Astronauts on the International space station wished the teams the best of luck before the World cup and even shown off some space tricks. Enjoy.
The World cup really is out of this world.
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The Definitive Ranking Of Every Country’s Kits For The 2014 World Cup
KNOCKED OUT IN THE GROUP STAGE:
32. MEXICO
Style: The jagged lines might confuse the opposition, but the fashion critics aren’t fooled. not one of adidas’ best. The two tone green is a little clumsy while the white and red zig-zag lines would have been out-of-date at USA ’94. 1/10
Originality: There’s original and then there’s being different for the sake of it. This is the latter. 5/10
Patriotism: Doesn’t say much about Mexico’s great culture, and isn’t that traditional either. 3/10
Score: 9/30
31. Honduras
Style: They look a bit like those baggy t-shirts mum made you wear when you were a kid. 2/10
Originality: A bit conservative for Honduras, Inner side of the shirt feature special lettering to support the player, which summarizes the spirit of Honduras: ‘Honduras, Fe, Respeto, Valentía, Honestidad, Actitud’ (Honduras, Faith, Respect, Courage, Honesty, Attitude) 4/10
Patriotism: While the massive H on the chest isn’t exactly stylish, it does at least show that the Honduras are proud of their nation, and proud to be at another World Cup. 6/10
Score: 12/30
30. Spain
Style: Like many other teams, Spain have opted for two one-colour kits which was a request by Fifa to aid referees at this year’s tournament. Manufacturers Adidas have slightly moved away from the traditional Spanish kits we have been used to over the years. The Spain home kit features a combination of red and gold. The kit in its entirety, the shirt, shorts and socks, are all red. The fading yellow stripe across the away kit is an issue, but The gold trim looks excellent on the all-red strip – as does the golden badge to mark them as world champions. 7/10
Originality: Could easily be for a Sunday league team (barring the World Cup winners’ star or course). 3/10
Patriotism: Where’s the blue gone?! And the away kit is totally new colouring for Spain. 2/10
Score: 12/30
29. Australia
Style: The triangle under the collar isn’t great, and the kits as a whole look like they’re trying too hard to look like Brazil, more so as they have ditched yellow socks in favour of white ones. 6/10
Originality: Shouldn’t Aussies play in upside down kits anyway? Now that would be original. 2/10
Patriotism: Green and gold — check. Navy — huh, looks a little too close to an ‘all-black’ strip if you ask me, and that’s territory few Aussies want little to do with in a sporting context. 4/10
Score: 12/30
28. Algeria
Style: Unlike some of the other African nations, Algeria have played it pretty safe. 6/10
Originality: Like a lot of the Puma kits this summer, they look good, they’re just a bit dull. 4/10
Patriotism: The colours are right. Not much else going on with this shirt though. 2/10
Score: 12/30
27. Ecuador
Originality: The design on the shoulders gives it something a bit different. 5/10
Patriotism: All three of Ecuador’s main colours just creep onto the home shirt (look as the trim on the sides!) Inside the collar features the lettering ‘Mas Que El Sol Contemplamos Lucir’ (is brighter than the shining sun we see) taken from the country’s national anthem. 6/10
Score: 13/30
26. Costa Rica
Style: Is that a bird with a really long neck flying across the shirt? Cannot unsee. 4/10
Originality: It has a mutant bird on it. 5/10
Patriotism: Unfortunately for Costa Rica, the stork is not their national bird. 4/10
Score: 13/30
25. Nigeria
Style: When it comes to Nigeria, it’s a given that the strip will be green – but can you have too much of the colour? The Away strip looks smarter. 4/10
Originality: Two-tone green on pinstripes on the home kit give this a little something. 5/10
Patriotism: Nicknamed the Super Eagles, Nigeria could have played up to that and created a truly awesome kit. But they didn’t. 4/10
Score: 13/30
24. Uruguay
Style: So tight it looks like the players might not be able to breathe. And not keen on the grandad collars. 5/10
Originality: There’s some gold on it to remind them of past glories. 3/10
Patriotism: The sun rays coming out of the crest are a nice touch, but very understated — where’s the PRIDE?! 5/10
Score: 13/30
23. South Korea
Style: The away kit definitely beats the home one, which looks more like a training top than something for the world’s biggest stage. 4/10
Originality: Mostly for the red and blue stripes on the shoulders and th ridiculous collar which sticks up with the exception of a hole at the front of the neck. 6/10
Patriotism: Could have made use of the excellent South Korean flag. 4/10
Score: 14/30
22. Ivory Coast
Style: The shapes are really nice, even if on the whole these kits are pretty plain. Strong colours help make up for that, though. 7/10
Originality: Coulda jazzed it up a bit. It’s just a plain Puma kit. 2/10
Patriotism: The elephant on the badge is a big plus, but it’s all you really get from from these strips. 5/10
Score: 14/30
21. Bosnia and Herzegovina
Style: Decent plainish Adidas template. I’m sure we’ll see this rolled out to a few club teams soon. The Blue stripe on the away strip looks a little clumsy, but overall a safe and conservative strip. 6/10
Originality: The little stripes on the sleeves are okay, but these are pretty plain otherwise. 3/10
Patriotism: The crest has a silhouette of the countries on, which is a nice little bonus. 6/10
Score : 15 /30
20. Greece
Style: Greece have gone for the simple yet classy look and Eagle eyed Arsenal supporters may notice that the template matches their yellow away kit from the 2013/14 season, and that was one of my favourite shirts this year. 8/10
Originality: I mean, it’s hardly out there, is it? 2/10
Patriotism: Post-match plate smashing would rocket this score up. 5/10
Score: 15/30
19. Russia
Style: A nice simple adidas template, similar to Spain’s effort, though we’re unsure on the seemingly ice-inspired away effort. 5/10
Originality: The graphic on the red shirt and the twist on stripes on the white one mean these kits do stand out. The only trouble is that with the gold trim, Russia are going to look very much like Spain during the tournament. 6/10
Patriotism: Seem to suggest that Russia is defined by ice and snow. Not enough blue on the home shirt. 4/10
Score: 15/30
18. Belgium
Belgium have released three new kits for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Belgium are the only country at this summer’s tournament to be supplied by the Swiss/Qatari company Burrda Sports. The Red Devils have a red home shirt, a black away shirt and a yellow third shirt. The red home shirt features a black and a yellow horizontal stripe on the front along with a crown which is taken from the crest.
