World Cup - Group E Preview

Group E

Netherlands – The Big Orange Machine. I don't see the Dutch having much trouble advancing. They are one of the most exciting teams in the tournament and are capable of winning it all. Van Persie, Robben, and Sniejder can all take over the game with class and speed and goals. Look for lots of goals from the Orange. Defense is not as strong, but should be alright in group play. Nigel de Jong is important as that holding midfield player, allowing the outside mids and backs to venture forward. The absence of Van der Sar may show later on. Anything other than first place in group E will be a surprise for the Dutch.

Player to watch – Robin Van Persie – You know what you are going to get from Sneijder and Robben, both performing excellently , but Van Persie missed most of the Premier League season with an ankle injury. He has looked good in warm up matches, and if he is in form, you'll see Netherlands playing into the middle of July.

Denmark – Won a tough qualifying group over Portugal, Sweden, and Hungary with a match to spare. They are lacking superstars, but have a strong squad never the less. They are stronger in attack than most people think and will not just rely on their quality defense. They have a nice combination of experience (Thomas Sorensen, Jasper Gronkjaer, Jon Dahl Tomasson, Martin Jorgenson) and youth (Daniel Agger, Nicholas Bendtner, Simon Kjaer) which could cause issues for Japan and Cameroon and maybe even the Netherlands. The tough qualifying campaign will help on all fronts.

Player to watch – Christian Poulsen – One of the Danish players in his prime, not fitting into the veteran or youth category. Poulsen is one of the best defensive midfielders in the world, and needs to continue to excel in that vital role in South Africa.

Cameroon – The Indomitable Lions were once the flag bears of African soccer but have fallen in years past, missing the Cup in 2006 and only having one win in 94, 98, and 02 combined. They are back this year and needed a last day victory to qualify over Morocco. Cameroon has a volatile superstar in Samuel Eto'o, who threatened to leave the team after critical comments from legend Roger Milla. Man up son! Hopefully the critical comments from Big Dunc won't make you leave the team. Another great player is Jean Makoun and there are Premiership defends Assou-Ekotto and Bassong. Goalkeeper Carlos Kameni is vastly under rated, but like Eto'o, the defenders, the Songs, and the rest of the squad, has been known to make mistakes and lapse out of games. That cannot happen if the Lions want to advance.

Player to watch – Pierre Webo – Webo is the support striker of Eto'o. They need him to take the pressure of Eto'o and provide flicks and balls whenever possible. If Webo can find the net, that will really open things up for Cameroon.

Japan – Japan might enter the tournament with the least fan fair of any team. They aren't being picked by anyone to advance out of the group. They aren't a new team. Their qualification wasn't a surprise like New Zealand or North Korea. They aren't just happy to be here. So they really have nothing going for them. They are a professional, experienced team, so they won't be pushovers, they just won't be super interesting to watch.

Player to watch – Kazuo Kiriyama – Heartless, cannot feel emotion, player with the most kills in the game, 15 in all! Oh wait, maybe I'm thinking of something other than the Japanese soccer team. Hmm.

Prediction – Netherlands all the way, in the group I mean. I think they do have a pretty clear path the quarters, first meeting 2^nd place in a weak group F, but then would have to play most likely the winner of G (Brazil, Ivory Coast, or Portugal). Second place should come down to the Denmark/Cameroon game, but, looking at the schedule, it seems to favor Cameroon. They should go into the game three points up on the Danes, and play Netherlands third, who have a good chance of having the group wrapped up by then. If Cameroon can tie Denmark, I think they go through.

Netherlands 7

Denmark 6

Cameroon 4

Japan 0

World Cup - Group D Preview

Group D

Germany – Germany enter the groups as favorites, but are by no means guaranteed advancement. The loss of Michael Ballack is being made a bigger deal than it truly is. This isn't 2002. The loss of your captain will hurt any team, but Ballack is not what he was in tournaments past. He seems to find his best for his national team, but Bastian Schweinsteiger should deputize well in that role. He moved to the middle for Bayern Munich and is playing the best football of his career. Germany are stacked with talent and toughness. Look for Lahm and Boateng to get forward from the outside defense positions. Theirstrikers are plentiful, but all have questions going into the World Cup, Podalski – poor season for Cologne, Klose – poor form for Bayern, no longer a starter, Muller – inexperience, Gomez – inability to perform in the big games, especially for the nation team.



