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.
Showing posts with label Russia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Russia. Show all posts
Wednesday, 13 June 2018
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.
Thursday, 24 May 2018
World Cup 2018 Preview: Group B
Iran
Another for want of a better word minnow and unlike Saudi Arabia yesterday they've been drawn in a group with two of the big boys and a very decent African team. Made up of journeymen from around the world - including a few in Europe they actually had a strong qualifying campaign but I can't see them doing to well and certainly not progressing.
Morocco
A very impressive qualifying campaign saw them pip the Ivory Coast (how weird is it that the Ivory Coast aren't here). They are an exceedingly decent team with a mixture of youth and experienced players who mostly play over Europe. Readers will mostly be familiar with Romain Saiss who one the Championship this season with Wolverhampton Wanderers. Certainly a dangerous floater and unlucky to be drawn in a group with two of the big boys. The advantage they have is they play Iran first which sets them up nicely for the two tougher games. Morocco certainly has a chance to progress but its weather they can take advantage of it.
Portugal
The perennial underachievers go into this World Cup after winning Euro 2016 under pressure to do well. This is by far the strongest squad we've looked at yet but despite that it their chances hang on one person the boy Ronaldo. To often in the past he has underperformed on this stage and as he approaches his mid thirties this looks to be his last chance for a defining world cup moment. The rest of the squad is up to a high standard - in fact even without Ronaldo its a strong squad. A host of up and coming forwards, a midfield including Bernardo Silva, a strong reliable keeper and an underrated defence including Mario Rui and Ricardo Pereira. I expect them to go far and if the lad Ronaldo is in the mood they could do something special.
Spain
Without doubt one of the favourites and a whose who of world football. With de Gea possibly the best keeper in world football today, a midfield and defence made up of Atletico, Real and Barcelona any other country would at least maim for these players. Spain has an embarrassment of riches in defence and midfield just look at this squad; Ramos, Pique, Alba, Nacho, Carvajal in defence and in midfield; Iniesta, Isco, Koke, Thiago, Saul, Asensio, Busquets and Silva. If that doesn't hit Ruud Gullit in his sexy football G spot nothing will. Critics may say they are weak up front but Iaspas and Rodrigo are in form and could well be starting by the time the tournament reaches the final stages.
Of note we could be seeing the end of some big players for Spain with Pepe Reina, Andres Iniesta, David Silva and Sergio Ramos well into their thirties. Despite this the cardinal sin of letting a football team get old together hasn't happened and age wise the squad looks balanced. Big things expected from Spain and they are without doubt among the favourites.
Summing Up
Its all about the match between Spain and Portugal, whoever wins that wins the group - personally without taking into account potential shenanigans about the knock out route finishing first or second brings I'd opt for Spain. Morocco have a decent outsiders chance and are not to be ignored.
Tips: Over 2.5 goals on all Iran matches and lay unders on cards in most of the matches not involving Iran could be a good call here.
One to watch: Has to be the boy Ronaldo.
Dark horse to watch: Andre Silva, I expected big things from his this season but like most players at AC Milan he had a sticky season, will improve and possibly a late bloomer.
Another for want of a better word minnow and unlike Saudi Arabia yesterday they've been drawn in a group with two of the big boys and a very decent African team. Made up of journeymen from around the world - including a few in Europe they actually had a strong qualifying campaign but I can't see them doing to well and certainly not progressing.
Morocco
A very impressive qualifying campaign saw them pip the Ivory Coast (how weird is it that the Ivory Coast aren't here). They are an exceedingly decent team with a mixture of youth and experienced players who mostly play over Europe. Readers will mostly be familiar with Romain Saiss who one the Championship this season with Wolverhampton Wanderers. Certainly a dangerous floater and unlucky to be drawn in a group with two of the big boys. The advantage they have is they play Iran first which sets them up nicely for the two tougher games. Morocco certainly has a chance to progress but its weather they can take advantage of it.
