Group G Analysis

2010 World cup: G group analysis

Group G is “Group of death” and three potential quarterfinalists are placed in same group. Group G contains highest ranked team (Brazil) and lowest ranked team (North korea) in entire tournament. Brazil, Portugal and Ivory will contest for 2 slots while unknown North Korea may play vital role in changing fortunes of Portugal and Ivory Coast. Three teams which have potential to reach quarterfinals are placed in same group. Even second placed team may need to face strong Spain in second round. So, we may see early exit of Cristiano Ronaldo and Didier Drogba from tournament. Almost all teams have strong defences – so expect tight contests.

Highlight: Both Portugal and North Korea registered their best performances in 1966 world cup. Who can forget Eusebio (Portugal) performance against North korea in quarter-finals of 1966 world cup? Can Cristiano Ronaldo replicate Eusebio heroics in 2010 world cup?

Qualification of Group G teams:

1. Brazil: Brazil narrowly topped tough South American qualifying group.

2. Portugal: Struggled in qualifying round and finally qualified by beating Bosnia in a lay-off.

3. Ivory Coast: Easily qualified from its African group. Best performer among African nations.

4. North Korea: Qualified on goal difference after drawing against Saudi Arabia.

Analysis of Group G teams:

1. Brazil: Brazil is looking compact and strong in defence. Coach is emphasizing on team spirit and consciously not picked stars like Ronaldinho, Adriano and Pato etc. It can easily win group despite tough opponents. Robinho regained form and confidence but mid-field is not looking that much strong and may face tough test against Holland in quarterfinals. It will be very very difficult to score goals against Brazil defence and world no.1 goal keeper.

2. Portugal: They are peaking at right time after poor performances. But, injury to Nani is a big blow. It will be a tough fight with Ivory Coast for second spot. Along with Brazil, Portugal has one of best defences in tournament.

3. Ivory Coast: Drogba’s recovery from injury raised hopes. But, these Ivory Coast stars are inconsistent when playing for country. They may find it difficult to beat Brazil and Portugal.

4. North Korea: These warriors are unfortunate to be placed in group of death. But, they fought hard and may earn at least 1 draw which can change equations in group.

Predictions on group G teams:

1. Brazil: Brazil may easily top group G and may face no hurdles till quarter-finals. But, it will face tough test against in-form Holland in quarter-finals. If it defeats Holland, it can easily beat England in semi-finals. Most successful team in world cup history is betting on defence, team spirit and compactness. It has learnt hard lessons from 2006 debacle.

2. Portugal: Unfortunate to get tough draw. It may come second in group and lose to Spain in second round.

3. Ivory Coast: May exit from group stage. Portugal still has narrow edge. Ivory Coast is in poor form.

4. North Korea: May exit from group stage.

Final analysis of Group G:

Brazil and Portugal are favourites to advance to last 16 from group G. Brazil is strong favourite to win title. Injuries and unexected draws may change equations in group G. Second placed team story will end in second round against Spain.

Schedule of Group G games:

Group G sqauds and analysis:

Share your views on Group G teams and predict their progress in 2010 football world cup.