Player to Watch – Mesut Ozil – Another candidate for Breakout Player of the Tournament, especially given more opportunities in the absence of Ballack. He came onto the scene in last year's Under 21 European Championships and is the key figure for Werder Bremen. Think of him as the German Cesc Fabregas.


Australia – The Socceroos now Qualify in Asia, which should odd some game experience to their cause. The Aussies have a number of strong players playing in some of the best leagues in Europe, but there is a lack of young, upcoming talent. The golden generation of getting old and this could be the last World Cup for most of them. But it isn't all gloom, Australia will take a lot of experience into South Africa. Their run last World Cup showed they can play with the best and leaders Tim Cahill and Mark Schwarzer will have eyes on the second round.



Player to Watch – Mark Bresciano – The lack of a target man may hurt Australia and Bresciano will have to provide some goals in this tough group. They cannot rely solely on Cahill and Kewell and set pieces.

Serbia – This is the first World Cup for the solo Serbia. They floundered in 2006 with Montenegro, but have high hopes after winning their qualifying group which featured France. They have a number of strong young players anchored by the strong defensive pairing of Vidic (Man U) and Ivanovic (Chelsea). Strong down the wings, Serbia has the same problem as Australia, with the lack of consistent scoring from the men up front. Looking poor in warm up games.

Player to Watch - Milan Jovanovic – Up and coming star at Standard Liege, Jovanovic was the leading scorer for Serbia in qualifying. He is a triple threat (shoot, pass, dribble) down the wing and will need to find the net for Serbia.


Ghana – The Black Stars are probably the second best African team in the tournament. (I wish the Black Stars would play the All Whites) They are solid at every position and have a style that hurt teams in 2006, beating US, Czechs, and outplaying Brazil for much of their second round game. They loss of Michael Essien will be huge, though, much bigger than the loss of Ballack for Germany. Essien plays great for Chelsea, but is just a beast for Ghana. His vital slack will have to be picked up by Appiah and Muntari in the center of the field.



Player to Watch – Asamoah Gyan – The first ever Ghanian player to score in the World Cup, Gyan is still young at 24 years old. He should be the focal point of a strong attack and will need to overcome discipline problems which have plagued him in the past. Look for his good form from the French league and the African Cup of Nations to continue.


Prediction – Group D is one of the most even, exciting groups. I believe anything can happen. All games should be fun and entertaining. Germany are favorites, but could lose to any of the three other teams. Maybe not a group of death, but I'm excited for pretty much all of these games. I do think Germany will have the strength and depth to go through on top, but I am hoping that there is still all to play for on the final day of group D play.

Germany 5
Australia 5
Ghana 4
Serbia 1

World Cup - Group C Preview

Group C

USA – I stick by my previous post about the USA and the tactics and starting line-up I presented there. Maybe Torres can come in for Clark. Here's to hoping that the US goes into their final game against Algeria on equal or greater points and goal differential. The bigger questions is, should I go to the wedding I've accepted invitation to on June 12^th at 2:00pm CST? Should I skip the wedding? Watch the first have live and come to the wedding late? Or go to the entire thing and watch on DVR? Big decisions.

Player to Watch – Jozy Altidore – In my scheme, Altidore is the only true striker and many are saying he is too inexperienced to have the lone striker role. I disagree. C'mon you Yanks!

England – I've also already given my thoughts on England in a previous post. They have a strong squad and should win the group without trouble. They are probably already looking on to the next couple rounds.

