I haven’t worked this hard in an editorial sense in a while. I have to admit I was intimidated by the
volume of work it would take to comb through these World Cup groups and the time I had to do it in. I’m a working man. I have things to do. Although football is always on my mind its what I dream about and it’s something that I want to be apart of for the rest of my life. However things have to balance itself out if I’m to make a crack at this sports writer thing and that means doing regular old fashion work at my many jobs. I didn’t think I could make the World Cup deadline given my late start but I did. Now are they some grammatical errors I’m committing? Probably. Is my sentence structure on point? Of course not. Despite my shortcomings. I know I am here for a fight and I am determined to leave a mark as a soccer writer as tiny as it maybe. I have weird confidence that comes from an odd place. Simply I back myself even when I’m not doing so well. Group H is the final pot, I guess I will be previewing and for the teams in it this will be a big moment for them because in my opinion each one of them need to prove a point. For one reason or another.
Group H
Algeria Belgium Russia South Korea Algeria
Last World Cup I made myself look rather silly by hyping up Algeria. This time I am not going to be that foolish. I have a kind of weird adoration for North African teams. I can’t put a finger on it but there is something about them. I don’t know if it’s style of play or what but I do fancy them. Enough about that let’s talk about Algeria for a while. The Algerians after CAF group play landed a fixture against a promising Burkina Faso. Algeria loss 3-2 in Burkina Faso and needed to win and not concede to advance to the World Cup. In Algiers the home side came away with a cagey 1-0 win. A result that sealed their right to play in Brazil. “Les Fennecs,” are coached by Bosnian Vahid Halilhodzic the man that oversaw Côte d’Ivoire’s preparation for the 2010 World Cup but didn’t get to take them to the tournament due to his unjustified firing. A decision that was none his fault. He led the Ivory Coast to a tidy unbeaten streak in his tenure and Algeria will hope he will bring some solidity to their program. Some of the key players for Halilhodzic are captain Madjid Bougherra, Hassan Yebda, Djamel Mesbah and Sofiane Feghouli. To me, Algeria has the feel of Egypt a few years ago. There is a defiance about them that cannot be underestimated and they are playing a better brand of football. Let’s see if they can put it all together this summer Key Man- Sofiane Feghouli is the best Algeria has. He’s quick, nice acceleration and is good on the ball. He can create a fair bit of chances and if the Algerians are suppose to get anything out of this group he is going to have manufacture a lot. Belgium
It’s funny. For a guy who works in a basketball arena I run into a lot of conversations about football. One day before the World Cup I had the pleasure of meeting an elderly Belgian couple. Their English was bad and I gathered they were from the French side of Belgium. I was right but that didn’t make my French any better. I helped them out giving some directions. After that the husband ask me. “Do you like soccer?” I smiled and said I know a little then his wife said you like the “Red Devils? You know they will win the World Cup!” I said if Marc Wilmots were playing then you would have a shot. They both looked at me and said. “You know a lot. You tricked us. Why do you work in a basketball store?” I just smiled and said thank you.” That made my day and it meant a lot to me as silly as it sounds. Before they left the lady waved at me and said the whole of Belgium are hopeful they win the World Cup. I didn’t have the heart to tell a woman who looks as old as my own grandmother to dream on. I don’t think Belgium will win the World Cup but they will make noise. The Lowlanders were casted in UEFA’s Group A. Putting Scotland, Wales Serbia, Croatia and Macedonia all to heel as they won the group. In recent times there has been an explosion of talent coming through halls of Brussels. This current crop of Belgium players can call themselves the second Golden Generation. Eden Hazard, Vincent Kompany, Romelu Lukaku, Christian Benteke, Axel Witsel, Thibaut Courtois and Jan Verthongen are some of names all tied to Belgium. The crazy thing about that, is the list I just rattled of is just a fraction of the names. There is so much more. Marc Wilmots finds himself in a odd situation as the coach of this national team. Belgium is probably the most talented team on an individual level so that should equate to World Cup success. He has to do well here but my question is what is a job well done for Belgium? Does it have to be the cup itself? Does have to be stellar play or an infiltration into the latter stages of the tournament? I don’t know but I do know they can’t win the World Cup. What ever they achieve in Brazil is important because Belgium is a team for the future. Key Man- Eden Hazard is one of the darlings of European football and I will go on record and say he can be the greatest player in world in a few years. Russia
