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On paper, Group H looks relatively even matched but Belgium will be fancied by most as group winners. Russia and Korea Republic will provide a threat and Algeria, who famously held England to a goalless draw four years ago, are an improving side he will be eager to impress.

The teams

Belgium can boast an array of world class talent and will be hoping they can channel their individual threat into a team to be feared throughout the competition. Even without Aston Villa star Christian Benteke, the Europeans have enough throughout their squad to make an impact in Brazil.

Russia and Korea Republic will be hoping to progress from Group H and both nations have the guile and skill to make a lasting impression. The former are just four years away from hosting the competition so it is imperative for their fans to see a side that can challenge on home soil.

Algeria are perhaps most bookmakers favourites to finish bottom of Group H but the Africans will be keen to quash those pre-tournaments expectations.

Players to watch

Romelu Lukaku (BEL), Eden Hazard (BEL), Toby Alderweireld (BEL), Sofiane Feghouli (ALG), Saphir Taider (ALG), Kim Bo-Kyung (KOR), Koo ja-Cheol (KOR), Park Chu-Young (KOR), Igor Akinfeev (RUS), Aleksandr Kokorin (RUS).

Group decider

Russia-Korea Republic: Top group seeds Belgium will be watching eagerly to see the outcome of this game. The Russians will be slight favourites against their Asian opponents in what promises to be a ‘winner takes all’ game.

Both sides have the individual talent to cause damage but the side that shows a real team togetherness will be the likely victors.

History archive

Soviet Union 3-4 Belgium (AET), 15 June 1986, Leon/Nou Camp

Soviet Union and Russia played out one of the most memorable games in what will be remembered as Maradona’s World Cup. The Red Devils scored three goals in extra time to knockout their European counterparts in a thrilling encounter.

Germany and Portugal are the clear favorites to progress from Group G. The former have won the competition three times and have the arsenal in their squad to increase that record to four in Brazil this summer. The Portuguese will push the Germans all the way for top spot and have the means to concern the competitions favorites - namely in the shape of Cristiano Ronaldo. 

Ghana and USA will be no pushovers by any means. The latter topped England's group in South Africa four years ago and will believe they have the capabilities to cause another upset this time around. 

Ghana came mightily close to reaching the semi-finals four years ago but lost out to Uruguay in heart-breaking fashion at the quarter-final stages. Their squad will demonstrate a fierce and dynamic style of football which could cause the likes of Germany and Portugal some problems. 

The teams  

Germany are heavily littered with world class talent throughout their squad. The news of Marco Reus' injury would have hurt Joachim Low's side but they have enough in reserve to replace the talented Borussia Dortmund star. 

Portugal narrowly lost to Germany two years ago in the European Championships and will be encouraged by this that revenge is definitely achievable. Cristiano Ronaldo will once again be the man to stop for the defenders of Group G. 

USA - lead by former German star Jurgen Klinsmann - will be aiming to cause havoc and upset the bookmakers once again. Landon Donovan and Jozy Altidore are the likely players to steer them to unpredictable glory. 

The Ghanaian's are perhaps the bookmakers favorites to finish bottom of Group G but they will have faith in their ability that they can upset the odds. 

Players to watch

  Kevin-Prince Boateng (GHA), Sulley Muntari (GHA), Asamoah Gyan (GHA), Mesut Ozil (GER), Lukas Podolski (GER), Thomas Muller (GER), Cristiano Ronaldo (POR), Pepe (POR), Joao Moutinho (POR), Landon Donovan (USA), Jozy Altidore (USA). 

Group decider

  Germany-Portugal: The two European giants will lock horns once again in the opening round of fixtures in Group G. Despite meeting in the opening fixture, three points for either side will steer them in the direction of a safe passage to the knockout stages. A galaxy of stars will be on show and this is a must see game for neutrals. 

