With
only a few days remaining for the most anticipated sports event in the world, I
took the pleasure of creating an analysis of the teams from Group A.
Group
A: Brazil, Croatia, Mexico and Cameroon
BRAZIL----
Since
the hosts did not play in the qualifiers, we have to assess them on the
international matches they have played recently. On paper, Brazil is
undoubtedly one of the best teams competing for this World Cup. With the likes
of Neymar, Oscar and many more elite players there is a huge possibility of the
Brazilians winning the trophy a record 6 times, as they also own the advantage
of hosting the tournament.
Unfortunately,
World Cup has never been predictable and it can go against our expectations as
well. Brazil has been vulnerable to long range shots which resulted in Brazil
conceding many goals. Fans were a bit unhappy when veterans Ronaldinho and Kaka
were left out of the provisional squads.
The
draw has been very kind to Brazil, with easy competitors (atleast no
heavyweights), so we should expect Brazil to top the group.
The
whole nation would be expecting a good campaign for Brazil, as they have
produced legends like Pele, Ronaldinho and many more over the years.
Brazil
were the World Cup hosts in 1950, where Uruguay emerged champions. Brazil are
yet to be one of the host nations to win the World Cup, there are chances that
they will turn the tables this year.
CROATIA----
This
nation is believed to put up a good fight for the second spot. Croatia has been
very dangerous in the six-yard box as 43% of their goals were scored from
there. Most of their goals were created from the wings. They are one of the
very few teams who did not concede a goal in the final quarter of the hour as
that is the time when teams are vulnerable to concede a goal. Nonetheless,
Croatia cannot be considered a heavyweight in the World Cup. It would be a
difficult job for them to qualify in the next stage as they have Brazil, Mexico
and Cameroon in their group. It would be tough for them to breach the Brazilian
or the Mexican defense with their wing play. Moreover, they did not score more
than two goals in a game in the qualifiers; That’s something to worry about. We
have seen Croatia showing us some impressive football. The team has some big
names like Luka Modric, Mario Mandzukic and Ivan Rakitic. They should give us a
good show and might even progress further in the tournament.
MEXICO----
Mexico
were the hosts of the 1970 and 1986 World Cup, featuring the biggest legends
football ever produced- Pele and Diego Maradona in the respective years. Mexico
are yet to win a World Cup, but they have shown us some great performances over
the years. The closest they have got is the quarter-finals in the years 1970
and 1986, as the hosts. Yes, Mexico cannot be considered as the favourites to
win this World Cup, but they are expected to progress to the pre-quarter finals.
The
team will feature Manchester United forward Javier Hernandez, ‘little pea’ for
the fans. With the likes of Robin Van Persie and Wayne Rooney in his club team,
he does not get the chance he deserves. He will surely do his best for his
national team to secure his position in Manchester United; Moreover, every
player would want to lift the World Cup for his country and spread a
nation-wide feeling of immense pleasure.
Focusing
on the team again, Mexico was pretty impressive in the qualifying stages. It
will be a bit difficult for them to qualify from the group stages, but they
should be able to make it. Nonetheless, Mexico will be a team to watch out for
in the World Cup.
CAMEROON----
Cameroon
is one of the dangerous sides from Africa. Founded in 1960, they have shown an
immense growth in the world of football, producing talents like Samuel Eto’o
and the renowned footballer Roger Milla. Milla still holds the record of “The
oldest player to score in a World Cup”. Leading the team in 1990, Milla’s men
proved to be a big threat to the other teams. Cameroon lit up the tournament in
1990 winning a tough group containing the Soviet Union, Argentina and Romania,
beating Colombia in round two and taking England to extra time before losing
3-2. The team consists of many players who have played for Europe’s top clubs.
But
one has to admit that their chances to progress to the pre-quarter finals is
bleak. They have had a decent qualifying stage and a good African Nation’s Cup.
They will be in the fight for a spot in the pre-quarters and might as well
succeed. Cameroon would be hoping to have a decent tournament and progress to
the World Cup quarter-finals, for the first time ever.
OVERALL----
Brazil
should top their group as they are undoubtedly the strongest team in the group.
There will be a good competition for the second spot. On paper, Mexico has the
highest chances to come second, but we can never say. Croatia and Nigeria has
been showing us some good football and will be up for the challenge. Group A of
the FIFA World Cup would be very competitive and a feast to the eyes for
football lovers.
Who will be the top two??
Have your say below.
Dwijaraj Paul Chowdhury follow him on twitter.
Nice analysis..what about other groups....Prasenjit
ReplyDelete"Mexico was pretty impressive in the qualifying stages"?! Are you being serious?
ReplyDeletei will ask my writer to write on other groups as well :)
DeleteOther groups will be uploaded soon....
ReplyDeleteMexico did better than my expectations. ...feel free to comment
Good work. Post all groups analysis before the start of the WC
ReplyDeleteit will be :)
Delete