Switzerland doesn’t deserve to be in Pot 1 and probably will not make it out of the first round. It would be a good statement that FIFA has to change their grading system. They do, however, have a few interesting players such as Eren Derdiyok and Bayern Munich hotshot Xherdan Shaqiri. Even though they were handed an easy group, I don’t see them progressing or reaching the quarterfinals. Maybe I am being tough on them, but they lack quality and guile.
Uruguay are a very difficult team to beat and the will cause many teams a severe headache. The attacking trio of Diego Forlan, Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani is probably as good as it gets. Look for them to reach the quarterfinals again.
Argentina is a very strong attacking team. They have the world’s best striker in Lionel Messi as well as Sergio Aguero, but seem to be very limited defensively, and that could be their undoing. Argentina were handed an easy group, and it would be a major disappointment if they don’t progress form the group. Only Bosnia is going to prove to be a stern test for this team.
Colombia are my favorites to reach the semifinals. They are a very balanced team. They have superstar players like Radamel Falcao and James Rodriguez, as well as a group of talented youngsters. Watch out for Colombia as they will surprise you. Colombia has been handed an easy group, but could have trouble if they progress to the later stages. I don’t think they have what it takes.
Belgium are the big enigma this time around. Marc Wilmots' team are capable of going all the way, but seem to come up short when it matters the most. Eden Hazard and the rest of the Belgian golden generation have a lot to prove next year, and I believe they will come up short. An incredibly easy group has given Belgium a great opportunity to succeed.
Brazil are always a tough team to face. They have won five World Cups in their illustrious career and are going to be very hard to beat seeing as they will be at home. The climate in Brazil will also play a huge part, and I fully expect Brazil to capitalize and reach at least the quarterfinals. Look for players like Paulinho, Hulk and Oscar to shine. An easy group should see them progress without breaking a sweat.
Spain is without a doubt the best team in the world and they should progress to at least the semifinals. The last World Cup winners don’t look as strong as they did four years ago, but they still have plenty of superstars on their roster. David Silva and Cesc Fabregas will have to perform well and they have a lot of pressure on their shoulders. A very difficult group means that they have a lot of work to do if they are to win again in Brazil.
Germany are my favorites to lift the trophy next July at the Maracana Stadium. They have an incredibly deep squad and seem to have no weaknesses. A team including Mesut Ozil, Mario Gotze, Marco Reus and Toni Kroos will always be exciting to watch. Germany always perform well at major competitions, and next year will certainly not be the exception. A somewhat difficult group will help them focus, and they could be the team to beat if they hit the ground running.