History archive

  USA 1-2 Ghana (a.e.t), 26 June 2010, Rustenberg

  The Ghanaian's showed their North American counterparts that African football has firmly warranted a place on the football map after this extra time victory. Goals from Kevin-Prince Boateng and Asamoah Gyan either side of a Landon Donovan strike made sure of victory and sent the fans into raptures - and the quarter-finals. 

BetVernons odds

  To Qualify

Germany          1/9

Portugal           2/5

Ghana             11/4

USA                  3/1

The participants in Group F will welcome Bosnia-Herzegovina to their first ever World Cup - with the aim of ending their charge at the group stages.

The eastern Europeans only made their football debut in 1995 after becoming an independent football nation. South Africa 2010 almost became Bosnia-Herzegovina's first World Cup appearance but a play-off defeat to Portugal paid end to their hope on that occasion. 

Iran are yet to meet any of their Group F rivals in a World Cup finals so they will be hoping to put a spanner in the works of their Group F rivals. 

Argentina and Nigeria certainly have history with each other when it comes to the World Cup. They faced each other in Diego Maradona's last game for the South Americans at USA 94. On a personal level, Lionel Messi and John Obi Mikel will be clashing for the fourth time on the international stage. The former has come out on top all three of those times - including victory in South Africa four years ago. 

The teams

Argentina are clear favorites to win Group F with the unrivaled talent they have at their disposal. Lionel Messi will be desperate to add the World Cup to his bulging collection of club and individual accolades. Often criticised  for his efforts in an Argentina shirt - the four time Ballon D'Or winner will be champing at the bit to lead his side to success in Brazil. 

Nigeria and Bosnia-Herzegovina will scrap it out for the runner-up spot. The Europeans will be quietly confident in their ability to hit the back of the net - finishing 4th top scorers in qualifying. The African champions will need to use all of their experience and guile to shift the free scoring Bosnian's into 2nd place. 

Iran complete Group F and are many people's favorites to finish bottom of the group. The Asians will want to upset the odds but the group stages look like their final destination. 

Players to watch

  Lionel Messi (ARG), Sergio Ageuro (ARG), Gonzalo Higuain (ARG), Edin Dzeko (BIH), Miralem Pjanic (BIH), Vedad Ibisevic (BIH), John Obi Mikel (NGA), Victor Moses (NGA), Victor Obina (NGA), Karim Ansari (IRN), Javad Nekounam (IRN). 

History archive

  Argentina 2-1 Nigeria, 25 June 1994, Boston

  Argentina came from behind to beat their African rivals in what was Diego Maradona's last game for the South Americans. Samson Siasia gave Nigeria the lead before a brace from Claudio Caniggia gave the two-times World Cup winners a deserved victory. 

The Nigerians were praised for their efforts by many neutrals and really put Africa on the map in terms of world football. 

BetVernons odds

To Qualify

Argentina      1/33

Bosnia           4/5

Nigeria           11/8

Iran                11/2         

France will fancy their chances of qualification from Group E but will be rocked by the news that Franck Ribery is set to miss the tournament due to injury. Switzerland and Honduras will meet for the second consecutive World Cup and the former will push France all the way to claim top spot. 

Ecuador arrive in Brazil and will be mildly optimistic they can use the temperatures and surroundings to their favor. Despite looking shaky in qualifying - the South Americans direct style of play will be a cause of concern for the opposition. 

The teams

Switzerland arrive in Brazil with an increasing reputation - finishing seven points above nearest rivals Iceland in qualifying. The Swiss will be confident of progressing through to the knockout stage but it will be interesting to see how they grasp the temperatures and conditions. 

France had to settle for a play-off spot after finishing runners-up to Spain in qualifying. Didier Deschamps' side eventually overcome Ukraine to book their place in Brazil. The 1998 winners will be dark horses this time around to claim the famous trophy. 

Ecuador can boast a physical and direct style of play which will place them in good stead for the knockout stages. They famously caused England a lot of problems in 2006 before a David Beckham goal decided the game. 

