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Home , 1990 World Cup (snooker), Abdelmoumene Djabou, Adam Taggart, Afriyie Acquah, Albert Adomah, Alejandro Sabella

2014 GUIDEBOOK by Abe Asher

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Abe Asher lives in beautiful Portland, Oregon. He fell in love with the intensity, stakes and spirit of football during the 2006 World Cup, especially during the – Round of 16 game, which featured 34 yellow cards, 12 red cards, 129 screams, and 645 dives. Abe loves the , and mostly tolerates his favorite European club, Chelsea FC.

His Twitter handle is @abe_asher GUIDEBOOK DESIGNER

A.G. Hease has been creating content for World Soccer Talk since 2009. His first soccer memories are of reading the New York Daily News' agate type coverage of the 1990 World Cup. He lives in sunny Santa Monica, CA.

His Twitter handle is @aghease

WORLD SOCCER TALK / WORLD CUP 2014 2014 WORLD CUP GUIDEBOOK

INTRODUCTION Not All World Cups Are Created Equal. This One Is Special.

The FIFA World Cup is the pinnacle of sports, and one of the joys of our modern world. It’s an unparalleled blend of pageantry, pride, drama, intensity and intrigue. It’s the world’s party, and a celebration of the beautiful game.

However not all World Cups are created equal. They are defined by the moments of brilliance, the fervent atmosphere of the stadiums, and the idea of 32 nations on the cusp of transcendent glory. The 2014 edition in has a chance to be remembered as one of the best ever.

This summer, football returns to its spiritual home, recapturing the soul of the beautiful game. Brazil breathes football. The nation’s carnival atmosphere already established, it’s possibly the premier World Cup host. Of course, it hasn’t all been rosy. Protests in Brazil have been rampant over the cost of hosting while the local economy suffers, and while the protests are valid, they don’t subtract from the country as a host.

We have our strongest field of teams since the field was expanded to 32, rendering three groups of death, and mouth-watering matchups that will keep the eyes of the world glued in for the duration of the tournament.

For viewers in the , the game times could hardly be better. ESPN broadcasts their last World Cup, with Ian Darke leading the coverage.

From here, it’s onto and – that is, if those two countries don’t get the World Cup stripped from them.

But for now, for this summer, Brazil is perfection. Not all World Cups are equal. This one is special.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Stadiums page 4 Group A pages 5-9 Group B pages 10-14 Group C pages 15-19 Group D pages 20-24 Group E pages 25-29 Group F pages 30-34 Group G pages 35-39 Group H pages 40-44 Knockout Bracket page 45 Full Bracket and TV Schedule page 46

WORLD SOCCER TALK / WORLD CUP 2014 THE STADIUMS

Estadio do Maracanã – Rio de Janiero – This Brazilian temple of football is the crown jewel of the stadiums and is the hub of the tournament in Rio. The hallowed ground will host its second World Cup Final in July.

Estádio Nacional Mané Garrincha – Brasilia – The second largest stadium came off without much ado. It will host seven games – including the third place match.

Arena Corinthians – Sao Paulo – The is very much the second most important stadium. Located in Brazil’s biggest city, and hosting the tournament opener and a semi-final, the stadium is architecturally stunning. But multiple workers have died building the stadium from the ground up, and there are concerns over its readiness.

Estadio Castalao – Fortaleza – In the industrial town of Fortazlea, this stadium is notable for its huge roof, and it was the first of the World Cup stadiums to be ready for action.

Estadio Mineirao – Belo Horizante – In the city where the USA beat in 1950, football is king. The majestic Estadio Mineirao will host Brazil’s semi-final if the hosts make it that far.

Estadio Baro-Rio – Alegre – This stadium lights up at night like the Allianz Arena in Munich, and it will host a full slate of games. One of the most visually arresting stadiums in the tournament.

Arena Fonte Nova – Salvador – Built from scratch for the World Cup and upcoming Rio Olympics, the Arean Fonte Nova will host a quarterfinal – plus Spain – Holland, and Portugal – .

Arena Pernambuco – Recife – Different because of its square shape, this is another stadium built from scratch, and it’s possibly Brazil’s finest effort.

Arena Pantanal – Cuiaba – Resembling Tottenham’s , the brand new stadium in Cuiaba – not one of the big hotbeds of Brazilian football – will host three group games.

Arena de Amazonia – Manaus – Manaus is in the middle of the Amazon Rainforest, and this is the ground everyone desperately wanted to avoid because of long travel and poor playing conditions. Both the USA – Portugal and England – games are here.

Arena das Dunas – Natal – The Arena das Dunas has a flower-shaped roof, one of the cool features of this new stadium that will host four group matches.

Arena de Baixada – Curitaba – FIFA has threatened to pull this stadium from the roster because of it’s crawlingly slow pace of renovation, and it’s still only 85% complete. It’s one of the many black eyes from the process of hosting the tournament for Brazil.

Manaus Fortaleza Natal

Recife

Salvador

Cuiaba Brasilia

Belo Horizonte

Rio de Janeiro Sao Paulo

Curtiba

Porto Alegre

WORLD SOCCER TALK / WORLD CUP 2014 GROUP A BRAZIL CROATIA

FIXTURES Brazil ___v___ Croatia 6/12 4ET ESPN Mexico ___v___ Cameroon 6/13 12ET ESPN2 Brazil ___v___ Mexico 6/17 3ET ESPN Cameroon ___v___ Croatia 6/18 6ET ESPN Cameroon ___v___ Brazil 6/23 4ET ESPN2 Croatia ___v___ Mexico 6/23 4ET ESPN

GROUP BESTS

Player – BRA / Goalscorer – Neymar BRA / Manager – Scolari BRA /

Supporters – BRA / Defense – BRA / Attack – BRA / Depth – BRA

Teamwork - BRA / Most Likely To See Red – Marquez MEX

Passer – Modric CRO / Leader – T. Silva BRA

BIGGEST MATCHES Best Match - Brazil v. Croatia - Opening games always pop with occasion and carnival, and if Brazil can notch a big win in Sao Paulo, it could be the springboard to their title challenge. Most Important Match - Mexico v. Croatia - The winner of this game on the last day of group play goes through with Brazil.

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WORLD SOCCER TALK / WORLD CUP 2014 GROUP A BRAZILBRAZIL "SELACAO""Selecao" BRAZIL MEXICOCAMEROON CROATIA CROATIA CAMEROON MEXICO

PREVIEW It will never be said enough: For all the bedazzling glories and trophies and great players and plays, losing the World Cup final at the Maracanã to in front of 200,000 Brazilians in 1950 left an unmistakable scar in Brazil.

They are at the heart of the game. No one plays, lives or breathes soccer better than Brazil. When the country was selected as host for the 2014 World Cup, it seemed like a slam-dunk. But a mess of a run-up with stadium delays, worker deaths and mass protests has marred the party atmosphere.

Still, it’s football, and Brazil wants to win. The bond between the Selação and the people of Brazil is among the strongest between team and people in the world. The team stands with the people in their protests, and the people stand with the team to create a stunning home-field advantage.

With their best team since they last lifted the trophy in 2002 led by national hero Neymar, the scars from 1950 can be erased, and the World Cup can be returned home.!

SQUAD Goalkeepers: Julio Cesar ( FC), Jefferson (Botafogo), Victor (Atletico )

Defenders: Marcelo (Real ), Daniel Alves (Barcelona), Maicon (AS Roma), Maxwell, (both Paris St Germain), David Luiz (Chelsea), Dante (Bayern Munich), Henrique (Napoli)

Midfielders: Paulinho (Tottenham Hotspur), Ramires, Willian, Oscar (all Chelsea), Hernanes (Inter ), (VfL Wolfsburg), Fernandinho (Manchester City)

Forwards: Bernard (Shakhtar Donetsk), Neymar (Barcelona), Fred (Fluminense), Jo (Atletico Mineiro), (Zenit St Petersburg)

THE KEY 3 Brazil won the Confederations Cup in 2013 because Neymar was awesome. He’ll have to be awesome again. Paulinho was the engine of that 2013 team, and things will run through him again. Julio Cesar fled QPR for the Toronto FC revolution in an attempt to keep his World Cup dream alive.

PLUS: Oscar didn’t light up the Premier League last year, his creativity will be key, and journeyman Fred isn’t a household name, but he might be when it’s all said and done. Brazil’s defense is strong.

THE BOSS

LUIZ FELIPE SCOLARI - Felipe Scolari is a managing monster. “Big Phil” won Brazil the World Cup in 2002, and was brought back for a second spell to right the Brazilian ship. He’s succeeded again, defining the starting eleven, and installing discipline and an edge that led to a thundering Confederations Cup triumph in 2013. A perfect hybrid of passion and nous, Scolari has a chance to go down in World Cup lore.

EXPECTATIONS

CHAMPIONS - There is no other option. On home soil, with nothing less than the dreams and aspirations of an entire nation at stake, there most certainly is no other option than raising the trophy in the temple of the Maracanã

WORLD SOCCER TALK / WORLD CUP 2014 GROUP A BRAZILCAMEROON "SELACAO""The Indomitable Lions" BRAZIL MEXICOCAMEROON CROATIA CROATIA CAMEROON MEXICO

PREVIEW

Cameroon are regulars on the world stage who haven’t taken the next step since Roger Mila inspired them to a quarterfinal run in Italy ’90. Since then, they’ve only missed one World Cup, but they’ve never made it past the group stage. The Lions are back after a professionally taken care of qualification campaign, but they aren’t boasting their best team.

In fact, Cameroon didn’t even qualify for the last two African Cup of Nations, and fewer of their players play at the top levels of European football than many of their African counterparts.

But like all good African teams, Cameroon won’t be lacking for physical strength. They have a big, tough spine, and as indomitable as their nickname suggests. It’s mental strength that could be lacking in the Brazilian heat.

Leader and top player Samuel Eto’o has quit the team multiple times after rows with management, but he’s back now, and will have to score for his team to surprise in Brazil.

SQUAD Goalkeepers: (), (Fetihespor), Loic Feudjou (Coton Sport)

Defenders: (Granada), (Besiktas), Cedric Djeugoue (Coton Sport), Aurelien Chedjou (Galatasaray), (Marseille), (Lyon), Benoit Assou-Ekotto (Tottenham Hotspur)

Midfielders: (), (Rennes), Joel Matip (Schalke), Stephane Mbia (QPR), Landry Nguemo (Bordeaux), (Barcelona), (Lens)

Forwards: Samuel Eto'o (unattached), Eric Choupo Moting (Mainz), (Nancy), (Lorient), Pierre Webo (Fenerbahce), (Zulte-Waregem).

THE KEY 3 Mbia often plays in the midfield, but he’ll be asked to slide into central defense for Cameroon. Jean Makoun has long underachieved throughout his career, could this tournament be a revival? It’s Eto’o’s last bow on the world stage, what impression will he leave us with?

THE BOSS

VOLKER FINKE - A managerial journeyman, the German Finke has held a number of low-profile jobs across Europe for the last 30-odd years. He was appointed in Spring 2013 after the Cameroon qualifying campaign fizzled, and at 65 in Brazil, he’ll be stepping onto the biggest stage of his career.

EXPECTATIONS

Out of the Group - In Group A, everyone thinks they can finish behind Brazil. It’s no different for Cameroon, who fancy themselves as the trailblazers of African football. The bar is set at the knockout round, ever since that groundbreaking quarter-final run in 1990.

WORLD SOCCER TALK / WORLD CUP 2014 GROUP A BRAZILCROATIA "SELACAO""Vatreni" BRAZIL MEXICOCAMEROON CROATIA CROATIA CAMEROON MEXICO

PREVIEW

There was nothing smooth about qualification for Croatia, as they never hit the highs that did in their group. Things came to a boil after their last game – a loss against – when manager Igor Stimac was sacked.

After scraping by fairytale Iceland in a playoff, it’s fair to say that Croatia’s glory days and days resembling those glory days are gone.

The country is happy just to be back at the World Cup after missing out in a playoff in 2010, but the strong form they’ve shown in recent European championships may be difficult to reach through the relative turmoil.

But there is plenty of talent on this team. All over the field, there are skillful players who make for an entertaining brand of soccer from this, possibly the most successfully footballing country to split from the USSR, though the Czech Republic may have something to say about that. !

SQUAD

Goalkeepers: (Rostov), Danijel Subasic (), (Dinamo ).

Defenders: (Shakhtar Donetsk), (Southampton), Vedran Corluka (Lokomotiv ), , Danijel Pranjic (both Panathinaikos), Domagoj Vida (Dynamo Kiev), Sime Vrsaljko (Genoa).

Midfielders: Luka Modric (Real Madrid), Ivan Rakitic (Sevilla), Ognjen Vukojevic (Dynamo Kiev), Ivan Perisic (Wolfsburg), Mateo Kovacic (), Marcelo Brozovic (Dinamo Zagreb), (Getafe), Ivan Mocinic ().

Forwards: Mario Mandzukic (Bayern Munich), Ivica Olic (Wolfsburg), Eduardo (Shakhtar Donetsk), Nikica Jelavic (Hull City), Ante Rebic (Fiorentina).

THE KEY 3 Mario Mandzukic was sent off in the final qualifier against Iceland, so he’ll miss the opener against Brazil. When he gets back, he must score. Modric is his team’s best player, while Lovren may fill in at center-back for Josip Simunic, who was banned 10 games for making pro-Nazi gestures. PLUS: The defense is experienced but old, and many old attacking hands from the thrilling Euro 2008 campaign are on the bench.

