Looking at the Soccer World Cup Group A
As the global showpiece kicks-off in Brazil in less than a week, we take a look at the players in each group who could make all the difference for their countries come June 12.
Group A
Brazil: Neymar
Having boasted superstars of the likes of Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Kaka and Robinho in the past two competitions, Luiz Felipe Scolari’s men will be looking to their current superstar, Neymar, to help guide the Seleção to a record sixth crown.
With the 22-year-old scoring during the 2013 Confederations Cup final 3-0 win over Spain on home soil en route to winning the Golden Ball for being the best player at the tournament, a repeat of that performance will go a long way in ensuring that the World Cup stays in Brazil.
Croatia: Luka Modri
The former Tottenham midfielder has soared under Carlo Ancelotti last season. Playing alongside Xabi Alonso in the Madrid engine room in Ancelotti’s 4-2-4 attacking formation compared to Jose Mourinho’s more conservative 4-2-3-1, which saw him having limited game time, Modric has enjoyed a successful campaign where he helped Los Blancos secure the Copa Del Ray and La Decima (tenth Champions League).
His exploits in the middle of the park for Madrid also saw him voted the best Croatian player of the season for the fourth time by the Croatian Football Association. He previously won the award in 2007, 2008 and 2011.
Mexico: Javier Hernandez
The man nicknamed “Chicharito” (Little pea in Spanish) could possibly be described as bit unlucky for having to compete with Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney for a starting place at Manchester United. He’s subsequently been limited to cameo appearances at Old Trafford but remains a key figure for Mexico, scoring over 30 goals since his debut in 2009.
Cameroon: Samuel Eto’o
Cameroon shares the best World Cup record by an African team for their historic 1990 showing where they eliminated two-time World Cup champions Argentina to become the first African nation to reach the tournament’s quarter final stage.
Spurred on by proving his coach at Chelsea, Jose Mourinho, wrong, who suggested that the forward could be older than he says he is; Eto’o, who will skipper his country, will be looking to use his skill and experience to take the Indomitable Lions a step further in Brazil. – @SabeloBoksburg
