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The World Cup comes with a guaranteethat it will always deliver you something unexpected. Based on the shocks in the previous tournaments, here are 5 teams which canupset the apple cart and qualify forthe Round of 16.
#1 Mexico
The 2012 Olympic Goal Medalists had a sketchy path in the qualifications. Despite that, the team has a few impact players like Javier Hernandez and Giovani Dos Santos who can turn the table at any moment of time. With a slight advantage in regards to familiarity to the weather conditions over teams like Croatia, the Mexicans stand a good chance of upsetting the Europeans. They’ll however need the best performance from their side, the likes of which we saw in 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup and 2012 Olympics.
#2 Chile
The only reason Chile has got the underdog tag is that they are in the same group as the last World cup runners-up and winners. However, based on recent form they stand a better chance than Netherlands to qualify to the second round. The Dutch meanwhile will still be fresh with the memory of their side’s disastrous 2012 Euro Cup campaign.
Chile is an exciting side and the nation will look for inspiration from Arturo Vidal, Barcelona’s Alexis Sanchez and their prolific goal scorer Verges to pull them through.
#3 Greece
Group C is expected to be one of the most exciting groups with no “big names” involved. With Colombia being the favourites to win the group, the fight for the second spot will be intense. Ivory coast has an exciting line-up, but the stars are yet to deliver at the international level. Japan meanwhile has pace and furiosity which they displayed in their 2013 Confederations Cup campaign.
But above all, this Greece side has the experience of winning, and winning big as an underdog. Parking the bus is successful at times and has been for the Greeks in the past. Their ultra-defensive strategies won them the 2004 Euros, and these tactics can again earn them a place in the Round of 16 this time round.
#4 England
The group of death has earned England the title of the underdogs. With both Uruguay and Italy in their group, the Three Lions will have their task cut out. England definitely has a few wild card up their sleeves in the form of young players as Ross Barkley, Raheem Sterling or Jack Wilshere. The team this time round has a perfect balance of experience plus young talented players.
However, most importantly for England, there is no scope of a penalty shootout in the group stages. With FIFA also using goal-line technology this world cup, the English can breathe a sigh of relief.
#5 USA
If USA earns a place in the Round of 16 it will definitely be the most hard-earned one amongsr the five. The Germans are the favourite to finish first in the group, but does USA stand a chance against Portugal? It did happen 12 years ago in the World Cup. But the question is can they put up another spectacular World Cup performance?
The Americans did enjoy a 12 game winning streak recently, but the team will need much more than that just form to finish over Portugal and Ghana. Klinsmann has received a lot of criticism for leaving out Landon Donovan and going with a young and inexperienced side. So, either Klinsmann has some tricks under his sleeves or he is going to look really silly. USA will hope for performances from wonder kids Julian Green, and Aron Johannsson while being led by Clint Dempsey.
