2014 World Cup - Group C Preview

Group C of the 2014 World Cup is possibly the most evenly matched of all the qualifying groups, and if it doesn’t feature an outstanding team, then the quality of competition should represent some form of compensation. Colombia, Ivory Coast, Japan and Greece will all compete gainly for a place in the last sixteen, and each nation will quietly fancy its chances of progressing.

Once upon a time, the notion of Japan regularly reaching the World Cup would have been pretty ridiculous. But football is a truly global game now, and those who doubt the pull of the beautiful game in East Asia would do well to observe numerous Premier League grounds, where advertising to the Far East is commonplace. Shinji Kagawa of Manchester United is Japan’s truly world-class player, and the Asian nation could spring some surprises in this group without doubt.

Greece have experienced an incredible victory in an international tournament back in Euro 2004, but have generally struggled to remotely imitate this performance ever since. Their current playing squad is ageing, with some of the veterans having taken part in that memorable achievement ten years ago. With the 37 year-old Giorgos Karagounis still captaining their side, and another veteran Kostas Katsouranis still important to their midfield, one can see that there isn’t a great deal of new blood seeping through the Greek veins at present, and of the four teams they seem the least likely to progress to the latter stages. On the plus side, the climate will at least suit them.

By some distance, Colombia are the favourites with the bookmakers to win the group. Finishing just two points behind Argentina in the extremely demanding CONMEBOL qualifying section, the Colombians boast some truly elite players such as the Monaco forward Radamel Falcao and the Inter Milan midfield player Freddy Guarin. With players all over Europe in some of it top clubs, this is a very experienced line-up, and one that is likely to make it through this group.

Finally, Ivory Coast’s golden generation has one final chance to make it big at a major international tournament. Cote d’ Ivoire have had a strong side on paper for quite some time, but this is their first chance to really progress in a World Cup, having been handed a pretty favourable qualifying group. Many of the Ivory Coast players are household names and considered among the most prominent in Europe, particularly Yaya Toure of Manchester City and Didier Drogba of galatasary and formerly Chelsea. There is no end of quality in their squad, but the temperament of the Ivory Coast has been found wanting in the past, and they desperately need to get off to a good start in Group C if they are to progress.

Nevertheless, I’m tipping Ivory Coast to finally live up to their potential and reach the knockout stages by finishing second in the group, with Colombia topping Group C and also progressing to the last sixteen.

Selections: Colombia and Ivory Coast to qualify for the last sixteen

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20/05/2014     © Frixo 2026