Colombia (FIFA #5) Historically these guys have only made it out of the group stage once (Italy 1990). I see them getting their second visit to the top 16. While not as flashy as some of the other teams on their continent this team gets it done. They have a solid defense and they know how to score goals. I see them winning this group.
Player to watch: Falcao (El Tigre) - This guy scores goals. In his two years at Atletico Madrid he scored 52 goals in 68 appearances. A true striker this guy is often known as a poacher. No defense from El Tigre to be seen. Unfortunately he is coming off a knee injury and hasn't played competitively since the end of January.
Greece (10) The highlight of Greek soccer was when they amazingly won the Euro cup in 2004. I do not see that happening here. They are a solid team that does not concede goals. Their usual score line is a win of 1-0. I think they will end up in third place in their group after losing to Colombia and Ivory Coast.
Players to watch: Giorgos Karagounis - I'm really just picking him because he is 37 years old. Dang old man, do your thing. Dimitris Salpingidis - A small and very quick winger, he will lead their counter attacks.
Ivory Coast (21) These guys have made it to the World Cup two times but have never made it out of the group stage. This will be their first time not being in a group of death so I believe they will get second place. Of all the African teams these guys have the most talent.
Players to watch: Didier Drogba - This guy is a god there. While he is a bit past his prime at the age of 36 he still scores amazing goals. In this prime he was definitely one of the top players in the world. He is big and strong and knows how to get it done. I find him a bit frustrating at times because he will take the occasional dive when you know he could have just fought the defender off. Yaya Toure - At 6'3" this guy is a big sized player who knows how to use his body. Having played for Barcelona and now Manchester City he knows what it's like to be on the big stage.
Japan (47) The Samurai Blue will have a tough time with this group. They have some talent but not enough to do much. I see them losing two games and tying Greece. In South Africa they surprisingly made it out of the group stage over Denmark, but again, I don't see that happening this time.
Player to watch: Keisuke Honda - This attacking midfielder takes some really good free-kicks. He also had blond hair so that makes him stand out a bit for Japan.
Player to watch: Falcao (El Tigre) - This guy scores goals. In his two years at Atletico Madrid he scored 52 goals in 68 appearances. A true striker this guy is often known as a poacher. No defense from El Tigre to be seen. Unfortunately he is coming off a knee injury and hasn't played competitively since the end of January.
Greece (10) The highlight of Greek soccer was when they amazingly won the Euro cup in 2004. I do not see that happening here. They are a solid team that does not concede goals. Their usual score line is a win of 1-0. I think they will end up in third place in their group after losing to Colombia and Ivory Coast.
Players to watch: Giorgos Karagounis - I'm really just picking him because he is 37 years old. Dang old man, do your thing. Dimitris Salpingidis - A small and very quick winger, he will lead their counter attacks.
Ivory Coast (21) These guys have made it to the World Cup two times but have never made it out of the group stage. This will be their first time not being in a group of death so I believe they will get second place. Of all the African teams these guys have the most talent.
Players to watch: Didier Drogba - This guy is a god there. While he is a bit past his prime at the age of 36 he still scores amazing goals. In this prime he was definitely one of the top players in the world. He is big and strong and knows how to get it done. I find him a bit frustrating at times because he will take the occasional dive when you know he could have just fought the defender off. Yaya Toure - At 6'3" this guy is a big sized player who knows how to use his body. Having played for Barcelona and now Manchester City he knows what it's like to be on the big stage.
Japan (47) The Samurai Blue will have a tough time with this group. They have some talent but not enough to do much. I see them losing two games and tying Greece. In South Africa they surprisingly made it out of the group stage over Denmark, but again, I don't see that happening this time.
Player to watch: Keisuke Honda - This attacking midfielder takes some really good free-kicks. He also had blond hair so that makes him stand out a bit for Japan.
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