Well the time has finally come, the World Cup is here once again. I will be trading during the tournament, but just small trades, not full stakes.
I normally don't do this but I thought for a bit of fun I would try and do some predictions for the tournament. Here are my thoughts on the first 4 groups
Group
A
This group consists of Brazil, Mexico, Cameroon and
Croatia.
Barring a disaster Brazil should top the group. Looking
at the other three teams, Mexico had a terrible qualifying campaign and just
managed to creep in the back door. However, they have managed to reach the 2nd
round every world cup since 1978. The only problem is the distinct lack of
quality in the team.
Cameroon have a similar story to tell. They struggled in
qualifying and last world cup they failed to obtain a similar point. There has
been disarray in their camp and they might struggle once again.
Croatia have some decent players in the team such as
Olic, Jelavic and Modric. They have a good defensive unit and offer some decent
attaching options, making them favourite for the 2nd position in the
group.
Group winners:- Brazil
Runners up:- Croatia
Group
B
This group consists of Spain, Holland, Chile and
Australia
Is Spain’s star falling? They are still one of the
favourites to win the tournament, but some of their key players are ‘getting
on’. They did top their qualifying group, but did not win every match, as
expected. Even taking that into account, I think they will still be too strong
for Australia and Chile. I think they will top the group on goal difference or
by 1 point.
Australia could be the whipping boys of the group and
this could be important for goal difference. A lot of the ‘old guard’ for
Australia have gone now and they need to build a new team.
Chile are a decent attacking team with some good quality
going forward. However, defensively they are not great and that could be their
undoing. They had a decent qualifying campaign, finishing below Argentina and
Columbia. They may give Holland a run for their money for the second spot, it
depends on the team Holland put out. However, I do think with Van Gaal’s
experience for Holland and the defensive fragilities of Chile, Holland will get
the second spot.
Group Winners:- Spain
Runners Up:- Holland
Group
C
This group consists of Colombia, Greece, Ivory Coast and
Japan
This group is most probably the most open in the
tournament, with each team genuinely thinking they have a chance of qualifying.
Colombia has some decent quality players and qualified
second in their group, only behind Argentina. Technically they are a good side and
will be use to the conditions, which should give them an advantage.
Greece only won one match in 2010, however, they still
have a decent defence, and will make it hard for teams. However, have they got
enough up front to cause problems, and how will they handle the heat.
Ivory Coast will be thinking they have a great chance
here. They have failed to get out of the group stage in the last two world
cups. This will drogba’s last chance and in Yaya Toure they have one of the
best midfielders in the world. Also they will be use to hot conditions and are
physically strong.
Japan have improved a lot over the last few world cup’s
and have lots of energy and some skilful players. However, how will they handle
the heat, I think they may struggle.
Group Winners:- Colombia
Runners up:- Ivory Coast
Group
D
This group consists of England, Uruguay, Italy and Costa
Rica
This group is a tough one to call.
Italy topped their qualifying group, winning 6 and
drawing 4. In Pirlo they still have an excellent midfield playmaker. In buffon,
they still have one of the best goalkeepers around. They also have the hot
headed, but outstanding Balotelli on his day. If these key players perform and
others around can help out, then they have a chance to do well in the
tournament. However, how well they handle the heat that makes it historically
so difficult for European teams.
England, the enigma; they have underachieved so many
times. This world cup Roy Hodgson has picked some very good youngsters in
Sterling, Barclay and Henderson. He has also picked the in form Lallana who had
an excellent premiership campaign with Southampton. So could this be the year
for England, I don’t think so. Again it is how they handle the heat and whether
the youngsters let the shackles off and are fearless.
Costa Rica had a good qualifying campaign, finishing
second behind USA. They have a good goalkeeper in Navas and a couple of good
forwards in Campbell and Ruiz. However, they have been drawn in a difficult
group, but technically they are a good side and may find it easier with the
heat than Italy and England.
Uruguay had a great world cup last year, with Suarez and
Forlan being the stars. Can they do well this year? They had a poor qualifying
session and just scraped through in the play-offs. Defensively they are a bit
suspect, and hopes do rest on the Cavani, Suarez and Forlan and on the counter attack
they could destroy teams. Also they should have no problems with the heat.
I think this group could come down to goal difference. I
am really not sure if England will go through, so I will let my heart take
over.
Group Winners:- Uruguay
Runners up:- England
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