Friday, June 6, 2014
A Tale of Woe Before Brazil 2014 Begins: 6/6/2014
The injured list for the run-up to the World Cup in Brazil has become rather populated of late. Even since my last post, France's Franck Ribery and Clement Grenier (who play at Bayern Munich and Lyon respectively) have been forced to withdraw from the tournament due to fitness concerns. England will be without Theo Walcott while Spain will miss Victor Valdes (although they do have Iker Casillas who would have doubtless started in goal). Part of the reason why Germany may be seen as having a weaker defense than they have fielded in the past is the fact that both Holger Badstuber and Ilkay Gundogan have been ruled out. One danger for Italy is the fact that midfield partner of Andrea Pirlo, Riccardo Montolivo, has been sidelined with an injury similar to the one Mexico's Luis Montes has experienced: a serious fracture in the leg. To clarify: Andrea Pirlo was NOT the one who was injured. Riccardo Montolivo was. The pair in the Italian midfield had only been brought up due to the fascinating football they have been playing up to this point. Add to that the fact that Croatia are without three class acts - Ivo Ilicevic, Niko Kranjcar, and Ivan Strinic - and you may just wonder whether a conspiracy exists to get the Brazilians to lift the World Cup on home soil. With absentees such as Kaka and Alexandre Pato (through the decision of the coaching staff, not injury) you can't say that everything looks great for the hosts, but it certainly could be worse. Personally, I hope that the likes of Bernard, Luiz Gustavo, and Maicon are able to perform. If so, the Brazilians might just take the world by storm.
Tuesday, June 3, 2014
World Cup Update: 6/3/2014
Well, just when you figure that everything has been sorted out and you can sit down and relax for the lead-up to the World Cup, the team news comes out and your predictions are shaken. Obviously, it isn't an exact science, but let's move on shall we? First of all, there have been some very unfortunate injuries. Probably first on the list is in the Colombia camp: Radamel Falcao who has failed to recover from his niggling knee injury that has been an issue since January. Alongside such a huge loss, Colombia will also be without Luis Muriel and Luis Amaranto Perea - both aging but talented and deeply committed players - as per Jose Peckerman's decision. Despite these setbacks, consider that several of the Colombian back-line: Pablo Estifer Armero and Camilo Zuniga as well as Cristian Zapata and Mario Yepes play in the Italian first division with quality sides such as Napoli, AC Milan, and Atalanta. In addition to such a strong defense, the likes of James Rodriguez (who plays at Monaco) and Teofilo Gutierrez (a man who earns his keep at River Plate in Argentina) will mean that the Colombians are - while not as strong as they may have once been considered - still a formidable side. As far as reconsidering their chances, I would say that they should progress from their group, but upon meeting Italy (or potentially Uruguay) in the Round of 16, they will make their exit from the competition with their heads held high. Costa Rica are a side that will enjoy their time in Brazil, despite the fact that Alvaro Saborio will be out due to injury alongside Bryan Oviedo. However, Joel Campbell, Bryan Ruiz, and Keylor Navas make for a talented basis of the squad despite a lack of extensive depth.
Honduras have also been rocked by injury news, with Arnold Peralta out of contention due to a thigh problem. Nevertheless, the Hondurans have quality on the pitch with Boniek Garcia and Jerry Bengtson in the side. Meanwhile, Ecuador has named Segundo Castillo - despite being injured - to a side that includes Antonio Valencia among a host of Central and South American players. I don't believe that any of these changes will impact the manner in which these teams perform to any great extent. As for Australia, the veterans Mark Bresciano, Tim Cahill, and Mark Milligan will all be there for the Aussies. Mark Birighitti, Josh Kennedy, and Luke Wilkshire have each failed to be selected while a number of domestic players will be making their run out. It'll be interesting if
Mitchell Langerak manages to get a chance to play in goal. Belgium are lucky enough to not have any injuries going into the World Cup... beside the phenomenal Christian Benteke. Frankly, there isn't a position that I can see the Belgians lacking in resources. With Thibaut Courtois in goal and a defensive line that includes Toby Alderweireld, Daniel Van Buyten, Vincent Kompany, Jan Vertonghen, and Thomas Vermaelen, the Belgian defense is formidable to say the least. What about moving up the pitch? Romelu Lukaku, Eden Hazard, Adnan Januzaj, Marouane Fellaini, and Axel Witsel are a fierce attacking force that have a history of scoring for club and country.
