World Cup 2014
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Weather Conditions & Venues
The World Cup takes place in Brazil’s winter but that does not mean that the conditions will necessarily be favourable for European teams. The biggest issue will be humidity in some areas of the country. It is a factor that can make a temperature of 30 degrees seem more unbearable than a dry heat of over 40 degrees, and if playing a high-intensity football match, it will have a significant bearing on a team's performance levels. When Italy laboured to a 4-3 victory over Japan at the Confederations Cup in June, head coach Cesare Prandelli was quick to complain: "We struggled like crazy tonight. The humidity is something we have to deal with, as it really is difficult." (Football-Italia) At the World Cup these complaints could be even louder, with the European nations in particular set to find conditions particularly tough. They will not be alone in suffering. For some of the East Asian, West African and South American sides familiarity with the conditions could be a great advantage. The place where humidity will be worst throughout the course of the tournament is Manaus, in Northwest Brazil, where levels will typically range between 57-99 percent for the time of year, per WeatherSpark. Dew Point analysis, which gives a better indication of how conditions will feel on a personal level, as it relates to the evaporation of sweat from the skin, suggests conditions will vary from muggy to oppressive. The one saving grace, however, is that temperatures should not rise above low-to-mid 30s Celsius—a temperature most sides will be accustomed to. The North and North-East of Brazil will all offer similarly difficult conditions, as Italy discovered at the Confederations Cup. Recife is described as being "muggy to very muggy", per WeatherSpark, while Fortaleza, Natal and Salvador will offer similar conditions. The South East of the country should be a much more pleasant environment, with temperatures in Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, Curitiba and Belo Horizonte all set to be mid-20s for much of the tournament. While it can get humid, the lower temperatures will help considerably, with dew point analysis suggesting that, for the most part, conditions will be comfortable for those taking part. The places that sides most affected by humidity will be queuing up to play, however, are Brasilia, Porto Alegre and Cuiaba. The furthest west of the cities in the South of Brazil, Cuiaba will be hot but will also barely register in terms of humidity. Brasilia, which also remains fairly dry in winter, will be similarly refreshing. However, it is Porto Alegre that will feel most at home to sides suffering in the sticky conditions of the North. The furthest South of all the cities to be used in the tournament, the average daily temperature for the summer months is just 19 degrees. With the dew point reading low as a result, even the area's mild humidity seldom become an issue. For Northern European sides, it is the city they will most hope to visit en-route to a potential final. Summary of conditions of venues “Difficult” venues for European sides (temperature around 28-33C and very humid) Manaus Recife Fortaleza Natal Salvador “Normal” venues ok for European sides (may be hot or humid but should avoid the horrible combination of both at once) Rio de Janeiro Sao Paolo Belo Horizonte Curitiba “Perfect” venues for European sides (cool in temperature and/or no humidity) Brasilia Cuiaba Porto Alegre Estadio de Maracana  RIO DE JANEIRO  Rio was capital of Brazil from 1764 until 1960 when Brasilia became administrative capital. It will also be host to the 2016 Olympics. Weather summary status for Euro sides = normal 76,804 Built =1950 (Remodelled 2013) Group Games Argentina v Bosnia June 16 Spain v Chile June 18 Belgium v Russia June22 Ecuador v France June 25 2nd Round Winners C v R/U D June 28 QF 53 v 54 July 4 Final July 13 Arena de Sao Paolo  SAO PAOLO  Sao Paolo is the biggest city in Brazil and all South America with over 11 million inhabitants 65,807 Weather summary status for Euro sides = normal Built =2014 Group Games Brazil v Croatia June 12 Uruguay v England June 19 Netherlands v Chile June 23 South Korea v Belgium June 26 2nd Round Winner F v R/U E July 1 QF 53 v 54 July 4 SF 59 v 60 July 9 Estadio Nacional   BRASILIA  Brasilia was inaugurated in 1960 as a new capital for a modern country, designed from the ground up by architects and city planners. Brasilia does not have a first division side, but has the second biggest stadium in the country nonetheless. 68,009 Weather summary status for Euro sides = perfect Built 2012 Group Games Switzerland v Ecuador June 15 Colombia v Ivory Coast June 19 Cameroon v Brazil June 23 Portugal v Ghana June 26 2nd Round Winner E v R/U F June 30 QF 55 v 56 July 5 3rd place July 12 Estadio Mineirao  BELO HORIZONTE  The Estadio Mineario is home to first division sides Gremio and Atletico Mineario. Belo Horizonte is the bar capital of Brazil, with over 12,000 boozers. 62,547 Weather summary status for Euro sides = normal Built 1965 (remodelled 2013) Group games Colombia v Greece June 14 Belgium v Algeria June 17 Argentina v Iran June 21 Costa Rica v England June 24 2nd Round Winner A v R/U B June 28 Semi Finals 57 v 58 July 8 Arena Pantanal   CUIABA  Cuiaba is the exact midpoint of the South American continent, and is in the state of Matto Grosso, which is home to two of the world’s largest ecosystems; The Amazon Rainforest to the North and the Pantanal Rainforest to the South. 42,968 Weather summary status for Euro sides = perfect Built 2014 Group Games Chile v Australia June 13 Russia v South Korea June 17 Nigeria v Bosnia June 21 Japan v Colombia June 24 Arena da Baixada   CURITIBA  Curitiba is another “new” city, a model of urban planning that has been much copied. It has 26 city parks and city forests. 41,456 Weather summary status for Euro sides = normal Built 1914 (Remodelled 2014) Group Games Iran v Nigeria June 16 Honduras v Ecuador June 20 Australia v Spain June 23 Algeria v Russia June 26 Estadio Castelao  FORTELEZA  Fortaleza is on the East Coast of Brazil and many people believe this is where the first Europeans landed on the continent. 64,846 Weather summary status for Euro sides = difficult Built 1973 (Remodelled 2013) Group Games Uruguay v Costa Rica June 14 Brazil v Mexico June 17 Ghana v Germany June 21 Greece v Ivory Coast June 24 2nd Round Winner B v R/U A June 29 QF 49 v 50 July 4 Arena Amazonia   MANAUS  Amazonas is Brazil’s largest state, and is bigger than France, Spain, Sweden and Greece combined. Manaus is the most Northerly venue of the World Cup. Fans should make sure they behave here, as since Manaus does not have a major soccer team, some have suggested the stadium could be turned into a prison after the World Cup. 42,374 Weather summary status for Euro sides = difficult Built 2014 Group Games Italy v England June 14 Cameroon v Croatia June 18 USA v Portugal June 22 Honduras v Switzerland June 25 Estadio Das Dunas   NATAL  42,086 Weather summary status for Euro sides = difficult Built 2014 Group Games Mexico v Cameroon June 13 Ghana v USA June 16 Japan v Greece June 19 Italy v Uruguay June 24 Estadio Beira Rio   PORTO ALEGRE  Estadio Beira Rio is the home of Internacional, and as the Southernmost venue, will be the coolest host city in terms of temperature. 48,849 Weather summary status for Euro sides = perfect Built 1969 (Remodelled 2013) Group Games France v Honduras June 15 Australia v Netherlands June 18 South Korea v Algeria June 23 Nigeria v Argentina June 25 2nd Round Winner G v R/U H June 30 Arena Pernambuco   RECIFE  Recife is famous for its beaches, but if you’re planning a dip be careful because it is also famous for its shark attacks. 44,248 Weather summary status for Euro sides = difficult Built 2013 Group games Ivory Coast v Japan June 14 Italy v Costa Rica June 20 Croatia v Mexico June 23 USA v Germany June 26 2nd Round First D v R/U C June 29 Arena Fonta Nova   SALVADOR  Salvador was one of the main entry points for African slaves, and to this day has one of the highest numbers of African descendants anywhere outside of Africa. The Arena Fonta Nova is home to Bahia and Victoria football clubs. 48,747 Weather summary status for Euro sides = difficult Built 1951 (Remodelled 2012) Group Games Spain v Netherlands June 13 Germany v Portugal June 16 Switzerland v France June 20 Bosnia v Iran June 25 2nd Round Winner H R/U G July 1 QF 51 v 52 July 5 |
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Analysis of the groups and outright bets to follow
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good stuff ty
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If this is your own work, very impressive at first glance.
