Blame it on Fifa’s draw. But if world No. 1 Brazil puts a foot wrong in the group stage, it might end up meeting No. 2 Spain in the last 16 stage of the World Cup.
If that doesn’t happen, a Portugal (No. 3) vs Spain clash is likely at the same stage. Whatever course the tourney takes, one thing is certain: one of the top three Fifa-ranked teams will be out by the end of the prequarters.
Here’s why. Spain, bracketed with Chile, Honduras and Switzerland, is the overwhelming favourite to top Group H. In the next round, it will take on the team that finishes second in Group G, which comprises Brazil, Portugal, Ivory Coast and North Korea.
The extraordinary possibility of the world No. 1 playing the No. 2 or the No. 2 running into No. 3 in the knockout stage is the outcome of Fifa’s strange draw: the system is designed to avoid early intra-zonal clashes.
Topping Group G won’t be easy for any team. Portugal is capable of surprising the Samba boys. Ivory Coast, despite an injury to striker Didier Drogba, has the firepower to overcome, or at least hold, Brazil.
So, Brazil, Spain or Portugal will be out by the pre-quarters, a prospect any football lover would hate.
If that doesn’t happen, a Portugal (No. 3) vs Spain clash is likely at the same stage. Whatever course the tourney takes, one thing is certain: one of the top three Fifa-ranked teams will be out by the end of the prequarters.
Here’s why. Spain, bracketed with Chile, Honduras and Switzerland, is the overwhelming favourite to top Group H. In the next round, it will take on the team that finishes second in Group G, which comprises Brazil, Portugal, Ivory Coast and North Korea.
The extraordinary possibility of the world No. 1 playing the No. 2 or the No. 2 running into No. 3 in the knockout stage is the outcome of Fifa’s strange draw: the system is designed to avoid early intra-zonal clashes.
Topping Group G won’t be easy for any team. Portugal is capable of surprising the Samba boys. Ivory Coast, despite an injury to striker Didier Drogba, has the firepower to overcome, or at least hold, Brazil.
So, Brazil, Spain or Portugal will be out by the pre-quarters, a prospect any football lover would hate.