THE BOSS

NIKO KOVAC - The 42 year old is only six years removed from captaining Croatia; now he’s coaching them after being appointed just before the European playoffs. Despite only having coached a handful of games in his short career, Kovac was given a two-year deal, and his brother Robert is his assistant. The Croats have certainly taken a flyer on their suave new boss – in any case, they miss Slaven Bilic.

EXPECTATIONS

Out of the Group - No doubt, Croatia is bruised and battered. But they’ll fancy their chances in this group, and with some of the best players in the tournament, that semifinal run in ’98 lingers in the memory.

WORLD SOCCER TALK / WORLD CUP 2014 GROUP A BRAZILMEXICO "SELACAO""El Tri" BRAZIL MEXICOCAMEROON CROATIA CROATIA CAMEROON MEXICO

PREVIEW Ah, Mexico. Where do we begin? How about here: No team in international soccer has such an inflated self worth as the Mexicans. They have never made it beyond the Round of 16 at a World Cup they haven’t hosted. In the two tournaments they hosted – 1970 and 1986 – they made the quarterfinals.

But the road to the middle of the road was one traveled suicidally. The story starts back in 2012, when Mexico won the Gold Medal in at the Olympics after dominating the 2011 Gold Cup. The future looked bright. But then the Hexagonal started, and 0-0 draw after 0-0 draw left Mexico on the brink of World Cup oblivion.

Throughout the disasters, Mexico inexplicably stuck with Chico de la Torre. Then, after a 2-1 loss to at the Azteca broke the camel’s back, Mexico riffled through three coaches in four games and only made it to Brazil with two goals from the USA’s B-team against Panama in stoppage time of their match while Mexico was going out in the rain in .

They’re in the World Cup now, and they should advance. But the scars from qualification are numerous, and recovery is a long way down that meddling road.

SQUAD

Goalkeepers: Jose de Jesus Corona (Cruz Azul), (Ajaccio), (Toluca)

Defenders: Miguel Layun (America), Carlos Salcido (Tigres), Paul Aguilar (America), Andres Guardado (Bayer Leverkusen), Hector Moreno (Espanyol), Francisco Javier Rodriguez (America), Diego Reyes (Porto), Rafael Marquez (Leon).

Midfielders: Miguel Angel Ponce (Toluca), Jose Juan Vazquez (Leon), Javier Aquino (Villarreal), Hector Herrera (Porto), Isaac Brizuela (Toluca), Marco Fabian (Cruz Azul), Carlos Pena (Leon).

Forwards: (Santos), Javier Hernandez (Manchester United), (Villarreal), Raul Jimenez (America), (Tigres).

THE KEY 3 Much of the Mexican revival is based around Marquez, the grouchy old man at the heart of the national team. He’s a leader, but he’s a shadow of the player he once was. When Mexico was flailing in qualification, everything was on the shoulders of Hernandez. Can he score in Brazil? And Guardado is a figurehead for all the European based payers. How will they fit back into the team? PLUS: The goalkeeping position is a question mark, and the back 3/5 is as well. There is a real weakness in central midfield.

THE BOSS

MIGUEL HERRERA - Hired as Mexico’s fourth manager of the qualification campaign, Herrera has a little Maradona in him – from his diminutive stature, brash press conferences and decisions, and crazy goal celebrations. Herrera had the gall to make Mexico Club America 2.0, and it saved El Tri. Now, how will he navigate the mind-field of national team management over the long run leading up to the Cup?

EXPECTATIONS

Quarterfinal - El Tri's faithful, at the very least, expect their run of advancement to continue. The realistic ones would be content with a quarterfinal appearance.

WORLD SOCCER TALK / WORLD CUP 2014 GROUP B SPAIN NETHERLANDS

FIXTURES Spain ___v___ Netherlands 6/13 3ET ESPN Chile ___v___ Australia 6/13 6ET ESPN2 Australia ___v___ Netherlands 6/18 12ET ESPN Spain ___v___ Chile 6/18 3ET ESPN Australia ___v___ Spain 6/23 12ET ESPN2 Netherlands ___v___ Chile 6/23 12ET ESPN

GROUP BESTS

Player – Iniesta, SPA / Goalscorer – Sanchez, CHE / Manager – Del Bosque, SPA

Supporters – NED / Defense – ESP / Attack – NED / Depth – ESP / Teamwork - ESP

Most Likely To See Red – Neil, AUS / Passer – Xavi, SPA / Leader – Casillias, SPA

BIGGEST MATCHES MOST IMPORTANT GAME -- Spain v. Chile - If Spain are going to be title contenders, they must beat a team like Chile – if they lose, they might not even advance from the group. BEST GAME - Spain v. Netherlands - Nothing speaks to the quality of this year’s field than a rematch of the previous final happening on the second day of the tournament. Whichever 2010 finalist comes up short is immediately on the ropes.

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WORLD SOCCER TALK / WORLD CUP 2014 GROUPGROUP AB BRAZILAUSTRALIA "SELACAO""Socceroos" AUSTRALIABRAZIL MEXICO CHILE CROATIA SPAIN NETHERLANDS CAMEROON

PREVIEW After years of continuous improvement, it appears Australia have hit a wall.

Starting around 2004, a comprised of players like Cahill, Viduka, Schwarzer, Kewell and others lifted Australia to their first World Cup qualification in 2006. Around the same time, they hired and joined the Asian Football Confederation. In Germany, Australia made the last 16 and went out when Italy scored a dubious last-minute penalty.

But since then, the progress has stalled. Australia made it to , but disappointed. They barely qualified from a weak Asian region for 2014, and fired their manager when the camp turned sour after consecutive 6-0 friendly defeats to Brazil and France.

There’s very little talent on this team, and to make things worse, look at the rest of Group B. Australia has no chance, and a real look at how the program back on track get will be required after the tournament.

SQUAD

Goalkeepers: Mat Ryan (Club ), (), (Adelaide United).

Defenders: (), (Western Wanderers), (Brisbane Roar), (Preston North End), Ryan McGowan (Shandong Luneng), ().

Midfielders: (Luzern), (Al Gharafa, Qatar), ( Vienna), (Crystal Palace), ( Victory), Dario Vidosic (Sion), Matt McKay (Brisbane Roar), (Atalanta), (Swindon)

Forwards: Cahill (), Matthew Leckie (FSV Frankfurt 1899), (Utrecht), (Fortuna Duesseldorf), (Newcastle Jets).

THE KEY 3 Longtime Aussie goalkeeper Marc Schwarzer retired from the national team at the beginning of 2014, leaving Langerak to step into his boots. With the departures of many of the “golden generation”, is the leader of this team. Jedinak will have to cover a fragile backline. PLUS: is the standing captain, but he doesn’t have a club at the moment.

THE BOSS

ANGE POSTECOGLOU - There are always a few cases where a federation loses faith in the coach that brought them to the World Cup, and that was the story for – who got the sack after consecutive 6-0 friendly defeats to Brazil and France. Osieck’s replacement was Postecoglou, Australia’s most successful domestic manager. Postecoglou takes over the side with just a few games to play before Australia’s daunting World Cup task begins.

EXPECTATIONS

Anything Is Gravy - The draw was a death knell for the poor Aussies, who weren’t feeling so good about themselves heading into the tournament anyway. As long as they’re not completely embarrassed and walk away with no points, Australia will move on intact.

WORLD SOCCER TALK / WORLD CUP 2014 GROUPGROUP AB BRAZILCHILE "SELACAO""La Roja" AUSTRALIABRAZIL MEXICO CHILE CROATIA SPAIN NETHERLANDS CAMEROON

PREVIEW Not since Chile hosted the World Cup and made the semi-final in 1962 have expectations and hopes been higher on the South American coast.

For all intents and purposes, this is a home World Cup – the tournament is next door in Brazil, and few teams will be better equipped to deal with the heat and atmosphere than the Chileans.

In 2010, ’s young team took the World Cup by storm until they ran into Brazil in the knockout round. Now, that team has matured into a beastly mixture of athleticism and talent, especially through the middle. Playing a progressive, attacking, possession oriented style, Chile routinely pack as many as eight players in the opposition half and play high-scoring games.

Chile have been handed an extremely difficult draw. If they get through a group with Spain and Holland, the 2010 finalists, they very well could meet Brazil again in the Round of 16. It’s a tall order, but for the first time in over 50 years, Chile is equipped to meet it.

SQUAD

Goalkeepers: (Real Sociedad), Johnny Herrera (Universidad de Chile), (Universidad Catolica)

Defenders: (Cardiff City), Jose Rojas (Universidad de Chile), (Santos), (Nottingham Forest)

Midfielders: (Juventus), (Juventus), Marcelo Diaz (Basel), (Osasuna), Felipe Gutierrez (FC Twente), Jose Pedro Fuenzalida (Colo Colo), (Atalanta), (Wigan Athletic), Charles Aranguiz (Internacional), (Malmo)

Forwards: Alexis Sanchez (Barcelona), (Valencia), (Palmeiras), (Cagliari), (Colo Colo), Fabian Orellana (Celta Vigo)

THE KEY 3 Medel is a midfielder by trade, but Chile slot him back into central defense to anchor that back three. Vidal is one of the best in the world, and he runs the midfield, whle Barcelona’s Alexis Sanchez leads the line up top. PLUS: Goalkeeper Claudio Bravo is a great leader, while the 3-4-3 formation allows Chile to have more of the ball. There is power all throughout this team. Vargas is one to watch up top

THE BOSS

JORGE SAMPAOLI - When Sampaoli was appointed Chile manager, he was brought in to return the side to the high-pressing, athletic style that the beloved Marcelo Bielsa used to much success in the 2010 World Cup. Sampaoli, a Bielsa disciple, has delivered on that promise, and Chile has never looked stronger. Whether Sampaoli can match wits with the likes of Del Bosque and Van Gaal is another matter.

EXPECTATIONS

Semifinal - There is real belief that this is Chile’s time. Confidence has never been higher. On South American soil, and despite a killer draw, La Roja can deliver their best ever tournament.

WORLD SOCCER TALK / WORLD CUP 2014 GROUPGROUP AB BRAZILSPAIN "SELACAO""La Furia Roja" AUSTRALIABRAZIL MEXICO CHILE CROATIA SPAIN NETHERLANDS CAMEROON

PREVIEW Spain’s place in world football lore is already won. This Spanish side, composed of violinists and ballroom dancers like Xavi, Iniesta, Xabi Alonso and became the first side to win three consecutive major tournament trophies when they beat Italy 4-0 in the Euro 2012 final.

They’re the defending World Cup winners, and they have nothing left to prove. If they won’t be looked back on as the greatest international side ever, it won’t be because they didn’t win enough.

Now, as the golden generation ages and a new generation that is perhaps just as talented emerges, this tournament marks the end of an era for Spain. In the 2013 Confederations Cup final, they were smashed 3-0 by Brazil, and it’s fare to say that the team has lost their aura and since of invincibility.

In 2008, 2010, and 2012, Spain won as favorites. Defending the World Cup in Brazil as the slightest of underdogs would illuminate their place in history, and make Spain shine even brighter.

SQUAD

Goalkeepers: (Real Madrid), (Liverpool), (Manchester United)

Defenders: (Real Madrid), Gerard Pique (Barcelona), Raul Albiol (Napoli), Javi Martinez (Bayern Munich), Juanfran (Atletico Madrid), Jordi Alba (Barcelona), Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea)

Midfielders: Xavi (Barcelona), Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid), Andres Iniesta (Barcelona), Koke (Atletico Madrid), Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Santi Cazorla (Arsenal), Cesc Fabregas (Barcelona), (Manchester United), David Silva (Manchester City)

Forwards: Pedro (Barcelona), Diego Costa (Atletico Madrid), David Villa (Atletico Madrid), (Chelsea).

THE KEY 3 No story has gotten more run in Spain than St. Iker Casillas’ fate at Real Madrid, where he has been benched. Will he be at his best for Spain? This is Xavi’s last big tournament, can he run the show like he has in years past, or has age caught up? Somehow, Spain won Euro 2012 playing a 4-6-0 – striker’s goals win World Cups. Is Negrado the man to deliver? PLUS: Spain dearly missed Xabi Alonso at the Confederations Cup, and will the trademark tika-taka be incisive enough against good defenses to score?

THE BOSS

VICENTE DEL BOSQUE - Eminently respectable, Del Bosque has guided Spain to World Cup and European Championships. While he often appears calm, almost dour, Del Bosque is an extremely intelligent manager who can craft a team out of individuals like no other manager in football. Del Bosque is gracious and also extremely loyal – something that will be interesting when difficult selection decisions have to be made.

EXPECTATIONS

Champions - They’ve known nothing else since 2008. This will be the most difficult title for Spain to win in their run of dominance, but if they can navigate a tricky opening stretch, Spain could be well on their way to entrenching themselves further in the history books.

WORLD SOCCER TALK / WORLD CUP 2014 GROUPGROUP AB NETHERLANDSBRAZIL "SELACAO""Oranje" AUSTRALIABRAZIL MEXICO CHILE CROATIA SPAIN NETHERLANDS CAMEROON

PREVIEW It’s been quite the roller coaster four years for Holland. The Dutch made a surprising run to the World Cup final in South Africa, whereupon they disgraced themselves by playing appallingly dirty and losing to Spain. Still, it was a terrific tournament on the whole.