Bookmarked to read later. Many thanks. |
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Good stuff. I learned a lot e.g. Italy's three group games are at difficult venues.
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I've got an easy-to-read excel spreadsheet of all the team's group games and knockout games and whether they are at difficult, normal or perfect venues, plus the distance they have to travel for each match from their base camps, and will share with anyone that sends me their email address by private message
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*teams'
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Group A (team guides from FIFA)
 BRAZIL: Teresopolis   Best price 3/1 FIFA key players Striker Neymar is already being hailed as a man capable of playing a key role for the five-time world champions come Brazil 2014. Currently among the supporting cast in attack is the youngster’s former Santos team-mate Robinho, while Barcelona’s Dani Alves is a lung-bursting presence on the flank. Between the sticks, veteran goalkeeper Julio Cesar exudes confidence and security to the rest of the backline. My key player: David Luiz  Coach: Luiz Felipe Scolari Best performances in a FIFA competition: FIFA World Cup Sweden 1958, Chile 1962, Mexico 1970, USA 1994, Korea/Japan 2002 (Winners), FIFA U-20 World Cup Mexico 1983, USSR 1985, Australia 1993, UAE 2003 (Winners), FIFA U-17 World Cup Egypt 1997, New Zealand 1999, Finland 2003 (Winners), FIFA Confederations Cup Saudi Arabia 1997, Germany 2005, South Africa 2009 (Winners) CROATIA: Mata de Sao Joao   Best price 200/1 FIFA key players Experienced captain Darijo Srna is a born leader, and playmakers Luka Modric and Niko Kranjcar can always be relied upon for moments of inspiration. Kovac presides over a wealth of international-class attacking talent including Eduardo, Ivica Olic, Nikita Jelavic and Mario Mandzukic. My key player: Luca Modric  Coach: Niko Kovac Best performance in a FIFA competition: 1998 FIFA World Cup France (Third place) MEXICO: Santos   Best price = 150/1 FIFA key players After an agonising qualifying competition full of setbacks, coaching changes and tactical reshuffles, predicting how the Mexicans will fare at Brazil 2014 is no easy task. While El Trican count on a band of high-profile overseas-based players, spearheaded by Javier Chicharito Hernandez, Andres Guardado and Giovani dos Santos, the last few months have shown that the latest wave of young players also have much to offer, chief among them their London 2012 hero Oribe Peralta, Raul Jimenez and Carlos Pena. Now that they have safely secured their ticket to Brazil, the Mexicans have time to find some stability and build for the future. My key player: Oribe Peralta  Current coach: Miguel Herrera Best performance in a FIFA competition: FIFA Confederations Cup Mexico 1999 (winners), FIFA U-17 World Cup Peru 2005 (winners) CAMEROON: Vitoria   Best price = 1500/1 FIFA key players Samuel Eto'o remains the world-class threat up front, although the charismatic figure, who still serves as captain, has gone in and out of the team. But even without the Chelsea veteran, the side if loaded with experience and high-level talent. Nicolas N'Koulou, Benoit Assou-Ekotto and Aurelien Chedjou remain vital at the back, while the midfield is even more loaded with Alex Song, Jean Makoun and Stephane Mbia at the heart of the team. My key player: Stephane Mbia  Coach: Volker Finke Best performances in a FIFA competition: FIFA World Cup Italy 1990 (Quarter-finals), Men’s Olympic Football Tournament Sydney 2000 (Winners) Group A summary Brazil are hosts, have not qualified and seemingly lack the star quality of previous generations. There have also been questions about the organisation of and support for this tournament. However, they have been handed a very friendly group, and they should take at least 7 points. They showed when the won the Confederations Cup last year that they have several players that leave their moderate club form well behind when they pull on the yellow shirts. I suspect that, like during the London Olympics, public support will grow and grow for this tournament like a rolling stone as it progresses and I think the tournament will be a roaring success. In this climate, anyone who wants to win this World Cup is going to have to perform the feat of beating Brazil on their own patch. I don't know who can do that and Brazil are going to go very close if not all the way. Croatia are seen as the Brazil of Europe because of their technical ability, love of fast, possession football and flair players. I do feel that they aren't as strong as they have been in recent years, and although it might be best playing Brazil first up, I can see them having a poor World Cup, especially as they have to play Mexico and Cameroon in unfavourable hot, humid conditions in Recife and Manaus respectively. Mexico were extraordinarily fortunate to qualify for the finals, and although many sides have gone on to improve on the main stage after sneaking through I suspect Mexico may not be one of them. Cameroon are the outsiders to progress from Group A but I think the odds may be underestimating the Indominable Lions. They open up with a winnable match against Mexico then play Croatia in the hot and humid conditions of Manaus. They play Brazil last, and that match might be to decide the group winners. Suggested Bets Cameroon to qualify 5/1 (or Brazil/Cameroon straight forecast 7/1) Croatia to finish bottom 4/1 |
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v impressive mc
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Group B (team guides from FIFA)
