I know it isn’t any different from any other chronological sequence FIFA has going on but I get the feeling I’m getting spoiled. I mean since FIFA has been around they have been rolling out the international tournaments back to back. It seems like every year now there is a tourney for me to cast my eye over but that isn’t the case. Just so happens the events are hot on the heels of each...first it was the World Cup in Brazil in 2014 then we had the CONCACAF Gold Cup and CONMEBOL’s Copa America making magic happen in the United States and Chile respectively this year. These competitions thank goodness haven’t been coming every two or three years like a good James Bond flick, they are stacked against each other and I for one am very grateful. In journalism class they said you have name what your actually talking about pretty much from the first sentence, fortunately I barely scraped by that course and as a result I’m now mentioning the phrase "EURO 2016 France.” Maybe I should have paid a little more attention in my schooling but forgive me I was too busy watching soccer anyway to on my iPad and come June 10th of next year I plan to do the same thing as this peach of a tournament fires up in Paris. A new dynamic was added to this addition of the Euros in the form of team expansion, instead of a field of 16 there will be 24 teams prancing around France in the summer. So let’s take a look at who’s in the mix.
Group A
France
Albania
Romania
Switzerland
Group B
England
Russia
Slovakia
Wales
Group C
Germany
Northern Ireland
Poland
Ukraine
Group D
Croatia
Czech Republic
Spain
Turkey
Group E
Belgium
Italy
Republic of Ireland
Sweden
Group F
Austria
Hungary
Iceland
Portugal
As every sports entity that covers European football has noted millions of times over this Euros will not feature The Netherlands! From a personal standpoint its something that I won’t look forward to seeing and not having one the marquee teams in the showpiece event is a shame but we move on! Having an expanded feel makes for a more drawn out effect for me, especially when you look at some of the teams who made it. I definitely won’t be circling the date when Romania takes on Albania in "Group A." I find it hilarious that FIFA is aiming to “grow the game,” all over the globe. Obliviously they didn’t get the memo when it came to Europe. UEFA does not need any help whatsoever in branding and especially involvement of it’s peoples in the sport. If UEFA guaranteed me that; The Netherlands, Norway, Denmark, Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia & Herzegovina and maybe a Finland were all in play at an UEFA tourney along with the tradition heavyweights and exciting new sides like Iceland sure...but if they can’t, they can keep their expansion. The whole point for me tucking into the Euros every four years is to see the exclusivity. This isn’t the Gold Cup. I don’t wanna see minnows who hit form at the right time and get hot and are able to sneak in. If I didn’t love soccer to be very honest I couldn’t watch the Gold Cup! There is only so much I can take of Haiti blasting balls at Jamaica’s shaky goalkeeper from 40 yards out. I come to the Euros and to a lesser extent the Copa America for seeing top quality ball per match constantly. With the wider class I have watch Hungary fluke the ball up the pitch and hope Balázs Dzsudzsák can somehow rain dance the ball through the back of the net. Hopefully I’m wrong and all participants put worth pure quality.
Ihave been writing on this little blog for a while now and it just dawned on me that for the five or six years I’ve been your scribe. Seems like the other day I started this thing. In that time many topics were mulled over. Nations, goalkeepers, clubs, tournaments, video previews and even the odd jersey. I've ran the gamut but as I look back and I'm almost horrified that I didn’t give the full attention to a part of the game that means so much. The shame on my part has sullen me as if I loss a a true love or if I ran out of my revered Frosted Flakes and I do like me some Tony. Dramatics aside and I frankly can’t delay the topic any further because I may not have the writing skills to do so and I have to admit I am a bit rusty so pardon me. In all my time writing on this website, I don’t think I have ever done a solo, detailed piece on a defender. It never tugged at me to do it. Goalkeepers I see as heroes so I had no problem flashing a light on them plus I was a goalie back in the day. Forwards are the glamour boys of the game. The ones the fans come to see. So yet again that was a no brainer. In midfield there is so many ways to play the game as a result I had a wide cast to choose from. Defending is not sexy. Not in any sport. So forgive me for not hoisting the men of the back line in the limelight. I have tons of admiration for what defenders in this sport and what they have to put up with and I think it is high time we start to pay homage to the position.
Name: Layvin Kurzawa D/O/B: 09/04/1992 Place of Birth: Fréjus, France Position: Left Back Height: 5’11ft National Team: France National Team Debut: France vs Albania (Nov.14 2014) Club Team(s): Étoile Fréjus Saint Raphaël 1996-2005, Association Sportive Aixoise 2005-2007, AS Monaco 2007-present* Layvin Kurzawa is not only the latest addition to the excellent French fullback brigade, he also has a name that I can not pronounce for the life me, so my chances of replacing the likes of Ian Darke on commentary look bleak. Kurzawa’s football career however looks far from dreary. Edgy, speedy, good ball control, a cerebral attacker from fullback and a young man with attitude. All tangibles that his country has benefited from at youth level and will certainly reap when and not if becomes a mainstay in the senior setup. These are bold claims I am making and I say simply that the crux of my argument for Layvin Kurzawa can be seen in his most recent performances in the 2014-15 campaign and prior to that in his youth career. Kurzawa was born in the coastal city Fréjus in the southeast of France and naturally got his first involvement with football within the city’s borders. Etoile Fréjus Saint Raphaël is first port of call. The Frenchman spent his junior years there from 1996 to 2005 before switching to the Association Sportive Aixoise. While there he spent a further two years honing his skills before he made the biggest move of his career to date to the principality joining AS Monaco. Kurzawa landed in Monaco in 2007 and has already been through it all the French club. Successful debuts in Ligue 1 and Coupe de la Ligue. Challenging the elite of France for the Ligue 1 title, going head to head with the likes of Paris Saint Germain, Olympique Lyonnais and Olympique Marseille week in and week out. Let’s not also forget him flying up the flank in the UEFA Champions League every other Tuesday at 3pm on your television. Check your local listings. As glorious as that sound Kurzawa did suffer relegation with the ritzy Fontvieille side back in the 2010-11 season so it’s not all been rosy. The fact of the matter is there isn’t much to write on a Layvin Kurzawa when it comes to the international scene. All I can basically say for now is he has represented France at various youth levels and as recent as 2014 he has become the full French international. France in recent times has had an amazing left fullback situation. Patrice Evra, Benoit Tremoulinas and Lucas Digne all threats to Kurzawa’s left back birth in the French national setup. Especially Digne, who is around the same age as our protagonist and is just as explosive and looks like he is more solid defensively. In the years to come I wanted to bet that these two will be dueling each other for French left back spot for a long time. I think I’ve praised Kurzawa enough it's time to look at the situation that faces him. Colombians James Rodriguez and Radamel Falcao, players who he has played with while they were at Monaco both left the club, well in the latter’s case not completely but he did leave. These are world class players and there is still some good players left at the club but fact remains at least for now footballers of James ilk do not want to commit to place where the stadium is half empty. Which the Stade Louis II often is. They don’t want to play in a second tier European league, which Ligue 1 has become and mostly they want to play on a more grandiose stage. As beautiful as Monaco is she cannot offer fame these players seek. So my questions is how long will Layvin Kurzawa be content with his lot at Fontvieille? How long will it be before the clubs of Italy, Spain, Germany and the cash laden England come calling? It’s funny how Monaco are so heavily bankrolled by millions if not billions but yet there money can’t push them to the immediate success they crave. Kurzawa will go. Just a matter of time.
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
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