Admittedly I feel like I’m a little bit behind schedule with my World Cup previews. I’ve got about two weeks before the big dance and as I write I literally just forced out Group A out of chasms of mind. If I didn’t know me I would be really worried about not cranking out the other articles but as a guy who use to pump out seven stories on a day on a difficult topic like classical music, this is nothing. Now that I have stroked my ego. Here is the hope I don’t fall flat on my face and trip over my grammar. It’s all about getting better while trying to hold onto the confidence you gained from past experiences. I see four teams in Group B who would do well to follow this mantra. Each one of them have specific targets in mind and clear cut ideas on what a positive result looks like. I don’t know if I have anymore build up left in me or if I have the skill to add a few more lines to this little intro without revealing the members of Group B... I’m talking like if you guys are actually waiting on me to tell you who is in the group. Anyone with a computer or can read already knows who the teams are but you have to admit my stall tactics weren’t that bad. Group B Australia Chile Netherlands Spain Australia I love how Group B alphabetically goes from weakest to strongest and it makes my job easier. I don’t have to my rack brain about predictions it’s perfect. Australia comes into this tournament off the back of a strong qualifying campaign. In the first phase of qualifying the “Socceroos,” were placed in Group D alongside Saudi Arabia, Thailand and Oman. The Australians easily bested the group and moved on to the final round of Asian qualifying. This time Australia faced stiffer opposition when they were deposited in AFC’s Group B alongside Japan, Iraq, Jordan and Oman yet again. The Australians finished behind Japan thus qualifying automatically for the World Cup. Let me start off by saying what has impressed me most about Australia. Firstly, jumping federations is not any easy thing. Since their move into the AFC from Oceania Australia has been nothing short of amazing, giving Japan and South Korea a real test. Secondly, this will be Australia’s fourth World Cup and for a country that prioritizes rugby and Aussie Rules Football that is pretty impressive. The state has done well to become a regional power in Asia but here is where my praise ends. I look at squad for the Australians and I’m squinting to find quality. I don’t think Tommy Oar , Tim Cahill and Mile Jedinak will get them anywhere. Cahill probably the greatest Aussie to play the game, when the World Cup kicks off will be in his mid 30s and has been unable to stay fit at length for his club New York Red Bulls in recent times. I can’t see them not getting steamrolled by the Dutch and Spanish and taken to task by the Chileans. The talent Australia is pushing out is getting better but they are seriously outclassed in this venture. Key Man- Mile Jedinak will have a lot to do because his side will be facing some of the world’s best attackers. His communication and organizational skills will be very important. Jedinak is coming of a solid season with Crystal Palace and will need his form to continue. Chile
Chile are a very interesting team. You never really here about their players but you know they can play. The first Chilean player I ever heard about was Marcelo Salas and what a player he was. I think because they are in South America and they have to put up with the Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and teams like Paraguay and Ecuador they always seem like a second thought. Which shouldn’t be the case when you look at the fact that this will be their ninth time at a World Cup. In 1962 when they hosted the tournament they even finished third. So maybe it’s me who pushes them at the back of the mind. Qualifying out of CONMEBOL is really not that easy but somehow the Chileans have manage to do it time in and time out. This campaign the Chileans finished third in South American qualifying behind Colombia and Argentina and just above Ecuador and Uruguay. It is worth noting that the Argentines won the group on 32 points while Chile rounded up 28 points. Being off the top by just four points isn’t bad. Chile’s coach Jorge Sampaoli will heavily depend on his star men, Alexis Sanchez and Arturo Vidal. With the latter in a race to fit according to the latest reports. Not to be forgotten are the likes of goalkeeper and captain Claudio Bravo as well as Gary Medel, players who Sampaoli will rely on also. Chile has to look play the role of spoiler going into this group. They have to hope either Spain or Holland slip up so they can sneak in. Now will that happen? Most likely not but they have to play well and pray to lady luck. Key Man- The guy for Chile is Arturo Vidal. All reports are saying he is in a race against time to be fit for the tournament after undergoing surgery. If he is well there is no doubt that the play will be ran through him. Netherlands