I am very excited for Russia at this World Cup. I see them as a dark horse. I haven’t heard anyone talking about them and they are dangerous which is confusing. They came out of UEFA's Group F as the winners just above Portugal. They are coached by Italian mastermind Fabio Capello and they have the young talisman Alan Dzagoev. The last Euros showed me something. Russia had an identity issue. In the past they didn’t know what their game was. Under Capello, Russia will be doing a lot of kicking with out the ball and a lot of tidy smooth offensive plays with it. The Europeans will be sturdy defenders and they will bully the opposition. My only fear I have is Russia’s psyche. For years I don’t think Russia saw themselves as a big boy in football. Yes Russia is a big country literally but in a football sense I don’t think the Russian people thought so or the players. Capello is trying to cultivate a culture of superiority. Russia has to start seeing themselves a top team and they should. Their performances and stats say that they are. I hope Capello can get these guys mentally sharp for this tourney because I of believe Russia is a sleeper. Key Man- He was awesome in the Euro 2012 and I think he will do well this summer. Alan Dzagoev is a top player and can be a difference make for the Europeans. South Korea
I love South Korea’s team crest by the way. That white tiger looks pretty cool. I just thought I would share that before I delve into South Korea’s chances at this year’s World Cup. So what do the Asians have? Well they can be assured that they have been here before. This will be the Koreans 9th World Cup so they shouldn't feel too much pressure. South Korea also has a young energetic team. When you scroll through the Korean team all your seeing is a bunch of 24 year olds sprinkled with some 21s and the odd 27 year old hanging around . That has to count for something when your running through the midday South American sun. The Koreans also have the skills of a very promising young player in Son Heung-Min. I usually like to give a little snippet of each team’s key player later on in the post but Son’s abilities warrants an early preview. This kid is lighting up the German Bundesliga. He is mobile and a big big big goal threat. South Korea will depend heavily on him and the goalkeeping prowess of veteran Jung Sung-ryong. Mr. Hong Myung-bo will be coaching the Korean team at this World Cup and should take great confidence from his side’s qualifying campaign. South Korea advanced out of the AFC by finishing second out of Group A just behind Iran. The chances of South Korea advancing out of this group are slim. Belgium are too good and Russia will be too strong. The only points I can see Korea getting is against Algeria and even then I don’t think can peg back the North Africans. So what do we have here? We have a solid side. In a fair group. That will play well but will come up short. Key Man- Son Heung-Min is a special player and he will come up against two stout defenses in Russia and Belgium. it will be a challenge but I am looking forward in seeing him attacking it. Predictions- Russia 1st, Belgium 2nd, South Korea 3rd and Algeria 4th. I’m going for the Russians I think Capello will have them primed for this moment. Belgium are awesome but I do see some kinks and injuries are swirling around in their camp right now. South Korea will pick a few points. The Algerians won’t. Algeria
Group G aka the “Group of Death.” Or so they are calling it. Am I calling it that? I don’t think so. In sports being dramatic is often celebrated. Yes this group in the 2014 World Cup is competitive and it does have some marquee teams but is it really a “Group of Death?’ I can basically see only two teams even really getting out of the group anyway and by some margin. I just filled out a World Cup fantasy football bracket and I can tell you it didn’t take more than a minute and a half to complete it. A minute and a half and not a minute because I was drinking some water at the same time. I know sports are played to prove if really good teams are actually good but the culture of the underdog is so strong not just in one or two countries but worldwide. It always hypes up an occasion. I’m not saying inferior teams in what ever sport should not even bother to compete, I’m just saying 9 times out of 10 they will get the hammer and I know in this Group G there will be no surprises. Now that I have spouted off what I think could be sense let’s check out the group. Group G Germany Ghana Portugal USA Germany
If you read my last post and I hope you did, you would know that I picked Argentina to win this year’s World Cup. As I said in my little introduction that’s just above this scribble that I had completed a World Cup bracket. In the bracket you basically pick the group winners then who beats who in the later rounds and this goes on all the way to the finals. Well I’ve done that and I have gone with a bold prediction that sees Argentina beating Germany in the final. I’m going to make this as short as possible because when it comes to Germany dramatics are not the norm. Plus when describing one of the game’s superpowers less is more. Germany won their place in Brazil by advancing from UEFA’s Group C. Taking out Sweden, Austria, Republic of Ireland, Kazakhstan and the Faroe Islands. This will be the Germans 18th World Cup and their on the hunt for their fourth title. The first of which came in 1954 when the tournament was held in Switzerland. It’s been a while since the Germans hoisted the cup. Last time was in 1990 in Italy, so the Germans are desperate to bring home the crown. The word in Berlin is that now German coach Joachim Löw maybe under pressure if doesn’t produce the goods. The fact of the matter is he has been in charge of the German national side for a while now. He succeeded now United States coach JürgenKlinsman and that was in 2006. So that means Löw has overseen two Euros and one World Cup so far and Germany has nothing to show for it. Simply this has to be it for Löw. A setback for him is absence of midfield man Marco Reus. Other than that the German looks solid as usual. Familiar names like Bastian Schweinsteiger, PhilippLahm and Manuel Neuer will be in Brazil. While relative newcomers like Mats Hummels, Mario Götze and André Schürrle will add quality to an already stacked squad. What can I say, the Germans are the real deal. A team that will definitely power it’s way through this World Cup. Key Man- A player who seems to do better for club than country, Mesut Özil will look to gas up Germany with his silky play. For me one of the best players on the planet. Ghana