Portugal
The perennial underachievers go into this World Cup after winning Euro 2016 under pressure to do well. This is by far the strongest squad we've looked at yet but despite that it their chances hang on one person the boy Ronaldo. To often in the past he has underperformed on this stage and as he approaches his mid thirties this looks to be his last chance for a defining world cup moment. The rest of the squad is up to a high standard - in fact even without Ronaldo its a strong squad. A host of up and coming forwards, a midfield including Bernardo Silva, a strong reliable keeper and an underrated defence including Mario Rui and Ricardo Pereira. I expect them to go far and if the lad Ronaldo is in the mood they could do something special.
Spain
Without doubt one of the favourites and a whose who of world football. With de Gea possibly the best keeper in world football today, a midfield and defence made up of Atletico, Real and Barcelona any other country would at least maim for these players. Spain has an embarrassment of riches in defence and midfield just look at this squad; Ramos, Pique, Alba, Nacho, Carvajal in defence and in midfield; Iniesta, Isco, Koke, Thiago, Saul, Asensio, Busquets and Silva. If that doesn't hit Ruud Gullit in his sexy football G spot nothing will. Critics may say they are weak up front but Iaspas and Rodrigo are in form and could well be starting by the time the tournament reaches the final stages.
Of note we could be seeing the end of some big players for Spain with Pepe Reina, Andres Iniesta, David Silva and Sergio Ramos well into their thirties. Despite this the cardinal sin of letting a football team get old together hasn't happened and age wise the squad looks balanced. Big things expected from Spain and they are without doubt among the favourites.
Summing Up
Its all about the match between Spain and Portugal, whoever wins that wins the group - personally without taking into account potential shenanigans about the knock out route finishing first or second brings I'd opt for Spain. Morocco have a decent outsiders chance and are not to be ignored.
Tips: Over 2.5 goals on all Iran matches and lay unders on cards in most of the matches not involving Iran could be a good call here.
One to watch: Has to be the boy Ronaldo.
Dark horse to watch: Andre Silva, I expected big things from his this season but like most players at AC Milan he had a sticky season, will improve and possibly a late bloomer.
Sunday, 13 December 2015
The Euro 2016 Draw
So ladies and gentle readers the draw for Euro 2016 has finally taken place and for the first time in what feels like a life time Wales were in it. Going into it I was dreaming of the glamour teams and a group involving the likes of Spain, Germany, Italy, Croatia and Sweden. I wanted a proper group full of mouth watering fixtures and slowly one by one the teams were drawn;
Up first we had the noisy neighbours next door, Woy Hodgsons boring army. The only top ranked team I didn't want as they usually stink up the tournaments with boring matches over the last few tournaments. Plus the media and fleet street regulars will be ignoring the Welsh point of view and covering the match from England's point of view with a 'Battle of Britain' mantra nobody cares about.
Please pretend there something witty written here - I have no Slovakia material.
Up last we had Russia, now its getting juicy, if I could take you back a decade dear reader, the closest Wales have ever got to the Euros before was Euro 2004 where we finished second in our group to Italy, cue highlights of the classic Wales 2 Italy 1 match;
We were drawn against Russia in the playoffs and after a hard thought 0-0 in Moscow they scored from a badly conceded free kick at Cardiff to knock us out. A proper grudge match here and the standout fixture of the group.
Well my thoughts are that its a disappointing unsexy group but we've got a decent chance of second place, the countdown to summer 2016 starts now...
Up first we had the noisy neighbours next door, Woy Hodgsons boring army. The only top ranked team I didn't want as they usually stink up the tournaments with boring matches over the last few tournaments. Plus the media and fleet street regulars will be ignoring the Welsh point of view and covering the match from England's point of view with a 'Battle of Britain' mantra nobody cares about.
Please pretend there something witty written here - I have no Slovakia material.
Up last we had Russia, now its getting juicy, if I could take you back a decade dear reader, the closest Wales have ever got to the Euros before was Euro 2004 where we finished second in our group to Italy, cue highlights of the classic Wales 2 Italy 1 match;
We were drawn against Russia in the playoffs and after a hard thought 0-0 in Moscow they scored from a badly conceded free kick at Cardiff to knock us out. A proper grudge match here and the standout fixture of the group.
Well my thoughts are that its a disappointing unsexy group but we've got a decent chance of second place, the countdown to summer 2016 starts now...
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