2010 World Cup Predictions: Group G

Brazil.
Ivory Coast.
North Korea.
Portugal.

Brazil and Portugal, on paper, are the obvious winners of this group, ranked 1st and 3rd respectively. So I probably won't spend too much time talking about them, or this group in general. I have to say, this group is filled with teams I don't really care for.

I like to watch Brazil play, no matter who they take or leave behind, they always bring good football. The five-time world champs are always a favorite to win, and in my opinion have the best shot at the trophy.

Ivory Coast is a bit over-rated, I think. They have Didier Drogba up front, and that will always give his team great confidence in their attack. Is he at 100 percent with his arm injury? Who knows. You would think it wouldn't affect his game since this is the real football, but you never know.

North Korea, some people automatically hate them for political reasons. The simple fact is that this is a group of players that, in qualifying, tied South Korea twice before succumbing to them 2-1. North Korea also defeated and tied against Saudi Arabia, who is no stranger to the World Cup. At one point North Korea went six games without conceding a goal, two of those were the ties against South Korea. Not bad for any team, but considering their confederation and the group they got drawn into, I have to admit I don't see them advancing into the knock-out stage? Will they be completely humiliated like everyone expects them to though? Well... maybe not completely...

Portugal is ranked third in the world, and yet had to qualify through the UEFA play-offs. Having already lost Nani to an injury, who else can step up along with Cristiano Ronaldo? Simao and Tiago both had a decent World Cup appearance last time around, will they again?

My predictions for the games:

Ivory Coast 1, Portugal 2
Brazil 5, North Korea 0

Brazil 3, Ivory Coast 1
Portugal 4, North Korea 0

North Korea 1, Ivory Coast 3
Brazil 3, Portugal 2

Brazil ........ 9 Pts.
Portugal ...... 6 Pts.
Ivory Coast ... 3 Pts.
North Korea ... 0 Pts.