In the next weeks, I will talk about the groups for the World Cup 2014 in Brazil. I´ll do one group every couple of days, starting with A and ending with H.
Group A: Brazil, Croatia, Mexico, Cameroon
As the organiser of the World Cup, Brazil is the leader of Group A. The "Selecao" has the all-time record of most World Cups won: 5 times, in 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994 and 2002. Considering the great team, including superstar Neymar, and the great atmosphere in the stadiums when Brazil plays a home match, I think Brazil has a 30% chance of winning the World Cup for the sixth time.
Croatia will open the World Cup in a match against Brazil at June 12 in Sao Paolo. The "Vatreni" (The Blazers) have the best team they've had in years. Luka Modric is the best player, and captain Darijo Srna, winger Danijel Pranjic and Bayern Munich striker Mario Mandzukic are the other weapons Croatia can use. Furthermore, Internazionale midfielder Mateo Kovacic is generally considered a player with a huge potential. Croatia has a big chance to finish second in the group, behind Brazil.
Mexico is the third team in group A. After opening the World Cup 2010 in a match against South Africa, "El Tricolor" will play the second match against Cameroon. The Mexicans have a experienced team, but I think they miss a real leader. All the players of the current team play in the Mexican competition. Most likely, their tournament will end after three matches.
Cameroon is one of the five African teams competing in the World cup, and probably the best one. Captain Samuel Eto'o is getting older, but has played for FC Barcelona and is currently playing for Chelsea. Alexandre Song is the other player that had to lead "The Indomitable Lions" to the victory. Cameroon has some young but talented players, for instance defenders Nicolas N'Koulou and Joel Matip and midfielder/forward Fabrice Olinga, the youngest goal scorer ever in the Spanish Primera Division. Cameroon has to compete with Croatia for the second place in group A that leads to the round of 16.
My expectation:
1. Brazil (winning chance 30%)
2. Croatia
3. Cameroon
4. Mexico
