Group B

Denmark

The Danes performed admirably in qualification for this years tournament, overhauling Portugal to qualify automatically. A 3-1 away defeat early on was avenged by a 2-1 home victory, demoting Cristiano Ronaldo and co into second place. In the group of death though, can Denmark do the same to keep up hopes of a Quarter Final berth.

When teams head into the European Championships with a team not expected to perform too admirably, there is always one team and one tournament pointed out. Denmark 1992. A side who shouldn't have even been at the tournament and dragged their players off the beaches, going on to triumph against all odds. Since that occasion they have only managed to get out of the group stage once, and even failed to qualify last time around.

One significant advantage they could have, however, is with their coach Morten Olsen. With 12 years experience with the national team, he no doubt knows he players and their system inside out. | 2-0 victory over Australia in their final warm up game will breathe fresh confidence throughout the squad.

Key Man

Man people will point to young Ajax maestro Christian Eriksen, who at 20-year-old has become an integral part of both his club and national sides while attracting interest from the likes of Manchester United. Sports Portal though have gone a different avenue when, and have selected Nicklas Bendtner as Denmark's key man.

The young Arsenal striker has spent the season on loan at Sunderland, performing admirably if not spectacularly. However the 24-year-old has spoken of his desire to leave the Emirates this summer, so could use these championships to fully put himself right in the front of the shop window. A few decent performances and goals and clubs could be lining up to take him off Arsene Wenger's hands.

One To Watch

A once promising centre back with the world at his feet, Simon Kjaer has had something of an unhappy spell over the last few years. After leaving FC Midtjylland in 2008 at just 19, he went to Palermo before an unhappy spell at Wolfsburg in 2010/11, this saw a return to Italy but this time with Roma where his career has begun to get back on track.

An ever present in qualifying, alongside the main man at the back Daniel Agger, he could be key in unlikely progression from a very tough group indeed.

Germany

The well oiled machine just starts getting stronger and more efficient, highlighted by the dominant way in which they steamrollered their way to the finals. Ten wins out of Ten with 34 scored and just 7 conceded tells it's own story. The three time champs will be more than confident of adding to that haul this time around.

Joachim Loew has a plethora of talent from which to choose from, particularly in those attacking positions. Germany usually like to set themselves up with one striker and three behind in support, but in this case they can easily switch positions at any time they choose. Making them a very tricky proposition indeed.

Key Man

Despite Miroslav Klose top scoring in qualifying, he has been hampered by injuries of late and may not be at 100% even if he does make it to play a part. For that reason Mario Gomez will be the man to the lead line; putting the past behind him and continuing his recent good form.

It has simply been a season of goals, goals, goals for the Bayern Munich hit man, whilst on the national front he also contributed his fair amount despite largely playing second fiddle. With the like of Mesut Ozil et al supplying the ammunition, it could be a worrying time for any side that steps in their way.

One to Watch

Another Borussia Dortmund wonder kid is to now to make another appearance, but this time he will by no means be a regular starter. Mario Gotze has attracted interest in all corners of Europe. Due to creative skills that more often than not leave the opposition perplexed.

He is a two time Bundesliga Champion at club level, but in the international side he will have to bide his time and take his opportunity when it comes. He will no doubt be given game time this summer, it is just up to him to step up and stake a claim for a regular starters spot.

Netherlands

Another side who often promise so much, but fall short at the final hurdle. That happened to Bert Van Marwijk's troops two years ago at the South Africa World Cup, where after defeating Brazil and Uruguay they found themselves undone by Spain in the final. With a performance that is unlikely to be recreated this summer.

A near flawless qualifying campaign saw nine victories and just one defeat, which came in the final game away against Sweden. Their talent is there for all to see, but Van Marwijk faces a healthy dilemma in those attacking positions. Which on fire striker do you choose? Klaas Jan Huntelaar or Robin Van Persie?

Key Man

From Sports Portal's choice here it is clear to see how we would answer the above dilemma, with our key man in the Dutch team being Van Persie. The phenomenal Arsenal striker has finally shown his true potential of late, with injures not plaguing his season.

