Our latest blog post gives a break down of how each group could end up, beginning with Group A and Group B.

Group A:

How it will end:
1. Brazil

2. Croatia

3. Mexico

4. Cameroon

Hosts Brazil head the opening group and will be hoping to beat Croatia in true carnival style to kick off the tournament in the Arena de Sao Paulo on June 12th. Some have the hosts as favorites to go the whole way and it would be hard to argue against this in front of a passionate home crowd.

Croatia have a plethora of experience in their squad with stars Luka Modrić and Mario Mandžukić leading the way. However, with English Premier League starter, Niko Krankčar, injured and unable to play, the Croats will be missing a vital part of their team.

Brazil’s fellow Latin American counterparts Mexico have been struggling lately and will hope that they can step up to the plate to advance through the group stages. Mexico and Brazil have faced each other 38 times in the past, with the Brazilians winning 22 of these encounters — however Mexico have won 4 of the last 8 meetings between the teams.

Cameroon are most likely the underdogs for this challenging group. Few will expect them to creep their way past the first stages of the tournament. Although, with a strong World Cup heritage behind them and a selection of talented players such as Samuel Eto’o and Barcelona’s Alexandre Song, Les Lions Indomptables (The Indomitable Lions) will be looking to cause an upset.

Group B:

How it will end:

1. Spain

2. Netherlands

3. Chile

4. Australia

Current holders Spain clinched their first World Cup title 4 years ago in dramatic style against their fellow group foe, Holland. The Spanish style of play has come under fire in the last 12 months as being one dimensional, and predictable, but there is no doubting in the ability and potential of their squad. With 15 of the 23-man squad already having a World Cup winners medal, it is no wonder why they are tipped by many to retain the trophy behind the leadership of players such as Iniesta, Fernando Torres and Gerard Pique.

Holland will be looking to avenge their 2010 World Cup Final loss against their European counterparts Spain. The Dutch team qualified for the World Cup in style and topped their group scoring an average of 3.4 goals per game. The Oranje won 9 of the 10 qualifying games and looked in formidable form. No doubt they will be looking to carry that form to Brazil.

Although many know the ability of the two European teams in Group B, it would be foolish to overlook a Chile side whose flair, aggression and exciting style of play have made them a joy to watch in recent months. The South American’s 3-4-3 formation has been a tactical nightmare for opposition to deal with, and the attacking presence of 25 year-old Alexis Sànchez, will surely give defenders an even more torrid time.

Australia is surely the weakest team on paper in Group B, but with an abundance of experienced players such as Tim Cahill and Lucas Neill, stranger things have happened. This World Cup will be the 3rd consecutive time the Socceroos have reached the tournament, having only previously qualified for the Finals once before. A gusty, courageous team with nothing to lose, Australia cannot be underestimated.