Over the next few days I'll break down all the groups, starting with Groups A, B, and C.
Group A: Brazil, Croatia, Mexico, Cameroon
Brazil is the clear favorite to emerge here, but the 2nd spot is somewhat of a toss-up. I think Croatia is probably the best and most balanced team, but the elements will be against them, with games in Manaus against Cameroon and Recife against Mexico. I don't think Mexico has the mettle to get through this group, so I have to pick Cameroon to escape.
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Winners: Brazil, Cameroon
Best game: Brazil v Croatia (4pm EST Friday, June 13)
Game to watch: Cameroon v Croatia (6pm EST Wednesday, June 18)
Group B: Spain, Netherlands, Chile, Australia
This one looks predictable at first glance, but Chile can punch with the big boys on their day and could throw a surprise at either of the heavyweights. If so, this one gets blown wide open; Arturo Vidal could disrupt Spain's midfield, if he's fit in time, and allow Alexis Sanchez to cause problems, but I don't see them outscoring the Dutch. I can't bet against Spain and the Dutch (who looked razor sharp in the warm up games I saw). Australia is about as likely to win a game as I am to be on the next WC roster for team USA (but Kyle Beckerman made the squad, so who knows?)
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Winners:Spain, Netherlands
Best game: Spain v Netherlands (3pm EST Friday, June 13)
Game to watch: Chile v Spain (3pm EST Wednesday, June 18)
Group C: Columbia, Greece, Cote D'Ivoire, and Japan
Another interesting group. Columbia should survive, even shorn of their star forward Falcao, but they're not a dominant favorite by any strech. Can Greece park the bus enough to scrape a draw against Columbia, or even bull their way to a set piece goal? If so, it would make the both spots in this group a toss-up between all 4 teams. I'm not really sure what to expect from Japan, mostly because I'm not familiar with their squad. Greece has the potential to bore their way to the knockout round, but it's unlikely. I'll take Ivory Coast first and Columbia second, but it's really tough to call.
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Winners: Ivory Coast, Columbia
Best game: Columbia v Ivory Coast (12pm EST Thursday, June 19)
Game to watch: Columbia v Greece (12pm EST Saturday, June 14)
