Group C:
Colombia:
Qualified: Runners-Up in CONMEBOL's Round Robin qualifying led by Radamel Falcao's 9 goals.
Previous Best: Round of 16 (1990)
2010 World Cup Result: Did not Qualify
Odds to Win: 40/1
Fan Mindset:
In a World Cup with many traditional powers and regular qualifying nations, Colombia's first tournament berth since 1998 comes as sort of a surprise. Still, a quick look at the roster shows Colombia in the midst of a fantastic generation of talent. However, news of Radamel Falcao's ACL tear and his inability to return to form in time, have dampened both morale and hopes for Colombia's World Cup dreams. As a seeded team playing in a South American tournament, a Round of 16 spot or more is expected of this still talented group.
The Team:
David Ospina the goalkeeper, captain Mario Yepes, and AC Milan defender Cristián Zapata hold down a stingy Colombian defense which allowed only 13 goals in 16 qualifying matches, the best in CONMEBOL. Even without Falcao, this team also remains a scoring threat with a host of young talent. Coach José Pékerman has a host of options in lieu of Falcao at forward. There is Teófilo Gutiérrez, Sevilla's Carlos Bacca, and striker Adrián Ramos, plus many more to choose from. As is the case with young talent. Colombia's success is dependent on how they play with one another and some tuneup friendlies with mixed results have left some questioning the chemistry of this young squad.
X-Factor:
The forwards. Juan Cuadrado and James Rodriguez are Colombia's exclusive wingers, so the traffic up the middle and in the box is the only question mark for the Colombians. However, a player of Falcao's caliber will be sorely missed, no matter how much the Colombians deny it. Falcao's play at Atletico Madrid last season saw him almost single-handedly pull Madrid into the Champions League and to the Copa del Rey title. A player that can go toe-to-toe with Ronaldo cannot be replaced, but Coach Pékerman's ability to mix-and-match the horde of forwards Colombia has will prove if they have what it takes to advance. I believe they do.
Prediction: First in Group C. Losing in the Round of 16. They are not the best squad, but because they are seeded, they managed to avoid a better team like Germany or Spain. The Ivory Coast and Japan could be trouble, but I think home field and some young talent win out this time.
Relevant Gif: When Colombia wins their group without their best player.
Cote d'Ivoire (The Ivory Coast):
Qualified: By winning Group C in CAF qualifying over Morocco and then beating Senegal in a playoff. (Note: In order to qualify in Africa all teams must play a playoff regardless of record). They were also undefeated in qualifying matches.
Previous Best: Group Stages (2006,2010)
2010 World Cup Result: Group Stages(3rd)
Odds to Win: 150/1
Fan Mindset:
The Ivory Coast is the soccer world's Kevin Durant: talented, no championships, and sick of being second place. Although the team expects its players to "be da real MVP" and finally get out of the group, the Ivory Coast has a knack for disappointing in the most gut wrenching way. In the 2012 African Cup of Nations final they lost to Zambia(yes, a real country) on penalties, and in the 2010 World Cup they lost in the group stages despite a 1-1-1 record in the 2010 Group of Death. This time, with no group of death in their way, anything other than the knockout rounds could leave fans lamenting a lost generation of great players who could never get it done.
The Team:
Young talent, Old talent, talent that only shows up for the national team; the Ivorians have, as Monta Ellis would say, "it all." Toure #1, Kolo Touré, headlines an Ivorian defense which often gets ignored in favor of a star studded variety of offensive weapons. Toure #2, Yaya Touré forms a midfield whose sole job it is to make sure the Ivory Coast can keep the ball on the foot of its talented attacking forwards. Coach Sabri Lamouchi has 4 world class forwards to choose from to hopefully power the Ivorians past the strong defenses of Group C hopefuls Greece, Japan, and Colombia. There's the talented and experienced Didier Drogba, Ligue 1's Salomon Kalou, Gervinho (the great forheaded one who actually played well for Roma), and on the bench is Wilfried Bony. Bony on the bench shows the Ivorians' talent. Bony had a breakout year at Swansea in the EPL (16 goals, tied for 6th best), but having him off the bench as an asset is invaluable for this fast attacking squad.