Style: Belgium are young and exciting but will have to play out of their skins to win the World Cup. Maybe they should play out of their shirts too. 2/10
Originality: The crown is unique, but it’s also extremely tacky. Each kit has a different “feature” which gives more options. 8/10
Patriotism: with the badge sitting opposite three stripes representing Belgium’s tri-colour, with both sitting above a watermark of the crown from the national crest. 6/10
Score: 16/30
17. Italy
Style: The Italians are supposed to be a fashionable nation, but the panels on the shoulders of the home shirt and the odd collar suggest otherwise. The Away kit saves it, I rather like the pinstripe. 6/10
Originality: The pinstriped away kit is quirky,and the home strip features a tailored buttoned down collar and the Italian flag on the sleeve cuffs. 3/10
Patriotism: The classic azurri blue is there, along with occasional glimpses of the Italian flag. These strips’ saving grace. 7/10
Score: 16/30
SECOND ROUND LOSERS:
16. England
Style: So, so simple, but these kits do look alright. Not too fussed on the collars and would have liked a little more red trim in the home strip. Does that red one remind anyone of a certain 1966? We can dream… 7/10
Originality: They’re plain, but in the traditional sense. And not an original template. Retro football kits are the way forward it seems. 3/10
Patriotism: The three lions are there and large. 6/10
Score: 16/30
15. Columbia
Style: The diagonal slashes on the home strip are neither sensational nor awful. A good shade of yellow. 6/10
Originality: The away kit is a slightly outdated template used by many Premier league clubs. 6/10
Patriotism: The back of the neck features a hashtag reading #UnidosPorUnPais which translates as united for a nation. 5/10
Score: 17/30
14. Chile
Style: The lines down the sides look a bit like an overambitious plastic surgeon has been plotting a makeover. 5/10
Originality: Nothing particularly striking but these kits do have a bit of an edge. 5/10
Patriotism: All three of the Chile’s main colours appear on each shirt. This is what we like to see. And the national flag which features on the reverse of the neck. 7/10
Score: 17/30
13. Portugal
Style: The Portuguese will look great in either of those shirts as they inevitably knock England out in the quarter-finals. 8/10
Originality: The hoops on the home shirt are unique but the away shirt looks too much like Englands home strip. 6/10
Patriotism: Not enough green to be truly Portuguese, but when Cristiano Ronaldo’s banging the goals in, will they care? 5/10
Score: 19/30
12. Germany
Style: The away kit appears to have come straight out of a Dennis the Menace comic. The home shirt is a belter though. 6/10
Originality: The only side inspired by a cartoon character at this year’s tournament. What is the world coming to? Clearly smarting over England stealing their basic template for their home strip, Germany have done what they do best and have just gone ahead and done something better anyway. 9/10
Patriotism: Not lots to shout about, but I like the inclusion of the red on the home shirt. 5/10
Score: 20/30
11. Argentina
Style: There is only so much you can do with a striped design, so when in doubt keep it simple, and the away top is interesting. Not bad. 8/10
Originality: The blue and white stripes are pretty unique in international football, and the different shades used on the away kit are smart. 6/10
Patriotism: The shirt also features small wavy lines going across the middle of the shirt, which represents the flag of Argentina. 7/10
Score: 21/30
10. Japan
Style: The red on the sleeves and subtle pattern on the home shirt is great. The tennis ball-style away shirt is a bit of an eyesore though and massively looses points. 5/10
Originality: Bright colours and decent graphics while still looking smart on the whole. Solid. 7/10
Patriotism: One of the few kits in this year’s World Cup to include the nation’s flag, and with a country also known as the ‘land of the rising sun’, it’s a nice touch to have the badge having an effect that has a light-like glow emitting from it. 9/10
Score: 21/30
9. The Netherlands
Style: The shape itself could not be more simple, but it works. The orange is great as ever, the blue strip is a nice concept and the retro crest looks awesome. 7/10
Originality: Orange, orange, orange. Also, the darkening chevrons on the away strip will look great in action. The kits were created by Nike and both kits feature designs to commemorate the 125th anniversary of the KNVB – the Dutch football association. 7/10
Patriotism: Did we mention the orange? The shirt comes with a V-collar and features the Dutch flag inside the collar and the crest has been designed specifically to celebrate the anniversary. The crest features an enlarged lion to honour the traditional crest used since 1907 until the 60s and 70s. 7/10
Score: 21/30
GONE IN THE QUARTERS:
8. Brazil
Style: Brazil can never really go wrong with their iconic yellow and green strip. They are colours that only Brazil can pull off (with a doff of the cap to Norwich as well) and that’s where the flamboyance ends with the hosts in regards to their home strip. Their change options are pretty slick too. 8/10
Originality: The trailblazers of the bright yellow kit. 6/10
Patriotism: Whack a big samba drum on the front and you’re onto a winner (okay, maybe not). The colours of Brazil are iconic however and they have not messed around. A special touch on the kit includes the slogan ”Nascido para jogar futebol” – which means ”Born to play football”. This can be found behind the crest on the inside of the shirt. 8/10
Score: 22/30
7. Iran
Style: Made by German manufacture Uhlsport, the home and away strips display a unique touch with an image of an Iranian cheetah stitched into the front of the kit. Can come across as a bit ugly. 5/10
Originality: The watermark earns major points, but the away strip is very Portugal, isn’t it? 8/10
Patriotism: That animal on the front is the Asiatic cheetah, and it is on there to raise awareness of its dwindling numbers in Iran. I love it! 9/10
Score: 22/30
6. Switzerland
Style: The tramlines down the sides work well, as do the bits of trim on the sleeves. However it looks like a competition to see how many badges you can cram on to the front of one shirt – with the Puma logo, the Swiss national flag and the national team crest all featuring above where the player’s designated number on the front of the strip is. Don’t like the collar with a slight cut in the middle. 8/10
Originality: Stands out with elegance. 6/10
Patriotism: What’s the best thing about Switzerland? Well, the flag’s a big plus (sorry, so so sorry). But look, it’s there on the home shirt, and it rocks! 8/10
Score: 22/30
5. France
Style: They might not be that good at football these days (they scraped into the World Cup via the play-offs), but the French sure know their fashion. It’s plain, but it’s plain that is done very well, and they have got the tri-color of colours in the blue top, white shorts and red socks. 9/10
Originality: The away kit basically looks like a t-shirt, but it’s different and it works really nicely. 7/10
Patriotism: The hoops conjure up the image of the stereotypical Frenchman, with with a subtle twist. The France home shirt features a new 1958 crest which reflects players’ feedback of wanting to ‘feel the history of our country’. 6/10
Score: 22/30
OUT IN THE SEMIS:
4. USA
Style: Its a rather lazy attempt from Nike, with the strip looking like a standard Polo or tennis top. Its nice but not quite a ‘soccer’ Jersey which looses it points. The away top makes up the points. It’ss loud, proud will look stunning on the pitch. 7/10
Originality: Basically just because of the away shirt. Nothing like anything else in the competition. 8/10
Patriotism: U.S.A. U.S.A. Some stars might have taken this to a 10, but let’s be honest, it would be a bit much. 8/10
Score: 23/30
3. Cameroon
Style: The graphics are subtle enough not to be garish while giving the kit an interesting twist — a strong effort! I shouldn’t like it, but I do. 7/10
Originality: It has animals on it. We like animals. Points for you, Cameroon. 9/10
Patriotism: The shirts are literally covered in the country’s culture, and all the colours are there too. It features the repeated pharse ‘Les Lions Indomptables’ (Imdomitable Lions) based on the their nickname while also featuring said animal. 8/10
Score: 24/30
WORLD CUP FINALISTS:
2. Croatia
Style: The blue away kit with the checkered trim is great, and the chequered front on the home strip is complimented by red sleeves, with blue numbers and logos help breaking up the strip and showing the nation’s tri-colour. Simple but ever so effective. 8/10
Originality: When your kit is this bold, everyone is evidently too scared to copy you. 9/10
Patriotism: The colors are all right — this couldn’t belong to anyone but the Croatians. 8/10
Score: 25/30
1. Ghana — WORLD CHAMPIONS!
Style: The tribal bit round the collar and sleeves of the home kit is just perfection, and the patterned red number is special too. 9/10
Originality: The two kits both make a statement, but are completely different from one another. Just great. There’s enough on the strip to be noticeable, but it’s subtle enough to not take over and it’s a balance designers Puma have pulled off very well. 9/10
Patriotism: Like the Cameroon strip, the traditional watermarking is brilliant, and incorporates stars to recognise Ghana’s ‘Black Stars’ nickname. 9/10
Score: 27/30 The clear leaders. GHANA WIN THE WORLD CUP!!! (of fashion)
Predicting The Winner Of The World Cup, Based On Each Country’s National Animal
As the World Cup draws near, predictions of who will win it all are in full effect. Mostly, these predictions are based on the skills of each country’s players, their history, injury reports, etc. Check out my individual team previews and group previews for more info!
