World Cup 2010: Group G/H preview
.myke / Flickr CC
Cristiano Ronaldo would like nothing more to power a few strikes at the Brazilian goal in their much anticipated matchup on June 25.
Clash of the Titans
June 14, 2010 11:17 PM ADT
The heat is on as the action begins in South Africa and Chris and Colin finalize their group predictions and their eventual tournament champion. Here's what they said:
Group G: Brazil, Côte d’Ivoire, Korea DPR, Portugal
Chris: Brazil and Portugal.
In possibly the easiest to predict group in this year's World Cup, Brazil will most definitely advance to the knockout round. The leader in Cup titles with five are always a top contender. This soccer nation will look to their stars, Kaka and Luis Fabiano, to lead them to the finals. They are the team to beat. It will be the Italians or the Brazilians to hoist the cup.
Portugal, another all-star filled roster, will be fortunate to take the second spot from this group, but they will. Côte d’Ivoire found success in 2006 and will no doubt give another strong performance in South Africa, but Portugal will defeat them 1-0 in a close game to take the second spot. Cristiano Ronaldo will play a role on the goal and in carrying to his team to the knockout round, scoring or setting up the goal against Côte d’Ivoire.
Colin: Brazil and Portugal
For the first time ever, I'm going to side with Chris on this one. This year's 'group of death' boasts some incredible soccer clubs - none of which should be taken lightly. It's a shame, really. If separated, there's a good chance all four could advance to the knockout stage. Unfortunately, there's only two spots and those spots will go to two of the tournament's biggest contenders, Brazil and Portugal. The South Americans have undoubtedly the most illustrious history of any nation when it comes to the World Cup. Yet, five championships doesn't seem to be enough as this squad looks poised to capture their sixth. While the Brazilians will have their hands full with the electrifying Portuguese, the exciting Ivorians and the pesky Koreans, they should come out on top of Group G because of their sheer speed and skill. It won't be a walk in the park, but Kaka and the rest of the Auriverde should be playing in early July.
Even though Portugal is slotted in a special group of potential champions, that doesn't mean they won't get upset early on. While Brazil is strong physically and mentally, the jury is still out on whether or not the Portuguese can keep their emotions in check. All eyes will be on soccer sensation Cristiano Ronaldo. He'll chase the Golden Boot or implode in on himself like a dying star - in either case he'll do it in spectacular fashion. Don't be surprised to see the Portuguese draw against the Ivorians and the Koreans, which means a lost to Brazil in their final match would be devastating. On the other hand, they could run over this group if they can keep their focus. My money is on the latter.
Group H: Chile, Honduras, Spain, Switzerland
Chris: Spain and Switzerland.
No losses in qualification. No losses to any of their group rivals. Spain is flying high right now. They will have any easy trip out of their group as the most recent European Champions. There is few things the Spanish have to worry about before they get out of their pool, simply said they will be in the quarter-finals no problem.
Switzerland has been disappointed as of late in international play, but this year's team is a young and ready to go. This is their time to make a stand on the world stage. Players to watch as well as the ones expected to play key roles are Alexandre Frei and Blaise N'kufo to name a couple. This young Swiss team will have tough competition to squeeze out of the pool, but will surprise many when they do. I am rarely wrong when I find my sleeper team and this is the one.
Colin: Spain and Switzerland
The Spaniards are definitely a heavy favourite and anything short of capturing that elusive championship will be seen as a failure for La Roja. This star-laden club is magnificent from back to front. They play efficient, tactical soccer that will create many scoring opportunities for youthful forward Fernando Torres. It's hard to find a weakness on this squad. They have a world-class keeper in Iker Casillas, an unflappable defensive unit, a solid midfield core, and a group of deadly strikers. Head Coach Vincent Del Bosque must be chomping at the bit to field this exciting squad and begin their campaign for glory. There's very few teams in Spain's way of their first championship.
As Chile and Honduras have limited international exposure and even more limited international success, the Swiss are the likely favourites to grab the second spot in Group H. Led by the talented Alexandre Frei, Switzerland should knock off Chile in a close match and advance to the knockout stage. The Swiss are no stranger to the second stage of the World Cup as they advanced to the Round of 16 in Germany 2006. They were nearly amongst the final eight clubs until they were ousted by Ukraine in a shootout. I would imagine something similar to this will happen this year as well. They'll advance, but their journey will be halted there.
Championship prediction
Chris: Brazil
Led by Kaka and the rest of this impressive cast, Brazil will survive the 'group of death' and push their way through the elimination stages until they are ultimately crowned champions for the sixth time.
Colin: Spain
Even though I would like nothing more to see Italy repeat as champions, I'm giving my nod to Spain. They just look too damn good. They'll breeze through the group stage and knockout anyone foolish enough to face them on their way to their first World Cup title.
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