The Road to Rio

It is just 184 days until the start of the most prestigious trophy any footballer could have, the World Cup. With the draw made on Friday afternoon, I will take a look at each of the groups. 

Group A - Brazil, Croatia, Mexico, Cameroon

Having won 12 of their last 13 matches, and arguably favourites for the tournament, Brazil are expected to comfortably win Group A. Mexico have had a testing qualifying period with the use of 47 players and a staggering 4 managers. Although not to the same calibre, the Olympic final in 2012 will give the Mexicans confidence having shocked Brazil in London. Mario Mandzukic has 10 goals from 18 appearances for Bayern this season and will be looking to lead from the front for outsiders, Croatia, in a group where they can be quietly confident of finishing second. Cameroon have the ability to cause an upset, however I don't see them neutralising the fire power of Brazil.

Group B - Spain, Netherlands, Chile, Australia

This group sees a rematch of the last World Cup Final in which Netherlands look to seek revenge after a late Iniesta winner secured Spain their 1st World Cup title. On paper, Spain and Netherlands should qualify easily, but it depends what Dutch team shows up on the day, after all, their Euro 2012 campaign confirmed that to us all. Chile have only lost one game this year and last month's performance against England laid down a marker for the Spanish and Dutch. With Australia being the lowest ranked team at the tournament next year, nobody is giving the Aussies any hope, but the cliche still stands, matches aren't won on paper.

Group C - Colombia, Greece, Ivory Coast, Japan

Colombia will be expected to breeze through this group with a potent attack force including Radamel Falcao, Luis Muriel and Jackson Martinez. The battle for second place requires more contemplation. I feel that it is between the Ivory Coast and Japan. However, remember in 2004 when the Greeks shocked everyone by winning the Euros? I will no longer right off Greece after that year. A lot of expectation will be heaped on the Ivory Coast, the highest ranked African nation as they try to break the duck on the African teams, while Japan will be looking to string together a few results and hopefully have a decent run in the competition. 

Group D - Uruguay, Costa Rica, England, Italy

Group D, or Group of death as many English fans like to think it as. You heard the disappointment from a collective nation when England were drawn from the little ball. Whilst most people are pessimistic about the upcoming tournament, I wouldn't be very surprised if England progressed. The only thing that will cost England the match against Costa Rica is complacency in a match that they must pick up 3 points in. If they play to their optimum, it is very probable that they can nurture a result out of the match against an ageing yet very dangerous Uruguay side. Italy could prove a stumbling block. A decent all round unit could see them reach the semis or possibly even the final.

Group E - Switzerland, Ecuador, France, Honduras

A dream group for France, this is. Having needed a near miracle against Ukraine to scrape through the qualifying stages, this competitive group gives Les Bleus a very good chance at reaching the knockout rounds. Standing in their way is Ecuador who established a fortress at home by only dropping 2pts which sent them through. With the talent of Inler and Shaqiri in the Swiss squad, they will look to try and topple the French who will be licking their lips at a group like this.

Group F - Argentina, Bosnia, Iran, Nigeria

Lionel Messi will look to continue on his fine form for Argentina having scored 20 goals in his last 20 games. While Messi grabs the headlines, we often forget about the attacking prowess of the other forwards, Kun Aguero, Tevez and Di Maria to name a few. They entertain the African Cup of Nation victors, Nigeria, who desire to kick on from that memorable victory. Iran have never reached past the knockout round in 3 attempts, while Bosnia represent the only debutant in the World Cup next year.

Group G - Germany, Portugal, Ghana, USA

It must of been written in the stars for USA manager Jurgen Klinsmann to face his home nation whom he won the trophy with as a player and went on to manage. Portugal have the potential to be a dark horse in the tournament, particularly if they can keep their talisman and joint record goal scorer Cristiano Ronaldo fit. On the other hand, a replica of their performances against Northern Ireland could see them struggle to beat Ghana and particularly the USA. 

Group H - Belgium, Algeria, Russia, South Korea

A dream of a group if you are a Belgian. Group H was the creme de la creme, the ideal group for every manager. Belgium have a young dose of talent coming through including Christian Benteke, Romelu Lukaku, Eden Hazard plus others. This new intake of talent was been publicised in the media leading many World Cup neutrals to jump on the Belgian bandwagon. I certainly agree that they have the potential to achieve great things as a team, but I don't think they can live up to the hype. In second position for this group, behind Belgium, I would put my money on Russia. A tight unit with several very influential individuals can seal this team second position ahead of Algeria and South Korea.

After an exhilarating draw seeing relief and disappointment, I have no skepticism that this will be a roller coaster of a tournament. As only a South American team has lifted the Jules Rimet trophy when it is held in South America, the odds will be stacked in favour of the pattern continuing. But hey, traditions were made to be broken.