But what if instead of human players, each country had to enter its national animal as its champion in a fight to the death?
Here is what the outcome would probably look like.
GROUP MATCHES
Group A: Brazil, Croatia, Mexico, Cameroon
Cameroon is immediately eliminated because it doesn’t have a national animal, leaving the other three to slug it out. Although cute, the marten from Croatia is no match for Brazil’s jaguar and Mexico’s golden eagle.
Winner: Brazil
Runner Up: Mexico
Group B: Spain, Australia, Chile, Netherlands
The Spanish bull tramples Australia’s kangaroo, as the Netherlands’ lion devours Chile’s North Andean huemul.
Winner: Spain
Runner Up: Netherlands
Group C: Greece, Japan, Colombia, Ivory Coast
In the battle of the birds, Colombia’s Andean condor demolishes Japan’s green pheasant. Meanwhile, the Ivory Coast’s African elephant slays Greece’s dolphin, since dolphins shouldn’t be on land, anyway.
Winner: Ivory Coast
Runner Up: Colombia
Group D: Costa Rica, Italy, England, Uruguay
Uruguay’s rufous hornero never saw the Italian wolf until it was too late. Same goes for the white-tailed deer from Costa Rica, whose last thought was, “Wait, is that a lion?”
Winner: Italy
Runner Up: England
Group E: France, Ecuador, Switzerland, Honduras
Honduras’ white-tailed deer is no match for the mighty wing span of Ecuador’s Andean condor, and is thusly forced off a cliff to its demise. And poor Switzerland’s cow is slowly pecked to death by France’s gallic rooster. Sacré bleu!
Winner: Ecuador
Runner Up: France
Group F: Iran, Argentina, Nigeria, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Like Cameroon, Bosnia and Herzegovina is disqualified for not having a national animal. This is bad news for Iran’s Persian cat, since Nigeria’s eagle is allergic and decides to take no mercy on the furry feline. This is good news for Argentina’s rufous hornero, who gets a free ticket into the next round.
Winner: Nigeria
Runner Up: Argentina
Group G: Ghana, USA, Portugal, Germany
Holy crap! It’s the battle of the eagles! And one rooster! Germany’s golden eagle faces off against Ghana’s eagle, ultimately destroying it since, like The Highlander, there can only be one. At the same time, Portugal’s Barcelos cock plays dirty and convinces the United States’ bald eagle to stay up late partying, leaving it hungover and vulnerable. Needless to say, the cock triumphs.
Winner: Portugal
Runner Up: Germany
Group H: Belgium, South Korea, Algeria, Russia
The Russian bear and Belgium’s lion have an epic battle, but the bear is just too much for the poor kitty in the end. And Algeria’s adorable fennec fox is swallowed whole by South Korea’s tiger.
Winner: Russia
Runner Up: S. Korea
ROUND OF 16
Group A Winner vs. Group B runner up
Slow and full from eating Chile’s huemul, Netherlands’ lion is outmatched by Brazil’s jaguar. In the jungle, the mighty jungle, the lion dies tonight.
Winner: Brazil
Group B winner vs. Group A runner up
Though swift and cunning, Mexico’s golden eagle ends up with a horn to the belly, courtesy of Spain’s bull.
Winner: Spain
Group C winner vs. Group D runner up
It was easy for the Ivory Coast’s African elephant to defeat Greece’s dolphin, but it is an entirely different story when faced with an actual opponent like England’s lion. In the end, the lion emerges victorious with a stomach full of elephant meat.
Winner: England
Group D winner vs. Group C runner up
Colombia’s Andean condor gets a little too cocky and strikes too soon, which is just what the Italian wolf wants.
Winner: Italy
Group E winner vs. Group F runner up
Ecuador’s Andean condor, exhausted after defeating Honduras’ white-tailed deer, is surprisingly taken out after Argentina’s energetic rufous hornero pecks out its eyes.
Winner: Argentina
Group F winner vs. Group E runner up
Just when France’s rooster is about to deliver the death blow, Nigeria’s eagle sinks its talons into the rooster’s neck, producing a gushing stream of Gallic blood.
Winner: Nigeria
Group G winner vs. Group H runner up
Duh, South Korea’s tiger has chicken for dinner.
Winner: S. Korea
Group H winner vs. Group G runner up
Germany’s golden eagle never really stood a chance when it faced Russia’s bear. Yeah, it got some good scratches in, but, y’know… It’s a bear, for chrissake.
Winner: Russia
QUARTER FINALS
Brazil vs. England
In a bloody, messy, drag out fight, the Brazilian jaguar is left standing. The circle of life, indeed.
Winner: Brazil
Argentina vs. S. Korea
South Korea’s tiger swallows Argentina’s rufous hornero whole and alive, just like it did the fennec fox. However, it should have chewed and is surprised when the feisty bird pecks its way out of the tiger’s throat. The tiger dies gasping for air.
Winner: Argentina
Spain vs. Italy
Wow. What a fight. Spain’s bull almost looks to be on its last legs after being attacked nonstop by Italy’s wolf. However, the bull, with one final charge, flings the wolf into air, sending its lifeless body crashing to the ground below.
Winner: Spain
Nigeria vs. Russia
With one fatal swat, Russia’s bear ends the life of Nigeria’s golden eagle, then proceeds to make a hat out of the slain bird’s feathers.
Winner: Russia
SEMI FINALS
Brazil vs. Argentina
LOL. Brazil’s jaguar immediately kills Argentina’s little bird, then continues to play with its lifeless corpse for the next 90 minutes.
Winner: Brazil
Spain vs. Russia
Oh, Russia. Things were going so well until you literally messed with the bull and got the horns.
Winner: Spain
FINALS
Brazil vs. Spain
Lord almighty, this was a match for the ages. Legs were broken and blood was let as the crowd watched on in abject horror. During stoppage time, Spain’s bull, barely breathing, lunged at Brazil’s fatigued jaguar one last time.
What the once-feared bull didn’t realize, though, was that the jaguar was feigning being tired, and with one lightning quick swipe it tore the heart from the bull’s body. “Not in my house,” said the jaguar, before proceeding to eat the heart in front of the cheering stadium.
WINNER: BRAZIL!!!
And to the losers, see you in four years!
buzzfeed.
World Cup Playlist!
Essential for EVERY football fan this World Cup. i’ve complied some of my favourite Footie themed songs for you’re world cup party/BBQ. COME ON ENGLAND!
I’ll start with this years official world cup song by Pitbull – We Are One (Ole Ole)
I hate Pitbull so trying to take out any bias. I suppose its not a bad world cup song, Has lots of Brazilian flavour and could get a party started.
6/10
And Next Englands Official World Cup song, delivered to you by Gary Barlow – Greatest Day
Again, Not fond of Gary Barlow and his realllllly sloooow monotonous voice. I do like this song though. It’s quite inspiring and I like how it was for Sport Relief.
7/10
Now some of the best England World Cup Songs
Rik Mayall – Noble England
With the tragic news of one of Britain’s finest comics of the 90’s Rik Mayall passing just the other day, this is straight at the top of the list. And there is even a campaign to get it to number 1 in his honour.
I do like this. Rousing, inspiring speech, easy to sing along and ability to jump around with a pint too.
8/10
Ant and Dec – We’re On the Ball
Everyone’s favourite Geordie Duo recorded England officiall 2002 World Cup Song. They had a lot to live up too after “Let’s get ready to rumble” but proved they still have their MC skills. A good fun song, gauranteed to get everyone in party mood.
