Group G: The "Group of Death" - where did that term come from?

A group of death is coined when the number of strong competitors in one group is more than the number of qualifying spots available in the next round.

At the 1958 World Cup, hosted by Sweden, before the term “Group of Death” became regularly used, group four was named giganternas kamp; Swedish for “giants’ battle”. This group consisted of Brazil, England, the Soviet Union and Austria.

During the 1970 World Cup, Mexican journalists created the term “Group of Death” (grupo de la muerte, in Spanish) when dubbed group three as such group – it contained defending champions England, favourites and eventual champions Brazil, 1962 runners up Czechoslovakia and Romania.

It was used again in Mexico in 1982 when reining champs Argentina landed in a group with eventual champions Italy and Brazil. The Guardian later called this the deadliest ever group of death.

The term then become popular and widely used after the 1986 draw, which saw the Uruguay manager describe his team’s group as the Group of Death – which also contained West Germany, Denmark and Scotland.

While some people have stated that this year, Group D (Australia, Germany, Ghana, Serbia) is the toughest group; Group G has been terms the “Group of Death” for the 2010 World Cup.

It contains Brazil, Portugal, Ivory Coast and North Korea.

North Korea: I’m not quite sure why the gods of fate are so pissed at you, but I’m sorry to tell you: you’re screwed. It will take nothing short of two miracles for you to survive – these include a no show by two of the other three teams.

The recent injury to Ivory Coast’s captain, the man everyone loves to hate Didier Drogba, had me thrilled for a short while that he might be out of action for the next month. Unfortunately, he is back with the team, and probably going to play a part in the tournament – which is good news for the Elephants, as they once again have a shot at advancing.

This also makes me smile, as nothing, and I mean NOTHING, would make me happier than if Portugal was the one who gets screwed over by the Group of Death. I would LOVE to see the smug grin slapped right off Christiano Ronaldo’s tanned face.

Brazil, as one of the favourites of the tournament, have shown nothing but pure, unadulterated class for the past four years under their new coach, Dunga. There are a more refined version of their previously perfect selves. I can’t say anything bad about them right now.

I think Brazil will win the group, and after a tough battle for the second spot, I think Portugal might take it. But I hope to god they don’t.