Former Socceroo Robbie Slater previews all 32 teams’ chances in World Cup Ultimate Guide
FORMER Socceroo Robbie Slater runs the rule over all 32 teams - from the big players to the minnows - in his Ultimate Guide to the World Cup.
NEWS Corporation expert and Fox Football host Robbie Slater casts his eye of all 32 teams of the World Cup and offers his predictions as to who might lift the trophy on July 14.
Group A
BRAZIL
Looking to bury the ghosts of Maracana, when the Samba Kings lost the 1950 final to Uruguay on home soil. A classy team in form after winning the 2013 Confederations Cup at home, beating Spain 3-0 in the final.
Key man: Neymar is the headline act at this year’s tournament, the best player Brazil has produced in a decade. At 22, the Barcelona prodigy has already scored 31 international goals.
Roadblock: A second-round match against Spain, Chile or Holland will be tough (sorry, even with my green and gold eyes I can’t see Australia getting through).
Prediction: A massive chance to win the whole thing.
CAMEROON
Only qualified for the finals after a loss to Togo was overturned after their opponents used an ineligible player. In the end, the Indomitable Lions had to beat Tunisia in a playoff to reach the tournament, but the days of reaching the quarter-finals, as they did in 1990, are long gone.
Key man: Even at 33, Samuel Eto’o is their biggest name player, coming out of international retirement to lead the attack.
Roadblock: Eto’o and Alex Song, the Barcelona midfielder, have a stormy past, with Song once boycotting the team.
Prediction: An early farewell.
CHECK OUT OUR WORLD CUP INTERACTIVE – YOUR PORTAL TO MATCH REPORTS, VIDEO, LIVE COVERAGE AND STATS
CROATIA
Having former Aussie Josip Simunic suspended weakens an already suspect defence. And this is a team that did lose to Scotland twice, hardly a cause for optimism. Keep an eye out for Inter Milan playmaker Mateo Kovacic.
Key man: Luka Modric is a wonderful talent. The Real Madrid man is the creative heartbeat of this team and they take their lead from him.
Roadblock: It seems there is controversy or a squabble looming at the next turn. There is quality here if they stay united.
Prediction: Have the quality to advance, but not sure about the temperament.
MEXICO
Struggled through qualifying in a relatively weak federation and then had to beat New Zealand in a playoff. Javier Hernandez reflects their fortunes, with the Manchester United player no longer in their starting team.
Key man: Hernandez needs to find form and win back his starting place because he is their best player.
Roadblock: Coach Miguel Herrera left the European-based players out of the Kiwi playoff. Not good for team morale.
Predictions: Potential for a Mexican stand-off.
GETTING IN THE MOOD? PLAN YOUR MONTH WITH OUR INTERACTIVE DRAW
THE BEST 50 PLAYERS AT THE WORLD CUP REVEALED
QUIZ, FEATURES, GALLERIES: OUR CUP COUNTDOWN CONTENT
GROUP B
AUSTRALIA
It’s crucial the Socceroos set a standard in their opening match against Chile. The South Americans can be exposed at the back and Ange Postecoglou will have his time ready for the fight.
Key man: No prizes here. Tim Cahill is the man to provide the goals, especially with Josh Kennedy’s omission.
Roadblock: Lack of experience and a ridiculously tough group.
Predictions: Aussie spirit can only take you so far at this level.
SOCCEROOS SELECTOR: PICK YOUR FIRST XI
CHILE
Classy outfit going forward. Alexis Sanchez is a handful. Arturo Vidal is a bull in the midfield. Marcelo Diaz is adept at pulling the strings for his strike force. Australia had better watch the runs from right back Mauricio Isla.
Key man: Vidal is the guy I would be most worried about.
Roadblock. It’s Vidal again. He’s under injury cloud and hopefully will miss the opening game against Australia.
Prediction: I can see them finishing ahead of Holland and playing Brazil in the second round.
HOLLAND
MANY thought The Oranje had run out of juice when they lost all three games in Euro 2012. But Louis Van Gaal has regenerated this team to the point they won nine out of 10 internationals.
Key man: Arjen Robben is an ageless marvel. He is still their best hope.
Roadblock: Injuries (see Robin Van Persie) and an inexperienced defence. Oh, this is one team the Aussies have a good record against.
Prediction: Defender Bruno Martins Indi to really announce himself on the world stage.
SPAIN
Is this the last hurrah for the world champions? This is a team for the big occasion, yet Father Time is a relentless opponent. These are the things we know about Spain: they will control the ball, boss the match and struggle for goals.
Key man: Andres Iniesta is a master of his craft. He is known as “The Enlightened One’’ such is his football intelligence. He has so much time on the ball.
Roadblock: Age and goals. Fernando Torres can be very hit and miss.
Prediction: Not this year.
GROUP C
COLOMBIA
For a South American outfit to keep seven clean sheets in qualifying shows this is a real football team. Still, when you dissect Colombia, you start at the head. Even without Radamel Falcoa, James Rodriguez and 21-year-old Juan Quintero are a threat.
Key man: Rodriguez is a your typical No. 10 — he has vision, class and can unlock any defence.