 Spain: Curitiba   Best price = 7/1 FIFA key players Though there is no doubt that Spain’s embarrassment of midfield riches, featuring the likes of Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Xabi Alonso, has been integral to their major trophy triumphs, La Selección are strong across the board. The men in red have a phalanx of very reliable keepers to call on, headed by Iker Casillas, while Sergio Ramos and Gerard Pique have consolidated their positions as the leaders of a defence in which left-back Jordi Alba has gone from strength to strength. Ramos and Alba are also a threat in the opposing box, and in recent times have made goalscoring contributions that have been almost as decisive as those of the front men. With both David Villa and Fernando Torres struggling to find their touch, Pedro has distinguished himself as an attacking spearhead, ably supported by Cesc Fabregas, while Alvaro Negredo has begun to stake a compelling claim of his own for the striking role. My key player:Diego Costa  Coach: Vicente del Bosque Best performances in a FIFA competition: FIFA World Cup South Africa 2010 (Winners), FIFA U-20 World Cup Nigeria 1999 (Winners), Men’s Olympic Football Tournament Barcelona 1992 (Winners) Netherlands: Rio de Janeiro   Best price = 33/1 FIFA key players Robin van Persie's blossoming into one of the finest strikers in the world has been a huge boon to the Dutch, with the Manchester United marksman topping the goal-scoring charts with 11 goals. He was able assisted in that department though by the likes of Jermaine Lens - who has progressed into a key part of the Oranje outfit - and Rafael van der Vaart. Arjen Robben continues to be a menace on the wing, while formerly promising youngsters such as Kevin Strootman and Daryl Janmaat are now key components of the side. My key player: Arjen Robben  Coach: Louis Van Gaal Best performances in a FIFA competition: FIFA World Cup Germany 1974, Argentina 1978, South Africa 2010 (Runners-up), FIFA Futsal World Cup Netherlands 1989 (Runners-up), Men’s Olympic Football Tournament London 1908, Stockholm 1912, Antwerp 1920 (Third place), FIFA U-17 World Cup Peru 2005 (Third place) Chile: Belo Horizonte   Best price = 50/1 FIFA key players Forwards Alexis Sanchez and Eduardo Vargas, as well as attacking midfielders Matias Fernandez and Arturo Vidal, are the leading men in a squad packed with talent and boasting viable alternatives in each position. Nor must we forget experienced performers such as Claudio Bravo, Gary Medel and Jorge Valdivia, or exciting rising stars like Jean Beausejour and Marcelo Diaz. My key player:Arturo Vidal  Coach: Jorge Sampaoli Best performances in a FIFA competition: FIFA World Cup Chile 1962 (Third place), FIFA U-17 World Cup Japan 1993 (Third place), FIFA U-20 World Cup Canada 2007 (Third place), Men’s Olympic Football Tournament Sydney 2000 (Third place) Australia, Vitoria   Best price = 1500/1 FIFA key players Tim Cahill remains the team’s undoubted star and talisman with a stunning goal ratio from midfield and equally remarkable heading ability despite his modest stature. Long-serving skipper and central defender Lucas Neill remains a bedrock of the team and has never let his country down regardless of domestic form. A two-goal showing at South Africa 2010 has seen Brett Holman’s profile and importance to the team take a sharp upward trajectory with the midfielder displaying versatility and an impressive short passing game. My key player: Brett Holman  Coach: Ange Postecoglou Best performances in a FIFA competition: FIFA World Cup Germany 2006 (Round of 16), FIFA U-17 World Cup New Zealand 1999 (Runners-up) Spain are very obviously favourites for this group. They only have one game in hot and humid conditions, and they'll probably pleased that it's against the other European side in the group Holland in Salvador. I don't feel that Spain are the same side that won the World Cup and European Championship in their last two tournaments though, and I'm keen to oppose them overall. They still have scores of excellent players, but their brilliance came from the midfield of Xavi and Iniesta. When those two were at their peak no-one could get the ball off them. Spain will try and play the same way, but with these two in decline it will be hard. They also had two of the best strikers in the world in Villa and Torres but even if Torres makes the squad he doesn't seem to be the same player and it remains to be seen if Costa or Negredo can fill the void. I would expect Spain to win this group but if they do they may struggle in their 2nd Round game and Quarter final in the sultry conditions of Forteleza then Salvador, and although looking at likely opponents they would be among the favourites to make the semis, I will look to oppose them in the outright. Holland have plenty of World Cup pedigree but I wonder whether this current crop is as good as previous generations. Van Persie and Robben will lead them but I don't know if they can beat Spain in hot conditions and I suspect they may be the ones to miss out in this tough group. Chile are said to be the team Brazil fear most. It's easy to see why, their style and formation is unique and they have of very talented players like Sanchez and Vidal. They have to beat the Socceroos first, but if they do they might be able to get through this group with two draws against Spain and Holland. If rank outsidersAustralia didn't have enough to contend with the draw in this group, they also have the most travelling, with 1600-2600 mile round trips for each match, and if they avoid three defeats they should get an open-top bus ride on arrival back down under, which will inevitably and unfortunately be immediately after the groups. Recommended bets Spain/Chile dual forecast 21/10 |
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Groups C and D tomorrow
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Class Mary.
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great stuff mc,will try and get a feel for stuff over the next 4 weeks,this a great help ty
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good stuff ,cheers marychain1
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thanks for that ,really good stuff. good info.
note : chile player Arturo Vidal is unlikely to make it to world cup - reading espn twitter page for chile news they said his knee surgery recovery time 8-12 weeks..... even if he did make it back...hard to play top level football right after this- he prob their best player. |
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Good spot that KG, that one had escaped me. That could make a big difference in that group and be very good news for the Dutch.
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yeah he would be a massive loss and the dutch would be big winners here correct....
