Watch the video below to see our 2014 World Cup Bracket Predictions. From Group Play to the Final Match, see who we think will win it all.
Group A.
Winner: Brazil
Despite being ranked 3rd in the World, Brazil is the odds on favorite to win the 2014 World Cup. This should be a relatively easy group for Brazil to navigate. I look for Brazil to breeze through the bracket. This tournament will be Neymar’s time to shine as I predict he takes home the Golden Boot. Watch Neymar, Oscar, Fred and Hulk dazzle for the Samba.
Runner-Up: Mexico
The runner-up in this group will come down to Mexico vs. Croatia on June 23rd, 2014. Both teams are currently injury riddled but the difference may be the desperation mode that Mexico has been forced to play with for the past 6 months. I think Mexico will surprise Croatia in their last match of group play and survive the first round.
Group B.
Winner: Spain
Spain is the number one ranked team in the world and the 2010 defending World Cup champion. They open on Friday, June 13th, 2014, in a rematch of the 2010 World Cup Final game against Netherlands. In this game, I look for a similar 1-0 result and ultimately, Spain securing the top spot in this group.
Runner-Up: Netherlands
If my prediction is correct, Netherlands will lose to Spain in their opening match, putting them at a serious disadvantage in their group. However with an easy follow up match against Australia, the runner-up crown will come down to the June 23rd, 2014 match up against Chile. In an action packed game that is a must see, I believe Oranje wins the match and gets out of group play and face Brazil.
Group C.
Winner: Colombia
Colombia is the South American surprise in the 2014 World Cup. Colombia has not made the tournament since 1998, but the sixteen year drought may be just what the doctor ordered to get them far into this tournament. Since Jose Nestor Pekerman took over as coach, the Colombian’s have looked very impressive. In Colombia’s entire World Cup History, they have only ever made it out of Group play once. This is the year I believe they will do it again.
Runner-Up: Ivory Coast
Greece and Ivory Coast both looked good in qualifying. However, Greece is currently in a ten year hang over from their 2004 EURO victory. Ivory Coast, led by Didier Drogba and the Toure brothers have never made it out of Group play in their World Cup history. The runner-up spot will ultimately come down to the final match of group play on June 24th, 2014 when both Greece and Ivory Coast will face off against each other. I look for a very close match that Ivory Coast wins late, propelling them into the 2nd round.
Group D.
Winner: Uruguay
Group D is the real group of Death in my opinion. The group consists of 7th ranked Uruguay, (who finished 4th overall in the 2010 World Cup), 9th ranked Italy, 10th ranked England and 28th ranked Costa Rica (who is no push-over). This group will be all about match ups. Uruguay is led by Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani both of whom lead a high potent offensive attack that few countries can defend. Italy imposes their, “Catenaccio” style of play on opponents which focuses on defense and patience. Attacking when their opponents least expect it. England has a pool of young players that surround superstar, Wayne Rooney. I believe the heat and humidity will play a major role in this group, ultimately hurting, England and Italy and helping Uruguay. Uruguay wins the group.
Runner-Up: Italy
The opening match on Saturday June 14th, 2014 between England and Italy will arguably be the most important opening round match of group play. Both teams will fighting against each other for the final spot in the group and either of them could be poised for a let down against Costa Rica as well. I know England’s fans are expecting a return to prominence, but Italy historically has always been one of the top teams in the World. They had an awful showing in South Africa in 2010, finishing last in their group in what most believed to be a very easy group. Italy always seems to have a knack for showing up in big games and being of Italian descent I have to go with the Italians.
Group E.
Winner: France
The Swiss are ranked 6th in the world and are the favorites to win Group E. However, there have to be surprises somewhere and this is one Group where I think you will find an upset. France is a young and driven team, with a rich footballing history. Raphael Varane, the Real Madrid defender is one of the best at his position in the world. His defense will be key in their second Group play match against the Swiss.
Runner-Up: Switzerland
I believe Group E will be one of the closest groups of all eight in the tournament. The Swiss, like many European teams will struggle in the heat and humidity early, but ultimately the Swiss will save face and survive into the round of 16.
Group F.
Winner: Argentina
Argentina is the king of this Group. Historically, Argentina and their leader, Lionel Messi have struggled at the World Cup Tournament. This is the year all that changes. Messi will prove that why he is the greatest player on the planet and compete with Brazil’s Neymar for the Golden Boot trophy. I believe Argentina will be focused and ready to take care of business this year. I look forward to an impressive showing by them throughout the tournament.
Runner-Up: Bosnia and Herzegovina
After Argentina, all three teams, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Nigeria and Iran can make it out of group play. Nigeria did not look good in their friendly against the US, and I think Iran is just happy to be there. Some analysts believe that Bosnia and Herzegovina will have a “deer in the headlights” mentality playing in their first ever World Cup. However, I believe they seize the opportunity to play on the world’s stage and secure the 2nd spot in this group.
Group G.
Winner: Germany
Group G. Otherwise known as the “Group of Death”. Germany is the 2nd ranked team in the world, Portugal is the 4th ranked team in the world, the USA is 13th ranked team in the world, and Ghana is highly underrated at the 37th ranked team in the world. Let’s be honest, the United States got a bad draw here as I believe they would have made it out of every single group in this tournament. Ghana seems to have the United States number in World Cup play and USA coach, Jurgen Klinsmann has made it no secret that the US is putting all their chips on the table against Ghana. They must beat Ghana to even have a chance of advancing, they know it, and the world knows it. Unfortunately, the United States is not up to the same level of play yet as Germany and Portugal and these are the two teams I believe will make it through the group.
Runner-Up: Portugal
Cristiano Ronaldo’s knee appears to be fine as he was seen the other night samba dancing during a training session. That does not bode well for the rest of Group G as Ronaldo, is arguably the second best player on the planet. We look forward to 2018 for United States next chance at World Cup Glory, and until then we will see Portugal and Ronaldo continue to samba on into the round of 16.
Group H.
Winner: Belgium
Group H highlights my Cinderella team of the 2014 World Cup Tournament, Belgium. Belgium has been off the world’s radar for years now, and that is precisely where they want them to be. This year’s team features the likes of crowd favorite, Eden Hazard who is sure to put on show for all the world to see. If you’re reading this and seeing Hazard’s name for the first time, it won’t be the last I assure you. Look for Hazard to put Belgium on his back and advance them not only to the round of the 16 but further.
Runner-Up: Russia
After watching the International friendlies leading up to the World Cup, I found myself not impressed by the likes of South Korea and Algeria. Therefore, I have Russia advancing with Belgium out of Group H by default. Russia has quietly built up a solid football foundation lately, using strategies and tactics shown to them by their neighbor, Germany. I look for Russia to advance and face their mentors in the second round.
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