Germany:
Qualified: By winning their UEFA group C and going undefeated 9-1-0 with a +26 goal differential. If you think that's impressive, then get this, Germany's all-time record in World Cup qualifiers is 64-18-2. Only 2 losses in 84 matches; needless to say they are a very successful team.
Previous Best: Winners(1954, 1974, 1990)
2010 World Cup Result: Third Place
Odds to Win: 6/1
Fan Mindset:
Although Italy have won more World Cups than them, (4 to 3), it would not be a stretch to say Germany have the highest standards of any European nation at the World Cup year in and year out. Germany have made 17 of 19 World Cups, 7 finals, 12 semifinals, and 16 quarterfinals. They have only not made the quarterfinals once! (1938) So, Germany joins Argentina and Brazil is the exclusive "win or failure" club in my opinion. In recent years we've seen German teams do very well in club and international competitions, and the younger team that got 3rd in 2010 is now in its prime. The only thing better than third is the final or the win, which is what they'll certainly be aiming for.
The Team:
With a team this talented, good players will inevitably be left off the starting XI and used in a fill-in late game role, which only adds to Germany's strength and depth. Coach Joachim Low will certainly have his hands full determining who starts. Let's start with an easy one. The starting goalkeeper will certainly be the world's best goalkeeper (imho) Manuel Neuer. Backing him up on defense will likely be Per Mertesacker and Philipp Lahm. At midfield, things start to go crazy. Someone world class will have to sit, just due to the sheer numbers. Or perhaps Germany can run the rarely attempted 2-7-2 strategy. They can't score if they don't get past midfield! Schweinsteiger and Khedira will likely start, but in reserve Germany has Toni Kroos, Mesut Ozil, and Mario Gotze too, damn. On the attack, the Germans will miss the injured Marco Reus, but they certainly have the pieces to replace his goals. Thomas Muller, Lukas Podolski, and Miroslav Klose round out a dangerous Deutschland side. I know I've used the "Europe in South America = bad" argument a lot so far, but this team travels quite well and should never be underestimated. No one on the 23 man roster comes from outside the top 4 leagues in Europe (Spain, Italy, Germany, and England), again, hot damn. Low himself is a pretty unique case. Most international managers only stick around for 1 World Cup cycle, 2 at the most. This is now Low's third cycle and his 11th year on the team, and he has watched these players from the very start and is excellent at what he does.
X Factor:
Positioning. Is there such a thing as too much talent at one spot? Germany may come close. With all the spots they have for talented crafty midfielders in their lineup, they all do not have set midfield positions. Depending on the opponent or situation, it is likely Coach Low will make the sure the appropriate lineup is out there for the Germans, but constant lineup switching and restructuring players' roles can get tiring and confusing at times, even for the world's best. Still, even with Germany heading the "group of death" and facing tough competition, anything less than 9/9 points and a deep run will be quite surprising.
Prediction:
Germany has made three straight semifinals, and that run will go on. The quest for a fourth title, however, will have to wait...
Relevant Gif: Germany in World Cup Qualifiers.
United States:
Qualified: First in the CONCACAF Hexagonal over Mexico, Honduras, and Costa Rica going an impressive 7-1-2. Highlights of the qualifying run include the 1-0 blizzard game vs. Costa Rica and a 0-0 draw against Mexico to earn only the 2nd point ever at the imposing Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
Previous Best: 3rd Place (1930)
2010 World Cup Result: Round of 16
Odds to Win: 250/1
Fan Mindset:
The United States has been on a roller coaster since Landon Donovan's electric stoppage time goal against Algeria sent them to the knockout rounds. It has seen the US lose in the 2011 Gold Cup, getting Bob Bradley fired, but it has seen the hiring of the Jürgen Klinsmann and a revolution in US soccer. Then came the bad: a poor start to qualifying, apparent player disdain, and Landon Donovan's sabbatical. Then came the good. A long winning streak, a run of qualifier success, and a well-run system that looked to leave the Bradley system far behind. Then, it all came crashing back to Earth. The US was placed in the group of death at the World Cup. Germany, Portugal, and their nemesis Ghana await them. Fans seem split. Some are drinking the kool-aid and saying I BELIEVE THAT WE WILL WIN! Others are preaching gloom and doom and a Cup of disaster. Whatever the result, the US is a better team than the one that competed in 2010, but in a much worse group. Is that a good thing, or bad?
