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Colombia, Ivory Coast, Japan and Greece will all feel they have a chance to reach the knockout stage in what is arguably the most balanced group in the World Cup. After our analysis for Group A and Group B, let`s get going with the preview and tips on this one.
Colombia, with its best generation of players since 1994, is the bookmakers’ favorite to finish on the 1st place and is viewed as one of the underdogs capable to do some damage in the latter stages of the tournament. The south americans finished second behind Argentina in the qualifiers and are boosting some amazing talent, but they will most likely have to cope with their best player missing the tournament. Rafael Falcao is recovering from an ACL tear and his chances to make the World Cup squad are slim. However, the likes of Jackson Martinez and Carlos Bacca (with Adrian Ramos as a bonus) should be able to limit the impact of Falcao’s absence. This group is so evenly matched, but Colombia to qualify looks like the closest thing to a certainty. Though they can be inconsistent and have not impressed in the pre-World Cup friendlies the Colombians should top the standings.
- Key players: Jackson Martinez, James Rodriguez
- Strong spots: Star power, Offense, Midfield
- Weak spots: Inconsistency, Keeper position
- Odds to qualify: 1.30 @ Youwin
One last hurray for the Ivory Coast golden generation of Drogba, Yaya Toure and Kolo Toure. Despite the team being packed with quality, the Africans have disappointed time and time again both in the World Cup and in the African cup of nations, and this might well be one of their last chances to produce a memorable performance. Ivory Coast had an easy time qualifying to the World Cup against Morocco and Senegal but have not been up to standards as of late, winning just once in the last 6 outings. The Africans might be the 2nd favorites to qualify and many World Cup tips see them in the knockout round, but with their current form and track record on the big stage they could be in for another disappointment in this balanced group.
- Key players: Yaya Toure, Gervinho
- Strong spots: Offense, Star Power
- Weak spots: Aging key players, Inconsistency, Defense, Keeper position
- Odds to qualify: 2.00 @ Ladbrokes
Japan is a team I fancy a lot, as they play such a nice brand of football, we could all see it in the Confederations Cup despite them losing all three games. Their attacking pace and enthusiasm is exciting to say the least and the team looks pretty good, making up for lack of star power with good chemistry between players. Japan qualified en-fanfare to the World Cup, their main objective, and they are looking extremely solid in the pre-tournament friendlies as well. Qualifying from the group stage would be a bonus for them, but with a little bit of luck they could earn a 2nd place and advance to the knockout round.
- Key players: Shinji Okazaki, Makoto Hasebe
- Strong spots: Attacking pace, Counterattacks, Chemistry
- Weak spots: Defense, Individual quality
- Odds to qualify: 2.25 @ Ladbrokes
Greece is the perennial underdog, the most underrated team in European football. They are so ignored that people are viewing them as an old, slow team, despite the fact that they will likely have just two players over 30 years in the starting lineup. Greece might lack the individual quality of other teams, but they has always qualified for the important tournaments and were also often able to make an impact on the big stage. They finished second behind Bosnia in the qualifying group but had little trouble beating Romania in the playoffs. Greece’s defense is by far their biggest asset but, ironically, their best players are up front. This might help them to get some goals, which would be huge, as they will surely not concede too much. With an experienced and organized team, Greece surely has the best value for odds in this group and I would rate them as the 2nd best team behind Colombia. Depending on whether Ivory Coast shows up or not, they should be able to qualify. Greece can outplay Japan with their superior experience, and I don’t see a chaotic Ivory Coast side breaking down their defense either. I feel like the bookmakers are giving a bonus with these high odds for the europeans to go trough, so this will be my main pick for this Group.
- Key players: Kostas Mitroglou, Giorgios Samaras
- Strong spots: Defense, Chemistry, Discipline
- Weak spots: Offense, Individual quality
- Odds to qualify: 3.20 @ William Hill
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