World Cup 2014 Group A Advancement Scenarios: Brazil, Mexico and Croatia
By Ty Duffy
Brazil: BRA advances with a win/draw against CMR. BRA can also advance with a loss, if MEX loses to CRO and BRA remains ahead on tiebreakers. BRA has a (+1) goal difference advantage and a (+2) goals scored advantage over MEX.
Mexico: MEX advances with a win/draw vs. CRO. If MEX finishes level on points with BRA, they must overturn BRA tiebreaker advantage to win the group.
Croatia: CRO advances by beating MEX. CRO can also draw with MEX and still advance if BRA loses to CMR.
Cameroon: Embarrassed. Eliminated.
Prediction: Brazil, a (-2.5) goal favorite should beat Cameroon and win the group. The Mexico/Croatia result should decide second place.
Noteworthy: Brazil striker Fred’s performance, to many, has been as underwhelming as his name. Big Phil has resisted calls for his benching thus far. Mexico has been a model of consistency, qualifying from the group stage in the last five tournaments (and going no further). Croatian winger Ivica Olic, 34, has been the anti-Cristiano Ronaldo at the 2014 World Cup.