2014 World Cup Odds: Group H Picks and Predictions – Belgium the Favorite: Based on the world rankings, Group H is the weakest of the eight groups in the 2014 World Cup. It also had the added advantage of being the last group to begin play, which should give all four teams some extra practice and ample time to get comfortable with the weather in Brazil. As a result, the group that statistically should be the weakest could also have four teams that are sharp and playing well when the games begin. The group consists of Algeria, Belgium, Russia and South Korea, and of the four teams, only South Korea advanced out of pool play in the 2010 World Cup. In fact, Belgium and Algeria haven’t even been in a World Cup since 2002. For Group H, the question becomes which team can step up and become a Goliath in a group of Davids.
Projected Winner: Belgium
In terms of pure talent, Beligum is a downright scary team. Midfielder Eden Hazard and strikers Romelu Lukaku and Christian Benteke headline a fast, explosive offense that can test any defense. While the speed and firepower on offense gets a lot of attention, this team is also solid on the backend with defender Vincent Kompany playing in front of goaltender Thibaut Courtois. Belgium has balance, depth and star power. The only question for this group is whether it has enough experience on such a big stage, but while that could pose an issue against some traditional powers down the road, Beligum’s talent level should carry it through to the knockout stage.
Projected Runner-Up: Russia
Losing Roman Shirokov wasn’t exactly ideal for Russia’s offense, but if there is a silver lining, it is that the team’s attack is based heavily on ball movement and passing rather than on setting up one or two star strikers. Meanwhile, Yuri Zhirkov is still around to help facilitate the attack and keep the ball moving. Equally as important is the defensive focus that coach Fabio Capello has infused into the team, making a former weakness into a strength. During qualifying for the World Cup, Russia allowed just five goals, and it is this balance that should allow Russia to push through to the knockout stage.
Potential Sleeper: South Korea
What this team likes in top-to-bottom world-class talent it makes up for with disciplined, mistake-free play. The strength of this group is its talented group of midfielders that includes Kim Bo-Kyung and Son Heung-Min. Heung-Min is particularly valuable because he possesses both excellent ball-handling skills as well as the ability to finish from distance. South Korea isn’t going to overwhelm any opponents, but this team isn’t going to beat itself either. Every team in Group H is going to have to earn whatever it gets from South Korea, and with that in mind, a couple of good breaks in its favor could push this team into the Round of 16. South Korea has a puncher’s chance to grab a transfer spot.
Team to Avoid: Algeria
On the plus side, Algeria does have some firepower on offense to work with. After all, Nabil Ghilas has become a reliable goal-scorer, and midfielder Saphir Taider can be counted on for steady all-around play. The issue for Algeria is going to be a defense that has been inconsistent and even suspect at times. Group H may not be the toughest at the World Cup, but Belgium’s arsenal of offensive weapons, Russia’s ball movement and even South Korea’s ball control could all exploit Algeria’s defense.
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