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 Group C (team guides from FIFA)  Colombia: Cotia   Best price = 33/1 FIFA’s key players With his sparkling form at Monaco, the prolific Falcao is now generally regarded as Colombia’s main attacking threat. The 25-year-old predator came to prominence at River Plate, first in the youth team and then with the senior side, before moving to Europe in 2009 where he won two Leagues, two Cups, three Super Cups and the UEFA Europa League with Porto, and then added another UEFA Europa League and European Super Cup with Atletico Madrid. As well as Falcao, the Colombians can also count on the experience of defensive duo Mario Yepes and Luis Perea at the back, as well as the creativity of attacking midfielder James Rodriguez and the goalscoring instinct of Teo Gutierrez, a lethal partner for Falcao up front. My key player:Juan Cuadrado  Coach: Jose Pekerman Best performances in a FIFA competition: FIFA U-20 World Cup UAE 2003 (Third place), FIFA World Cup Italy 1990 (Round of 16) Greece: Aracaju   Best price = 350/1 FIFA’s key players Captain and seasoned midfield general Giorgos Karagounis remains the dominant figure in the Greek line-up but forwards Dimitrios Salpingidis and Mitroglou will certainly have a part to play and provide Santos with a variety of attacking options. He can also call on the experience of the likes of Theofanis Gekas and Giorgos Samaras, which will be key when the tournament begins. Incidentally, though, despite their array of attacking talent, it was Greece’s defence that stole the show in qualifying, laying the foundation for success by conceding just four times in ten matches. My key player: Giorgios Karagounis  Coach: Fernando Santos Best performances in a FIFA competition: USA 1994, South Africa 2010 (Group stages) Cote Ivoire: Aguas de Lindoia   Best price = 150/1 FIFA’s key players Côte d’Ivoire boast some of the greatest individual talents in Africa. Forwards Drogba and Salomon Kalou are a formidable front pair, while midfield duo Didier Zokora and Yaya Toure perform key ball-winning duties in the middle of the park. Explosive winger Gervinho supplies service from both flanks, with Emmanuel Eboue and Kolo Toure providing a wealth of experience at the back. My key player:Yaya Toure  Coach: Sabri Lamouchi Best performances in a FIFA competition: FIFA World Cup Germany 2006, South Africa 2010 (Group stages), FIFA U-17 World Cup Canada 1987 (Third place), FIFA Confederations Cup Saudi Arabia 1992 (Fourth place) Japan: Itu   Best price = 200/1 FIFA’s key players Having excelled during the last FIFA World Cup and the recent AFC Asian Cup, CSKA midfielder Keisuke Honda has quickly established his place as the team's new leader, filling the void left by Hidetoshi Nakata and Shunsuke Nakamura. Spearheading the attacking-line are Shinji Kagawa and Shinji Okazaki, who finished the continental finals as the team's top-scorer with three goals. Driving the central field alongside Honda is set-piece specialist Yasuhito Endo while Schalke 04 defender Atsuto Uchida is the key man at the rearguard. My key player:Keisuke Honda  Coach: Alberto Zaccheroni Best performances in a FIFA competition: Men’s Olympic Football Tournament Mexico City 1968 (Third place), FIFA U-20 World Cup Nigeria 1999 (Runners-up), FIFA U-17 World Cup Mexico 2011 (Quarter-finals) Group C summary I found this an intriuging group to figure out. The reason this group is so interesting is that both winers and runners-up will have a realistic chance of going a decent way in the tournament. Colombia are in as the seeds and rightly so, finishing 2nd only 2 points behind Argentina in qualifying. They have a fast-improving team of young stars and a home continent World Cup. With their team full of players plying their trade in the top European leagues, they should have enough to qualify from this group but who knows what the pressure of starting as favourites for their group will do? The negatives for me are the lack of match practice for Radamel Falcao who has been picked despite not playing since Janaury, and (like Chile in Group B) the fact that none of their games take place in difficult venues for their opponents. I really like the look of Juan Cuadrado, the wide midfielder from Fiorentina, and think he could be one of the stars of the tournament. If they do qualify, they will play someone from England's group in the second round and then they have a possible quarter final which will either be in Fortaleza or Salvador (depending whether they win their group or come second) and the conditions in those venues should favour the South American side. I can see Colombia going a long way in this tournament IF they get out of the group. What makes it difficult is that their group opponents are similarly difficult to assess. Ivory Coast have some old warhorses like Drogba, Toure, Toure and Zokora - and probably have the most experience of any team in this group. But what will be the key here, experience or mobility? They play Japan first up in Recife in conditions which may just favour the younger Japansese, but may benefit from the conditions in Fortaleza for their last group game against Greece. I wonder whether some of Ivory Coast's better players are now past their best? Their games against Japan and Greece also both involve 3,000 mile round trips from their home base in Aguas de Lindoia. Japan under Zaccharini could provide a minor shock by qualifying from this tough group. Pace and stamina is what Japan's style is about, and games in tough, humid conditions against Ivory Coast and Greece may find out their more experienced opponents. With Kagawa and Honda Japan will cause defences all sorts of problems and if they go through as runners-up they may find they can go all the way to the semi-finals as the runners-up slot would give them games in hot and humid conditions in the 2nd round and quarter-finals in Recife then Salvador. Greece are a team that continually get written off and continually surprise their critics. So I'm going to write them off and criticise them. I can't see them winning a game in this group. Colombia will have too much (although playing them first might be the best time to meet them) and then games against Japan in Natal and Ivory Coast in Fortaleza will probably suit their opponents more than them. Suggested Bets Japan to qualify 5/4 |
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 Group D (team guides from FIFA)  Uruguay: Sete Lagoas   Best price = 28/1 FIFA’s key players Strikers Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani have become the standard bearers for Uruguayan football and the national team over the last couple of years. The Liverpool man ended the South American preliminaries as the leading scorer with 11 goals, and was the second most-used player by coach Oscar Tabarez. The deadly duo have plenty of ballast behind them, with the vastly experienced Diego Lugano directing rearguard operations with aplomb, and Fernando Muslera providing a safe pair of hands between the posts. Even so, after an often-troubled qualifying campaign El Maestro Tabarez will no doubt be looking to shuffle his pack and build up some momentum ahead of Brazil 2014. My key player = Luis Suarez  Current coach: Oscar Washington Tabarez Best performance in a FIFA competition: FIFA World Cup Uruguay 1930 and Brazil 1950 (winners), Men’s Olympic Football Tournament Paris 1924, Amsterdam 1928 (winners), FIFA U-20 World Cup Malaysia 1997 (runners-up), FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Rio de Janeiro 2006 (runners-up), FIFA U-17 World Cup Mexico 2011 (runners-up) Costa Rica: Santos   Best price = 4,000/1 FIFA’s key players Costa Rica’s fortunes lie at the skillful feet of one Bryan Ruiz. Called “a truly special player” by former coach Rodrigo Kenton, Ruiz established himself at club side Twente in the Netherlands before moving on to Fulham in England. Now back in the Eredivisie with PSV Eindhoven, he ranks among the best playmakers in the North, Central American and Caribbean zone. Alongside Ruiz are a number of tried-and-trusted performers like Alvaro Saborio, Cristian Bolanos and outstanding goalkeeper Keilor Navas.The dribbling skills and all-around attacking play of the young Joel Campbell have made him another of Los Ticos’most valuable assets. My key player = Bryan Ruiz  Coach: Jorge Luis Pinto Best performances in a FIFA competition: FIFA World Cup