Germany
What can I say about Germany that hasn't been said before? They are in such fine form and in qualification have a 100% winning record. A squad so strong they left out Leroy Sane which left most pundits shrugging instead of declaring it madness. The only slight worry is Marco Reus hasn't played as much football the last two seasons. Be warned they are contenders and will go deep.
Mexico
There are three certainties in life; death, taxes and Mexico will qualify from their group and go out in the second round - its what they've done for the last umpteen times. In fact in Mexico making the quarter finals and reaching the mythic "5th game" has become something of an obsession. A good qualifying campaign and a squad of decent players playing in Europe, America and Mexico. They're in with a shout of second but that second round spot is not to be taken for granted.
South Korea
Memories of that special summer in 2002 where they made it to the semifinal knocking out Italy and Spain. They may never top that moment again but wheres the fun in not trying for it again? They aren't going to do much sadly, they narrowly qualified and were three points from finishing 5th. Mostly made up of players from Korea they also have the two British based players whose names are currently screwing up my spell check. They will finish bottom.
Sweden
Sweden pipped Holland to second place in the group stage and knocked Italy out in the playoffs who are two of my favourite teams and two of the leagues in Serie A and Eredivisie that I watch the most. Needless to say I will remain objective but in all honesty Its between them and Mexico for that second spot as I don't see the Germans standing for a continuation of this giant killing malarkey. The thing about Sweden is despite not having many household names they actually play like a club side and theres a sense of camaraderie when watching them - also they had some bloody good matches including a brilliant 3-2 . Mind you if they get that second place spot they're seeded to face Brazil in the next round, Holland, Italy and Brazil would make for an impressive hit list...
Summing Up
I have this group down as Germany winning the group and Sweden second, but Mexico in with a shout.
Tips: Germany to win, South Korea to finish bottom and a lay unders on the booking in the Sweden/Mexico match.
One to watch: Marcus Berg, it could be his last time in a World Cup but rest assured if Sweden create a moment he'll be on the end of it.
Dark horse to watch: Timo Werner, has had a fantastic last two seasons and could be Germanys next big thing.
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