Group G

Today looking at what every tournament has, the so called 'Group of death', Group G

Brazil

The most successful nation in World Cup history, Brazil have won the trophy 5 times and are the only nation to of played in every World Cup finals (which started in 1930) and anyone who thinks of the World Cup, thinks of Brazil. Managed by former World Cup winning captain Dunga, the fact they left out Manchester United's Anderson, AC Milan's Alexandre Pato and Ronaldinho and new Roma signing Adriano shows the strength of this side.
In attack they have Luis Fabiano of Sevilla and Robinho of Manchester City, 2 strikers that play well together and have scored almost 50 goals between them but behind them, Villarreal's Nilmar has scored 8 in 17 appearances and will be pushing for a first team place and the golden Boot.

The midfield has plenty of experience in 88 cap Gilberto Silva of Panathinaikos and Kaka from Real Madrid with 78 goals and former Manchester United midfielder Kleberson. Expect Galatasy's Elano to ignite some Brazilian flair into the tournament as well.

A traditional Brazilian defence of two rock solid centre backs in Juan and Lucio (165 caps between them) and Maicon and Dani Alves as two attack minded full backs, this is a traditional Brazil team, built to attack from the back.

Interesting Fact, Brazil has the most transsexuals of any country in the world

National dish, feijoada, a stew of beans with pork and beef

Democratic People's Republic of Korea

Qualifying for their second finals since 1966 (good omen for England), they couldn't be in a tougher group, with 4 players playing outside their native country, the only notable one being Hong Yong-Jo, the nation's captain who plays for Russian side FC Rostov. Manager Kim Jong-Hun tried to sneak in striker Kim Myong-Won as an extra outfield player by announcing him as a goalkeeper but FIFA have already stated he HAS to play as a goalkeeper if he is to play.

For people thinking of having a bet on top goalscorer, it's worth thinking of attackers from the other 3 teams in this group as they will have a field day against this side. Expect them to think faster than a South Korean submarine that's been hit by a missile.

Interesting fact, on 28-29th April 1995, 340,000 crammed into the May Day stadium to see Japanese wrestler Antonio Inoki defeat American wrestler Ric Flair

National dish, kim chee, fermented vegetables

Ivory Coast

Former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson has taken over a team already qualified for the World Cup (it has to be pointed out he failed in his role as Mexico manager and was sacked in fear they wouldn't qualify for the finals). This is the second time the Ivory Coast have qualified after 4 years ago being drawn in a group with Argentina, Holland and Serbia (though they failed to get out the group, they hold the distinction for being only side to score in every World Cup finals games).

Possibly their greatest ever player is their highest ever goalscorer, Didier Drogba of Chelsea, 43 goals in 66 games, this is a man to be feared and at 32, won't have a better chance to impress on the world stage with the Ivory Coast (though a recent arm injury almost forced him out of the World Cup), with fellow Chelsea striker Salomon Kalou and Lens' Aruna Dindane, the Ivory Coast will threaten and indeed, will score goals.

Interesting fact, they have the largest church in the world, the Basilica of Our Lady Of Peace according to Guiness World records

National dish, alloca, fried plaintains

Portugal

For all their history of great players (Luis Figo, Eusebio, Cristiano Ronaldo), it's amazing to think that Portugal have never won a major event, yet unbelievably, this is only the 5th time they have qualified for the World Cup Finals! Managed by Carlos Quieroz (who also managed the country from 1991-93), this is one of the strongest teams in Portuguese history and that's down to one player, Cristiano Ronaldo, coming off the back of a season where he's scored 26 goals in 29 games for Real Madrid (the only shining light in a dark season for them), now national captain, Ronaldo's 22 goals in 70 games (not bad for a winger) at the tender age of just 25 suggest he could easily become Portugal's leading goalscorer and record cap holder in the future. His talents are the perfect foil for ex-Manchester United team mate Nani and Atletico Madrid's Simao, both players always keen to get among the goalscorers but it has to be pointed, only Ronaldo and Simao are players selected in the squad that have scored double figure's for Portugal, as dangerous as they are in attack, they don't beat teams with a blitz of goals.
In midfield, this is Deco's last hurrah, his expereince with 72 caps will be essential though coing off a personally disappointing season with Chelsea, it'll be interesting to see how he copes, backed by the likes of Real Madrid's Pepe, and Atletico Madrid's Tiago, the midfield will be solid and reliable for the attackers to feed off. Should also point out ex Tottenham, Portsmouth and Rangers midfielder has made the squad, returning to his native Portugal with Sporting Lisbon seems to of caught the managers eye.

Defensively, the likes of Chelsea duo Paulo Ferreira and Ricardo Carvalho are a base added to with Valencia's Miguel and Porto's Bruno Alves, not an easy defence for any attacker to play against and it's usually with full backs marauding forward that they come unstuck.

In 2008 former goalkeeper Ricardo retired and a number of different players have tried to fill the void, currently Eduardo of Braga, it's this position that hasn't got a real dearth of quality for Portugal.

If Portugal are to qualify from the group, they will rely heavily on Ronaldo to produce, if he steps up to the plate, expect them to get to the quarter finals at least, if he doesn't, expect a first round exit

Interesting fact, the University of Coimbra, established in 1290 is one of the oldest in Europe.

National dish, bacalhau, dried salted cod