Nigeria meanwhile are going to be without midfielder Sunday Mba - one of the members of the side that took third in the African Cup of Nations last year. Also out are Joel Obi and Nnamdi Oduamadi. Back in the line-up: Joseph Yobo and striker Peter Odemwingie who have illustrated their resolve after a lack of selection. Interestingly, Babatunde Michael and Kunle Odunlami will suit up in the national colors beside keeper Vincent Enyeama, defenders Elderson Echiejile and Efe Ambrose as well as John Mikel Obi, Ogenyi Onazi, and Victor Moses. With that kind of quality, the Nigerians may just give Argentina and Bosnia and Herzegovina a run for their money. They should be able to dispatch Iran. The only concern for Argentina is goalkeeping. Sergio Romero will probably get the nod, but he isn't quite on the level of Manuel Neuer of Germany, Spain's Iker Casillas, or Italian Gianluigi Buffon.On the other hand, with defenders like Ezequiel Garay, Pablo Zabaleta, Hugo Campagnaro, and Martin Demichelis who needs a goalie? Doubtless, Argentina will rely heavily on their attacking resources - Sergio Aguero Gonzalo Higuain, Ezequiel Lavezzi, and a little guy named Lionel Messi. They just might be able to do it too! Control of the midfield and ensuring that Messi is not isolated at the front will be two of the major things that may make or break this talented side.
The other side in Group F, Bosnia and Herzegovina, will be without Ervin Zukanovic, though the main core remains: Asmir Begovic at the back, a contingent of defenders who ply their trade in Germany, forwards Vedad Ibisevic and Edin Dzeko, and a midfield serving in Italy among other places. They should be enough to get out of the group so long as they keep it together against Argentina in the opener and bounce back from what will likely be a defeat against the South Americans. France will be a solid, well-oiled machine despite Franck Ribery's struggle with a back injury. Although they have great keepers, Hugo Lloris will doubtless get the nod to start as the defense will have a vaguely English feel: Mathieu Debuchy, Patrice Evra, Bacary Sagna, and Laurent Koscielny all play on the island. The midfield is much more "French" in the sense that Yohan Cabaye and Mathieu Valbuena among others play in Ligue 1. With Karim Benzema, Olivier Giroud, and Ribery leading the charge, Les Bleus might just go far.
The Germans also look set to take the field in Brazil, despite their recent friendly performances (yes, Cameroon are good, but Germany looked childish at many points in their match). And despite the fact that their only "striker" is an over-30 (though always gifted!) Miroslav Klose. In Manuel Neuer and Roman Weidenfeller the team has some of the brightest goalkeepers at the same time as the defense - though not as impregnable as it once was - continues to be put together thanks to the likes of Philipp Lahm, Per Mertesacker, Kevin Grosskreutz, Benedikt Howedes, and Mats Hummels. The midfield is a zoo. Though largely developed from German-based talent, Sami Khedira, Mesut Ozil, Lukas Podoloski, and Andre Schurrle all play in England. Nevertheless, the play has seemed disjointed of late. The teammates need to start connecting if they are to have any chance against sides like Portugal as early as the group stage. As for Cameroon, the Africans are great. High energy and a joy to watch, the side is also built out of largely foreign-based material. However, you have to wonder whether there is such a thing as too much age and experience. Samuel Eto'o, Makoun, and Song are great to be sure, but alongside goalkeeping concerns and a defense that has its moments, you have to wonder whether they will rocket, or fall flat. Less than ten days to go!!!
