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Group A
Brazil
The host country's mascot this football-playing armadillo thing. I'm going to assume he's very good a defense, but also at smashing into things.
Mexico
Mexico has a sweet eagle eating a snake. They're the early favorites.
Croatia
Croatia don't have a mascot, so here's a checkered tablecloth instead.
via www.hippocampusmagazine.com
Cameroon
The Indomitable Lions roar onto the scene with pride and loud noises
First Place: Brazil
Say what you want about Armadillos, but they're the state small mammal of Texas, meaning that they are awesome. Plus, they can roll up in a ball and choke a lion or an eagle.
Second Place: Mexico
El Tri rise up on the wings of eagles in a close-fought battle with the Indomitable Lions. Ultimately, the mobility of the eagle wins out against the large cat.
Group B
Netherlands
The Dutch are great at Totaalvoetbal and their mascot is a royal orange lion. That's pretty epic.
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Chile
La Roja don't have a mascot. I am disappointed in you, Texas-flag-look-alike country.
Spain
Like Chile, La Furia Roja don't have a mascot either. But they're "The Red Fury" which makes them cooler than "The Red"
Australia
Socceroos! It's a kangaroo playing soccer. What's not to like?
First Place: Netherlands
Obviously, the royal lion wipes the floor with the kangaroo. Unfortunately for the super cool 'roo, there ain't nothing he can do against the teeth and claws of a lion.
Second Place: Australia
By default (and also because Socceroos is such a fun word to say), Australia advance over the two Reds.
Group C
Colombia
Los Cafeteros can grow coffee like no other, but how will they stack up against the likes of Group C?
via www.nestle.com
Greece
Greece's nickname is apparently "The Pirate Ship". That's pretty BA. They are definitely favorites to advance.
Côte d'Ivoire
Les Elephants will rumble through this group. Or will they? Elephants are easily spooked.
Japan
The Blue Samurai. Dang, this group is full of excellent mascots. We've almost got the classic pirates vs. ninjas match-up here.
First Place: Colombia
This was by no means an easy choice, but since the world runs on coffee, you gotta give the nod to the coffee growers. Plus, how can you deny that excellent mustache a chance to advance?
Second Place: Japan
Samurai are better than Pirates. 'Nuff said.
Group D
Costa Rica
Los Ticos translates, according to Wikipedia, to "The Costa Ricans". Pretty lame translation, but "Ticos" is so much fun to say that they may well advance regardless.
via worldcupplayoffsbracket.com
Uruguay
La Celeste, or "The Sky Blue", are a colour. That's it. There's no bite about them.
via worldcupplayoffsbracket.com
Italy
Azzurri. More colours?! Laaaaame.
Pirlo wins the World Cup of Beards though.
England
The Three Lions are quadrennial underachievers. That being said, they're not a darn colour.
First Place: England
Three lions can take down many things, especially colours.
Second Place: Costa Rica
TICO TICO TICO! So much fun to say.