Preview of Group G: two heavyweights vs two dark horses
0 
This is a group full of suspense, featuring five-time world champion Brazil, European power Portugal led by world's most expensive player Cristiano Ronaldo, Africa's best hope Cote d'Ivoire spearheaded by Chelsea ace striker Didier Drogba, and DPR Korea who has made a stunning return to the World Cup finals in 44 years.
This is the only group grouping four teams from four continents - South America, Europe, Africa and Asia. The clashes of four different types of playing make fans excited but situation subtle.
On the latest FIFA rankings, Brazil is at the top, Portugal the third, Cote d'Ivoire 27th, and DPR Korea 105th. It is easy to predict that Brazil and Portugal will advance, but Drogba will definitely say "No".
As the talisman of Cote d'Ivoire, Drogba has been the top scorer among the foreign strikers in English Premier League giants Chelsea. He is also the leading scorer in Cote d'Ivoire's history. His lightning speed, strong physique, shining skills and mental strength make him a terminator against any defense lines.
Moreover, Drogba now gains strong support from his Chelsea teammate and a rising star Salomon Kalou, Barcelona midfielder Yaya Toure and Manchester City defender Kolo Toure. They make up the backbone of the African Elephant.
Their boss is Sven Goran Eriksson, a world-famous coach from Sweden but has yet got any shinning records in World Cup finals. The Swede, who is strict in discipline of tactics, may upgrade the Elephant whose weakness is the lack of discipline. But Eriksson has taken the rein for only two months. Time is short.
Cote d'Ivoire qualified for the 2006 World Cup finals in Germany where they were unluckily drawn into the "Group of Death" with Argentina, the Netherlands, and Serbia & Montenegro. They lost to the first two, being eliminated, but beat the last 3-2.
Drogba said that "the experiences of last World Cup will certainly help us do better in South Africa. We are aiming the top eight, and why not top four."
The do-or-die match for Cote d'Ivoire in Group G will be their opener against Portugal which are directed by Carlos Queiroz, former coach of South Africa.
Portugal has an excellent defense, which features a good mix of experience and youth. During 2009, they conceded only two goals in their 12 matches! That kind of defensive record is a fine foundation from which to win matches.
Portugal qualified very late for the World Cup, and had it not been for Sweden's lapse late in the qualifiers, they might not have made it at all. In the end, they scraped past Bosnia-Herzegovina to make it to the Rainbow Nation.
Their main man is 2008 FIFA World Player of the Year Cristiano Ronaldo, but Simao and some up-and-coming youngsters will provide the support.
Portugal will find it hard to get out of this group if Ronaldo does not catch fire. C. Ronaldo holds the key.