Honduras have also been rocked by injury news, with Arnold Peralta out of contention due to a thigh problem. Nevertheless, the Hondurans have quality on the pitch with Boniek Garcia and Jerry Bengtson in the side. Meanwhile, Ecuador has named Segundo Castillo - despite being injured - to a side that includes Antonio Valencia among a host of Central and South American players. I don't believe that any of these changes will impact the manner in which these teams perform to any great extent. As for Australia, the veterans Mark Bresciano, Tim Cahill, and Mark Milligan will all be there for the Aussies. Mark Birighitti, Josh Kennedy, and Luke Wilkshire have each failed to be selected while a number of domestic players will be making their run out. It'll be interesting if
Mitchell Langerak manages to get a chance to play in goal. Belgium are lucky enough to not have any injuries going into the World Cup... beside the phenomenal Christian Benteke. Frankly, there isn't a position that I can see the Belgians lacking in resources. With Thibaut Courtois in goal and a defensive line that includes Toby Alderweireld, Daniel Van Buyten, Vincent Kompany, Jan Vertonghen, and Thomas Vermaelen, the Belgian defense is formidable to say the least. What about moving up the pitch? Romelu Lukaku, Eden Hazard, Adnan Januzaj, Marouane Fellaini, and Axel Witsel are a fierce attacking force that have a history of scoring for club and country.
Nigeria meanwhile are going to be without midfielder Sunday Mba - one of the members of the side that took third in the African Cup of Nations last year. Also out are Joel Obi and Nnamdi Oduamadi. Back in the line-up: Joseph Yobo and striker Peter Odemwingie who have illustrated their resolve after a lack of selection. Interestingly, Babatunde Michael and Kunle Odunlami will suit up in the national colors beside keeper Vincent Enyeama, defenders Elderson Echiejile and Efe Ambrose as well as John Mikel Obi, Ogenyi Onazi, and Victor Moses. With that kind of quality, the Nigerians may just give Argentina and Bosnia and Herzegovina a run for their money. They should be able to dispatch Iran. The only concern for Argentina is goalkeeping. Sergio Romero will probably get the nod, but he isn't quite on the level of Manuel Neuer of Germany, Spain's Iker Casillas, or Italian Gianluigi Buffon.On the other hand, with defenders like Ezequiel Garay, Pablo Zabaleta, Hugo Campagnaro, and Martin Demichelis who needs a goalie? Doubtless, Argentina will rely heavily on their attacking resources - Sergio Aguero Gonzalo Higuain, Ezequiel Lavezzi, and a little guy named Lionel Messi. They just might be able to do it too! Control of the midfield and ensuring that Messi is not isolated at the front will be two of the major things that may make or break this talented side.
The other side in Group F, Bosnia and Herzegovina, will be without Ervin Zukanovic, though the main core remains: Asmir Begovic at the back, a contingent of defenders who ply their trade in Germany, forwards Vedad Ibisevic and Edin Dzeko, and a midfield serving in Italy among other places. They should be enough to get out of the group so long as they keep it together against Argentina in the opener and bounce back from what will likely be a defeat against the South Americans. France will be a solid, well-oiled machine despite Franck Ribery's struggle with a back injury. Although they have great keepers, Hugo Lloris will doubtless get the nod to start as the defense will have a vaguely English feel: Mathieu Debuchy, Patrice Evra, Bacary Sagna, and Laurent Koscielny all play on the island. The midfield is much more "French" in the sense that Yohan Cabaye and Mathieu Valbuena among others play in Ligue 1. With Karim Benzema, Olivier Giroud, and Ribery leading the charge, Les Bleus might just go far.