I think the Netherlands and Portugal are the only two major European nations not to have won the World Cup. The Dutch have come close. Like loss in the final three times close. The most recent disappointment was in South Africa in 2010 when they were edged out by Spain. This will be the tenth time Holland will be at the World Cup finals. They got to Brazil by topping a relatively easy Group D in the UEFA qualifying zone. The Dutchmen brushed aside Turkey, Romania, Hungary, Estonia and Andorra like nothing and finished nine points clear of the closest challenger. I don’t know what do say about the Netherlands really. They are a wonderful offensive side with a style of play that is world renown. Players like Robin van Persie, Arjen Robben and Wesley Sneijder have been here before and they will look to bring along the likes of youngsters Memphis Depay and Jordy Clasie. All in all the Dutch has a sweet mixture of youth and experience a template that has a proven track record. Some pundits say that the defenders in the Netherlands squad are lacking but I say let the youngsters play and see what they can do. This could be Holland’s year. Key Man- Arjen Robben is that guy for me. His past few years have been electrifying. There was a knock on him for scuffing good opportunities but those days are long gone. The titles he won with Bayern München has definitely gave him a wonderful confidence. Spain
Trying to capture it’s second consecutive World Cup title, Spain will be favorites to lift the trophy again. Coached by the excellent Vincente Del Bosque the Spanish waltzed into their 14th World Cup when won Group I. A group that boasted a classy France and the makeweights Finland, Belarus and Georgia. I think this maybe my shortest team preview simply because Spain is so deep in all spots on the field. The main sub plot about the team is the fitness of their naturalized forward Diego Costa. Will he make it to Rio? As I write it’s too earlier to tell but right now there is a concern. To call names would be silly here. Spain has such a deep, deep, deep squad full of world beaters. Although I have my own favorites to win the tournament, let’s be honest Spain is probably going to come along and just win it again. I don’t see any weakness and now they have a champion’s mindset. I don’t see why they shouldn’t go all the way again. Key Man- Finding the key man for Spain is really hard. As I said in the above stanza there is no weakness in the Spanish team but one man I do like is Sergio Ramos. Not the most sexiest pick but he has put in the work to merit my choice. Predictions- No doubt that there will a one-two punch when it comes to this group. Spain and the Netherlands in that order. These two are the rich uncles who you always hear about from your mom whom you never met because they are always off doing miracles. Like swimming with sharks in Tortola. My uncle actually did that once...Chile, I think they will be stylish and competitive but both of those thing won’t get you pass the group stage. Again my thoughts on Australia has not changed over four years. Thanks for the effort, the color and spirit and most of all thanks for coming. Spain
I am not going to make this about me. There will be no story to tell. It is all business. The World Cup is here and I’m very excited about it. It is a special tournament and deserves a lot of media and fan fare. The fact that it is four years makes it even more intriguing. Ask yourself where were you four years? What were you doing? What was your frame of mind? I can tell you where I was. I was in college. I was preparing my thesis for my final year of school and I was tad bit negative about stuff. This World Cup has returned to South America and I do think Brazil was a fine choice despite of the country's socio-economic problems. Despite the protests and all of the clamor about the climate and the murmurs about stadium completion. Brazil is still a proper football nation with the right attitude for the game and no one deserves this opportunity more. The problems that the country face is a major concern and it is not right to just sweeping them under the rug because they need to be discuss but I don’t think I am the one to tackle them. So I will deal with what I know or pretend to know and that is the football. So here is my semi educated attempt of a group preview. Group A Brazil Cameroon Croatia Mexico Brazil