Roadblock: Losing Falcoa, who scored nine goals in qualifying, and the two central defenders have a combined age of 73.
Prediction: Favourites in a very open group.
GREECE
There are always Con-stants in Greek football — sorry, bad joke. They will be competitive and hard to break down. Expect coach Fernando Santos to pack the midfield and defence and hope to get lucky.
Key man: Giorgos Karagounis was on the verge of joining Melbourne Victory. Even at 37, he is the spiritual leader.
Roadblock: Lack of quality.
Prediction: It’s all Greek to me.
IVORY COAST
One last run for the golden generation. The usual suspects will be the ones to watch: Yaya Toure is their best player, Didier Drogba will have to score the goals and Gervinho has a had a good season with Roma.
Key man: Yaya Toure marches to the beat of his own drum — but what a force. Africa’s finest player.
Roadblock: Consistency is a problem for all African teams.
Prediction: Will there be an Elephant in the room in the form of dissent.
JAPAN
Neat, quick, intricate, skilful are all words to describe the Blue Samurai. They can play with anyone between the two penalty boxes. Now the problems: Lack of finishing and lack of height and authority in defence.
Key man: Australians have seen enough of Keisuke Honda to know how dangerous he is. Class act.
Roadblock: Goals, goals, goals.
Prediction: They should prove they are Asia’s top team.
GROUP D
COSTA RICA
It should be a quick trip for Costa Rica in this company. They defend stoutly and will look to launch counter-attacks, relying on the skill of Bryan Ruiz and pace of Joel Campbell.
Key man: Ruiz, who plays for PSV Eindhoven, is clearly the cream of Costa Rican football.
Roadblock: Uruguay, Italy and England — enough said.
Prediction: Three strikes and you’re out.
ENGLAND
It’s 48 years and counting. And, for once, we have reached a World Cup even the most ardent English fans don’t expect to win. The experience gained by the likes of Raheem Sterling and Ross Barkley should have the optimists in full voice by 2018.
Key man: Wayne Rooney hasn’t scored a World Cup goal. This is his chance to prove he’s world-class.
Roadblock: History of failure and a team in regeneration.
Prediction: Could squeak past Italy.
ITALY
They didn’t win a game at the last World Cup and drew with New Zealand. Carrying that baggage around for four years must hurt a proud footballing nation. The core of this team is long in the tooth.
Key man: Andrea Pirlo is 35 and still the man. Enough said.
Roadblock: Which Mario Balotelli will show up?
Prediction: Fight with England for second spot.
URUGUAY
It is easy to start and end this with Luis Suarez. However, that would be doing this team a disservice. Edinson Cavani, Egidio Arevalo and Cristian Rodriguez all bring a lot to Uruguay football.
Key man: Suarez the good. If you think he had a great year for Liverpool, he also scored nine goals in 16 appearances for his country in 2013. Freakish talent.
Roadblock: Suarez the bad. Uruguay will be desperately hoping the petulant, snarling, theatrical striker stays at home.
Prediction: Suarez for the golden boot. Maybe?
GROUP E
ECUADOR
The fact they play at altitude helps in qualifying because they failed to reach any great heights when they played the Socceroos in London. Yes, they won 4-3 but it was far from impressive. This is a soft group.
Key man: Antonio Valencia will have a lot to prove after a disappointing season with Manchester United. The stage is yours.
Roadblock: The first-half defending against the Socceroos was terrible.
Prediction: Nostradamus couldn’t work this group out.
FRANCE
Let’s have a history lesson. They missed the finals in 1994, won in 1998, were embarrassed in 2002, were the better team in the 2002 final and it all ended in tears in 2010. Following the cycle, Le Bleus should have a great World Cup.
Key man: With Franck Ribery out, more pressure falls on to and Karim Benzema.
Roadblock: No team can self-destruct quite like the French. Nicolas Anelka, anyone?
Prediction: Paul Pogba to become one of the world’s big stars.
HONDURAS
They have never got past the group stage and will maintain that impeccable record here. Many of the team are backing up from South Africa 2010, which is a positive. The negative: they are four years older.
Key man: Maynor Figueroa is a Premier League standard defender. He will be a busy boy.
Roadblock: Little spark in attack and lack of creativity.
Prediction: Beating the one point gained from 2010 would be an achievement.
SWITZERLAND
To emphasise the craziness of this group, the Swiss are the seeded team. The upside for coach Ottmar Hitzfield is the nation keeps producing fine talent. The downside for national team is the inferiority complex in big tournaments.
Key man: Xherdan Shaqiri has a super left boot, plays for Bayern Munich and is only 23 years old.
Roadblock: Self belief stands between the Swiss and a second-round berth.
Prediction: Their last trip to South America was 1985 _ so this will be a culture shock.
GROUP F
ARGENTINA
Lionel Messi v Diego Maradona. That’s what this World Cup means to fans of the two giants of Argentine football. If Messi can emulate what Maradona did in Mexico in 1986 by leading his team to glory, there can be no argument about where he stands among the game’s legends.
Key man: Of course, it’s Messi. But Sergio Aguero and Gonzalo Higuain are a fine support cast.