Player to Watch – Gareth Barry – I think much of the success of England will come down to the health of Gareth Barry. It's not that he is that great of a player, only that he is a perfect fit into the system. His holding roll in the center allows much more freedom for Lampard, Gerrard, and Lennon.

Algeria – Algeria are an inconsistent team, but could be good enough to take second place in the group. They beat Egypt to get here, so you know they are a strong side. They have both Africa and the Arab world rooting for them and would love to take down the US.

Player to Watch – Hassan Yebda – Looked good in flashes for Portsmouth and has the strength and speed that could trouble the US and England.

Slovenia- Smallest nation in the World Cup with a population of just over 2 million. This team really lacks standout players and will try to get by on defense and win games 1-0. That is a tough strategy for the World Cup, but may be the best Slovenia can hope for.

Player to Watch – Samir Handanovic – It’s not often the player to watch is a goalkeeper, but Slovenia will need for the young 'keeper to be on his game for any chance of progressing. He has been impressive in Italy this season.

Prediction: Anything less than first for England will be a huge, huge disappointment for England. Anything less than the second round will be a huge, huge disappointment for the US. This is a great opportunity for both of them. The US seems to perform best in an underdog role and a counter attacking style, but they will have to force the action against Slovenia and Algeria and that should make things interesting. How about they just forego the suspense and take all three points from England? Sounds good to me. Either way, the draw should be great for the US – the marquee game versus England which the media will eat up and two teams they should beat. Better do it America.

England 9

US 6

Algeria 3

Slovenia 0

Group B

Argentina – Argentina go into this World Cup as the overwhelming favorites in Group A. They are a trendy pick to win in all. You know they got the players – Messi, Tevez, Higuanin, Milito – but the questions center around manager Diego Maradona. I've heard of questionable and bad coaching before, but never have I heard so much about a coach being detrimental to his team before the games even start. Argentina will be an entertaining, interesting team to watch. Anything short of the finals will be a disappointment for them.

Player to Watch – Angel Di Maria – If the World Cup has the potential for being a coming out party for anyone it would be Benfica winger Angel Di Maria. He has been dominating the Portuguese League and European opponents in the Europa League. He is a more natural winger, so look for him to be providing tons of great balls and crosses to the big name strikers.

Nigeria – The Super Eagles are back in the World Cup after missing in 2006. The team is lacking the big names of the past and has shown inconsistencies in qualification and other international play. It's hard to say if there is a true "money" player on this team. The strikers are quality, but not fear inducing. The midfield is lacking a play maker like Jay-Jay Okocha in the past and Jon Obi Mikel will have to do more than just his holding role for Chelsea. Nigeria have always been an exciting explosive team, but this team may actually rely more on defense.

Player to Watch – Kalu Uche – Uche can support the strikers with a much needed goal scoring threat from midfield.

South Korea – South Korea are one of those teams benefiting from an easy qualifying road. You can pretty much write them in to every World Cup. In 2002 at home, they faired great, but that is really their only impressive result. They are not a team people will be scared of, but they do have the team play and experience to beat anyone on any day and have a great chance to see the second round.

Player to watch – Team play and work rate is the strength of the Koreans. Park Ji-Sung is really the only player I know, but he is worth watching.

Greece – Every time you mention Greece soccer, you must bring up the 2004 shock European Championship. No one saw that coming and I don't think anyone expects much out of the Greeks this year. There are still a few players around from that 2004 team, aging but still effective. Greece is known for the staunch defense and discipline and are not really a fun team to watch. Their style could provide trouble and frustration for both Argentina and Nigeria.

Player to Watch – Gregor Samaras- He had a run with Man City, but did little to impress and is now on Celtic. He is the only player on the team who can beat people on his own and will throw in a trick or two for the fans.

Prediction: I don't see Argentina having much trouble, even with Maradona at the helm. I think second place will come down to the Nigeria/South Korea game which is the final group game for both. I still see South Korea edging out Nigeria and it will be Nigeria's inability to break down Greece that send them home.