7/10
442 – Come On England
Remix of 80’s classic. Highly contagious, an easy sing-a-long.
6/10
Dizzee Rascal ft James Corden – Shout for England
Another remix, with Dizzee Rascals touch. Not a bad attempt. A catchy hit but the lyrics are a bit naff, especially for a MC of Dizzee’s calibre.
5/10
Fat Les – Vindaloo
Any song with “NA NA NA’S” in is great by my books. Catch, rowdy, jumpy classic.
9/10
New Order – World in Motion
John Barnes Rapping. Enough said really.
8/10
Baddiel, Skinner and The Lightning seeds – Three Lions (Footballs Coming Home)
Everyone’s favourite. An Utter Classic. If you are English and you don’t know the words to this song you should have your passport revoked.
10/10
Queen – We Are The Champions
The Official 1994 World Cup Song. COULD YOU IMAGINE SINGING THIS ON JULY THE 13TH!!!!
10/10
Some other classics from around the world.
The Wolfetones – You’ll Never Beat The Irish
I am half Irish, and see myself as more Irish than English, so this song was top of my list. Absolute belter!
10/10
K’naan – Waving Flag
Not the official anthem of the 2010 World cup in South Africa, but I preferred this to Shakira’s effort, which sold because, well she’s Shakira, even I’d do her! This just had a better message and better African feel In my opinion.
7/10
Ricky Martin – La Copa De La Vida (The Cup Of Life)
Official World Cup 98 Song, Catchy cheese – therefore I like and will get people shaking their bums. Not the greatest football anthem though.
6/10
And this one deserves a special mention for being the worst football song I’ve ever heard.
Bell & Spurling – Sven Sven Sven
Funny though.
Group H Preview, Belgium, Russia, Algeria and South Korea
Group H might not be the most enterprising group of the tournament, but it is certainly the most intriguing. Belgium are without a doubt, the standout team in this Group and would be expected to qualify as Group winners. But, who takes second spot is still open for debate. Russia look like the most plausible candidate, but they are known to be inconsistent. Although South Korea aren’t as good as they were in 2002, they still have some quality going forward. Algeria on the other hand, have a young, attacking and enterprising unit and are known for making it difficult for the big sides, which would make them a threat for anyone.
Group H Schedule
| Match No. | Fixture | Date | Time | Location |
| 15 | Belgium v Algeria | June 17 | 17:00 | Belo Horizonte |
| 16 | Russia v South Korea | June 18 | 23:00 | Cuiaba |
| 31 | Belgium v Russia | June 22 | 17:00 | Rio de Janiero |
| 32 | South Korea v Algeria | June 23 | 20:00 | Porto Alegre |
| 47 | South Korea v Belgium | June 27 | 21:00 | Sao Paolo |
| 48 | Algeria v Russia | June 28 | 21:00 | Curitiba |
Venues
All six encounters in Group H will be hosted by different cities – Belo Horizonte, Cuiaba, Rio de Janeiro, Porto Alegre, Sao Paulo and Curitiba. Most of the games will be played in mild weather conditions, which is set to give the team going through a big advantage as the tournament progresses.
| Stadium (City) | Capacity | Altitude |
|---|---|---|
| Estadio Mineirao, Belo Horizonte | 58,259 | 800 m |
| Arena Pantanal, Cuiaba | 39,859 | 165 m |
| Estadio do Maracana, Rio de Janiero | 74,689 | Sea-level |
| Estadio Beira-Rio, Porto Alegre | 42,991 | 47 m |
| Arena Corinthians, Sao Paolo | 61,606 | 742 m |
| Arena de Baixada | 38,533 | 920 m |
Estadio Mineirao, Belo Horizonte
Located in the third largest city in Brazil, it took three years and £185m to give the historic Estadio Mineirao its stunning brand-new look. Described by FIFA secretary Jerome Valcke as, the stadium will host a semi-final.
Arena Pantanal, Cuiaba
One of the smallest stadiums, purpose-built for the World Cup, Arena Pantanal will host four group games. Situated in the western part of Brazil, the region experiences some scorching heat, so it is unlikely that any of the clashes are fast and furious.
Estadio do Maracana, Rio de Janeiro
The historical Maracana, which could hold 200,000 people and played host to the 1950 FIFA World Cup, underwent major reconstruction prior to the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup. This new stadium will host the opening and closing ceremonies, along with this year’s final.
Estadio Beira-Rio, Porto Alegre
Situated the furthest south of the host cities, Estadio Beira-Rio faces a frenetic finish to see if all the amenities inside the stadium can be completed on time. One of the coolest of all the 12 venues, it will play host four Group games and one second-round clash.
Arena Corinthians, Sao Paulo
Situated on a plateau in the south-east, on the Atlantic coast, this is a high-altitude stadium and one that will be the new home to the famous Corinthians football club. The brand-new stadium will play host to the opening match of the tournament between Brazil and Croatia.
Arena da Baixada, Curitiba
The second-highest stadium in this year’s world cup, the stadium is located in one of Brazil’s coolest places, one which even saw snow fall this year. Home to Atletico Paranaense, this stadium was almost stripped off its World Cup hosting rights after a flurry of delays, but has now been given the green light to host four Group stage encounters.
Team Guide
Belgium
Currently at 11, Belgium are the highest-ranked team in Group H and have also made the most appearances in the World Cups compared to their opponents. Six of the team’s overall 11 previous campaigns were part of a successive streak that started from 1982 and ended in 2002. The furthest Belgium have ever progressed was in the 1986 edition, where they finished their campaign in fourth place.
The Western Europe nation qualified for the 2014 World Cup after an impressive performance in their Uefa qualifiers, where they won eight of their ten matches, drew two and lost none to finish atop Group A. The current Belgian side has been dubbed the ‘new golden generation’ by the media, having achieved an all-time high fifth Fifa world ranking in October 2013.
Les Diables Rouges have players like Eden Hazard on the flank, who can make excellent scoring opportunities from that position. Their midfield will also be strong will Maruoanne Fellaini and Axel Witsel bringing experience from playing in the Champions League.
FIFA Ranking: 11
Key Player: Eden Hazard
For more information, read Belgium Team Preview.
Russia
In their nine appearances at the World Cup, Russia’s best result came in 1966 where they managed to reach the semi-finals. They did not fare badly in the 1958, 1962 and 1978 either (finishing their campaign at the quarter-finals stage), but went downhill thereafter. Sbornaya’s recent best result came in the Euro 2008, where they finished semi-finalists.
The hosts of the 2018 World Cup qualified for this year’s event from the top of their group after a 1-1 draw with Azerbaijan in their last game.
Arguably the second-best team in the group, they will be hoping to get into the second round, in which they will likely be facing Germany. While Capello will be looking to redeem himself in this World Cup, it is going to be incredibly difficult. Whether they finish first or second, they will have to beat either Germany or Portugal to go through, which looks highly unlikely, given the lack of talent at his disposal right now.
FIFA Ranking: 19
Key Player: Alan Dzagoev
For more information, read Russia Team Preview.
Algeria
The highest-ranked team in Africa as of June 5, Algeria have played in the 1982, 1986 and 2010 Fifa World Cups but have never progressed further than the first round.
The current side will be looking to play for pride as much as for victory; the team was unable to score a single goal in their three games at the last World Cup, which included a goalless draw against England.
They have a talented but young bunch of players, some of whom ply their trade in Europe for some less-fancied sides. The likes of Sofiane Feghouli, Nabil Ghilas, Saphir Taider and Ishak Belfodil form a core group of players who will be key to their chances. The fact that they are the highest ranked African side in this World Cup shows that they are by no means a pushover. Renowned for pulling off some famous World Cup shocks, like West Germany in 1982 and England in 2010, Algeria will be looking to throw a spanner into the works of the other three sides, while at the same time hoping to finish second and go through to the Round of 16.