X-Factor:
Bony. The Ivorians have the best kind of skeleton in their closet (pun completely intended) in Bony. The question is how to use him. With the Ivory Coast going up against three strong defensive units, do you start Bony alongside Drogba as a second striker, or do you hold off and sub him in in the second half to provide depth and energy off the bench? The decision is a good problem to have, but still a critical one. How will the young 25-year-old deal with the pressure of a country awaiting much needed glory?
Prediction: 2nd in Group C. With new talent to back up the old, the Ivorians finally advance to the knockout rounds, but a lack of defensive depth will stop them in the Round of 16.
Relevant Gif: Gervinho looking at the World Cup like
Japan:
Qualified: First in Group B of AFC qualifying's final round over Australia.
Previous Best: Round of 16 (2002,2010)
2010 World Cup Result: Round of 16
Odds to Win: 150/1
Fan Mindset:
The Japanese are the "nouveau riche" of Asian football(dropping French lines is cool now). Although they have a shallow history in international football, the recent generation of players have jumped Japan into the most talented side in Asia by quite a stride. This is their fifth straight World Cup in their fifth appearance. As a result, the fans have now come to expect qualifying as the norm. High hopes in the 2013 Confederations Cup were dashed by a 3 loss dropout that saw their defense crumble and concede nine goals, the most in the tournament outside of everyone's favorite, Tahiti. Japanese fans will expect to advance in Group C, but they face a steep test in a quality African and South American side to contend with.
The Team:
The Japanese have the greatest concern of any Group C team when it comes to goalkeeping. Although Eiji Kawashima is the clear favorite to be starting in Brazil, his poor performances and soft goals from a year ago leave many concerned about Japan's defense. Japan's team also features a multitude of local talent as many J-league players dot the roster. This makes the Japanese team very unknown in some aspects. However, proven European talent abounds at the front as Japan are led by Attacking Midfielder Keisuke Honda of AC Milan, Hiroshi Kiyotake of the Bundesliga's Nurnberg, and Man United's Shinji Kagawa who has seen only limited playing time at the club, but remains a strong Japanese asset.Coach Alberto Zaccheroni will have to work his roster to make sure the talented offensive peaces can find the back of the net and keep pressure off the defense. After all, the best defense is one that does not need to be tested. (Unrelated Note: One of the funniest soccer novelty accounts on Twitter is Evil Kagawa, check it out.)
X-Factor:
Keisuke Honda's set pieces. Honda's greatest asset is his deadly accuracy with the ball that showed itself in 2010 and will need to appear once again if Japan hopes to advance. A curling free kick, a screaming cross into the box, and a perfectly placed corner kick can provide Japan with all the opportunities it needs to try and get out of the groups again this time around. For a team that plays this far forward, Honda must also be called on to prevent major breakaways by the opponent that could lead to counter goals which have ravaged Japan in the past.
Predicition: 3rd in Group C. The only defense Japan can fully exploit given their style of play in this group is the Greek's, and only surpassing them is not enough to escape Group C.
Relevant Gif: Japanese Fans when the Ivorians and Colombians carve up their defense
Greece:
Qualified: Via the UEFA Playoffs against Romania (4-2) after finishing second in their group behind Bosnia and Herzegovina (tied for the lead, but fell to second on goal difference).
Previous Best: Group Stages (1994, 2010)
2010 World Cup Result: Group Stages (3rd)
Odds to Win: 200/1
Fan Mindset:
In case you have not noticed, the Greek economy these days is hardly discernible from the ruins of Ancient Greece itself. Sometimes football is a soothing distraction, but the Greek fans may not find it so soothing given their situation. For a Greek side that came to prominence by winning Euro 2004 with a staunch defense, the Greeks have failed miserably on the world stage since then. They failed to progress past the quarterfinals of the last two Euros and they have never made the knockout rounds of a World Cup. Is "don't make a fool of yourselves" a goal to shoot for, because it just may be for the Greeks. Even the most loyal fans know this team lacks the intensity of Sparta, the finesse of Athens, and the ability to advance far in the tournament.
