Scouting The Group Stages – Group A

With the World Cup around the corner, and the inevitability of yet more delightful Fantasy Football to plague our heads, we take a quick look at the key players we should be targeting for the group stages of Brazil 2014.  For my first article I’ll begin with Group A, containing Brazil, Cameroon, Croatia and Mexico. The hosts are the obvious candidates to win the group, and it is they and Croatia that dominate our thoughts.

The Defence

Brazil

Brazil manager Scolari has settled for a back-line that have experience playing with each other over numerous games and competitions, so much so he has left behind other successful options in order to preserve his status quo at the back. Julio Cesar is expected to stay as Brazil’s number one keeper despite mixed playing time. Thiago Silva and David Luiz are his preferred starting centre-halves, although Bayern Munich offers Dante as competition. Marcelo and Dani Alves flank respectfully, both always eager to get forward. The full backs should be in line for plenty of recovered balls, and assists onto the traditional forwards Scolari tends to prefer.

Cameroon

For those that are looking for something different, Cameroon offers a large selection of high quality defenders from leagues all over the world. A variety of centre-halves will compete for a starting birth, most notably Aurelien Chedjou (Galatasaray) and Nicolas Nkoulou (Marseille). One to watch could be the young prospect Joel Matip (FC. Schalke), particularly if he is used in midfield for an out-of-position prospect. Choosing one over the other is a bit of a guessing game, with all offering prospects for recovering balls and goal threat. Henri Bedimo has just completed a successful season at Lyon in the French Ligue 1, with a goal and 10 assists, and should make the left-back spot his own, although Benoit Assou-Ekotto’s successful loan spell at Queens Park Rangers may see him challenging for the position.

The Midfield

Croatia

Chile may have fewer options then hosts Brazil, but crucially several in-form candidates are real contenders to choose from. Luka Modric has had an exemplary season at Champions League finalists Real Madrid, becoming an integral first-team member, albeit with only two goals and eight assists. Ivan Rakitic has had his most prolific season yet, garnering 13 goals and 12 assists, and will no doubt have a few set pieces in his locker. Mateo Kovacic of Inter may have only begun upping his minutes recently, but three assists in his final game of the season could see him offer the promise as a fearless young talent with all to play for.

Brazil

Brazil have a variety of options to choose from, and thanks to them being on home turf, we expect them to perform. Whilst the successful seasons of both Luis Gustavo (Wolfsburg), and Fernandinho (Manchester City) may see them in the starting line-up, their deeper role may diminish returns. Instead, we turn of focus to the more forward-minded midfielders. Paulinho may have had an up-and-down season at Tottenham, but he excelled in the Confederations Cup, and is expected to do the same. Chelsea team-mates Ramires and Oscar have the energy and flair to create, although Oscar’s recent injury problems may be an issue. An interesting option is Hernanes. Formerly of Lazio, and plying his trade currently at Inter Milan, he has the option to unlock defences with an incisive pass or free kick, and could be one to watch.

The Forwards

Brazil

Again it is hard to look past the host nation. Revelling in the local support, last year’s golden boy, Neymar, will make his return to dazzle the world stage. Whilst the jury is out on the expensive youngster’s worth, he no doubt has the talent to produce, and with 15 goals and 11 assists for Barcelona in La Liga, it is hard to ignore him. Hulk is likely to start on the right of the front three, although has played centrally for his club Zenit. 20 goals and eight assists are impressive, although he may lose set plays with the sea of quality to choose from. That said, his penchant for a long shot and his strength on the ball are something to keep note of. Centrally, the duo of Fred and Jô offer aerial threats, but choosing one over the other is a dangerous guessing game, with both scoring for their country when needed.

Croatia

Croatia’s forward line will no doubt be dominated by a strong physical presence, with three names in particular standing out. Mario Mandzukic has just completed a crushing season with Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga, and whilst a defence of their Champions League crown proved unsuccessful, he still finished the season with 21 goals and 6 assists, and will in all likelihood lead the line. Hull’s January acquisition Jelavic has four goals in comparison, and despite his increased game time, may struggle to be second choice. Wolfsburg’s Ivica Olic is the man that has form on his side, with six goals and two assists in his last 10 matches.

Mexico

Whilst some of Mexico’s flair forwards refuse to play for their country, the two most likely forwards to start every match are both good choices. Manchester United’s Javier Hernandez may be lacking minutes, but has proven for both club and country that he can score when called upon. Giovani dos Santos of Villarreal can play both centrally and out wide, and has 10 goals and seven assists to his name.

The Differentials

Darijo Srna (Shakhtar Donetsk) – his raiding runs down the right could harvest points, and he is in the running for set-pieces despite the wealth on offer.

Dejan Lovren (Southampton) – the highly rated defender proved to be a vital component of a strong defensive unit, and will no doubt be one to watch, especially if recovered balls are still so highly prized as points.

Diego Reyes (Porto) – touted as yet another future star for Porto to cash in on, his experience of higher-level football may prove useful at the heart of the Mexican defence.

Samuel Eto’o (Chelsea) – he may be playing what could be his last World Cup, but the legendary forward is still performing (to some extent) at the top level, and should hold his berth in the starting 11.