FIFA World Cup 2014 Draw: Assessment/Initial Predictions

Friday's draw for the 20th FIFA World Cup tournament saw a lot of surprises and shocks. The focus turns to all 32 teams who are taking part in Brazil next summer, as well as their chances at this early stage of prediction.

England. The eye of the nation is on the Three Lions who, it is fair to say, have been drawn into a tough group. In Group D, they are up against Italy, who last won the tournament in 2006 against France on penalties in Berlin's Olympiastadion, as well as Uruguay who claimed the final place for next summer's tournament beating Jordan in the play-offs. Joining the Three Lions are Costa Rica, with the two teams having never met each other before. Judging by current status, it would be hard to see England progress from the group stages. A win against Italy would at this rate, bring about complacency against Uruguay in Sao Paulo on June 19th and in effect, they could stutter against Costa Rica. They are in a group in which they will be up against world-class players such as Suarez, Cavani, Balotelli and Pirlo (if fit), and will therefore need to prepare well in advance, ensuring that injury does not cost them of their key players. Travel is a key issue, with The Three Lions having to embark on a 2,650 mile journey from their base in Rio de Janeiro to Manaus, for their match against Italy.

2,650 miles: But how far will Roy's boy's really go in Brazil?

The focus on key group games include the repeat of the 2010 FIFA World Cup Final in Group B, as Spain take on The Netherlands, whom they defeated 1-0 in that tense, hotly-contested match on the 11th July 2010 in Johannesburg's Soccer City (now FNB) stadium, in the group's opening game. This time, in Salvador, Spain will need to prove that they still have an edge to their game and silence the critics after a humiliating 3-0 defeat to hosts Brazil in the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup Final. The Dutch on the other hand, will be looking to prove that they are still a top team after bowing out of the group stages of Euro 2012 with 0 points. The "Group of Death" title belongs to Group G, where Germany, Portugal, Ghana and the USA will lock horns with each other. The bookies fancy the Germans and the Portuguese, led by Cristiano Ronaldo, to progress into at least the Round of 16, although Ghana, who also faced Germany in the 2010 tournament's group stage (losing 1-0 on that occasion), will arguably be the strongest African nation at next summer's tournament. Jurgen Klinsmann comes face-to-face with Joachim Low who was his assistant when he was Germany manager from 2004 to 2006.

Brazil: A nation expects

Before all of that, the tournament's inaugural game kicks off on the 12th June in Sao Paulo, where Brazil will open the first of 64 matches in their Group A game against Croatia, before facing Mexico 5 days later in Fortaleza; and will look to seal progress into the knockout stages by the time they play Cameroon in the capital city of Brasilia. They are firm favourites to win the tournament but will need the full vocal support of fans at matches to be a strong influence on team spirit and players' mentality. Neymar, Paulinho, Bernard and Fred are, so far, likely to be in Luiz Felipe Scolari's 23-man squad, with Philippe Coutinho, Alexandre Pato and Leandro Damiao also vying for a chance to represent Brazil on home soil. The Selecao could face The Netherlands or Spain in the round of 16 and in their best interests, will wish to avenge the "national tragedy" of the 1950 FIFA World Cup, where they lost 2-1 to Uruguay at the Estádio do Maracanã, and add a 6th star to their jersey.

Rest In Peace: Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela

Aside the preparations for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, the football world remembers Nelson Mandela, who sadly passed away on Thursday at the age of 95. Not only was he a pivotal figure in South Africa's successful bid (and tournament) for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, but also a genuinely wonderful world leader and humble gentleman all round. He will be deeply missed. 

CREDITS:

Picture of Roy Hodgson: http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/02238/roy_hodgson_2238648b.jpg

Picture of Christ The Redeemer statue: http://images.nationalgeographic.com/wpf/media-live/photos/000/060/cache/brazil-christ-redeemer_6011_600x450.jpg

Picture of Nelson Mandela: http://images.smh.com.au/2013/12/06/4985450/dh_mandela2-20131206092256146309-620x349.jpg