[World Cup] Group C gives underdogs a chance for glory at 2014 World Cup

The draw for Group C at this summer’s World Cup in Brazil could provide an opportunity for one of the lower ranked sides to cause an upset and progress to the latter stages of the competition.

Greece, Colombia, Ivory Coast and Japan make up Group C, which looks to be the most open, with any two teams capable of securing a place in the knockout stages.

The lure of Colombia
Colombia are regarded as favourites in the World Cup betting odds to advance from the group after coming through qualification with a strong record, finishing second only to Argentina by two points.

Jose Pekerman’s side held Argentina to a 0-0 draw away from home but were defeated 2-1 on their own patch, one of only four losses over a 16-game campaign.

The fitness and availability of star striker Radamel Falcao may have a huge influence on whether they move beyond the group after he damaged his knee ligament playing for Monaco. He is not expected to return until June.

Beware of Greeks…
Greece make up the European quota in the group and may feel that this is their best opportunity to progress into the knockout stages for the first time in their history.

The 2004 European champions have been unable to mount any kind of a challenge on the world stage and this is reflected in their World Cup betting odds.

With an ageing squad, the Greek outfit may be considered as the group’s whipping boys, but they did prove that they are more than capable of springing a surprise as they missed out on top spot in qualification only on goal difference to Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Drogba’s boys
The Ivory Coast have been a fixture at the World Cup since their debut in 2006, crashing out in the group stage in Germany and then again four years later in South Africa.

Veteran striker Didier Drogba will no doubt prove a handful for any defence he comes up against and with Wilfried Bony also looking to put a marker down on the world stage, goals should not be a problem.

Land of the Rising Sun rising?
Finally, Japan who were the first team to book their spot in Brazil through the qualification process, are valued at the same price as their African rivals in the World Cup 2014 odds.

The Asian outfit first took part in the World Cup in France in 1998 and have qualified ever since, having varying degrees of success at the finals.

Twice they have progressed beyond the group stage – dropping out in the round of 16 on both occasions – but with a much more experienced squad, the technically gifted side could cause an upset.

The stumbling block for the two nations which progress out of the group could be the prospect of facing England, Uruguay, Italy or Chile in the first knockout game.