FIFA World Cup 2014 Predictions Part 1: Predicting the Group Stage

The World Cup draw took place Friday, Dec. 6, and after having some time to digest the groups and situations of every nation, it is time to do an early prediction of how the entire tournament will turn out. In this edition, we will predict the group stage. Here we go.

Group A

Brazil is the undisputed favorite in this tournament and was given a rather easy group to take on. Expect the Seleçao to come away with three emphatic wins against the other group sides. Mexico will enter the tournament savoring their fate while watching their hated rivals, the U.S.A., take on arguably the hardest assortment of teams. Mexico is not the clear-cut favorite for second but should come away with a win over Cameroon and a comfortable result against a struggling Croatia side. A lot can still happen between now and the tournament, but Croatia's recent play does not inspire confidence. Cameroon has never been successful and is not in peak form.

Predictions: Brazil finishes first and Mexico finishes second.

Group B

This is the first Group of Death in the tournament as it features the defending champs against the last tournament's runner-up and a solid Chilean side. Spain has struggled, but Vicente del Bosque is a genius and has shown his ability to adapt to the difficult circumstances. He will make sure his troops are focused for the title defense and should help the team put up a solid group round. The opening match with the Dutch will be tough, but Spain should prevail. Chile may pose the greatest danger, but Spain will not lose this game. The final match with Australia should be a cakewalk with a blowout result. The Dutch and Chileans will likely compete for second place; the South American side has a stronger all-around squad while Netherlands is top-heavy with the likes of Arjen Robben and Robin Van Persie.

Prediction: Spain wins the group and Netherlands finishes second.

Group C

This group does not have any major title contenders but should still be competitive. Colombia has the territorial advantage and according to the FIFA rankings is the top team in the group. Like most South American sides, Colombia has tremendous attacking flare but is weak at the back; Greece is the complete inverse of the Cafeteros. Ivory Coast is solid but has never faired particularly well in the tournament while Japan could surprise despite disappointing in recent matches.

Prediction: Colombia wins the group while Greece finishes second.

Group D

The second Group of Death features three former champions. Uruguay has the territorial advantage, but Italy is arguably more skilled. Roy Hodgson will have to push England to be at its best to have any chance of getting out of this group while Costa Rica will hope to get one point out of the three games.

Prediction: Italy wins the group while Uruguay finishes second.

Group E

The first "Group of Life" if there ever was one. France is the favorite without a doubt but has faltered in previous tournaments with an easy group (see: 2002). Ecuador is at "home" while Switzerland is a strong defensive side. Honduras is the weakest team here but could pull off some surprising results against any side if it gets the space.

Prediction: France wins the group while Ecuador finishes second.

Group F

Argentina got it all too easy with this group. Bosnia and Herzegovina has never participated in the tournament while Iran is the ultimate underdog. Nigeria is quick and experienced, but hardly a threat for Argentina's forwards that include Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero and Angel Di Maria. The battle for second will be intriguing, but Nigeria has a major chance of pulling off the feat and getting to the knockout rounds.

Prediction: Argentina gets three wins and finishes first while Nigeria manages second place.

Group G

The true Group of Death. Germany is the favorite, but will have an unfortunate travel schedule; however, all of the other teams will suffer from the same situation. The Americans and Portuguese will face off in Manaus in what should be a draining match for both sides. The Americans look like the underdogs again Ghana (a team that has eliminated them in two straight tournaments), Portugal (which sports the best player in the world at the moment) and Germany (which has the most well-rounded squad in the entire tournament).

Prediction: Germany wins the group while Ronaldo leads Portugal to second place.

Group H

Another relatively easy group for those involved. The travel schedule is light and the opponents are relatively "weak." Belgium is extremely talented and the clear-cut favorite while Russia should be able to handle the likes of Algeria and Korea. Fabio Capello is the x-factor here as he could lead Russia past Belgium with his tournament experience.

Prediction: Russia wins the group while Belgium finishes second.