. Player to watch: Arjen Robben. He exercised his Champions League demons last season and will look to do the same at the World cup. He may or may not convert on his chances, but one thing we can guarantee from Robben is a few cuts in from the right sideline setting up a left-footed shot from the top of the box. If he is on his game, those will fly into the far, upper corner and the Dutch will be putting a scare into every Brazilian fan. If he is off, fans in rows 15-20 will be fighting over a few souvenirs.
Chile – Easily the biggest wildcard of the tournament. They are the type of team that even if they lost all 3 games, everyone in the soccer-circle will tune in. Having said that, they have enormous potential and are probably one of the teams Spain wanted to avoid. This team is incredibly strong and will play some of the most attractive football in the tournament. Their weakness is without question, consistency; mainly on the back line. Throughout qualification, and a couple of friendlies with the aforementioned Spain, they lost leads very late in games where they controlled the pace for 80+ minutes. Vargas and Sanchez up front will do all they can to put Chile ahead and the backline will need to protect it. Player to watch: Arturo Vidal. The best box to box midfielder in the world is the key to this Chilean machine. If he is fit and in form, there is no doubt they will contend for a top 2 spot in this difficult group. If he shows any signs of fatigue, it will be a short tourney for la roja as he is at his best with his motor running high.
Australia – The Socceroos are definitely the weak link in an otherwise strong group. Having said that, they do have quite a bit of experience and flair. Counter attacking football is never easy to play against, especially when teams like the Netherlands and Spain are so used to scoring. There could be an upset against either opponent, but the bad news for Australia is that one of those two teams, if not both, will view their matchup with the Socceroos as a must-win. Player to watch: Lucas Neill. Now in his 30’s, he has been a part of the team for 3 world cups. Experience on an under-dog squad could be big; in Brazil’s climate, age at the backline could also be Australia’s undoing.
Group Prediction
Matchday1 – Spain over Netherlands 2-1, Chile 2 – 1 Australia
Matchday2 – Chile over Spain 2-1, Netherlands 1 – 1 Australia
Matchday3 – Spain over Australia 2-0, Netherlands 2 – 1 Chile
Group Winner: Spain Runner-up: Chile
Outside of the last world cup, the Netherlands were always a trendy pick and usually good for an upset over the Brazils and Frances of the tourney. This time around, they are a favorite and I am not sure this is the right group for that. If they advance, Brazil will definitely be tested, but there is also a real possibility they do not make it out. Chile knows this, which is why I believe they will do everything to win their first 2 games and render their final match to be as meaningless as possible. It is probably not smart to bet against Spain, even in a group match, but if there is one team that can surprise them it will be Chile.
Group C
Courtesy: Bleacher Report
Colombia – A strong South American team with great pedigree, yet without a worldwide star, losing Falcao has really deterred many’s faith in this team’s chances. Having said that, this team has a ton of top-flight starters with the likes of Freddy Guarin, Cuardrado, and Zuniga which can pick up the slack. In a weaker/wide-open group, Colombia still has a fighting chance. Player to watch: If Falcao cannot go, which looks to be the case, Porto striker Jackson Martinez now shoulders the load. The man who has been linked with half of the European clubs the past two summers now has a chance to make his name; whether Colombia likes it or not.
Greece – The Greek’s best chance to make the knockout stages is to be placed in a group such as this one. All of these teams are going to be competitive and that bodes well for a squad comprised of a ton of home-grown Olympiakos players who had a stellar domestic season. Kone from Bologna and Mitroglou will have their chance to shine, however, the Greeks will more than likely play a less than attractive style of football. Player to watch: Georgios Samaras. The Celtic man is very talented and a big body. He can sometimes be the difference in match, but he also has the unwanted ability of disappearing for long stretches. Greece struggles to score, so any and every contribution from Samaras should go a long way.
Cote d’Ivoire –Anytime you have Didier Drogba on your team you have a chance to win. The striker who has made a name for himself over the years scoring cup winning goals could be playing in his World Cup swan song. With help up front from an in-form Gervinho, this team will have what it takes to score goals. Their weak point, as with most nations, will be the back line. Player to watch: With Didier Drogba on the pitch, it is hard to divert your attention, however, Yaya Toure is the biggest key to their success in 2014. His presence in the midfield will not only dictate the pace, but will also offer space for both Gervinho and Drogba. Given Falcao’s setback, Toure seems primed to be the player of the group following a tremendous Premier League campaign with the champions, Manchester City.