Naturally let us start with the host. Unlike the last World Cup this year’s host can actually play the sport. I’m trying to be ask courteous to South Africa as I can but they aren’t and weren’t very good and in my opinion didn’t deserve the honor and if they didn’t host the tournament would not have being vying for trophy in 2010. In contrast Brazil are the model host. A past winner. A country with the pedigree in the game. A regular World Cup attendee and a land that belches out one football great after another. Brazil is aiming to capture her sixth World Cup crown a stat that is crazy if one was to think about it. The objective is clear for the “Seleção,” win the World Cup at home. The pressure to do so will be enormous but coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has the credentials to do it having won the tournament before but that was in 2002 in France. To lift the cup at end will be difficult, I just can get pass the pressure this group of young men from Brazil will face. The country may actually suffocate them but that being said it could go the other way, the energy from nation could embolden them. It will be interesting for Brazil and for their coach who has to get a side sharp that has not played a competitive match since the Confederations Cup in 2013. Granted Brazil did host and won the tournament but playing a handful of games in a tourney that boasted Tahiti does not compare to the grind of a World Cup qualifying campaign. We will see how they do. A lot of factors will be at play. As for the personnel I think host look strong throughout their squad. They have some solid goalkeepers and the defense is very strong, which is even weird to say when talking about a Brazilian national side but Thiago Silva and company have proven in recent times to be very rigid. In midfield, Oscar is the name that leaps out at you as well as young Bernard. Up front it’s all about Neymar. With all of that, will Brazil win the tournament? They could but they aren’t my favorite despite that I do think they will go deep. Key Man- If Brazil are to win their sixth World Cup crown Neymar will have to play a big role. The party tricks he breaks out will have to be flawless and his ability to score will be needed to sling Brazil into winning positions. Cameroon Volker Finke’s men virtually strolled through the process of World Cup qualification. Cameroon secured her seventh trip to the FIFA World Cup by firstly topping Group I in the Africa’s qualifying zone (CAF). A group that contained Libya, Democratic Republic of Congo and Togo. After the group stage Cameroon went onto hammer North African heavyweights Tunisia 4-1 in a two leg play off thus booking their passage to Brazil. Cameroon along with Côte d’ Ivoire are the only two African teams that should actually be feared in my opinion. The men from Yaoundé will for me ultimately battling out with Croatia for that second spot in Group A as I expect Brazil to dominate and Mexico to flag. Cameroon’s squad is littered with European based players. The likes of Samuel Eto’o, Alexander Song, Benoît Assou-Ekotto, Joël Matip and Jean Makoun have all been knocking about Europe for years and have some big game experience and will be called on to perform. If they can’t produce I see a third place finish because the Croats are too business like to slip up. What could work in the Africans favor is the climate...I know people are talking about how hot it will be in Brazil and every pundit has spoken at length about it. As they should. Cameroon does have an advantage playing in these conditions it's nothing new to them but it isn’t new for Brazil or Mexico either. The odd man out is Croatia but I even ask how much advantage is it in a case like this. It’s not like Croatia is a winter land, the Balkans can get steamy too. Cameroon as a country has a ton of World Cup experience and has a well travelled squad so you never how far they can go but I have to say I can only see a lone Mexico win in their future. Key Man- There has been a lot of talk about Samuel Eto’o’s age but to me he is still a stud. It’s funny how Jose Mourinho never once mentioned Didier Drogba’s age. A man who is a clear three years older than Eto’o. Cameroon will peg almost all their attacking endeavors on Eto’o. If they are looking to advance out of the group the Cameroon will have to find him early and often. Croatia
