Editors note: This is the seventh in an eight-part series leading up to the kickoff of the World Cup in South Africa on Friday. Each day a Deseret News writer will break down one of the eight groups of the first stage of the 32-team tournament.
In a World Cup devoid of one group with four legitimately tough teams, pundits around the globe have labeled Group G this World Cup's version of the "Group of Death."
On paper, it's fairly easy to see why so many have arrived at that conclusion.
True, Group G does contain North Korea, which will be participating in its first World Cup since 1966. But its other three teams are all stellar.
Besides North Korea, Group G boasts the perennial powerhouse (Brazil), a nation that's achieved much at recent major tournaments (Portugal) and the African side many believe is the most talented (Ivory Coast.)
Add it up, and you get this tournament's "Group of Death."
BRAZIL: Brazil might not quite be Brazil heading into this World Cup, but that doesn't mean that the Brazilians won't still put on a really entertaining show. Nor does it mean that they shouldn't nonetheless be considered one of the main favorites in the 32-team field.
Indeed, while the latest iteration of Brazil's National Team may not possess the flair and imagination of so many of its predecessors, it should still be really good.
Coach Dunga has added more defensive backbone to Brazil during his time in charge of the world's most famous national side, and the Brazilians can still attack well going forward.
Kaka of Real Madrid leads the way for this bunch offensively, while Maicon and captain Lucio marshal things at the back.
PORTUGAL: Despite much recent success at major tournaments and despite having Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the two best players in the world, many people don't know quite what to expect out of this side at the World Cup.
Manager Carlos Queiroz, who enjoyed much success as the assistant head coach at Manchester United before moving on to coach his national side, has been unconvincing in that role, and his team had better play much better than it did during qualification for it to continue its run of recent tournament success.
Of course, it certainly helps to have Ronaldo, who won a Champions League title and three Premier League titles with Manchester United before moving to Real Madrid a year ago.
Ronaldo and Co. will have to find ways to overcome the loss of stellar winger Nani, who injured his collar bone in training just last Friday and will miss the World Cup altogether.
IVORY COAST: When it comes to the World Cup, Ivory Coast hasn't exactly had the best of luck recently. The Elephants have now been drawn into the "Group of Death" twice in a row, and they're currently sweating over the availability of star striker Didier Drogba, who broke his hand in a friendly with Japan last week.
If Drogba can't go — Ivory Coast is hopeful he will be able to participate — it will make it that much harder for the African side to get out of the Group of Death and into the next round.
Besides Drogba, who plies his trade with England's Chelsea, club teammate Saloman Kalou and Barcelona star Yaya Toure are key figures for the Elephants.
NORTH KOREA: For the first time in 44 years, North Korea will participate in the World Cup.
Manager Kim Jong-Hun makes no bones about how his team will attempt to play in the world's biggest tournament — it will be ugly. Jong-Hun has repeatedly stated his side will play with a defensive-minded 5-4-1 formation and try to catch teams on the counter.
To that end, goalkeeper Ri Myong Guk's performance will be particularly crucial. He did earn 10 shutouts during qualifying. The team also made headlines when it was called out by FIFA trying to sneak in an extra forward as a third goalkeeper.
e-mail: drasmussen@desnews.com