I’m not going to give a thorough tactical and technical analysis of each team. Zonal Marking does a much better job than 99% of the punditry does. This is much more simpler than that. Here goes:
GROUP A
BRASIL
Why they’ll win the group: Do I really need to? No I don’t. Because Brasil.
Why they won’t win the group: Only reason I can think of is a massive match fixing scandal for all 3 matches.
CROATIA
Why they’ll qualify: They are a canny bunch. The timing of the matches will allow them to know what they need for a result to give them the edge on goal difference heading in to the final group game against Mexico.
Why they’ll be going home early: If they take a pounding from Brasil in the opening game it could throw off their composure for the two other games.
MEXICO
Why they’ll qualify: Because they have Arriaga, Arriaga II, Barriaga.
Why they’ll be going home early: A team that for most of the CONCACAF qualifying was 5th best. Relying on a striker that couldn’t even barge his way into a mediocre Man Utd side.
CAMEROON
Why they’ll qualify: Samuel Eto’o may promise each player their own golden palace if they do.
Why they’ll be going home early: Samuel Eto’o is nearly ready to play in the A-League and he can’t do it all on his own.
Who’s going through?
BRASIL & CROATIA.
GROUP B
SPAIN
Why they’ll qualify: Despite being four years older, they know how to get the job done and despite Jose Mourinho’s feeble attempts, tika taka can never be killed.
Why they’ll be going home early: The last 2 European defending champions have gone out in the group stages (France 2002, Italy 2010).
NETHERLANDS
Why they’ll qualify: A game plan that Kevin Muscat would approve of nearly won the whole thing 4 years ago. If they try it again they could beat 2 x Tika Taka opponents.
Why they’ll be going home early: It’s a young squad. It’s a VERY young squad. Maybe lacking enough experience to play against excellent, technically gifted opponents.
CHILE
Why they’ll qualify: They play as a team and they can play some fantastic football. They still play the Bielsa style even after he’s long gone.
Why they’ll be going home early: They can have trouble finishing off teams after totally dominating them.
AUSTRALIA
Why they’ll qualify: Because the other 3 will be so busy worrying what each other are up to, we’ll Bradbury our way into a date with destiny v Brasil.
Why they’ll be going home early: Because we have a young squad with little experience, weak attack and brittle defence and no recognised playmakers.
Who’s going through?
SPAIN & CHILE.
goodluckpunters 