Group C is probably the weakest group in this year’s tournament. This is not to say that any of these teams are short on individual talent, but it’s hard to imagine that the any team from this group is going to make it beyond the round of 16.
Team by team:
Colombia might perhaps have been runaway favorites to win this group, but a late-season injury to star striker Radamel Falcao has seen their odds lengthen quite dramatically. There will still be some action coming from Los Cafeteros, with midfielder Fredy Guarin and striker Jackson Martinez (among others) offering a definite threat.
Japan boast the twin midfield dynamos of Keisuke Honda and Shinji Kagawa, a pair which can absorb punishment and dish it out in roughly equal measure. Questions linger over the rest of the squad, however, and whether the team’s characteristically efficient play will withstand the tests brought on by the other sides in the group.
Greece have often been maligned for their defending – not because it is poor, but because it is plentiful. They often appear to be playing an 8-1-1 formation, and while this approach makes it hard for opponents to crack them, it also reduces their own scoring opportunities. Expect Dortmund center-back Sokratis Papastathopoulos to marshal his forces well, and perhaps allow Greece the occasional forward break. Also expect him to give commentators a very rough day.
Ivory Coast will be bringing national treasure Didier Drogba to his last World Cup. The 36-year-old is still sharp in front of goal, even if he has perhaps lost a yard of pace. Expect him to be hanging out looking for defensive lapses to punish. Reigning African Player of the Year Yaya Touré is struggling to overcome a hamstring injury, but may still play a part for the Elephants even if he doesn’t feature in their opener.
Predicted group standings:
Ivory Coast
Japan
Colombia
Greece
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