The Group Of Death

Every four years, the World Cup draws a highly competitive and entertaining group. This group is more commonly referred to as the "Group Of Death", and this year that prestigious mantle goes to Group G.

Whilst South Africa is in a state of eager anticipation following on from the hugely successful opening concert containing the Black Eyed Peas, for the neutrals it is the group of death that is the headline act at world cup finals. This time round Brazil, Portugal, The Ivory Coast and the seemingly hapless North Korea have found themselves in the most difficult group.

The Portuguese only have themselves to blame for finding themselves in this group after a poor qualifying campaign left then needing to win a play-off tie with Boznia and Herzegovina, which they did 2-0 on aggregate. However it is thought qualification from Group G will be just as difficult for the Portuguese, with the Ivory Coast prepared to mount a real challenge, alongside Brazil who are widely expected to top the group.

What is interesting about this years Group of Death is that arguably the race for second place is more intriguing than the race for first as Dunga's ruthless Brazilians are seen as almost sure things to qualify in first place. Who will end up qualifying in second place is anyone's guess as it is almost impossible to separate the Ivory Coast and Portugal, whilst North Korea have a history of upsets, having stunned Italy way back in 1966 although a similar upset seems unlikely.

Fixtures

15th June:

Ivory Coast VS Portugal (Port Elizabeth) Prediction: 1-1

Brazil VS North Korea ( Johannesburg) Prediction: 4-0

20th June:

Brazil VS Ivory Coast ( Johannesburg) Prediction: 2-1

21st June:

Portugal VS North Korea ( Cape Town) Prediction: 3-1

25th June:

Portugal VS Brazil ( Durban) Prediction: 1-1

North Korea VS Ivory Coast ( Nelspruit) Prediction: 0-2

Paul Seed