Then, Holland did as Holland does. Infighting was rampant and morale low as the Netherlands crashed out of Euro 2012 by losing all three of their games. A total revamp of the national program ensued, with a new manager, player turnover, and a higher accountability and price on aesthetics.

So far, the results have been good. Holland breezed into the World Cup with suave play, and chemistry is much improved. However, while Total Football may be back, total talent is down.

Does this team really have the metal to advance from a killer group? Will they kill each other? Or will this crazy four year cycle come full circle with that unmistakable orange glow advancing deep into the knockout round?

SQUAD

Goalkeepers: (Ajax), (Newcastle), (Swansea)

Defenders: (Ajax), (), (Feyenoord), Bruno Martins Indi (Feyenoord), Joel Veltman (Ajax), (Augsburg), (Aston Villa), (Feyenoord)

Midfielders: (Feyenoord), (Norwich), Jonathan De Guzman (Swansea), (AC Milan), (Galatasaray), (PSV Eindhoven)

Forwards: (PSV), Klaas-Jan Huntelaar (Schalke 04), Dirk Kuijt (Fenerbahce), (Dynamo Kiev), (Manchester United), (Bayern Munich)

THE KEY 3 Holland goes as Robben and Sneijder go. If the two are getting along and playing well, this team has a shot at slaying dragons. If they’re slumping or fighting, the Dutch go home after three games. Defense is a major question mark, and Janmaat is totally untested at this level. PLUS: Goalkeeper is also a question, there are four possible starters including 2010 #1 Martin Steklenberg. Also, will this team get eaten alive on the flanks?

THE BOSS

LOUIS VAN GAAL - After trading Total Football for Total Destruction in 2010, some in Holland felt the countries calamitous Euro 2012 was karmic justice. The venerable Van Gaal was brought in for a second spell in charge to right the ship, and he’s done so by reintroducing the flair to Dutch football, while sorting out chemistry issues as well. But Van Gaal has had past issues with infighting himself, and leaves at the end of the tournament. Guus Hiddink will replace him.

EXPECTATIONS

Semifinal - Holland’s ego has sufficiently recovered from the Euro 2012 shellacking, and while they have a young side in Brazil, there is plenty of talent. If things gel, and the Oranje can get along off the field, an exciting run could be in store.

WORLD SOCCER TALK / WORLD CUP 2014 GROUP C COLOMBIA GREECE IVORY COAST JAPAN

FIXTURES Colombia ___v___ Greece 6/14 12ET ABC Ivory Coast ___v___ Japan 6/15 9ET ESPN Colombia ___v___ Ivory Coast 6/19 12ET ESPN Japan ___v___ Greece 6/19 6ET ESPN Greece ___v___ Ivory Coast 6/24 4ET ESPN2 Japan ___v___ Colombia 6/24 4ET ESPN

GROUP BESTS

Player – Falcao, COL / Goalscorer – Falcao, COL / Manager – Peckerman, COL

Supporters – COL / Defense – CIV / Attack – COL / Depth – COL / Teamwork - GRE

Most Likely To See Red – K. Toure, CIV / Passer – Kagawa, JAP / Leader – Drogba, CIV

BIGGEST MATCHES MOST IMPORTANT GAME -- Ivory Coast v. Japan - They’re all going to matter in this tight group, but if either of these teams take three points from this game, they are a solid bet to progress. BEST GAME -- Columbia v. Ivory Coast - Two talented teams that are flying somewhat under the radar, it’s a chance to see two great strikers in Falcao (it he’s fit) and Drogba, along with two dynamo midfields collide. The winner should take the group.

! WORLD SOCCER TALK / WORLD CUP 2014 BRAZILCOLOMBIA GROUPGROUP AC "Los Cafeteros" "SELACAO" COLOMBIABRAZIL MEXICO GREECE CROATIA IVORY COASTCAMEROON JAPAN

PREVIEW You could not pick two countries with less in common than Colombia and Belgium to follow almost identical paths back to the top of world football. Both countries vanished from the world stage after a decent 30 or so years around the turn of the century, and both have reemerged as world cup seeds with explosive golden generations.

Colombia has picked a good time to reintroduce itself to the world. Playing an attacking brand of football and storming through qualifying, the Colombians seemed to have put it all together.

They have a fantastic coach in Jose Pekerman, and a group of players who are young, dynamic, and incredibly talented. And their talisman, Monaco striker Ramedal Falcao, was all set to lead his country into the World Cup when he went down with an ACL injury. Originally feared to be out of the World Cup altogether, it’s looking like he’ll be able to recover in time to play hobbled.

Falcao’s presence may be the difference between making a run at the semifinals and just getting out of the group. Columbia’s offense should be okay, it’s the defense that has people worried. Whatever happens with Falcao, Colombia is back.

SQUAD

Goalkeepers: (Nice), Faryd Mondragon (Deportivo Cali), (Santa Fe).

Defenders: Mario Yepes (Atalanta), Cristian Zapata (AC Milan), Carlos Valdes (San Lorenzo), Eder Alvarez Balanta (River Plate), Arias (PSV Eindhoven), Camilo Zuniga (Napoli), Pablo Armero (West Ham).

Midfielders: Carlos Sanchez (Elche), Fredy Guarin (Inter Milan), Abel Aguilar (), Aldo Leao Ramirez (Morelia), Juan Fernando Quintero (Porto), Víctor Ibarbo (Cagliari), James Rodriguez (Monaco), Juan Guillermo Cuadrado (Fiorentina), Alexander Mejia (Atletico Nacional).

Forwards: Jackson Martinez (Porto), Carlos Bacca (Sevilla), Adrian Ramos (Hertha ), Teofilo Gutierrez (River Plate).

THE KEY 3 Jackson Martinez must play big without Falcao missing out. James Rodriguez is Falcao’s club teammate and a huge wing threat, while players like Zapata must hold it all together at the back. PLUS: Individually, Columbia have good defenders, it’s collectively where they struggle. Freddy Guarin is a player to watch in midfield.

THE BOSS

JOSE PEKERMAN - One of the most respected South American coaches of his generation, Pekerman was so distraught over his native ’s shootout loss to Germany in a 2006 World Cup quarterfinal, he resigned as manager after the match. Now returned to the international stage, Pekerman has Columbia buzzing towards the top of world football after an absence of almost 20 years.

EXPECTATIONS

Semifinal - The Columbians are flying high. Full of flair and attacking impetus, ranked in the top five in the world, it doesn’t matter that the team are making their first World Cup appearance in over a decade. A reasonably easy draw has brightened the vision of a deep run.

WORLD SOCCER TALK / WORLD CUP 2014 GROUPGROUP AC BRAZILGREECE "SELACAO""Ethniki" COLOMBIABRAZIL MEXICO GREECE CROATIA IVORY COASTCAMEROON JAPAN

PREVIEW

The fumes of Greece’s upset for the ages triumph at Euro 2004 in Portugal still fuels the national team. The Greeks who have a knack for celebrating the past haven’t progressed much in the last decade.

However, the seeds of change that were planted a decade ago are finally growing. Portuguese manager Fernando Santos has instituted a gradually more progressive style. Greece are playing more attacking football at this point than they have at any other time in this century.

Their qualification for this tournament was perhaps their best World Cup qualifying campaign in recent memory, and they easily dispatched Romania in a playoff to get to Brazil. The Greeks have some good players, especially in attack.

Now the key will be going out and playing football. Second place can be had in Group C, but it will require victories, and not the shocks that Greece have become accustomed to springing.

SQUAD

Goalkeepers: Orestis Karnezis (Granada), (PAOK), Stefanos Kapino (Panathinaikos).

Defenders: , Giannis Maniatis, Jose Holebas (all Olympiakos), Sokratis Papastathopoulos (Borussia Dortmund), Giorgios Tzavellas (PAOK), Loukas Vyntra (Levante), Vasilis Torosidis (Roma), Vangelis Moras (Verona).

Midfielders: Alexandros Tziolis (), Andreas Samaris (Olympiakos), Kostas Katsouranis (PAOK), Giorgos Karagounis (Fulham), Panagiotis Tachtsidis (Torino), Ioannis Fetfatzidis (Genoa), Lazaros Christodoulopoulos (Bologna), Panagiotis Kone (Bologna).

Forwards: Dimitris Salpingidis (PAOK), Giorgios Samaras (Celtic), Konstantinos Mitroglou (Fulham), Theofanis Gekas (Konyaspor).

THE KEY 3 The Sokratis of Borrusia Dortmund anchors a Greece defense which will be heavily relied on. Karagounis is Greece’s aging midfield maestro. He may not start, but he’ll lead. Mitroglou is Greece’s new talent up top. PLUS: The wide players can poach a goal, while the goalkeeping isn’t entirely solid.

THE BOSS

FERNANDO SANTOS - Taking over from Greece legend Otto Rehaggel after the 2010 World Cup, Santos had a big job to do. But the Portuguese has done well with Greece, taking the side to the Euro 2012 quarterfinals and qualifying for Brazil, while adopting more progressive tactics than his predecessor. While Greece can’t be considered an attacking juggernaut, progress is being made.

EXPECTATIONS

Out of the Group - Greece are the perennial underdogs, who come into major tournaments by putting eleven players behind the ball and hoping for one opportunity to score a goal. But their quarterfinal run in Euro 2012 and impressive qualification (goals were actually scored!) have raised the bar.

WORLD SOCCER TALK / WORLD CUP 2014

GROUPGROUP AC BRAZILIVORY COAST "SELACAO""The Elephants" COLOMBIABRAZIL MEXICO GREECE CROATIA IVORY COASTCAMEROON JAPAN

PREVIEW

Cote d’Ivoire’s golden generation dawned with so much promise, captain ’s call for opposing sides in the country’s off- and-on 50 year Civil War to lay down their arms for the 2006 World Cup was heeded.

But back-to-back Groups of Death have robbed the Ivory Coast of much of their potential. Now, that generation has one tournament left, and they’ve finally been handed a manageable draw.

Like many African teams, this side has a fantastic attack that goes two-deep. It’s defense and goalkeeping that is the major question, and some have called into question the side’s temperament. The manager doesn’t inspire much confidence himself.

Yet if this team finally tastes World Cup success, it will be because a veteran group of world-class players take the tournament by its horns and runs with it.

SQUAD

Goalkeepers: (Lokeren), (Sewe Sport), Sayouba Sande (Stabaek).

Defenders: Kolo Toure (Liverpool), Sol Bamba (), (Trabzonspor), (Toulouse), (Stuttgart), Ousmane Viera Diarrassouba (Caykur Rizespor), Constant Djakpa (Frankfurt), Jean-Daniel Akpa-Akpro (Toulouse).

Midfielders: Yaya Toure (Manchester City), Cheick Tiote (Newcastle), Serey Die (Basel), (Saint Etienne), Diomande Ismael (Saint Etienne), (Hannover), (Dusseldorf).

Forwards: (Roma), Didier Drogba (Galatasaray), (Lille), (Swansea), (Basel).

THE KEY 3 He’s one of the foremost leaders of his country; can Didier Drogba give the world stage a final ode to remember? Yaya Toure is one of the best midfielders in the world, if he’s at his best, this team will reach the knockout round. Bamba is a starter for now, but will be be if Kolo Toure decides to come out of international retirement? PLUS: Can the defense hold up? How about Gervinho?

THE BOSS

SABRI LAMOUCHI - Ivory Coast is another African side that has appointed a manager with no previous coaching experience. Sabi Lamouchi had a decent career in France as a player, before finishing his career in the Middle East. He was appointed after the Elephants lost the 2012 AFCON Final on penalties. Lamouchi’s team is laden with veteran leadership, but ego and entitlement problems have cropped up.

EXPECTATIONS

Quarterfinal - They’ve waited and waited and waited in the Ivory Coast for the dreams brought on by a true golden generation to become a reality. In 2006 and 2010, Groups of Death ended their tournament early. Now, in a last hurrah for players like Drogba and Toure, the Elephants have to deliver.

WORLD SOCCER TALK / WORLD CUP 2014

GROUPGROUP AC BRAZILJAPAN "SELACAO""Samurai Blue" COLOMBIABRAZIL MEXICO GREECE CROATIA IVORY COASTCAMEROON JAPAN

PREVIEW

Japanese football is progressing rapidly. Since the nation got serious in advance of their hosting the 2002 World Cup with South Korea, the game has grown, but not more so than in the last five or so years.

Talented players making splashes at big European clubs, and a steady stream of skillful attackers have carved out an international identity for Japan. This is a team that plays good football, likes to keep the ball on the ground, and can score goals. At times, they lack a bluntness and toughness that is found in all great teams, but that should come with time.

In 2010, Japan lost to on penalties in the Round of 16, their best ever World Cup showing. This year, under famous Italian boss , they’ll be looking to better that.

Many teams are overlooking Japan, but with a manageable group and an increasingly promising team, their time is approaching quickly.

SQUAD

Goalkeepers: (Standard Liege), (Urawa Reds), Shuichi Gonda (FC Tokyo).

Defenders: (FC Tokyo), (), (Inter Milan), (Southampton), Masahiko Inoha (Jubilo Iwata), (Schalke 04), (), Gotoku Sakai (VfB Stuttgart).

Midfielders: Yasuhito Endo (Gamba Osaka), (AC Milan), (Manchester United), (FC Nuremberg), (FC Nuremberg), (), (), Manabu Saito (Yokohama F Marinos).