Ghana has to be the most well rounded of African sides at this summer’s tourney. The Ghanaians will be looking to a make it out of this tough group but before I break down what they have to do let’s see how they got to Brazil. Ghana made it to the Wold Cup when advanced out of group play to face Egypt in African qualifying. The Ghanaians destroyed the Egyptians 7-2 on aggregate thus clinching a World Cup birth. This will be Ghana’s third consecutive World Cup and there will look to improve on their quarterfinal finish four years ago in South Africa where they came up short against Uruguay. The Ghanaians have gone local in the coaching department. James Appiah was promoted from the country’s U-23 side to coach the full national team in 2012 he will look to push Ghana onto the next level. The main men for the “Black Stars,” are Kevin Prince Boateng, Michael Essien, SulleyMuntari and the Ayew boys Jordan and Andre while captain AsamoahGyan is likely to be the main goal threat. For Ghana to get out of this group they are going to have to pick their moments. They have defend well because each one of their opponents have one or two guys that are deadly in front of goal. Lastly they have to make sure Gyan, Boateng and Andre Ayew see a lot of the ball. If they can stick to that they could do well. It is a tough group but given the various sub plots swirling around there is no reason why Ghana can’t capitalize. Key Man- Kevin Prince Boateng is Ghana’s best player. I am big fan of his work and I love his energy. He is a smarter footballer than people think. Portugal
Mine and Portugal’s greatest concern right now is the health of Cristiano Ronaldo coming into this tournament. It is reported that he Portuguese forward has tendinitis and is in a race to be fit for their group opener against Germany. I don’t know if Portugal can win the World Cup but if they do they have to do it with Ronaldo. If he is not around I don’t even fancy Portugal to get out of the group. I haven't seen a national side so bumbling without one man than Portugal without Ronaldo. I had the pleasure of watching Mexico vs Portugal in a friendly match in just prior to the World Cup. Mexico as they usually knock the ball around nicely and had Portugal looking a bit silly but in the end a Bruno Alves header in extra time won the game for the Portuguese. Mexico should had one the game and if not for brilliance of goalkeeper Eduardo the Portuguese would had easily fell to a loss. Portugal’s build up play didn’t look horrible but it was aimless at times. With Ronaldo on the pitch the Iberians at least have a plan as simple as it is. Just get him the ball, it’s very effective. Ask Israel, Northern Ireland, Azerbaijan and Luxembourg. They all fell to the Portuguese in World Cup qualification. Despite that Portugal actually finished second in the group behind Russia. So they had to reach the tournament via the play off route. In a hotly contested series with Sweden the Portuguese game out on top 4-2 on aggregate due to last minute drama by you know who, Mr. Ronaldo to send Portugal to the World Cup. Surprisingly this is Portugal’s sixth World Cup. The Europeans best ever finish came in1966 when they earned a third place. This time around Portugal is led by Paulo Bento who has chosen a fairly experience squad. To me it doesn’t matter who he picks, one thing is clear is that who ever he fields they have to support Ronaldo. I’m not a fan of Hugo Almeida or HelderPostiga. For they have never really produced for me. The Portuguese can win this thing but it all depends on Cristiano Ronaldo. Will he be 100%? Or will he get the help he needs? We will wait and see. Key Man- I’ve said his name like a million times already. Cristiano Ronaldo has to be in complete control. As we have seen in recent times he is an awesome teammate but can his teammates be awesome to him? United States
The United States got to Brazil thanks to coach Jürgen Klinsmann’s crafty navigation of CONCACAF’s Hexagonal. The Americans topped the “Hex,” finishing above Jamaica, Costa Rica, Honduras, Panama and Mexico. The big story lines for the United States are the fact they are in such a difficult group and the fact they will have to face it without the country’s leading goalscorer Landon Donovan, following his omission from the squad. The USA are a good team. I think I have seen every one of their matches over the past 6 years. I live here. I know them. I know what they can do. That being said this group is too much for them. It is unfortunate that the work they have put in, in recent times will count for nought. I just can’t believe that this US squad can overturn former World Cup winners Germany. Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal and a rampant Ghana. Secondly, I don’t think Landon Donovan would have saved the United States in this situation but he definitely would had helped. He is a senior player. The nation’s all time leading goalscorer and most of all a player the team respects and adores him. I’m a big believer in team chemistry and as much as the likes of Michael Bradley, Clint Dempsey and Tim Howard may want to down play it I feel they would have loved to have Donovan by their side for one last time at a World Cup. The form of JozyAltidore is not good. Until recently he hadn’t scored a goal like in a year. I just don’t get how America and Klinsmann can spearhead an attack with a man in such a rut. I give Klinsmann credit for poaching Aron Jóhansson from Iceland and stealing away Mix Diskerud from Norway but I don’t think these two will play major roles at this tournament. I heard some say this squad assembled for this World Cup is just here to learn but that baffles me. How do you work so hard and invest so much into a coach and his philosophy just to learn from an experience. As I said before there is a ton of sub plots at this World Cup and this group has plenty. So maybe the United States can use them to jettison into out of the group. Key Man- Clint Dempsey is a player in form. Since he has returned to Major League Soccer he has been an unstoppable attacking force. In a group with wonderful attacking players, America will need some one to bang them in to keep up with the pace. Clint might be that guy. Predictions- I can see Germany being the outright winner of the group that much is clear to me but who advances along with them? Portugal depends too much on Ronaldo and if he isn’t firing there will be a problem. Ghana is good but can they overpower the rest in the group? While the United States has no pressure on them really because no one expects them to get out the group. This can lead to the States playing with a freedom. If I had call it I would have to say Germany 1st, Portugal 2nd, Ghana 3rd and USA 4th. Germany
The other day while I was at work I had the pleasure of running into a young man from Brazil. We talked for a bit and for me it was an interesting conversation. He went on and on about basketball and he told me his favorite players and he even told how Brazil beat Team USA years ago in basketball to win a championship. I was impressed. He rattled off names like Nenê, Anderson Varejão and Tiago Splitter. His knowledge of basketball was surprising. Surprising...because I stereotyped him. Why would a Brazilian know anything about basketball? I asked myself but he knew his stuff. I was curious I had to ask what he thought about the World Cup? He said. “I hate it.” I was shocked I said why? He said that this World Cup is not for the people in Brazil. He followed by saying if it were local kids playing the game he was all for it but for these big names and companies he couldn’t get on board. He added that the World Cup is taking the people’s money and that he would rather the government there put the money to better use. I think he is absolutely right. I think FIFA has only considered the game and has disregarded what effect it would have on the populous. They overestimated Brazilians love for the game and now the situation is getting out of hand. I am not an economist or a social commentator but I know when something is looking a little shaky and this is. Hopefully for us neutrals we can have a World Cup that is full of great moments and for Brazilians I pray they can get what they want. Not a great way to segue into a group preview but sometimes seriousness is the order of the day. Group F Argentina Bosnia-Herzegovina Iran Nigeria Argentina
Where do we start with Argentina? Home of arguably the best player on the planet...Lionel Messi. Home of one of the greatest players of all time Diego Maradona. Two time Copa America and World Cup winners. Home of some quality bistros as well. Seems like the South American nation has it all but does she have what it takes to win it all? Argentina qualified for this World Cup by topping CONMEBOL finishing with 32 points, two points clear of Colombia and four points beyond a hot Chile. Leading the Argentines this summer will be Alejandro Sabella and the 59 year old has oodles of talent at his disposal. Up front he can count on the magical Lionel Messi, Sergio Agüero and Ezequiel Lavezzi. While in midfield he has the likes of Ángel di María, Fernando Gago and Javier Mascherano at his service. The defense will feature the Manchester City duo Pablo Zabaleta and Martín Demichelis while in goal it looks like Sergio Romero. I am going to go on record and say that Argentina is my pick to win the World Cup. Simply because Mr. Messi has had a barren year. He didn’t win any thing last season so I have to think he will be extra motivated. I think his anemic performances for the national side will be put to bed this summer. Argentina for the chip! Key Man- Lionel Messi. Do I really have to write a following sentence? Bosnia-Herzegovina
The football legacy that Yugoslavia has left behind is absolutely stunning. Here I sit giving all the glory and pomp to yet another country that has risen out of the old empire. Bosnia-Herzegovina like Croatia, like Serbia and like Montenegro are promising footballing nations that are giving the established order in Europe a run for their money. Croatia and Bosnia are off to this summer’s tournament and the latter will be going to the World Cup for the first time and they aren’t here to just make a number. Bosnia made it to the championship when they advanced out of UEFA’s Group G. A group that featured Slovakia, Greece, Latvia, Lichtenstein and Lithuania. The Balkans topped the group purely on goal difference with Greece dropping down to second. Bosnia are coached by Safet Susic, a coach who believes in attacking and he will set up his side out to fire in some goals no doubt. Men like Edin Dzeko, Miralem Pjanic, Zvjezdan Misimovic and Vedad Ibisevic will be doing the firing. While in the back goalkeeper Asmir Begovic and defender Emir Spahic will look to shepherd the back line along the way. Bosnia find themselves in a light group and should advance. The Argentines will get by them but I don’t expect Iran and Nigeria to. Bosnia with their firepower will upset a few. Key Man- Edin Dzeko is a tall, slick and most of all unforgiving striker. He has been in the goals for the past few seasons and I see him netting a bunch for Bosnia this summer. Iran
