World Cup 2014 - Group A - Preview
Group A Prediction1. Brazil
2. Croatia
Brazil - FIFA Ranking - 3
Brazil, being the home nation, will benefit greatly from the "home field advantage". Under the leadership of Luis Scolari, the talented yet lacking World Cup experience squad is the clear front runner for advancing with max points from this group. The successful of Brazil will hinge largely on the play of fan favorite Neymar who has been pinned for having a breakout tournament. They will look to generate most of their scoring chance through standout Chelsea midfielders Oscar and Wilian. Brazil is a worldwide and personal favorite for a deep run in this edition of the World Cup.
My Player You Should Know is none other than midfielder Bernard (FC Shakhtar Donetsk). The 21 year old will be hoping to use this tournament to validate his claim to becoming a house hold name. His speed and ability to generate individual on ball brilliance has me under the impression he'll be on the move come time for the summer transfer window.
Projected Finish - 1st
Croatia - FIFA Ranking - 18
Coached by former captain Niko Kovac, Croatia's squad strength is the experienced midfield. Luca Modric (Real Madrid) will be complimented nicely by Ivan Rakitic (Sevilla FC) and Ivan Perisic (VfL Wolfsberg). All eyes will be on 28 year old striker Mario Mandzukic, who tallied 26 total goals this year for FC Bayern Munich. Serving a FIFA suspension means Mando will miss the opening game of the World Cup versus Brazil, a massive blow no questions asked.
Mateo Kovacic is my Player You Should Know in regards to Croatia. The 20 year old, who plays for Inter Milan, is a real technician whose arrival at Inter was hailed by legend Javier Zanetti. It is unsure whether or not he will start but look for him to be instrumental when on the pitch.
Projected Finish - 2nd
Cameroon - FIFA Ranking - 56
Cameroon has enough team speed to keep up with Brazil however, they lack a real game changer. Yes, Samuel Eto'o (Chelsea FC) will be the go-to-guy but at the age of 33 they will need more. Stephane Mbia (Sevilla FC) is coming off of winning the Europa League Final and is likely the most solid choice to ensure fluidity in the midfield. Cameroon has the most World Cup appearances out of all of the African nations but they will need more than historical statistics to out gun Croatia or Brazil.
My Player To Watch is based on his last name, Gaetan Bong. Look for him to cover a lot of grass if he features at the left back position...
Projected Finish - 3rd
Mexico - FIFA Ranking - 20
After struggling to qualify I see Mexico's issues transferring over into the World Cup. I'm sorry Mexico fans but its not your year. Javier Hernandez (Manchester United) would need to put together an overall historical campaign in order for "El Tri" to reach the knockout stages.
Javier Hernandez is Mexico's Player To Watch. After a frustrating domestic campaign in the English Premier League, Chicharito may have reached his boiling point. Although the competition looks stacked against him, if Mexico surprises it will be due to him scoring at an explosive rate.
Projected Finish - 4th
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