World Cup 2014: The Major Questions, Team by Team – Group B and C

By on June 4, 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 B and Group C.

Group B

Will Spain suffer defensively?

One of the major points of worry for Spain heading into defending their title could be their defense. This time they will be without the influential Carles Puyol, who was one of the main reasons behind their victory in 2010. No longer is there a battling center-back who wears their heart on their sleeve playing for La Roja. While Sergio Ramos and Gerard Pique are quality center-backs, the latter is certainly better alongside Puyol. Another factor in worrying about the defense is whether Iker Casillas has played sufficient games having been playing just the cup competitions for Real Madrid. It could be horrendous for Spain if their defense are not in harmony, especially looking at their tough group.

Can Chile live up to expectations?

Chile have been billed as a dark horse for the tournament after impressing in recent friendlies against England and Germany. The South American side have an abundance of top European talent, including Barcelona’s Alexis Sanchez, and they have clear identity from the Marcelo Bielsa era. Whether it all clicks together and works effectively as planned, is something to ponder ahead of the tournament.

Can Australia come away with some pride?

For Australia the World Cup provides a perfect chance for them to prepare for the Asian Cup they are hosting in January. Nobody is expecting much of anything of the Socceroos, who have a young squad and are under the stewardship of their new manager Ange Postecoglou. Any sort of positive performance in their three games should bode some encouragement for a nation that will be trying to make their mark on their continent in January.

Group C

Are Colombia as good as their strikers?

If they are, they are certain to be challengers for football’s major crown. Even without the injured Radamel Falcao, they boast world-class forwards in Carlos Bacca, Jackson Martinez and Adrian Ramos, all of whom have scored a combined 58 goals between them this season. Add their fire power in with the creativity of James Rodriguez and Colombia are arguably the best attacking wise in the tournament.

Can Greece prove people wrong?

Many people have dismissed Greece in group C and have ranked them as outsiders to qualify from the group. However, after conceding just four goals in qualifying they are probably one of the strongest sides defensively in the tournament. If they can contain Colombia, Japan and Ivory Coast in their three group games, they may be able to hit them on the break with their vibrant attacking talent such as Kostas Mitroglou.

Will Japan be rewarded for playing good football?

Despite failing to qualify for the Semi-Finals at the Confederations Cup, Japan were praised for playing a positive type of football that was attractive on the eye. Particularly against Italy they proved to be an exciting watch as they put in a commendable performance in a 4-3 defeat. If they can stick to the same principles of slick passing football in this group, they have a brilliant chance of qualifying for the knockout stages for second consecutive world cup.

Is this Ivory Coast’s year?

After being dealt extremely difficult tasks in Germany and South Africa, Ivory Coast finally have a group they can qualify from. This is probably their last opportunity as the country’s ‘golden generation’ to make an impact on the world stage with the likes of Didier Drogba possibly making their final stands on the international stage. If they have all their players firing, they will go out with a bang. But, as many people know, it’s pointless predicting what Ivory Coast will do.

About James Cartwright

Sports Journalism student - Long suffering Boro and Steelers fan.