Group G - Group Of Death

Group G has earned the title of the infamous ‘Group of Death’ at this year’s tournament. The Group contains 5 time winners Brazil (1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, 2002), the mighty African football nation of Cote d’Ivoire, dangerous Europeans Portugal, and fairytale story (or horror story depending on your view of the world) North Korea.

Brazil ($1.10 to advance) – The greatest football nation on earth, and winners of a record 5 world titles, the Brazilians are highly fancied to add a 6th title to their cabinet here in South Africa. Full of the usual brilliant attacking maestros, led this time by superstar Kaka, the Brazilians have also shored up the defence under coach Dunga. They will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing tournament in Germany where they were eliminated in the Quarter-finals. With even luck I see them going all the way to the final in Jo’berg.

Portugal ($1.60) – While the golden generation failed to deliver Portugal the title it craved, their golden boy, Christiano Ronaldo may be able to take the Iberian nation to their first world title. World Footballer of the year in 2008, Ronaldo will have to single handedly drag his team into the latter stages, as the side lacks the quality across the park of previous Portuguese teams. If he hits form – watch out – these guys could go a long way.

Cote d’Ivoire ($2.15) – See Portugal, and replace Christian Ronaldo with Didier Drogba. In Drogba, the Ivoirians have one of the best power forwards in the game. However, he is under a massive injury cloud after breaking his arm in a warm-up game against Japan. Their first game against Portugal is key, and if Drogba is fit and they can get a result they are probably Africa’s best hope to go deep into the tournament.

North Korea ($30.00) – No that’s not a misprint. North, that’s right, NORTH Korea have done the unthinkable and qualified for their second every World Cup. The leader with his finger on the button will have his finger firmly on the remote control in the Jung-Il household when the DPRK make their return to the world stage against the might of the Brazil in their opening group game. Unfortunately they will be smashed like a crumbling dictatorship trying to hold off the might of the US military industrial complex.

What 2 Watch 4 – Cote d’Ivoire v Portugal – Probably the pick of the opening group games – a loss for either side with the prospect of Brazil to come doesn’t bear thinking about.

Suggested Investment – With the injury concerns over Drogba I like Portugal to take down the Elephants in the first group game. You should be able to get about $2.30 for them to win.

Prices courtesy of Betfair.