Forwards: (Mainz), (Cerezo Osaka), (TSV Munich 1860), Yoshito Okubo ().

THE KEY 3

Kagawa has struggled all year for Man. Utd., but Japan need him in Brazil. Honda drove this team in their strong South African showing, while Maeda plays up top where Japan has a dearth of ability. PLUS: The defense is experienced, but aging, and the same goes for central midfield. This team will try to play football.

THE BOSS

ALBERTO ZACCHERONI - The Italian Zaccheroni has managed all the big clubs in , and he seems like an odd man to lead the Samurai Blue. But Zaccheroni has impressed, guiding Japan to the honor of being the first team to qualify for Brazil 2014. Still, the venerable coach will be judged on whether he can lead his team to success in the tournament.

EXPECTATIONS

Out of the Group - The Japanese sincerely believe that they are improving, with the J-League and national team becoming stronger each cycle. While there are plenty of question marks, the Samurai want continued progress from South Africa, where they were a penalty shootout away from the quarterfinal.

WORLD SOCCER TALK / WORLD CUP 2014

GROUP D COSTA RICA ENGLAND ITALY URUGUAY

FIXTURES Uruguay ___v___ Costa Rica 6/14 3ET ABC England ___v___ Italy 6/14 6ET ESPN Uruguay ___v___ England 6/19 3ET ESPN Italy ___v___ Costa Rica 6/20 12ET ESPN Costa Rica ___v___ England 6/24 12ET ESPN2 Italy ___v___ Uruguay 6/24 12ET ESPN

GROUP BESTS

Player – Suarez, URU / Goalscorer – Suarez, URU / Manager – Prandelli ITA

Supporters – ENG / Defense – ITA / Attack – URU / Depth – ENG / Teamwork - ITA

Most Likely To See Red – Campbell CRC / Passer – Pirlo ITA / Leader – Buffon ITA

BIGGEST MATCHES MOST IMPORTANT GAME - Italy v. England - It gets good quickly in Group D, and this battle in the sweltering heat of Manaus will be a major test of wills. Italy thoroughly outplayed England at Euro 2012; the Three Lions must do better here.

BEST GAME -- England v. Uruguay - By the time these two square off, England will probably have to attack. It should make for an entertaining and intense game – and the added plotline of Luis Suarez against the country that (mostly) hates him is salivating.

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GROUP C COSTA RICA "Los Ticos" COSTA RICA ENGLAND ITALY URUGUAY

PREVIEW

Back after a one-tournament absence, Costa Rica have, in recent years, established themselves as CONCACAF’s third-wheel – always lagging behind the United States and Mexico.

They qualified quite comfortably for this tournament, capitalizing on Mexico’s capitulation to become one of the very first teams to secure their Brazilian passage. Costa Rica doesn’t necessarily play the prettiest game; in fact, they’ve often employed a back-five that has shored up a once leaky defense.

But they don’t have much star power, and overall talent and pace in the midfield and defense are huge question marks. Also: Can this team keep the ball away from the lethal strikers in Group D?

Costa Rica is a country that has only made it out of the World Cup group stage once – in Italy ’90 – and the draw was not kind to the Ticos, placing them in one of the three Groups of Death. They’ll do well to make a fight of it.

SQUAD

Goalkeepers: (Levante), (Alajuelense) (Herediano).

Defenders: Johnny Acosta (Alajuelense), Giancarlo Gonzalez (Columbus Crew), Michael Umana (Saprissa), Oscar Duarte (Bruges), (Columbus Crew), (Saprissa), Junior Diaz (Mainz 05), Christian Gamboa (Rosenborg), (New York Red Bulls).

Midfielders: (AIK), Christian Bolanos (), Esteban Granados (Herediano), (Aalesund), (Saprissa), (Valerenga), Jose Miguel Cubero (Herediano).

Forwards: (PSV Eindhoven, on loan from Fulham), (Olympiakos, on loan from Arsenal), (Cartagines), Marco Urena (FC Kuban Krasnodar).

THE KEY 3

"Boris" Yeltsin Tejada will boss the Costa Rican midfield while Premier League eyes will be on Joel Campbell upfront. Another familiar Premier League face is captain Bryan Ruiz, who will be counted on to shepard his nascent squad against three intercontinental titans

THE BOSS

JORGE LUIS PINTO - The Columbian is in his second spell coaching Costa Rica after a long career managing in South America. At only 5’5, Pinto hardly cuts an imposing figure on the sideline, but Costa Rica had their most comfortable World Cup qualification ever under his watch. Pinto is assisted by one of Costa Rica’s finest ever players, Paulo Wonchope.

EXPECTATIONS

Out of the Group - The Japanese sincerely believe that they are improving, with the J-League and national team becoming stronger each cycle. While there are plenty of question marks, the Samurai want continued progress from South Africa, where they were a penalty shootout away from the quarterfinal.

WORLD SOCCER TALK / WORLD CUP 2014

GROUP D ENGLAND "The Three Lions" COSTA RICA ENGLAND ITALY URUGUAY

PREVIEW

In truth, England is at a low point. A golden generation that promised much came and went, getting no further than the quarterfinals of a major tournament, and that generation has been replaced by a decidedly more mediocre one. Even as the Premier League roars, the Three Lions flounder.

Outside of talisman – who has never lit up a major tournament – England don’t have world-class players anymore. They just have very good players. Their team doesn’t play particularly pretty football, and the constant drum of negativity from the tabloid press is draining.

England’s supporters are usually the most preeminent and numerous at World Cups, but the FA has failed to sellout its ticket allotment for this years tournament. That speaks volumes about the mindset of the nation. Asked about England’s chances, Denmark coach Martin Olsen said, “I wish them good luck. They’ll need it.”

However, low expectations are not necessarily a bad thing. The spotlight on England has been lessened, and there is a chance to surprise people this summer. Because as pragmatic and dreary as the Brits are, If England win against Italy, that fleeting hope that maybe, just maybe, this will be the year it all clicks will spring back into life.

SQUAD

Goalkeepers: Fraser Forster (Celtic), (West Bromwich Albion), (Manchester City).

Defenders: Leighton Baines (Everton), (Chelsea), Phil Jagielka (Everton), Glen Johnson (Liverpool), Phil Jones (Manchester United), (Southampton), (Manchester United).

Midfielders: (Everton), Steven Gerrard, Jordan Henderson (both Liverpool), (Southampton), (Chelsea), (Manchester City), Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Arsenal), (Liverpool), (Arsenal).

Forwards: Rickie Lambert (Southampton), Wayne Rooney (Manchester United), Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool), Welbeck (Manchester United).

THE KEY 3

Rooney is England’s best player, and he has to be nothing short of brilliant if they want to progress. Hart is talented but temperamental, his form is crucial, and this is it for Captain Gerrard. Does he have something special left in him? PLUS: Sturridge made a huge leap this ; can he continue his hot form? Who will anchor the backline? Also: What role will Liverpool’s great season have?

THE BOSS

ROY HODGSON - Not exactly one to inspire the masses, Hodgson guided England into the World Cup in the pragmatic style he has become known for. Not a flashy manager in any sense, Hodgson’s England camps have been devoid of the typical drama, but also of real belief.

EXPECTATIONS

Quarterfinal - England expects… Not very much this time. In fact, expectations haven’t been lower for the Three Lions in some time. Still, the 1966 mentality ensures that the country won’t be happy with just getting out of the group, a true measure of success for England in this tournament. This is a decent England team – a surprise run is possible, if not probable.

WORLD SOCCER TALK / WORLD CUP 2014

GROUP D ITALY "Azzurri" COSTA RICA ENGLAND ITALY URUGUAY

PREVIEW

You can never really know with the Italians – except it’s a lock that every 12 years, they will win the World Cup. 2018 will be their time, but for now, who can say?

Cesare Prandelli has led a mini-revolution in Italian football over the last four years, turning the Azzuri into a higher-tempo, more attack- oriented side, while fazing out all but a few Lions from the team that won the 2006 World Cup in Germany. Italy’s young generation comes up in a time when Serie A is at an all-time low, and the team is almost completely domestically based.

Prandelli’s hopes lie with four lions and one firework – Buffon, Chiellini, Di Rossi, and Pirlo are old battlers, while is by far the brightest young Italian talent, but also a man who blew his house up with illegal fireworks.

It’s strange to think that Italy is the second most successful national side ever, because they haven’t had the jaw-dropping players of the other great countries over the years. In 2014, anything will be better than the disgrace of 2010, and this is a solid if not spectacular team.

SQUAD

Goalkeepers: (Juventus), (Paris St-Germain), (Genoa).

Defenders: , , Giorigo Chiellini (all Juventus), (Parma), , (both AC Milan), (Torino).

Midfielders: , (both Juventus), , (both Paris St-Germain), (AS Roma), (Lazio), (Parma), (Fiorentina).

Forwards: Mario Balotelli (AC Milan), (Parma), (Torino), (Torino), (Napoli).

THE KEY 3

There is no wild card in the game quite like Mario Balotelli – in his first World Cup, how will he respond? Meanwhile, potential strike partner, born Giuseppe Rossi has had horrible injury luck, but he’s having the best season of his career. Pirlo is an aging magician, the closest thing to Zidane in the game today, but can he still run a major tournament? PLUS: How good is that vaunted Italian defense? Buffon (the heart of Italy) and Chiellini will be good, but who else?

THE BOSS

CESARE PRANDELLI - Italy were in need of drastic change after their horror show in South Africa, and Prandelli delivered – transforming Italy from a brittle, defensive side to an attacking, possession-oriented one. The Azzuri’s run to the Euro 2012 final has brought back the belief, now the thoughtful and the engaging Prandelli has a chance to become a household name.

EXPECTATIONS

Semifinal - Cesare Prandelli has revived the Forza Azzuri spirit in Italy, and while the talent on this team more closely resembles the epic 2010 flop than the 2006 championship run, the semifinal is within reach. If Italy can get through the group (they always start slow), a fantastic collective spirit and that old defensive mentality could set up a deep run.

WORLD SOCCER TALK / WORLD CUP 2014

GROUP D URUGUAY "Los Charruas" COSTA RICA ENGLAND ITALY URUGUAY

PREVIEW

Uruguay is in an interesting place. Four years ago at this time, they were a relative unknown after spending decades out of the limelight of major international football. What happened in South Africa? Uruguay were the upset team of the tournament, making a controversial run to the semi-final.

A year later, Uruguay won their first Copa America title since 1995. But since then, things have fallen off. Le Celeste labored through a qualifying campaign that resulted in a playoff victory, and similarly labored at last summers’ Confederations Cup.

Certainly, Uruguay have brilliant individual players – especially in attack: Luis Suarez is one of the best in the world, and Edison Cavani isn’t far behind. But there is a big gulf between those players and the team’s defense and midfield.

Uruguay could catch fire, or they may weakly go out with a few points after the group stage, but they’ll like their chances. After all, the last time the World Cup was played in Brazil, Uruguay beat the hosts 2-1 in the final at the Maracaña, a loss that still haunts Uruguay’s neighbors today.

SQUAD

Goalkeepers: (Galatasaray), Martin Silva (Vasco da Gama), Rodrigo Munoz (Libertad).

Defenders: Maximiliano Pereira (Benfica), Diego Lugano (West Bromwich Albion), Diego Godin, Jose Maria Gimenez (both Atletico Madrid), Sebastian Coates (Liverpool), Martin Caceres (Juventus), (Porto).

Midfielders: Alvaro Gonzalez (Lazio), Alvaro Pereira (Sao Paulo), (Parma), Egidio Arevalo Rios (Morelia), Diego Perez (Bologna), Cristian Rodriguez (Atletico Madrid), Gaston Ramirez (Southampton), Nicolas Lodeiro (Botafogo).

Forwards: Luis Suarez (Liverpool), (Paris St-Germain), Abel Hernandez (Palermo), Diego Forlan (Cerezo Osaka), Christian Stuani (Espanyol).

THE KEY 3

Suarez is Uruguay’s biggest hope: If he takes over the tournament, they are contenders. Godin has to anchor a shaky backline in front of Muslera, who may be a breakout player in this tournament. PLUS: The central midfield trio is weak. Can 2010’s best player Forlan recapture the magic?

THE BOSS

OSCAR TABAREZ - Known as “The Teacher”, Tabarez is responsible for Uruguay’s two most successful World Cup campaigns since the country won the first two tournaments. He has transformed the program since taking over for a second spell in 2006, and there is faith abound in the 66 year old, who guided Uruguay through a difficult qualification campaign.

EXPECTATIONS

Semifinal - Uruguay always expects great things – after all, as they’d tell you, only a handful of other countries have won the trophy twice. Coming off a semifinal run in 2010, and in a South American World Cup, big things are once again called for, if not entirely reasonably.

WORLD SOCCER TALK / WORLD CUP 2014

GROUP E FRANCE HONDURAS SWITZERLAND

FIXTURES Switzerland ___v___ Ecuador 6/15 12ET ABC France ___v___ Honduras 6/15 3ET ABC Switzerland ___v___ France 6/20 3ET ESPN Honduras ___v___ Ecuador 6/20 6ET ESPN Ecuador ___v___ France 6/25 4ET ESPN Honduras ___v___ Switzerland 6/25 4ET ESPN2

GROUP BESTS

Player – Ribery, FRA / Goalscorer – Benzema, FRA / Manager – Hitzfeld, SUI

Supporters – FRA / Defense – ECU / Attack – FRA / Depth – FRA / Teamwork - SUI

Most Likely To See Red – Bernardez HON / Passer – Cabaye / FRA Leader – Valencia ECU

BIGGEST MATCHES

MOST IMPORTANT GAME -- France v. Honduras - France’s opening game is important just see where Les Blues’ collective head is at. Traditionally slow starters; three quick French points could kick-start a surprise campaign. BEST GAME -- Switzerland v. France - On paper, these two teams are clearly the strongest in Group E. This game will most likely be the best played from the group, and the loser may just struggle to qualify over spunky Ecuador.