Honduras will rely heavily on stalwart Roger Espinoza and the Premier League experience of Wilson Palacios if they are to upset the bookmakers. 

  Players to watch

  Paul Pogba (FRA), Karim Benzema (FRA), Hugo Lloris (FRA), Xherdan Shaquiri (SUI), Gokhan Inler (SUI), Antonio Valencia (ECU), Walter Ayovi (ECU), Wilson Palacios (HON), Roger Espinoza (HON). 

Group decider

  Switzerland-Ecuador: Realistically, the winners of this opening game has a massive chance of securing qualification from Group E. The Swiss will rely on their form throughout qualification and the skill of Bayern Munich midfielder Xherdan Shaquiri. Ecuador will look to take the game to the Europeans. Expect the South Americans to come racing out of the blocks and upset the Swiss from the first whistle. 

History archive

  Switzerland 0-0 Honduras, 25 June 2010, Bloemfontein

  You do not have to track back too far for the last time that any Group D rivals meet each other in a major competition. However, only those with the sharpest of minds will remember the ins and outs of such a diabolical game. Switzerland failed to live up to the hype that surrounded them after beating Spain 1-0 in their opening encounter. Honduras were already eliminated and had nothing to play off - as reflected in the scoreline.

BetVernons odds

To Qualify

 France                  1/5

Switzerland             11/20

Ecuador                  3/4

From the neutrals perspective, Group D should be a fascinating battle to see which sides progress into the next round. For those involved, however, it promises to warrant a herculean effort to qualify.

Uruguay, England and Italy will pit their wits against each other to decide two qualifying spots. Costa Rica make up the final side in Group D and they are expected to struggle against such experienced nations. 

It really will boil down to which side wants it more on the day - England, Italy and Uruguay have all tasted World Cup success and boast an array of fascinating talent who will be eager to showcase their winning touch.

The teams

Uruguay have a semi-fit Luis Suarez amongst their ranks - who on his day is capable of making a mockery of the finest defenders in world football. The current Copa America winners are slight favorites to qualify and it be difficult to argue against them doing so.

Italy and England are the two nations who will surely be scrapping it out for the final qualification spot. Costa Rica will be hoping to put a spanner in the works of Group D and have some Premier League talent at their disposal.

Players to watch

Luis Suarez (URU), Edinson Cavani (URU), Diego Forlan (URU), Andrea Pirlo (ITA), Mario Balotelli (ITA), Claudio Marchisio (ITA), Daniel Sturridge (ENG), Wayne Rooney (ENG), Jack Wilshere (ENG), Joel Campbell (CRC), Bryan Ruiz (CRC). 

Group decider

England-Italy:  Although an opening fixture, so much hinges on this game as both sides aim to progress to the last 16. A victory for either side will put the balance of Group D in their favor as maximum points against Costa Rica would surely guarantee qualification.

The sides last played each two years ago in a major competition with the Italians winning on penalties. 

History archive

  Uruguay 4-2 England, 26 June 1954, St Jakob, Switzerland

  Uruguay were aiming for their 3rd World Cup success when they meet England in this quarter-final clash. La Celestehad not conceded in the competition before they faced England - goals from Tom Finney and Nat Lofthouse ruined that statistic. It was all in vein though as the South Americans ran riot at the other end.  

It will almost be 60 years to the day when they meet again in Sao Paulo - echoing their first ever World Cup encounter in Switzerland. 

BetVernons odds

To Qualify

Italy                7/20

Uruguay         2/5

England         8/13

Costa Rica     10/1

*Prices correct as of 12:00 05/06/2014

Spain will be hoping to match the Italian and Brazilian sides of yesteryear by securing back-to-back World Cup victories. Vincent Del Bosque's side play The Netherlands in a repeat of the 2010 final in South Africa in their opening fixture. Louis Van Gaal will be hoping that Robin Van Persie, top scorer in qualifying with 11 strikes, will have more goals in him to thwart the Spanish. 

