World Cup: Group C preview
Colombia is the seeded side, but all 4 teams have a shot
Perhaps the most open section of all eight groups at the World Cup. Colombia is the seeded team but Group C brings together four nations all with a point to prove, and contrasting styles of play.
Teams
Players to Watch
James Rodriguez (COL), Jackson Martinez (COL), Giorgos Karagounis (GRE), Kostas Mitroglou (GRE), Didier Drogba (IVO), Yaya Toure (IVO), Keisuke Honda (JAP), Shinji Okazaki (JAP)
Key Match
June 19, Brasilia: Colombia vs. Ivory Coast. The Ivorians have been making a big noise about their chances to advance. In both 2006 and 2010 they were drawn in brutal groups, but now there are no excuses. A positive result against Colombia would go a long way to supporting their claims.
X Factor
Dark Horses. Group C could be full of them as experts search for a team to upset the establishment. If the Colombians can pass the initial test without their talisman Radamel Falcao, they could quietly go deep into the World Cup for the first time in the nation’s history.
Outlook
Everyone has a chance. A group featuring the talents of Drogba, Honda, Mitroglou and Rodriguez may all hinge on the final matchday. Colombia must live up its lofty world ranking while Greece and Japan will be hard to beat. Goal difference could ultimately separate the men from the boys.