Group G
Favorite: Brazil
It is a country trying its best to settle for something less than jogo bonito. “I think the Brazilian people have the mentality to win the games,” said D.C. United forward Luciano Emilio, a native of Jales. “Then, if you can play beautiful, we’re going to play beautiful.” It certainly isn’t coach Dunga’s priority, given that he’s left behind Ronaldinho. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Kaká, Robinho and Luis Fabiano will do just fine.
Contender: Portugal
It might not have been fair to slap Luis Figo, Rui Costa & Co. with the burden of being labeled a “golden generation.” Their rise during the last decade simply made Portuguese soccer relevant, and there should be no doubt that the current group is very, very talented even if it has underperformed. The recent loss of Nani (shoulder injury) makes it crucial that Deco, Simao and Raul Meireles step up.
Dark horse: Ivory Coast
What if they staged a World Cup in Africa and the continent’s greatest player didn’t play? That may be the case for striker Didier Drogba even if he returns to the Elephants after arm surgery following a shocking injury last week. All the more responsibility, then, for his Chelsea attack partner, Salomon Kalou, while Yaya Toure is more than capable of controlling the midfield. The bigger risk is the whims of coach Sven-Goran Eriksson.
Underdog: North Korea
Given the frequent luxuries that Kim Jong-il takes with reality, should it really come as a surprise that North Korea tried to finesse roster rules with an extra striker? Or that forward Jong Tae-se has promised to score a “goal a game” despite his team being placed in the consensus Group of Death? Whether they want to or not, the North Koreans are going to be on their heels every match. That’s a fact.
Player to watch:
Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal, midfielder/forward
In Nike’s world, they’re ready to immortalize him with a statue. But the reality is that the world’s most expensive player has stunk when he’s worn his national team jersey. Ronaldo didn’t score in qualifying, and his Euro 2008 showing also was underwhelming. Portugal will go as far as he takes it, and he can’t wait because just getting out of the group is a massive task.
Game to watch:
Portugal vs. Brazil, June 25, 10 a.m.
If the group stage essentially takes off with the United States clashing with its former colonial ruler, England, it’ll end the same way when the Portuguese-speaking world comes to a halt to see how this clash goes down in Durban — perhaps with first place in the group on the line. Performances of Portgual’s Deco and Liedson — and the Brazilian players who try to tackle them — will be key since both were born in Brazil.
Group H
Favorite: Spain
The problem for the reigning European champions won’t be group play but the Round of 16, which will see them immediately faced with a monumental showdown against Brazil, Portugal or the Ivory Coast. Led by Xabi Alonso, Xavi, Andrés Iniesta, Cesc Fabregás and David Silva, Spain will pass, pass, pass, pass, pass its way through any and every opponent, with forwards David Villa and Fernando Torres waiting patiently to deliver crisp, superb finishes.
Contender: Chile
The Chileans have the best chance of challenging the established soccer hierarchy in South America, coming off a qualifying campaign in which they won more matches than Brazil. The daring and attack-minded La Roja are young, and 23-year-old Matías Fernandez and 21-year-old Alexis Sánchez are poised for breakout tournaments. The schedule also falls together nicely. Advancement may nearly be in hand by the time Chile faces Spain in its third match.
Dark horse: Switzerland
That a team can get itself eliminated from a World Cup without conceding a single goal — as the Swiss did in 2006 — says a lot about its lack of offense. Switzerland is still relying on aging Alexander Frei, who is 30 years old and coming off a broken arm. Perhaps Blaise Nkufo will come to the rescue — and then offer MLS a boost since he’s joining the Seattle Sounders once the World Cup concludes.
Underdog: Honduras
David Suazo may be the most talked about player in Central America who never sees the field because of an injury, but the forward’s recent return could be crucial for the Hondurans, who want to prove they’re not just happy to be in South Africa. Wilson Palacios provides a muscular presence in the midfield, and playmaker Amado Guevara is a familiar face from MLS, not that it is expected to make him a formidable presence on the world’s biggest stage.
Player to watch:
David Villa, Spain, forward
On the back of a $50 million move from Valencia to Barcelona, Villa should challenge for the Golden Boot. He can score with either foot and is supremely skilled in tight spaces. The quick, powerful, 5-foot-9 28-year-old is the perfect complement to striking partner Fernando Torres, who is tall, physical and toughened by playing in the English Premier League. Both were named to the Euro 2008 all-tournament team.
Game to watch:
Switzerland vs. Chile, June 21, 10 a.m.
Chile is fantastic at scoring goals but has trouble stopping them. Switzerland struggles to score but is tough to break down. Not only a battle for second place, this clash of contrasts could be played at the Switzerland end of the field for 90 minutes. The Chileans will be relentless, but they’ll need to watch their backs because if the Swiss get in front, they’ll go straight into shutdown mode.
