GROUP G

prediction

1. BRAZIL

2. PORTUGAL

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3. IVORY COAST

4. NORTH KOREA

The feared group of death may force North Korea out of the tournament with 0 points. Brazil for me is on top of everyone else in with world with Spain as being just a cut above, so they get the nod as the winners of group G. Portugal follows them in 2nd place because I find it hard to put any faith in a team whose fortunes rest on one player, Ivory Coast Didier Drogba. (Although I gave Cameroon 2nd place of their group, they wont have to face brazil and portugal like Ivory Coast does.) Portugal has more quality in other positions to back up their star Cristiano Ronaldo. If he has a poor performance other player will be there, Simao and Deco, also they have a strong center back pairing that may relive some of the burden on Ronaldo.

AFTER FIRST GAME...

The samba is alive in South Africa. North Korea scored!?? after a cheeky touch to split the South American's defense the Asian aide put one in on 88 minutes. Impressive, however you don't get point for resiliency... With Portugal and Ivory Coast drawing 0-0 and assuming that both sides will get 3 points against North Korea, (its rumored the Koreans paid actors from china to act as supporters... what?) it will come down to what they can do against Brazil. Who will get the win against Brazil and move on? maybe Brazil loses both games and doesn't move on? Although the latter is unlikely all we know is one of these 3 powers will be sent home in about a week and a half time. Unfortunate...