If I’m honest my knowledge about Iran as a football team isn’t that great and I definitely have to cast an eye over them in the near future. That’s what I like about the World Cup it forces me to be a bit of a scholar because normally I wouldn’t be talking about Iran. The last thing I wrote about Iran came in the form of an editorial piece and that was a few years ago. It was kind of uncomplimentary to the Iranians. I made suggestions on what countries in that part of the world needed to do to become more successful. Now, I’m not taking any credit for Iran’s success but I do want to believe my article on this blog helped them to get where they are today...probably not but since my story the Iranians have really pushed the envelop. Iran made it to Brazil by coming out of the AFC’s Group A. Where they topped a group that had South Korea, Lebanon, Qatar and Uzbekistan. Iran aren’t mugs and this isn’t there first World Cup either having qualifying for the tournament three times before. The nation are also three time Asian Cup winners and are usually at the front of the queue when it comes to lifting the trophy along with Japan and South Korea. Some of the men in the Iranian squad at this World Cup are skilled midfielders Javad Nekounam and Ashkan Dejagah. Iran can also rely on the man who I think has the coolest name at the tournament forward Reza Ghoochannejhad aka “Gucci.” Iran should take a lot of good from this World Cup and with a favorable group I can see them getting at least one decent result Key Man- Javad Nekounam has been playing in Spain for a number of years and though it maybe with Osasuna, Iran will welcome it. At 33 years old it’s a wonder if he still has the legs. What he does have is the passing ability and that will be on show for sure. Nigeria
I always feel that Nigeria is at the World Cup but remarkably this is only the fourth tournament.The Nigerians got to Brazil by winning Group F in the second round of African qualifying where they bested Malawi, Kenya and Namibia. In the third round Nigeria defeated Ethiopia in a two legged playoff advancing 4-1 on aggregate. The Nigerians are coached by former player Stephen Keshi. Keshi has picked a strong side to vie for the cup. A lot of European based players are in his squad. Players like the excellent goalkeeper Victor Enyeama. Chelsea’s John Obi Mikel and Liverpool’s Victor Moses. How far can they go is the issue. I think it will be Nigeria and Bosnia-Herzegovina battling it out for the second spot. The Nigerian players do have the big game experience that Bosnia does not have yet so they might be able to advance out of the group. Key Man- Not a very stylish pick but he is a man I know. John Obi Mikel is a patient player who can quietly affect a game in a positive way. Mikel is vastly underrated. Predictions- I have Argentina coming out on top with Bosnia finishing second. Nigeria will fill that third spot and Iran will round out the group. As I said before I expect Argentina to win the World Cup I have a funny feeling about them. Bosnia can easily outscore their opposition. Nigeria have talent but will they be able to be consistent at both ends of the field at the same time? As for Iran, I don’t think they have the personnel to cope with the sides they will face. Argentina
As I reach the half way point of my World Cup preview I have to say how much fun I have been having. When I started this blog I wanted to more than anything have fun. I wanted to have my own space so I could put all my thoughts into a tangible place. As time progressed the website became more than a pet project and I actually found that I got a little buzz from a few established media outlets. Although some of my ventures didn’t work out I was still chuffed by the fact that me a guy who just wanted to share his thoughts about a little football got the notice from serious employers. That says something. I guess the theme of this introduction is fun and hard work. It’s no doubt that hard work is reason that all the teams at this World Cup are here but I want to believe that fun was with them along the way. Now some teams at this tournament will not find it so fun getting picked apart by superior opposition and the knockout rounds won’t be enjoyable for those shown the door but the experience of just being there must be euphoric. In all progression is what I'm eluding to in my little speech and that is what all 32 teams at the World Cup are looking for. Group E Ecuador France Honduras Switzerland Ecuador
