January 30, 2013 at 5:54 p.m.
Who will win? It's anyone's guess
Absolutely nobody predicted last time that Argentina, Portugal and France would all be out in round one and the quarter-final line up would include USA, Turkey, Senegal and South Korea.
But not withstanding that we've done it anyway. Taking a careful look at the draw we've plotted each team's course through the tournament and we've given our verdict on how each team will fare.
We're sure you'll disagree so we're giving you the chance to make your own predictions.
The full round one group previews are also available on www.bermudasun.bm in our special World Cup section.
Round One
Group A: 1 Germany, 2 Costa Rica, 3 Poland, 4 Ecuador
A comfortable group for the Germans should see them cruise into round two. Any of the other three teams could make it. All are good going forward and weak at the back. Costa Rica have been there before and could just shade the other two.
Group B: 1 England, 2 Sweden, 3 Paraguay, 4 Trinidad & Tobago
No surprises in our selections for this group. Paraguay should test England and Sweden but with one of the strongest midfields in the competition, Sven Goran Eriksson's men should top the group. Sweden have enough quality and experience to join them in round two.
Group C: 1. Argentina, 2. Ivory Coast, 3. Holland, 4. Serbia and Montenegro
The first group of death. Ivory Coast look like the best bet for the African nations and we're backing them to catch Holland cold in round one. Argentina should be too strong for everybody, even in a nightmare group.
Group D: 1. Portugal, 2. Mexico, 3. Iran, 4. Angola
The Portuguese will be very happy with this draw and should walk the group - whether they'll get much further is another matter. Lots of people fancy Mexico as dark horses and they should at least make round two while Angola and Iran should entertain but will struggle to make an impact.
Group E: 1. Italy, 2. Czech Republic, 3. Ghana, 4. USA
The second group of death. We've gone for the favourites to make it out but those are very tentative selections. Ghana and the U.S. have decent teams and either one could cause an upset. Italy are potential winners but they can't afford to start slowly in this group. Finishing second here is not going to be much use. All that gets you is a clash with Brazil.
Group F: 1. Brazil, 2. Australia, 3. Croatia, 4. Japan
Like hosts Germany, Brazil couldn't have asked for an easier first round group. Something slightly fishy going on with the draw perhaps?
Croatia are a decent defensive side and will be favourites for the runners-up slot but we've gone for the Aussies to make an instant impact and make the knockout stage.
Group G: 1. France, 2. Switzerland, 3. Togo, 4. South Korea
Not a group that will frighten the life out of France but will their ageing team have what it takes in the knockout stages. We think the Koreans aren't up to their 2002 vintage and Togo will have a hard time adjusting to this level, so Switzerland are the default choice to join the French in round two.
Group H: 1. Spain, 2. Ukraine, 3. Tunisia, 4. Saudi Arabia
Spain have got a young attacking side full of flair and potential and should walk this group. Ukraine are dark horses this time around and with Schevchenko up front can beat anyone.
Tunisia have some decent players but have shown before they are out of their depth in this company and Saudi Arabia should be the World Cup whipping boys.
Second Round
Germany v Sweden: Home advantage should take the Germans to the last eight.
Argentina v Mexico: The Argentineans have too much class and European experience for the Central Americans.
England v Costa Rica: They may have famously beaten Scotland at Italia '90 but the English should take care of Costa Rica.
Portugal v Ivory Coast: This would be a very interesting tie but the Portuguese should end the African challenge here.
Italy v Australia: The Aussies will be delighted if they make round two and the Italians will no doubt be similarly delighted if they get to play them.
France v Ukraine: Ukraine could be the surprise package of the tournament and we're backing them to shock France in round two.
Brazil v Czech Republic: After an easy round one it gets tougher for Brazil but they are up to the challenge.
Spain v Switzerland: Safe passage to the quarters for the Spaniards.
Quarterfinals
Germany v Argentina: Home advantage can only take you so far and on paper at least the Germans don't have the team to go any further than this.
Italy v Ukraine: The Italians should end Ukraine's hopes here but it would be a tough, tight game,
England v Portugal: A repeat of the European Championship clash in 2004 and we're backing the English to take revenge.
Brazil v Spain: The Spaniards look good but their history of choking in the knockout stages leads us to believe they won't cope with the pressure of playing Brazil.
Semi-Finals
Argentina v Italy: What a semi-final this would be. The Argentineans are one of the few teams in the competition with the flair to breakdown solid Italy and they should edge it.
England v Brazil: Sadly for England the journey could well end in familiar circumstances - defeat to Brazil.
Final
Brazil v Argentina: Everybody's backing Brazil so we're going to try and be different. It's a tough ask to win two World Cups in a row and if anyone can stop the mighty Samba boys then its their arch South American rivals that can do it. It's certainly a final that any neutral would want to see.[[In-content Ad]]
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