The Team:
No USA breakdown can start without mentioning the absence of Captain America a.k.a. Landon Donovan. Donovan is not just the savior of the US at the 2010 World Cup, he is also the best player in US international history. He's not on the squad. The sabbatical, his out of form play, and maybe even the prospect of the quick footed teams in Group G have led Klinsmann to omit Donovan from the roster. With that, the USA's success or failure will reflect on this decision. Is it possible that Donovan is still the most important person on the roster, when he's not even on the squad? It seems that way based on the discussions over the last month about the squad. Beyond Donovan, the USA is again anchored by Everton's Tim Howard in goal, with defenders DeMarcus Beasley and Fabian Johnson trying to protect the USA from three good attacking squads. At midfield, is in my opinion the USA's best player, Michael Bradley. Yes the son of the coach that got fired is now Klinsmann's best player. Should make for some interesting dinner conversation. Bradley's runs at midfield set up the USA's best chances by far. At forward, Dempsey and Altidore are the USA's best scoring threats. They both have Premier League experience, but Dempsey left Tottenham for Seattle (???) and Altidore's season at Sunderland was abysmal. They need to rebound quickly if the USA is to advance.
X-Factor:
Jozy Altidore. His season at Sunderland, awful. He actually became the punchline of jokes. Never a good sign. However, I would group him into the category of players who instantly become better when they put on a national team jersey. Altidore scored more goals in a friendly against Bosnia (3) this year than he did in 30 appearances at Sunderland (1). If he can get going, the USA stands a fighter's chance, if he fails than maybe Klinsmann should put in those young players he chose and reload for 2018 in Russia.
Disclaimer: The following prediction is based solely on America, patriotism, diet soda, fast food, America, freedom, bald eagles, fireworks, those motorized fat people carts you see at supermarket entrances, pickup trucks, songs about pickup trucks, and America. Not on fancy shmancy things like statistics or reasoning. It also in no way reflects my inner sanity or the opinions of anyone around me with a sound mind.
Prediction: 2nd Place in Group G. Not sure how on this Earth it will happen, but I've drank the kool-aid and there is no going back.
Relevant Gif: Every American if the United States beats the group of death and gets to the knockout rounds.
Ghana:
Qualified: By winning their CAF Group and going 5-0-1. They then won their playoff against a strong Egyptian side 7-3 on aggregate.
Previous Best: Quarterfinals (2010)
2010 World Cup Result: Quarterfinals
Odds to Win: 200/1
Fan Mindset:
If the Ivory Coast have the worst luck and fall just short, than Ghana must make them furious. A combination of fantastic play and great tournament results have placed Ghana at the precipice of African football. The Egyptian team they crushed in the playoffs was one of Africa's best and went 6-0-0 in qualifying before losing 6-1 in Ghana. Ghana is in a strange spot come this World Cup. Their talented roster and rivalry with the USA looks to give a third knockout punch to the Americans, but a spot in the Group of Death is never something to scoff at. Even the top of African football will need to be on point to try and upset Germany and Portugal. However, the Ghanaian fans will not be pleased to lose in the group stages, even in one as tough as this.
The Team:
Though they are an African side, this team features a plethora of talent, many of which are on Champions League sides. If your team members are playing in the world's best club competition, then it is perfect for assembling a squad for the biggest international competition in the world. Ghana's defense has its flaws, but their midfield is extremely solid. They have AC Milan's Michael Essien, Schalke's Kevin-Prince Boateng, Kevin-Prince Boateng's hair, and Kwadwo Asamoah of Juventus. At forward, they have their goalscoring threats of captain Asamoah Gyan, Jordan Ayew, and Majeed Waris. The squad is led by Coach James Appiah. When he was appointed in 2012, Appiah said he was the underdog, something very important to the Ghana side.
X-Factor:
Being the underdog. In Brazil's heat, humidity, and crazy stadium environments, mindset can be everything. For Ghana, they cannot let their recent successes and rise to prominence rewrite their role. They must retain their underdog status because they are in the Group of Death. If you start thinking you are the class of Africa and a lock to advance, you'll get a rude awakening by Germany, Portugal, and a US team hungry for revenge. Their squad is talented, but they must stay focused.