The Team:
For a team that came to prominence on defense, it is still their strongest quality. They allowed six goals in qualifying in UEFA in 12 matches! They are led by goalkeeper Orestis Karnezis of Europa League champions Sevilla. Giorgos Karagounis captains the squad from his midfielder position, which has been a staple for the 36-year-old since 1999. He plays at Fulham where he is joined by fellow national team player Kostas Mitroglou, the forward responsible for what little goalscoring Greece can get. These two veterans will need to raise their game once the cup starts if Greece will stand a chance in the group.
X-Factor:
Club vs. Country. This Greek side is dotted by players who have had shaky club seasons this year like Mitroglou and Karagounis whose Fulham side finished 19th in the EPL and were relegated. They say defense wins championships, but an over-reliance on defense has made Greece a desert for goalscoring, and I see little reason why that will change against the world's best teams. However, across the globe, year-after-year, we see players who instantly raise their game when they put on their club's jersey (Neymar, Gervinho, Altidore, etc.) The Greeks will need their jerseys to have the same affect on their players, or Coach Fernando Santos's squad is headed for an early shower again.
Prediction: Last in Group C, but they'll manage a 0-0 draw somewhere to scrape a point.
Relevant Gif: The Greeks eating their precious yogurt and crying when they lose
Group D:
Italy:
Qualified: By winning their group in UEFA qualifying over teams like Denmark and the Czechs, Italy qualified. They also when undefeated in their qualifying campaign. (6-4-0)
Previous Best: Winners (1934, 1938, 1982, 2006)
2010 World Cup Result: Group Stage (Last!)
Odds to Win: 25/1
Fan Mindset:
The Italian fans are a rambunctious group known for acting up at matches and lighting quite a few flairs. However, they have good reason for this. Italy is historically the strongest side in Europe and their four World Cups are second only to Brazil's 5. Their 2006 title cemented their veterans as legends and now a new squad looks to perform well in Brazil. However, matching old talent with new is never easy and Italy had a historically poor performance in an easy Cup group in 2010. Their last place finish ensured that their Euro 2012 team (which were runners-up to Spain) and their World Cup team would be centered on youth and the older veterans were finally shelved. Fans will not only expect Italy back in the knockout rounds, but a loss to anyone except the highest performers (Germany, Spain, or Brazil) would leave fans just as angry as 2010.
The Team:
I once heard a joke that if you took any Italian player's last name and substituted their first name for chicken, you would get an Italian sounding dish. Chicken Balotelli, Chicken de Rossi, Chicken Buffon, it all sounds delicious. It is almost as juicy as this year's squad. 36-year-old captain Gianluigi Buffon retains his spot as starting goalkeeper meaning he will join an exclusive group of players to have played in 4 different World Cups (2002, 2006, 2010, 2014). Do not let his age deceive you, Buffon is a world champion, and coming off a third straight Serie A title at Juventus, he is still world class. He and midfielder Andrea Pirlo are also the last major remnants of the old guard veterans on the team, as new homegrown talent has infiltrated almost every other part of the roster. In fact, Italy's entire starting XI may be completely Serie A based. The frontline is mastered by the one and only, Mario Balotelli, whose knack for goalscoring has earned him praise and his constant boneheaded actions have earned him just as much scorn.
X-Factor:
Mario Balotelli. If the Ivory Coast was the Kevin Durant of the World Cup, Balotelli is definitely the Russell Westbrook of the bunch. Explosive, but explosiveness that goes both ways. Italy collapsed in 2010 because no one could carry them, but they soared back up in 2012 because Balotelli took up that call. They will need good Balotelli to show up every game, and they should do their best to leave dumb Balotelli off the plane entirely. Balotelli has floated around some talented European squads in the past few years (Inter Milan, Man City, AC Milan) and butted heads with almost every manager along the way, so Coach Cesare Prandelli will need to make sure we see more shirtless Balotelli in Brazil (just watch out for those yellow cards Mario!)
