Group F: Argentina, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iran, Nigeria
By far the best team in this group is Argentina. Lionel Messi, Sergio Agüero, Gonzalo Higuain, Angel di Maria and Ezequiel Lavezzi (the so-called Big Five) are five of the best forwards in the world. Carlos Tevez is another great striker, but he has a bad relationship with coach Alejandro Sabella, so he is hasn't played for Argentina since 2011. Javier Mascherano, Ezequiel Garay and Martin Demichelis are other experienced defenders/midfielders. "La Albiceleste" will not have any trouble finishing first in this group.
Bosnia and Herzegovina debuts in this World Cup. Since their split-up from Yugoslavia in 1992, "The Dragons" have never been present at a World Cup, so this is tournament for them. Midfielder Miralem Pjanic and forward Edin Dzeko are the stars, but midfielder Zvjezdan Misimevic, defender Emir Spahic and striker Vedad Ibisevic are experienced and very important players. In this weak group, Bosnia and Herzegovina might surprise themselfves and reach the round of sixteen.
Despite the non-football culture, it's the fourth time for Iran to be present at a World Cup. "Sahzadegane Parsi" never reached further than the group stage, and it's not likely that they will this year. Most of the players play in the highest division in Iran and only Daniel Davari and Ashkan Dejagah play in European top competitions. At least Irans participation will give football some attention over there.
Nigeria has always had international stars, but they never reached further than the round of sixteen. The average level of the players is often too low. John Obi Mikel is a very skillful an for his age experienced midfielder, but Nigeria lacks other stars. Midfielder Ogenyi Onaze an former VVV-Venlo forward Ahmed Musa are very talented players, but unable to lead "The Super Eagles" at a World Cup. Nigeria will have to compete with Bosnia and Herzegovina for the round of sixteen.
My expectation:
1. Argentina
2. Bosnia and Herzegovina
3. Nigeria
4. Iran
Saturday, 31 May 2014
Thursday, 29 May 2014
World Cup 2014 Brazil Group E
Group E: Switzerland, Ecuador, France, Honduras
Switzerland is the surprising group leader of Group E. The "Schweizer Nati" held the 8st place at the FIFA ranking, just before Holland, that made them group leader. Stephan Lichtsteiner and midfielder Gökhan Inler are the best players, but Xherdan Shaqiri is a very talented winger and could be the next superstar. The only problem for him is the lack of matches he plays with Bayern München. Switzerland might surprisingly reach the quarter finals.
Ecuador has only been present at the World Cups twice, in 2002 and 2006 and they never reached further than the round of 16. Only Manchester United winger Antonio Valencia plays in a top competion, the Premier League, so "La Tri" are not likely to reach any further. The 1-1 draw against current runner-up Holland last week doesn't actually mean they still have chances, it only shows the terrible level and form of the Dutch team.
The national team of France has been in the news a few weeks ago because Samir Nasri was clearly not happy that he wasn't in the World Cup squad. Around the World Cup 2014, similar disturbances led to a very bad performance. If Franck Ribery, Paul Pogba, Karim Benzema and the other stars can bring the calmness back to "Les Bleus", France might be an outsider for the World Cup.
Honduras is one of the weakest teams in this World Cup. "Los Catrachos" mostly rely on the experienced defenders Emilio Izaguirre and Maynor Figueroa and midfielder Wilson Palacios, all playing in the UK. Carlo Costly is the only forward whose skills may be sufficient for an international tournament. Overall, I think Honduras lacks creative players who can bring extra power when they need it, which will be very often.
My expectation:
1. France
2. Switzerland
3. Ecuador
4. Honduras
Switzerland is the surprising group leader of Group E. The "Schweizer Nati" held the 8st place at the FIFA ranking, just before Holland, that made them group leader. Stephan Lichtsteiner and midfielder Gökhan Inler are the best players, but Xherdan Shaqiri is a very talented winger and could be the next superstar. The only problem for him is the lack of matches he plays with Bayern München. Switzerland might surprisingly reach the quarter finals.
Ecuador has only been present at the World Cups twice, in 2002 and 2006 and they never reached further than the round of 16. Only Manchester United winger Antonio Valencia plays in a top competion, the Premier League, so "La Tri" are not likely to reach any further. The 1-1 draw against current runner-up Holland last week doesn't actually mean they still have chances, it only shows the terrible level and form of the Dutch team.
The national team of France has been in the news a few weeks ago because Samir Nasri was clearly not happy that he wasn't in the World Cup squad. Around the World Cup 2014, similar disturbances led to a very bad performance. If Franck Ribery, Paul Pogba, Karim Benzema and the other stars can bring the calmness back to "Les Bleus", France might be an outsider for the World Cup.
Honduras is one of the weakest teams in this World Cup. "Los Catrachos" mostly rely on the experienced defenders Emilio Izaguirre and Maynor Figueroa and midfielder Wilson Palacios, all playing in the UK. Carlo Costly is the only forward whose skills may be sufficient for an international tournament. Overall, I think Honduras lacks creative players who can bring extra power when they need it, which will be very often.
My expectation:
1. France
2. Switzerland
3. Ecuador
4. Honduras
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