Group C Preview

 

Group C	FIFA	ELO	Best Finish	WC 2010
Colombia	5	6	2nd Round	DNQ
Greece	10	17	1st Round	25th
Cote D'Ivoire	21	21	1st Round	17th
Japan	47	25	2nd Round (twice)	9th

Colombia are considered the 5th best team in the world. This seems a little over the top considering they haven't won anything in recent years. They seemed to have peaked around 2000, but didn't even qualify for World Cup 2010. This group is wide open in a way. Only Colombia and Japan have ever made it to the second round, and they haven't made it past that. For this group, trying to feed of the South American atmosphere will be a boost, but you still have to play the games.

Greece are considered a top ten team. That seems a stretch too, but they have European Cup under their belts, albeit that was 10 years ago. Still, they continue to qualify for every major tournament they can, and are no pushovers. Four years ago they opened terribly losing 0-2 to Korea. They bounced back with a 2-1 win over Nigeria, but it wasn't enough as Argentina beat them 0-2 on the last day. One point kept them out of their best finish at a World Cup, so maybe this will be the year they play more than three games.

Cote D'Ivoire were looked at to lead the African nations in 2010. Didier Drogba fought hard with a broken arm back then, but the Elephants didn't have enough to make the second round. A 1-3 loss to Brazil, and a disappointing opening day draw with Portugal brought dreams of success to an end. A 3-0 consolation victory over a terrible North Korean team is their last memory of World Cup play. Now their hoping that they can build up some momentum to take them deep in Brazil. They open up play against Japan, and while the Samurai are not Portugal, an unfocused performance can leave the Ivorians hoping to never have anything to do with Brazil at a World Cup again.

Japan seemed to take off internationally after co-hosting the 2002 World Cup. Four years ago they opened up their tournament with a 1-0 victory over Cameroon. They lost 0-1 to Netherlands, but played well against Denmark winning 3-1. Claiming the second group spot they made it to the Round of 16 where they lost in heartbreak. With both teams failing to score a goal even in extra time, Japan lost 3-5 on penalty kicks to Paraguay. It was only their second trip beyond the group stages. The Quarterfinals slipped through their fingers last time, so their hoping to get through a tough, open group and make some history.

Key Match:

Their all key here. There is no one dominant team looking at the group pre-tournament. Colombia is the South American team, and will have the most fans, but if every team brings their A game, this could be the toughest group to get out of.