Argentina 7
South Korea 4
Nigeria 2
Greece 1

World Cup Group A Preview

Time to start my World Cup 2010 Group Previews. There probably won't be tons of pertinent information here, just mostly random thoughts, which this blog excels at. The player to watch will usually be someone entertaining and maybe off the radar.

Group A

Mexico – Mexico failed to impress throughout much of their CONCACAF qualifying campaign, but have been consistent upon the return of manager Javier Aguirre. An impressive run-in schedule featuring England, Netherlands, Italy, (and Gambia) will definitely help the Mexicans. They have a solid side, and have a great chance to make it to the next round, but lack the playmakers to real challenge for anything more than the quarters.

Player to Watch – Carlos Vela – Exciting down the wing or up top, Vela is one of the more dangerous players for Mexico and one of the few that can break down opposing defenses by himself.

South Africa – The host nation has never failed to qualify for the second round. Will this be the first time? It is a possibility. South Africa's world ranking is poor, but that will be balanced by the home crowd advantage. The Bafana Bafana have a number of dangerous, skilled individual players, but lack strength in team and depth, especially on defense. The first game against Mexico will be hugely important. If South Africa can get even a point, the momentum will be huge.

Player to Watch - Siphiwe Tshabalala - He has a great name even though I don't know how to pronounce it, but I do remember him from last summer's Confederations Cup. He is a little guy with great speed and ball skills and should work well on the opposite wing of Everton's Steven Pienaar.

France – Runners-up last World Cup, France had a difficult qualification run to SA 2010. They were lucky to make it this far, and lost their place as one of the 8 seeded teams, but there draw into South Africa's group makes things very interesting. France's inconsistent play as of late makes them one of the bigger wild cards of the tournament. With world class players like Ribery, Henry, and Gallas leading the squad, it will be hard to see them not progress past the first round.

Player of Watch – Andre-Pierre Gignac – France will need this striker to be on his game. He's an ideal target man for Henry or Anelka, but will need to chip in some goals as well, with neither of his strike partners in top form. Gypsy.

Uruguay – I don't really know much about Uruguay. They are a solid side, but didn’t perform overly well in qualifying, having to win the play-off against Costa Rica. They are a trendy pick to win the group, but I don't see it. Forlan is world class up top, but will the midfield be strong enough?

Player to Watch – Luis Suarez – The Ajax youngster could be an interesting strike partner for Forlan and Uruguay will need to score goals to advance. Young player on the rise, linked with big clubs.

Predictions: This is one of the most even groups. I will not be surprised if any of the four teams moves on or fails to move on to the next round. South Africa is the wildcard and will make things interesting. Their attacking style will be fun to watch, but I don't see them winning more than one game. South Africa/Uruguay should be the most interesting match and I think Uruguay/Mexico will be the most important match, deciding who goes through and who does not. Look for everything to still be in the balance for all four teams on that last day. 1^st and 2^nd should be huge here, though, as the 2^nd place team will most likely face off against Argentina in round two and the winner of Group A will play Greece, Nigeria, or South Korea. A fun group to watch.

Mexico 5

France 4

Uruguay 4

South Africa 3

World Cup Fever

I hope you enjoyed "Survivor Week" last week, some of my most stellar posts if I say so myself.
Just quick note on Lost before I jump into my in-depth World Cup Coverage.
So, the Lost finale, I enjoyed it, though I'm not sure I totally understood it. It was definitely a thoroughly good watch, and as usual, the island story was much more interesting than the sideways world. I liked how they wrapped up the island story - a few sacrifices, a few people stay, a few people escape to the real world. The last 15 minutes were a bit murky. Was this just Jack's purgatory? Why did they all have to be together? What happened to Jack's fake son? Shannon over Nadia? Hmmm. I'll have to think about those for a while.

Two weeks until the World Cup. Yes! Can't wait. I already have a few vacation days planned just to watch soccer. Exciting. This blog will be dedicated to the World Cup for the next month-plus. Sorry to all you non soccer fans.
Starting next week I'll be giving group by group previews and predictions. Enjoy.