! WORLD SOCCER TALK / WORLD CUP 2014

GROUP E ECUADOR "La Tri" ECUADOR FRANCE HONDURAS SWITZERLAND

PREVIEW

Ecuador don’t have the kind of history and talent that many of the fancied South American teams at this tournament have, but La Tri have a lot to play for. Christian Benitez, an Ecuador striker, checked into a hospital in complaining of pain in July 2013. He died just hours later. Benitez was 27 years old.

Following the tragedy, Ecuador retired “Chucho’s” #11. Benitez played for the national team 58 times, including at the 2006 World Cup, Ecuador’s best ever performance in the competition.

His memory is the driving force behind this team’s World Cup journey, and it’s a story that has been underreported around the world. On the field, the spirit of that 2006 run is what Ecuador will be trying to recapture.

Their group is manageable enough. Ecuador should beat Honduras, and then it will be up to this South American team to slay a European side – either France or Switzerland – for that last place in the knockout round. Whatever happens, it will be done in Benitez’s name.

SQUAD

Goalkeepers: Maximo Banguera (Barcelona SC), Alexander Dominguez (LDU ), Adrian Bone (El Nacional).

Defenders: (Flamengo), , Oscar Bagui, (all Emelec), Walter Ayovi (Pachuca), (Barcelona SC).

Midfielders: (Al-Hilal), Carlos Gruezo (Stuttgart), (Vitesse Arnhem), Cristian Noboa (Dynamo Moscow), (Barcelona SC), (Manchester United), Edison Mendez (Independiente Santa Fe), Fidel Martinez (Tijuana), (Atlante).

Forwards: (Al-Jazira), (Morelia), (Cruz Azul), Jaime Ayovi (Tijuana), (Pachuca).

THE KEY 3

Antonio Valencia is Ecuador’s most famous player by far, but it’s Montero who could take the mantle from him after this tournament. Dominguez will play a key role in net. PLUS: Ecuador like to play a fast, high-pressure game, so fitness in the Brazilian heat will be huge. Ecuador have one of the most settled teams in the tournament.

THE BOSS

REINALDO RUEDA - Rueda is another coach who has cycled through international jobs in the Americas, managing Columbia, Honduras,

and now Ecuador. Rueda took Honduras to the 2010 World Cup, but their performance there was very poor. He’s done well to guide Ecuador back to the World Cup, and beating old side Honduras will be key if his team wants to advance from the group stage.

EXPECTATIONS

Out of the Group - Ecuador certainly aren’t up to the standards of their South American footballing brethren, and they know that. But the last time Ecuador went to a World Cup they advanced from the Group Stage, and in South America this time, they’ll be hoping to do the same.

WORLD SOCCER TALK / WORLD CUP 2014

GROUPGROUP AE BRAZILFRANCE "SELACAO""Les Bleus" ECUADORBRAZIL FRANCEMEXICO HONDURAS CROATIA CAMEROON SWITZERLAND

PREVIEW

They are without a shadow of a doubt, the strangest, most enigmatic, maddening, enlightening, frustrating, entertaining wreck in world football. France run so hot and so cold, it seems they’ll either dazzle and reach the final of the World Cup, or spectacularly get bounced from the group stage.

But that’s just how it goes with France, one of the blue bloods of the game. In qualification, they were listless and went down 2-0 in the playoff against Ukraine. In a poll taken before the second leg of that playoff, over 80% of the exasperated and disgruntled French population thought they stood no chance of reaching Brazil.

So it makes sense that France won the second leg at the 3-0, and were dropped into the easiest group in the tournament. Expect the unexpected.

Talent wise, this team is far better than that which disgraced the entire country with a handball, dramatics and a player coup d’état in 2010, and far worse than the inspired side that reached the 2006 final.

With Ballon d’Or finalist Franck Ribery and plenty of firepower around the field, the question is which France will show up? We can guess that they won’t fall at the first hurdle, or get to the final this time, but within those parameters, it’s anyone’s guess.

SQUAD

Goalkeepers: (Tottenham Hotspur), Stephane Ruffier (Marseille), Mickael Landreau (Bastia).

Defenders: (Newcastle), (Paris St-Germain) (Manchester United), , (both Arsenal), (Porto), (Liverpool), Raphael Varane (Real Madrid).

Midfielders: , (both Paris St-Germain), Clement Grenier (Lyon), (Lille), (Juventus), (Newcastle), (Marseille).

Forwards: (Real Madrid), (Arsenal), (Real Sociedad), Loic Remy (Newastle, on loan from QPR), Franck Ribery (Bayern Munich).

THE KEY 3

Ribery has somewhat quietly become one of the world’s best, if his attitude is right, he’ll dominate this group. France’s good teams always have a central midfield beast, is Pogba the new Viera? And by that token, is Varane the new Thuram? PLUS: Evra is a true leader, but can he still cut it here?

THE BOSS

DIDIER DESCHAMPS - The man who captained Les Blues to their only World Cup championship, Deschamps was a legendary player and is a solid coach – but in qualifying he almost went the way of other recent French managers in embarrassing, quarreling flames. How Deschamps controls the impossible France dressing room is key. It was Patrice Evra, after all, who gave the decisive team-talk during qualification.

EXPECTATIONS

Quarterfinal - The schedule sets up nicer for France than any other team in the tournament. Just before the final qualifier, 8 out of 10 people in France thought the team wouldn’t even get to Brazil. But after that 3-0 win over Ukraine and the draw, belief is returning. As always with the French, it could either go spectacularly or horribly, but it will be entertaining.

WORLD SOCCER TALK / WORLD CUP 2014

GROUP E HONDURAS "Los Catrachos" ECUADOR FRANCE HONDURAS SWITZERLAND

PREVIEW

It’s a bit of a golden era for Honduras. Having only made one World Cup in their history before qualifying in 2010, the small Central American nation is now making their second consecutive appearance at the Finals.

The expansion of the World Cup field and CONCACAF’s added qualifying spots mean that the Hondurans are a reasonably established side these days – now the next step is producing on the world stage.

The trip to South Africa four years ago was an unqualified disaster for Honduras, who amassed a measly one point and failed to score a single goal in their three group games, one of only two teams at the 2010 World Cup to be held scoreless.

While the football-crazy country doesn’t expect their national team to advance from the group stage, they are expected to put up a real fight in 2014. While there are no stars or big guns, Honduras have some capable players on a team that is trying to go further than ever before.

SQUAD

Goalkeepers: , (both Olimpia), Luis Lopez (Real Espana).

Defenders: (Olimpia), (Celtic), Juan Carlos Garcia (Wigan), (Hull), Victor Bernardez (), Osman Chavez (Qingdao Janoon), (Motagua).

Midfielders: (Real Espana), (Olimpia), (Wigan), (Motagua), (Stoke), Oscar Garcia ( Dynamo), (Anderlecht), Mario Martinez (Real Espana), Marvin Chavez (Chivas USA).

Forwards: (New England Revolution), (Alajuelense), (Real Espana), Rony Martinez (Real Sociedad).

THE KEY 3

In a squad flush with MLS players, the enforcer Bernardez has to anchor the backline. Palacios’ career has stalled, but he remains a key player for the national team, as does Espinoza, the former Kansas City player who won the FA Cup with Wigan. PLUS: Defense and consistency are a strongpoint; goals may be harder to come by.

THE BOSS

LUIZ FERNANDO SUAREZ - There are all kinds of connections in Group E, as Suarez will face the Ecuadorian team he led to a banner

2006 World Cup. Now in charge of the plucky Hondurans, who qualified comfortably enough Brazil, Suarez will hope to use his World

Cup experience and knowledge of South America to go one better than the man in charge of his old team, , did in 2010.

EXPECTATIONS

Anything Is Gravy - Honduras has never advanced from the group stage of the World Cup, and they don’t have the talent nor the infrastructure or experience to make a run this time. If this team can win a game in Brazil, the tournament will be a success.

WORLD SOCCER TALK / WORLD CUP 2014

GROUP E SWITZERLAND "La Nati" ECUADOR FRANCE HONDURAS SWITZERLAND

PREVIEW

When Switzerland were seeded as one of the top eight teams on the planet for the World Cup draw in December, people snickered. That Switzerland would be seeded just went to show how laughable the FIFA World Rankings were and are.

But the Swiss didn’t see the funny side. So often a nice, middling little team, matching their countrywide persona, getting a World Cup seed was a proud moment for Switzerland, a country that have never made a quarterfinal in a major tournament they didn’t host.

Switzerland have some exciting young talent, an outgoing legend of a manager, and real hope to advance from the World Cup group stage for only the third time since 1954. In all likelihood, it’s only Honduras and Ecuador in their way, along with France. That’s the top seed talking.

In soccer, Switzerland doesn’t expect much. But in 2014, a little respect would be nice.

SQUAD

Goalkeepers: Diego Benaglio (Wolfsburg), Roman Buerki (Grasshopper), (Basel).

Defenders: (), Michael Lang (Grasshopper), (Juventus), Ricardo Rodriguez (Wolfsburg), Fabian Schaer (Basel), (Valencia), (Young Boys), (Sassuolo).

Midfielders: (), (Napoli), Blerim Dzemaili (Napoli), (Freiburg), Gokhan Inler (Napoli), (Bayern Munich), (Basel).

Forwards: Josip Drmic (Nuremberg), Mario Gavranovic (Zurich), (Freiburg), Haris Seferovic (Real Sociedad), (Borussia Monchengladbach).

THE KEY 3

Switzerland’s strength isn’t defense: They drew Iceland 4-4 in qualifying. Djourou, an Arsenal also ran, needs to play well. Inler is a star in the making, as is Shaqiri of Bayern Munich. PLUS: Goalkeeping could be a problem. The left wing will be a certain strength, but who can finish in front of the net with retired?

THE BOSS

OTTMAR HITZFIELD - He won everything with Borussia Dortmund and then Bayern Munich to become one of the most successful coaches in German history. Hitzfeld’s time in charge of Switzerland has been more underwhelming, but the team has rebounded from failing to qualify for Euro 2012 to become a seed at the 2014 World Cup. Hitzfeld will retire after the tournament, and there is incentive to send the coach out in style.

EXPECTATIONS

Out of the Group - The Swiss haven’t had much major tournament success recently, and as usual, they have a decent team that doesn’t menace. But it could be now or never – a great draw plus a legendary retiring coach means Switzerland has to deliver in 2014.

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GROUP F ARGENTINA BOSNIA

FIXTURES Argentina ___v___ Bosnia 6/15 6ET ESPN Iran ___v___ Nigeria 6/16 3ET ESPN Argentina ___v___ Iran 6/21 12ET ESPN Nigeria ___v___ Bosnia 6/21 6ET ESPN Bosnia ___v___ Iran 6/25 12ET ESPN2 Nigeria ___v___ Argentina 6/25 12ET ESPN

GROUP BESTS

Player – Messi ARG / Goalscorer – Messi ARG / Manager – Keshi NIG

Supporters – ARG / Defense – ARG / Attack – ARG / Depth – ARG / Teamwork – BIH

Most Likely To See Red – Mascherano ARG / Passer – Messi ARG / Leader – Spahic -BIH

BIGGEST MATCHES

MOST IMPORTANT GAME -- Bosnia & Herzegovina v. Nigeria - This is the battle for second place, and it’s between a very likable team in Bosnia, and a very unlikable team in Nigeria. BEST GAME -- Argentina v. Bosnia & Herzegovina - Both teams love to attack for 90 minutes. Messi has only scored one World Cup goal – he may quadruple his total in this game.

! WORLD SOCCER TALK / WORLD CUP 2014

GROUP F ARGENTINA "La Albiceleste" ARGENTINA BOSNIA IRAN NIGERIA

PREVIEW

While you wouldn’t want to raise this question too loudly on the streets of , it’s a question that comes to mind more and more: Is Argentina Brazil’s little brother?

The two countries have not so much enjoyed as they have battled in one of the greatest rivalries in world football for almost a century, but the facts tell a grim tale for Argentina: The Albiceleste have reached three World Cup finals, and won two. Brazil have reached seven finals, and won five.

Now, with the tournament in Brazil, Argentina has a golden chance. Lifting the trophy at the Maracana would cripple Brazil and reestablish Argentina among the world’s elite.

They certainly have enough firepower to do it: Up top names like Aguero, Higuian, Lavezzi, and Messi mean that can’t even get onto the team. Of the four favorites, Argentina have the weakest defense, midfield and coaching, but Messi could win the tournament by himself if he’s healthy and make himself the greatest player of all-time. Just outside the main South American spotlight, Argentina has a chance to have a summer for the ages.

SQUAD

Goalkeepers: (Sampdoria), Mariano Andujar (Catania), Agustin Orion ().

Defenders: (Manchester City), Federico Fernandez (Napoli), (Benfica), (Sporting Lisbon), (Inter Milan), Martin Demichelis (Manchester City), Jose Basanta (Monterrey).

