Holland: Striker Robin Van Persie led the Dutch as they shattered Spain 5-1 and then subdued a feisty Australia 3-2. This team crashed out of the Euros two years ago, but with crafty coach Louis Van Gaal, they had to tactics to crush Spain, then adjust to the Socceroos’ forthright attack. Skilled, athletic and brainy, the Oranje must be respected.
Germany: They always look good in the group stage, with a roster loaded with starters from the best European clubs. Mesut Ozil, among the top five midfielders in the world, rides the pine for the Germans. They routed Portugal 4-0. Will they be able to get to the finals this time? Lots of my friends think so.
France: Historically a Jekyll-and-Hyde team, les Bleus are looking very Dr. Jekyll in 2014. Amid a team mutiny, they didn’t score a goal at the 2010 World Cup. After two games this year, their tally is eight goals — 3-0 over Honduras and a 5-2 thrashing of Switzerland. They’ve got loads of skill — after a standout season with Real Madrid, striker Karim Benzema is brimming with confidence — and a certain je ne sais quoi. No, I do know what it is; the French have the mojo.
The rest: Brazil has gotten generous refereeing, along with passionate fans packing the stadium, but barely tripped by Croatia and could only tie Mexico 0-0. You heard it here first — they’re all bit players on the top European clubs; they’re not that good. Argentina, with the world’s best player in Lionel Messi, were unconvincing in beating Bosnia-Herzegovina 2-1, but they could still prevail.
The minnows of the Americas — Costa Rica, Chile, Mexico and the United States have all impressed with their determination. They may not have the skill to go far in the knockout stages, but they’re earning respect, especially for the lightly regarded North and Central America region.
