Columbia
Columbia squeaked through the South America qualifying by a point. Their more well known players are looking long in the tooth and theres not much of interest about them.
Japan
Japan topped their group however only one point ahead of the next two teams. Of interest the team has a number of familiar players due to a number of the squad having done the rounds in Europe over the last decade. The weakest team in the group - just.
Poland
Robert Lewandowski is the star attraction in a decent team that qualified with little trouble. Its a straight fight between them and Senegal to win this group.
Senegal
They dominated their qualifying group and have a deceptively strong team with a number of players spread over England and France. A lot of people have predicted that Poland will walk this group, I however think Senegal will put up a strong fight. Do not count them out, you know more players than you think you do and I'm not just talking about Sadio Mane.
Summing Up
Its an interesting group with a lot of familiar faces to give the neutrals some interest. Poland and Senegal should go through.
Tips: Senegal to qualify, I fancy the chance of a lot of goals in this group so overs on Poland and Senegal's matches..
One to watch: Robert Lewandowski, brilliant player but underrated because he plays in Germany.
Dark horse to watch: Keisuke Honda, a personal favourite and in what may be his last world cup - I'm going to miss him when he's gone.
Wednesday 13 June 2018
Tuesday 12 June 2018
World Cup Preview: Group G
Belgium
It goes without saying that Belgium are a good team, they went through qualifying without a hitch and have some of the best players in the world and Simon Mignolet. Kevin De Bruyne is only a Miss World girlfriend and a personality away from being one of the most rock and roll players on the planet. Critics may say Lukaku is a flat track bully they have got other options in the underrated Batshuayi and ageing Mertens. They have a very good defence, cracking keeper, a very good midfield and know how to score a goal. The big thing I have against them is the manager Roberto Martinez. Rather limited in tactics, slow to spot a game drifting away and he's already left out one of their best players. Should go deep but there are a lot of questions.
England
England had a good qualifying campaign finishing well ahead of their closest rivals. A decent squad made up mostly of players from the top five in the English league. Its very much a common sense squad - with the highlights being Kane, Ali and Sterling. Weather England can do anything depends on how well these three players gel. The big question from us neutrals though is "can England actually play well?" They have had some awful matches the over the last decade, however it is the firm belief of this blogger that if they can get the monkey off their backs they can at least get to the quarters.
Panama
Panama made it through Central American qualification by the skin of their teeth. Will struggle to get anything in this group.
Tunisia
A tough qualifying campaign saw them narrowly beat Doctor Congo to qualify. A team made up of journeymen and up and comers from around the world. Its between them and Panama over who finishes third.
Summing Up
Its a bit of a dull group, Belgium and England will get through its a question of in which order.
Tips: I see no value here, the obvious market is winner and its pick your poison between Belgium and England.
One to watch: Kevin De Bruyne who has been in awesome form this season.
Dark horse to watch: Gareth Southgate, after finishing up at Middlesbrough in 2009 not much has been seen of him, one to watch and many questions over him.
It goes without saying that Belgium are a good team, they went through qualifying without a hitch and have some of the best players in the world and Simon Mignolet. Kevin De Bruyne is only a Miss World girlfriend and a personality away from being one of the most rock and roll players on the planet. Critics may say Lukaku is a flat track bully they have got other options in the underrated Batshuayi and ageing Mertens. They have a very good defence, cracking keeper, a very good midfield and know how to score a goal. The big thing I have against them is the manager Roberto Martinez. Rather limited in tactics, slow to spot a game drifting away and he's already left out one of their best players. Should go deep but there are a lot of questions.
England
England had a good qualifying campaign finishing well ahead of their closest rivals. A decent squad made up mostly of players from the top five in the English league. Its very much a common sense squad - with the highlights being Kane, Ali and Sterling. Weather England can do anything depends on how well these three players gel. The big question from us neutrals though is "can England actually play well?" They have had some awful matches the over the last decade, however it is the firm belief of this blogger that if they can get the monkey off their backs they can at least get to the quarters.
Panama
Panama made it through Central American qualification by the skin of their teeth. Will struggle to get anything in this group.
Tunisia
A tough qualifying campaign saw them narrowly beat Doctor Congo to qualify. A team made up of journeymen and up and comers from around the world. Its between them and Panama over who finishes third.