Midfielders: (Barcelona), (Boca Juniors), (Lazio), Ricardo Alvarez (Inter Milan), Augusto Fernandez (Celta Vigo), Angel Di Maria (Real Madrid), Maxi Rodriguez (Newell's Old Boys), Enzo Perez (Benfica).

Forwards: (Barcelona), Gonzalo Higuain (Napoli), Sergio Aguero (Manchester City), (Inter Milan), (Paris St-Germain).

THE KEY 3

To become the greatest player in the world, Messi has to win the World Cup. Otherwise, the magician is still behind Maradona. Mascherano is the defense, a screen between midfield and backline, and Di Maria is a change of pace, Argentina’s wide threat. PLUS: Garay has to be big for a young Argentina backline, Man. City’s Zabaleta is that backline’s best player. His City teammate Aguero is a Golden Boot threat.

THE BOSS

ALEJANDRO SABELLA - Compared to , anyone would look good. But career assistant Alejandro Sabella is an

interesting boss. Appointed after Argentina’s flameout at the 2011 Copa America, Sabella has gotten Argentian’s attack firing and

restored a sense of order and normalcy in the camp. But he has no tournament experience – this is only his second managerial job –

and the defense remains a question.

EXPECTATIONS

Champions - Argentina’s glory days are drifting further and further away. They haven’t gotten past the quarterfinal since 1990. But this Argentina side is so full of attacking talent and energy; it’s impossible not to dream. Add in Messi – who they fully believe will dominate this tournament – and the tantalizing, once-in-a-lifetime prospect of lifting the cup in Brazil, and it’s victory or bust for Argentina.

WORLD SOCCER TALK / WORLD CUP 2014

GROUP F BOSNIA "Zmajevi" ARGENTINA BOSNIA IRAN NIGERIA

PREVIEW

Before stepping onto the field in Brazil, this Bosnia and Herzegovina team has made history: They are the first Bosnian team to reach the World Cup finals, and the only first-time participant in the field this summer.

Of course, Bosnia is also the youngest country at these finals. The team only played their first officially sanctioned FIFA match 19 years ago in the midst of the Bosnian War. Formerly a part of old football power Yugoslavia, Bosnia have a strong tradition – it’s just not their own.

In the war-torn Balkan country, everything good has come with a price, and in this qualification for the World Cup, that tragic norm has held. Three young Bosnian fans were killed in a car crash when traveling home from a qualifier against Romania.

This tournament obviously means a lot. In a soccer sense, Bosnia have made great strides in the last few years after losing in playoffs to Portugal to make the last two major tournaments. They have a skillful, tightly knit team and are often involved in high-scoring matches. The world will be pulling for them in Brazil.

SQUAD

Goalkeepers: Asmir Begovic (Stoke City), Asmir Avdukic (Borac Banja Luka), Jasmin Fejzic (VFR Aalen).

Defenders: Emir Spahic (Bayer Leverkusen), Toni Sunjic (Zorya Lugansk), Sead Kolasinac (Schalke), Ognjen Vranjes (Elazigspor), Ermin Bicakcic (), Muhamed Besic (Ferencvaros), Mensur Mujdza (Freiburg).

Midfielders: Miralem Pjanic (Roma), Izet Hajrovic (Galatasaray), Haris Medunjanin (), Senad Lulic (Lazio), Anel Hadzic (Sturm), Tino Susic (Hajduk), Sejad Salihovic (Hoffenheim), Zvjezdan Misimovic (Guizhour Renhe), Senijad Ibricic (Erciyesspor), Avdija Vrsaljevic (Hajduk).

Strikers: Vedad Ibisevic (VfB Stuttgart), Edin Dzeko (Manchester City), Edin Visca ( BB).

THE KEY 3

Clearly, Dzeko is the face of his team and possibly his country. Pjanic pulls the strings out of the midfield, and Ibisevic should have a ton of chances playing off Dzeko up top. PLUS: The is one of the most attack-oriented teams in the tournament, but things will only work if the defense holds up. They’re confident in Begovic in goal.

THE BOSS

SAFET SUSIC - He’ll forever be regarded as a national hero in Bosnia and Herzegovina for taking the national team to their first major

tournament as an independent country. A native of Bosnia, and widely regarded as one of the best players to ever come out of the old

Yugoslavia, Susic has crafted an attacking force that will look to make more history in Brazil.

EXPECTATIONS

Out of the Group - Normally in a countries first World Cup appearance, just being involved in the party is good enough. For Bosnia, that will apply to some extent. Going to the World Cup is a huge achievement for a country just years removed from war and independence, and that is recognized. But this team has a chance: A good attack and a soft group means the knockout stages are in sight.

WORLD SOCCER TALK / WORLD CUP 2014

GROUP F IRAN "Team Melli" ARGENTINA BOSNIA IRAN NIGERIA

PREVIEW

Iran make another appearance at the FIFA World Cup after an eventful few years that including bringing on former Real Madrid and Manchester United man as manager, a scandal involving election protests, and a gruff if successful qualification campaign.

In many ways, Iran are a watered-down version of what North Korea was to the 2010 World Cup. After all, it’s Iran who took Korea DPR’s place, and while Iran is a less extreme country politically and a much stiffer drink on the field, it’s possible that Iran – like North Korea – will be the worst team at the World Cup.

In short, there just isn’t enough talent on this team. Their players do not play in major leagues, and there is no star to lead the way. Of course, Queiroz has added a vision – he’s brought in dual nationals, shored up the team’s defense and gotten the to the World Cup – but advancing beyond the group stage would be a miracle. The likes of Messi and Dzeko are licking their chops.

SQUAD

Goalkeepers: (Eintracht Braunschweig), (Sporting Covilha, on loan from Rubin Kazan), Rahman Ahmadi (Sepahan).

Defenders: (Persepolis), Steven Beitashour (Vancouver Whitecaps), (Umm Salal), (Persepolis), Amir-Hossein Sadeghi (Esteghlal), Ahmad Alenemeh (Naft), Hashem Beikzadeh (Esteghlal), Mehrdad Pouladi (Persepolis).

Midfielders: (Kuwait SC), (Esteghlal), (Persepolis), Ghasem Haddadifar (Zob Ahan), Bakhtiar Rahmani (Foolad), Ehsan Hajsafi (Sepahan).

Forwards: (Fulham), (Las Palmas), (NEC Nijmegen), (Charlton), (Tractor Saz, on loan from Persepolis), (Esteghlal).

THE KEY 3

It’s not risky to say that Davari will face a lot of shots in Brazil, he has to stand strong. Beitashour just started playing for the Iranians this

year after switching over from the USA, and it’s up to Nekounam to slow the game down in the midfield.

PLUS: Where’s the match-winner on this team? Who do you hang your hat on?

THE BOSS

CARLOS QUEIROZ - From Real Madrid to Iran, it’s been a long fall for Carlos Queiroz, who is still most notable for his work as Sir Alex

Ferguson’s long-time assistant at Manchester United. As a manager, Queiroz has been in many enviable positions, but he has failed to

capitalize. Now, with Iran, Queiroz has a chance to rectify his muddied reputation, but dour tactics and a prickly attitude may yet again

reign.

EXPECTATIONS

Anything Is Gravy - Not much is expected of Iran. Their talent pool is among the weakest in the tournament, and it’s very possible that they go home with no points. If Quiroez’s team can avoid that ignominy, the tournament will be a success.

WORLD SOCCER TALK / WORLD CUP 2014

GROUP F NIGERIA "The Super Eagles" ARGENTINA BOSNIA IRAN NIGERIA

PREVIEW

Early in 2013, the Super Eagles won the African Cup of Nations. The Cup of Nations is a huge deal in Africa, a continental tournament for bragging rights that goes beyond that of qualifying for the World Cup.

The triumph was soccer-mad Nigeria’s first since 1994, but the country was lucky to take part in the competition at all. Just three years before, after the Super Eagles disappointed at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, the President of Nigeria, a man named – I kid you not – Goodluck Jonathan, banned the team from playing for two years.

After FIFA threatened to wipe Nigeria off the footballing planet for “political interference”, the ban was withdrawn. But lawsuits flew, and damage was done. It was comical, and common.

The Nigerian Football Federation has been involved in scandals involving bribery and crime for years, and a day after the Cup of Nations win, the manager resigned because he wasn’t being paid. As for the team that will go to Brazil, it’s a solid, if unspectacular one. The best bet for fireworks is again off the field.

SQUAD

Goalkeepers: (Lille), (Hapoel Be'er Sheva), Chigozie Agbim (Gombe United).

Defenders: Elderson Echiejile (Monaco), (Celtic), Godfrey Oboabona (Rizespor), Azubuike Egwuekwe (Warri Wolves), (Middlesbrough), Juwon Oshaniwa (Ashdod), (Norwich, on loan from Fenerbahce), Kunle Odunlami (Sunshine Stars).

Midfielders: John Mikel Obi (Chelsea), (Almeria), (Lazio), (Waasland-Beveren), (Volyn Lutsk).

Forwards: (CSKA Moscow), (Newcastle), (Fenerbahce), Michael Uchebo (Cercle Brugge), (Stoke), (Liverpool, on loan from Chelsea), (Heerenveen).

THE KEY 3

Enyeama is the long-serving captain, and let’s just say leadership will be key for these guys. Mikel missed the 2010 World Cup, and it

hurt, his presence will be key. And every team needs goals, Emenike is Nigeria’s best bet.

PLUS: The defense is the weakpoint for this team, which needs better attitudes from big players.

THE BOSS

STEPHAN KESHI - Under farcical circumstances with Nigeria, Keshi is breath of fresh air. He’s somehow guided his team and himself

through a period of seven months when he was not paid, a power-struggle after the team won the African Cup of Nations, and incessant

controversy and negativity. Experience in African coaching helps. Keshi, a former Nigeria captain, is sane enough to do this job and do

it well.

EXPECTATIONS

Quarterfinal - Nigeria usually go into World Cups thinking well beyond their means. With all the internal turmoil, it’s going to be a victory if they get to Brazil in one piece, but the Super Eagles fans believe their team has the quality to go toe to toe with any in the world. If Nigeria fails to do that, they’ll feel the wrath of their nation.

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GROUP G GERMANY PORTUGAL USA

FIXTURES Germany ___v___ Portugal 6/16 12ET ESPN Ghana ___v___ USA 6/16 6ET ESPN Germany ___v___ Ghana 6/21 3ET ESPN USA ___v___ Portugal 6/22 6ET ESPN Portugal ___v___ Ghana 6/26 12ET ESPN2 USA ___v___ Germany 6/26 12ET ESPN

GROUP BESTS

Player – Ronaldo POR / Goalscorer – Ronaldo POR / Manager – Low, GER

Supporters – USA / Defense – POR / Attack – GER / Depth – GER / Teamwork - USA

Most Likely To See Red – Pepe POR / Passer – Schweinsteiger GER / Leader – Lahm GER

BIGGEST MATCHES

MOST IMPORTANT GAME -- Ghana v. USA - It’s rare that the first group game is a true must-win for both teams playing, but that’s what Ghana – USA in Natal is for sure. Factor in that Ghana has knocked the US out of the last two World Cups, and a galactic occasion is on the horizon. BEST GAME -- Germany v. Portugal - The two European heavyweights in this group will both be feeling the heat of facing the top teams from Africa and CONCACAF respectively. Portugal – Germany games are always intense, and this has huge implications.

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!

GROUP G GERMANY "Die Mannschaft" GERMANY GHANA PORTUGAL USA

PREVIEW

The reboot of German football – started by Jurgen Klinsmann and continued for the last eight years by Jogi Low – has transformed the national team from one of steely, defensive precision to one of swashbuckling attacking football.

They’re certainly easier on the eye. With a young generation of attacking gems like Mesut Ozil and Thomas Muller, Germany has never played better football. And since that great reboot, that football has gotten them close to ultimate glory, but that’s all.

To be sure, Low’s team is a tournament favorite heading in. They breezed through qualifying, and with Spain’s recent struggles, are probably the best team in Europe.

Yes, Germany can score with anyone – but questions linger about their defense and their big game mentality. The makeup of this team seems entirely un-German, and so perhaps it’s fitting that a little clinical, fearless cold-blooded disposition will be needed to get them over the finish line in Brazil.

SQUAD

Goalkeepers: (Bayern Munich), (Borussia Dortmund), Ron-Robert Zieler (Hannover)

Defenders: Jerome Boateng (Bayern Munich), (Borussia Dortmund), Kevin Grosskreutz (Borussia Dortmund), Benedikt Howedes (Schalke), (Borussia Dortmund), (Bayern Munich), (Arsenal).

Midfielders: (Schalke), (Freiburg), Mario Gotze (Bayern Munich), Christoph Kramer (Borussia Monchengladbach), (Real Madrid), (Bayern Munich), Thomas Muller (Bayern Munich), Mesut Ozil (Arsenal), Marco Reus (Borussia Dortmund), Andre Schurrle (Chelsea), (Bayern Munich).

Forwards: (Lazio), (Arsenal).

THE KEY 3

Schweinsteiger is a wily veteran at this point – the attack runs through him. The vastly underappreciated Klose needs only one goal to become the World Cup’s all-time leading goal-scorer, and Mertersacker has been shaky at times for his country. PLUS: Lahm is terrific, as is Neuer. Weaknesses? The right side of the team is just a little bit vulnerable, and the defense isn’t rock solid either.

