Group H at the 2014 World Cup contains Belgium, Russia, Algeria and South Korea. Although it's a group without a traditional super power, this group is extremely interesting. Both Belgium and Russia are going through a golden period with their squads, developing good young players and have established world class teams. Algeria continues to improve while South Korea still plays an exciting and free flowing style of football. However all the talk seems to be about Belgium where some people are even saying that it would not be a surprise if they go all the way and become world champions. In every world cup there is one team that surprises everyone, in Brazil that team looks likely to emerge from this group.
Belgium
Coach: Marc Wilmots
Star Player: Eden Hazard
Tournament Best: Fourth Place 1986
How they qualified: UEFA Group A Winners
Belgium have had some success at world cups, finishing fourth in 1986, but they've never had a squad of the quality they have now and might never again. If there is any national side in the world at the moment that is going through a "golden generation", it's Belgium. With the likes of Courtois, Kompany, Hazard and Lukaku just to name a few, they have some of the best players in the world. The whole Belgium side not only has skill but also strength, their players are technically gifted and powerful. The outstanding quality allows them to deploy a possession based style of play that is both entertaining and effective. Few teams can outmuscle this Belgium squad or match their squad on paper. With such a talented squad comes huge expectations, Belgium is looking at making a serious challenge at the World Cup and winning it might not seem out of the question.
Of course with such big names and immense expectations comes a lot of pressure. They must not get ahead of themselves. A world cup is an extremely tough tournament to win, Belgium have the right qualities to do well but must focus at all times and take each match as it comes, never looking further ahead than the task at hand. Their attacking tendencies can at times leave them exposed to the counter attack, which the opposition will look to exploit. Their full backs are probably the weak link on the park and other teams will be looking to attack through wide areas. Belgium definitely have the players to do well and I also believe they have the mental capacity to meet their very high expectations. I can see this Belgium side go deep into the latter stages of the tournament and make history.
Russia
Coach: Fabio Capello
Star Player: Alexander Kokorin
Tournament Best: Fourth Place 1966
How they qualified: UEFA Group F Winners
Russia are another nation that have exciting prospects. With their own world cup just around the corner in 2018 they will be looking to start developing their squad and make an impact in world football. The squad is largely based around their hugely successful domestic side Zenit St. Petersburg. In Alexander Kokorin they have one of the most exciting young talents in the world, he will use this world cup to step into the spotlight and be noticed. Another huge advantage is having Fabio Capello as coach, who is vastly experienced and has Russia playing high tempo, pressing football. The players know each other well, they had an outstanding qualifying campaign but have managed to stay fairly under the radar leading into Brazil, which will be advantageous.
Russia's quality and style of football should see them through to the knockout stages but they will probably struggle against better opposition in the business end of the tournament. Russia are a side that still needs to mature and they find it difficult to cope with teams that hold onto the ball and mount pressure. If they get out of the group their second round match will be very tough, one that I cannot see them winning. Russia will inspire their fans for sure this tournament but they might be better off looking towards the future and making sure they will be ready when it's their turn to host the tournament in four years time.
Algeria
Coach: Vahid Halilhodzic
Star Player: Sofiane Feghouli
Tournament Best: Group Stage 1982, 1986, 2010
How they qualified: CAF Third Round Winners
Algeria have a rich World Cup history but have never managed to get past the group stage. The only arab nation in Brazil 2014 will be looking to make an impact in a completely open group. Algeria is one of the fastest developing footballing nations, its domestic league is ever growing and becoming more professional, which has strengthened the quality of its players. Soufiane Feghouli will be Algeria's key player, the Valencia attacking midfielder is someone that could announce his arrival on the world stage. Many are expecting Algeria to produce some upsets, especially if the opposition doesn't give them the respect they deserve. The kind group draw has given the Desert Foxes some hope and they will genuinely aim to qualify for the knockout stages.
Unfortunately I don't see Algeria getting out of the group alive, Belgium's golden generation will be too strong for them and Russia will be looking to have a strong showing since they are next in line to host the tournament. The best way to approach the group matches for Algeria would be to go all out attacking. They should try to hit their opponents quickly while they're settling into the match. Early goals will be key. Algeria's football is heading in the right direction but Brazil may once again prove too tough. Look out for them in the future.
South Korea
Coach: Hong Myung-Bo
Star Player: Son Heung Min
Tournament Best: Fourth Place 2002
How they qualified: AFC Fourth Round Group A Runners-up
We all remember South Korea's performance in 2002, reaching the semi finals at home. However, their football has been in a bit of a decline ever since although still consistent. South Korea had a very strong qualifying campaign as usual and they continue to produce good, young talent. The whole country will be behind them, a football mad nation that always sets expectations quite high for World Cups, especially after the heroics of 2002. Bayer Leverkusen's record signing, Son Heung Min, will be South Korea's main weapon this time around. A very creative player that will be looking to impress not just his fans but the whole world. Korea plays their characteristic fast and skillful style of football that can always create problems for the opposition. They will have to attack with purpose if they are to make it out of the group.
Their main weakness is their overall quality, they're not particularly strong in one area, and their depth. This World Cup might seem slightly out of their reach, their main goal will be to not finish bottom of the group, anything extra will be a bonus. South Korea will need to go through a bit of a re-building phase in the next few years as the resources and talent from 2002 has almost dried up. Although Korea's positive football will give them the best fighting chance to qualify.
My Group H Predictions:
1. Belgium (9 pts)
2. Russia (6 pts)
3. South Korea (3 pts)
4. Algeria (0 pts)
