Group D

Well here we go with Group D. Lets start with England. I applaud the squad Roy Hodgson has picked and go to the tournament full of hope that we can progress through the group. However I feel as though we just dont have the quality ( and havent done for a while) to be amongst the top rank in World Football. Lack of home grown talent and too many foreign players within the Premier League have restricted our progress as a footballing nation for many years. I genuinely hope we can qualify from a tough group but my head has to rule my heart and say we will find it extremely difficult. Italy are renowned slow starters but I feel they may have enough to pip us from the group. Whilst I can see a draw in the opener versus England I think they are stronger in defence than England and that may ultimately see them through. Uruguay have obvious quality up front and can see them scoring goals. They will be used to the conditions better than the Europeans and although they may not be as strong in defence, I believe the firepower of Suarez and Cavani will be vital to their cause. Finally Costa Rica have some good individual talent and whilst Im sure they will prove stern resistance in all 3 games I just dont think they have the all round team to qualify from a tough group. Last word goes to England and I wish Roy Hodgson and the squad all the best for the tournament and I will be cheering them on with a cold beer or two praying we dont get in a penalty shoot-out scenario!!!

Danger Men

England - Raheem Sterling- A precocious young talent who could set England alight with his electric pace

Italy - Mario Balotelli - Love him or hate gifted and capable of winning games on his own if in the mood

Uruguay - Luis Suarez - Obvious choice for me. In the bracket of worlds best strikers. Awesome talent

Costa Rica - Bryan Ruiz - Dangerous front man with pace


To Qualify

Italy
Uruguay

World Cup Hotties!! Group B

Time for some more fun guys! Check out these Group B lovelies and let me know which ones are the best!! Enjoy!

                                      Australia

                                                        Spain

                     Holland                                                                           Chile 

Group C

Well Group C looks like a really tough group to call. All 4 sides could conceivably qualify here and it could be the closest of all the groups come the end. Columbia had a good qualifying campaign and I feel they will probably have enough to get through here. They finished second to Argentina and managed an impressive 30pt haul in their 16 qualifying games which is their best ever haul. Greece can be a force on their day but you never really know what to expect from the Greeks. They can beat anyone if they play together but too often they can play as individuals and dont find a cohesive unit. If  coach Fernando Santos can get them playing together then they can progress, but I suspect this may be tough. Ivory Coast have a very talented squad with Kalou, Toure ( Yaya!)  and Drogba to name a few. They qualified unbeaten and must have a chance to progress. Their previous World Cup groups have been tough and whilst this is tough I feel they may be due a good run. Finally Japan are a very dangerous side in the group and could upset a few apple carts. Strong in qualification but confidence is tempered by a lacklustre Confeds Cup where they lost all 3 games. They could be weak in defence but dont discount these skilful and quick Asians to cause a shock result or two.

Danger Men

Columbia - James Rodriguez - A dangerous creative player

Greece - Georgious Samaras - Enigmatic but skilful and gifted on his day

Ivory Coast - Yaya Toure - A midfield powerhouse with an eye for goal. Potential world beater

Japan - Keisuke Honda - Can turn a game on his day.

To Qualify

Columbia and Ivory Coast

World Cup Hotties!

Couldnt resist including a bit of fun so enjoy these guys and back to some serious stuff tuesday next week!

We start off with Group A. Let me know your favourites!!            


              Croatia                                                                        Mexico
       

              Cameroon                                                                   Brazil

                      

Group B

Group B has a very exciting look about it and looks to be a really tough group to progress from. Spain will obviously fancy their chances of going through and I for one would not disagree. I believe that the Spanish league is arguably the best in Europe and with the quality and strength in depth I think there progress is assured. Holland however are pinnacle underacheivers, with all the flair and good football they play they dont actually win the major tournaments. Impressive again in qualification but I question whether they can produce this time around after doing well to reach the 2010 World Cup Final. Now we come to Chile. I was impressed with them against England and I think they can progress from the group here. More suited to the conditions than the Dutch and the pivotal match between the two teams is going to be a key game in the group for qualification. Last but not least (!) Australia will have their work cut out. I hope they go out to Brazil and enjoy every moment they are there, but cannot see any hope for them Im afraid. If they can come out of this World Cup with their heads held high and having enjoyed the experience surely thats a success!

Danger Men

Spain - Jordi Alba - Maybe not the most obvious choice but is like grease lightning. Watch his bursts forward from left back

Holland - Arjen Robben - Ageing but still quality. A menace from wide areas

Chile - Alexis Sanchez - Could be ready for a big tournament. Skillful quick and very dangerous

Australia - Tim Cahill - Prolific from midfield and the talisman for the Aussies.

To Qualify

Spain and Chile