World Cup Group Stage Preview: Groups A, B, C and D
AccuScore’s computer calculated the group winners. In part one of the 2014 World Cup Group Stage previews, we take a look at the eight teams the computer expects to advance from Groups A-D.
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Group A: Brazil and Croatia
Brazil is projected to have between 68% and 75% probabilities to win each of its three group stage games. With Neymar and Fred in fine goal scoring form and the squad fully healthy, the host nation should easily finish top of the group over Croatia, Cameroon and Mexico in the World Cup in 2014.
Croatia is projected to finish with four points and narrowly edge out Mexico, which is projected to collect three points. Croatia benefits from the return of Mario Mandzukic following his suspension against Brazil in the opener. Croatia is favored to win against both Mexico and Cameroon.
Group B: Spain and Netherlands
Although Chile was impressive in qualifying and plays a strong brand of South American football, the computer believes the European sides will overcome the Brazilian conditions. To be fair to the computer, the two teams it is picking over Chile are the two teams that made the final in South Africa in 2010.
Spain is projected to finish top of the group, and Netherlands is expected to finish second.
Group C: Colombia and Greece
Looking at the numbers, Colombia is the only team the computer likes in this group. Even without Radamel Falcao, Colombia has the edge in the computer’s eyes. Ivory Coast, Japan and Greece are all projected to finish between three and four points and battle for coveted second spot. In the computer’s eyes, Greece has the narrowest of edges, but the different is minimal.
AccuScore has picks and analysis for all of the 2014 group stage matches…check out the free picks for the Brazil vs Croatia match here: World Cup Expert Picks
Group D: Uruguay and England
Italy, Uruguay and England will each look to take maximum points off Costa Rica. In the eyes of the computer, if Luis Suarez completes his comeback, Uruguay will be favored in all three of its group stage matches. As such, the South Americans are projected to finish top of the group with England and Italy close behind. Since England has the edge in the head-to-head matchup with Italy, England should be the second team advancing from the group stages.
