Group G has been labeled the 'Group of Death' by pundits across the globe, and one cannot disagree, especially with traditional powers Brazil and Portugal battling along with what is considered the best African team in the tournament in the form of Ivory Coast. However, it is my lonely opinion that a traditional 'Group of Death' must have four good to great teams involved, and with no offense to the North Korean regime (don't censor me) we are dealing with three and not four good to great teams in this group. The Brazilians are the favorites, no doubt about it. But this isn't your father's Brazil that had a penchant for flair, creativity and artistic football. This is a rigid Brazil that favors the defensive midfielder, ahhh the horror. However, let's also be realistic Brazil is Brazil and they have most talented players in the world. Put 11 Brazilian goalkeepers on your national team, and voila you have qualified for the World Cup. If there is one team I despise at the World Cup it is Portugal. Maybe it goes back to Euro 2004, or does it start with Luis Figo and then Cristiano Ronaldo? Whatever the reason is, I won't give Portugal its proper respect and will continuously rate them lower than most. What scares me about this version of the Portuguese squad is that they haven't played anywhere close to their talent level. They barely squeezed through qualifying by narrowly beating Bosnia & Herzegovina in the European play-offs and have played rather poorly in the friendlies leading to the World Cup. The Ivory Coast is the most talented African team at the World Cup, especially with a healthy Didier Drogba who is battling back from a broken elbow. The Elephants are lead by the Toure brothers, Kolo and Yaya who form the spine of the squad. Without Drogba it will be tough for the Ivory Coast to score goals and those responsibilities will fall on Chelsea's Salomon Kalou. I have to be truthful here, I really do not know much about North Korea. But let me share this with my readers, Kim Jong II will only show positive highlights on national television during North Korea's participation at the World Cup, so if North Korea loses a game 5-1, will its people think they won 1-0?
Players To Watch:
Brazil - Robinho - Even though Dunga has developed a very workmanlike attitude with this version of Brazil, Robinho is the squad's creative outlet. After a poor domestic campaign with Manchester City, Robinho can reignite his career with a strong showing at the World Cup.
Portugal - Liedson - This Brazilian born player represents Portugal's latest reincarnation of the center forward. For years, perhaps even decades Portugal has lacked a striker with the ability to actual score goals. Here's hoping Liedson can fulfill the role.
Ivory - Yaya Toure - The Barcelona midfielder is the key cog in the center of the park for the Ivory Coast. Although Toure is known primarily for his defensive duties he does have the ability to be creative and pop in with a goal. Manchester City are rumored to have made a massive bid for his services and team him up with his brother Kolo Toure.
North Korea - Jong Tae-Se - Labelled the 'People's Rooney' for his propensity to score stunning goals, albeit against weaker opposition, and for his burly stature, Jong Tae-Se is North Korea's most talented player. If he can score a goal or two look for him to reach 'Chairman' status in North Korea.
Projected Order Of Finish:
Brazil
Ivory Coast
Portugal
North Korea
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