Japan – As a footballing nation on the rise, it is no surprise that the Japanese, who pride themselves on organization and efficiency, have plenty of players across Germany and Italy. Nagatomo, Kagawa, and Honda will all lead the way. The pace and skill of the Japanese is very high and they will not beat themselves. Player to watch: Keisuke Honda. Since moving to AC Milan midseason, Honda has struggled to impress in Italy. On the international front, he has always been a joy to watch. I look for Honda to find his game and regain the form that Japan and the world are used to seeing. Japan have a great chance to make it out so one would think that Honda would not pass this opportunity up.
Group Prediction
Matchday1 – Colombia over Greece 2-1, Japan 1 – 1 Ivory Coast
Matchday2 – Japan over Greece 1-0, Ivory Coast 2 – 2 Colombia
Matchday3 – Ivory Coast over Greece 2-0, Japan 1 – 0 Colombia
Group Winner: Japan Runner-up: Ivory Coast
This is one of the hardest groups to predict. Falcao’s absence has made this anyone’s group. I expect going into the final match day that nothing will be resolved. Colombia can be a bit open at times and that could cause trouble for some teams, but if they are too open, Japan is too organized not to punish them. Greece is the wildcard as they would only need one result to throw an even bigger wrench into this group. At its core, this group has 4 teams worthy of a 2-3 seeding.
Group D
Courtesy: Zimbio
Uruguay – A definite favorite in this World Cup prior to Suarez’s injury, Uruguay has no lack of scoring threats. Diego Forlan will most likely need to play a bigger role than anyone had thought going into the tournament, but there are few that would doubt his ability to come through. Being a South American team, the pressure is on and now even more so since Suarez went under the knife. Defensively, Martin Caceres and Diego Godin have had terrific seasons at the club level causing many to praise what has typically been Uruguay’s weak spot. While their midfield is admirable, they are under a huge test facing England and Italy. Player to watch: Diego Forlan will need to pick up the slack if Suarez can’t go, and he will fit in just fine. Suarez cannot be replaced, but other players will need to make sure to produce. Therefore, my player to watch is Edinson Cavani. A lackluster start to the season saw his first year at PSG ask more questions than it answered. If he truly is worth the transfer fee the Parisians trucked out for him, he will need to wash away the underwhelming Champions League performance at Stamford Bridge and prove his worth in Brazil. If he can’t, he will be left as 2nd fiddle to Ibrahimovic at club, and Suarez at country. While that is still an incredible feat, Uruguay is hoping he has greater ambitions.
Costa Rica – In what is one of the groups of death, Costa Rica is hoping not to be embarrassed. With 3 teams all capable of winning the group, they will all no doubt make sure they do everything not to drop any points against Costa Rica. Goaltender Navas will need to be spectacular to give Costa Rica any chance; which he can be as he is the 2nd best goaltender in the group. Their main attacking man Soborio is lost due to injury which puts even more pressure on the player to watch: Bryan Ruiz. Their biggest playmaker will have all of the pressure on an offensively-handicapped squad. It is most likely too tall of a task for just one player.
England – Obviously, the pedigree of England is strong. Coaching and experience are high, but there is definitely some youth in this squad. The English are notorious under-achievers on the international stage, and have a few players in particular who will look to shed that label. Wayne Rooney and Daniel Sturridge can, and most likely will, cause problems for every team in this group. Their midfield is flooded with experience. The English have done everything they could to temper expectations, but this team has enough talent to surprise. Their backline will undoubtedly be tested by Uruguay and Italy which, like many teams, circumstantially puts pressure on their goaltender. Player to watch: Joe Hart. The Man City keeper has had an up and down campaign and there is plenty of talent behind him waiting in the wings. A strong tournament from him is not only needed in order for England to advance, but also if he wants to continue to be England’s number one moving forward.
Italy – Not winning either of their final two qualifying matches, Italy lost a top seed and was placed into the wildcard position landing into a group of death. Coming off of a disappointing 2010 world cup, the 2012 Euros were a retooling tournament for the Azzurri and this was further cemented by a strong showing in Brazil last summer during the confederations cup where they were eliminated on penalties by Spain. Captained by a legendary goalkeeper and world cup champion, the backline mainly made up of his teammates from Juventus should be well organized, yet well tested. The attacking style that Italy employs will make for some very attractive games, but could leave them vulnerable against clinical finishers. There are few teams who can match midfields with Italy which is extremely vital given the questions surrounding their attack. Whether they follow through on playing with a 4-3-3 is yet to be seen, but the talent, and more so the tactics, are there to make a deep run. One negative is their travel schedule being the 2nd worst in the tournament. Player to watch: Mario Balotelli. While there can be a case for the importance of almost every other player, if he is on, the Italians are amongst the best in the world. Otherwise, their goals will need to come from unexpected sources, or not at all.
