Possibilities and Predictions – Group A

 

Only Cameroon have filled in their boarding passes, but one more Group A team will complete their duty free shopping with them.  Brazil haven’t looked great thus far in the tournament, but like Argentina and Belgium head their group without displaying good football.  Croatia and Mexico will effectively be immersed in a knockout match, with the Mexicans having the luxury of only needing a draw to secure qualification.

#	Country	GP	W	D	L	GF	GA	GD	PTS
1	Brazil	2	1	1	0	3	1	2	4
2	Mexico	2	1	1	0	1	0	1	4
3	Croatia	2	1	0	1	5	3	2	3
4	Cameroon	2	0	0	2	0	5	-5	0

Brazil v Cameroon

#BRACAM (yes, really) SBS One 5:45am AEST

Brazil take on a broken Cameroon knowing a win will secure top place in the group and a showdown with either Chile of the Netherlands.  Oscar and Hulk will use the match to find some much needed form before the knockout stages commence.  Their performance against the plucky Mexicans will have home fans, and organisers worried about how far Brazil can go in this tournament, as we have seen 2014 is wide open.

Cameroon have been the 32nd best team in the tournament, at that’s probably being generous.  Internal politics, fighting over payments and a fractured squad hasn’t won Cameroon any friends at this tournament.  Alexandre Song will miss after collecting a red card last match, but to be fair it won’t matter what XI take the pitch, these lions will be put to the slaughter against a Brazilian team looking for an confidence boost in the group stage.

Brazil 4-0

Croatia v Mexico

#CROMEX SBS TWO 5:45 AEST

As brave as Croatia were in their opening match it will mean nothing if they’re unable to secure a win and moving through to the next round.  A 4-0 trouncing of Cameroon gave us some indication about how clinical the Croatian team can be in front of goal, but against what type of opposition.  Mario Mandzukic scored a brace in this game, but will be wanting to add to his tally against the Mexican keeper Guillermo Ochoa who had a day out against Brazil.

Mexico has given themselves every chance of qualification with a brave draw against Brazil.  Mexico could’ve even grabbed all three points against the host’s but will be happy with securing one point.  A draw will be sufficient for Mexico to qualify but this team won’t rest on this, a gritty 90 minute performance will be enough for the proud football nation to reach the final 16, something that I fully expect.  An early goal to Mexico could kill off the match early and I expect Miguel Herrera’s team to chase the game early.

Mexico 3-1

Expect to see Brazil top the group, with Mexico qualifying for the second round.

 

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