2014 World Cup Preview: Group A

Brazil: Brazil is easily the favorite to win this group and one of the favorites to win it all. They have won more World Cups than anyone with 5 under their belt and are on the quest for number 6. When you look up and down Brazil’s roster, it is filled with stars and world class players. They also boast one of the best, if not the best, defenses in the entire tournament. The defensive line from right to left reads: right back Dani Alves – center back David Luiz or Dante (take your pick) – center back Thiago Silva – left back Marcelo. You can’t forget about forward Neymar, who is the most recognized player in the world after Messi and Ronaldo. He provides the scoring punch for Brazil, but he can’t do it alone. Player to watch: Hulk – the forward has a good goal record for his club teams, but only has 9 goals in 34 appearances for Brazil. Hulk needs to become a more consistent threat and supply some offense.

Croatia: A team flying under the radar and is a dark horse to make some noise, Croatia has talent throughout entire their team. Right back and captain Darijo Srna and center back Dejan Lovren are excellent defenders. Midfielders Luka Modric, Ivan Rakitic, Mateo Kovacic, and Ivan Perisic make up one of the top midfield groups the World Cup has to offer. Croatia has a stud up front with striker Mario Mandzukic and forwards Nikica Jelavic, Ivica Olic, and Eduardo provide him quality backup. Croatia should be an exciting team to watch. Player to watch: Ivan Rakitic – the midfielder had a superb season at Sevilla and is garnering looks from Spanish giants Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Atletico Madrid. With a good showing in the World Cup, Rakitic could seal a move to one of clubs that are eager to capture the maestro’s signature.

Mexico: Mexico are usually a feisty team and have advanced past the group stage in every World Cup they have qualified for since they failed to do so in 1978. They are led by a solid center back tandem of captain Rafa Marquez and Hector Moreno. Mexico also has a duo at forward that will do some damage in Giovani dos Santos and Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez, and both should provide enough offense. El Tri are a little inexperienced in midfield and will need that area to gel and be on the same page if they want to advance. Player to watch: Chicharito – he is Mexico’s active leading goalscorer, but has had inconsistent performances and playing time at Manchester United. We will see if he can step it up on the big stage.

Cameroon: Cameroon looks to advance past the group stage for the first time since 1990. The Indomitable Lions have one of the best jerseys in the World Cup. They have quality players in all areas on the field, but lack depth. The defense is led by another good center back tandem of Nicholas N’Koulou and Aurelien Chedjou. Joel Matip and Dany Nounkeu are other defenders to watch out for. Alex Song and Stephane M’Bia man the center of the midfield for Cameroon, and are solid players. Song had an outstanding season for Arsenal in 2011-2012, but hasn’t been able to breaking into Barcelona’s starting side since moving to the club in the summer of 2012. The World Cup will be a good platform for him to show the world his playmaking skills again and let them remember how good he is. Up front at forward, captain and legend Samuel Eto’o leads the way with Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, who has played very well in the past year, following suit. Young forward Vincent Aboubakar also has a chance to breakout. The one problem is, Cameroon is very inexperienced in goal and that could be exposed early on. Player to watch: Samuel Eto’o – Eto’o is by far the leading goalscorer in the Cameroon’s history. At 33 years old, he isn’t the same caliber player he once was, but is still very effective and dangerous near the goal. Cameroon will need him to bring back some vintage Eto’o performances if they want to advance.

MPT’s prediction: Brazil and Croatia advance, but this is a tougher group than people think. Here is my predicted final group standings:

1. Brazil

2. Croatia

3. Cameroon

4. Mexico

– MPT @mpt117