In a year where parity and the strength of the underdog teams are clearly evident I now provide my predictions for the World Cup Group Stage (brevity not included): Group A Winner: Brazil Group A Runner-Up: Coin toss, slight advantage to Mexico Brazil has finally found the squad capable of returning them to the top of the football world, and anything less than a hoist of the trophy will be a disappointment in front of the home fans. Cameroon and Croatia are each formidable opponents in their own way, and while the pace of Mexico may be too much for either squad to handle (honestly, their strategy matches up perfectly against Brazil as well), the creativity and experience possessed by both Croatia and Cameroon make the race for second in this group extremely intriguing. Group B Winner: Spain Group B Runner-Up: Chile While Spain is no longer the dominant force we saw from 2008-2012 they possess a lineup stocked with scoring talent and the two best midfielders in the world (as well as the best keeper). Anything less than a final-four finish for La Roja would be shocking but the Chilean squad may benefit from the attention focused on Spain and the Dutch. Chile is a team that qualified through balanced scoring and an extremely aggressive style, and will certainly be one of the most exciting teams to watch this year. The Netherlands blend aging stars with fresh, young talent, but in their current form I see Chile as the stronger team; however, if Van Persie and Robben can return to elite goal-scoring status, all bets are off. Although Australia continues to improve as a nation they are the piñata at the party and should be proud if they can net even one goal in this group. Group C Winner: Colombia Group C Runner-Up: Cote DIvoire Despite the absence of Radamel Falcao Colombia should be a scoring-force in Brazil, absolutely shredding the defensive-minded Greeks and passing/possessing the ball in a style similar to the great Barcelona teams of a few years ago. I actually see Greece as the weakest team in this group despite their experience and think Japan has the talent to shock the world if they can limit the touches and effectiveness of Toure and Drogba, but in the end I see the squad with the coolest name advancing as the second-place team. Group D Winner: Uruguay Group D Runner-Up: England/Italy I have seen arguments for Group B and G as the Group of Death, but there is no doubt in my mind that this is the deepest group in Brazil where no team will have an easy match. Suarez cemented himself as a top-player in the world this season, tying Cristiano Ronaldo for the Golden Boot despite his early-season suspension and inability to take penalties for Liverpool (Gerrards job until he retires). However, this pesky striker needs to limit his mental miscues (i.e. dont bite anyone) and stop with the flopping antics if Uruguay are to reach their full potential. Low expectations and a mixture of fresh, young talent with world-class veterans such as Gerrard and Rooney should guide England through to the next round. The traditionally painfully-boring Italians have added some tempo to their game and Michael Ballack views them as the most talented team from a tactical standpoint, and I tend to agree; however, if opponents can find a way (good luck, BTW) to contain Pirlo the Italian attack will not exist, and while Balotelli possesses top-tier talent he is the most inconsistent and inflammatory player in this tournament. I cant get a true gauge on this team and think a deep-run is just as likely as a third-place finish in this group. Costa Rica really got the short-end of the stick in the draw and I see them as the best team that will finish fourth. Group E Winner: France Group E Runner-Up: Switzerland For me this group is truly up-for-grabs with the injury to Ribery, but the French appear to be deep enough to win all three matches; Benzema now comes to the forefront as the Most Important Player for France, though it is entirely possible that the stingy Swiss defense can hold the French scoreless. Steve McManaman sees the Swiss as the chameleons of the tournament, able to adapt and adjust to the style of their opponent that day, and their young roster will be brimming with confidence. If the back-line of Ecuador can match the intensity of the attack they can certainly make things difficult for the European squads, and they are not to be overlooked. Honduras has an interesting mix of extremely young and extremely old talent, and in 2010 they conceded only three goals in their three group matches; the problem is that they did not tickle the twine once in SA and stand absolutely no chance to win points if they cant hit the back of the net. Group F Winner: Argentina Group F Runner-Up: Nigeria There is no doubt that Argentina is one of the favorites to win it all and their success will rely heavily on superstar Messi, although they finally have built a roster that can contribute while opposing defenses hone-in on the diminutive striker. Messi has never translated his club success to the national team, but we are all expecting him to shine this year. The runner-up will be decided in the match between Nigeria and Bosnia and Herzegovina, and while most analysts are giving the edge to the European squad Nigeria have finally begun to demand accountability and strength from their back-four; what remains to be seen is whether they can stop the barrage forthcoming from Dzeko and Ibisevic. Best of luck to Iran. Group G Winner: Germany Group G Runner-Up: Ghana Whether due to his lack of commitment, lack of fitness or a personal vendetta from Klinsmann the omission of Landon Donovan from the American roster is shocking and upsetting, especially when Brad Davis is as useful as a wet blanket. The Americans have the potential and the anonymity necessary to surprise some people in Brazil, but they will likely need to beat both Portugal and Ghana to secure a spot in the Round of 16, for me not the most likely scenario though still entirely possible. Germany is a phenomenal team and were my favorites to challenge Brazil for the trophy before the injury to Marco Reus, their most consistent and tactically flexible scoring threat who rolled his ankle and will miss the entire tournament. Portugal will be relying completely on Cristiano Ronaldo, who was arguably the best club player in the world this year, to carry them forward. The final result for Portugal will rest squarely upon his shoulders but their result against Ghana will decide who moves on. We all know Asamoah Gyan, we all have the memory of him splitting the defense and packing our bags for us four years ago, and Ghana will look to maintain dominant possession of the ball while searching for him early and often. While I am leaning slightly towards Ghana now this second-place spot is wide open. Group H Winner: Belgium Group H Runner-Up: Russia Belgium is stacked with talent that plays in the best leagues in the world. Kompany and Vermaelen will anchor the back while Witsel distributes to a roving midfield front that includes Eden Hazard and Big Bird lookalike Marouane Fellaini. If Lukaku can deliver at the front the sky is the limit for this team. Russia will be guided by Fabio Capello, a favorite manager of mine who builds his systems around the rosters he builds. Russia finished ahead of Portugal in UEFA qualifying and will need to be guided through by strong performances from their midfield anchor Shirokov. I cant explain why South Korea has been a guilty pleasure team for me but I thoroughly enjoy watching their pace, and even casual soccer fans will too. South Korea have a legitimate chance to advance over one of the European sides if they can translate their speed into quick transitions and a fatigue factor for their opponents. As for Algeria, thanks for coming out. May The Cup Runneth Over!
Posted on: Tue, 10 Jun 2014 07:03:46 +0000
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