Chile and Australia make up the rest of the group - with both sides desperate to qualify and upset the bookmakers.  The former had an excellent qualifying campaign finishing 3rd in South American Zone qualifying. They also boast an array of talent, namely in the shape of Alexis Sanchez and Arturo Vidal, who will be demonstrating a vibrant, attacking style of play. 

Australia will be hoping to put a spanner in the works of their group rivals. It would take a monumental effort from the Socceroos but they remain very much in a transitional period with new coach Ange Postecoglou at the helm. 

The Teams

There is a strong feeling of optimism amongst the participants in Group B - perhaps with Australia the exception. The Socceroos will rely heavily on Tim Cahill to help fire them to success. 

Spain will be clear favorites to win the group as they aim to win their fourth successive major tournament win. La Roja boast an array of world class talent and they, alongside Brazil, will remain the neutrals favorites to lift the trophy in Rio. 

The Netherlands will be hoping to go one better than last time out - losing 1-0 to Spain in the final in South Africa. Oranje had a fantastic record in qualifying and boast a technical side that will be a match for anybody on their day. 

Chile will remain confident that they can qualify from Group B. A fast, attacking side who will be more than ready to handle the heat and humidity in Brazil - something of which may just give them the edge over the Netherlands for a qualifying birth.

Players to watch

  Xavi (ESP), Andres Iniesta (ESP), Sergio Ramos (ESP), Arjen Robben (NED), Robin Van Persie (NED), Rafael Van Der Vart (NED), Arturo Vidal (CHI), Alexis Sanchez (CHI), Claudio Bravo (CHI), Tim Cahill (AUS) and Lucas Neill (AUS). 

Group decider

  Spain v Chile. Perhaps not everybody's group decider, The two Rojas have met four times in as many years and the South Americans will be hoping enough research and homework over that time will result in a winning formula this time. The sides clash in the second round of fixtures which will prove make or break for both sides. Expect an attacking game of flair and technical ability as Chile will hope that 'home soil' can benefit in their favor.

History archive

  The Netherlands 0-1 (AET) Spain, 11th July 2010, Johannesberg

   Andres Iniesta scored a 116th minute winner to break the hearts of the Dutch as Spain clinched their first World Cup win. A rather cagey affair during normal time, the match was perhaps remembered most for the chest-crunching tackle by Nigel De Jong on Xabi Alonso. The former had the last laugh though as the Spanish ran out winners - meaning Oranje have now lost three World Cup finals in their history. 

BetVernons odds

To Qualify

Spain              2/15

Netherlands    11/20

Chile               10/11

Australia          10/1

*Prices correct as of 12:00 05/06/2014

Group C offers a headache for the average gambler in terms of qualification. On paper, it looks a very even group with perhaps Columbia the neutrals favourites to progress. 

Japan arrive in Brazil as Asian champions and they will be keen to demonstrate why. Greece will provide stiff opposition for their group rivals - famously winning Euro 2004 against all odds against host nation Portugal.

Cote d'Ivorie will provide a strong, physical presence and will be aiming to rustle a few feathers as they aim for qualification. 

The teams

  Los Cafeteros will be hoping to progress as group winners and will certainly use the South American conditions to their favour. The Colombians are without star striker Radamel Falcao, but will turn to James Rodriguez to fire them through. 

Japan will battle it out with Greece and Cote d'Ivorie - in what we be a complex display of inter-continental clash of styles. 

Players to watch

  James Rodriguez (COL), Freddy Guarin (COL), Shinji Kagawa (JPN), Keisuke Honda (JPN), Georgios Samaras (GRE), Konstantinos Mitroglou (GRE), YaYa Toure (CIV), Didier Drogba (CIV). 

Group decider 

Japan v Cote d'Ivorie: Despite this being an opening fixture, both sides will want to kick start their World Cup campaign with an invaluable three points. A battle between Asia and Africa, expect an array of power, physicality  and technical ability as both sides will be pressing for victory. 

