Group A Preview

Brazil

Fixtures: 12th June - Croatia
                17th June - Mexico
                23rd June - Cameroon

How they qualified: As always, the hosts qualified automatically for the World Cup.

Lowdown: Of the 32 teams who qualified for the 2014 World Cup, none will have as much pressure to win the tournament than the hosts. The expectancy level cranked up a few notches after last year's Confederations Cup win, dismantling world champions Spain with ease in the final. Manager Luiz Felipe Scolari has previous when it comes to winning the World Cup, doing it for Brazil in 2002. Big Phil is not afraid to make big decisions either, omitting both Robinho and Kaka from his 23 man squad.


Key player: Neymar - Last summer there were a lot of doubts over whether Neymar was the real deal or just a show pony. But he answered his doubters with his performances at the Confederations Cup, scoring four goals and being crowned best player of the tournament. The Barcelona striker has a great record for A Selecao, with 30 goals in 47 appearances. Expect him to add to that tally this summer.

Verdict: Should reach the semi finals at the very least. My winners.

Odds: Brazil to win the World Cup: 3/1 (favourites)
           Neymar top goalscorer: 12/1

Croatia

Fixtures: 12th June - Brazil
                18th June - Cameroon

                23rd June - Mexico

How they qualified: Croatia had to settle for the playoffs after finishing nine points behind group winners Belgium, despite running them close for much of qualifying. But failure to win their last four qualifiers, including two defeats to Scotland saw the Croatian FA sack Igor Stimac and appoint former Bayern Munich player Niko Kovac. That decision was vindicated as they beat Iceland over two legs to qualify for Brazil.

Lowdown: There are a lot of familiar names in the Croatia squad too, with Nikica Jelavic and Dejan Lovren two English based players in the squad. Bayern Munich forward Mario Mandzukic is expected to lead the line, while Ivan Rakitic has had an impressive season for Sevilla, helping them win the Europa League. 

Key player: Luka Modric - You might not recognise Modric when you next see him take to the field, he's had his locks cut after starring the Champions League final. Madrid fans could be forgiven for not recognising him either. After being voted the worst signing in La Liga in 2012, Modric was a key player all season as Madrid won La Decima plus the Copa Del Rey. If he can continue his form for Croatia then they have a good chance of progressing from the group stages.

Verdict: Probably have the edge over Mexico and Cameroon to qualify in second, but won't go further than the last 16.

Odds: Croatia to win the World Cup - 150/1

           Finish second in the group - 13/8

Mexico

Fixtures: 13th June - Cameroon

                17th June - Brazil

                23rd June - Croatia

How they qualified: Mexico were in danger of missing out on their first World Cup since 1990, getting through three managers before Manuel Herrera took over in September. Performances improved, but they only went on to win just two of their ten CONCACAF qualification games and scraped into fourth place. However, they did see off New Zealand comfortably in their playoff, beating them 9-3 over two legs.

Lowdown: Their patchy form in qualifying suggests they may struggle at the World Cup, but with Brazil expected to top the group, second place is wide open. Man United's Javier Hernandez has been named in the squad but isn't a guaranteed starter due to his poor form and Herrera favouring players based in the Mexican domestic league. The squad also includes former Barcelona duo Giovanni Dos Santos and captain Rafael Marquez.

Key player: Andres Guardado - Herrera favours a 3-5-2 formation, so ex Fulham defender Carlos Salcido and Guardado operating as wing backs will be vitally important. Guardado plays on the left and has pace and good technical ability so expect him to be their key outlet. He joined Bayer Leverkusen on loan in January for more game time and faired well in Germany, making 16 league appearances and helping them qualify for the Champions League.

Verdict: Bit of an unknown with a lot of Mexican based players set to feature. A lot will depend on how they and the opposition adapt to Herrera's 3-5-2, will probably be squeezed out into third.

Odds: Mexico to win the World Cup - 150/1

           Finish bottom of the group - 3/1

Cameroon

Fixtures: 13th June - Mexico

                18th June - Croatia

                23rd June - Brazil

How they qualified: They topped Group I in CAF qualifying, losing one of their six group games. They then met Tunisia in a playoff where they were held in Tunis before winning 4-1 at home to qualify for their seventh World Cup finals, suggesting they're one of the strongest African teams.

Lowdown: The Indomitable Lions will be hoping to fare better than in South Africa in 2010 where they lost all three of their group games. They do boast a few well known names in there squad, most notably Samuel Eto'o and Alex Song, while Stephane Mbia has had a good season on loan at Sevilla from Queens Park Rangers.

Key player: Samuel Eto'o - Although towards the end of what has been a glittering career, Eto'o is still a big player for Cameroon and is available after making a retirement u-turn before their playoff tie with Tunisia. The World Cup will be something of a shop window for Eto'o after being released by Chelsea despite scoring 12 goals.

Verdict: Should do better than their 2010 performance but will struggle to make it out of the group.

Odds: Cameroon to win the World Cup - 500/1
           Exactly 0 points in the group - 4/1