The "Group of Death" is usually one of the most exciting terms when it comes to an international soccer tournament. The term refers to a group filled with at least three top tier sides and the inevitability that one of them will not make it past the first round of the tournament. The World Cup always has a "Group of Death," but this year's tournament seemingly has three. Or does it?
By most accounts, Group G is the "Group of Death" as it features Germany, Portugal, the United States and Ghana. Germany is a contender while Portugal features the top player in the world. But further inspection actually reveals that this group is far from the Group of Death that everyone thinks that it is. Part of this perception likely has more to do with the fact that the United States is in the group with two big-name teams and one that has embarrassed it in the past two tournaments. Granted, all four sides made it to the knockout rounds in the 2010 World Cup, but few would really consider this a class of top tier sides.
While Portugal has Cristiano Ronaldo, the team struggled to qualify for the tournament and does not have a very compelling supporting cast. Few would place Portugal among the top contenders to lift the trophy despite Ronaldo's ability to take over any game.
Ghana is arguably the top African country in the tournament but few would pin it as a major side. The United States are arguably the weakest team in the group and are definitely not looked at as winners in this tournament.
Group B is another "Group of Death." And rightfully so. The defending champions Spain will take on the 2010 runner-up Portugal and up-and-comer Chile. Australia is widely seen as the whipping boy of the group. This group presents a more interesting case than Group G because Spain is still looked upon as a side capable of winning another tournament. Chile has proven its ability to contend with top sides (including Spain, England and Germany) and will have the continental advantage. The Dutch made a miracle run in 2010 (albeit with a stacked team) and still have the quality to shock; Arjen Robben is easily one of the most dynamic players in the world and an in-form Robin Van Persie is lethal up front. Losing one of these three teams in the first round would be brutal.
Group D is probably the most deserving of the term. Despite including lowly Costa Rica, the group is littered with three World Cup winners in Uruguay, England and Italy. The Italians are always contenders no matter what the state of the team is heading into the tournament. As they showed in 2006, this team can find a way to win. Uruguay features two of the best strikers in the world and is in arguably better form than when it finished fourth in the 2010 tournament; do not underestimate the advantage of playing in South America. Finally, the English have only failed to get out of the first round in two of 12 World Cups, and the team has gotten out of the first round in nine straight World Cup appearances. Anyone of these three teams missing the round of 16 will surely be a shock.
Which is the real "Group of Death" at the 2014 World Cup?
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