Group G Predictions

1-Brazil: 9 points
2-Portugal: 6 points
3-Ivory Coast: 3 points
4-North Korea: 0 points

Brazil have too many weapons in their arsenal, and are too experienced on this stage for any real upsets to happen here. Only a total self-implosion would keep them from scoring at least 7 group stage points. Brazil would much rather face co-favorite Spain in the final than in the Round of 16, so a first place finish is a must for the South Americans. This is widely considered the Group of Death, but with Drogba either out or limited with a shattered elbow, Portugal appear to be the likely runners-up. If both Portuguese speaking sides can get 3 points against a depleted Ivory Coast, their June 25 match will be one of the better Group Stage games in South Africa.

North Korea are astounded just to have made the World Cup. Placement in a group with this much firepower is a killer. Add the fact that goal differential could play a role in who advances, and you could literally see record setting defeats in the Cup. A combined aggregate score of 0-20 for the three games is possible. This is soccer at the most elite level, so there will be no mercy, especially if goal differential will determine Knockout Stage qualifiers. The largest margin of victory is nine goals, achieved three times in Cup history, and the most goals scored in a World Cup game is 10, by Hungary, against El Salvador, in 1982.