Together with Wesley Sneijder and Arjen Robben who will be attacking from further back, defences will have to on red alert when dealing with the danger. The Netherlands will be keen to get back to 'total football' after their negative showing on a world stage v Spain two years ago.

One To Watch

Kevin Strootman has established himself as one the most consistent performer in the Eredivisie with PSV Eindhoven; making himself an international regular in the process. His main attribute in his passing ability, which could be crucial when feeding Robben and the like this summer.

Manchester United are just one of a number of clubs mooted to be interested in securing the services of the 22-year-old, who has said no decision will be made until after this summers tournament.

Portugal

Qualification started dismally for Portugal, with a 4-4 home draw with Cyprus quickly followed up by an away day defeat in Norway. Despite rattling of five consecutive victories, defeat in Denmark in the final group game relegated them to the play offs. Up stepped Bosnia who were full of confidence heading to Lisbon after securing a 0-0 draw on home soil, but any hopes were soon extinguished as the hosts romped to a 6-2 victory.

Final preparations haven't exactly gone to plan though, with a 3-1 defeat in their final warm up game against Turkey denting confidence. Heading into the group of death, and Germany first up, coach Paulo Bento will have to work to do to rouse his side and instil some belief.

Key Man

Cristiano Ronaldo is the obvious choice here, and coming off the back of a terrific season in which he secured a maiden La Liga title confidence will be at all time high. This coupled with his 112 goal haul in just 102 league games highlight just why he so crucial.

Officially the second best player in the world, behind his pesky Argentine arch nemesis Lionel Messi, Ronaldo is once again playing with a smile on his face at international level. Something that could spell disaster for his opponents.

One To Watch

Despite already being known worldwide, Sports Portal have opted for Manchester United winger Nani. A man who certainly isn't shy of confidence, stating last year he could win this years Ballon d'or and most recently saying along with international team mate Ronaldo they represent two of the best wingers in the world.

Along with this he has recently suggested it could be about time for him to leave the Premier League and seek a new challenge. This could result in heightened performances as he seeks to highlight to potential suitors just why they should invest in him.

Transfer flops - Hugo Viana

Viana in his Newcastle days

A young promising midfield prodigy arrived at Newcastle United in 2002 on the crest of a wave, but shied away through the back door three years later after a miserable spell.

Hugo Viana began his career at Sporting Lisbon, and hit the ground running by turning in a string of tremendous performances in his debut season.  This captured the attention of clubs Europe wide, with Fifa also sitting up and taking note.

The worlds governing body awarded 19-year-old Viana the Young European Footballer of the Year award, which was enough to persuade Bobby Robson to part with his cash and bring him to Newcastle United.  A fee of around £8.5m saw Sporting part with their young starlet, and expectations about the youngster around St James Park were certainly high.

Unfortunately his big move didn't go according to plan, as you have now probably gathered by the title, and his career in the northeast quickly turned sour.  After two dismal years he was loaned back to his old club, before returning and quickly being shipped out once again.

This time it was to Valencia, where an initial years loan was made permanent for around £1.5m the following year.  This marked a huge loss for Newcastle, but also another chance for Viana to show he wasn't a flash in the pan.  He again flattered to deceive and after two years in which the half century appearance mark again fell out of range, as with Newcastle, another loan spell followed.

This time it was with La Liga rivals Osasuna followed by a trip back home with Sporting Braga the following year.  It was the latter move that was again made permanent, where he remains to this day.  One of his best day's back home came just over two months ago, when, with the game tied at 0-0 he scored from his own half in the 94th minute.

On the international front he represented Portugal under-21s for three years, before progressing up the ranks.  Withe the seniors he has travelled to two World Cups, one European Championship and an Olympics.

Future stars - Alex Sandro

Not a big name in the world of football just yet, but Alex Sandro is the latest in a long line of hugely talented young Brazilian footballers.  The 20-year-old  wing back joined FC Porto this summer, with the Portuguese club continuing to purchase young South Americans with the aim of selling them on for a huge profit.  Something they do incredibly well.

