Group A of the World Cup will be one of the most interesting ones for a number of reasons, as it features the host nation and World Cup favorites, but it also features an intriguing battle for second place.

Here is a breakdown of how the group could play out:

Brazil enters the competition as one of the favorites to win it all, and by extension is expected to win the group. And why wouldn't they accomplish that feat? Aside from South Africa in 2010, every single host nation in World Cup history has gotten out of the first round.

When one looks at the competition in this group, it is exceedingly clear that Brazil is the favorite without any possible doubt. The team is loaded with superstars including Neymar, Thiago Silva, David Luiz, Oscar, Hulk, Ramires and Marcelo among others. The team's only major weakness would be in goal as Julio Cesar did not have consistent play throughout the 2013-14 season.

Brazil has a record of 22 wins, six draws and 10 losses against Mexico and a record of one win and one draw against Croatia, along with a 3-1 win-loss record against Cameroon.

Mexico and Croatia present two of the most unique teams in the group. Both went in through similar transitions in terms of their play during qualifiers. Croatia was competing closely with Belgium throughout Group A of the UEFA qualifiers before struggling at the finish line. The team finish second in the group and had to do battle with Iceland to qualify. The poor campaign led to the firing of the team's coach and questionable position in the World Cup this summer. The team's key players in this tournament will be Luk Modrica, Ivan Rakitic and Mario Mandzukic.

Mexico started off invincible in the first group stage of the World Cup qualifiers before struggling tremendously in the hexagonal stage. If not for a few late goals from the U.S. against Panama, Mexico would have finished fifth in the standings and out of the tournament. After firing three coaches in the span of a month, the team picked Miguel Herrera to lead it in the playoffs against New Zealand. The choice worked brilliantly and now Herrera is leading the team into battle. Mexico's key players are Javier Hernandez, Carlos Salcido, Oribe Peralta and Giovanni Dos Santos.

The two sides face off in the final match of the group stage in a game that could easily determine which side goes on to the knockout rounds. The two sides met in the 2002 World CUp; Mexico won the match 1-0. 

The final team in the group is Cameroon. The African nation is making its seventh World Cup appearance, but has only gotten out of the group stage once in its history. The team has faltered at the first hurdle in the last three tournaments and finished 31st four years ago when the tournament was hosted in South Africa. Samuel Eto'o and Alex Song are the team's top players.

Full Schedule:

Brazil vs. Croatia, June 12, 4 P.M. EST

Mexico vs. Cameroon, June 13, 12 P.M. EST

Brazil vs. Mexico, June 17, 3 P.M. EST

Cameroon vs. Croatia, June 18, 6 P.M. EST

Mexico vs. Croatia, June 23, 4 P.M. EST

Brazil vs. Cameroon, June 23, 4 P.M. EST

Final Predictions:

Brazil tops the group with three victories while Mexico edges past Croatia with two wins and a loss; Croatia beats Cameroon to finish with three points while the African nation finishes without a point.

1. Brazil

2. Mexico

3. Croatia

4. Cameroon

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