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Breaking Down Brazil’s World Cup 2014 Group Stage Draw
Published: December 6, 2013
As ever, much attention was on the host nation, and with the Selecao of Brazil having won the competition on five previous occasions, that was truer than ever this time around.
Luiz Felipe Scolari led his side to the Confederations Cup title in June, having taken over a squad in disarray just a few months earlier. Next year, Croatia, Mexico and Cameroon will be the sides faced with the prospect of taking on the favourites at the first hurdle.
Should Brazil progress from the group stage as expected, they will then encounter Spain, Chile or Netherlands as likely round of 16 opponents while Italy or Colombia could await in the quarter-final.
Let's take a look at the hosts’ group stage draw.
Croatia
Of all the UEFA teams Brazil could have drawn for the finals, Niko Kovac's Croatia side are undoubtedly one of the more favourable opponents.
The Baltic nation were far from impressive in qualifying, relying on the playoffs to advance and sacking manager Igor Stimac. While they have some World Cup pedigree, the current generation does not live up to the standards of previous years.
They do carry some threat, though, with a technically gifted midfield including the likes of Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic standing out as a particular strong point.
Brazil will fancy their chances of exposing Croatia defensively, while striker Mario Mandzukic will miss the opening game of the tournament due to suspension following a red card against Iceland.
Mexico
Coach Miguel Herrera saw Mexico to a two-legged playoff success over New Zealand to reach the competition, scoring nine goals in the process. However, Mexico's form has been fa...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - International Football
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