There's not long to go until the 32 qualified nations for the World Cup compete for the biggest prize in world football. As we countdown to Brazil 2014 we will be reviewing all eight groups and having a look at each team's chances. We start with Group A, which contains hosts Brazil, Croatia, Mexico and Cameroon.
Brazil
Coach: Luiz Felipe Scolari
Star Player: Neymar
Tournament Best: Winners 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, 2002
How they qualified: Hosts
There will be massive pressure for Brazil to win their sixth World Cup on home soil and destroy any bad memories of the 1950 "maracanazo". Time will tell if they have the team to do it but their Confederations Cup win last year was very impressive and will have given them the confidence that they can do it. While the team is quite young, their coach Scolari has gone all the way before in 2002 and will add some valuable experience from the sideline.
Their main obstacle will be the tough draw and path to the final that they were given. In the second round they are tipped to play either Spain or the Netherlands, an extremely difficult match. If they get through that, Brazil will be hard to stop. One thing is for sure, Neymar will need to have an outstanding tournament if Brazil are to win the tournament once again.
Croatia
Coach: Niko Kovac
Star Player: Luka Modric
Tournament Best: Third 1998
How they qualified: Defeated Iceland in playoff
Croatia had a golden generation so to speak in the late 90s and although the current team doesn't have the same quality, they are still a very solid team. With the likes of Mandzukic, Modric and Jelavic they will be looking at qualifying for the second round. Their main advantage will be that they always give 110% on the pitch and take no prisoners.
Their main disadvantage will be their temperament and aggression. In a World Cup being calm and composed goes a long way. Red cards could be a problem. Croatia's biggest question mark will be how they handle their discipline. They should try to rely on their skill rather than their physicality if they want to make an impact in this tournament.
Mexico
Coach: Miguel Herrera
Star Player: Javier Hernandez
Tournament Best: Quarter-finals 1970, 1986
How they qualified: Defeated New Zealand in playoff
Mexico will be a dangerous team at the World Cup but their poor qualifying campaign indicates they might be in a downwards spiral. Mexico have an impressive record at the World Cup, since 1986 they've always made it to the second round. The match against Croatia will be crucial and could decide who goes through.
The big question is whether they will be able to get it together in time and play cohesive football. They were disappointing in qualifying and the squad varied a lot. A 34 year old Rafael Marquez as captain might not be up to it. Still, they have some exciting players and an entertaining brand of football.
Cameroon
Coach: Volker Finke
Star Player: Samuel Eto'o
Tournament Best: Quarter-finals 1990
How they qualified: CAF third round winners
No one expects much from Cameroon, which will be an advantage for them. They might not have as many stars as in the past but they are still a strong team with plenty of determination. Eto'o will be looking to lead the team from the front but his best days are definitely behind him. It's hard to see where their goals will come from.
If they do want to produce some upsets they will have to use smart tactics and their physicality to out-muscle the opposition. Unfortunately I can't see them achieving a lot this time around.
My Group A Prediction:
1. Brazil (9 pts)
2. Croatia (6 pts)
3. Mexico (1 pts)
4. Cameroon (1 pts)
