My World Cup Predictions: Group G and H

Group G:


The "Group of Death" has been the label bestowed on the four countries occupying Group G. The openers are of great importance for all 4 nations, starting with North Korea, relative unknowns on the world stage. In qualification they beat out Iran, UAE, Mongolia and Saudi Arabia to book their place in South Africa. Similar to their neighbors from the South, the team has a tireless work rate and frustrates their opponents, as witnessed first hand by fighting back to tie Greece in a recent tune up match. Jong Tae-Se is by far the most skilled player on the team, and has been dubbed "The Peoples Rooney"; although he plays professionally in Japan and only occasionally makes the odd visit to the North. In '66 they defeated Italy 1-0, but that type of upset won’t happen this time as the team is outclassed in this star studded group.
The Samba Stars of Brazil come into the World Cup not looking like the flashy, offense driven powerhouse as we come to know. Dunga's Brazil is more balanced and defensive minded. The first casualty of the new system has been Ronaldinho, who was left off the squad. Alexandre Pato has also missed out, but his exclusion was based more on injuries that derailed his campaign last season. Whatever the case, the team knows how to win and is on an impressive run, most recently winning last years Confederations Cup. Despite big name exclusions, the entire squad is consumed with world class players. Kaka is Dunga's man, the type of player whose versatility, skill and commitment outweigh his apparent lack of flair that most Brazilians crave. By far the back line is their weakest point; Julio Cesar proved his class between the posts this past season and is well equipped to lead. The Selecao will win the group and outclass their opponents.
The Portuguese needed a near perfect second half run in qualifying to make the tournament. They started off slow and barely made it to South Africa. The team is spoiled with mid-fielders, none more important then leader Cristiano Ronaldo; the phenomenon is relied heavily upon to lead by example, which he has come to do. Despite the slow start in qualifying the team has played very well of late (minus the embarrassing 0-0 friendly draw with Cape Verde). The opener vs. Cote d'Ivoire will be the decider for second spot in this group; the loser will have to beat Brazil in order to advance to the knockout rounds. The loss of Nani, due to a shoulder injury is a major blow for Portugal. An integral part of the offence, his loss will have Carlos Queiroz scrambling for a solution.
Cote d’Ivoire limps into the World Cup with sad faces. Didier Drogba dislocated his elbow in a recent friendly match with Japan and is a major doubt for the tournament. Reports have him recovering in time to take part at some point after the teams opener, the Elephants will be hoping for a speedy recovery. Despite possessing some of Europe's best players, the team has struggled to live up to expectations. The appointment of Sven Goran-Erikkson as coach (only for the World Cup) has brought mixed feelings. He is a good coach; however he hasn't had enough time with his players to make an impact on the field. The loss of Drogba has put added pressure on the shoulders of Saloman Kalou to lead the Elephants attack. If Drogba makes it back in time for the opener, Cote d'Ivoire will advance to the knockout rounds, but if he misses the match against Portugal, it will prove to be too much for the Elephants to overcome.

1. Brazil
2. Cote d'Ivoire
3. Portugal
4. North Korea


Group H:

European Champions Spain headlines the final group, and will try to ride their remarkable unbeaten run (one loss in last 47 games) all the way to the finals in Johannesburg on July 11. The squad is filled with superstar’s right to its core. The best goalkeeper in the world, captain Iker Casillas leads from the back. In front of him, Carles Puyol and Gerard Pique form a partnership that can handle any offensive threat. In attack David Villa and Fernando Torres are able to score at will, arguably the deadliest duo in the tournament. Creativity can be found in the midfield with the likes of Xabi Alonso, Xavi and Anders Iniesta. Not to mention the game-changers who can come off the bench in Cesc Fabregas and newcomer Jesus Navas. Coach Vicente Del Bosque hates the prediction, but Spain is heavy favorites to win in South Africa.
Honduran's all around are living the dream, being able to participate in the World Cup is no small feat for this tiny nation in Central America. The last time they were on the world stage was in 1982, interesting enough they tied Spain 1-1; although not being able to make it out of the group. The Catrachos are hoping to get their first victory in the tournament after drawing two and losing one game in their only other World Cup appearance. The squad is really thin unfortunately and surprisingly one of the oldest teams in South Africa. Wilson Palacios is their best player and will look to inspire and lead, Maynor Figueroa will anchor the back line and David Suazo will carry the scoring load, the team will be in over their heads and a quick exit looms.
Chile had a an impressive qualifying campaign, only the Selecao finished ahead of them. The team is young and is quite capable of staging a good run in the tournament. They are attack minded and can press the game if needed, questions arise about the quality on defense, but a solid run of form has La Roja clicking at the best possible time. Although not household names, most of Chile's players fly under the radar and look to make some noise in South Africa. Humberto Suazo is the target man, if he can stay in form the danger he provides cannot be overlooked. One to watch is highly rated teenager Alexis Sanchez, he was impressive last term for Udinese and can be a game changer. If they can take advantage of their schedule of games, a place in the knockout rounds is possible.
The Swiss are one of the youngest teams in South Africa, but won't be a pushover, Coach Ottmar Hitzfeld has instilled confidence into the squad and the players have responded well on the pitch. He runs a tight ship and is well respected, so you will see a well disciplined squad. The best hope for progressing will be to play on the counter, they can't outscore their opponents, defending is key. But you need goals to win, if Switzerland can overcome the scoring drought, a place in the next round should be certain. Alexander Frei will carry the responsibility of breaching the opposition’s goal, despite picking up an ankle injury right before the tournament, he may miss the opener. Gokhan Inler will pull the strings from midfield and is Switzerland’s best all round player. A strong defensive work ethic will see the Swiss make the next round, lack of goals will be the team’s downfall afterwards, but getting out of the group stage will be a major achievement for Ottmar Hitzfeld, the players and the country.

1. Spain
2. Switzerland
3. Chile
4. Honduras