Italy 1990 (Round of 16), FIFA U-20 World Cup Egypt 2009 (Fourth place) Italy: Mangaratiba   Best price = 28/1 FIFA’s key players Captain and goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon is the only survivor from their 2006 triumph in Germany along with Andrea Pirlo, while a host of youngsters have broken into the team, such as central defender Andrea Ranocchia and midfielder Marco Verratti. Up front, the transition from old to new has been even more dramatic thanks to the emergence of Stephan El Shaarawy and Giuseppe Rossi's return to the fore. Also with a vital role to play are the maverick duo of Mario Balotelli and Pablo Osvaldo. My key player = Gianluigi Buffon  Coach: Cesare Prandelli Best performances in a FIFA competition: FIFA World Cup Italy 1934, France 1938, Spain 1982 and Germany 2006 (Winners), Men's Olympic Football Tournament Berlin 1936 (Winners) England: Rio de Janeiro   Best price = 33/1 FIFA’s key players Wayne Rooney remains England’s greatest talent and his seven goals in six World Cup qualifying starts underlined his importance to Roy Hodgson's side. In midfield, Gerrard and Frank Lampard provide experience and creativity while young guns Jack Wilshere, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Andros Townsend highlight the Three Lions' attacking flair for the future. Danny Welbeck came into his own during qualification, scoring four goals on the way to the finals, while Daniel Sturridge's emergence as one of the English Premier League's top forwards can only bolster Roy Hodgson's attacking options for Brazil. My key player = Adam Lallana  Coach: Roy Hodgson Best performance in a FIFA competition: FIFA World Cup England 1966(Winners) Group D summary This is one of the groups I feel most strongly about. First of all, this is the group that will play most games in hot and humid conditions. Anyone that does get through this group could end up with a decent run to the semis. Or, depending on the other groups, coming second could lead to a quarter final against Brazil. Group favourites Italy are the most unfortunate in the group, playing all three of their games in difficult conditions. They open with England in Manaus, who will be similarly inconvenienced but their other group games in Recife and Natal will surely favour their opponents. Looking at Italy's squad, they have lots of defensive strength, but I don't think they have the forward power of some of the other favourites, and they also have a huge amount of travelling to do, with a 5,000 mile round trip first before two 3,000 mile round trips for their next two games. Italy may qualify, but I don't think they will win the group, and in my eyes they are too short to do both. Uruguay have plenty of goals in them on the other hand, and crucially, may be favoured by sultry conditions for their game against Italy in Natal. Their first choice line-up looks as strong as almost anyone in the tournament and another thing in their favour is that they open up against the team that is on paper the weakest in the group. I can see Uruguay topping the group and if they keep Suarez fit they could go a long way. England are difficult to work out. They come in with a lot of inexperienced players in their squad, and it is very difficult to see them coming out on top against very canny opponents like Uruguay and Italy. Qualification from this group would be a major success in my eyes, and anything more than that would be a major bonus. Something in their favour is that they play the two American sides in conditions that shouldn't prove too troubling, and don't have a much travelling to do after their first match. Indeed, England have the least travelling and are the only team in the group that only have to play in a hot and humid venue only once, so if they can avoid defeat against Italy in Manaus they could surprise and qualify. Costa Rica probably can't beat Uruguay in typical South American conditions, or England in cooler conditions, but they may have an advantage against Italy in their second game, to be played in Recife. Suggested bets Uruguay to win group D 15/8 Italy to finish bottom of Group D 16/1 |
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Groups E and F tomorrow
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Andros Towsend?
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Cant see Costa Rica getting anything vs Italy under any conditions. Not convinced by Cameroon either.
Japan to qualify looks a fair shout. |
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Acually strike that comment about Cameroon.
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FIFA's key players (ie not mine)
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note : italy - Rossi who was top scorer at the time of his injury in italy had a knee injury like two months ago, not sure he has kicked a ball since....
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i think the weather condtions is the most important thing in this WC - teams that looked good in an easy climate will get found out in other spots where its harder to take in air...second half in these games will be wild
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I think you are right Kerrygold, the conditions will be important, but there are really only 5 venues where they conditions should be at their worst - Manaus, Recife, Natal, Salvador and Fortaleza. And then if you look at some of the teams that could take advantage of those conditions, Ecuador, Colombia, Chile perhaps - they dont play there. Where games are scheduled to take place in the worst conditions it seems to be either two teams who should both cope fairly well or two teams that both wont. There are one or two exceptions, and it will change again in the knockout stages, but even then some teams definitely will avoid the worst conditions. France and Switzerland for example will not play at a single one of the worst venues in the whole tournament.
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well the switz play in manaus which is pretty bad id say , very dangerous game for them against honduras...
there are a few games where this will matter in first round - have looked at all of them ...think there are a couple of decent bets there i know the market will def move on it.... the knockout stages will be v interesting alright...even better stuff ... |
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Sorry you're right about Switzerland. Manaus v Honduras and Salvador v France, but the teams from that group are safe in the knowledge that all their knockout games are at ok venues, whichever "side" of the draw they go into. Only teams from E and F have that luxury.
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 Group E (team guides from FIFA)  Switzerland: Porto Seguro   Best Price: 125/1 FIFA's key players There is undoubted quality throughout the side, starting with keeper Diego Benaglio, a German championship winner in 2009 with VfL Wolfsburg. The combination of experienced players such as Tranquillo Barnetta, Gokhan Inler and Philippe Senderos, with highly-talented youngsters Xherdan Shaqiri, Fabian Schar, Granit Xhaka and Valentin Stocker, has borne fruit and the side are more than capable of making their mark at Brazil 2014. My key player: Granit Xhaka  Coach: Ottmar Hitzfeld Best performances in a FIFA competition: FIFA U-17 World Cup Nigeria 2009 (Winners), FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Dubai 2009 (Runners-up), FIFA World Cup Italy 1934, France 1938, Switzerland 1954 (Quarter-finals) Ecuador: Viamao   Best price = 200/1 FIFA's key players Wingers Antonio Valencia and Christian Noboa, as well as forwards Felipe Caicedo and Jefferson Montero, represent an exciting new wave for Ecuadorian football, but they are also ably assisted by a handful of evergreen stalwarts with European experience, such as Edison Mendez, Walter Ayovi and Segundo Castillo. My key player = Felipe Caicedo  Coach: Reinaldo Rueda Best performance in a FIFA competition: FIFA World Cup Germany 2006 (Round of 16) France: Ribeirao Preto   Best price = 25/1 FIFA's key players France boast solidity and strength in depth at the back, with a pair of top-drawer goalkeepers in Hugo Lloris and Steve Mandanda and a rearguard bolstered by the European experience of Eric Abidal, Laurent Koscielny and Raphael Varane. Further forward, Franck Ribery can produce moments of magic, while Karim