Sandro's instincts are very much to attack above defend, something we have become accustomed to seeing from Brazilian's in this position.  And also something that has become common place in Portugal.

Atletico Paranaense is where the promising youngster started his career, coming through their younth ranks and making his debut in the first team in October 2008.  The next year he was well and truly established within the ranks of the first team, but Atletico knew they would soon be under intense pressure to keep hold of such a promising star.

And when Santos' financial might came knocking, they were powerless to keep hold.  Sandro joined the star-studded squad assembled by the Brazilian club,  who also boast fellow hopefuls for the future Ganso and Neymar.  After settling into life quickly in this side, it was expected he would stay on with his two compatriots who rejected huge overtures to move to Europe in the summer.

However FC Porto's persistence paid off, beating rivals Benfica to the signature, and Sandro was on the move again and joined for around £8m.  This transfer followed hugely successful turnouts in both the South American Youth Championships and Fifa Under-20 World Cup.  Although following an injury in the latter, his participation on club level had to be delayed.  Only recently has he made his debut for the Portuguese giants.

This is yet another example of Porto buying for the future, like we have seen on many occasion.  Just think Ricardo Carvalho, Bruno Alves etc, players who joined for pittance and left for massive sums.  This time they have another peach, a player who loved to attack but can also defend very well and given a good two years could see his place in Brazil's 2014 World Cup squad secured.

Transfer flops: Bebe

The unknown Portuguese winger whipped up a storm of speculation when he signed for Manchester United last year.  Who was this person who it's rumoured Sir Alex Ferguson had never seen play? Was it true that he was offered around Europe for next to nothing? And did he really play in the Homeless World Cup?

Well allow Sports Portal to clear up these little dilemmas.  At the unveiling of his new signing, Ferguson did indeed admit that he had never witnessed the prodigy play or even seen a video.  With other European big guns circling United were positive they had to act quickly, the Red Devils boss said at the time (to the Daily Mail): 

"I didn't see any videos of him, it's the first time. Normally, as in the case of Javier (Hernandez) and Chris (Smalling), I saw plenty of video footage of them.
"You've got to trust your staff at times and our scout in Portugal was adamant we must do something quickly.
"So were one or two other clubs and that's where you have to make quick decisions in life and I'm not too bad about that. I also spoke to Carlos Queiroz (his former assistant at United and now Iran coach) about him.
"Sometimes you have to go on an instinct, you look at material. You look at their age and whether they're bringing pace, balance, desire to play and things like that."

The Homeless World Cup debacle is a thing of fiction, after it was proven that he played for partner organisation CAIS.  He did compete at The European Street Football Festival in 2009 for this partner project, but you can dispel any other rumours.  As for point number two, we'll get to that soon.

Following stints at amateur sides Bebe was signed by Estrela Da Amadora in the summer of 2009, where he was widely regarded as the finest player on their books.  However financial problems took their toll on the side, and subsequently he was offered around Europe for as little as £125,000.  No takers come forward though, with PSV Eindhoven saying they rejected the chance to take the youngster on a free as they didn't know anything about him.

Vitoria Guimaraes eventually signed the player, after cash flow problems worsened at Estrela Da Amadora.  From here on in, it must have seemed like a fairytale.  A glittering pre-season earned the interest of English Champions Manchester United, who eagerly snapped up their man for an undisclosed fee (thought to be around £7.4m).  After his short stint at Guimaraes, where he stayed around five weeks only, he failed to live up to expectations in the Premier League.

Following some very abject performances in his first season, including a poor display at home to non-league Crawley town, he was farmed out on the loan at the start of the 2011/12 campaign.  Besiktas was the destination where it was hoped he could turn in some stellar performances, and return to the North-West rejuvenated ready to fight for a starting place.  However a cruciate ligament injury has ruled him out for at least six months, so it could be a while yet before we see if he really has what it takes to make it at the top level.

