Group D: Uruguay – Reached the semis four years ago but survived a qualifying scare this time around. Costa Rica – Qualifying success was built upon outstanding home form, struggles on the road. England – Lacking in confidence and inspiration and comes in with its lowest expectations in decades. Italy – Champions in 2006, awful in 2010, full of talent and believes it can go all the way.

Group G: Germany – Third in 2010 and aims to build on positive vibe created by its dominant club teams. Ghana – Knocked out the U.S. in 2010 before being heartbreakingly denied a semifinal spot. United States – Regarded as the strongest team in its pot after topping CONCACAF group. Portugal – Cristiano Ronaldo single-handedly won a tense playoff but has yet to shine at World Cup.