Group A

Group A - Brazil...Croatia....Mexico....Cameroon

 Brazil is the favorite to win the whole tournament. The group A competition should not give them much competition. Their toughest fight will be off the field. They will need to manage fans expectations, the protests that will be going on around Brazil,( more on that in a separate post), and criticism when they win ugly. Really, these should be warm up games for the next round.

  Croatia is my pick to win the second spot in this group. They have a deep squad with some experienced players who will not wilt under pressure. They are a big strong team and the sometimes physical nature of the World Cup will be an advantage to them. Get used to seeing their trademark red and white checkerboard jerseys till at least the knock out stages of the tournament.

  Mexico barely qualified and in fact, it was a late US goal in a meaningless match against  Panama in qualifying saw Mexico get fourth place and a game against New Zealand for the last spot. Ironic that Mexico owes its place in Brazil to a goal by their arch rivals the USA. I thought that they might pull things together and have a very strong World Cup. they have plenty of talent, but a few injuries and a lack of team chemistry lead me to believe they will be 3 and out.

  Cameroon shocked the world in 1990 by beating defending champion Argentina in the opening game of that years cup. It was so surprising that I was actually able to bet a South American friend on the outcome, even though he knew that I had already watched the game. He still refused to believe that this was possible. Could such an upset happen this year....of course. Will it happen....no.