Summing Up
Its a bit of a dull group, Belgium and England will get through its a question of in which order.
Tips: I see no value here, the obvious market is winner and its pick your poison between Belgium and England.
One to watch: Kevin De Bruyne who has been in awesome form this season.
Dark horse to watch: Gareth Southgate, after finishing up at Middlesbrough in 2009 not much has been seen of him, one to watch and many questions over him.
Monday 11 June 2018
World Cup 2018 Preview: Group F
Germany
What can I say about Germany that hasn't been said before? They are in such fine form and in qualification have a 100% winning record. A squad so strong they left out Leroy Sane which left most pundits shrugging instead of declaring it madness. The only slight worry is Marco Reus hasn't played as much football the last two seasons. Be warned they are contenders and will go deep.
Mexico
There are three certainties in life; death, taxes and Mexico will qualify from their group and go out in the second round - its what they've done for the last umpteen times. In fact in Mexico making the quarter finals and reaching the mythic "5th game" has become something of an obsession. A good qualifying campaign and a squad of decent players playing in Europe, America and Mexico. They're in with a shout of second but that second round spot is not to be taken for granted.
South Korea
Memories of that special summer in 2002 where they made it to the semifinal knocking out Italy and Spain. They may never top that moment again but wheres the fun in not trying for it again? They aren't going to do much sadly, they narrowly qualified and were three points from finishing 5th. Mostly made up of players from Korea they also have the two British based players whose names are currently screwing up my spell check. They will finish bottom.
Sweden
Sweden pipped Holland to second place in the group stage and knocked Italy out in the playoffs who are two of my favourite teams and two of the leagues in Serie A and Eredivisie that I watch the most. Needless to say I will remain objective but in all honesty Its between them and Mexico for that second spot as I don't see the Germans standing for a continuation of this giant killing malarkey. The thing about Sweden is despite not having many household names they actually play like a club side and theres a sense of camaraderie when watching them - also they had some bloody good matches including a brilliant 3-2 . Mind you if they get that second place spot they're seeded to face Brazil in the next round, Holland, Italy and Brazil would make for an impressive hit list...
Summing Up
I have this group down as Germany winning the group and Sweden second, but Mexico in with a shout.
Tips: Germany to win, South Korea to finish bottom and a lay unders on the booking in the Sweden/Mexico match.
One to watch: Marcus Berg, it could be his last time in a World Cup but rest assured if Sweden create a moment he'll be on the end of it.
Dark horse to watch: Timo Werner, has had a fantastic last two seasons and could be Germanys next big thing.
What can I say about Germany that hasn't been said before? They are in such fine form and in qualification have a 100% winning record. A squad so strong they left out Leroy Sane which left most pundits shrugging instead of declaring it madness. The only slight worry is Marco Reus hasn't played as much football the last two seasons. Be warned they are contenders and will go deep.
Mexico
There are three certainties in life; death, taxes and Mexico will qualify from their group and go out in the second round - its what they've done for the last umpteen times. In fact in Mexico making the quarter finals and reaching the mythic "5th game" has become something of an obsession. A good qualifying campaign and a squad of decent players playing in Europe, America and Mexico. They're in with a shout of second but that second round spot is not to be taken for granted.
South Korea
Memories of that special summer in 2002 where they made it to the semifinal knocking out Italy and Spain. They may never top that moment again but wheres the fun in not trying for it again? They aren't going to do much sadly, they narrowly qualified and were three points from finishing 5th. Mostly made up of players from Korea they also have the two British based players whose names are currently screwing up my spell check. They will finish bottom.
Sweden
Sweden pipped Holland to second place in the group stage and knocked Italy out in the playoffs who are two of my favourite teams and two of the leagues in Serie A and Eredivisie that I watch the most. Needless to say I will remain objective but in all honesty Its between them and Mexico for that second spot as I don't see the Germans standing for a continuation of this giant killing malarkey. The thing about Sweden is despite not having many household names they actually play like a club side and theres a sense of camaraderie when watching them - also they had some bloody good matches including a brilliant 3-2 . Mind you if they get that second place spot they're seeded to face Brazil in the next round, Holland, Italy and Brazil would make for an impressive hit list...
Summing Up
I have this group down as Germany winning the group and Sweden second, but Mexico in with a shout.
Tips: Germany to win, South Korea to finish bottom and a lay unders on the booking in the Sweden/Mexico match.
