Group A features the hosts Brazil alongside World Cup regulars, Mexico, Croatia and Cameroon. Will there be a wet blanket to Brazil's big samba party?
Brazil
Squad -
GK - Julio Cesar, Jefferson, Victor
DF - Daniel Alves, Maicon, David Luiz, Thiago Silva (captain), Marcelo, Dante, Henrique, Maxwell
MF - Ramires, Oscar, Paulinho, Fernandinho, Willian, Bernard, Luiz Gustavo, Hermanes
FW - Neymar, Fred, Jo, Hulk
Star to Watch - Thiago Silva - most would have picked Neymar as Brazil's man to watch but it seems nowadays that defence is just as important in winning games and Brazil's captain will be integral in ensuring the yellow wall is hard to break. Thiago Silva has been a key part of PSG's rise to European superpower and a man in demand from the likes of Barca and Real Madrid.
Prognosis - My tip to go all the way and be champions for the 6th time. The fact that they're not given as much as favourites status as Spain or Argentina is a blessing in disguise for A Selecao. Luis Felipe Scolari knows how to win a World Cup and has built a settled squad for his second tilt at the title, picking the same side that won the Confederations Cup last summer. This is a winning formula in any sport and at home, would suit Brazil nicely.
Mexico -
Squad -
GK - Guillermo Ochoa, Jose de Jesus Corona, Alfredo Talavera
DF - Carlos Salcido, Rafa Marquez, Francisco Javier Rodriguez, Hector Moreno, Paul Aguillar, Diego Reyes, Miguel Layun
MF - Carlos Pena, Marco Fabian, Luis Montes, Hector Herrera, Isaac Brizuela, Jose Juan Vazquez, Andres Guadardo
FW - Giovani dos Santos, Javier Hernandez, Oribe Peralta, Alan Pulido, Raul Jimenez
Star to Watch - Oribe Peralta - All Whites fans will recognise him - he scored a fabulous first half hat-trick in the 2nd leg of Mexico's intercontinental playoff with the All Whites in Wellington. Probably too late for a move to Europe, nevertheless, Peralta is a proven goal-scorer in Liga MX and will be Mexico's key source of goals in Brazil.
Prognosis - They'll make the 2nd round as usual even with their least competitive squad in memory but up against Spain, the Netherlands or Chile, they will be found out.
Squad -
GK - Stipe Pletikosa, Danijel Subasic, Oliver Zelenika
DF - Darijo Srna, Vedran Corluka, Daniel Pranjic, Dejan Lovren, Damogoj Vida, Gordon Schildenfeld, Sime Vrsajko
MF - Luka Modric, Ivan Rakitic, Ognjen Vukojevic, Ivan Perisic, Mateo Kovacic, Sammir, Marcelo Brozovic, Ivan Mocinic
FW - Ivica Olic, Eduardo, Mario Mandzukic, Nikica Jelavic, Ante Rebic
Star to Watch - Ivan Rakitic - A player in demand in Europe, Rakitic had a stunning season for Sevilla which culminated in a third Europa League/UEFA Cup win for the Andalucians. Could form a very good midfield core with Real Madrid star, Luka Modric.
Prognosis - Not their best squad and with better squads than this, Croatia have flattered to deceive and ended up going home early. Expect nothing less in the warmer climes of Brazil.
Squad -
GK - Charles Itandje, Sammy N'Djock, Lioc Feudjou
DF - Nicolas N'Koulou, Aurelin Chedjou, Henri Bedimo, Benoit Assou-Ekotto, Dany Nounkeu, Allan Nyom
MF - Jean Makoun, Stephane Mbia, Alex Song, Landry N'Guemo, Eyong Enoh, Joel Matip, Edgar Salli, Raoul Loe
FW - Samuel Eto'o, Pierre Webo, Maxim Choupo-Moting, Vincent Aboubakar, Benjamin Moukandjo, Fabrice Olinga
Star to Watch - Stephane Mbia - Rakitic versus Mbia could be interesting - the Sevilla teammates have been key to the Andalucian's success this season. Mbia is probably the brightest spark in an aging Indomitable Lions squad and a good performance could make him a target for bigger clubs like his fellow club teammate.
Prognosis - Too old, too many players who are subs at club level at best, not enough quality. Could be one of the first teams to exit the World Cup.
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