The Germans also look set to take the field in Brazil, despite their recent friendly performances (yes, Cameroon are good, but Germany looked childish at many points in their match). And despite the fact that their only "striker" is an over-30 (though always gifted!) Miroslav Klose. In Manuel Neuer and Roman Weidenfeller the team has some of the brightest goalkeepers at the same time as the defense - though not as impregnable as it once was - continues to be put together thanks to the likes of Philipp Lahm, Per Mertesacker, Kevin Grosskreutz, Benedikt Howedes, and Mats Hummels. The midfield is a zoo. Though largely developed from German-based talent, Sami Khedira, Mesut Ozil, Lukas Podoloski, and Andre Schurrle all play in England. Nevertheless, the play has seemed disjointed of late. The teammates need to start connecting if they are to have any chance against sides like Portugal as early as the group stage. As for Cameroon, the Africans are great. High energy and a joy to watch, the side is also built out of largely foreign-based material. However, you have to wonder whether there is such a thing as too much age and experience. Samuel Eto'o, Makoun, and Song are great to be sure, but alongside goalkeeping concerns and a defense that has its moments, you have to wonder whether they will rocket, or fall flat. Less than ten days to go!!!
Sunday, June 1, 2014
World Cup 2014: Revisions and Predictions: 6/1/2014
Following the latest news and results, I believe that a reevaluation
of the World Cup group predictions from last time is called for.
Alongside this, I'll also be making some fearless guesses at the Round
of 16 and on. Who'll win? As much as I would like it, probably not
Germany. Off we go! In Group A, barring a complete collapse by the Brazilians, the only thing that has changed is who will be in second: I think Croatia might just be able to pull it off. They have shown by far more quality than Mexico
of late which leads me to exchange the two in the standings. While the
Central Americans may fare better in the climate, the Croatians have
more on the bench for me as well as the endurance to push through any
troubles. Cameroon is a side that I would love to see get out of
the group. While Samuel Eto'o is a phenomenal player - even at his age -
and the other members of the squad have a decent amount of class as
well as strength, I fear that they may be out-matched in Brazil. It's
possible that the Africans may take a point from the Mexicans, but it
won't be enough. Not much has changed in my estimation of Group B. Spain and the Netherlands are still my picks to advance from the group, even though Chile
will have the likes of Arturo Vidal in their arsenal. The South
Americans won't roll over for the Europeans, they may even push them
until the final match, but I fear that the Spaniards and the Dutch just
have too much for the Chileans to handle. Australia remain odd ones out in my book!
Turning to Group C, Colombia should push through with the squad they have, while Greece will muddle on, defending as if their lives depended on it. Goals will be a concern for the Southern Europeans, but they should tally on the counterattack against sides like Ivory Coast and Japan; winning through in the process. While the Africans are certainly physically fit, you must wonder whether they may be outdone by the technical ability of the Japanese. Nevertheless, I would tip the Africans to finish in third despite the fact that I much prefer Japan's style of play. Group D is far more tricky as Italy and Uruguay remain my picks to progress, though England will hope to serve as dark-horses with Costa Rica probably occupying the bottom of the group standings by the end. While a World Cup win for any of the sides in this group looks unlikely, neither Italy, Uruguay, or England can be taken lightly. Between the two European sides, Italy and England, I would say that the Italians have the right balance of youthful exuberance and aged experience. True, the midfield looks somewhat gray behind the ears, but even so, England will be hard-pressed to match them in the South American heat. Uruguay meanwhile should run the English ragged. At the same time, they might not have the same physical presence as either the English or the Italians. But, they do have proven goalscorers who should harass the defenders of their opponents.
Group E is somewhat more straightforward. So long as the French actually arrive in Brazil, they have the talent to progress from a deceptive group. I say deceptive because the Swiss are a well put together side while Ecuador may serve as a surprise package. All the same, the two European sides are my choices for group winners. Honduras on the other hand would probably count a draw as a success in this group. In terms of title contenders, Group F has one such side: Argentina, who might not be on everyone's lips, but perhaps should be. If Lionel Messi is on target, there will be no stopping them. While the Argentinians should progress rather easily, Bosnia and Herzegovina are the team that I would pick to snatch second. In offense they are deadly while on defense they are as solid as a brick. The same cannot be said for the Nigerians or the Iranians who may pose a few roadblocks, though nothing that the higher quality sides in the group can't handle.
