World Cup Preview: Group C

As we move on in our World Cup, we come what could be the most wide open group in the entire tournament.  In Group C, we have four teams that have never faced each other in the World Cup and neither team has ever advanced past the Round of 16 in the Knockout Stage of the tourney.

Let's break each team down:

Colombia- They bring they're most talented in 20 years with the likes of Radamel Falcao leading the way.  In a group full of unknowns, they seem to be the favorite to win the group and the surest bet to move on to the knockout phase.  This team may not get past the Round of 16, but they will be fun to watch while they are still in the tournament.

Greece- The Greeks come in led by Georgios Samaras and Konstantinos Mitroglou.  While not a powerhouse,  they remain a potentially dangerous European team.  As any team in this group, they have the weapons needed to advance to the next round of the tournament-- maybe even win the group.

Ivory Coast- Their best player, Didier Drogba, is aging and most likely playing in his final World Cup.  The African side also adds Yaya Toure to the mix, but might not be enough to make any serious noise in the tournament.  I believe the window for Ivory Coast to make any serious commotion in the World Cup came and went four years ago.

Japan- The Japanese come into to the tournament with their best chance of advancing in the World Cup since co-hosting with South Korea in 2002.  They bring speed and scoring ability in Manchester United member, Shinji Kagawa and Keisuke Honda.  They are the true wild card of the group.

Best Match- Japan vs Ivory Coast

Predicted Order of Finish:

1. Colombia 7 pts

2. Japan 5 pts

3. Ivory Coast 2 pts

4. Greece 1 pt