Prediction: 3rd in Group G. For my crazy USA prediction and an even crazier prediction later to come true, I need Ghana to finish 3rd. I think they may get a win somewhere, but in the group of death a 1-1-1 record may still send you home.
Relevant Gif: Ghana if they fall in the groups after being a penalty away from the semifinals in 2010.
Portugal:
Qualified: Via the UEFA playoffs after finishing as runners-up in Group F to Russia. In the playoffs they beat Sweden in an incredible Ronaldo vs. Ibrahimovic display that saw Portugal win 4-2 on aggregate.
Previous Best: 3rd Place (1966)
2010 World Cup Result: Round of 16
Odds to Win: 22/1
Fan Mindset:
Every Portuguese fan will say Ronaldo is a better player than Messi and will fight you if you disagree. Many seem to actually forget that prior to this generation, Portugal actually was not a big player on the international stage. Between 1970 and 2006, Portugal never made the knockout rounds at the World Cup. Still, with an athletic freak like Ronaldo on your side you can never be doomed to lose in the group of death......right? Anyway, the fans will expect at least a run to the quarterfinals this time, without Spain in their way (like the 2010 World Cup and EURO 2012). Their golden generation is in its prime and now is their chance.
The Team:
Ronaldo, Pepe the terrible, and 10 other guys. But seriously, this squad has some good talent to back him up. In goal, either Rui Patricio or Braga's Eduardo will get the call from Coach Paulo Bento. Going into the defense, I could swear this team is from Spain, it's dominated by La Liga talent. Pepe, the infamous defender takes his spot on the defense alongside Real Madrid teammate Fabio Coentrao and Valencia's Ricardo Costa. Pepe may be a notable defender, but Portugal's defense could see some trouble as Pepe is 31 and Costa is 33. The faster offenses of Group G may overcome them. At midfield Joao Moutinho and Manchester United's Nani will give the ball to Ronaldo because they should and if they don't bad things will happen. Simple as that. Helder Postiga is also a forward, but who cares. ROOOONNNNNAAAALLLLLDDOOOOOO! The athletic freak, the Ballon D'or 2013 winner, and the man who led Real to La Decima (their tenth Champions League Title) is looking to bring Portugal to world glory. He's fallen just short every time. He lost in the final of Euro 2004, the Round of 16 in 2010, and the semifinals in EURO 2012. However, with a season behind him that saw him win the UCL and overtake Messi at least for the moment, Ronaldo looks ready to tackle the World Cup.
X Factor:
The Portuguese Midfield. Since everything starts and ends with Ronaldo, a weaker midfield that cannot control the ball could spell disaster for Portugal. Players in the midfield like Nani are notable inconsistent and with only 3 group games (2 if you think Germany winning is a forgone conclusion like me), they cannot afford to have a bad performance.
Prediction: Last in Group G. And I will hold for the storm.
Now that I've lost you all, I'll say this. Every damn World Cup there is a team that looks great on paper, but does not get the job done. Usually it is because of a glaring problem people overlook due to other talent. That would be Portugal's midfield who are nicely overlooked because of Ronaldo's star power. I do not think Portugal will control the ball enough for him. I think they have the biggest disappointing exit this year.
Relevant Gif: If ^this^ actually happens, what I'll feel like.
Group H:
Belgium:
Qualified: By winning their Group in UEFA qualifying over Croatia, Serbia, and Scotland. They went an undefeated 8-2-0.
Previous Best: 4th Place (1986)
2010 World Cup Result: Did not qualify
Odds to Win: 20/1
Fan Mindset:
Over the last two World Cups, Belgium has been the only major Western European country to miss the World Cup. Now, the tables have flipped with traditional powers like France and England having low expectations, all eyes are on Belgium to perform well and reach the knockout rounds or better. Belgium is the latest team this World Cup to have a so-called golden generation. The thing that makes this Belgian team so frightening is that they are still very young. Even if Brazil does not work out, I think they will excel at Russia 2018. Also, they are the sexy pick. Every World Cup, heck every season in every sport, there is a sexy team. The team everyone expects to be a dark house that actually becomes pretty popular due to the added attention. That team would be Belgium. In the span of one year they went from dark horse, to sexy pick, to favorite, to overrated, and now back to sexy pick. I do not think they are an elite team yet, but their fans should prepare for a fairly deep run. Their group is one of the easier groups at the tournament as well.
