Aah, the so called group of death - and no, we're not referring to North Korea's human rights record. Pundits have been licking their lips at the prospect of this quartet, which pits together the World Cup specialists, a talented if slightly flawed European outfit, a powerful African nation and an unknown quantity from Asia.
Brazil are clearly the favourites to win the group and you'll find some value in them at 1.50 to finish first in Group G. Dunga has moulded a strong team, who may not be as pretty on the eye as previous Selecao teams, but are very effective and boast an excellent defence. A win in their first game over North Korea should set them up nicely to progress here.
Portugal are only two places (3rd) behind Brazil (1st) in the FIFA rankings. With an abundance of attacking talent they could quite conceivably go all the way. However, they are a frustrating team with their players seemingly unable to find their best form at international level. Cristiano Ronaldo failed to find the net in qualification and there are question-marks over coach Carlos Queiroz. This is his opportunity to prove he shouldn't have remained as Alex Ferguson's assistant at Manchester United.
Ivory Coast, or Cote d'Ivoire if you'll pardon my French, were tipped by some to go all the way in the World Cup. We heard the same thing about les Elephants in the African Cup of Nations and they didn't pull up any trees there. New coach Sven-Goran Eriksson isn't known for his motivational qualities and is more than capable of leading them to a first round exit. Didier Drogba breaking his arm didn't do the Swede any favours either. They have the talent but do the Africans have the mentality? Hmmm.
North Korea looked defensively strong in qualifying as they conceded just five goals in 14 games. Keeping Kaka, Ronaldo and Drogba out will be an altogether different task from bolting the door against Saudi Arabia, for instance. As has been well documented, the North Koreans have been training in a public gym in Johannesburg which can't be ideal. In Jong Tae-Se they have a potential global superstar and it would be foolish to suggest they are in South Africa just to make up the numbers. Korea DPR will compete hard but are likely to be found wanting on talent.
Betting Potential
There is value to be found on the dual forecast as we all expect Brazil to progress. Dunga's side are 2.80 to go through with Portugal and 3.25 with the Ivory Coast with the Selecao topping the group. If you have little faith in North Korea consider the handicap market where you will get some good odds like Brazil at -2.5 at 2.21.
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