Probably the weakest of South American nations at the tournament Ecuador will look to surprise a few sides as they look to advance. This will be Ecuador’s third World Cup appearance and the men from Quito will look to better on their Round of 16 finish in Germany eight years ago. Ecuador’s World Cup birth was sealed when they came fourth in CONMEBOL assuring that they would qualify automatically. The South Americans are coached by Colombian Reinaldo Rueda who took the job after he guided interestingly enough Honduras to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Rueda has a bunch of players playing in Mexico’s LigaMX, seven to be exact at his service. The rest are made up of home based players most of which come from local sides Emelec and Barcelona. The two names worth mentioning in Rueda’s squad is the powerhouse striker Felipe Caicedo who played for Manchester City and Sporting Lisboa and Manchester United’s Antonio Valencia. The latter and team captain has really shouldered most of the burden for the Ecuadorians in terms of chances created over the years. A fact that lends to my uncomplimentary opinions on Ecuador. Watching Ecuador is like watching pigeons eating bread...very boring I think they are very basic. There is nothing special about them and I would rather much prefer to see Paraguay playing this summer. I really do try to watch their games but I just end up leaving around the 60th minute. As for their prospects at the World Cup I certainly don’t rate them very highly. If they get out of Group D that would come as a shock to me. Key Man- Of course it’s Antonio Valencia. Currently the only Ecuadorian playing in Europe he is vital to Rueda’s squad. France
A friend of mine had an interesting theory about the French national team that I want to share. He said since 1998 the French either do great at a World Cup or tank. In 1998 France hosted the World Cup and won the World Cup. Four yours on in Asia when Japan and South Korea hosted the tournament the French were embarrassed and failed to make it out of the group stage. At the next World Cup this time in Germany the French bounced back amazingly by reaching the final only to be beaten by eventual winners Italy. Then finally at the last World Cup in South Africa the French crashed out in the group stage yet again. What made matters worse was the well documented mutiny of some of the French players in South Africa. Interesting theory I think my friend maybe onto something and if his observation is spot on the French should be due a good one. All theories aside, it has to be said that the French have worked extremely hard to rectify the shame they faced in Africa. The mutiny by seniors on the French side will forever be a shame on the national team. Four years on from the debacle, France have retooled and found a new unity under coach DidierDeschamps. Deschamps guided France to her 14th World Cup by navigating through UEFA’s Group I. The French had to do battle with Spain, Finland, Georgia and Belarus. As to be expected had the true tussle came with Spain for dominance of the group with the Spanish coming out on top in the end. This meant France had to play a two legged play off with the Ukraine and let’s just say the French made it hard for themselves. In Kiev the French were blanked 2-0 by a Ukrainian side who were hot after co-hosting Euro 2012. With all the drama attached France rallied a little late to record a 3-0 win thus booking their passage to Brazil. The French will be looking for their only second World Cup crown and DidierDeschamps has picked strong side to challenge. Deschamps have gone for the likes of Hugo Lloris, RaphaëlVarane, YohanCabaye, Franck Ribéry, Antoine Griezmann, Paul Pogba and Karim Benzema in his squad. I fully expect France to run away with this group. Winning the World Cup is another matter. Don’t think the French will win the cup but I do think they will have a good tournament. Where they end up remains to be seen. Key Man- When I say Paul Pogba is literally everywhere. I mean he is literally everywhere. I did a preview of him in my Generation 90 series and I raved about him. I ask how Manchester United could had ever let him go. Reports from the French camp are saying Franck Ribéry is ailing due to back injuries. If he was fit he would had been the key for France but he isn’t 100%. So I am picking Pogba to drive France forward. Honduras
I am trying to figure out who is the worse team at the World Cup. I’ve narrowed it down to three. Australia, Costa Rica and finally Honduras. I am not going to lie here. Honduras are remarkably outclassed. The only thing that saves Costa Rica is their great qualifying campaign and having a legitimate star in Bryan Ruiz. The Aussies are not that good but they have a toughness to them which counts for a lot in tournament situations like this. Honduras basically has nothing. They had an okay qualifying campaign and their best players are not world beaters but they are here and need to prove appoint. The Hondurans got to Brazil by advancing to CONCACAF’s Hexagonal from Group C in the second round. The Hondurans topped the group above Canada, Cuba and Panama to get to the Hexagonal. While there the Central Americans finished third behind Costa Rica and the United States to qualify automatically for the tourney. This will be a third World Cup for Honduras the first of which came in 1982 in Spain. The Hondurans have never moved beyond group play a fact that their coach Colombian Luis Fernando Suárez will look to put to rest. Suárez has a number of foreign based players. Most notable are Maynor Figueroa, Jeremy Bengston, Andy Jara, Roger Espinoza, Marvin Chávez and Wilson Palacios. Whether Suárez can manufacture decent results with this group is another thing. I think Honduras is capitalizing on the vacant spots behind USA and Mexico that other nations in the region can not fill. It is such a huge drop off from those two nations and the rest of CONCACAF it’s really jaw dropping. Even more worrying is the distance between teams like Honduras, Panama and Jamaica and the rest of the federation. All in all Honduras is a team that qualified from a slightly below average region that are fortunate to be there. Key Man- Roger Espinoza is a my go to guy for Honduras. He is a clever player and although he plays for Wigan he has achieved some success. He never seems pressured on the ball. Honduras will need his cool if they are to pick up a few points in this group. Switzerland
