2 of 9

8. Group F: Argentina, Bosnia, Iran, Nigeria

8. Group F: Argentina, Bosnia, iran, Nigeria
Joe Camporeale - USATODAY Sports

This is undoubtedly the weakest group. For Argentina, the group stage should be nothing more than a formality, as they should have no problem collecting nine points. The second most talented team in the group, Nigeria, is inconsistent and unreliable. Iran has never had World Cup success, while Bosnia is a first time participant with low expectations.

3 of 9

7. Group E: Switzerland, Ecuador, France, Honduras

7. Group E: Switzerland, Ecuador, France, Honduras
Twitter.com/fff

With Switzerland being the seeded team, there isn't a whole lot of power in this group. France may actually be the best team, and they barely qualified for the tournament. Ecuador and Honduras aren't exactly accustomed to World Cup success, and while they may have a chance this time around, that doesn't speak well about the strength of the group.

4 of 9

6. Group H: Belgium, Algeria, Russia, South Korea

6. Group H: Belgium, Algeria, Russia, South Korea
Dave Richard - USATODAY Sports

Believe it or not, Belgium is the power source in this group, which is part of the problem. South Korea is a solid team too, and Russia has some potential, but Algeria is a long shot to do anything substantial, which brings the strength of the group way down.

5 of 9

5. Group A: Brazil, Croatia, Mexico, Cameroon

5. Group A: Brazil, Croatia, Mexico, Cameroon
Christopher Hanewinckel - USATODAY Sports

Brazil is obviously a powerful force, but other than that, this group leaves a lot to be desired. Having Mexico in the group helps a little, but not that much considering how awful they were during qualifying and how lucky they are just to have qualified. Cameroon isn't even a top-tier African team, while Croatia is one of the lesser European sides in the tournament.

6 of 9

4. Group C: Colombia, Greece, Ivory Coast, Japan

4. Group C: Colombia, Greece, Ivory Coast, Japan
Presse Sports - USATODAY Sports

This group isn't overwhelmingly strong, but it's balanced with all four teams being capable of advancing to the second round. Colombia is an intriguing South American side while the Ivory Coast has a tantalizing amount of talent if they can finally put it all together at a major tournament. There is also Japan, a solid side that's perfectly capable of making the knockout stage.

7 of 9

3. Group D: Uruguay, Costa Rica, England, Italy

3. Group D: Uruguay, Costa Rica, England, Italy
Witters Sport - USATODAY Sports

This is where the groups finally start to get good. Uruguay and Italy were both semi-finalists last summer in the 2013 Confederations Cup, so both have recent success on the big stage against tough competition, and it's not hard to envision both making the semi-finals of this tournament under the right circumstances. England is at a big disadvantage in this group, but for a team that's projected to finish third in their group, they have a lot of talent.

8 of 9

2. Group B: Spain, Netherlands, Chile, Australia

2. Group B: Spain, Netherlands, Chile, Australia
Witters Sport - USATODAY Sports

It doesn't get much better than the reigning world champions, Spain, and the team they beat in the finals to claim that title, the Netherlands. It's a little unfair to put those two teams together, but it makes for one heck of a group. The addition of Chile takes the group to another level, as they could prove to be a difficult opponent for both Spain and Holland, and could end up stealing one of the top two spots in the group. Australia is decent and should play hard, but this group will be too much for them.

9 of 9

1. Group G: Germany, Portugal, Ghana, USA

1. Group G: Germany, Portugal, Ghana, USA
Kirby Lee - USATODAY Sports

There should be no debate that this is the infamous "group of death" and the best group from top to bottom in the 2014 World Cup. Not only are all four teams capable of advancing to the knockout stage, but all four teams should be considered capable of winning at least one, if not more, match once they get past the group stage. Germany is one the tournament's favorites, Ghana is a dark horse to go deep in the tournament, the USA has never been better, and Portugal has one of the best players in the world. This may be the best group we've seen in the last several world cups and it should be fascinating to watch it unfold.

Related Slideshow

Chelsea vs Arsenal
5 Key Match-Ups: Arsenal vs. Chelsea
jackwilshere-coverpage
5 Reasons Why Arsenal Would Not Miss Jack Wilshere Against Chelsea, West Ham United
946740_10151890369542746_1121204385_n
Which Attacking Players Should Be on David Moyes’ Christmas Wish List?
USATSI_7400213_149008768_lowres
MLS: Old Faces in New Places Part 2

Related Soccer

Courtesy: Aston Villa Facebook Page
Premier League: Aston Villa Battles Crystal Palace
Image via @hullcityteam on Twitter
Premier League: Hull City Takes On Manchester United
Tim Sherwood
Appointing Tim Sherwood on Long Term Basis a Huge Gamble, But Right Thing for Tottenham Hotspur
Image Courtesy of Tottenham's Official Facebook Page
Tottenham: Tiny Tim Sherwood Given Christmas Gift

Related World Cup

antonio cassano
Antonio Cassano: Infinite Talent That Won’t Be Missed
Photo Courtesy of The FA´s Official Facebook Page
Roy Hodgson Planning to Prepare for Manaus´ Awful Climate in Miami
Mattia Destro
Mattia Destro Is Italy’s Best Reinforcement For The World Cup
Gennaro Gattuso
Match-Fixing Scandals Are Only Fought In Italy

Around the Web

ZergNet