Transfer flops: Helder Postiga

When a highly rated young striker heads to the Premier League from the continent, it is always a hugely exciting time for which ever side the prodigy chooses. That was exactly the case at Tottenham Hotspur in 2003, when Glen Hoddle brought an exciting Portuguese 21-year-old to White Hart Lane.

That man was of course Helder Postiga, the fleet footed exciting goal getter who arrived from Jose Mourinho's FC Porto for £6.25m. So what next for a young man who was tipped to reach the highest echelons of the football world? Surely a tremendous season in which he captured the imagination of fans worldwide?

Well it didn't exactly go to plan. A season that very much fell below the required standard was followed by a swift return to his native Portugal. After a solitary disappointing Premier League goal, FC Porto returned and rescued Postiga from his English nightmare with Pedro Mendes heading in the opposite direction.

This misguided attempt to conquer England seemed to have a big impact on the front man, and after four seasons back at Porto two loan switched followed. Saint Etienne was first up, quickly followed by a short stint in Greece with Panathinaikos. Sporting Clube de Portugal is where Postiga currently plies his trade, but how different a career this could've been had he been patient while in Portugal and not been so hasty to move on. Such a shame for a man who has an impressive record at international level, scoring 15 goals in 40 games for Portugal.

Brazilians showing their class!

As we prepare for the quarter finals of the World Cup to kick-off, only one thing has been certain in the duration of the tournament so far.

That is that Brazil have to be the over whelming favourites to take the title.

No one has come close to matching them so far, not even Portugal as you might argue.

Even though they drew 0-0, it was simply to cement both sides places in the round of 16.

Julio Cesar looks solid if not a world class as goalkeeper, while their defence is also looking more stable.

A place where Brazil have traditionally suffered is now a strong point, watch out the rest of the World Cup.

Who ever the play as holding midfielder aren't just one dimensional.

As well as breaking up play, they can also set up attacks whether that be with storming runs or defence splitting passes.

Then, finally, we come to the free flowing attackers that everyone loves the samba superstars for.

Their strength in attack, with Fabiano, Kaka, Robinho etc, is just too much to handle.

Even Elano, an outcast at Manchester City, seems to be loving life at the World Cup with Brazil.

While Holland will be a test today, no one can stand in the way of Brazil on their quest for a sixth World Cup triumph.

Wins breed confidence, so this side must be simply unstoppable.

Group G

Brazil - World Ranking 1

After enduring a difficult spell at the helm of the Brazilian national side, Dunga has come out the other side and is now enjoying a successful spell. They breezed to the top of their qualifying group, and completed a worthwhile warm up by winning the Confederations Cup last summer.

The last time Brazil failed to get past the group stage was in 1966, so there isn't really a group of death to the Brazilians. Although it isn't the best group of players they've took to a tournament, Dunga has got them playing well and with confidence and they are second favourites behind Spain.

Strengths

Luis Fabiano has been a revelation after eventually been given a chance to impress in the national fold. He looks like a born number nine, and is excelling in this current squad. If anyone is to challenge Euro 2008 top scorer David Villa for that mantle this Summer, it looks like it could well be Brazil's Sevilla front man.

Experience is the name of the game for Brazil, with most of those selected having been to major tournament and plying their trade at top clubs. In addition to this, there is the fact that no European side has won a World Cup held outside of Europe. Something that will no doubt have the Samba stars brimming with confidence.

Weaknesses

While experience is a good thing in a squad, there usually has to be a good mix with youth for a side to ultimately become successful. With nine players selected over 30 and only 2 at 25 being the youngest, it could become a problem that affects progress in the latter stages.

This team is also not as strong as Brazil sides we have seen in the past, and that fear factor no longer seems to exist that once saw them breeze into the later rounds on reputation alone.

Key Man - Luis Fabiano

A man possessed while wearing a Brazil shirt, he simply can't stop scoring. His 25 goals in 38 appearances is up their with the best in the world, and he will really need to hit this type of form if Brazil are to become six time champions. A move to the Premier League has surrounded Fabiano for well over a year, and a successful tournament could spark bids from all over Europe.