Benzema and Olivier Giroud both possess a keen eye for goal. My key player = Paul Pogba  Coach: Didier Deschamps Best performances in a FIFA competition: FIFA World Cup France 1998 (Winners), Men's Olympic Football Tournament Los Angeles 1984 (Winners), FIFA Confederations Cup Korea/Japan 2001, France 2003 (Winners), FIFA U-17 World Cup Trinidad and Tobago 2001 (Winners), and FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Rio de Janeiro 2005 (Winners) Honduras: Porto Feliz   Best price = 4,000/1 The key players Left-back Emilio Izaguirre was the find of the 2010/11 season for Celtic - named Scottish Premier League Player of the Year - and is a key force within Honduras's respectable backline. He is helped by captain and goalkeeper Noel Valladares who, despite a shy off-the-field personality, played an instrumental role in Honduras's qualification for South Africa 2010 and their deep run at the latest instalment of the Gold Cup. Wilson Palacios, one of the more recognisable faces of Honduran football playing for Stoke City, is also a crucial piece of the Honduran puzzle. The front line have been doing their bit too, where old hand Carlo Costly has impressed alongside rising star Jerry Bengtson, who burst on to the international scene at London 2012 and top-scored for La H in the qualifiers with nine goals. My key player = Jerry Bengston  Current coach: Luis Fernando Suarez Best performances in a FIFA competition: FIFA World Cup Spain 1982, South Africa 2010 (Group stages) Group E summary A tricky and trappy group to work out. At first glance the temptation is to go with the European sides, but then you think about European sides' records outside Europe and you have to consider how much the conditions will play a part. So let's look. Only two group games will take place in uncomfortably hot and humid conditions and Switzerland feature in both. Luckily for them, neither is against Ecuador. The other good news for any European side that gets through this group is that they won't have to visit another venue where conditions will be unfavourable for the rest of the tournament as whether they come 1st or 2nd their 2nd Round, QF, SF and final will all be in normal or perfect conditions. Switzerland have to overcome a suspicion they qualified through a relatively easy group, but they have performed well in under-age tournaments recently and they have a number of up-and-coming technical attacking players and can dispel the stereotype of boring Swiss. They should be underestimated by no-one. They have Ecuador first in temperate Brasilia before difficult condition matches against France in Salvador and Honduras in Manaus. I think they are rightly second favourites to go through but all three matches are very tough. Mrs Nasri might not be waving the tricolor this year but France look to have strength in all positions, and in my eyes they are rightly favourite for this group. They'll be happy to play both the American sides in conditions that won't be a disadvantage and from their base in Ribeirao Preto they have no more travelling to do than their group opponents. Those who believe in that sort of thing may be buoyed by their recent record which reads '98 = winners, '02 = group exit, '06 finalists, '10 = group exit...so following that pattern would see them get back to the final. They will be helped if they do qualify by knowing that they won't have to play a South American side in the latter stages in tough conditions. The game against Ecuador could also be useful practice for later matches should it work out that way. Ecuador are a very strong and physical side. I don't think anyone will enjoy playing agains them. They have had the allegation thrown at them that they only qualified because they play their home games at high altitude at Quito. Their home record is excellent, but they won in Portugal a couple of years ago and absolutely outplayed Germany in a friendly in Florida a year ago. They were 4-0 down in 25 minutes but were by far the better side for the whole match and should have won comfortably despite actually losing 4-2. I'm sure Ecuador would have loved to play the two European sides in hot and humid conditions, which along with their ahtletic, physical style would cause their opponents problems. The fact that all Ecuador's games in this World Cup will take place in normal conditions is to their disadvantage. Ecuador can qualify anyway and I think they are very underrated, but this is a tough group. If Honduras get through this group it will be a massive shock. They've got some talented players and there's no easy games at International football blah blah but anyone that doesn't get maximum points against Honduras in this group doesn't deserve to progress. France should qualify and win the group but are priced accordingly. Suggested Bets No bet |
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It's fair to say Ecuador wouldn't have qualified had they not played their home games 2,700 ft above sea level. They won 7 of 8 at home and none away. Away from home they were last in their group in the last Copa America behind Venezuala and Paraguay, so they havent won any of their last 11 competitive games outside of Quito.
They have the least number of European based players of any team in the tournament. The rest play in either Mexico or the average Ecuadorian league. On paper they look very poor for a side from South America playing in a World Cup. Only Noboa, Valencia and Montero look Premier League standard. Clearly they are collectively stronger than they are as individuals, as opposed to say Algeria, who look much stronger than Ecuador on paper, but sound like they lack unity. They are physically strong and no one will like playing them and the draw has worked out in their favour, playing a France side last who may have already qualified is a reasonable advantage. Their last 2 friendlies were against Australia and Honduras, arguably the two weakest sides in the World Cup. They look like they were at full strength for both games. They drew 2-2 with Honduras and won 4-3 against Australia, thanks largely to a ludicrous challenge and a red card by the Australian keeper, when the Aussies were 3-1 up. |
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They've also lost their best striker recently who sadly passed away
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although you could argue that will give them extra motivation
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well that group is trappy as it worked out well for hon and ecu when they play the other two euro teams - but both switz and fra should go through here...i did back swz to go qualify at shade above 10/13 like about 8 wks ago
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I think Ecuador can qualify but they will need to beat Honduras and hope that Honduras take points off Switzerland. This is perfectly feasible but I don't see any obvious value either way to take a stance from a betting point of view.
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Group F
 Argentina: Vespasiano Best price = 5/1 FIFA's key players With the landmark achievement of claiming four consecutive FIFA Ballon d'Ors (2009-2012), Lionel Messi in the undisputed leader of the Argentina national team and a multiple-trophy winner with Barcelona. Breaking all kind of goal-records, La Pulga is now looking to achieve greatness with his country after failing, somewhat surprisingly, to find the back of the net at South Africa 2010. Supporting him will be an all-star cast featuring Carlos Tevez, Javier Mascherano and Angel Di Maria, all of them on top of their game with some of Europe’s leading clubs. My key player: Lionel Messi Coach: Alejandro Sabella Best performances in a FIFA competition: FIFA World Cup Argentina 1978, Mexico 1986 (Winners), FIFA U-20 World Cup Japan 1979, Qatar 1995, Malaysia 1997, Argentina 2001, Netherlands 2005, Canada 2007 (Winners), FIFA Confederations Cup Saudi Arabia 1992 (Winners), Men’s Olympic Football Tournament Athens 2004, Beijing 2008 (Winners) Iran: Guarulhos Best price = 2,500/1 FIFA's key players Filling the void left by Mahdavikia is captain Javad Nekounam, who has quickly established his place as the team's talisman. Aside from providing leadership, the skipper provides creativity alongside former Osasuna team-mate Masoud Shojaei. Belgium-based striker Reza Ghoochannejhad stands out among the emerging