World Cup Preview - Groups E - H

It is only a couple of day away now.  The one month that comes every four years that fans across the globe yearn and go crazy for.  The World Cup kicks off on Friday in South Africa and here is the Soccermogul preview for World Cup groups E through H. 

Group E -
This group belongs to Holland, who have been tearing up the warmup circuit with win after win.  This team is loaded with talent and could make a long run in the tournament.  Star Wesley Sneijder has an injury, but is expected to bounce back.  The Dutch usually start quickly, but fizzle in the knockouts.  Can they maintain form over the month? The big question is who grabs second in this grouping?  Cameroon is scary.  Denmark is very solid as well.  Japan will run all day and be disciplined.  Cameroon could be the favorites to grab advancement behind star Samuel Eto'o, but don't be surprised if a solid Denmark squad nips them for second.  This group will go to the final matchday for sure before being decided.

Group F -
The weakest of all the groups gives an aging Italian team hopes of making a deep run.  Once they are in the knockout phase, lookout, and they should little trouble in this grouping with Paraguay, Slovakia and New Zealand.  Watch out for Paraguay who could easily win this group.  They have plenty of World Cup experience and should not be overlooked.  New Zealand and Slovakia are minnows for sure.  Only one World Cup appearance between them.  Don't expect much from New Zealand, but Slovakia could rise up and get a result.  The big match opens up the group as Italy faces Paraguay right off.

Group G -
A killer group that has been labelled the Group of Death.  One of the big boys will be going home early from this group as Brazil, Portugal and the Ivory Coast all were drawn together.  Then there is the wildcard of North Korea.  A tricky side for sure, but not talented enough to do more than be roadkill in this group.  Anyone who drops points to North Korea can stamp their ticket home.  Ivory Coast took a blow last week when Didier Drogba broke his arm, but he has not totally been ruled out as of yet.  Portugal has the talent, but must get the results on the big stage.  Brazil has all the tools to not only win the group, but take the whole tournament.   They get North Korea first so expect a big start as goal differential could be important in a tight group.  The big match kicks things right off when Portugal faces Ivory Coast.  The loser will be in big, big trouble. 

Group H -
Here resides Spain.  Definitely one of the favorites to win World Cup 2010.  Stars abound for Spain in Xavi, Torres, David Villa and Puyol.  They should not have too much difficulty navigating this group at all.  Honduras is probably the weakest squad in the entire field and Switzerland has an anemic offense despite a solid defense.   Chile is solid and will probably the only side to give Spain a fight.  Expect Spain and Chile to cruise out of the group.