The group of death has been much talked about since the draw for South Africa was announced. World Cup favourite Brazil finds themselves in the group this time around, and while they is still favoured to advance, it definitely will not be easy, and Brazil could find themselves on the outside looking in if they are not on the top of their game. The second spot in Group G appears to be a race between two of the better football countries in the World. Ivory Coast has long been considered the best team in Africa, and many thought playing on their home continent would be enough to propel them through, but everything was thrown into the air when Portugal was drawn into the group. Sure the Portuguese struggled to qualify, but this squad contains some of the best talent in the world, and will offer a formidable test to both Brazil and the Ivory Coast. This group kicks off on Tuesday, and these matches will definitely be ones to watch.
Many pundits have picked Brazil to win the entire competition, so it is not surprising they are considered the favourites to win the group despite its strength. Brazil brings to South Africa was of the best starting XI units in the world, and probably the deepest bench. While everyone on the pitch is capable of causing serious problems for the opposition, Kaka is the man that makes this motor run. He controls the ball in the middle, and has the ability to not only beat the opposition by himself, but distributes the ball with pinpoint accuracy when a teammate is left open. Brazil attacks with flair leaving the opposition on their heels for most of the match, but this side also plays very strong defensive football. That combination is what makes Brazil one of the best in the world.
Tuesday’s match between Ivory Coast and Portugal could very well decide which country advances to the second round, and which country will be going home very disappointed. Ivory Coast was favoured heading into the tournament given their recent strong performances heading into South Africa, but everything changed when Didier Drogba suffered a broken arm during a tune-up match. When healthy, Drogba is arguably the best striker in the world. He uses his fantastic combination to size and speed to bully his way past defenders, and then possesses the skill to turn opportunities into goals. However, Drogba is not expected to be available for the match against Portugal, and even if he is able to play, it is not known how effective he can be. Ivory Coast contains a number of talented players, but this team depends on Drogba to score the majority of its goals, and it is doubtful they will be able to find an adequate replacement if Drogba is unable to play during the tournament.
Portugal, meanwhile, not only has their own injuries to deal with, but their is also a concern regarding team chemistry, which could be enough to put them in jeopardy of failing to advance past the first round. Portugal enters the World Cup ranked third in the world, but a very poor qualifying campaign left many wondering what is wrong with this team. There have been rumours of a rift between manager Carlos Queiroz, and some of his players. While everyone is denying the rumours, the issue has apparently come to the forefront once again. Nani was sent home from South Africa with an apparent injury, but he told the local press that he was only going to miss one game due to the injury, so everyone is know guessing the real reason he was sent home. Team officials are sticking to the story that it was due to injury, but if things start poorly for the Portuguese, the finger pointing will soon surely follow.
Not much is expected from North Korea, but not much is known about the team either. North Korea played a very stingy defensive game during qualifying, and that is not expected to change at the World Cup. However, playing almost 90 minutes in your own end of the pitch against the likes of Brazil, Portugal, and Ivory Coast does not appear to be a recipe for positive results. North Korea will simply be trying to keep their matches close, as the opposition will be trying to lift their goal totals against the much weaker competition.
Brazil should advance into the second round as group winners. They enter the tournament with the deepest and most talented roster of teams involved, and that should ensure positive results. The battle for second will come down to the play of Drogba and Ronaldo. If Drogba is unable to play, then Ivory Coast will struggle to score goals without their leader. Ronaldo is healthy entering South Africa, but he has struggled to find his goal scoring touch in international competitions. Ronaldo will be doing his best to shed that reputation, and if he finds his touch then Portugal could be headed to much bigger and better things in South Africa.
Predictions
1. Brazil
2. Portugal
3. Ivory Coast
4. North Korea