Brazil:
Games: vs. North Korea (June 15, Ellis Park, Johannesburg); vs. Ivory Coast (June 20, Soccer City, Johannesburg); vs. Portugal (June 24, Moses Mabhida, Durban)

How they qualified: Brazil conceded only 11 goals in 18 games throughout South American qualifying. Though they had less wins than both Chile and Paraguay, Brazil managed seven draws and only two losses to finish one point ahead of those two teams. Despite only winning the group by a point, it was a relatively easy run for the Brazilians. Having already secured their spot in the World Cup next summer, a loss and a draw in their final two games were insignificant.

World Cup History: Of any nation in the world, Brazil simply has the most storied World Cup past. Leading the way with five World Cup titles, Brazil has made 18 appearances, including the previous 15. They have won two of the last four and have made it out of group play every time since 1966. Their rich history includes back to back titles in 1958 and 1962, and then again in 1970 while being led by one of the greatest players the world has ever seen in Pele.

Player to Watch: Kaka, the Brazilian midfield star, is widely considered one of the top players in the world. To watch him on the soccer field is like watching a magician with the ball. Playing for Real Madrid of the Spanish Premier Division, Kaka is always looking to involve his teammates. He is a superb creator and facilitator in the middle of the field and is always a threat to score with his incredible technique and fierce shot. Brazilian legend Pele has shown high praise for Kaka. "I have no doubts. To me, Kaka is the best player in the world, because he is the most complete player. I see him a notch above Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo."

Prediction: 2-0-1, beat Spain in finals to win World Cup

North Korea:
Games: vs. Brazil (June 15, Ellis Park, Johannesburg); vs. Portugal (June 21, Green Point, Cape Town); vs. Ivory Coast (June 25, Mbombela, Nelspruit)

How they qualified: North Korea finished in second in their final round of Asian qualifying behind South Korea. Their inability to score goals (just seven in eight games) was outmatched by their stellar defensive performance, as they only conceded five. They finished with the same point total as Saudi Arabia but qualified for next summer's World Cup on a goal differential of two, as opposed to Saudi Arabia's deficit of two.

World Cup History: In their only appearance ever, in 1966, North Korea made it to the quarterfinals after beating Italy 1-0 in what is often considered one of the greatest upsets in World Cup history.

Player to Watch: Yong Jo-Hong is the captain of the North Korean World Cup qualifying team and currently plays in Russia for FC Rostov. The Brazilian national team have mentioned him as being the best player North Korea has to offer.

Prediction: 0-3, do not advance from group stage

Ivory Coast:
Games: vs. Portugal (June 15, Nelson Mandela Bay, Port Elizabeth); vs. Brazil (June 20, Soccer City, Johannesburg); vs. North Korea (June 25, Mbombela, Nelspruit)

How they qualified: The Ivory Coast qualified for South Africa with ease. In the first round of qualifying they tied their three away games and won their three home games. In the final round of African qualifying they absolutely dominated going 5-0-1 while only conceding four goals and scoring 19.

World Cup History: In 2006, Ivory Coast qualified for their first ever world cup. Like this upcoming summer, they were drawn in to what many considered the 2006 Group of Death with Netherlands, Argentina, and Serbia/Montenegro. They put up respectful performances in losing to the Argentinians and the Dutch 2-1, before beating Serbia/Montenegro 3-2 for their first and only ever World Cup victory.

Player to Watch: To say that Didier Drogba is feared by every defender in the world would be a major understatement. Currently playing for Chelsea of the English Premier League, Drogba is one of the strongest players in the world and is a threat to score at any point, from anywhere on the field. In 16 EPL games this year so far, Drogba has found the back of the net 13 times, while contributing five assists. If Drogba can control his sometimes combustible temper, expect a big performance on soccer's greatest stage next summer.

Prediction: 1-0-2, advance from group play, lose to Spain in round of 16

Portugal:
Games: vs. Ivory Coast (June 15, Nelson Mandela Bay, Port Elizabeth); vs. North Korea (June 21, Green Point, Cape Town); vs. Brazil (June 25, Moses Mabhida, Durban)

How they qualified: A loss and a tie to Denmark forced Portugal into a qualifying playoff after finishing second in group one of European qualifying. It was not easy for the Portuguese, as they needed to win their final three qualifiers just to reach the playoff. In the two games series with Bosnia, they were able to hold onto two 1-0 victories without their star player Cristiano Ronaldo.

World Cup History: Portugal will be making just their fifth ever World Cup appearance, but their third in a row. In 2006, they had their deepest run making it to the semifinals where they lost to France. Over the past decade, Portugal has been able to assemble a core of players that has developed into a world powerhouse. Advancing from the group of death would not be enough to satisfy their expectations.

Player to Watch: Among many Portuguese stars, Cristiano Ronaldo, the 2008 Fifa World Player of the Year, can change a game at the tip of a hat, and has a flare for the spectacular. Ronaldo, who missed much of qualifying due to injury, plays for Real Madrid in the Spanish Premier Division. So far this season he has seven goals in seven league games, and six more in three Uefa Champions games. Ronaldo is likely the second most identifiable soccer player in the world after David Beckham. He has not lived up to expectations at the international level and sometimes draws criticism for his weak physical play.

Prediction: 1-1-1, do not advance from group play