World Cup Predictions: Group A

ISH soccer writer, Adam Leightman, predicts every match in the 2014 World Cup. Who will win each group? Will Brazil win the tournament they are hosting? Is there a dark horse ready to make a deep run in the tournament? Join International Sports Hub every day as each group is predicted and eventually a country will be crowned champion.

Group A:

Group A will have a lot of flair, amazing goals, and well more flair. The hosts, Brazil, headline this group that is represented by 4 continents. Each team in this group is known for scoring great goals. Brazil amazed us in the 2013 Confederations Cup by scoring thunderous volleys. Mexico needed a bicycle kick to make it through qualifying while Croatia’s Mario Mandzukic and Cameroon’s Samuel Eto’o scored brilliant goals in Europe this year. Some of the best goals in the tournament should come from this group.

1. Brazil:

Brazil is the tournament favorite and should have no problem with their average group. The hosts play the opening game of World Cup against Croatia on June 12th. The team should be nervous with the weight of the country on their backs, but like in the Confederations Cup last year, Brazil will relax and put on a show. Led by Neymar and Oscar, Brazil will pick up all 9 points in this group.

2. Croatia:

After loosing their first game to Brazil, Croatia will play desperate, and succeed. Led by Bayern Munich striker Mario Mandzukic and Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric, Croatia will force their way out of this group by beating Cameroon and in Mexico in the crucial game. Croatia is a team that a lot of people are looking past, and that is a huge mistake.

3. Mexico:

El Tri have been playing well recently, but a horrible leg break will keep center midfielder Luis Montes out of the World Cup. Their bad form in qualifying will haunt the team as they only pick up 1 point in this group. Javier Chicharito Hernandez will find the back of the net for his teams only goal in the tournament.

4. Cameroon:

Cameroon will struggle in all 3 group games. Samuel Eto’o will score both goals for Cameroon in this tournament. In the end Brazil and Croatia will be too strong for the African Nation. Cameroon’s weak defense will be shredded by the attacking minded teams in Group A.

Predictions:

Thursday, June 12:

Brazil 3-0 Croatia

Friday, June 13:

Mexico 1-1 Cameroon

Tuesday, June 17:

Brazil 2-0 Mexico

Wednesday, June 18:

Cameroon 1-2 Croatia

Monday, June 23:

Brazil 3-0 Cameroon

Croatia 1-0 Mexico

Final Table:

1. Brazil: 9 Points

2. Croatia: 6 Points

3. Mexico: 1 point

4. Cameroon: 1 point

Stats from: ESPNFC.com