The Team:
In goals for the Belgians is Thibaut Courtois, the 22-year-old goalkeeper at Atletico Madrid. His excellent season and La Liga title cement him as a top three goalie in the world despite his young age. This will be a recurring theme for Belgium. In front of him are two marquee Premier League defenders: captain and Man City leader Vincent Kompany and vice-captain from Arsenal Thomas Vermaelen. These defenders begin a run of EPL members in this talented Belgian squad. Mousa Dembele and Marouane "the fro" Fellaini. Although Fellaini had a disappointing season at Manchester United, I still think he is a valuable asset to the Belgian midfield and to Coach Marc Wilmots. However, the goalscorers of Belgian give them the firepower to make some big runs in Brazil. Romelu Lukaku (21), Eden Hazard (23), and even Adnan Januzaj (19!) could come off the bench to help them. Using Wilmots's 4-3-3 formation, Belgium will try to move the ball as quickly as they can on both attacks and counterattacks.
X-Factor:
Romelu Lukaku. Every time a team returns to the world stages after a long absence, it is often due to a strong team member that was the first to capture people's attention in a big time league. Lukaku was......not that person. That would be the injured Christian Benteke, whose heroics have helped Aston Villa survive in the Premier League these last two seasons. However, Lukaku has had his big moments in the Premier League. He was lent from Chelsea to Everton after missing a penalty in the UEFA Super Cup against Bayern, but blossomed at Everton scoring 15 goals in 31 appearances so far. He will be Belgium's striker and hopefully the last player to touch the ball before it goes in the back of the net. When you play such an aggressive fast-paced formation on such a young team, you are bound to have your chances. The question is, will he be able to convert them?
Prediction: First in Group H and a shot at glory in the quarterfinals before bowing out this time around.
Relevant Gif: How all the young players on Belgium will feel after their run in the World Cup.
Russia:
Qualified: By winning their UEFA qualifying group over favored Portugal and going 7-1-2 in the process. Not the most impressive qualifying campaign, but qualifying is qualifying.
Previous Best: 4th Place (1966) as the Soviet Union. They have never advanced out of the group's as Russia.
2010 World Cup Result:: Did not Qualify
Odds to Win: 80/1
Fan Mindset:
Russia is as big of an enigma in the world of soccer as it is in everything else. The fans are drunk, angry, and riot when they win and when they lose. So, maybe they're not so different from other Europeans after all. Russia has clearly been in the news recently for non-soccer reasons shall we say. To drop that talk for awhile and focus on football is interesting, but it shows us why this Russian team is such a "wildcard" in this tournament. No one really knows what to expect. After many picked them as a surprise squad in EURO 2012, some have fallen off Russia's bandwagon after they fell in the group stages to a Czech Republic and Greek side they really should have beaten. However, I still see quite a bit of talent in this roster. Russia is a sleeping giant; no one wants to admit it, but if they ever get their national team truly together, they could make some great teams.
The Team:
Welcome to the true team of mystery. Part of the reason people rarely talk about or expect much of this team is their lack of participation in Europe's top leagues. In fact, the ENTIRE 23 man roster all play in the Russian Premier League. Everyone. That's both interesting and frightening. What is Putin doing to keep them so close to home? Anyway, two Igors dominate this roster. Igor Akinfeev is their goalkeeper from CSKA Moscow and Igor Denisov is their midifelder captain from Dynamo Moscow. Other important players include 23-year-old forward Alan Dzagoev of, you guessed it, CSKA Moscow. Also, their main striker and goalscoring threat is Aleksandr (most Russian name/spelling ever) Kerzhakov of Bayern Munich.......just kidding he's actually from Zenit St. Petersburg, but at least he escaped Moscow, right? For such a team of mystery, their coach is actually well known. Fabio Capello is the Italian who coached England at the last World Cup and resigned amid disagreements with the English FA. English fans will certainly not be too displeased if he falters in Russia too.
Russia's stone cold defense. As you might expect from a cold, hardened nation, their team is a strong defensive side. They shut down Ronaldo and the Portuguese in the qualifying rounds and they need to do the same in Brazil. South Korea and Algeria are not terribly impressive attacking wise, but I especially cannot wait to see them match up against the quick footed Belgians. If their defense holds, their iffy offense should be able to relax and score enough to get them to the knockout rounds.
Prediction: 2nd in Group H, but no further than the Last 16 due to Germany.
