World Cup 2010 Predictions: Group G

Now to the group that the world has been waiting for since the World Cup draw was announced on December 4th.  Group G.  The "group of death".  Group G contains the number one team in the world (Brazil), the number three team in the world (Portugal), and possibly the best team ever from the continent of Africa (Ivory Coast).  The safest assumption to make from this high-powered group is that North Korea is in for a long couple of weeks.  So which top-tier team will be the odd man out in this "group of death"? Here are my predictions for Group G with each team's record and point totals in parentheses.

 1. Brazil (3-0-0, 9 points): After a disappointing finish for their standards in 2006, Brazil is looking to get back on top of the soccer world.  They took a step in that direction last summer in South Africa when they won the Confederations Cup. Coach Dunga's team has a new style and approach different from Brazil teams in the past as balance and precision now outweigh flare and excitement.  Dunga also made some notable omissions for this summer as Ronaldinho (AC Milan) and Pato (AC Milan) were left off the final roster.  Not to say that Brazil isn't capable of jaw-dropping plays with Kaka (Real Madrid), Robinho (Manchester City), and Co., but this seems to be a Brazil team more team-oriented and focused than ones in past Cups.  The Seleção won't simply walk through Group G, but their skill level is far beyond the other teams in the group.  If this team stays with Dunga's balanced philosophy, they will be right there in the end.

 2. Portugal (2-1-0, 6 points): For a team coming off a fourth place finish in the 2006 World Cup and currently ranked third in the world, you would imagine that Portugal had an easy time qualifying for this summer.  That couldn't be further from the truth.  Portugal made the World Cup by the skin of their teeth after a late run in their qualifying group claimed them second place.  After that, they fought off a pesky Bosnia-Herzegovina team in a playoff to secure a birth in the final 32.  Portugal has undeniable talent but their inconsistency holds them back from being one of the worlds elite teams.  This last week was a perfect example as Portugal played lowly Cape Verde to a scoreless tie, then came back to beat Cameroon 3-1.  Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid) has proven himself time-and-time again at the club level, but hasn't lived up to expectations for his home nation.  He will have to be better than he was in qualification for Portugal to advance in Group G.

 3. Ivory Coast (1-2-0, 3 points): Africa's best hope for a run in the World Cup was unfortunately placed in the toughest group.  The Elephants would finish second or maybe even first in many other groups in this tournament, but Group G will prove to be too tough.  It will be even tougher for Ivory Coast after star-striker Didier Drogba (Chelsea) fractured his elbow yesterday in a friendly against Japan.  His availability for the World Cup is still up in the air, but even if he is able to play, he definitely won't be 100%.  The Ivory Coast still has talent on their roster with Kolo Toure, (Manchester City) Yaya Toure (Barcelona), and Salomon Kalou (Chelsea), but without a healthy Drogba they seemed destined for third place.

 4. North Korea (0-3-0, 0 points): Okay, we'll start with the good news.  North Korea is back in the World Cup for the first time since 1966.  The bad news: they would do best to not even unpack.  The only betting that gamblers will place on North Korea will be whether their goal differential is over or under -10.  The Choilima have played some of their best football recently as they tied both South Africa and Greece in the last two months.  Despite their stronger play as of late, a realistic goal for North Korea will be to actually score a goal.  The best advice I can give North Korea fans is to enjoy the World Cup while you can.