Brazil 2014 - Group H Preview

WHO IS IN GROUP H?

Belgium

A potential golden generation has developed at the perfect time for Belgium as they enter their first World Cup tournament in twelve years. Despite the lack of international experience in the side, Belgium are many people’s tips to go far in Brazil.

Les diables rouges came through their qualifying campaign undefeated which included an impressive 3-0 victory away to Serbia. VFL Wolfsburg midfielder Kevin de Bruyne was their leading goal scorer in qualifying and goals from midfield will be vital to their hopes of progression given the absence of injured Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke.

With the hype and expectancy around Belgium at this year’s event, anything less than matching their fourth place finish in 1986 will be seen as an opportunity lost.

Algeria

Algeria survived plenty of late scares as they advanced via the CAF third round playoff. A shock 3-2 defeat away to Burkina Faso was eventually overturned with a 1-0 victory in the return leg as the side ranked 22^nd in the world qualified for their second consecutive World Cup.

Regardless of their underwhelming progression, the Africans will come into the tournament in considerable form having won ten of their last twelve fixtures including a 2-1 win over Romania in their final warm up friendly.

Manager Vahid Halilhodzic is sure to have his side well organised defensively but the concern will be at the other end of the pitch with Algeria failing to have scored a goal at the finals since 1986.

Russia

Russia were dealt a huge blow before leaving for Brazil after captain Roman Shirokov was ruled out due to injury. The Zenit St Petersburg midfielder has failed to recover from a knee injury sustained for his club back in March.

Former England boss Fabio Capello guided Russia ahead of Portugal to top spot in the qualifying stages but a 2-0 defeat against Northern Ireland at Windsor Park illustrates the Jekyll and Hyde nature of the squad at his disposal.

The Russians will be looking to channel the type of form and quality that saw them the reach the semi-finals of Euro 2008 where they were defeated by eventual winners Spain.

South Korea

A nearly disastrous qualifying campaign saw South Korea scrape through to the finals via goal difference ahead of Uzbekistan which coincided with the resignation of manager Choi Hang Lee.

Operating with a 4-2-3-1 formation, new South Korea manager Hong Myung-Bo will be aiming to get the best out of former Arsenal striker Park Chu-Young, who despite going on loan to Championship side Watford in January, only made two appearances for the Hornets.

Matching their 2002 semi-final run as host nation seems impossible for the red devils while even making it out of the group stage will be considered a huge success.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Much of Algeria’s hopes of qualification will revolve around the performances of Valencia’s Sofiane Feghouli. The French born winger will be aiming to improve on a disappointing domestic season in which he scored only four times in 32 appearances.

Romelu Lukaku looks set to start up front on his own after manager Marc Wilmots named him as the only striker in his 23 man squad. Considering the creative talent behind him, the on-loan Everton man may be a wise bet for the golden boot.

Bayer Leverkusen’s Son Heung-Min looks the pick of the South Korean players. The 21 year old attacking midfielder can play on either wing or behind the striker but struggled to make much of an impact during Leverkusen’s dismal Champions League campaign last season.

Former Chelsea midfielder Yuri Zhirkov is one of the more experienced players in the Russian squad and he was selected in the Euro 2008 team of the tournament. Capable of playing at left back of left midfield, the Dynamo Moscow man will be a threat from set-pieces.

WHO WILL QUALIFY?

Given the quality at their disposal, it is almost unthinkable that Belgium will fail to advance beyond the group stages. However, uncertainty remains over their experience at this level and while progression looks likely, it is not guaranteed.

Joining them in the knockout stages should be Russia. Capello’s men have been there and done it and will surely fancy their chances against outsiders Algeria and South Korea.

HOW FAR WILL THEY GO?

Should Belgium top the group, they are likely to face either Portugal or Ghana as runners-up from group G. While both sides will provide a significant obstacle, Belgium will be confident of reaching the quarter-finals and from there, confidence and hope will soar.

As for Russia, a potential second round assignment against the well fancied Germany looks beyond them and therefore topping group H will be pivotal.

BETTING

To win outright

Belgium 20/1, Russia 100/1, South Korea 400/1, Algeria 2000/1

To come out of the group

Belgium 1/6, Russia 8/15, South Korea 6/4, Algeria 7/2