History archive

  Japan 0 v 1 Colombia, 22 June 2003, Saint Etienne

Ironically, neither of the participants in Group C have ever faced each other in the World Cup Finals. However, Colombia tasted victory over Japan 11 years ago in the Confederations Cup. Giovanni Hernandez scored the only goal to fire the South Americans through to the knockout stage. Los Cafeteros ultimately lost to Cameroon - in which Marc-Vivien Foe tragically lost his life after a sudden heart attack. 

Bet Vernons odds

To Qualify

Columbia          2/7

Ivory Coast       9/10

Japan               11/10

Greece             2/1

*Prices correct as of 12:00 05/06/2014

If history is anything to go by, expect a rampant Brazil to top Group A with minimal fuss. Luiz Felipe Scolari's side have an excellent record against Croatia, Mexico and Cameroon in World Cup appearances. 

Brazil defeated the Croatians in 2006, in what will be a duplicate of this year's opening fixture - running out 1-0 winners thanks to a Kaka wonder strike in Germany.

Cameroon were at the wrong end of a 3-0 trouncing when the two sides meet in the 1994 World Cup in USA. Romario managing to get himself on the scoresheet before the Pentacampeoes went on to lift the trophy.

Mexico have tasted defeat three out of the four times the sides have meet in World Cup history - shipping 11 goals without reply. The Mexicans have tasted success against Brazil in other tournaments, however. Most notably a gold medal at the 2012 Olympic Football Tournament in London. 

The Teams 

Morale amongst the four sides is certainly mixed in Group A. Brazil will be full of confidence after their Confederations Cup success in front of their own fans a year previous. Mexico have had to endure more than ideal preparations for the tournament. 

La Verde have changed their boss twice in three months and only made the tournament via a last ditched attempt through the play-offs.

Croatia also needed to overcome Iceland in a play-off to make sure of their place. Cameroon completed the hat trick of play-off victories - defeating Tunisia 4-1 in front of their own fans. 

Players to watch

  Neymar (BRA), Bernard (BRA), Thiago Silva (BRA), Raul Jimenez (MEX), Oribe Peralta (MEX), Samuel Eto'o (CAM), Alex Song (CAM), Luka Modric (CRO) and Mario Mandzukic (CRO)

Group decider

  Mexico v Croatia: Only a very brave man would bet against Brazil topping Group A so that leaves it between the Mexicans and Croatians to realistically accommodate the runner-up spot.

Both sides like to demonstrate positive, attacking football but it might be a cagey affair when the sides meet on June 23, in Recife. Cameroon have the players and capabilities to rustle a few feathers but the group stages look a likely final destination. 

History archive

  Brazil 1-0 Croatia, 13 June 2006, Berlin

Brazil held off stiff opposition from their European counterparts with a 1-0 victory at the Olympiastadion. Kaka's goal proved to be the difference that day with a curling effort on the stroke of half-time. 

BetVernons odds

  To Qualify

Brazil           1/33

Croatia        1/1

Mexico         6/5

Cameroon   9/2 

*Prices correct as of 12:00 05/06/2014

Too many times have the Aston Villa faithful had to endure a torrid time in front of their own fans this season. 6 home defeats and counting this term, interwoven with a lack of goals and it’s easy to see why they are in somewhat of a slump.

The Holte End faithful have become increasingly frustrated with the form of last seasons’ top goalscorer Christian Benteke. The talismanic Belgian has failed to live up to the lofty heights of last campaign when so much beckoned.

It wasn't so long ago that the German football team was labelled as a well-oiled, efficient and effective force in football. There was nothing too pretty, overzealous or artsy about them. Instead, it was just a case of get the job done and beat the competition with minimal fuss.

The Germany side today under the stewardship of Joachim Low is one full of colour, life and a real zest to beat the competition in the most entertaining way possible. Such attributes make the current crop look genuine contenders to taste success in Brazil.