Relevant Gif: Actually this one is not relevant at all, just hilarious. It's Putin's head photoshopped onto Vince McMahon's body. I love the Internet.
South Korea:
Qualified: By finishing 2nd in their final round qualifying group behind Iran and barely beating out Uzbekistan for a World Cup spot.
Previous Best: 4th Place (2002, as co-hosts)
2010 World Cup Result: Round of 16
Odds to Win: 250/1
Fan Mindset:
After co-hosting the tournament with Japan in 2002, South Korea has been a staple at the World Cup and they have grown to dominate Asian qualifying. However, with other nations in Asia growing in soccer interest and skill, South Korea suffered a weaker than expected qualifying run and some are predicting a tough time for them in Brazil, even in the relatively easy Group H. The point of holding a World Cup in a non-traditional soccer country is to grow the sport, which has been successful in South Korea. However, it also raises the standards of that team to its fans. South Korea is now expected to be a top 1 or 2 team in the AFC, and a group stage bow out would be disappointing.
The Team:
Holy hyphenated names Batman! Jung Sung-Ryong starts in goal backed by a pair of Bundesliga defenders in Hong Jeong-Ho and Park Joo-Ho (seriously, these names man). In midfield are Mainz 05's Koo Ja-Heol and Swansea City's (EPL) Ki Sung-Yueng (no really, like I'm not trying to spread stereotypes, these are the real names). At froward, another Bundesliga pair. Bayer Leverkusen's 21-year-old Son Heung-Min and and Dortmund's Ji Dong-Won will try to score on the staunch defense of Algeria and prevent dispossession by the quick Belgians. Min has been especially impressive, securing a contract extension at Dortmuind and being a great chance creator for the club. The national team and Coach Hong Myung-bo will need him at his best for this side to have a chance at progressing.
X-Factor:
Youth. This is another team whose roster is filled with young players. However, unlike Belgium this squad does not possess strong counter-attackers, so they will need to control the ball and score early. The all hyphen team must play veteran style ball with youth-like precision. That is much more easily said than done and it may not be possible this tournament around for the South Koreans.
Prediction: 3rd-in-Group-H-but-do-not-worry-they-will-get-better-soon.
Relevant Gif: If South Korea managed to top this weak group after all.
Algeria:
Qualified: Via the CAF playoffs after topping their group (5-0-1). In the playoffs they met and defeated Burkina Faso 3-3 on away goals.
Previous Best: Group Stages (1982, 1986, 2010)
2010 World Cup Result: Group Stages (Last)
Odds to Win: 1500/1
Fan Mindset:
The Algerians are known for their tough rivalry with Egypt. International diplomacy actually had to be brought in the last time these two sides faced off. This time around Algeria squeaked through to the World Cup while their rivals Egypt were crushed by Ghana. That must make the Algerian fans happy. The play of their team at this World Cup will probably not. Besides the fact they are in an easy group, there are not too many positives for the Algerians this time around after suffering heart breaking losses in the groups last World Cup (1-0 losses to Slovenia and the USA). Any results at all, even a draw or two, would be a good result.
The Team:
Looking over the squad, their credentials certainly are not as bad as some other last place hopefuls like Iran and Honduras. We certainly should not write off the Algerians just yet for this reason. Majdid Bougherra, the captain of Algeria headlines their best feature, dogged defense. As England and the USA found out in South Africa (1-0 and 0-0 results), Algeria's goal scoring efforts may be laughable but good luck breaking their defensive unit, especially when they are not even trying to get off too many attacks. Coach Vahid Halilhozic is making his World Cup debut and has decided to go with a younger generation of attacking players like Porto's Nabil Ghilas and Lisbon's Islam Simani to try and jump start an offense that failed to score in the 2010 World Cup even once. They will certainly have their work cut out for them.
X Factor:
Goalscoring. At the 2010 World Cup, Algeria was at -2 goal differential. 2 conceded, 1 scored. That means that assuming their defense does not falter (which it may not), then all Algeria has to do is find the back of the net even once per game to ensure they see at least some positive result. Boy, you know a preview has been going on a long time when scoring is now an "X Factor"
Prediction: Last in Group H, but they get at least 1 scoreless draw out of it.
Relevant Gif: If Algeria goes another whole World Cup without scoring to make it a six match dry spell.
FIN.
No comments:
Post a Comment