Breaking Down the World Cup Draw

Today the group stage for the 2014 FIFA World Cup was selected. The group stage is the first part of the World Cup. In the Group Stage, there are four teams from varied continents and they play against each other. The two teams with the best record will move on to the knockout rounds.

Group A - Brazil, Croatia, Mexico, Cameroon
This year's hosts were drawn into a suspiciously easy group and will almost surely take first, but it is never a sure thing in the group stage as we saw then-champions Italy finishing winless in the last World Cup with an even easier group than this one. Croatia and Mexico will fight out for the second spot, with Cameroon unlikely to progress.
My prediction:
1.Brazil
2.Croatia
3.Mexico
4.Cameroon

Group B - Spain, Netherlands, Chile, Australia
A very lopsided group. The discussion in this group is not about who will progress, but who will take first. Spain vs Netherlands will be the match of the group stage in a repeat of last tournament's final. Chile will probably beat Australia in their only real competitive match.
My prediction:
1.Spain
2.Netherlands
3.Chile
4.Australia

Group C - Colombia, Greece, Ivory Coast, Japan
This group is very weak in comparison to some other ones, and Colombia were one of the lucky teams in the draw. They should advance, but the second place battle will be interesting. The remaining three teams are all about as weak as each other so it is anyone's guess who will come out the victor. Japan are an exciting side to watch, Ivory Coast have some big names like Yaya Toure and Didier Drogba, and the Greek team will be competitive in the battle.
My prediction:
1.Colombia
2.Ivory Coast
3.Japan
4.Greece

Group D - Uruguay, Costa Rica, England, Italy
Costa Rica are the other unlucky draws of the tournament, but at least they will play three strong teams and anything other than three losses will be celebrated. England may not be a shoo-in to the knockout rounds this year and it will be a tough task getting results off Italy and Uruguay. Italy are the favorites to progress and did well in the 2012 Euro. Uruguay have players like Suarez and Cavani who will be right up there competing for the knockout round.
My prediction:
1.Italy
2.Uruguay
3.England
4.Costa Rica

Group E - Switzerland, Ecuador, France, Honduras
Another weak group in this draw favors France to go through, but a repeat of last tournament's performance will put them in jeopardy. Switzerland looks to be the best of the rest, but if Ecuador or Honduras step up against the European sides, it can become very interesting.
My prediction:
1.France
2.Switzerland
3.Honduras
4.Ecuador

Group F - Argentina, Bosnia, Iran, Nigeria
The four teams in this group are on four different levels of ability. Argentina really should finish first here, but Bosnia will give them a decent challenge. Bosnia is much better than Iran and Nigeria, although one slip could send them home. Nigeria may compete against Bosnia and have a small chance to progress. Iran's only chance for victory is against Nigeria.
My prediction:
1.Argentina
2.Bosnia
3.Nigeria
4.Iran

Group G - "The Group of Death" Germany, Portugal, Ghana, USA
The highlight of the group stages is Group G. Germany have a very strong squad and are one of the favorites to take home the trophy. Portugal have Ronaldo, but have been inconsistent in recent times and will be favorites for second. Ghana are one of the strongest African teams and have coincidentally knocked out the USA in the last two World Cups. The USA do have a chance to sneak away second place, but they will have to do well against Portugal and Ghana which are challenging fixtures. Not only do USA have one of the hardest groups possible, they will travel 9000 miles between games. Any one of these teams could win a weaker group like C or H, but its the luck of the draw.
My prediction:
1.Germany
2.Portugal
3.USA
4.Ghana

Group H -  Belgium, Algeria, Russia, South Korea 
Probably the weakest group in the tournament. The first spot will be contested between a strong Russian side, and the greatest Belgian team ever. It is highly unlikely one of these two will not progress, but South Korea have always had a decent team and could cause trouble.
My prediction:
1.Russia
2.Belgium
3.South Korea
4.Algeria

Who is your team, and what do you think? Leave a message in the comments.