THE BOSS

JOACHIM LOW - On the surface, it would appear Low is as untouchable a manager as they come: Boss since 2006, the suave German has turned the national team into a stylish attacking force and made three consecutive deep tournament runs. Patience, however, is running out. Low has to deliver the trophy this time around, or questions about poor tactical decisions and big-game failures will become deafening.

EXPECTATIONS

Champions - They’ve come very close in recent years. Now, the young team that lit up the 2010 tournament has matured, and their time has come.

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GROUP G GHANA "Black Stars" GERMANY GHANA PORTUGAL USA

PREVIEW

Ghana is a real success story of international soccer. Unknown on the world stage until 2006, the progressive African country burst onto the scene in Germany, and came within the hand of Luis Suarez and a crossbar of the semifinal of the 2010 tournament in South Africa.

Of course, along the way in both of those tournaments, Ghana ended the USA’s hopes, so it figures that when the death draw was handed down in December, midfielder Kwado Asamoah said he saw foremost “those USA people again”. He knows that the third time may be the charm between these unlikeliest of rivals.

But Ghana believe they can beat anyone in the world. With a fantastic top seven, this is one of the most talented attacking units to ever come out of Africa. The 2010 team was a young one, it has now matured.

However, defense may be the difference between success and failure. Ghana’s defense is beyond weak, and that could be fatal in Group G. Either way, they’re sure to play more thrilling football matches in Brazil.

SQUAD

Goalkeepers: Fatau Dauda (Orlando Pirates), Adam Kwarasey (Stromsgodset), Stephen Adams (Aduana Stars).

Defenders: (Platanias), (Standard Liege), (Esperance), (Rennes), Jonathan

Mensah (Evian), Rashid Sumalia (Mamelodi Sundowns).

Midfielders: (AC Milan), (AC Milan), Rabiu Mohammed (Kuban Krasnodar), (Juventus), Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu (Udinese), (Parma), (Vitesse), (Middlesbrough), Andre Ayew (Marseille), (Rubin Kazan).

Forwards: (Al Ain), Kevin-Prince Boateng (Schalke 04), (Valenciennes), (Sochaux).

THE KEY 3

Michael Essien is the best player in Ghana’s footballing history, but he’s gotten old and isn’t the physical specimen he once was. Akaminko is at the heart of a fragile defense, while Gyan carried Ghana in 2006 and 2010. Does he have more magic? PLUS: Goalkeeper is a weakness for Ghana, especially in Group G, while this team’s attack is one of the best in the tournament.

THE BOSS

AKWASI APPIAH - Upon being appointed Ghana manager in 2012, Appiah described himself as an “underdog” for the role. This job is Appiah’s first ever, and to say there is little confidence in him is fair – after a poor showing at the African Cup of Nations, Ghana’s FA put him through a coaching clinic, and they have even explored replacing him. It’s a big ask for Appiah to conquer the Group of Death.

EXPECTATIONS

Quarterfinal - Ghana appear to be Africa’s best hope to fly the flag. They were just a kick away from the semifinal in 2010, they’ve made it out of the Group Stage in their two World Cup appearances, and they feel they have their best team yet. Ghana don’t want to take a step backwards in 2014.

WORLD SOCCER TALK / WORLD CUP 2014

GROUP G PORTUGAL "Selecao" GERMANY GHANA PORTUGAL USA

PREVIEW

Portugal have only ever had two great World Cup teams. They were both semifinalists, in 1966, and 2006. It’s only recently that Portugal has been thought of as a footballing power. It’s a team that has only advanced from the group stage of the World Cup three times ever, less than their Group G opponents USA.

But Portugal were viewed differently the moment stepped onto the pitch at Euro 2004, and since then, he’s gotten better and better and better. Now, he’s the best in the world, and he dragged a distractible and lackadaisical Portugal team by the chin- hair to the World Cup.

Without Ronaldo, Portugal don’t beat Sweden in a playoff and get to Brazil. But Ronaldo scored all the goals over two legs, and the Selacao (they share a nickname with close neighbor Brazil) made it. No one in Portugal will tell you this is a vintage side – they are totally inconsistent and have no forward, a dodgy midfield, and a shaky backline – but confidence is high simply because of #7.

In a year when Eusebio, a man many Portuguese consider greater than Ronaldo, passed away, perhaps its now that Cristiano conquers the World Cup.

SQUAD

Goalkeepers: Beto (Sevilla), Eduardo (Braga), Rui Patricio (Sporting).

Defenders: Andre Almeida (Benfica), (Fenerbahce), Fabio Coentreo (Real Madrid), Joao Pereira (Valencia), Neto (Zenit), Pepe (Real Madrid), Ricardo Costa (Valencia).

Midfielders: Joao Moutinho (Monaco), (Dinamo Kiev), (Fenerbahce), Ruben Amorim (Benfica), William Carvalho (Sporting).

Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid), Eder (SC Braga), Helder Postiga (Lazio), (Besiktas), (Manchester United), Rafa (Braga), Varela (FC Porto), Vieirinha (Wolfsburg).

THE KEY 3

Obviously, Cristiano Ronaldo is Portugal’s great hope. They go as far as he takes them. Pepe has to anchor a backline that has been lax

in concentration at times, while the long standing question of will Portugal ever produce a worthwhile forward remains. Can Postiga

score?

PLUS: How brittle is that midfield outside of Moutinho, and is Nani washed up?

THE BOSS

PAULO BENTO - Shortly removed from a successful playing career as a scrappy defensive midfielder, Bento made his name at Sporting Lisbon, bringing the capital club to Portugal’s elite. Known for the kind of defensive, tough tactics that would befit a defensive midfielder, Bento has gotten the job done with Portugal, if not always easily

EXPECTATIONS

Semifinal - Portugal know that they don’t have a great team. But they have Ronaldo, and a recent history of stepping up when it matters.

WORLD SOCCER TALK / WORLD CUP 2014

GROUP G USA "The Yanks" GERMANY GHANA PORTUGAL USA

PREVIEW

When the World Cup draw came down, so did the USA. They came crashing down to Earth, bruised and dazed after a historically good 2013 that saw Jurgen Klinsmann’s team sweep into the World Cup with guns blazing.

The draw hurt. Ghana, the arch-nemesis that knocked the US out of the last two World Cups, Portugal, Cristiano Ronaldo’s side, and Germany, a powerhouse, and Klinsmann’s former team. Struggles in 2014 have sapped confidence too.

But soon after that draw, the resolve set in, as did that uniquely American belief that anything is possible. The US don’t have an impossible task in Brazil. They have a damn hard one. But a guileful team full of solid players who work well together and on their day can beat anyone, they think they’ll get through it.

It’s a testing point for the US. Never have expectations been higher, and never has there been more eyeballs on the national team. It’s time to shine.

SQUAD

Goalkeepers: (Aston Villa), (Everton), (Real Salt Lake).

Defenders: DaMarcus Beasley (Puebla), (), John Brooks (Hertha Berlin), (Stoke City), Timmy Chandler (Nuremberg), (LA Galaxy), (Hoffenheim), DeAndre Yedlin ( Sounders).

Midfielders: (Real Salt Lake), (Nantes), (Toronto FC), (Houston Dynamo), (Rosenborg), (Bayern Munich), (Besiktas), (Sporting Kansas City).

Forwards: (Sunderland), (Seattle Sounders), Aron Johannsson (AZ Alkmaar), (San Jose Earthquakes).

THE KEY 3

The young Besler must anchor an inexperienced US defense that will face monster attacks, Dempsey must step up and provide the Yanks with goals in the absence of , and Bradley, the heart and sole of the team, must control the midfield. PLUS: How is morale in this team? Altidore, who has struggled since moving to England, has to score: He didn’t in South Africa. Howard is terrific, but how will the American’s fragile defense hold up?

THE BOSS

JURGEN KLINSMANN - It took a little while to get going, but Klinsmann’s USA evolution has taken off. While it has become evolution rather than revolution, the Americans had their best ever overall year in 2013 and the German legend’s SoCal cool demeanor and infectious personality have made him a hit. He certainly has flaws, but with his World Cup nous and unending charisma, the US believes in this man.

EXPECTATIONS

Out of the Group - For the Americans, the expectation is always the same: Get out of the group. But if the US can reach the knockout

stages this time, the achievement will be more meaningful and magnified than ever before.

WORLD SOCCER TALK / WORLD CUP 2014

GROUP H BELGIUM RUSSIA SOUTH KOREA

FIXTURES Belgium ___v___ Algeria 6/17 12ET ESPN Russia ___v___ South Korea 6/17 6ET ESPN Belgium ___v___ Russia 6/22 12ET ABC South Korea ___v___ Algeria 6/22 3ET ABC Algeria ___v___ Russia 6/26 4ET ESPN2 South Korea ___v___ Belgium 6/26 4ET ESPN

GROUP BESTS

Player – Hazard BEL / Goalscorer – Lukaku BEL / Manager – Capello RUS

Supporters – KOR / Defense – BEL / Attack – BEL / Depth – BEL / Teamwork - RUS

Most Likely To See Red – Bougherra ALG / Passer – Dembele BEL / Leader – Kompany BEL

BIGGEST MATCHES

MOST IMPORTANT GAME -- Russia v. South Korea - Russia shouldn’t have too many problems with finishing second in this group, but if there will be a challenger, it could be the Koreans. BEST GAME -- Belgium v. Russia - Clearly the two best teams in this group, both teams are young and can score bags of goals. If Belgium are a serious challenger for the trophy, they get a statement win here.

WORLD SOCCER TALK / WORLD CUP 2014 !

GROUPGROUP AH BRAZILALGERIA "SELACAO""The Desert Foxes" ALGERIABRAZIL MEXICOBELGIUM CROATIA RUSSIA SOUTHCAMEROON KOREA

PREVIEW

After a couple of decades in the international wilderness, Algeria returned to the World Cup with a petulant whimper in 2010. Their most important contribution to the South African World Cup was being the team that Landon Donovan scored against to send the United States through on the stroke of midnight, but that doesn’t quite some up how bad Algeria were.

They scored no goals, made a few howling errors, and played some ugly soccer. They’re back in 2010, wily as ever, after barely ousting upstart Burkina Faso in an African playoff.

Much of the contingent that represented Algeria in 2010 has retired, leaving a younger generation to carry the mantle in Brazil. Probably the least talented African team – though they wouldn’t tell you that – the tournament will be a success if the Desert Foxes can notch a win. A plus – you’re likely to see a red card in at least one of their matches.

SQUAD

Goalkeepers: Rais Mbolhi (CSKA Sofia), Cedric Si Mohamed (CS Constantine), Mohamed Lamine Zemmamouche (USM Alger).

Defenders: Essaid Belkalem (Watford, on loan from Granada), (Lekhwya Club), (Mallorca), Faouzi Ghoualm (Napoli), Rafik Halliche (Academica Coimbra), Aissa Mandi (Stade Reims), (Valenciennes), (Livorno), (AC Ajaccio).

Midfielders: (Tottenham), Yasine Brahimi (Granada), Medhi Lacen (Getafe), Saphir Taider (Inter Milan), (Udinese) . Forwards: (), Sofiane Feghouli (Valencia), (Porto), (Leicester City), (Sporting Lisbon, Portugal), Hilal Soudani (Dinamo Zagreb).

THE KEY 3

Algeria don’t need any telling how important goalkeeping is after the 2010 fiasco. M’bolhi will be big, as will the tempremental captain Bougherra, who anchors his backline. Slimani is a young up and comer with Sporting Lisbon, and Algeria often struggle for goals. PLUS: Central midfield is a concern. Will this team have any possession?

THE BOSS

VAHID HALILHODZIC - Unlike the other African countries, Algeria’s coach is riddled with football management experience from three decades. Halilhodzic, a native of Bosnia, was set to guide Ivory Coast to the 2010 World Cup until he was fired four months before the tournament. The wily former PSG boss has guided Algeria back to the promise land, and the Desert Foxes should be much stronger in the dugout than they were in 2010.

EXPECTATIONS

Anything Is Gravy - Algeria tend to think they’re quite a bit better than they really are. They have some history, dating back to the 60’s and 70’s, but in reality, anything better than the 2010 debacle will be just fine.

WORLD SOCCER TALK / WORLD CUP 2014

GROUPGROUP AH BRAZILBELGIUM "SELACAO""The Red Devils" ALGERIABRAZIL MEXICOBELGIUM CROATIA RUSSIA SOUTHCAMEROON KOREA

PREVIEW

After a 20-year run of making each World Cup from 1982 to 2002, Belgium fell off the world football map for a decade. Until this year, it’d been 12 years since the Red Devils had made a major tournament.

But, my, are they back with a bang. You hear of “golden generations” often in international football, but what Belgium has now defines the term. An entire team of brilliant young players who are playing in every position for the biggest clubs in Europe have exploded onto the national team, giving coach one of the most talented sides in the tournament.

But the last time Belgium played at a World Cup, Wilmots was on the team. None of Belgium’s 23 have World Cup experience, and they’ve only been together for a few short years.

Will that lack of international knowledge come back to sting Belgium, or, with the aid of a soft group, will they soar to their best World Cup performance ever setting up a decade of dominance?

SQUAD

Goalkeepers: (Atletico Madrid, on loan from Chelsea), (Liverpool), (Zulte Waregem).

