Belgium's Lukaku reacts after scoring a goal against Sweden during their international friendly soccer match in Solna
Belgium's Romelu Lukaku (C) reacts after scoring a goal against Sweden during their international friendly soccer match at Friends Arena in Solna, Sweden, June 1, 2014. REUTERS/Janerik Henriksson/TT

Teams Qualified: Belgium (1) & Algeria (2)

Here is the eighth instalment of the "Analysis & Predictions" series of the FIFA World Cup 2014. There are only 6 days before the gala event takes place. Today we are going to analyse Group H and showcase our predictions for the group. Let's look at the possibilities of Group H.

Teams in the group

Several teams wanted to be in this group as that would have given them a chance to start late in the tournament. Eventually, Belgium, Algeria, Russia & Korea Republic ended up in Group H, arguably the most balanced group. Algeria is probably the only country which is habituated with similar climatic conditions in Brazil. The other three will have enough time to acclimatise the hot and humid South American playing conditions. Belgium happens to be the one that participated in most number (11) of world cups. This is the 8th consecutive occasion Korea Republic (South Korea) qualified (9 in total). Its best performance came in 2002 when it reached the semi-finals. This is the 4th world cup for Algeria. It failed to score any goal in the 2010 world cup but was able to have a draw against England. Russia, the host of the 2018 world cup, has Fabio Capello as its coach. He was England's coach in the 2010 world cup.

Morale of the teams

Algeria has moved to the top as the highest ranked African team beating Ivory Coast only a week before the tournament. It has lost only once in its previous 13 matches. It even defeated Romania in a warm-up match on Wednesday, June 4. The morale must be high. Belgium has several top players who can make a difference even against the strongest teams in the world. Strong midfield, high quality centre-backs and fierce attack - this team has all the possibilities to reach the semi-finals at least. Capello has surely made a positive impact on Russia. Traditionally considered to be a team with weak defence, it has conceded only 5 goals in the qualifying rounds. Korea Republic has always played well-organised football. It reached the knock-out stages in 2002 and 2010. It will make things difficult for other teams in the group.

Players on the spotlight

Belgium: Romelu Lukaku, Eden Hazard & Marouane Fellaini

Algeria: Saphir Taider & Sofiane Feghouli

Russia: Aleksandr Kokorin & Igor Akinfeev

Korea Republic: Park Chu-Young, Koo Ja-Cheol & Kim Bo-Kyung

Turning Point

The match between Belgium and Russia will be a turning point because this match will decide the top position. Winning this match should be crucial because the team that loses it will face Germany in the next round. It promises to be one of the most entertaining matches of the group stages.

Predictions

Belgium will win all three matches and finish on top. Algeria won't be able to register any win this time as well while Korea will make things difficult for Russia. Russia will eventually win against Korea and finish second.

Group A - Analysis & Predictions

Group B - Analysis & Predictions

Group C - Analysis & Predictions

Group D - Analysis & Predictions

Group E - Analysis & Predictions

Group F - Analysis & Predictions

Group G - Analysis & Predictions

What's your prediction? Use the comment section to tell us about it.

Reference: FIFA

Contact the writer: s.mukhopadhyay@ibtimes.com.au