One of my favorite international sides, Switzerland has to be one of the most exciting teams in Brazil that no is talking about. The Swiss have not altogether moved away from their traditional style of defend first ask questions later but now they have some bite in attack and dare I say flair. Coached by the calculated OttmarHitzfeld, the Swiss will look to go deep into tournament and cause some headaches for the opposition. Hitzfeld has guided the Alpine nation to their ninth World Cup. The Swiss got here by dominating UEFA’s Group E. A group that contained Iceland, Norway, Cyprus, Slovenia and Albania. A few names I want to mention in the Swiss squad are as followed. Captain GökhanInler, veterans Philippe Senderos, TranquilloBarnetta, ValonBehrami, Steve von Bergen, Stephan Licthsteiner and Reto Ziegler make up the core of the Swiss squad. The excellent Diego Benaglio is back in goal for the “Schweizer Nati.” While youngsters XherdanShaqiri, GranitXhaka and Ricardo Rodriguez have come to play. The Swiss have a good coach. Experienced players and promising youngsters. That sounds like a good mix. I don’t think the Swiss have anything to fear from Ecuador or Honduras. France maybe a problem but I do fancy the Swiss to give them a good fight. It would be a great surprise if the Swiss won the World Cup but it wouldn’t be crazy. Key Man- Xherdan Shaqiri is amazing. The kid is legit. I look forward to seeing him this summer. Predictions- I will go France, Switzerland, Ecuador and Honduras in that order. I’m sticking with my friend. I do believe the French are due a good run. Switzerland are a close second I like the blend they have going. Although this World Cup is in South America I just am not buying what Ecuador are selling. Too one dimensional for my taste. Honduras are awful! Switzerland
After the challenging time of trying figure who will advance from Group C of this summer’s World Cup. I now am faced with an either harder bunch in Group D. A group that contains three former winners. When making decisions like this I first like to go with my gut. Whatever pops into my head I immediately scribble down. If I’m not satisfied with that I tend to look at the players each nation has, the form they are in and their fitness via stats and calculations. Another interesting tool I like to implicate is the "special factor.” Does a team has a veteran roster? So this may be a last hooray for the players. They may use that as motivator. Does a team have a home team advantage or a huge following in a country? For example, Portugal will be well supported and culturally will feel very comfortable in Brazil. Lastly I just ask a good friend who they think is going to win or advance. Sometimes having an outside perspective is the best angle one can take. I’m very critically of myself and the work I produce. In any realm of life and though I may not like being criticized, it is welcomed. So I can at least give myself room to dwell on thoughts. So there you go a snippet into my mind. Here is hoping I can have clear thoughts moving forward. Group D Costa Rica England Italy Uruguay Costa Rica
If you don’t feel for sorry for Costa Rica you have to be subhuman! The Costa Ricans really didn’t deserve this. I know because I basically watched their whole qualifying campaign in CONCACAF. They were heroic, marvelous and didn’t shirk from any challenge. I will never forget when they played that nightmare of a football match in snowy Colorado against the United States where they turned in a stoic display only to barely lose. Costa Rica enter World Cup qualification in CONCACAF’s third round and were place in Group B with perennial giants Mexico and bottom feeders Guyana and El Salvador. As to be expect the Costa Ricans finished the Mexicans to advance to the final stage of the region’s qualifying, “The Hexagonal.” In the “Hex,” the Costa Ricans exceed expectations and finished just behind the Americans to claim second spot and automatic qualification. A remarkable feat considering Mexico and Honduras were in the pool as well. This will be the “Ticos,” fourth World Cup. Their best ever finish was at Italy 1990 when they reached the round of 16. I’ve seen the Costa Rica squad coach Jorge Pinto will has chosen for the World Cup and the fact he has chosen just three flat out strikers tells you his intention. He isn’t stupid he knows that he will have to close the blinds given the opposition his team will face. Pinto has to get his tactics right and ensure men like Joel Campbell, Bryan Ruiz and Michael Barrantes at least give a wanting defense a break. Key Man- Like so many squads going into this World Cup Costa Rica has been hit by injury. Pinto has loss Real Salt Lake forward Álvaro Saborío to a broken foot in training. A man who would have linked up well with star man Bryan Ruiz. The former Fulham man will have limited touches in the ball but when he gets his chance he will need to be spectacular. England