Defenders: (Atletico Madrid), (Standard Liege), (Zenit St Petersburg), (Manchester City), (Bayern Munich), (Anderlecht), (Arsenal), (Tottenham).

Midfielders: , Mousa Dembele (both Tottenham), (Porto), (Wolfsburg), , (both Manchester United), (Chelsea), (Everton), (Lille), (Zenit St Petersburg).

Forwards: (Everton, on loan from Chelsea), (Napoli).

THE KEY 3

Kompany is this team’s unquestioned leader and one of the best captains in football. Fullback is Belgium’s biggest weakness, Vertonghen’s play as a makeshift right-back is huge. Hazard is enjoying a career year, he’s Belgium’s brightest star. PLUS: Is this team just a little overrated? They’re novel and young, but at their best they have quarterfinal talent.

THE BOSS

MARC WILMOTS - One of Belgium’s best ever players, Wilmots was at one point a member of the Belgian senate before becoming disillusioned resigning his position. One of the younger coaches in the tournament, the relatable Wilmots has formed the nucleus of a formidable and exciting team after being promoted from an assistant position in 2012. But Wilmots is not universally popular, and questions remain about his inexperience and tactical nous.

EXPECTATIONS

Semifinal - Belgium have been so heavily tipped for so long to make a deep run at this World Cup, any idea of being outsiders is gone. This team has too much talent not to threaten in Brazil, and Belgium has been starved for real success for so long, only a semifinal run will suffice.

WORLD SOCCER TALK / WORLD CUP 2014

GROUPGROUP AH BRAZILRUSSIA "SELACAO""Sbornaya" ALGERIABRAZIL MEXICOBELGIUM CROATIA RUSSIA SOUTHCAMEROON KOREA

PREVIEW

Despite the measly World Cup record, Russian football is improving rapidly. The national team has done most of their damage in the European Championships, but an entirely domestic-based 23 man squad and to head it says that this country could be a force by the time their turn in the sun comes in 2018 when they host the World Cup.

Still, there are typical Russian problems. While Capello has crafted a workmanlike squad and gotten rid of much – not all – of the mercurial temperament that plagued the inconsistent team under previous regimes, there isn’t as much flair or ability in this Russian outfit than the sides that took the field at Euro 2008 and 2012.

Of course, it’s not really 2014 that matters for Russia in 2014, it’s 2018 that matters, even right now. Russia aren’t exactly eager to disappoint on home soil. That’s why Capello has been signed to a contract extension before a ball has been kicked – a clear sign that Russia’s performance this summer doesn’t matter very much in the grand scheme of things.

Russia have a very capable team that should easily advance into the teeth of whoever can scratch their way through Group G for the Round of 16. Then it’s onwards and upwards to 2018.

SQUAD

Goalkeepers: Igor Akinfeev (CSKA Moscow), Yury Lodygin (Zenit St Petersburg), Sergey Ryzhikov (Rubin Kazan).

Defenders: Vasili Berezutskiy (CSKA Moscow), Vladimir Granat (Dynamo Moscow), Andrey Eshchenko (Anzhi Makhachkala), Sergey Ignashevich (CSKA Moscow), Alexey Kozlov (Dynamo Moscow), Dmitry Kombarov (Spartak Moscow), Andrey Semenov (Terek Grozny), Georgi Schennikov (CSKA Moscow).

Midfielders: Denis Glushakov (Spartak Moscow), Igor Denisov (Dynamo Moscow), Alan Dzagoev (CSKA Moscow), Yury Zhirkov (Dynamo Moscow), Alexey Ionov (Dynamo Moscow), Alexander Samedov (Lokomotiv Moscow), Victor Faizulin (Zenit St Petersburg), Oleg Shatov (Zenit St Petersburg), Roman Shirokov (Krasnodar).

Forwards: Maxim Kanunnikov (Amkar Perm), Alexander Kerzhakov (Zenit St Petersburg), Alexander Kokorin (Dynamo Moscow).

THE KEY 3

Dzagoev burst onto the scene at Euro 2012 and has taken the mantle from axed former captain Andrei Arshavin as Russia’s inspiration.

Kerzakhov may resemble the stereotype of a guy who sits on his couch drinking beer and eating Cheetos, but he can score. Akinfeev is a

long servant of the national team already at age 27, and his play could be key.

THE BOSS

FABIO CAPELLO - Ah, Don Fabio. This steely, iron-willed Italian disciplinarian – this hard-liner who has conquered Europe time and again with the biggest clubs only has one dent in his resume, and it’s World Cup failure in 2010 with England. Perhaps that, and a very large paycheck, drove Capello to accept the Russia job in 2012. He now has a chance to erase his demons in another crack at the world’s greatest competition.

EXPECTATIONS

Out of the Group - Historically, Russia have done better in the European Championships that the World Cup. But a manageable group, and the feeling that we haven’t ever seen Russia play up to their full potential means that Capello is expected to deliver in Brazil.

WORLD SOCCER TALK / WORLD CUP 2014

GROUPGROUP AH SOUTHBRAZIL KOREA "SELACAO""Taegeuk Warriors" ALGERIABRAZIL MEXICOBELGIUM CROATIA RUSSIA SOUTHCAMEROON KOREA

PREVIEW

Along with the USA and Mexico, they are the world’s automatic qualifier from outside the power continents where World Cup winners come from – South America and Europe. You can expect to see South Korea pop up every four years.

This time around, the Koreans' passage was treacherous – luckily secured on the last day of qualification in Asia, a region this team used to dominate. But Korea Republic have fallen on hard times, with a general lack of ability and poor management harming a team that still looking back on the fading memories of it’s home World Cup in 2002.

In those days, Guus Hiddink coached the team. South Korea would kill for a man like Guus now, while inexperienced Hong Myung-Bo gets a shot at the helm of the team. South Korea pride themselves on cohesiveness and industry, but there has to be some backbone to that hard work that the Koreans seem to be missing going into the tournament.

It would be unwise to rule South Korea out – they have a decent group. But it’s fair to say that not many are expecting South Korea to advance. The team’s recent trend of getting out of the group stage in one tournament and failing to do the same the next appears to be safe.

SQUAD

Goalkeepers: Jung Sung-ryeong (Suwon Bluewings), Kim Seung-gyu (Ulsan Horang-i), Lee Bum-young (Busan I'Park)

Defenders: Yun Suk-young (QPR), Kim Young-kwon (Guangzhou Evergrande), Hwang Seok-ho (Sanfrecce Hiroshima), Hong Jeong-ho (Augsburg), Kwak Tae-hwi (Al Hilal), Lee Yong (Ulsan Horang-i), Kim Chang-soo (Kashiwa Reysol), Park Joo-ho (Mainz)

Midfielders: Ki Seung-yueng (Sunderland, on loan from Swansea), Ha Dae-sung (Beijing Guoan), Han Kook-young (Kashiwa Reysol), Park Jung-woo (Guangzhou R&F), Son Heung-min (Bayer Leverkusen), Kim Bo-kyung (Cardiff City), Lee Chung-yong (Bolton Wanderers), Ji Dong-won (Augsburg).

Forwards: Koo Ja-cheol (Mainz), Lee Keun-ho (Sangju Sangmu), Park Chu-young (Arsenal), Kim Shin-wook (Ulsan Horang-i).

THE KEY 3

South Korea may struggle for goals, so it’s vital that KS Wook take his chances. SH Min of Bayer Leverkusen is the star, while wily veteran captain LC Yong must be solid at the back. PLUS: Overall talent is way down for this team.

THE BOSS

HONG MYUNG-BO - When Choi Kang-Hee resigned after completing his stated mission of qualifying South Korea for their eighth straight World Cup, he wanted a foreign coach to replace him for the Finals. Instead, Korea Republic have another native, the charismatic Hong, a South Korean who represented the country in four of those eight World Cup. Working his way up through the South Korean system, this is Hong’s first top job.

EXPECTATIONS

Out of the Group - South Korea have never been able to replicate the magic from 2002, but they’ve been able to establish themselves as a respectable team. Advancement from the group stage is the baseline upon which each World Cup is judged.

WORLD SOCCER TALK / WORLD CUP 2014

Round of 16 Round of 16

Group A Winner Group B Winner

Group B Runner-Up Group A Runner-Up 6/28 12 ET Quarterfinal Quarterfinal 6/29 12 ET Campeao do Fortaleza Mundo

Round of 16 Round of 16 7/4 4 ET 7/5 4 ET Fortaleza Salvador Group C Winner Group D Winner

Group D Runner-Up Group C Runner-Up Semifinal Final Semifinal 6/28 4 ET 6/29 4 ET Rio Recife

Round of 16 7/8 4 ET 7/13 3 ET 7/9 4 ET Round of 16 Belo Horizonte Rio Sao Paulo

Group E Winner Group F Winner

Group F Runner-Up Quarterfinal Quarterfinal Group E Runner-Up 6/30 12 ET 7/1 12 ET Brasilia 3rd Place Sao Paulo Winner

Round of 16 7/4 12 ET 7/12 4 ET 7/5 12 ET Round of 16 Rio Brasilia Brasilia

Group G Winner Group H Winner

Group H Runner-Up Group G Runner-Up 6/30 4 ET World Cup 2014 7/1 4 ET Porto Alegre Knockout bracket Salvador Visit www.worldsoccertalk.com - Bracket Design by @aghease GROUP A GROUP E

Brazil ___v___ Croatia 6/12 4ET ESPN Switzerland ___v___ Ecuador 6/15 12ET ABC

Mexico ___v___ Cameroon 6/13 12ET ESPN2 WORLD CUP 2014 France ___v___ Honduras 6/15 3ET ABC Brazil ___v___ Mexico 6/17 3ET ESPN Switzerland ___v___ France 6/20 3ET ESPN

Cameroon ___v___ Croatia 6/18 6ET ESPN A1 B1 Honduras ___v___ Ecuador 6/20 6ET ESPN

Cameroon ___v___ Brazil 6/23 4ET ESPN2 Ecuador ___v___ France 6/25 4ET ESPN Round of 16 Round of 16 Croatia ___v___ Mexico 6/23 4ET ESPN ABC ESPN Honduras ___v___ Switzerland 6/25 4ET ESPN2 6/28 12ET 6/29 12ET Belo Horizonte Fortaleza

GROUP B B2 WORLD CUP CHAMPION A2 GROUP f

Quarterfinal Quarterfinal Spain ___v___ Netherlands 6/13 3ET ESPN Argentina ___v___ Bosnia 6/15 6ET ESPN ESPN ESPN Chile ___v___ Australia 6/13 6ET ESPN2 7/4 4ET 7/5 4ET Iran ___v___ Nigeria 6/16 3ET ESPN Fortaleza Salvador C1 D1 Australia ___v___ Netherlands 6/18 12ET ESPN Argentina ___v___ Iran 6/21 12ET ESPN

Spain ___v___ Chile 6/18 3ET ESPN Nigeria ___v___ Bosnia 6/21 6ET ESPN Round of 16 Round of 16 Australia ___v___ Spain 6/23 12ET ESPN2 ABC ESPN Bosnia ___v___ Iran 6/25 12ET ESPN2 6/28 4ET 6/29 4ET Netherlands ___v___ Chile 6/23 12ET ESPN Rio Recife Nigeria ___v___ Argentina 6/25 12ET ESPN

D2 C2 Semifinal Final Semifinal ESPN ABC ESPN GROUP c 7/8 4ET 7/13 3ET 7/9 4ET GROUP G Belo Horizonte Rio Sao Paulo Colombia ___v___ Greece 6/14 12ET ABC Germany ___v___ Portugal 6/16 12ET ESPN E1 F1 Ivory Coast ___v___ Japan 6/15 9ET ESPN Ghana ___v___ USA 6/16 6ET ESPN

Germany ___v___ Ghana 6/21 3ET ESPN Colombia ___v___ Ivory Coast 6/19 12ET ESPN Round of 16 Round of 16 ESPN ESPN Japan ___v___ Greece 6/19 6ET ESPN 6/30 12ET 7/1 12ET USA ___v___ Portugal 6/22 6ET ESPN Brasilia Sao Paulo Greece ___v___ Ivory Coast 6/24 4ET ESPN2 Portugal ___v___ Ghana 6/26 12ET ESPN2 F2 E2 Japan ___v___ Colombia 6/24 4ET ESPN USA ___v___ Germany 6/26 12ET ESPN Quarterfinal Quarterfinal ESPN2 ABC 7/4 12ET 7/5 12ET Rio Brasilia GROUP D G1 H1 GROUP H

Uruguay ___v___ Costa Rica 6/14 3ET ABC 3rd Place Winner Belgium ___v___ Algeria 6/17 12ET ESPN ESPN England ___v___ Italy 6/14 6ET ESPN Round of 16 7/12 4ET Round of 16 Russia ___v___ South Korea 6/17 6ET ESPN ESPN Brasilia ESPN Uruguay ___v___ England 6/19 3ET ESPN 6/30 4ET 7/1 4ET Belgium ___v___ Russia 6/22 12ET ABC Porto Alegre Salvador Italy ___v___ Costa Rica 6/20 12ET ESPN South Korea ___v___ Algeria 6/22 3ET ABC H2 G2 Costa Rica ___v___ England 6/24 12ET ESPN2 Algeria ___v___ Russia 6/26 4ET ESPN2

Italy ___v___ Uruguay 6/24 12ET ESPN South Korea ___v___ Belgium 6/26 4ET ESPN Visit www.worldsoccertalk.com Bracket Design by @aghease