All you needed to know about the World Cup Draws

The World Cup Draws on Friday threw some unexpected twists and turns with two groups competing for the ‘Group of Death’ tag. Let us take a look at each group individually and DesaiBaba’s (That’s me!) predictions for each group.

Group A: Brazil, Croatia, Mexico, Cameroon

As the host nation Brazil were automatically drawn into Group A. This group does give high hopes of attacking football with Brazil, Mexico and Croatia all possessing attacking flair. Brazil qualified automatically but they did rout Spain 3-0 to win the Confederations Cup and have NEVER missed the World Cup Finals. Some record eh? Croatia qualified from an easy group and Mexico needed a lifeline in the form of a playoff to book their place but they did it emphatically by trumping New Zealand 9-3. Cameroon remain the dark horses of the group and are the lowest ranked team.

Star Power: Neymar (Brazil), Mario Mandzukic (Croatia), Javier Hernandez (Mexico), Samuel Eto’o (Cameroon)

DesaiBaba says: Brazil and Croatia to go through.

Group B: Spain, Holland, Chile, Australia

Relatively sorted out group with Spain (1) and Netherlands (9) ranked much above Chile and Australia. However, Chile could pose a problem like last time around when they beat Switzerland and posed a threat to Spain and eventually qualified from the group. This group also gives us the mouth-watering rematch of the 2010 World Cup Final. Robben must be eagerly waiting for some revenge!

Star Power: Andres Iniesta (Spain), Robin Van Persie (Holland), Alexis Sanchez (Chile), Robbie Kruse (Australia)

DesaiBaba says: Spain and Holland to go through

Group C: Colombia, Greece, Ivory Coast, Japan

One of the most uninteresting groups of this World Cup with no big names. Colombia, who are ranked fourth currently, are the best bet to produce some quality attacking football. This might also prove to be a litmus test for Radamel Falcao who is being poached by many big clubs. Ivory Coast’s fading stars led by Drogba and Yaya Toure would surely view this as the last chance to make an impact. You can count on Japan to spoil the party for the other three. Greece, the Euro 2004 champions are likely to remain as defensive as ever and will count on 1-0’s and 0-0’s for advancing.

Star Power: Radamel Falcao (Colombia), Didier Drogba (Ivory Coast), Georgios Samaras (Greece), Keisuke Honda (Japan)

DesaiBaba says: Colombia and Ivory Coast to go through

Group D: Uruguay, Costa Rica, England, Italy

This group is one contender for the Group of Death with perennial whipping boys England and defensive stalwarts Italy making up for an exciting European heavyweight clash. England had an amazing World Cup qualifying campaign but rarely have they met expectations from their fans. Uruguay struggled to qualify after having won the 2011 Copa America. Italy would be raring to go and what better place than Brazil to equal their record of 5 World Cup wins?

Star Power: Luis Suarez (Uruguay), Bryan Ruiz (Costa Rica), Wayne Rooney (England), Mario Balotelli (Italy)

DesaiBaba says: England (Yes, I said it!) and Uruguay to go through

Group E: Switzerland, France, Ecuador, Honduras

The Swiss qualified from one of the weakest qualifying groups and France struggled to beat Ukraine in the playoff before turning the tables with a famous 2nd leg win. This group does not inspire much confidence in the eyes of a neutral and there’s only one word to describe it: BORING!

Star Power: Xherdan Shaqiri (Switzerland), Franck Ribery (France), Antonio Valencia (France), Wilson Palacios (Honduras)

DesaiBaba says: France and Ecuador to go through

Group F: Argentina, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Iran, Nigeria

Argentina must be in footballing heaven right now for being drawn in such a group and the South American table toppers are expected to whip each of these teams much like a FIFA Amateur Mode game. Iran might be the surprise package because hardly anyone knows their players! Bosnia are the World Cup debutants and not much is expected from them.

Star Power: Lionel Messi (Argentina), Edin Dzeko (Bosnia), Victor Moses (Nigeria), ? (Iran)

DesaiBaba says: Argentina and Nigeria to go through

Group G: Germany, Ghana, Portugal, USA

My pick of the Group of Death- this is the mother of all groups. Get ready for some mouth watering clashes. USA and Ghana might be feeling gutted but it’s not easy being Germany or Portugal right now. Ghana must be waiting to better their quarterfinal performance last time around, which they ‘single-handedly’ to Luis Suarez. Germany and Portugal are definitely one of the tournament favourites considering their form and quality of football they’ve produced in recent years. USA has the most difficult travel schedule of all teams, with a total travel time of 9000 miles!

Star Power: Mesut Ozil (Germany), Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal), Clint Dempsey (USA), Asamoah Gyan (Ghana)

DesaiBaba says: Germany and Portugal to go through

Group H: Belgium, Algeria, Russia, South Korea

Another group missing big names, with only Belgium (11) ranked in the top 20. They breezed through the European qualifiers and much is expected of them. South Korea have disappointed since their fourth place finish in the 2002 World Cup at home and are one of the tournament minnows. Algeria have never advanced from the Group Stages and would want to change that. Russians are one of the defensive teams of the tournament coached by Fabio Capello.

Star Power: Eden Hazard (Belgium), Madjid Bougherra (Algeria), Alexander Kokorin (Russia), Son Heung- Min (South Korea)

DesaiBaba says: Belgium and Russia to go through

Tournament Prediction: Well, I’d rather not admit it in public but I am an England fan, which gives me the added advantage of choosing another team to support in a World Cup. However, as always England are likely to disappoint and even though I have high hopes from my other team, Holland, I want neither of the two to win the World Cup. The World Cup is back to the nation that gave us beautiful football and who better than Brazil to help a sport marred by controversies in recent years. It’s time to Samba!