Group A and Group B teams play the last matches of their groups today. While Group B teams already know the qualifiers, Group A is yet to find the top two and three teams including the host Brazil contesting for it. Unless they win, they may be left with the option to watch rest of the matches as spectators only. Group B matches are more about seeding now as the one match has top teams deciding the ranking, while the other match is more of pride for already knocked out two teams. For Group A, it is battle of survival for all the three. Despite knowing the Group B result in advance, they cannot play to pick their opponents in Round of 16, as their first worry will be of qualifying. What has been the history of Group A and Group B teams, and what is the verdict for today’s qualifier and also the scenarios of which team will reach the 2nd round!! Check the report.
When Brazil was Knocked out in the First Round!!
2014 Football World Cup: Schedule and Results in Indian Standard Time
FIFA World Cup 2014: Points Table
History of Teams from Group A and Group B
- Brazil has been knocked out in the first round only thrice. 1930, 1934 and then as defending champion in 1966 FIFA World Cup.
Croatia has reached beyond Round 1 only once in last three attempts when they made debut in 1998 and finished 3rd.
Mexico has been knocked out in the first round on 7 occasions out of the 14 editions they played. Since 1994 they are continuously getting knocked out in the 2nd round.
Chile has qualified for 2nd round only third time in their 9 appearances at World Cup.
Netherlands is a regular at 2nd round in 10 attempts, except 1934 and 1938.
Australia is failing 3rd time in 4th attempt to reach 2nd round.
Cameroon has reached beyond first round only once in 7 attempts now.
Defending champion Spain has failed to qualify for 2nd round on 4th occasions in their 14th World Cup.
NewsChoupal Verdict
- Group A: Brazil will top the group, while Mexico can resist the Croatian last surge.
Group B: Netherlands should top the group. The match may end in a draw though.
Group A
None of the teams have qualified in this group, but Cameroon is already knocked out losing both the matches. In the last matches of the group, favorite Brazil meets Cameroon, while Mexico takes on Croatia. The group is still interesting as three teams contest in their last matches for the top two positions.
Special Scenario
- If Brazil loses to Cameroon, then even a draw between Mexico and Croatia will knock Brazil out, and see both the teams qualify to next round.
General Scenarios
- Brazil on 4 points just needs a draw to move to the next round, and a handsome win to ensure they top the group.
Mexico must not lose if they have to reach second round.
Croatia must defeat Mexico to reach the next round.
Group B
The already qualified teams could have picked their Round of 16 opponents as they face each other in the last match of their group. Unfortunately Group A matches are scheduled hours after their match.
Special Scenario
- As both the qualified teams play against each other, Chile must win if they have to top the group. With both teams already at 6 points, Netherlands are a goal better than Chile on goal difference and a draw would see them top the group.
General Scenarios
- Can the defending champion win at least their last match? That is the only interest left when both the knocked out teams of the group, Australia and Spain play each other.
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