The biggest sporting event is in one month’s time so here’s a preview of Group A, featuring Brazil, Croatia, Mexico and Cameroon. As hosts of the 2014 World Cup, Brazil are in the group stages by default and will kick off against European side, Croatia. Mexico had to get past New Zealand to reach this stage and the other member in the group is African side, Cameroon who got past Tunisia.

Stars to look out for

For Brazil, despite their plethora of stars including the likes of Oscar, Hulk and Paulinho, one in particular stands out - poster boy, Neymar. After leading his side to the 2013 Confederations Cup in a stunning victory over current World champions, Spain, the Barcelona forward will be hoping to win another international trophy in front of his fans.

As for Croatia, there are a few key men to look out for, notably Luka Modric, Mario Mandzukic and Ivan Rakitic. All three have had great domestic seasons and will be hoping to reach the round of 16 at least. For Mexico, the key man is still Manchester United striker, Javier Hernandez while another Premier League striker, Samuel Eto’o will be one to watch as Cameroon look to upset the odds.

Who could go through?

It’s not even in doubt that Brazil will be the ones likely to top the group with odds of 1.25 @ Bet365.com - they’re the favourites with a superior squad bundled with experience, playing in front of their own fans. This leaves us with who would finish in the coveted second place - Cameroon probably have the weakest team in the group and are likely to finish last as their odds of 5.50 @ Bet365.com in qualifying from the group show.

It could only be one of Croatia or Mexico who finish 2nd - both teams have a chance and their inevitable match could end up deciding who gets out of the group. In the end, Croatia’s talent and European pedigree should see them finish above Mexico. Modric and company’s odds of qualifying are a good 2.00 @ Bet365.com while Mexico’s odds are 2.10 @ Bet365.com.

World Cup winners?

The only team in this group capable of winning the World Cup are Brazil - in fact, they are the betting favourites for winning the whole thing with odds of 3.75 @ Bet365.com - a bet worth placing.

World cup 2014 Group A Fixture :

12.06.2014 Brazil-Croatia

13.06.2014 Mexico-Cameroon

17.06.2014 Brazil-Mexico

19.06.2014 Cameroon-Croatia

23.06.2014 Cameroon-Brazil

23.06.2014 Croatia-Mexico