One to watch: Marcus Berg, it could be his last time in a World Cup but rest assured if Sweden create a moment he'll be on the end of it.
Dark horse to watch: Timo Werner, has had a fantastic last two seasons and could be Germanys next big thing.
Wednesday 6 June 2018
World Cup 2018 Preview: Group E
Brazil
Theres something special about Brazil coming into a world cup, the glow of the golden and the obscene high level of natural talent can't help but win over the cynics amongst us. But by eck do they look strong this time, utterly dominating the South American qualifying group. Their squad reads like a whose who of European league football and even their keeper is in good form. Neymar is coming back from an injury but they still have good cover in Jesus and Firmino.
Costa Rica
A strong qualifying campaign saw them coming in second in the Central American group. Some decent players who have done the rounds over the years as well as Real Madrids Keylor Navas. However they are mixed in with a number of fairly weak players and when compared to Switzerland and Serbia not as strong a squad.
Serbia
Topping the group that included Wales and Republic of Ireland, they are the team I've seen the most of this qualifying campaign. Milivojevic, Tadic, Matic and Mitrovic have been on good form in the English leagues. Kolarov the captain is a wise old head in defence and they need to do something against Switzerland to get through this group and be a dangerous floater later on in the tournament but I'd rank them as third in the group.
Switzerland
Very unlucky in qualifying as they were pipped by Portugal despite finishing level on points and scraped through the playoff against Northern Ireland. They have a few good players - case in point in Lichtsteiner whose been a good player forever. They have a habit of getting though to the second round and could be a threat to Brazil in this group.
Summing Up
I have this group down as finishing Brazil - Switzerland - Serbia - Costa Rica. However I feel each team has it in them to upset the next team up.
Tips: Brazil to win, Costa Rica to finish bottom and to lay unders on the booking in the Serbia/Switzerland match.
One to watch: Gabriel Jesus, has been in good form this season and I expect big things from him this World Cup.
Dark horse to watch: Milinkovic-Savic, has been a revelation the last few years at Lazio and could well be a player who attracts transfer attention.
Theres something special about Brazil coming into a world cup, the glow of the golden and the obscene high level of natural talent can't help but win over the cynics amongst us. But by eck do they look strong this time, utterly dominating the South American qualifying group. Their squad reads like a whose who of European league football and even their keeper is in good form. Neymar is coming back from an injury but they still have good cover in Jesus and Firmino.
Costa Rica
A strong qualifying campaign saw them coming in second in the Central American group. Some decent players who have done the rounds over the years as well as Real Madrids Keylor Navas. However they are mixed in with a number of fairly weak players and when compared to Switzerland and Serbia not as strong a squad.
Serbia
Topping the group that included Wales and Republic of Ireland, they are the team I've seen the most of this qualifying campaign. Milivojevic, Tadic, Matic and Mitrovic have been on good form in the English leagues. Kolarov the captain is a wise old head in defence and they need to do something against Switzerland to get through this group and be a dangerous floater later on in the tournament but I'd rank them as third in the group.
Switzerland
Very unlucky in qualifying as they were pipped by Portugal despite finishing level on points and scraped through the playoff against Northern Ireland. They have a few good players - case in point in Lichtsteiner whose been a good player forever. They have a habit of getting though to the second round and could be a threat to Brazil in this group.
Summing Up
I have this group down as finishing Brazil - Switzerland - Serbia - Costa Rica. However I feel each team has it in them to upset the next team up.
Tips: Brazil to win, Costa Rica to finish bottom and to lay unders on the booking in the Serbia/Switzerland match.
One to watch: Gabriel Jesus, has been in good form this season and I expect big things from him this World Cup.
Dark horse to watch: Milinkovic-Savic, has been a revelation the last few years at Lazio and could well be a player who attracts transfer attention.
Friday 1 June 2018
World Cup 2018 Preview: Group D
Argentina
Lets get the Messi shaped elephant out of the way, what ever you Lionel Messi is one of the best footballers in the world. Since 2010 his goal tally has been mind boggling and at times with his play being out of this world - we'll miss him when he's gone and he's already passed the big three oh. Due to Argentina's remarkably consistency and Messi running out of chances the pressure could be on them to perform.
