Group F Predictions

Teams:
Australia
Brazil
Croatia
Japan

Australia, nicknamed “Socceroos”, have qualified by beating the fifth place Uruguay in penalities. They have a good team but the in a team consisting of
Brazil and Croatia, they might find progressing difficult. They have good midfielders with Marco Bresciano, Tim Cahill and Harry Kewell but the
striker role will have to be between Kewell and Viduka. Mark Viduka is an
experienced warhorse, but his age and sluggishness will hamper the Aussies.
They are unlucky to be in a tough group.

What can one say about the Brazilian team. They can put 2 teams in the competition and both would reach the final. The only weakness one can think off is an ageing defence with Cafu and Roberto Carlos and a goalkeeper (Dida) who has not been consistent for his club AC Milan in the last season. But with an attack force of Kaka, Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Adriano, Juninho, Robinho and Julio
Baptista, they are unstoppable. But that is in theory. Thankfully football in
not played on paper and reputations can be destroyed within minutes of a game.

Croatia are the force they were with Suker in the 98 World cup (they won the third place in that tournament), but still have the passion and the skill to be at
the highest level. With Dado Prso as the striker and Niko Kranjcar in the
midfield, they have lot of creative options. But will they survive this tough
group will depend on the character of the team on the match day.

Japan will be exciting with their quick and athletic game. With the Brazilian great Zico as coach, one can expect a some tactical game with lot of skill. But like Australia, they are in a tough group and they will not be able to match their
performance last time at home.

Predictions: Brazil followed by Croatia