World Cup Brazil 2014

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 Liga MX, 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 Didier Deschamps. 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 Didier Deschamps has picked strong side to challenge. Deschamps have gone for the likes of Hugo Lloris, Raphaël Varane,  Yohan Cabaye, 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 Ottmar Hitzfeld, 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 Gökhan Inler, veterans Philippe Senderos, Tranquillo Barnetta,  Valon Behrami, 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 Xherdan Shaqiri, Granit Xhaka 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

World Cup Brazil 2014

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

 

World Cup Brazil 2014

Group C is next on the agenda and when I first saw it I didn’t know what to make of it. A few months
on and I still don’t know what to make of it. The four teams bunched together are no means lightweights but if they were casted in other groups you would have to say they would be the second or third options. For the four nations in Group C there is nothing to really fear at this stage. All of them would look around and say we can get something good out of this thing. The participants to me have a great advantage because they can simply fly under the radar, gain confidence while lowering the expectations of more illustrious foes, that they will face in the latter stages of the tournament. It can be a really sweet scenario. Avoiding larger more accomplished teams in the early takes the pressure off and here is hoping that the teams in the group decide to play their natural game. Will some one form this group win the World Cup? Probably not but I am looking for a sleeper to come through and upset a lot of teams on their way.

Group C
Colombia
Côte d’Ivoire
Greece
Japan


Colombia

Making there fifth World Cup appearance the Colombians have to be pleased about the strides they have made over recent years. For a while the men from Bogota were absent from the tourney. As I continually bark, qualifying from CONMEBOL is super difficult and with the likes of Brazil, Argentina, Chile and Uruguay knocking about you know you know it was going to be tough for Colombia.  I say that and they end up finishing second in qualifying behind Argentina this time around. I’ve always said what has been missing for Colombia for along time was star power. Back in the day players like Carlos Valderamma and René Higuita made the South American side charismatic and fresh. They were watchable and they could play. I think the emergence of James Rodríguez, Fredy Guarín, Juan Cuadrado and more importantly Radamel Falcao has brought back that spark to national side. As I said before Group C is a wide open but I do favor José Pékerman’s side to advance out of the of this early round. Pékerman is an experience coach and will come with his tactics. Then you have the players at his disposal. The names I mentioned before alongside defenders like Pablo Armero, Cristián Zapata and Juan Zúñiga make Colombia look like a real solid outfit. The X-factor for this side is the fact they will be heavily supported while in Brazil. There is no doubt that their fans will be there in droves to cheer them on.

Key Man- It is well documented that star forward Radamel Falcao suffered horrible leg injury in France while playing for his Ligue 1 side Monaco a few months back. Ever since then the player and his nation has been doing everything they could to get him ready for Brazil. Reports has his chances of making the World Cup up in the air. If he does make it he won’t be 100% for sure, due to the serious nature of the injury. If he doesn’t make that will be a heavy blow for Colombia. So I have earmarked James Rodríguez to be the man to propel the South Americans forward. A hybrid winger/attacking midfielder, James has had a good season alongside Falcao at Monaco so he is in good form.

Côte d’Ivoire

I was pretty hard on the Ivorians last time around. It was premature. I didn't really know what the Africans could do and I was basing it on performances of some the players prior to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. I was a tad bit ignorant and I undervalued them. This time I won’t make that mistake. This will be the Ivory Coast third World Cup and I'm more optimistic about their chances in this one. The last two trips to the finals the Africans failed to get out of the group stage. Drawn with Brazil and Portugal four years ago didn’t serve them well but this group they find themselves in is too easy not to advance. The African side came out of Group C in CAF qualifying, topping Morocco, Gambia and Tanzania in round two, earning a two legged playoff with Senegal. The Ivorians took initiative by dispatching the Senegalese 3-1 in the first encounter. While the second leg produced a 1-1 draw allowing Côte d’Ivoire to advance 4-2 on aggregate. Ivory Coast has a luxury of stars to call on. Yaya Touré, Kolo Touré, Didier Drogba, Gervinho, Seydou Doumbia, Salomon Kalou, Cheick Tioté, Wilfried Bony and Max Gradel all make up the Ivorian squad. This side will do very at this tournament and will be a headache for the other Group C combatants as well as opponents as they move deeper in the tournament.

