Brazil's national football team left-back, Michel Bastos, right, celebrates his goal with teammates on June 2, 2010, during a friendly match against Zimbabwe at the National Sport Stadium in Harare. (Antonio Scorza/AFP/Getty Images)Every pundit's pick as the recognizable Group of Death of the 2010 World Cup, Group G, is difficult to forecast.
Yes, Brazil — the only team to qualify for every World Cup — is the firm favourite to advance, but would anyone dare overlook the Ivory Coast or Portugal to beat Brazil and qualify for the Round of 16?
The Ivory Coast has equal measures of talent and experience —although the prolonged absence of Didier Drogba is debilitating — and Portugal lays claim Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the world's best players, who can conquer any pitch on his own.
And even though it might seem absurd to consider North Korea as anything other than cannon fodder, the isolationist state was laughed at before the 1966 World Cup and ended up looking like world beaters after dispatching Italy — still consider one of the greatest upsets in tournament history.
Brazil
- FIFA ranking: 1
- World Cup appearances: 19
- Round of 16: 6
- Quarter-finals:10
- Semifinals:10
- Final: 7
- Major international trophies: 1958, 1962,1970,1994 and 2002 World Cup, 1997,2005 and 2009 Confederations Cup and 1919,1922,1949,1989,1997,1999,2004 and 2007 South American/ Copa America championship
Why is it dangerous: Only once, in 1966, has Brazil failed to make it out of the group stage, and it is likely that such a fate will not befall the country in South Africa. So many of A Selecao (the Selection) are among or are considered the world's best: Julio Cesar is arguably the world's best goalkeeper; Maicon is one of Europe's best right-backs, an injury-ridden season at Real Madrid hasn't dulled Kaka's luster and Luis Fabiano is one of the planet's top strikers.
No matter what criticism head coach Dunga receives about his tactics, this team could crush so many nations while playing whomever in whatever formation and with whatever style.
Why could it fall: There are few in the Brazilian media who admire Dunga's coaching ability. He was criticized as a player for being slow, robotic and altogether "anti-Brazilian," and has been heavily chastised for replacing the Brazilian traditions of eye-catching improvisation and passionate expression with shrewd, measured and systemic lateral movement.
If the five-time champions are unable to dispatch their opponents with ease, then some players might begin to question Dunga's rationale, and a repeat of 2006's locker-room squabbles could derail Brazil drive towards a record sixth world title.
North Korea
- FIFA ranking: 105
- World Cup appearances: 1
- Round of 16: 0
- Quarter-finals:1
- Semifinals: 0
- Final: 0
- Major international trophies: 0
Why is it dangerous: In 1966, North Korea was an enigmatic force that preyed on its opponents' hubris — both Italy and Portugal (for the first 25 minutes) dismissed the Choilima (mystical horse) abilities, and were shocked both North Korea's otherworldly stamina and determination. In 2010, North Korea is not as mysterious but it still cannot be ignored.
The Choilima will not be the most skilled of the countries in South Africa, but they will certainly be the fittest — absurd and intense communist training methods will see to that. And though head coach Kin Jong-Hun will rely heavily on a defensive, nine- or 10-men-behind-the-ball formation, An Chol Hyok, An Young-Hak, Hong Yong-Jo and Jong Tae-Se will attempt to pounce if given any opportunity.
Why could it fall: With the class of opponents in Group G, logic dictates that North Korea isn't set to conjure a miracle, but you never know.
Ivory Coast
- FIFA ranking: 27
- World Cup appearances: 2
- Round of 16: 0
- Quarter-finals: 0
- Semifinals: 0
- Final: 0
- Major international trophies: 1992 African Cup of Nations
Why is it dangerous: In every position, Les Éléphants (the Elephants) are magnificently skilled physical specimens and they play the kind of beautiful, offensive soccer that has convinced many that the Ivory Coast might be the first African team to be crowned world champions. The list of top-class talent in this lineup — those playing with Europe's best teams — is the envy of many nations playing in the tournament. Men like Emmanuel Eboue, Kolo Toure, Yaya Toure, Salomon Kalou and Didier Drogba are all carved from granite.
Why could it fall: When Marcus Tulio Tanaka crashed into Didier Drogba's right arm, an entire continent grimaced. Indeed, without Drogba, Les Éléphants may not venture any farther than they did in 2006.
Portugal
- FIFA ranking: 3
- World Cup appearances: 5
- Round of 16: 1
- Quarter-finals: 2
- Semifinals: 2
- Final: 0
- Major international trophies: 0
Why is it dangerous: One name, Cristiano Ronaldo. Certainly, Seleccao das Quinas has a number of world-class players — Ricardo Carvalho, Pepe, Deco, Joao Moutinho and Nani — but the country's fortunes rest on the dazzling feet of the 2008 World Player of the Year, and he wouldn't have it any other way. As he gets older, Ronaldo thrives on his free-role, dictating the creative rhythm of the offence, and his countrymen will not mind following the beat of his tune.
Why could it fall: One name, Cristiano Ronaldo. Only Lionel Messi has been criticized during major international tournaments as much as Ronaldo. The former Manchester United hero seems to disappear when the brightest lights are cast upon him and if he withers head coach Carlos Queiroz — himself an unproven head coach — will have to improvise with a lineup that is talented but aggravatingly inconsistent. What's more, much will be expected from Liedson — the Brazilian-turned-Portuguese striker will need to prove he can score against the world's best and not just the porous defences of the Portuguese Liga.
*FIFA rankings current to May 28, 2010