Group Prediction
Matchday1 – Uruguay over Costa Rica 3-1, Italy 1 – 1 England
Matchday2 – Italy over Costa Rica 2-0, Uruguay 2 – 1 England
Matchday3 – England over Costa Rica 4-2, Italy 2 – 1 Uruguay
Group Winner: Italy Runner-up: Uruguay
Group D is filled with talented teams and I believe that can sometimes cause managers to be much more conservative. I can see the top 3 teams tying and beating Costa Rica. That would mean whoever can beat Costa Rica up the most will be moving on. Having said that, Italy clearly have the most experience from the group, but they infamously make things hard on themselves. England should put in a great effort, but it will be tough to make it out ahead of the Italians and an immensely talented Uruguayan team who will have a continent on their side.
Group E
Courtesy: Zimbio
Switzerland – The Swiss, who have been labeled as the weakest top seed, have it all to play for with little pressure. Not many people expect them to make a deep run which will cause an even bigger surprise if they do. The only team to beat Spain at the last world cup, the Swiss have a strong squad with the likes of Serie A stars Inler and Lichtsteiner. Player to watch: Xherdan Shaqiri. The Bayern Munchen starlet has been waiting for a stage like this and is about to get his shot and they will definitely need his offense.
Ecuador – A strong team overall with few true stars will need to be extremely organized to get out of the Group stages. Many of their first teamers struggle to find the starting lineups on their club teams. That usually proves to be a problem for game fitness and crispness, however, it could prove beneficial against teams who are much more fatigued. Player to watch: Jefferson Montero. A player with high technical skill might be the one Ecuadorian to turn heads in Brazil.
France – The French who struggled to qualify for this summer’s tourney couldn’t have asked for an easier draw given their road to get to Brazil. A team with immense talent but very little heart and cohesiveness, are just as likely to fail as to make a deep run. Franck Ribery is likely to be ruled out which is devastating. The likes of Benzema, Giroud, and Varane will no doubt give the team confidence. Player to watch: Paul Pogba. The center of multiple transfer rumors reaching the heights of 80 million Euros, the Juventus star won Europe’s best young player award last season after helping his club team to a championship, and his country’s U-21 team to World Cup glory. With Ribery out, he will undoubtedly be asked to take on a larger role; and if anyone has watched Pogba this season, there is little doubt he is ready for it.
Honduras – Part of the Hex which saw so many ups and downs during qualifications, Honduras seems to be trending downward at the wrong time. Their defense is aging and their forwards are struggling to score. Player to watch: Jerry Bengtson. The striker is supposed to be the country’s best young talent. They will most likely need goals against France and the Swiss to get any type of result, and the young gun will be their best bet.
Group Prediction
Matchday1 – France over Honduras 2-0, Switzerland 2 – 1 Ecuador
Matchday2 – Ecuador 2 – 2 Honduras, France 1 – 1 Switzerland
Matchday3 – Switzerland over Honduras 1-0, Ecuador 1 – 1 France
Group Winner: Switzerland Runner-up: France
In a relatively weak group, it is hard to see the quality of Honduras and Ecuador matching that of France and Switzerland. It would be a mild shock to see Ecuador make the round of 16, but a bigger one if France doesn’t.
Group F
Courtesy: Fox Sports Asia
Argentina – Many are touting Messi’s men as the next favorites after Brazil. Potent in attack and strong on the wings, there is little denying that a South American team with that much firepower has a great chance to be in the final. Having said that, the defense is their weak point and they will most likely give up goals as well as score them. With the likes of Higuain, Messi, Di Maria, Aguero and more, losing a game to any Group F opponent would be disappointing. Player to watch: Lionel Messi. If a subpar season at Barca didn’t add enough pressure to his shoulders, the exclusion of Carlos Tevez from the team has caused a divide amongst fans. Messi needs a strong world cup on his home continent in order to bury the ghosts of world cups past and truly cement his legacy.
Bosnia – The little nation of Bosnia has found themselves ecstatic to be drawn into this group. The consensus is that the remaining three teams all have a chance to get out. Bosnia plays great defense and has an above average midfield. Player to watch: Edin Dzeko. Scoring at an alarming rate for his club and national team, he is a nightmare for Iran and Nigeria and could very well be the reason Bosnia makes it to the knockout stage.