Prediction: First in Group D, but stopped in the quarterfinals by a familiar foe.....Spain!
Relevant Gif: Balotelli, when he sees all the nightclubs in Rio.
Uruguay:
Qualified: Despite their high expectations and the lack of Brazil in CONMEBOL qualifying, Uruguay struggled immensely. They finished 5th in CONMEBOL qualifying and had to win an intercontinental playoff against Jordan just to qualify.
Previous Best: Winners (1930, 1950).
2010 World Cup Result: 4th Place
Odds to Win: 28/1
Fan Mindset:
For such a small nation, Uruguay's footballing history is richer than all but the very best. The nation of 3.4 million people is by far the smallest to have won a World Cup, not to mention they have actually won 2! Their upset of Brazil in 1950, cemented their status as the pesky team of the world. Talented, but always underestimated. Thus, it should not have come as a surprise when a talented Uruguayan squad made the semifinals in South Africa in 2010, but many were still shocked. Now, with their qualifying sweats behind them, Uruguay looks to put on a repeat performance. Their fans expect to get out of the groups and advance in the knockout rounds again, and this talented squad might just make this tiny nation's dreams come true again.
The Team:
Galatasaray goalkeeper Fernando Muslera, captain defender Diego Lugano, and defender Maxi Pereira are tasked with guarding the back line for Uruguay and allowing their offense to maintain the ball for as long as possible. This certainly a good thing because this is another squad where one look at their offensive weapons make any goalkeeper quiver in fear. 2010 Golden Ball winner Diego Forlan is on the squad but has dropped out of the starting XI in favor of better, younger options. Coach Óscar Tabárez has a strong midfield, but also the aid of 2 of the world's best strikers. They are the dynamic duo of Edinson Cavani (Paris Saint-Germain) and Luis "The Rabbit" Suarez (Liverpool). Even though Uruguay struggled through qualifying, they do not have the same concerns as Mexico and Greece do, due to their inherent talent levels and youth. Suarez, Cavani, Muslera, and Pereira have a combined average age of under 28. This is a team with the perfect balance of experience and youth.
X-Factor:
Diego Lugano. When your team's captain is your biggest question mark that's not a good sign. The defender had a poor first season in the Premier League and carries the burden of age with him. Quicker defenders and attacks will either be stopped dead by the Uruguayan captain, or the youthful attackers of Group D like Balotelli will steam right past him. Still, I think the home field of South America will allow he and his teammates to click nicely when it matters most. Uruguay is rarely flashy, but they are almost always effective.
Prediction: 2nd in Group D. They'll fall to Italy's young attack, but get the result they need against England.
Relevant Gif: When Uruguay realizes that they are playing England in the World Cup this year.
England:
Qualified: First and undefeated in their UEFA qualifying group that included Ukraine and Poland.
Previous Best: Winners (1966)
2010 World Cup Result: Round of 16
Odds to Win: 25/1
Fan Mindset:
The English media is the most intrusive in Europe and perhaps the whole world. From coach to player to club, they relentlessly hold England to the highest standard along with the fanbase. However, England has not lived up to that standard in 48 years since winning as hosts. The normal flow of English World Cup expectations is as follows: expect to win the Cup, make the knockout rounds, lose on a controversial decision or penalties, say that you did not expect to win anyway. This year it seems reversed. Most fans are expecting disaster and a loss on penalties or a knockout round thrashing. Some do not even think they'll get that far. Does that mean England will totally flip things around and defy expectations for the better? Maaayyyybbbeeee.....