One to Watch - Daniel Alves

Barcelona's marauding right-back is often seen charging up the touch line, setting up attack after attack for both club and country. The Catalan club signed Alves for a fee that could eventually rise to 40m Euros from Sevilla, and he won the treble in his first season at the club. He could be key in the assist stakes for Brazil this summer.

Manager - Dunga

Brazil's manager knows what it is like to win a World Cup, after captaining his team to glory in 1994. After turning down the job as national team manager in 2000 because of concerns about the running of the FA, he accepted the post after the last World Cup and could become part of a small group who have won the World Cup as player and manager.

Odds - 5/1

Prediction - Will win the group, and will be amongst the contenders in the later stages.

Ivory Coast - World Ranking 27

Maybe the most unlucky side in this years tournament are Sven Goran Eriksson's Ivory Coast outfit. After their first World Cup fours years ago they exited in the first round after finding themselves in the group of death, now four years later they are once again in that dreaded group. And an injury to talisman Didier Drogba hardly helps matters, even though he is expected to play some part.

After qualifying comfortably under the guidance of Vahid Halilhodzic, a poor African Nations saw Les Elephants put under the charge of the former England manager. A quarter-final specialist while on our shores, he could have his work cut out just to escape the group stage this time round.

Strengths

Their is good experience throughout this side, but the strongest area could well be among the forward line. First choice Drogba (when fit again) will be accompanied by either Salomon Kalou or Aruna Dindane who both enjoyed good season while in the Premier League.

A strong bullish side as you would expect from Africa, they will need to be at their best this summer. The hassling that was missing in the African Nations will have to return, and they could just stand a chance of progressing to at least the last 16.

Weaknesses

Their defence needs to be sorted out, and fast, if they are to beat Portugal into second place. Kolo Toure hasn't exactly set Eastlands a light this season, while Emmanuel Eboue has been used sparingly in defence at Arsenal. One option could be to follow Barcelona's example and switch Yaya Toure to the back, but whatever the solution if it isn't sorter Ivory Coast could fall at the first hurdle for the second year running.

Key Man - Didier Drogba

The strong yet pacey Chelsea front man epitomises everything about this side. His bullish attitude on the pitch makes him very little friends, but he won't care while he's plundering the goals at the rate he is. He hit the back of the net 37 times in all competitions for his club last season, and his rate for his country is equally impressive with 44 in 67. They will need him to recover fast, with their first two games being Portugal and Brazil.

One to Watch - Salomon Kalou

Drogba's Chelsea team mate is beginning to impress in the Premier League. after struggling to make an impact at first. His strike rate for his national side though is non too shabby, with him finding the back of the net 11 time in 28 appearances.

Manager - Sven Goran Eriksson

After a terrible spell at Mexico and a doomed reign at Notts County as Director of Football, Eriksson has found his way to Ivory Coast where he has a contract that lasts for just the World Cup. A good showing could get him back into club management quickly, with the Swede already throwing his hat into the ring for the available position at Anfield.

Odds - 25/1

Prediction - Will just lose out to Portugal in the run for second place.

North Korea - World Ranking 106

The much unfancied North Koreans are certainly wild cards in South Africa, after a marathon slog saw them qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 1966. They began their campaign in October 2007, after after five preliminary rounds earned the right to compete in the Asian Qualifying section. A good result against the more fancied Saudi Arabia got them through to compete this summer, and they could well spring a few surprises after being seemingly written off already.

Strengths

The sheer unexpected nature of this side. No one really knows a lot about North Korea, they are expected to be comfortably beaten in all three group games so they could well cause a shock.

Their main strength in play is in defence, although this could go wrong with the attacking might that lies in group G. If they mix a stern defence with attacking intentions they could do better than expected, but if they just sit back it could all go wrong.

Weaknesses

With this being their first World Cup in some 44 years they could quite easily become overwhelmed at the occasion. Especially consider they have been drawn in the group of death, with three other sides all expecting to do rather well.