Finally, Groups G and H are rather similar. Both have two sides that should win it, while each have a third side that might just slip in under the radar. In the former, Germany and Portugal are the teams that are clear favorites. The potential stowaway? The United States. Yes, even without Landon Donovan I believe that they can edge Ghana, tie Portugal, and keep things tight in their last match against Germany who may have already qualified at that point. That is no to say that Ghana are push-overs, but they can certainly be beaten. In the latter Group, Belgium and Russia are most likely going to pull through, but don't be surprised if South Korea are able to surprise the Russian bears. And while the Belgians are certainly charismatic, you may wonder what happens when they get flustered or fall behind. It's true, I may be biased towards the South Koreans because of their technique and flair, but I also believe that the Russians are not nearly as strong as they have been in the past. As for the Belgians, they are certainly a force to be reckoned with, but the lack of international experience and change of climate may prove disadvantageous for them. As for Algeria, as wily as they may hope to be, there is only so much that a talent deficit can be concealed.
What of the Round of 16 and beyond? Well, I'll offer some considerations. Depending on how rough the Brazil-Netherlands match goes may determine further progression for either side as Colombia (or Italy, depending on how good the Colombians turn out to be) will offer stiff competition for whoever they face in the Quarter-Finals. France-Bosnia and Herzegovina should be a thrilling fixture with the two sides putting on a great attacking performance. On paper, the French should win the day, setting up a match with Germany who should make easy work of Group H second place side Russia. In the other fixture bracket, Spain will probably face Croatia and claim victory in typical Spanish fashion. The defending champions would then encounter Uruguay who will have beaten Greece in a rugged battle. Meanwhile, Argentina and Switzerland will take to the field in the Round of 16 as Belgium and Portugal face off in their respective fixture. Argentina will likely claim victory over their European opponents before facing off against either Portugal (probably more likely if Cristiano Ronaldo and company are in form and able to play) or Belgium (who would win if they are able to shut down Ronaldo and get their strikers to score as much as they have domestically) in the Quarter-Final.
Speaking of the Quarter-Finals, Brazil will likely best Colombia if they have gotten this far while Germany should handle anything the French can throw at them. Meanwhile, Spain-Uruguay and Argentina-Portugal will be contests just as heated as if they were the Final with Spain probably getting the better of the representatives from Uruguay and Argentina deconstructing the Portuguese. That means the Semi-Finals would place hosts Brazil against Germany while Spain take on Argentina. As much as I would love to see the Germans in the Final, I think that Brazil would claim victory if they made it this far. Argentina would then outdo the Spaniards, setting up a South American Final and a European Third Place match. Argentina would then perhaps break the hosts' hearts as Germany finally dispel their ghosts by defeating Spain in the Third Place match-up. What are your thoughts? Do you agree or disagree? Feel free to leave a comment! Enjoy the build-up to the showdown!
Turning to Group C, Colombia should push through with the squad they have, while Greece will muddle on, defending as if their lives depended on it. Goals will be a concern for the Southern Europeans, but they should tally on the counterattack against sides like Ivory Coast and Japan; winning through in the process. While the Africans are certainly physically fit, you must wonder whether they may be outdone by the technical ability of the Japanese. Nevertheless, I would tip the Africans to finish in third despite the fact that I much prefer Japan's style of play. Group D is far more tricky as Italy and Uruguay remain my picks to progress, though England will hope to serve as dark-horses with Costa Rica probably occupying the bottom of the group standings by the end. While a World Cup win for any of the sides in this group looks unlikely, neither Italy, Uruguay, or England can be taken lightly. Between the two European sides, Italy and England, I would say that the Italians have the right balance of youthful exuberance and aged experience. True, the midfield looks somewhat gray behind the ears, but even so, England will be hard-pressed to match them in the South American heat. Uruguay meanwhile should run the English ragged. At the same time, they might not have the same physical presence as either the English or the Italians. But, they do have proven goalscorers who should harass the defenders of their opponents.
