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World Cup 2014: The Major Questions, Team by Team – Group A

By on June 3, 2014

With just days to go till the big kick-off, what are the major questions going into the 2014 World Cup? James Cartwright reviews the questions surrounding Group A.

Group A

Will Neymar turn up?

After a disappointing season at Barcelona, doubts are beginning to be raised over whether Neymar can perform when it matters. With pressure intensifying on the 22-year-old ‘wonderkid’, he’s going to face a huge test as he is expected to carry the host nation. It’s either going  to be the tournament where he comes of age or the tournament that completely breaks him.

Can Croatia’s midfield live up to expectations?

Including Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic, it’s arguable that Croatia’s midfield is on par with Brazil’s. The pair have been brilliant in La Liga as the most influential play-makers in the Real Madrid and Sevilla midfields. Whether they can an be awesome double-act at the World Cup remains to be seen.

Can Mexico regain the spirit of 2012?

2012 – the year Mexico showed signs they could be major force in 2014 by winning the Toulon Tournament and the Olympics. For some reason that was lost last year when they barely scrapped through World Cup qualifying by beating New Zealand in a playoff. It will be interesting to see whether manager Miguel Herrera can turn Mexico into a serious contender for the latter rounds of the competition. After depending on Mexican league players to qualify for the World Cup, it will be intriguing to see if the European-based players are behind him as a coach.

Who will be the focal point of Cameroon’s attack?

Samuel Eto’o and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting have both had excellent season at their clubs, scoring a combined 17 goals between them in the Premier League and Bundesliga. But, who will lead the Cameroon attack? Both players have their benefits, with Eto’o having the experience of previous World Cup’s and Choupo-Moting having pace to his game. Whoever Volker Finke picks, it’s going to be tough for the indomitable lions to make it out of the group.

About James Cartwright

Sports Journalism student - Long suffering Boro and Steelers fan.