In addition to this point, there is of course a lack of obvious talent in the squad with no world class players to speak of. And with talent of the highest grade everywhere in this group, in the worst case scenario it could all end up rather embarrassing.

Key Man - Jong Tae Se

The 'Asian Wayne Rooney' is one of a number of players who will be on show hoping to secure a lucrative move with a good showing. He currently plies his trade for Kawasaki Frontale in Japan, and is the current man of the moment in his homeland after scoring against both Japan and South Korea in February. He could've also played for either of those two nations due to parentage, but chose North Korea after they paid for his education.

One to Watch - Hong Yong-Jo

Hong Yong-Jo is one of only two players in this squad that currently plays in Europe, Russian side FC Rostov is where he currently plays club football. This experience could be crucial in keeping the rest of the squad level headed, and the current North Korea Captain will have a big part to play in that and in ensuring goals can be found in South Africa.

Manager - Kim Jong-Hun

The logical choice for manager of this side, as it is unthinkable that they would employ a foreign coach. However don't be swayed he isn't afraid to speak his mind, after a recent defeat to fierce rivals South Korea he accused them of poisoning his players.

Odds - 2000/1

Prediction - Will be overwhelmed by the attacking nature of the other side in this group, and in all honestly could struggle to even get on the score sheet.

Portugal - World Ranking 3

After stuttering to a place in South Africa, question marks hang over the heads of Portugal side that reached the last four in Germany 2006. They were beaten into second place in the qualification group by Denmark, narrowly edging out Sweden into third. And after defeating Bosnia Herzegovina 1-0 in each leg of their play-off match, they head into this summers tournament looking in far from convincing form.

With the 'golden generation' now gone, it is up to the new boys to perform but Cristiano Ronaldo will not be able to do everything alone. Manager Carlos Queiroz also finds himself under pressure, with many fans believing he should've stuck to being a number two.

Strengths

2002 first round exit in the Japan and Korea World Cup apart, Portugal have tended to fare well in big international tournaments this century. A fourth place finish at the World Cup fours years ago is added to well placed finishes in the last three European Champions of a semi-final, final and quarter final. Added to this is the fact that they are now playing without pressure, with their recent poor form removing the favourites tag that usually follows them.

With Nani now out of the World Cup, Portugal will need someone else to step up to the breach and take some of the pressure off their captain Ronaldo. Brazilian born Liedson's emergence is also a major plus for Portugal, with his 3 goals in 9 games showing his international credentials.

Weaknesses

Carlos Queiroz looks out of his depth in international management, with many believing he can't make the big decisions or lead a team. This could have a negative effect on the side, with people doubting the managers ability to do his job.

In addition to this, while on paper Portugal have a good record of late the truth is they haven't played a side in the world's top 15 during that period. They have a good record against these lower sides, but a group game against Brazil should show where there really at.

Key Man - Cristiano Ronaldo

Arguably the world's most complete footballer, Ronaldo enjoyed a spectacular first season at Real Madrid on a personal level. Although his side failure to win anything proves he cannot win on his own, which is the problem which the national side. Despite his incredible goal scoring form for his club though, he failed to score during Portugal's qualifying campaign. However his lung bursting pace and ability to score from seemingly anywhere on the pitch, will be crucial to Portugal.

One to Watch - Miguel Veloso

A defensive midfielder who can also operate as a left back, Miguel Veloso is a target for many English clubs and with a good showing could soon find himself in the Premier League. As well as cutting out attacks he also loves to start them, and can often be found bombing into enemy territory.

Manager - Carlos Queiroz

The former Real Madrid manager has had the opportunity to manage at World Cup before, but he resigned prior to the 2002 tournament after leading South Africa to Japan and South Korea. Under pressure from all angles, it could take a great tournament to keep him in the job.

Odds - 28/1

Prediction - Should make it out of the group behind Brazil, but will then face Spain in the next round and find their competition over.

Next Time

Join me tomorrow for the preview of the final group, containing Spain, Honduras, Chile and Switzerland.