Socceroos sweat on their upcoming fate The cliche is there are no easy groups at the World Cup - but the wicked truth is that some draws are easier than others. In their past two tournaments, Australia have been blessed with a mixed bag, each with a superpower (Brazil in 2006 and Germany in 2010) and a sprinkling of mid-range teams (Japan and Croatia then Ghana and Serbia). Each edition provided Australia with a chance to progress, but only in 2006 could they capitalise. PT7M35S http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/action/externalEmbeddedPlayer?id=d-2yqs9 620 349 December 4, 2013 In 2014, FIFA has produced the most complicated - and downright baffling - method to create the final groups, which are riddled with controversy. Here is a rough guide: Who the Socceroos want to draw: In 2010, two of the eight seeded teams finished bottom of their groups - Italy and France, paving the way for the likes of Paraguay, Slovakia, Mexico and Uruguay to advance. Next year, the prize seems to be Switzerland, who qualified for only one tournament between 1970 and 2002. Arguably Uruguay, who limped into the World Cup through the play-offs, are the next most desirable seed. Belgium and Colombia have a chequered international history but boast great squads this time. The lesser European and African teams - Bosnia-Herzegovina, Greece, Russia, Algeria and Cameroon - may provide opportunities. Who the Socceroos want to avoid: Brazil should continue the host nations' extraordinary World Cup record. Until South Africa in 2010, every host had made the second round, with the majority at least reaching the semi-finals and six hosts winning the Cup. The usual suspects - Argentina, Germany and Spain - should not be troubled in the group stages but it is unseeded contenders, such as the Netherlands, Italy, England and Portugal, who will complicate the fight for second spot. The one European team, who in a bizarre pre-pot draw will be lobbed into a combined Africa-South America pot, could well create the dreaded "group of death." Tim Cahill celebrates his goal against Costa Rica last month. Photo: Wolter Peeters Adjusting to the conditions: This could be the deciding factor, at least for the European nations. Taking to samba-filled stadiums after being stuck in smog-choked traffic jams and flying hours between cities will make them feel a world away from home. Then there's the climate. "The venues we play in worry me more than the opponents," England coach Roy Hodgson said recently. There's definitely going to be climatic conditions which will be problematic for teams, not least all the northern European sides. You have a bit better chance if you get one of the venues where the climate is kinder. Support in the stands: While South Africans and their vuvuzelas embraced all of the continent's teams last time, don't expect anything of the sort in Brazil. Their hatred of Argentina is infamous and La Albiceleste will be jeered ferociously. Likewise, there would be euphoric joy at seeing Uruguay fail. They created Brazil's darkest day in the 1950 World Cup final, which still rankles. As a nation of immigrants, expect plenty of support for nations with active expat communities (Italy, Portugal, Germany and Japan). The five northern Brazilian cities, where African culture reigns supreme, are sure to flock in support behind Africa's representatives. The best group for the fans: Given Brazil's vast size, there is going to be a lot of travel, up to 2700km between matches in some cases, as each group hosts a match in an obscure inland city, either Manaus or Cuiaba. Beachgoers will hope for position three in Group A or position one in Group B - which also features a match in Rio Di Janiero. The first team drawn in Group H is the city lovers' dream, with matches in Rio, Sao Paolo and Belo Horizonte.