Iran – A non-traditional footballing nation; If they can get a point out of match day 1, they have a shot. You get the feeling they will have to win one game, and their mentality is usually not to lose which does not bode well. There are a few above average players who impressed throughout qualification, however, they lack a world cup star. Player to watch: Reza Ghoochannejhad. The Iranian tallied eight goals for country in 2013.
Nigeria – Always a tough out at the world cup, the Nigerians have it all in front of them. A win against Iran in the opener will put all of the pressure on Bosnia. With Moses in the picture as well as players like Mikel and Emenike, Nigeria boasts what is probably their most talented roster. Player to watch: Vincent Enyeama. A standout goalkeeper in the French league this past season has been able to come up with extraordinary wins from games his team had no business being in.
Group Prediction
Matchday1 – Argentina over Bosnia 3-1, Nigeria 1 – 0 Iran
Matchday2 – Argentina over Iran 5-1, Nigeria 1 – 1 Bosnia
Matchday3 – Argentina over Nigeria 2-1, Bosnia 2 – 1 Iran
Group Winner: Argentina Runner-up: Nigeria
I really think Bosnia has a shot, but Nigeria seems to be the best-rounded team not named Argentina. Bosnia vs. Nigeria is the biggest match of the group, even for Iran’s chances.
Group G
Courtesy: Global Post
Germany – This team has what it takes to make the final four of any tournament, but to this point, this group hasn’t been able to finish the job. One thing is certain, they will be heavily tested in the group stage. Player to watch: Marco Reus. The Dortmunder is on the rise and it might be time for someone like him to take the reign of team’s best player from Lahm and Schweinsteiger. Also, if Julian Draxler can make it on the field, the youngster will impress.
Portugal – A top team according to FIFA, yet they are incredibly reliant on Ronaldo. I can’t see any of these teams giving Ronaldo much space, but that is easier said than done. The likes of Moutinho, Postiga, Almeida and Nani will need to step up. Player to watch: Cristiano Ronaldo. If he goes missing, someone else can score, right? There are injury rumors swirling around his name which could potentially turn this tourney into a nightmare for the Selecao(Seleção).
Ghana – An incredibly experienced and talented team, this is probably the best squad an African nation has ever fielded. The likes of Muntari, Gyan, Boateng, Ayew makes them very solid. They do lack a true world star, but they have plenty of team-wide talent. Player to watch: Kwadwo Asamoah. He is not a goal scorer but can run the wing, dribble, and defend. The biggest thing to watch is that he will most likely be matching up with Ronaldo and Reus on the wing so it is safe to say, if he defends well Ghana has a great chance.
USA – Everyone is aware Donovan did not make the team. To be honest, it is a huge blow if things start off badly. Otherwise, it will not be felt. The Ghana game is a must-win, otherwise they have to climb a waterfall. Their travel schedule is awful; which makes game 1 even more important. Mix Diskerud and Dempsey look to be in great form. Player to watch: Aron Johannsson and Chris Wondolowski. They are essentially on the team in place of Donovan. Maybe there is some debate over the backups, but these two? No. Johannsson is the best forward USA has. He is clearly the most gifted scorer on the team and if he plays well, he could make a goal out of nothing; which could be the difference in USA advancing or going home. Wondolowski provides an aerial threat which no other player in the US can match. If we have learned anything from the US’s world cup past, it is that there will be goals needed late in games which makes these two super subs (for now), extremely vital.
Group Prediction
Matchday1 – Germany over Portugal 2-1, Ghana 1 – 1 USA
Matchday2 – Portugal 2 – 2 USA, Germany 2 – 2 Ghana
Matchday3 – Germany over USA 1-0, Ghana 2 – 1 Portugal
Group Winner: Germany Runner-up: Ghana
It is hard to see Germany not topping this group. It is also difficult to see Portugal not getting a win, however, Ghana’s experience is too great to overlook. If USA can come away with 4 points over their first two games they have a shot but between their travel schedule and Ronaldo’s injury concerns, it looks as though all of the luck is with Ghana to advance.
Group H
Courtesy: BBC
Belgium – With Courtois in net and developing stars such as Mertens, Dembele, Van Buyten and Lukaku, this team is the clear favorite in an otherwise down group. Player to watch: Eden Hazard. Hazard is a game changer and will burn up the sideline against all 3 teams. There is too much talent for this team to miss out on the Round of 16. However, their experience is limited which could show up in the knockout stages.
Algeria – If Algeria can finish 3rd that would be a major improvement for a team that just does not score goals. Their best shot at points in the group are goalless draws with Russia and South Korea. Player to watch: Brahimi. Biggest name on the team.
