Who wound up in difficult groups and who got away easy from Friday's World Cup draw (average world ranking for four teams in parentheses):
GROUP A (24.25) — Brazil, Croatia, Mexico, Cameroon.
As if the hosts and five-champions needed any help ...
The Brazilians certainly benefited from the draw. This should be a stroll into the second round for the Selecao.
None of the opponents in this group is elite, with Mexico and Cameroon not nearly the best from their continents. Croatia had to beat Iceland in a playoff to get into the tournament. Mexico had to do the same against New Zealand.
Brazil would be a strong favorite against most any combination, and anything less than three victories would be disappointing. There will be plenty of pressure on the Brazilians in a country where soccer is almost religion, but Brazil won't feel it here.
GROUP B (21.00) — Spain, the Netherlands, Chile, Australia.
Never have the two finalists from the previous World Cup met in their opening game of the next tournament. The nasty final in South Africa was not a display of the best Spain and the Netherlands, but hopefully their match in Salvador on June 13 will show the brilliance both countries are capable of.
The Spaniards are on an unprecedented run of two European titles and one world championship. Although aging, they remain the measuring stick, with the deepest roster and a creative, attacking style few opponents can handle.
But the Dutch are one team that could do so, if they don't resort to the brutish tactics of the Johannesburg finale.
Netherlands striker Arjen Robben says a friend told him to avoid Chile, but no such luck. The Chileans were a steady third in the rugged South American qualifying and certainly present a threat to the Spaniards and Dutch. Australia does not.
GROUP C (20.25) — Colombia, Greece, Ivory Coast, Japan.
A relatively even grouping with no clear favorite because neither Colombia nor Greece has a strong record of World Cup performances.
Colombia finished second in South American qualifying and even tied 0-0 at Argentina, but such impressive performances don't usually translate outside of that continent for the Colombians.
Greece could sneak off with this sector if it really has discovered some scoring. It did so in its qualifying playoff vs. Romania.
Ivory Coast is like many African teams: fun to watch and totally unpredictable. If star Didier Drogba brings his best game, something he couldn't do in 2010 because of injury, he's the most dangerous attacker in this group.
Japan tends to struggle in games away from Asia, but has upgraded its offense and has a chance in this division.
GROUP D (14.25) — Uruguay, Costa Rica, England, Italy.
The Ticos from Costa Rica must be wondering who doesn't like them.
Their chances of getting out of this group are, well, pretty much nil. Even with England on something of a downslide and Uruguay needing to win a playoff with Jordan, the Central Americans are a distant fourth.
Italy, winner of the 2006 World Cup for its fourth crown, should be a solid favorite because it didn't lose in qualifying and it has some dynamic scoring led by mercurial Mario Balotelli to go with its staunch defense.
The English have tons of question marks on defense and at goalkeeper.
GROUP E (22.75) — Switzerland, Ecuador, France, Honduras.
Call this the group of the Fortunate French.
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