Group A

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.

Bets
Cameroon to qualify 5/1 (or Brazil/Cameroon straight forecast 7/1)
Croatia to finish bottom 4/1