Roadblock: The pressure of expectation.
Prediction: A Brazil-Argentina final ... and wouldn’t Argentina love to crash the party.
BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA
This is their first time at a World Cup — and they play Argentina in their debut match. Good luck, boys. They averaged three goals a game in qualifying. Even their goalkeeper, Asmir Begovic, managed a goal for Stoke last season.
Key man: Edin Dzeko is one of the best strikers in Europe. He and Vedad Ibisevic scored 18 goals between them in 10 qualifying matches.
Roadblock: They think defence is something you sit on.
Prediction: A shot at second spot behind Argentina.
IRAN
It’s good to see Iran back at the World Cup even though they are responsible for the worst night of my career in 1997 at the MCG. Aargh, it still gives me bloody nightmares.
Key man: Their coach Carlos Queiroz is a long-time assistant to Alex Ferguson. Hair dryer, please.
Roadblock: Lack of football pedigree at this level.
Prediction: Reza Ghoochannejad scores a goal and the Argentine commentator spontaneously combusts.
NIGERIA
Full of quality with Victor Moses, John Obi Mikel, Emmanuel Emenike and Shola Ameobi. There is no subtlety about the Super Eagles, they go all-out attack for 90 minutes.
Key man: John Obi Mikel plays a more defensive role with Chelsea but will spread his wings with the national team. Roadblock: Defence, even though keeper Vincent Enyeama went 1062 minutes without conceding for French club Lille.
Prediction: Will excite.
GROUP G
GERMANY
There is a real belief in Germany that this could be the year they do something special. Built on the success of Bayern Munich, there is a real substance to Joachim Low’s squad. Perhaps Europe’s best chance.
Key man: Phillipp Lahm. Just like Steve Gerrard at Liverpool, he has been brilliant in a deep midfield role for Bayern Munich. Here, he might move back to his right back role.
Roadblock: Fallen at the semi-final stage in the past two World Cups.
Prediction: A hat-trick of top-four finishes.
GHANA
This group looks likely to be a shootout between Portugal and Germany. Still, Michael Essien gives this team experience and skill. They beat the US in 2006 and 2010
Key man: Essien will have to show strong leadership, especially against the two European teams.
Roadblock: This is the second toughest group.
Prediction: Third in the group.
PORTUGAL
Plan A, B, C and D are Cristiano Ronaldo. Not since Maradona in 1986 has one man single-handedly dragged his country to a World Cup win. That’s the challenge for Ronaldo because they are the ultimate one-man band.
Key man: Ronaldo (no, not the Brazilian great).
Roadblock: Ronaldo.
Prediction: Someone will ask coach Paulo Bento about Ronaldo.
USA
Leaving Landon Donovan at home was the first big shock, underlining the rebuilding phase being overseen by Jurgen Klinsmann. This is a team of unknown potential.
Key man: Goalkeeper Tim Howard can expect to earn his money.
Roadblock: The other three teams are too good.
Prediction: A win would be a surprise.
GROUP H
ALGERIA
The Desert Foxes have one of the best nicknames of any team at the World Cup. Teenager Nabil Bentaleb made a fine impression at Tottenham this season and the spotlight will be on him.
Key man: Midfielder Sofiane Feghouli has been linked with Manchester United. That’s good enough for me.
Roadblock: Lack of a genuine goalscorer.
Prediction: Instability off the pitch.
BELGIUM
Undoubtedly a team on the rise. There is experience and class right through the spine, starting with Manchester City’s Vincent Kompany, Marouane Fellaini, Eden Hazard and Romelu Lukaku. This is Belgium’s golden generation.
Key man: Eden Hazard is only 23, yet the Chelsea playmaker is already one of the most creative players in the Premier League. He has the X-factor.
Roadblock: Do they believe they belong with the Brazils of the world?
Prediction: Quarter-finals.
RUSSIA
The greatest asset Russia have is their coach Fabio Capello. I can hear England fans snickering from here. They are experienced (read old).
Key man: If anyone create a surprise with this team it’s Capello. Remember Guus Hiddink, Australia, 2006?
Roadblock: They are not good enough.
Prediction: See you in Russia, 2018.
SOUTH KOREA
Another team in transition, this could be a tough tournament for Asia. There is no doubt South Korea are using the World Cup to put the finishing touches to their 2015 Asian Cup preparations.
Key man: Park Chu-young is a striker in the Arsenal system. He scored six goals in seven qualifying matches — not a bad return.
Roadblock: They are very inexperienced.
Prediction: Watch out 2015, when the Asian Cup comes to Australia.
Originally published as Former Socceroo Robbie Slater previews all 32 teams’ chances in World Cup Ultimate Guide
Where Socceroos will play Japan revealed
A venue has been chosen for what looms as a crucial FIFA World Cup qualifier for the Socceroos against Japan.
‘Harm’: FIFA must be held ‘accountable’
While Football Australia has backed Saudi Arabia as host of the 2034 Word Cup, the body that represents Australian players has significant concerns.
‘Many will die’: Protest rocks World Cup vote
The vote for 2034 World Cup hosting rights has descended into farce with claims a $1 trillion “atrocity” is about to be made official.