FIFA Ranking: 22
Key Player: Sofiane Feghouli
For more information, read Algeria Team Preview.
South Korea
South Korea are one of the most successful teams in Asia, having participated in eight consecutive and nine overall Fifa World Cup editions — the highest number for any Asian team. Starting from 1954, this will be the 10th time that South Korea will appear in the mega event. Although they have failed to achieve a win in five of their World Cup outings, South Korea became the first and only Asian team to make it to the semi-final stages in 2002, when they co-hosted the event with Japan; their fourth-place finish is the team’s best result to date.
The team narrowly qualified for the 2014 World Cup by finishing second in their group via goal difference in the Asian Football Confederation qualification round. Their present head coach Hong-Myung Bo captained the team in its impressive 2002 show and is also the most-capped player (136) in the entire history of the nation’s football.
The Taeguek Warriors will need to ensure they are able to retain possession in midfield and bring their skilled attacking players into play. Both tasks will be primarily the responsibility of Sunderland loanee Ki Sung-yueng. Ki has enjoyed an excellent second season in the Premier League, acting as a major driving force for the Black Cats as they both reached the final of the League Cup and avoided what had seemed to be certain relegation.
FIFA Ranking: 57
Key Player: Son Heung-Min
For more information, read South Korea Team Preview.
Key Fixtures
Belgium vs Algeria: The group’s first game will tell us how good this Belgian outfit really is and whether they are worthy of their underdogs tag. It will tell if this Algeria are underdogs or just underrated.
Belgium vs Russia: The last time these two met was in the 2002 World Cup, where current Belgian Coach Marc Wilmots scored a winner. Should his side manage the same this time around, they will be guaranteed of top spot and will likely avoid Germany in the Round of 16.
Predictions
The Belgians are without a doubt, the overwhelming favourites to claim top spot. Their strength and depth means that is very likely, thus making the scrap for second place something to watch out for. Russia look favourite to claim that spot, but both Algeria and South Korea will be looking to play spoil sports and register a famous victory over the Russians. But, the experience of Capello might just help Russia beat them both and claim second spot.
Whatever happens, one thing is for sure, whoever finishes in the top two are set to face some fierce competition in the Round of 16.
| Country | P | W | D | L | Points |
| Belgium | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 9 |
| Russia | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 6 |
| Algeria | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 3 |
| South Korea | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
Summary
With their vast World Cup experience and line-up of some of the most productive European footballers – including Premier League champions Manchester City’s captain Vincent Kompany – Belgium seem to carry weight in Group H and may make it to the knockouts. However, Russia can pose a threat as they go into the World Cup with burning ambitions to do well before they host the 2018 edition.
South Korea gave their best performance on foreign soil in the 2010 World Cup, when they made it to the last-16 round, so they may make the higher-ranked teams struggle. Algeria seems the least threatening team of the group, having never progressed further than the initial group stages.
South Korea Team Preview
The Players
1 Jung Sung-ryong goalkeeper, Suwon Bluewings
2 Kim Chang-soo defender, Kashiwa Reysol
3 Yun Suk-young defender, Queens Park Rangers
4 Kwak Tae-hwi defender, al-Hilal
5 Kim Young-gwon defender, Guangzhou Evergrande
6 Hwang Seok-ho defender, Sanfrecce Hiroshima
7 Kim Bo-kyung midfielder, Cardiff City
8 Ha Dae-sung midfielder, Beijing Guoan
9 Son Heung-min forward, Bayer Leverkusen
10 Park Chu-young forward, Watford
11 Lee Keun-ho forward, Sangju Sangmu
12 Lee Yong defender, Ulsan Hyundai
13 Koo Ja-cheol (captain) midfielder, Mainz
14 Han Kook-young midfielder, Kashiwa Reysol
15 Park Jong-woo midfielder, Guangzhou R&F
16 Ki Sung-yueng midfielder, Sunderland
17 Lee Chung-yong midfielder, Bolton Wanderers
18 Kim Shin-wook forward, Ulsan Hyundai
19 Ji Dong-won forward, Augsburg
20 Hong Jeong-ho defender, Augsburg
21 Kim Seung-gyu goalkeeper, Ulsan Hyundai
22 Park Joo-ho defender, Mainz
23 Lee Bum-young goalkeeper, Busan I’Park
Star man
The forward Son Heung-min turns 22 on the day of the first semi-final and if South Korea are to have any chance of getting there he will have to reproduce the form he showed this season for Bayer Leverkusen. Fast, shrewd and with a ferocious shot off either foot, Son is the Korean most likely to have commentators cooing.
Most likely to be sent home in disgrace
Ki Sung-yueng shocked supporters during the qualifiers when he took to Facebook to complain about “nagging” by the then-manager Choi Kang-hee. Ki professed to being surprised that his quip – “he better not show his face. Watch out!” – was construed a threat.
The coach
Hong Myung-bo, their most capped player with 136 appearances, succeeded Choi Kang-hee, who resigned in shame in June after the lacklustre qualification campaign. Hong led the Olympic side to bronze at London 2012, knocking out Team GB on penalties with a little help from Daniel Sturridge’s miss.
Grudge match
A meeting with Italy or Spain will inevitably arouse memories of the 2002 controversies, while an improbable clash with Iran would reawaken the bitter rivalry that broke out during the qualification campaign for this tournament. South Korea lost to them twice in a blizzard of irate coaches, punched goalkeepers and public pledges to “make life painful” for each other, with South Korea’s captain promising but failing most emphatically to make his opposite number “shed tears of blood”.
Holed up
Foz do Iguaçu is not only “one of Fifa’s official tourist destinations” but also temporary home to the South Koreans, who popped over for a training trip in January and found the famous waterfalls “gave the team good energy”. Their hotel, the Bourbon Resort, states that its mission is to “satisfy customers … and generate profit” and that is just the sort of disarming honesty with which South Korea like to play.
How they qualified
Second behind Iran to whom they lost home and away in their group and could only manage draws in Lebanon and Uzbekistan, qualifying automatically at the latter’s expense on goal difference.
World Cup high
Carried to fourth place in 2002 by astonishingly fervent home support and some astoundingly dubious refereeing during their victories over Italy and Spain.
World Cup low
In 1954 Hungary defeated them 9-0 and Turkey 7-0, the second drubbing the more ignominious given West Germany thrashed the Turks 7-2.
Familiar faces
Kim Bo-kyung (Cardiff City), Lee Chung-yong (Bolton), Ki Sung-yeung (Sunderland), Yun Suk-young (QPR), Park Chu-young (Arsenal).
Title odds: 250/1
The stereotype is …
Well-drilled running machines who will hound teams to distraction before launching sneaky counter-attacks and winning with the help of indulgent referees.
The reality is …
Technically adept side with plenty of midfield flair but rubbish forwards and a dodgy keeper in Jung Sung-ryung. Since changing manager last year the Taegeuk Warriors (Taegeuk is the symbol in the middle of the South Korea flag and translates literally as “large eternity”) have usually lined up in a 4-2-3-1 and sought to exploit their speed and technique on the counter. Kim Shin-wook spearheads the attack but Son carries a potent threat from slightly deeper. There are worries at the back, especially in goal, where none of the contenders have been in good form.
What they’re known for?
Gangnam Style 44 per cent
Screeching fans 27 per cent
Unusual delicacies 18 per cent
38th parallel 9 per cent
How Google translates the national anthem
The vast autumn sky is without clouds but the bright moon in the first-generation is single-minded in our hearts.