They had an interesting qualifying campaign where they nearly screwed things up and were two points away from not qualifying. You might expect that stat of other South American teams but Argentina are not a team on top form. Higuain and Aguero are also in good form and Argentina wont have to much trouble up front - its everywhere else they have problems. The goal keepers lack international experience and elsewhere the squad is made up of players who not only I don't like but if I was rating them would be noting down the phrase must try harder with Di Maria being the only exception.
I'd back them to get out of the group but there could be a few sticky moments in this group.
Croatia
A team to keep an eye on, a decent keeper, a shockingly decent midfield and upfront the likes of Mandzukic and Perisic up front. The defence has a soft underbelly but by and large its good stuff. If they can put it together they have a chance to get first place in this group.
Iceland
The story of Euro 2016, qualifying for the first time, getting out of their group, making it past round two and unleashing the clap on Europe. In theory they have no chance of progressing however, we have what us gamblers call an intriguing situation. Not only did Iceland qualify top of their group but that group involved Croatia - they have one win apiece in qualifying.
Do not write this team off, they did something special last time and had a very good qualifying campaign. They have a few decent players including Gunnarsson and Sigurdsson. One to watch and against vulnerable group favourites they're a dangerous floater.
Nigeria
A strange record in recent times out of the last four African cups they've won one and not qualified for the other three. They made the second round four years ago and had a match of the tournament contender against Argentina. A number of strong decent and pacey pros. Again a dangerous team but one I can't help but have doubts about.
Summing Up
Surely Argentina to go through although possibly not as winners.
In a group where at least one of Nigeria, Croatia or Iceland will qualify the footballing world must be rooting for Iceland.
Tips: This looks like a scrappy group, a risky lay of Argentina to win the group could be in order and overs in bookings could be the value.
One to watch: Messi, this could be his last chance for greatness on this stage and what ever happens I'm expecting his international retirement the moment Argentina are finished - in lose or draw.
Dark horse to watch: Mateo Kovacic - yes he plays for Real Madrid but in my book he's underrated and has the potential to do something.
Lets get the Messi shaped elephant out of the way, what ever you Lionel Messi is one of the best footballers in the world. Since 2010 his goal tally has been mind boggling and at times with his play being out of this world - we'll miss him when he's gone and he's already passed the big three oh. Due to Argentina's remarkably consistency and Messi running out of chances the pressure could be on them to perform.
They had an interesting qualifying campaign where they nearly screwed things up and were two points away from not qualifying. You might expect that stat of other South American teams but Argentina are not a team on top form. Higuain and Aguero are also in good form and Argentina wont have to much trouble up front - its everywhere else they have problems. The goal keepers lack international experience and elsewhere the squad is made up of players who not only I don't like but if I was rating them would be noting down the phrase must try harder with Di Maria being the only exception.
I'd back them to get out of the group but there could be a few sticky moments in this group.
Croatia
A team to keep an eye on, a decent keeper, a shockingly decent midfield and upfront the likes of Mandzukic and Perisic up front. The defence has a soft underbelly but by and large its good stuff. If they can put it together they have a chance to get first place in this group.
Iceland
The story of Euro 2016, qualifying for the first time, getting out of their group, making it past round two and unleashing the clap on Europe. In theory they have no chance of progressing however, we have what us gamblers call an intriguing situation. Not only did Iceland qualify top of their group but that group involved Croatia - they have one win apiece in qualifying.
Do not write this team off, they did something special last time and had a very good qualifying campaign. They have a few decent players including Gunnarsson and Sigurdsson. One to watch and against vulnerable group favourites they're a dangerous floater.
Nigeria
A strange record in recent times out of the last four African cups they've won one and not qualified for the other three. They made the second round four years ago and had a match of the tournament contender against Argentina. A number of strong decent and pacey pros. Again a dangerous team but one I can't help but have doubts about.
Summing Up
Surely Argentina to go through although possibly not as winners.
In a group where at least one of Nigeria, Croatia or Iceland will qualify the footballing world must be rooting for Iceland.
Tips: This looks like a scrappy group, a risky lay of Argentina to win the group could be in order and overs in bookings could be the value.
One to watch: Messi, this could be his last chance for greatness on this stage and what ever happens I'm expecting his international retirement the moment Argentina are finished - in lose or draw.
Dark horse to watch: Mateo Kovacic - yes he plays for Real Madrid but in my book he's underrated and has the potential to do something.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)