Thursday 12 June 2014

World Cup 2014

Hi Folks,

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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