Duration
One minute and one second for the inappropriate and immature to shout out: “Hey, sexy lady, Op, op, op, op!”
How to dress like their fans
Red and blue Taeguks face-painted on to cheeks, red shirts, pockets full of Lockets for the inevitable sore throats from all the screaming.
Commentator’s go-to stat
Sales of male make-up in South Korea account for £900m of the cosmetics market. Twenty per cent of men use foundation cream.
Algeria Team Review
The Players
1 Cédric Si Mohamed goalkeeper, CS Constantine
2 Madjid Bougherra (captain) defender, Lekhwiya
3 Faouzi Ghoulam defender, Napoli
4 Essaid Belkalem defender, Watford
5 Rafik Halliche defender, Académica
6 Djamel Mesbah defender, Livorno
7 Hassan Yebda midfielder, Udinese
8 Medhi Lacen midfielder, Getafe
9 Nabil Ghilas forward, Porto
10 Sofiane Feghouli midfielder, Valencia
11 Yacine Brahimi midfielder, Granada
12 Carl Medjani defender, Valenciennes
13 Islam Slimani forward, Sporting
14 Nabil Bentaleb midfielder, Tottenham Hotspur
15 El Arbi Hillel Soudani forward, Dinamo Zagreb
16 Mohamed Zemmamouche goalkeeper, USM Alger
17 Liassine Cadamuro-Bentaïba defender, Mallorca
18 Abdelmoumene Djabou midfielder, Club Africain
19 Saphir Taider midfielder, Internazionale
20 Aissa Mandi defender, Reims
21 Riyad Mahrez midfielder, Leicester City
22 Mehdi Mostefa midfielder, Ajaccio
23 Rais M’Bolhi goalkeeper, CSKA Sofia
Star man
A former France youth international whose speed makes him a natural winger, Valencia’s Sofiane Feghouli has usually been deployed centrally by Algeria since pledging his international allegiance to the country in 2011. Critics insist he should score more often but his many admirers point to the number of chances that he creates for team-mates thanks to an immaculate first touch, excellent passing and knack for producing the unpredictable. Manage to stifle him and opponents will have gone a long way to neutralising Algeria.
Most likely to be sent home in disgrace
Like a careless housekeeper, Hilal Soudani has been known to lose his rag: when he played for Guimarães in Portgual he was sent off for treading on the hand of an opponent, who got up and exacted revenge with a headbutt, and in this season’s Champions League the striker, who is now on the books of Dinamo Zagreb, was sent off against Austria Vienna for berating the referee from the substitute’s bench.
The coach
Vahid Halilhodzic guided Ivory Coast to 2010 finals but was sacked four months before tournament. Wounded in 1992 Bosnian War so has sense of perspective about the manager’s lot.
Grudge match
Meeting France, the country with which Algeria fought a ferocious war of independence, would be sure to arouse passions. The only meeting between the countries, a 2001 friendly in Paris, was abandoned owing to crowd trouble.
Holed up
Sorocaba is the eighth largest city in the state of São Paulo and was once known as “Manchester Paulista” because of the number of English-owned textile factories there. The country’s media have expressed concern about the state of the road serving the team’s residence, the Pitangueiras Farm Hotel, but if coaches can’t handle it there are always alternatives – it is a former horse ranch, and there is still a well-stocked stable. Plus, if there aren’t enough horses to go round, the squad may already contain a few donkeys. There are extreme sports available, including a zip wire and hot-air ballooning.
How they qualified
Rock solid home form saw them top qualifying group with some ease, but only scraped through a play-off on away goals (3-3) against unfancied Burkina Faso.
World Cup high
Beating West Germany 2-1 in Spain ’82… but eliminated by stitch-up when Germans and Austria signed non-aggression pact in final group game.
World Cup low
Managing only a disappointing 0-0 draw against South Africa 2010 no-hopers England, in group stage.
Familiar faces
Riyad Mahrez (Leicester City), Nabil Bentaleb (Tottenham),
Title odds
1,000/1
The stereotype is …
Proud tradition of existential goalkeepers, highly excitable and volatile fans, lots of blokes with similar names.
The reality is …
Decent defensive unit, manager clear-out has got rid of coasting old timers, some talented forwards.
For Algeria’s fourth finals they have set themselves the target of progressing beyond the group stages for the first time. Halilhodzic is partial to a 4-1-4-1 formation, even more so since the France-born Nabil Bentaleb declared for Algeria, with the Tottenham Hotspur player immediately entrusted with providing midfield protection for a brittle defence marshalled by the creaking Bougherra. Two rapid wingers and the more central Feghouli are the men most likely to create chances for Slimani.
What are they known for?
Camus 8 per cent
Couscous 7 per cent
Camels 5 per cent
Chaffing sand 80 per cent
How Google translates the national anthem
O France!
Past is the time of palavers.
We closed it as we close a book,
O France!
Duration
Full version can go on for a Frenchman-baiting five minutes and four seconds.
How to dress like their fans
Wear green, paint face: supporters of the Desert Foxes seem especially keen on the greasepaint. Favourite chant is “One, two, three, viva Algerie!”
Commentator’s go-to stat
80 per cent of the country is covered by desert. This is their fourth World Cup appearance.
Russia Team Preview
The Players
1 Igor Akinfeev goalkeeper, CSKA Moscow
2 Aleksei Kozlov defender, Dynamo Moscow
3 Georgi Shchennikov defender, CSKA Moscow
4 Sergei Ignashevich defender, CSKA Moscow
5 Andrei Semyonov defender, Terek Grozny
6 Maksim Kanunnikov forward, Rubin Kazan
7 Igor Denisov midfielder, Dynamo Moscow
8 Denis Glushakov midfielder, Spartak Moscow
9 Aleksandr Kokorin forward, Dynamo Moscow
10 Alan Dzagoev midfielder, CSKA Moscow
11 Aleksandr Kerzhakov forward, Zenit St Petersburg
12 Yuri Lodygin goalkeeper, Zenit St Petersburg
13 Vladimir Granat defender, Dynamo Moscow
14 Vasili Berezutski defender, CSKA Moscow
15 Roman Shirokov (captain) midfielder, Krasnodar
16 Sergey Ryzhikov goalkeeper, Rubin Kazan
17 Oleg Shatov midfielder, Zenit St Petersburg
18 Yuri Zhirkov forward, Dynamo Moscow
19 Aleksandr Samedov forward, Lokomotiv Moscow
20 Viktor Fayzulin midfielder, Zenit St Petersburg
21 Aleksei Ionov forward, Dynamo Moscow
22 Andrey Yeshchenko defender, Anzhi Makhachkala
23 Dmitri Kombarov defender, Spartak Moscow
Star man
Alan Dzagoev briefly illuminated Euro 2012 with his clever running, good feet and fine finishing. Plays on the right of midfield for Capello where his workaholism and pace are used in the manager’s typically efficient system.
Most likely to be sent home in disgrace
No one. This is a strict regime and the players on national duty are not rebellious. The only hope for discord is if Capello tries on his Stuart Pearce-baiting style argy bargy with one of his band of assistants.
The coach
Perhaps it was Fabio Capello’s Russophile taste in art – Wassily Kandinsky and Marc Chagall are among those whose daubings adorn his walls – that earned him the job of Russia manager. Perhaps it was the five Serie A titles he has amassed as a coach, or the two championships to which he led Real Madrid. Almost certainly it was not the performances of the England team the Fraggle-faced tactician coaxed to such a peak of underwhelmingness in South Africa in 2010.