It's not a well kept secret that England has underwhelmed at FIFA competitions for awhile. Which is a shame because the country credited for bringing the game to the world they should be draped in even more glory than they already have. England’s only international crown came in 1966 when they hosted and won the World Cup. Ever since then it has been an ocean of mediocrity for the English. Which doesn’t make much sense when you look at the players the nation have and had. What I will say this their 14th trip to the World Cup seems to bring an air of optimism with it. In recent times there has been clamor in England to go with youth...well they got what they asked for because this squad heading to Brazil is definitely young. To be honest I think that was the right step because in qualifying for Brazil, England did use a youthful squad when they stepped out on top of UEFA’s Group H. Which was a very tricky ordeal because the English had to see off Montenegro, Ukraine, Poland, Moldova and San Marino. England will be led by Roy Hodgson and the team he has picked for the tourney is missing a few good men for me at least. There is no Jay Rodriguez and Theo Walcott ruled out through injury. England are always without the famed Chelsea pair John Terry and Ashley Cole. Both confirming there international retirement for one reason or another. Steven Caulker was not picked, which is a little puzzling to me given his good form. The regulars however are there for the “Three Lions.” Wayne Rooney, Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard, Joe Hart and Glen Johnson will all be in Brazil. They will be joined by fresh talent like Luke Shaw, Raheem Sterling, Fraser Forester and Danny Welbeck which sounds good. It can’t be side stepped...this is a tough group the English could win it or finish behind Uruguay and Italy. We will have to wait and see. Key Man- I’m sure almost every pundit has Wayne Rooney as the go to man for Roy Hodgson but I see it differently. Daniel Sturridge is such a amazing player I can’t wrap my head around some of his performances. I’m tipping him to overshadow Rooney simply because he is such a real talent. Italy
Italy coast through UEFA’s Group B where they easily conquered Denmark, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Malta and Armenia. This will be the Italians 19th World Cup and they are looking for their fifth title. The Italians this summer will be led by coach Cesare Prandelli and he has brought with him some familiar names. The always reliable Gianluigi Buffon, Giorgio Chiellini, Danielle De Rossi and Andrea Pirlo will be there. Prandelli has also incorporated some youth into the squad. Forward Lorenzo Insigne, midfield man Marco Veratti and defender Matteo De Scigilio will make the trip. Combining these youngster into the squad immediately gives Italy a much more mobile look and feel. I mean I can call all the names I want but we all know that Mario Balotelli is the go getter for the “Azzuri.” I won’t say the Italians won't win this thing but if they do he will be a big help. To doubt Italy changes at any FIFA tournament is folly. The players heading to Brazil look strong and I know they will do a job but the Serie A is flagging a bit and Italy’s players are competing in an ailing league. One just has to look at how well Italian teams are doing in the UEFA Champions League in recent seasons. Attendances and financing for the league isn’t as strong as other spots in Europe but the Italians being Italians won’t care and would discount all of that. Again here we have another team who could well come along and win this whole thing. I wouldn’t be surprised if they do. Key Man- As I said just now Mario Balotelli is clearly the star here. Some may argue that Andrea Pirlo, Gigi Buffon or Giorgio Chiellini are more important and that would be sound but Balotelli brings the fear. No one should ever underestimate the power of intimidation in sport. Uruguay
Winners and host of the first ever World Cup, Uruguay go to Brazil with history on their side. The Uruguayans are seeking their third ever world title and it is worth noting that the last time the World Cup was in Brazil they did win. Qualification for Óscar Tabárez men was not uniformed at all. Uruguay finished fifth in CONMEBOL qualifying thus earning an intercontinental tie with Asian side Jordan. The Jordanians knew it was a long shot qualifying for Brazil and Uruguay quickly reminded them of that. The South American side strolled over to Amman and whacked the Jordanians 5-0. In the return leg in Montevideo the host didn’t even bothered to score and Jordan gave up the ghost so a 0-0 draw ensued. This World Cup Tabárez has put the band back together. Diego Forlán, Edinson Cavani and Luis Suárez I’m pretty sure will all be in the starting XI for Uruguay and for rest of the teams in group that’s bad news. Fernando Musalera will be goal. You can expect veteran defenders like Diego Lugano and Diego Godín to feature. Uruguay has also brought Sebastián Coates, a defender who dominated at the last Copa America but who has also been hurt for a long time. In the middle Diego Pérez will be there alongside Cristian Rodríguez. While for some creativity in the midfield Tabárez has opted to give Gastón Ramírez a shot. Looking at the personnel on display for Uruguay I can easily say they can be in for a long run. Not a dark horse but a contender that can legitimately win it all. Key Man- After sweating out on Luis Suárez for a little while Uruguay will be ecstatic to have their star man ready for the tournament. If you watched the Barclays Premier League 2013-14 season you would easily see why this guy is my pick. He got me a ton of Fantasy points. Predictions- I have Uruguay coming in first. Followed by Italy closely followed by England with Costa Rica taking a backseat. Suarez, Cavani, Forlan and Stuani can produce a volume of goals that teams just won’t be able to match. Italy always find a way. England defensively are a little dodgy. As for Costa Rica they might as well not be here. Costa Rica
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