Groups Review: E-H

As a reminder, I'm merely predicting a team's chances of getting beyond the group stages.


Group E:
The Netherlands, no doubt.

Denmark has a strong squad, when I look at it, I'm surprised to recognize so many Scandinavian names from the Premiership and elsewhere, Rommedahl is getting on a bit, but Bendtner must be raring to go, I see them having decisive victories over Cameroon and Japan.

I picked Cameroon to finish above Japan on the basis that they have a few defenders who play at the top level, as well as Eto'o, but I don't know much else about the team, they had a relatively easy group in qualifying, so we'll see.

I don't think we'll see much of Japan this time round, but to be honest, I don't know the team at all.

Prediction:
Netherlands
Denmark
Cameroon
Japan

Group F:
The Italians have a lot of established names, and even more established hairstyles, Camoranesi's ponytail and Gattuso's beard to name a few, they're the defending champions who only conceded two goals in the last World Cup, but "last" is the key here. Americans might be interested in Daniele De Rossi, who was born in the US, and even scored against them in the Confederations Cup last year.

Paraguay and Slovakia are stalemates for me, both doing good in their respective regions, and I might be more inclined towards Slovakia, but the Paraguayans have Santa-Cruz. I predict their match-up will be a no-score draw, and their chances of going through depends on how many goals they unload unto New Zealand.

New Zealand do have a bright spot for this tournament, they have their own Golden Boy who they're hoping will cause some upsets, 18 year old Chris Wood. It doesn't look as if he'll be starting games, but neither did Michael in 1998.

Prediction:
Italy
Paraguay*
Slovakia*
New Zealand

Group G:
Brazil, easy peasy lemon squeezy. I don't expect any high-scoring games, but they've got the defense that won Inter three trophies this year, which makes Brazil very scary in my book.

Portugal will lose against the Ivory Coast in the deciding match of the group. I don't like them, and I don't see Ronaldo making a difference except against DPR.

I see the Ivory Coast as being one of the more physical African teams, and thats saying something. Even Brazil might have a job whilst being manhandled. If Brazil's defense stays well positioned, they shouldn't have to worry about it. Portugal on the other hand.

Korea DPR: Oh Dear.

Prediction:
Brazil
Ivory Coast
Portugal
Korea DPR

Group H:
Spain will proceed at a gentle trot.

I'm having trouble with the rest of this group, I could put an asterix against all three of the other teams, and be OK with it. I'm naturally inclined towards a European defence, especially one that features Senderos who did well enough at Euro 2006 to get picked up by Arsenal, so I would think maybe Switzerland scrapes through here. I honestly do not know enough about Chile and Honduras, though I give the Chileans better credit in being a CONMEBOL team.

Prediction:
Spain
Switzerland
Chile
Honduras

If my predictions hold, we'll see these match-ups:

The Netherlands vs Paraguay
Italy vs Denmark
Spain vs Ivory Coast
Brazil vs Switzerland