generation, while Fulham man Ashkan Dejagah shores up the midfield alongside Andranik Teymourian. My key player: Javad Nekounam Coach: Carlos Queiroz Best performances in a FIFA competition: FIFA World Cup Argentina 1978, France 1998, Germany 2006 (Group stages), Men's Olympic Football Tournament Montreal 1976 (Quarter-finals) Bosnia and Herzegovina: Guaruja Best price = 200/1 FIFA's key players Bosnia-Herzegovina have a core of talented players capable of changing games in an instant, ranging from the likes of Edin Dzeko and Vedad Ibisevic up front, through midfielders Miralem Pjanic and Zvjezdan Misimovic, all the way back to defensive rock Emir Spahic and goalkeeper Asmir Begovic. The majority of the squad regularly showcase their talents in Europe’s biggest leagues, giving them the experience necessary to shine on the biggest stage of them all. My key player Coach: Safet Susic Best performance in a FIFA competition: None Nigeria: Campinas Best price = 300/1 The key players Coach Stephen Keshi has earned a reputation as a no-nonsense boss who is not afraid to choose in-form domestic players at the expense of more well-known stars, and that policy paid handsome dividends as Nigeria won the 2013 edition of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations. Keshi has kept a relatively stable spine of the team since then, with Chelsea's John Obi Mikel leaving his mixed past with the Eagles behind to become the lynchpin of the side. In goal, Vincent Enyeama is an important veteran, while Victor Moses, Ahmed Musa and Emmanuel Emenike are key parts of a deep attack. My key player: John Obi Mikel Coach: Stephen Keshi Best performances in a FIFA competition: FIFA World Cup USA 1994, France 1998 (Round of 16), FIFA U-17 World Cup China 1985, Japan 1993, Korea Republic 2007 (Winners), Olympic Football Tournament Atlanta 1996 (Winners), FIFA U-20 World Cup Saudi Arabia 1989, Netherlands 2005 (Runners-up) Group E summary At first glance this looks group looks like a formality. You couldn't make a combined team from the other three sides to match the might of Argentina here. Some will say that being a home continent tournament gives them a further advantage, but whether or not that's true they shouldn't need it to qualify from this group. They have so much attacking talent they can afford not to take Carlos Tevez. With firepower like Messi, Aguero, Di Maria, Higuain and Lavezzi Argentina should score plenty of goals. Their midfield looks reasonable with the likes of Mascherano, Alvarez, Biglia, Gago and Maxi. The defence does look a little questionable, but Argentina should top this group and go a long way in the tournament. You aren't going to get rich backing them at 1/4 to top Group F. Iran have got an extraordinarily difficult challenge to get through this group and I can't see how beating the likes of Lebanon and Kuwait entitles them to compete at this level. The one crumb of comfort I can find for them is that the game against Bosnia is in Salvador, which might favour them if they are still in it going into the third round of games. Bosnia themselves must think they have a golden opportunity to do something in this tournament. They open with Argentina, and maybe they'll fancy their chances first up, especially if the Rio crowd decide to support the underdogs. Bosnia should be a breath of fresh air in this tournament and they will attack everyone, even Argentina! They don't believe in playing one forward, Vedad Ibisevic and Edin Dzeko are a good partnership for the young European nation. Only 3 European teams scored more than Bosnia in qualifying, and I'm looking forward to seeing them on the big stage but their adventurous style could mean plenty of work for their star goalkeeper Asmir Begovic. Nigeria are third favourites for the group, marginally behind Bosnia. Nigeria won the 2013 African Cup of Nations and have qualified for 5 of the last 6 World Cups. Coach Stephane Keshi seems to have focussed on getting the Nigerians to play as a group, and Obi Mikel aside there are no obvious stars in this team. The crucial game in this group is probably going to be the second group match between Bosnia and Nigeria in Cuiaba - if either team can win there they would be favourites to accompany Argentina to the knockout stages. I like Bosnia to go through with Argentina but the price is quite restrictive - the best I could find was 11/10 for the dual forecast so I'll leave it. I do think there will be goals here though. Recommended Bets Group F to be the highest scoring 7/1 |
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With photos
Group F Argentina: Vespasiano   Best price = 5/1 FIFA's key players With the landmark achievement of claiming four consecutive FIFA Ballon d'Ors (2009-2012), Lionel Messi in the undisputed leader of the Argentina national team and a multiple-trophy winner with Barcelona. Breaking all kind of goal-records, La Pulga is now looking to achieve greatness with his country after failing, somewhat surprisingly, to find the back of the net at South Africa 2010. Supporting him will be an all-star cast featuring Carlos Tevez, Javier Mascherano and Angel Di Maria, all of them on top of their game with some of Europe’s leading clubs. My key player: Lionel Messi  Coach: Alejandro Sabella Best performances in a FIFA competition: FIFA World Cup Argentina 1978, Mexico 1986 (Winners), FIFA U-20 World Cup Japan 1979, Qatar 1995, Malaysia 1997, Argentina 2001, Netherlands 2005, Canada 2007 (Winners), FIFA Confederations Cup Saudi Arabia 1992 (Winners), Men’s Olympic Football Tournament Athens 2004, Beijing 2008 (Winners) Iran: Guarulhos   Best price = 2,500/1 FIFA's key players Filling the void left by Mahdavikia is captain Javad Nekounam, who has quickly established his place as the team's talisman. Aside from providing leadership, the skipper provides creativity alongside former Osasuna team-mate Masoud Shojaei. Belgium-based striker Reza Ghoochannejhad stands out among the emerging generation, while Fulham man Ashkan Dejagah shores up the midfield alongside Andranik Teymourian. My key player: Javad Nekounam  Coach: Carlos Queiroz Best performances in a FIFA competition: FIFA World Cup Argentina 1978, France 1998, Germany 2006 (Group stages), Men's Olympic Football Tournament Montreal 1976 (Quarter-finals) Bosnia and Herzegovina: Guaruja   Best price = 200/1 FIFA's key players Bosnia-Herzegovina have a core of talented players capable of changing games in an instant, ranging from the likes of Edin Dzeko and Vedad Ibisevic up front, through midfielders Miralem Pjanic and Zvjezdan Misimovic, all the way back to defensive rock Emir Spahic and goalkeeper Asmir Begovic. The majority of the squad regularly showcase their talents in Europe’s biggest leagues, giving them the experience necessary to shine on the biggest stage of them all. My key player: Asmir Begovic  Coach: Safet Susic Best performance in a FIFA competition: None Nigeria: Campinas  Best price = 300/1 The key players Coach Stephen Keshi has earned a reputation as a no-nonsense boss who is not afraid to choose in-form domestic players at the expense of more well-known stars, and that policy paid handsome dividends as Nigeria won the 2013 edition of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations. Keshi has kept a relatively stable spine of the team since then, with Chelsea's John Obi Mikel leaving his mixed past with the Eagles behind to become the lynchpin of the side. In goal, Vincent Enyeama is an important veteran, while Victor Moses, Ahmed Musa and Emmanuel Emenike are key parts of a deep attack. My key player: John Obi Mikel  Coach: Stephen Keshi Best performances in a FIFA competition: FIFA World Cup USA 1994, France 1998 (Round of 16), FIFA U-17 World Cup China 1985, Japan 1993, Korea Republic 2007 (Winners), Olympic Football Tournament Atlanta 1996 (Winners), FIFA U-20 World Cup Saudi Arabia 1989, Netherlands 2005 (Runners-up) Group E summary At first glance this looks group looks like a formality. You couldn't make a combined team from the other three sides to match the might of Argentina here. Some will say that being a home continent tournament gives them a further advantage, but whether or not that's true they shouldn't need it to qualify from this group. They have so much attacking talent they can afford not to take Carlos Tevez. With firepower like Messi, Aguero, Di Maria, Higuain and Lavezzi Argentina should score plenty