Columbia
Strengths:
Attackers
Stable coaching
Quickly improving
Weaknesses:
Injuries
World Cup experience
Clutch performers
Overview: If Radamel Falco is unavailable due to an ACL tear, Colombia might be left without a clear leader. Although a little inexperienced, some see talented Colombia making it as far as the first round of Knockout games.
Greece
Strengths:
Defense
Momentum
Defensive confidence
Weaknesses:
Overall offense
Creativity
Scoring ability
Overview: Goaltender Orestis Karnezis leads one of the best defenses into the World Cup. The only thing this defense cannot do is score goals, and that could be a major problem.
Ivory Coast
Strengths:
Fast-paced attack
Comeback ability
Athletic ability
Weaknesses:
Defense
Late game performance
World Cup experience
Overview: The fast-paced and athletic attack led by Dider Drogba could be a very big problem for teams. Although never out of reach of coming back from a deficit, this team has been described as not very clutch in dire moments.
Japan
Strengths:
Ball movement
Passing attack
Generating good chances
Weaknesses:
Set-piece defense
Defending for lengths of time
Lack of close game experience
Overview: Keisuke Honda will lead the Japan passing attack from the midfield. When clicking, this Japanese attack can generate great chances, but this team has not been tested and could have some trouble against the best in the world.
Predicted finish of teams in this group
- Colombia
- Greece
- Ivory Coast
- Japan