Grudge match
A rivalry with Poland started 400 years ago and, aided by the odd war and occasional occupation, is still gathering pace, with violence and ribald nationalism puckering Russia’s Polish sojourn in Euro 2012, capped by 183 arrests on the day the two teams drew in Group A. Their most familiar foes are Belgium, who the Soviets faced in 1970, 1982 and 1986 and Russia played in 2002 – the last two games were both lost 3-2, and only the first was won.
Holed up
Germany had been expected to make it their base but when they decided to go elsewhere Russia gladly stepped in. Their training centre at the Estádio Novelli Júnior is almost finished after several delays, and the San Raphael Country Hotel is roaring to go, its Russian TV channels freshly connected.
How they qualified
Finished a point ahead of Portugal at the top of Group F having survived a brief attack of the vapours when losing to the runners-up in Lisbon and Northern Ireland in Belfast.
World Cup high
Fourth place as the USSR in 1966, having been defeated 2-1 by West Germany in the semi-final at Goodison Park but haven’t made it out of the group stages in two appearances as Mother Russia following the disintegration of the Soviet Union.
World Cup low
Hopeless in 2002, they flattered to deceive with victory over Tunisia before Japan and Belgium shattered the illusion and showed them up as powder-puff and predictable.
Familiar faces
No one
Title odds
66-1
The stereotype is …
Joyless automatons boring the opposition to death through relentless pressing until striker with the build, complexion and naked disappointment of Rodney Trotter nicks one.
The reality is …
Organised, punishingly-fit and tactically-disciplined with a great goalkeeper in Igor Akinfeev and a centre-forward in Aleksandr Kerzhakov with the balance, control and shooting power to hurt most teams.
What they’re known for?
Pussy Riot 19 per cent
Owning London 32 per cent
Polonium 6 per cent
Three centuries of astonishing literature 43 per cent
How Google translates the national anthem
Ancestor-given wisdom of our people! Be glorious, our country, our pride!
Duration
Three minutes and 34sec to allow graduates of Trinity College, Cambridge, to substitute the new words for the “Party of Lenin!” version.
How to dress like their fans
Oligarch chic – £500,000 watches, no ties, pale blue shirts, stubble and the keys to your dreadnought-size yacht jingling in your bodyguard’s trousers.
Commentator’s go-to stat
Russia is the largest country in the world and Capello the highest-paid manager.
Belgium Team Preview
The Players
1 Thibaut Courtois goalkeeper, Atlético Madrid
2 Toby Alderweireld defender, Atlético Madrid
3 Thomas Vermaelen defender, Arsenal
4 Vincent Kompany (captain) defender, Manchester City
5 Jan Vertonghen defender, Tottenham Hotspur
6 Axel Witsel midfielder, Zenit Saint Petersburg
7 Kevin De Bruyne midfielder, Wolfsburg
8 Marouane Fellaini midfielder, Manchester United
9 Romelu Lukaku forward, Everton
10 Eden Hazard midfielder, Chelsea
11 Kevin Mirallas midfielder, Everton
12 Simon Mignolet goalkeeper, Liverpool
13 Sammy Bossut goalkeeper, Zulte Waregem
14 Dries Mertens forward, Napoli
15 Daniel Van Buyten defender, Bayern Munich
16 Steven Defour midfielder, Porto
17 Divock Origi forward, Lille
18 Nicolas Lombaerts defender, Zenit Saint Petersburg
19 Mousa Dembélé midfielder, Tottenham Hotspur
20 Adnan Januzaj midfielder, Manchester United
21 Anthony Vanden Borre defender, Anderlecht
22 Nacer Chadli midfielder, Tottenham Hotspur
23 Laurent Ciman defender, Standard Liège
Star man
Eden Hazard is not the easiest player to manage at times – as José Mourinho will testify (forgotten passport before a Champions League tie at Schalke; catastrophic defensive gaffe against Atlético Madrid) – and not Belgium’s most influential player in qualifying (De Bruyne surpassed him with four goals and four assists) but the Chelsea playmaker is unquestionably the country’s talisman. Hopefully he’ll turn up at the airport to catch the flight to Brazil with his passport.
Most likely to be sent home in disgrace
Marouane Fellaini. It’s those elbows. They’re dangerous, not in a Leonardo-on-Tab-Ramos-in-1994 sort of way, but nasty all the same. You certainly wouldn’t want to run into one of them, which is what Fellaini claimed Pablo Zabaleta did in March. “That’s the funniest thing I have ever heard in my life,” the Manchester City defender said.
The coach
Marc Wilmots, class act as an attacking midfielder and a person, is popular with his talented young group and getting the best out of them.
Grudge match
Neighbours Holland aren’t the worst of enemies – but they’re not best friends either. An epic Derby der Lage Landen/les Pays-Bas took place in 1985, when Belgium beat the Dutch in a World Cup play-off that featured some shameful play-acting from Franky Vercauteren, Ruud Gullit in tights and the late header that made Georges Grun a national hero.
Holed up
The Paradise Golf and Lake Resort, 50km from São Paulo, was persuaded by Wilmots to stock a lake with trout so that his squad can enjoy a spot of fishing to relax. “When I was a player, Belgium always seemed to be based in monasteries, and it was impossible to keep your sanity for a month,” said Wilmots, whose six-minute guided tour of the hotel and its grounds is available on YouTube.
How they qualified
Highly impressively, eight wins and no defeats, as they put Wales,Scotland, Croatia and Serbia to the sword in Group A.
World Cup high
Came fourth in Mexico 1986, beating the USSR and Spain in knockouts, losing to winners Argentina in the semis and France in the third-place play-off.
World Cup low
Disappointingly failed to qualify for 2006 and 2010 – but now have a generation to eclipse the good times of Enzo Scifo and company.
Familiar faces
Simon Mignolet (Liverpool), Jan Vertonghen (Tottenham Hotspur), Thomas Vermaelen (Arsenal), Mousa Dembélé (Tottenham), Marouane Fellaini (Manchester United), Eden Hazard (Chelsea), Nacer Chadli (Tottenham), Kevin Mirallas (Everton), Romelu Lukaku (Chelsea, on loan Everton), Vincent Kompany (Manchester City).
Title odds
16/1
The stereotype is …
Technical, boring, not especially good, tended to rely on one exciting player per team and surround him with water carriers.
The reality is …
Absolutely bursting with young talent, hard to know who to leave out. Still, look at how certain other ‘Golden Generations’ have done. Set up in a fluid 4-3-3, with the accomplished Axel Witsel anchoring midfield, Belgium will look to Kevin De Bruyne (former Chelsea) and Eden Hazard (Chelsea for now) to provide the craft and guile and Romelu Lukaku (on Chelsea’s books) the goals. So more a royal blue generation than a golden one.
What they’re known for
Frites 40 per cent
Beer 40 per cent
Absence of famous people 20 per cent
How Google translates the national anthem
Is available in about 27 languages, Google machine blew up translating German into Dutch and back into Walloon via French.
Duration
Better hope they only play one of the versions.
How to dress like their fans
One of those skullcap helmets with the horns in red and yellow is a must. Bring a lot of red balloons.
Commentator’s go-to stat
Supporters filled the national stadium with 46,000 children’s drawings of national team players. Relations between fans and players are excellent.
Group G Preview, Germany, Portugal, Ghana and USA
Touted by many as the alternate ‘Group of Death’ to Group D, which consists of Uruguay, Italy and England, Group G will be among the most fiercely contested groups in the early stages of the World Cup. Consisting of Germany, Portugal, Ghana and the USA, Group G will be among the ones to watch out for in terms of competition.