Under the umbrella of Yugoslavia, Croatia has seen a few World Cups and as apart of the old federation they have seen wonderful times. As a lone entity the Croats will be making their fourth trip to the World Cup but their qualification took the long route. Croatia was placed in Group A of European qualification along with Belgium, Serbia, Scotland, Wales and Macedonia. The Balkan state finished second behind group winners Belgium and was forced into a two legged play off with Iceland. A match up that the Croatians eventually topped by coming out 2-0 winners. My thoughts on Croatia are leaning to the optimistic side and why not? In their ranks Croatia have a recent UEFA Champions League and Copa Del Rey winner in Luka Modric. A multiple Bundesliga champion in Mario Mandzukic. They also have Ivan Rakitic´ a player who just wrapped up a Europa League title with Sevilla and Dejan Lovren who is coming of a fine season with Southampton. In short the Europeans are stacked. I think they will have what it takes to slot in behind Brazil for the second spot above Cameroon and Mexico. This is a nation who has always done well at FIFA tournaments I feel that this one will be kind to them as well. Key Man- Mario Mandzukic’s goals will be vital for the Croatians. I don’t think that this group in the World Cup boast the most defensive savvy teams and there will be goals to be had. It’s just matter how much more Mandzukic can score than the rest of the bunch. Mexico
I have seen a lot of Mexico these past four years and let me say they should prepare themselves for a short stay in Brazil because they just don’t look very good. The constant hiring and firing of coaches. Poor Gold Cup and Confederation Cup showings and the shaky World Cup qualifying campaign has Mexico looking fairly soft. This World Cup will be the 15th for “El Tri.” The man chosen to lead the Mexicans is Miguel Herrera and to his credit has steered the national side through a bad patch. The fact that Mexico needed the United States to pick up a victory against Panama in the CONCACAF Hexagonal to ensure a playoff birth against New Zealand shows what bad a shape they were in. All said in the end New Zealand were beaten so all the stress of qualifying must now be a bad memory for Mexico. I honestly don’t think Mexico’s players will have what it takes to topple Cameroon, Brazil or Croatia. Main players for Mexico are either in or out of form like Giovani Dos Santos or have not been playing enough like Javier Hernandez. A big blow to the side has the self omission of Carlos Vela. Which is a real shame because the striker has had a stellar year for Real Sociedad. If Mexico are to get out of this group which I doubt they will, coach Herrera has to heavily depend on home based players like Oribe Peralta, Miguel Layun, Rafael Marquez and Marco Fabian. Key Man- Giovani Dos Santos has to produce the silky skills and look to link up with other members of Mexico’s attacking force. Blessed with amazing vision and is a true playmaker. Mexico will need all of his wizardry to advance out of this group. Predictions- Brazil to win the group with the Croatia hanging on to second, with Cameroon slotting into third with Mexico propping up the table. I hope I’m right simply because I hate being wrong. Brazil’s World Cup pressure will come in later rounds, this group will cause no problem to them. Croatia’s big game players will have enough to teach Cameroon and Mexico a lesson. Cameroon will be very dependent on Samuel Eto’o’s goals. if he can not find the net the Africans will look lost. As for Mexico I just feel the lead up to the games wasn’t the best and the bad habits will spill over into this tournament for them. Brazil
Count yourself lucky! Not just because I am here with some more soccer knowledge or the fact I've brought back one of my older series. Both very good reasons of course, rather celebrate the fact that I just remembered the password to get into the website. I literally spent an hour trying to figure out what the safe word was. Am I a little ashamed? Yes it's been too long since I've jotted down my thoughts onto the blog but in my defense I have had a lot of ideas floating around in my head. Which is a good thing but sometimes going back to old thoughts can help you come up with something spectacular and that's what I am aiming for here. One of my first series on the blog was entitled “Sleeping Dragons." I was just trying the whole cheesy reptile theme hence the name. Titles aside, I knew I wanted a series that would highlight players who had considerable talent but for whatever reason wouldn't exhibit it, an underachiever almost. You know, the type of player that you look at and say he is way better than this. For months, years even I have wanted to return to this segment but distractions, laziness and to my shame my own wandering mind would not allow me to do so. Now that I am in the mood I have to take a crack at it...I bring to you the latest installment of "Sleeping Dragons." Name: Éver Maximiliano David Banega D/O/B: 05/29/1988 Place of Birth: Rosario, Argentina Position: Central Midfielder Height: 5'9ft National Team: Argentina National Team Debut: Argentina vs Guatemala (Feb.6 2008) Club Team(s): Boca Juniors 2007-2008, Valencia C.F 2008-present*, Atletico Madrid 2008-09 (loan), Newell's Old Boys 2014* As I like to do is lay some facts down before I get to the opinions so let me get that out of the way. Éver Banega was born in the Santa Fe province's largest city, Rosario on June 29th 1988. His football odyssey began at little known Nuevo Horizonte before joining the ranks at Alianza Sport. Both destinations purely stepping stones for what was to come. The earliest mention of Banega I could dig up, came in 2006 when he was recruited by famed club Boca Juniors. There he impressed in the youth set up waltzing through the junior squads and by age 18 he found himself in the senior team. After a successful campaign in the 2006-07 season with the Argentine side Banega earned a €20 million move to Spanish side Valencia in 2008. Looking to blood their new acquisition Valencia decided to farm out the Argentinian to fellow La Liga outfit Atlético Madrid that same year. While in the Spanish capital Banega hit the pitch 24 times for red and white half of Madrid with real gusto. Banega’s time at Atletico was great, thus validating Valencia’s purchase. The following season the midfielder returned to Valencia where he was until very recently been a linchpin. Banega has appeared to date over 100 times for club, he has scored a few goals, was the side’s captain and was instrumental in getting the club into the UEFA Champions League. Feats that many players wished they had achieved but misfortune has also plagued the playmaker. February 2012 saw Banega sidelined due to a freak injury where his own car damage his ankle, tibia, fibula and knee. This episode took a toll on Banega and his recovery was lengthy. Fast forward to January of 2014 we see him playing back in Argentina for Newell’s Old Boys,Valencia decided to loan out player until the end of the season and all reports such that he is performing well. From an early age Argentina knew what a talent Banega was. He was apart of the U-20 and U-23s Argentine sides in the past. The transition from youth team to the full national side was relatively easy for him. The midfield man made his international debut on February 6th 2008 in a friendly against CONCACAF light weights Guatemala. When available and fit Banega has been apart of the national team set up and as I write according to reports, he has been named to provisional 30-man Argentine squad for the World Cup in Brazil in 2014, so he has one foot in the door. It remains to be seen if he will make the final cut but being named to the 30 is a real feat considering the amount of talent available to coach Alejandro Sabella and the player’s troubles. In my mind there is no doubt that over Banega is a super talent and there will be some significant success in his career as he continues to chug along but I can’t just wonder if loan moves to like the one he is on at Argentina serves him any good. I use to be an European football snob before my eyes were open to Major League Soccer and to the Latin American football leagues and if you had to pick a league outside Europe to follow the Argentine Primera Division will not disappoint. It’s wonderful. River Plate, Boca Juniors, Velez Sarsfield and Banega’s Newell’s Old Boys are dreams but they don’t play in Europe’s elite competitions. I don’t have to stand long on the topic because it’s a fact. Europe has the best leagues in the world with the best players and Éver Banega at this very moment is not playing there. I don’t know why he was loaned out, it could be personal. It could be for footballing reasons as I said I don’t know I could dig deeper but what would be the point...he is there now and that is that. I personally think the move is a step back and I hope the loan move isn’t permanent. As I scribble down these thoughts down he is nearing the wrong side to his 20’s and physically not to be cliche but it will only go down hill from here. Banega has been unlucky with injuries and the few he as had would set anybody back. As a player he is solid, a good defender, a great passer and finishes well in front of goal. I just hope that he will have a long career in Europe and not decide like another Argentine player maker, Juan Roman Riquelme to stay home at play. I think this is the kindest “Sleeping Dragons,” article I have ever wrote. A lot less harsh than the ones about Miguel Veloso and Ricardo Quaresma. Maybe because I am getting older or I am becoming a more balance writer. Let’s hope for the latter. Éver Banega is a fine player who just needs a bit of luck and a prolonged period of good health. That last statement alone just proves that I am getting older I’m starting to sound like my uncle.
Admittedly I feel like I’m a little bit behind schedule with my World Cup previews. I’ve got about 
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