Skip to main content

World Cup 2014 Preview: Group A

World Cup 2014 - Group A - Preview

Group A Prediction 
1. Brazil
2. Croatia
3. Cameroon
4. Mexico 
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 


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

FPL Official - Five Noteworthy Forwards

Welcome back!  My international call up of sorts, where I current cover all things EPL wise for Togga,  has seen me absent from posting.  However, based on demand, I will be returning to provide regular coverage of the English Premier League and United States Men's National Team.  The Premier League season is entering the final stretch.  This campaign has been headlined by the historic conquest of Leicester City, the fall of once storied Aston Villa and the on-going debate surrounding the future of Manchester United's coaching dilemma.  With that said, here is some pointers for ensuring a strong finish to your Fantasy Premier League campaign.   The Price Is Right - Graziano Pelle, Southampton Current Value: 7.9m Selected By: 8.8% Total Score: 125 A personal favorite, the Italian has had an up-and-down season.  However, his current form has rocketed him to the top of this list.  In his past five appearances he...
Post a Comment
Read more

Uncle Sam's Army - Beginning Of A New Era: World Cup 2014 Qualifying

The USA is in good shape, heading full steam ahead into the World Cup Qualifying break.  Sitting on top of the final hexagonal group with a record of 4-1-1.  Taking all 3 points from Panama, Jamaica and Honduras from the last 3 games they look poised to complete a successful qualification for Brazil 2014.   Reflecting  On The Attacking  play of the Red, White and Blues so far, it has been headlined by the play of  Jozy Altidore.   He has become an alpha male on the frontline of the USA attack.  Tallying goals against Panama, Jamaica and Honduras as well as being able to control the pace of the attacks by holding the ball well under pressure.  His willingness the play physically was a reoccurring trait, something not seen in strikers in the past.  As well as him, the introduction to international football  for   Graham Zusi has started the new tread of wide play.  The Sport...
Post a Comment
Read more

Transfer Whirlwind - EPL

5 Transfer Storylines To Follow - August 22nd  Gareth Bale -> Manchester United - Triggering release clause of 75 million  Paul Pogba -> Chelsea  - Fee around 60 million plus Oscar  Henrikh Mkhitaryan -> Liverpool - Fee around 15 million accepted  Kevin De Bruyne -> Manchester City  - Fee between 60-70 million  Aleksandr Kokorin -> Tottenham -Manchester United also interested 
Post a Comment
Read more