Russia – Russia is as strong as it has ever been. A strong showing in the Euros along with a very accomplished head coach in Fabio Capello gives them hope. Player to watch: Alexander Kerzhakov. Teams such as Russia, which have talent and organization but little experience, tend to struggle to score consistently on the grand stages. That is why Kerzhakov’s scoring rate in Brazil will be extra important.
South Korea – Another footballing nation on the rise, if they advance to the group stages they will have done it 3 of the last 4 world cups. Player to watch: Park Chu-young; once a prized possession in England has been relegated to loan stints and the bench for Arsenal. Overall, they are a very scary team to play against, especially in a round of 16 match.
Group Prediction
Matchday1 – Belgium over Algeria 2-0, Russia 1 – 1 South Korea
Matchday2 – South Korea over Algeria 1-0, Belgium 2 – 1 Russia
Matchday3 – Belgium over South Korea 2-1, Russia 2 – Algeria 1
Group Winner: Belgium Runner-up: Russia
Belgium is looking more and more like a legit contender with each passing week. Their lineup is stout and they have a number of strong players. Russia’s ability and coaching should not be undervalued. Their matchup with South Korea seems destined to end in a draw which should make for an interesting final match day.
Round of 16
Brazil vs Chile (2-1)
Regardless of Brazil’s opponent, this match will be extremely difficult. I do not see any way Brazil allows an early exit against either Chile or the Netherlands on home soil.
Spain vs Croatia (1-0)
Spain will certainly be tested, but they are too seasoned of a squad to lose to anyone but a top team. A herculean effort would be needed by the Croats.
Japan vs Uruguay (1-2)
This would be an extremely dicey matchup for Uruguay. The Japanese can really play at a high tempo, but the climate and home field advantage might be too much for them to overcome.
Italy vs Ivory Coast (2-1)
Italy is one team with a midfield that can neutralize Yaya Toure. The experience at the back will be too much for Ivory Coast to break through.
Switzerland vs Nigeria (1-0)
The Swiss will have their hands full in what will surely be their toughest mental battle. A relatively inexperienced squad has the talent to overcome the Eagles.
Argentina vs France (3-2)
If Ribery were healthy, this could easily be the game of the tourney, even at its early stage. However, the Argentine’s boast too much firepower for France at this point in time.
Germany vs Russia (2-0)
The German’s hold way too much experience for the Russians who will be happy to simply get out of their group.
Belgium vs Ghana (1-2)
I believe this to be the first true test for Belgium against a squad of World Cup veterans. Their talent is great, but Ghana is no pushover in that department either. Conditioning and experience win out.
Quarterfinals
Brazil vs Uruguay (3-2)
A dream matchup for South America and FIFA, Brazil against Uruguay would bring a fiery atmosphere. Uruguay has the potential for the upset, but Brazil will not go down lightly.
Spain vs Italy (2-1)
A rematch of both the Confederations Cup semifinal and the Euro 2012 final, it might be about time for Italy to beat Spain. They definitely have what it takes, but there is also a real possibility they do not even make it this far.
Switzerland vs Germany (0-1)
The Swiss are another opponent for the Germans where they will simply overwhelm with experience. Switzerland would be content with a quarterfinals trip, while Germany has a bigger prize in mind.
Argentina vs Ghana (3-1)
The Argentine’s do not boast the experience of the Ghanaians, however, they do have Messi and a boat load of talent. Being on home(continental) soil, they are too much for Ghana to handle.
Semifinals
Courtesy: Oneman.com
Brazil vs Germany (2-1)
Germany has been able to reach many semifinals over the years, but have had a tough time getting over the hump. This year is no different as their relatively easy road ends at the hands of the host nation.
Spain vs Argentina (2-1)
If there is one team that would know how to contain Messi, it is a squad comprised of his Barcelona teammates and Real Madrid adversaries. Spain’s overall quality is just too much.
Final
Brazil vs Spain (2-1) **If either team finishes 2nd in their group, this could potentially be a round of 16 matchup; how cruel for the loser, yet how exciting for the fans?**
A rematch of the confederations cup final, Brazil will repeat their triumph with conditioning, precision, and a raucous home crowd.
Alternate Ending: In what is an unlikely scenario on current form alone, the football world is used to seeing the usual suspects. If Italy were to make it past Spain and Germany past Brazil, I can see an all European final between the two nations. As far as a winner of that match? Well, let’s just say the Germans would much rather not face the Italians yet again.