of goals. Their midfield looks reasonable with the likes of Mascherano, Alvarez, Biglia, Gago and Maxi. The defence does look a little questionable, but Argentina should top this group and go a long way in the tournament. You aren't going to get rich backing them at 1/4 to top Group F. Iran have got an extraordinarily difficult challenge to get through this group and I can't see how beating the likes of Lebanon and Kuwait entitles them to compete at this level. The one crumb of comfort I can find for them is that the game against Bosnia is in Salvador, which might favour them if they are still in it going into the third round of games. Bosnia themselves must think they have a golden opportunity to do something in this tournament. They open with Argentina, and maybe they'll fancy their chances first up, especially if the Rio crowd decide to support the underdogs. Bosnia should be a breath of fresh air in this tournament and they will attack everyone, even Argentina! They don't believe in playing one forward, Vedad Ibisevic and Edin Dzeko are a good partnership for the young European nation. Only 3 European teams scored more than Bosnia in qualifying, and I'm looking forward to seeing them on the big stage but their adventurous style could mean plenty of work for their star goalkeeper Asmir Begovic. Nigeria are third favourites for the group, marginally behind Bosnia. Nigeria won the 2013 African Cup of Nations and have qualified for 5 of the last 6 World Cups. Coach Stephane Keshi seems to have focussed on getting the Nigerians to play as a group, and Obi Mikel aside there are no obvious stars in this team. The crucial game in this group is probably going to be the second group match between Bosnia and Nigeria in Cuiaba - if either team can win there they would be favourites to accompany Argentina to the knockout stages. I like Bosnia to go through with Argentina but the price is quite restrictive - the best I could find was 11/10 for the dual forecast so I'll leave it. I do think there will be goals here though. Recommended Bets Group F to be the highest scoring 7/1 |
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Group G
 Germany: Santa Cruz Cabralia   Best price = 6/1 FIFA's key players Keeper Manuel Neuer is the undisputed No1, while many experts believe he is the real deal, equipped not only to follow in the footsteps of Oliver Kahn and Jens Lehmann, but also to develop into one of the best in the world. Full-back Philipp Lahm and schemer Bastian Schweinsteiger earned their international spurs long ago: each has reached 100 caps but is still at their peak. The next generation appears immensely promising too. Former Real Madrid starlet Mesut Ozil, who now laces his boots at Arsenal was just 21 when he thrilled the crowds at the 2010 FIFA World Cup and is a gifted creative player with passing ability to match the best in the world. Up front, Thomas Muller won the adidas Golden Boot and was named Best Young Player at the 2010 finals, while youngsters Marco Reus, Andre Schurrle, Toni Kroos and Mario Gotze keep getting better and better. My key player: Philip Lahm  Coach: Joachim Low Best performances in a FIFA competition: FIFA World Cup Switzerland 1954, Germany 1974, Italy 1990 (Winners), FIFA U-20 World Cup Australia 1981 (Winners) Portugal: Campinas   Best price = 33/1 FIFA's key players As he showed in the play-off against Sweden, Cristiano Ronaldo is still very much Portugal’s go-to man, though the peerless Real Madrid star is supported is by a very able cast. The central-defensive pairing of Pepe and Bruno Alves is the cornerstone of a very solid rearguard that also features flying full-backs Joao Pereira and Fabio Coentrao. Joao Moutinho is the heartbeat of a creative midfield unit, while Nani can also be relied upon to shine alongside Ronaldo. My key player: Cristiano Ronaldo  Current coach: Paulo Bento Best performances in a FIFA competition: 1966 FIFA World Cup England (third place), FIFA U-20 World Cup Saudi Arabia 1989 and Portugal 1991 (winners), FIFA U-20 World Cup Colombia 2011 (runners-up), FIFA U-17 World Cup Scotland 1989 (third place). Ghana: Maceio   Best price = 250/1 FIFA's key players There are few better midfields in the world than Ghana's as the Black Stars can call on veterans Michael Essien and Sulley Muntari as well as players hitting their prime like Andre Ayew, Kwadwo Asamoah and Kevin-Prince Boateng. Up front, the athletic Asamoah Gyan will be a vital focal point and no doubt anxious to prove that Ghana can be the undisputed class of Africa. My key player: Kevin-Prince Boateng  Coach: Kwesi Appiah Best performances in a FIFA competition: FIFA World Cup South Africa 2010 (Quarter-finals), FIFA U-17 World Cup Italy 1991, Ecuador 1995 (Winners), FIFA U-20 World Cup Egypt 2009 (Winners) USA: Sao Paulo   Best price = 250/1 FIFA's Key players Jozy Altidore, of English Premier League outfit Sunderland, emerged as the complete package during the final qualifying competition. Left out of the team due to poor form and attitude in the semi-final round, Klinsmann reconsidered and wasn’t let down by his burly striker, who scored goals for fun and was the perfect partner for Clint Dempsey in attack. Landon Donovan, long-time creative icon of the US national, made a return to football after a self-imposed months-long ‘sabbatical’ and linked up beautifully with the sturdy central midfield presence of Roma’s Michael Bradley. With Tim Howard still a dominant presence between the sticks, the Americans are loaded with ability wherever you look. My key player: Geoff Cameron  Coach: Jurgen Klinsmann Best performances in a FIFA Competition: FIFA World Cup Uruguay 1930 (Third place), FIFA Confederations Cup Saudi Arabia 1992, Mexico 1999 (Third place), FIFA U-20 World Cup Saudi Arabia 1989 (Fourth place), FIFA U-17 World Cup New Zealand 1999 (Fourth place), FIFA Confederations Cup South Africa 2009 (Second place) Group G Summary Germany have a team absolutely full of stars. Neuer, Lahm, Hummels, Boateng, Khedira, Kroos, Gotze, Schweinsteiger, Ozil, Muller etc. They have amazing World Cup pedigree, and all their players play at top teams. They are a side that everyone will be afraid of and they are rightly in the top 3 in the outright market. But they have about the worst draw of the whole tournament in terms of European sides playing in difficult conditions. They play Portugal in Salvador then Ghana in Fortaleza and finally USA in Recife. I suspect that the conditions will favour all three of their opponents more than them. They also have a fair amount of travelling to do, with 700m, 2000m and 1700m round trips from their base in Santa Cruz Cabralia. Lastly, whilst their defence and midfield is full of starsthey seem to lack quality in the forward department, with only Klose and Hofland as out-and-out strikers. For these reason, and more importantly the price, I am going to take Germany on. Portugal are my idea of group winners. In terms of conditions they have landed on their feet. They play Germany in conditions the Southern Europeans might cope better with, and then when they play Ghana, unlike Germany, it will be in cooler Cuiaba. I worry about the amount of travelling the Portugese have to do, but speaking the language might be a big advantage for the Portugese, and they may get some support from their Brazilian "brothers" as Ronaldo has requested. But even on their own terms, Portugal are an excellent team packed with talent and with Ronaldo in the side anything is possible. Ghana are the other reason I am opposing Germany. They are nobody's mugs, and taking on Germany in Fortaleza gives them a chance of an upset. They are very well organised, physical and full of technical ability. If anything I always think Ghana would benefit from being a bit more flexible and attacking, but they have threatened to go a long way despite some shocking draws in previous tournaments and this one could be the one where they do. USA are the weakest team in the group in my eyes, have three games in hot & humid conditions and have a stupid amount of travelling to do. I don't see them qualifying, but they have excellent spirit and they are capable of throwing a spanner in the works of any of these three teams, which is another reason why I don't mind opposing the short-priced Germans in this group. Suggested Bets Lay Germany as group winners at 1.65 or less Lay Germany to qualify at 1.18 Ghana to qualify at 3/1 |