Among the teams in the group, only Germany have tasted FIFA World Cup success; on three occasions. Portugal have always flattered to deceive, Ghana have emerged on the football map only recently, while the USA have never really threatened the big boys of world football.
| Match # | Date | Match | Time | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13 | 16th June 2014 | Germany vs Portugal | 17:00 | Arena Fonta Nova, Salvador |
| 14 | 16th June 2014 | Ghana vs USA | 23:00 | Arena das Dunas, Natal |
| 29 | 22nd June 2014 | Germany vs Ghana | 20:00 | Estadio Castelao, Fortaleza |
| 30 | 22nd June 2014 | USA vs Portugal | 23:00 | Arena Amazônia, Manaus |
| 45 | 26th June 2014 | USA vs Germany | 17:00 | Arena Pernambuco, Recife |
| 46 | 26th June 2014 | Portugal vs Ghana | 17:00 | Estadio Nacional, Brasilia |
Venues
The matches of Group G will be held at 6 different venues.
Arena Pernambuco, RecifeEstadio Castelao, at Forteleza is at mean sea level but the temperatures there peak up to 32 degrees celsius. Coupled with that are the nearby coasts, therefore we could expect potential rains and strong winds.
Arena Pernambuco, in Recife is a dangerous arena with the city averaging 224 days of rain a year, and the months of June and July being the wettest. The humidity in this region is high during these months, which will make the players’ job very tough, and bodies will have to be in perfect shape.
Arena Amazonia in Manaus follows suit with wet conditions and a 40% chance of thunderstorms and expected humidity up to 80 %. Located in the Amazon Rainforest region, Manaus is far away from most teams’ bases for the World Cup, and the travel and humidity are bound to sap the energy out of the players.
Estadio das Dunas, in Natal is the most punishing arena with an average humidity of 97% in the middle of June. This could result in a lot of tiring and frequent drink breaks, with Ghana and USA upon whom this arena is thrust.
Estadio Nacional in Brasiilia will be among the more comfortable stadiums to play in, especially for the European teams. Mean temoeratures in June ar around 27-29 degrees celsius, but humidity levels could be a concern. In late June, when Group G’s Brasilia match is scheduled to be held, humidity levels average in excess of 90%. Therefore again, tiring and frequent breaks can be expected.
Arena Fonta Nova in Salvador is a typical Brazilian venue, with temperatures averaging around 29 degrees celsius, and humidity levels ranging from 75-85%, on an average, in June. With two Europen sides playing in Salvador, Germany and Portugal could have a tough time, especially with that match being both teams’ first in the tournament.
Teams
Germany
Being the recent underachievers of international football, Germany have failed to halt Spain’s dominance despite being rated as one of the strongest teams in the world. Losing 1-0 in the Euro 2008 final and in the 2010 semi-final of the World Cup to eventual champions Spain, the German squad, symbolic of efficiency, has been consistently halted by the European juggernaut.
Coach Joachim Loew’s squad cruised in their qualification, remaining undefeated and scoring 36 goals in 10 games. Regardless of the onslaught, the German fans are pessimistic about Die Nationalmannschaft’s chances, as the team’s recent endeavours have failed to live up to expectations. But qualifying for the knockout stage is almost inevitable, despite being in a difficult group.
They have among the most balanced squads in the tournament, with a perfect blend of youth and experience, and how Joechim Loew handles the squad will decide how they perform in the tournament. The injury to Marco Reus will no doubt weaken the Germans, but if there in one team in the tournament capable of handling the no-show of player of the calibre of Reus, it is Die Mannschaft. Loew’s squad is a mix of extremely talented youngsters and some big-names who have what it takes to shine in the penultimate stage of the tournament. Germany’s record scorer, Miroslav Klose, has also been included to support striker Lukas Podolski.
FIFA Ranking: 2
Key Player : Julian Draxler
For more information, read Germany Team Preview
Portugal
Paulo Bento’s Portugal had to go through an immense struggle to reach Brazil as a two-legged playoff against Sweden could have gone either way, if it wasn’t for star player Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored four goals in the two games.
Captain and record scorer Ronaldo will be the obvious player under the spotlight, as the Ballon d’Or winning Real Madrid superstar is expected to carry the weight of his country on his back. Ronaldo will be looking at the Argentina squad of 1986 for inspiration, which was led to triumph singlehandedly by Diego Maradona, to guide his team in similar fashion to their first World Cup.
Other key players for Portugal include Real Madrid’s Pepe and the midfield duo of Raul Meireles and Joao Moutinho.
FIFA Ranking: 4
Key Player : Cristiano Ronaldo
For more information, read Portugal Team Preview.
United States of America
The Americans have achieved their best performance of the World Cup when they finished third in the tournament’s first edition in 1930. Qualifying for every World Cup since 1990, Jurgen Klinsmann leads a buoyant USMNT to Brazil and faces the daunting prospect of facing his own nation and Cristiano Ronaldo.
The US will do extremely well to get out of the group stage, and their hopes will rest on the likes of Jozy Altidore and Clint Dempsey in the absence of long time star Landon Donovan. In defense, Stoke City’s Geoff Cameron and Everton Goalkeeper Tim Howard will have huge roles to play.
FIFA Ranking: 13
Key Player : Landon Donovan
For more information, read USA Team Preview
Ghana
“The Black Stars” have been Africa’s sole light in the last two editions of the FIFA World Cup. They were denied in 2006 by the brilliance of Brazil in the Round of 16, while they went one better in 2010, when they were cruelly denied by the Hand of Luis Suarez, and a missed penalty by Asamoah Gyan that followed. Pitted against two European powerhouses, the four-time African Cup of Nations winners can consider it an achievement to even reach the knockout stage of the tournament. Ghana’s performances in the Africa Cup of Nations have been below par, and they will hope for a strong showing in Brazil.
Ghana are in relatively good form, winning five of their six matches in qualifiers and being the top scorers from Africa with 25 goals. The experienced team will welcome back AC Milan holding midfielder Michael Essien, who will be crucial for the team’s success. Kevin-Prince Boateng will play the vital role of carrying his team in an extremely difficult group. The former Tottenham Hostpurs man has been involved in controversies, but the flair he brings on the pitch makes him the exciting player he is.
FIFA Ranking: 37
Key Player : Asamoah Gyan
For more information, read Ghana Team Preview
Key Matches
Germany vs Portugal
This is a game that could well decide who tops the group. WIth Portugal likely to receive a boost with Ronaldo’s return from injury and Germany receiving a blow with Reus’ injury, the teams start on a slightly even field. Especially with it being the first game of the tournament for both sides, it might be a dull, cagey affair. But that is not how Loew sets his teams out. So one can only hope for an open, free-flowing game of attacking football.
Portugal vs Ghana
The last game in this group. One would expect that, by this time, Germany would have wrapped up top spot in the group. So, this game might well be a virtual knockout game, with the loser bowing out of the tournament.
Predictions
One would expect Germany to top this group, by winning all their three games, and I tip Portugal to pip Ghana to the second qualifiction spot. So, even though, this is an alternate ‘Group of Death’, I expect the results to be pretty straight-forward, with the fancied teams progressing to the next round.
| Team Position | Country | Points |
| 1 | Germany | 9 |
| 2 | Portugal | 6 |
| 3 | Ghana | 3 |
| 4 | USA | 0 |
Summary
Group G can produce some cracking encounters as four well-equipped squads will battle it out to reach the knockout stage. But there is a realistic prediction that can be made on who is most likely to qualify. Germany will definitely be the favourites, followed closely by the Ronaldo-led Portugal.
Ghana and the US both have commendable squads of experienced players and a history of recently successful campaigns in the World Cup backing them to cause an upset against the two European giants, but only time will tell if they can shock the football world.
World Cup 2014 - BRAZIL 