Group E is somewhat more straightforward. So long as the French actually arrive in Brazil, they have the talent to progress from a deceptive group. I say deceptive because the Swiss are a well put together side while Ecuador may serve as a surprise package. All the same, the two European sides are my choices for group winners. Honduras on the other hand would probably count a draw as a success in this group. In terms of title contenders, Group F has one such side: Argentina, who might not be on everyone's lips, but perhaps should be. If Lionel Messi is on target, there will be no stopping them. While the Argentinians should progress rather easily, Bosnia and Herzegovina are the team that I would pick to snatch second. In offense they are deadly while on defense they are as solid as a brick. The same cannot be said for the Nigerians or the Iranians who may pose a few roadblocks, though nothing that the higher quality sides in the group can't handle.
Finally, Groups G and H are rather similar. Both have two sides that should win it, while each have a third side that might just slip in under the radar. In the former, Germany and Portugal are the teams that are clear favorites. The potential stowaway? The United States. Yes, even without Landon Donovan I believe that they can edge Ghana, tie Portugal, and keep things tight in their last match against Germany who may have already qualified at that point. That is no to say that Ghana are push-overs, but they can certainly be beaten. In the latter Group, Belgium and Russia are most likely going to pull through, but don't be surprised if South Korea are able to surprise the Russian bears. And while the Belgians are certainly charismatic, you may wonder what happens when they get flustered or fall behind. It's true, I may be biased towards the South Koreans because of their technique and flair, but I also believe that the Russians are not nearly as strong as they have been in the past. As for the Belgians, they are certainly a force to be reckoned with, but the lack of international experience and change of climate may prove disadvantageous for them. As for Algeria, as wily as they may hope to be, there is only so much that a talent deficit can be concealed.
What of the Round of 16 and beyond? Well, I'll offer some considerations. Depending on how rough the Brazil-Netherlands match goes may determine further progression for either side as Colombia (or Italy, depending on how good the Colombians turn out to be) will offer stiff competition for whoever they face in the Quarter-Finals. France-Bosnia and Herzegovina should be a thrilling fixture with the two sides putting on a great attacking performance. On paper, the French should win the day, setting up a match with Germany who should make easy work of Group H second place side Russia. In the other fixture bracket, Spain will probably face Croatia and claim victory in typical Spanish fashion. The defending champions would then encounter Uruguay who will have beaten Greece in a rugged battle. Meanwhile, Argentina and Switzerland will take to the field in the Round of 16 as Belgium and Portugal face off in their respective fixture. Argentina will likely claim victory over their European opponents before facing off against either Portugal (probably more likely if Cristiano Ronaldo and company are in form and able to play) or Belgium (who would win if they are able to shut down Ronaldo and get their strikers to score as much as they have domestically) in the Quarter-Final.
Speaking of the Quarter-Finals, Brazil will likely best Colombia if they have gotten this far while Germany should handle anything the French can throw at them. Meanwhile, Spain-Uruguay and Argentina-Portugal will be contests just as heated as if they were the Final with Spain probably getting the better of the representatives from Uruguay and Argentina deconstructing the Portuguese. That means the Semi-Finals would place hosts Brazil against Germany while Spain take on Argentina. As much as I would love to see the Germans in the Final, I think that Brazil would claim victory if they made it this far. Argentina would then outdo the Spaniards, setting up a South American Final and a European Third Place match. Argentina would then perhaps break the hosts' hearts as Germany finally dispel their ghosts by defeating Spain in the Third Place match-up. What are your thoughts? Do you agree or disagree? Feel free to leave a comment! Enjoy the build-up to the showdown!
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