FIFA released the final draw for World Cup 2014 on Friday. The 32 qualified teams were separated into groups from A to H to compete for the most prestigious trophy in the world of soccer. In wake of the official group draw results, we ranked the eight groups by difficulty. 

1) (Most Difficult) - Group B

Spain, Netherlands, Chile, Australia

Needless to say, the four teams in group B have to undergo the toughest challenge to secure the two spots in the knockout stage. The two finalists in the previous Cup will be matched up early in the group stage to go with Chile and Australia. Netherlands will be seeking revenge against El Roja for their loss four years ago, while the defending champion will attempt for a double. Spain and Netherlands are the two relatively big favorites to advance to the next stage. However, looking at red-hot Chile’s recent performances, including its 2-0 victory against England, the former finalists’ chances of survival aren't guaranteed. The Netherlands drew 2-2 against Japan in a friendly, and the aging Spaniards recorded an embarrassing 1-0 loss to South Africa. If Chile can continue its hot momentum, an upset would be anything but out of the question. 

2) Group D - "Group of Death"

Uruguay, Costa Rica, England, Italy

This group has three countries with World Cup titles- Uruguay, England and Italy - and they are still among the best teams in the world. Italy was the runner-up in the European Championships two years ago, while Uruguay was crowned the king of South America in 2011. England have not had much to brag about in the international level recently, but the Three Lions can still be considered a contender with all the star players on their squad. Nevertheless, all three teams have the reputation of underperforming in the big event. Uruguay has always been known for its inconsistent delivery until recently. Italy, especially, was the second team to disappear in the group stage as the defending champion in 2010. English fans would probably be the most disappointed of all. After all years of dreaming and preaching for a world cup trophy, their future still seems dismal after being send to the "Group of Death." England hasn't been past the quarterfinals since 1990. Considering England’s dreadful form recently, Uruguay and Italy are the two potential survivors of the group. But everything depends on how well Costa Rica, the CONCACAF qualifier runner-up, plays against the other three. Remember that Costa Rica have experienced miraculous upsets in the past.

3) Group C - "Group of Death No. 2"

Colombia, Greece, Cote d’Ivoire, Japan

Although the names on the group may not be that fancy, nobody will be surprised if any of the two teams qualified for the next round. Colombia has played really well in every aspect, especially its defense, throughout the past several months. However, it all depends on the real time execution, and Radamel Falcao’s performance will be the key determinant for the Colombian offense. Japan has demonstrated a great potential to compete at a top level in the past, and their competence showed last month when they drew 2-2 against the Dutch and defeated a rising Belgium squad 3-2. With a complete squad, the Blue Samurai can work some magic to progress even further in the tournament. The mediocre Greece and the deteriorating Ivory Coast, compared to the other teams, are on the unfavorable side. The Greeks wouldn't be in the World Cup if they weren't selected to be at the World Cup, while the Ivory Coast has a collection of former greats that may be a little bit too old to have the necessary flair. 

4) Group G

Germany, Portugal, Ghana, USA

Germany is the clear favorite in Group G, but there are several key variables that may alter the standing in the group. Despite the rising stardom in its squad, Germany’s performance recently has been below expectations. It won 1-0 over poor England and leveled with Italy last month. Has Das Mannschaft lost its track? It is most likely a minor tactical problem, however manager Joachim Low still has to turn things around before next June. Portugal’s fate depends on one person only— Cristiano Ronaldo. He's won everything he can on the club side, but on the national team, things haven't gone in his favor. In his two World Cups, Ronaldo has only scored one goal. Yet looking at the way he single-handedly thrashed Ibrahimovic’s Sweden in World Cup Playoff, Ronaldo may be finally declaring his comeback. If there was going to be an upset, the teams should pay extra attention to Ghana, because they do extremely well when they play as a team. America, on the other hand, despite having former German manager Jurgen Klinsmann, will most likely experience a tough time in Brazil.

5) Group E

Switzerland, Ecuador, France, Honduras

It is already a miracle that France qualified. If Les Bleus played like they did in the second leg against Ukraine during the playoff, they still won't do anything spectacular. Despite the collection of stars in the squad, they cannot simply function as a unit. They have the potential to challenge for the trophy if they play up to their standard as a team, but it will most likely be a disastrous campaign for France yet again unless Deschamps fixes the multiple major issues in the team's tactics. Switzerland and Ecuador are the two favorites to advance because of how terrible France has become. Honduras, the weakest team of all, might have a shot to the next stage if they upset France.

6) Group H

Belgium, Algeria, Russia, Korea Republic

Group H is probably the weakest group of all, and it is fairly easy to find out who is going to advance. Most of the players, besides a couple from Belgium, will not be recognized by the majority of the people in the world. Belgium will definitely qualify for the next round if they played up to their standard— meaning no screwing up against lower ranked teams. Russia is the next favorite, and might even have the chance to upset Belgium. South Korea and Algeria may have to wait another four years to attain their dream of the final 16. Korea has the potential to advance, but the squad's inexperience will cost them some points in defense during games.

7) Group A

Brazil, Croatia, Mexico, Cameroon

Brazil is the clear winner. As the host of next year’s World Cup, it didn’t have to compete in any demanding competition after the Confederations Cup.  But it is doubtful that the team has lost its competitiveness. Purely by looking at the talents on the team, Brazil is easily the best team in the group. Also, with the entire nation screaming behind their back and the crowd expecting nothing less than bringing back the silverware, Brazil will top the group stage with ease. Second place will most likely be played between Croatia and Mexico. Both teams have had to qualify through the qualifier playoffs, which show that the teams have a lot to improve before next summer. The Croatia vs. Mexico game will be the key to determining who will qualify along with the hosts.

8) Group F

Argentina, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Iran, Nigeria

Argentina and Bosnia-Herzegovina will comfortably advance to the next round.  In every aspect possible, Iran and Nigeria are at much inferior levels compared to that of the top two squads. Argentina’s squad depth can even allow them to win the group using only its substitutes. Messi’s performance will be highly anticipated as usual, but regardless of how he plays, Argentina will be cruising through Group F. The biggest challenge for the Argentine squad will not arrive until the tournament round. For Bosnia, with Dzeko and Pjanic leading the offense line, next year offers a grand opportunity to rewrite the young country's soccer history.

Reach Staff Writer Taiu Kunimoto here or follow him here.