Key Man- Yaya Touré is the alpha dog for the Ivory Coast. He has won things for Barcelona and Manchester City. He is a multiple African Footballer of The Year recipient and is generally seen as one of the most dominating players on the planet. I fully expect him to put the opposition to the sword.

Greece

I have to applaud the Greeks. Every time the Euros or the World Cup comes around they always seem to be there. Look at the Europeans countries who haven’t book passage to Brazil. The Czech Republic, Sweden, Denmark, Austria, Republic of Ireland Serbia, Montenegro, Norway, Ukraine, Poland and Turkey will not be joining us. There is some big countries on that list and Greece did what they couldn’t do. The Greeks got to this World Cup via UEFA’s Group G. The Mediterranean nation actually finished joint top of the group along with Bosnia-Herzagovina but finished second due to goal difference. Not qualifying automatically meant they had to enter a two legged playoff against Romania. The Greeks bested the Romanians 3-1 in Athens and in the return leg in Bucharest managed a 1-1 draw to advance 4-2 on aggregate. Greece is trying to live a life after long time coach Otto Rehhagel who has got her so much success in the past. The new man in charge is the Portuguese coach Fernando Santos and he will look to make Greece’s third trip to the World Cup a good one. Santos will depend on the experience of Giorgios Samaras and Giorgios Karagounis to them through but the real power punch for Greece will come from Konstantinos Mitroglou. Greece will have to play well as I do see them as the weakest in this interesting group. If they play their game they have a shot.

Key Man- Last World Cup I poked fun at the Greeks for putting the phalanx out and just defending with little regard for attack. The Greeks in fairness to them are very good defenders and should play to their strength and this World Cup they should look to do so but this time around I think they have more of an attacking edge. Konstantinos Mitroglou will give the Europeans a greater threat than in recent times. Bless with a high football IQ, Mitroglou will be a danger.

Japan

The first team to qualify for the 2014 World Cup, Japan is easily the best team in AFC. For years Japan has shown steady growth in the sport. Seeing off the advances from the likes of Saudi Arabia, South Korea, North Korea and now Australia for dominance in the region. The country fully deserves any plaudits given. Japan booked her trip to Brazil by coming out of Group B in the latter stages of AFC qualifying. Where they topped the group finishing ahead of Australia, Oman, Iraq and Jordan. This will be the Japanese fifth World Cup and the “Blue Samurai,” will look to go beyond the Round of 16 their best ever finish. The man leading the Japan into Brazil is Italian Alberto Zaccheroni. The Italian led AC Milan to a Serie A title back in 1998 and also boast fantastic records with Lazio, Juventus and Inter Milan. The Japanese squad traveling to tournament is packed with European based players.  Shinji Kagawa, Keisuke Honda, Atsuto Uchida, Eiji Kawashima, Makoto Hasebe, Yuto Nagamoto and Shinji Okazaki all ply their trade in Europe but Japan just won’t rely on them. The Japanese J-League has been churning out some wonderful players over the years and believe some them will be making the trip and will have prominent roles to play. This World Cup the climate is a talking point.  Out of the four in this group the Japan come from the mildest climate but I don’t expect that to hinder their chances. Traditionally the Japanese have always had players blessed with great levels of energy and I fully expect Zacheroni to tap into that.

Key Man- Keisuke Honda was my pick for Japan four years ago and this time it’s no different. He sparkled while he was in Russia and now he has moved the to AC Milan looks even more polished. A dead ball specialist and virtuoso with the ball, Japan has a special talent in her ranks.

Predictions- Let’s get to it! Côte d’Ivoire 1st, Colombia 2nd, Japan 3rd, Greece 4th. If Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal couldn't stop Yaya Touré  this year, I don’t expect the teams in Group C to. Making Colombia 2nd was a tough choice. The Falcao issue is a concern but I think they have too much reserve to fail. Plus it’s in South America, Colombia is right next door to Brazil their fans will push them over the edge. Japan I’m a big fan of but can they out fox the two teams I just mentioned? I doubt it. As for Greece I don’t know if their midfield can actually create enough chances for the front men. They might become rather painful to watch if they don’t get it right.

Japan

World Cup Brazil 2014

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 

World Cup Brazil 2014

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

Sleeping Dragons

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.