The Team:
The English team is a collection of talent, but talent that seems unproven in big-game situations. England's goalkeeping woes were evident in 2010 with Robert Green's famous bluff against the United States. As a result, the English side has turned to Manchester City keeper Joe Hart. Hart is a two-time EPL champion after this season, but his goalkeeping skill in critical matches have been questioned for both club and country. Gary Cahill takes over John Terry's old spot on the English squad and his efforts on defense will be critical to England's fate. At midfield, England's captain Steven Gerrard is one of England's few proven contributors in World Cup play and he has several targets to hit forward to on the pitch. Wayne Rooney and Daniel Sturridge are two players that seem headed in opposite directions. Sturridge has scored 31 goals in 43 games for Liverpool and his future contributions for England raise the hopes of English fans. On the other hand, Wayne Rooney has seen his stock go down considerably. Though he remains a world class player at Man United, his failures to reproduce results at the international stage (0 goals in 8 World Cup matches) have many fans running out of patience. This is his last good chance to either confirm himself among England's greats, or relegate himself to another forgotten wasted talent.
X-Factor:
Daniel Sturridge. Although the pressure is on Rooney once again, that happened in 2010 too and it did not help at all. Sturridge on the other hand, at only 21 has captured the fame and accolades of Liverpool fans, invented a pretty cool goal dance, and shouldered a great burden internationally as well. I do not think England advances with Rooney as leader and Sturridge as a second option. He has to take the reins and for a 21-year-old on the most scrutinized team in the world, that could spell disaster in an unfamiliar Brazilian environment.
Prediction: 3rd in Group D, a group stage bow out that cements Wayne Rooney's fate, but Sturridge lives to fight another day by scoring some goals.
Relevant Gif: England's results in Brazil if they're led by Rooney alone. (Strangely enough, Rooney and Eli's awkwardness match quite nicely.)
Costa Rica:
Qualified: By finishing 2nd in the CONCACAF hexagonal with impressive results over the traditional top teams of the USA (3-1 home victory), and Mexico (2-1 home victory and a scoreless road draw).
Previous Best: Round of 16 (1990)
2010 World Cup Result: Did Not Qualify
Odds to Win: 2500/1
Fan Mindset:
For any Central American nation, poking your head out from under the shadow of Mexico and the United States is accomplishment enough and Costa Rica's relatively easy qualification already beat many people's expectations. Still, it would be wrong to say that they are the classic "glad to be here" team. With results this good in qualifying, there's no reason to believe Costa Rica will now commit to play-it-safe football. When you are a group minnow in World Cup play and only 3 games to prove your worth, you take the risks and go all out. Costa Rican fans will not be upset if this team loses in the group, it WILL be upset however, if they lose without "putting up a fight" (scoring a goal or getting a point).
The Team:
For a team with such low expectations, it's no wonder the roster is so thin with talent. The most talented player on the team may be goalkeeper Keylor Navas of La Liga's Levante. Holding a starting job in La Liga is nothing to scoff at (it's arguably the toughest league in the World), so he certainly has great talent, but they'll need a massive Cup from him if he is to stop the likes of Suarez, Sturridge, and Balotelli game-after-game. After him, European talent is few and far between. Often for a team like this from a small nation, team chemistry is usually a priority. That could be what leads them to some surprising results in the end. In fact, seven members of the team (Navas, Umaña, Díaz, Borges, Bolaños, Barrantes, and Bryan Ruiz) have fifty appearances or more for the team. If they cannot outmatch their opponents, they may still be able to outplay them.
X-Factor:
Goalkeeper Keylor Navas. We have seen goalkeepers prop up lowly defenses before and Navas would need to do just that to ensure Costa Rican survival in the tournament. And to the Costa Rican's credit, of the three teams with the worst odds (2500/1), I think they have the best chance at survival. Local talent outside of Europe rarely impresses, but if it is unknown talent, it may just put the element of surprise in Costa Rica's favor, which could swing a match their way.
Prediction: Last in Group D, but they'll manage a draw somewhere (possibly against England?) to earn a valuable point.
Relevant Gif: When Costa Rica loses in the group stages, but gets a point against either a tough European or South American side.
Continued in Part 3.
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