World Cup Group G and H preview and predictions.

Don't expect much to get past Iker Cassillas during these finals. Photo via ikercasillas.soccerstar.info

We conclude our weeklong series previewing the World Cup group stages. See the links below for the previous posts:
Groups A and B
Groups C and D
Groups E and F

Group G:

Winners:

1st Brazil

Can you ever bet against Brazil winning their group? The five-time Cup winners will be just as fierce as in years past, especially with the number one goalie in the world, Julio Cesar. Too many stars to name in just one post so I’ll let you go ahead and watch the game to learn the names. Maybe not the best Brazil team as in Cups past, but equally able to make some serious noise. 14 of the players on the roster go by one name. Now that’s a good soccer team!

2nd Portugal

Led by Christiano Ronaldo, the Portuguese hope to perform better than they did in qualifying, barely getting in after a play-off win over Bosnia. Lots of talent on this team that many analysts are projecting big things out of the squad. Unfortunately, they only have 12 players that go by just one name. That’s two short of the Brazilians. Sorry, guys. You’ll have to settle for second.

Losers

Cote d’Ivore

A lot was expected out of the Ivory Coast, but after being drawn into the group of death and Didier Drogba breaking his arm, things don’t look good for this squad. Drogba says he will be back, but his physical play involves the use of his arms. Would not be surprised to see him pull out after some kind of incident. Tough break for the Ivory Coast.

North Korea

For some reason when I did the first group previews and predictions, I though South Korea was North Korea. Yeah, I have no idea either, so here’s what I wrote. “Kim Jong Ill has got to be at the matches. I will watch solely so they flash to Kim Jong Ill scoring 25 goals in a game. Playing as the goalie. That’s North Korean propaganda for you! CATCH THE WAVE!”

Group H:

Winners

1st Spain

The top team in the world were awarded with a generous draw of Switzerland, Chile and Honduras. With the immense talent of the squad, including Xabi Alonso, Xavi, and Iker Cassilas, many expect the Spaniards to bring home the cup, no questions asked.

2nd Chile

Choosing a second place team in the final group was tough, but I’ll give the edge to Chile because of their impressive South American qualifying, finishing second behind only Brazil. Matias Fernandez, Alexis Sanchez and Humberto Suazo love to push the ball forward and will attack whenever possible. Counter attacks could be lethal, even for Spain to contain. Still a very young team that should be able to put up impressive performances now and in the future.

Losers

Switzerland

It’s hard to find something negative to say about the Swiss because they’re just so… so… neutral. The Swiss are more of a defensive team, so do not expect large goal totals out of them.

Honduras

This squad will always have a soft spot in my heart because of the matches I’ve watched between the USMNT and the Hondurans at RFK. Unfortunately, they received a relatively tough draw to advance. Sorry, boys, you’ll be headed home.