Group A Preview

Group A	FIFA	ELO	Best Finish	WC 2010
Brazil	4	1	1(5 times)	6
Croatia	20	23	3rd	DNQ
Mexico	19	19	3rd Round(2)	14
Cameroon	50	56	3rd Round	31

 Brazil are the hosts of the tournament, as well as the only team to play in every World Cup since the competition began in 1930. They are also 5 time World Champions, the most of everyone, and looking to win the second tournament held here, as they did the first. They are the highest ranking team in this group, and it is theirs to do with as they please. Heavy favorites to win the group, look for Brazil to make a statement with some big wins. The group is tougher than the one they faced in 2010, but they edged out that series to win the group and ride to the Quarterfinals where eventual runner-ups Netherlands eliminated them 1-2. This is a young group, but their dismantling of reigning World Cup Champions Spain at last year's Confederations Cup shows that the country will take nothing but First as satisfaction.

Mexico are the second highest ranking team in this group. They have never made it further than the quarterfinals in one of these tournaments. The only real threat they face is in Brazil, but playing for second gets you through to the second round. Inconsistency and a coaching change mid-qualifiers leaves many people doubting Mexico's ability, but advancing out of the group stage is a must for this team. That will be difficult as playing the hosts is never easy. In 2010 Mexico finished second in the group edging out the hosts South Africa on goal differential. They finished behind a strong Uruguay team, but were far better than a shockingly bad French team. A second round meeting with Argentina resulted in a 1-3 drubbing that took the Aztecas home earlier than they would have liked.

Croatia failed to qualify for the 2010 World Cup, but find themselves back at the big stage. They are ranked similarly to Mexico, but have finished in 3rd at the tournament in France in 1998. A resurgent performance from this team will be needed to make the second round. Mexico can come out swinging, and one should never underestimate Cameroon.

Cameroon are back again to the World Cup after a disappointing performance in 2010 where they finished better than only North Korea. Aging captain Samuel Eto'o is trying to take these Lions to back to the quarterfinals and beyond, but the road is difficult. They lost all three games four years ago, and went home early in an easier group than this one. It wouldn't be a shock for them to finish second, but there's a lot of work to be done.

Key Matchup:

That opening game for Brazil against Croatia will be huge, because it will set the stage for the team. Croatia will need a good performance, even losing by only one, to keep their heads up. The Mexico and Cameroon game that same day will be big. Cameroon can steal a point or three and start to build momentum, but the same can be said about Mexico.

For me, the biggest game will be Croatia versus Mexico on the last group day. I feel Brazil will own first place, the other three teams will trade shots on each other, and second will be decided that last day. Brazil should clean up against Cameroon leaving Croatia and Mexico to fight for second.