USA

So what a super exciting game yesterday. Obviously the US fans are disappointed, since we came 30 seconds from a great win and a spot in the next round. It is strange how these things work. If the US had scored the equalizer 30 seconds before the end, the fans would be ecstatic. Yet here we are with the same result and we are down. The US gave up a stupid goal in the first few minutes and then struggled to get the lead the rest of the game. In some ways, conceding the early goal was good for the US. It opened up play and allowed the US to show what they can do. The US looked dangerous at times, and outside the early mistake, the defense looked solid. When the 2 US goals came, they felt deserved, but Portugal showed their class, and even though they were 2ounded and playing chase most of the afternoon, they did not give up. Following a mistake from Bradley at midfield (I thought Bradley played a weak game all day), they found the one moment of skill at the very end to tie the game.
  So what now? The US has numerous ways to progress...and a few ways to be eliminated.  Lets look at how scoring in the group stage is calculated. A team gets 3 points for a win, and 1 for a tie, and 0 for a loss. At the end of group play, if two teams finish with the same points, than the first tie breaker is goal differential, and the second is goals scored. So a 2-0 win is better than a 1-0 win, and a 2-2 tie, is better than a 0-0 tie. Head to head play does not come into the tiebreaker.
   The USA's next game is against Germany who have the same number of points as the US, but are ahead on goal differential. Both teams have 4 points. Ghana and Portugal each have 1 point.  If either the US or Germany win the last game, they win the group. The loser would have 4 points. If one of the teams in the Ghana/Portugal game wins, they will have 4 points. So the tiebreaker will depend goals scored. If the Ghana/Portugal game ends in a tie, then both Germany and the US advance no matter what. Also, if the US/Germany game ends in a tie, than they both advance with 5 points. The games are played simultaneously in a hopes to avoid match fixing. So this leaves the question, should the US and Germany just play for a tie? I would say yes. Being aggressive and fighting for the win, leaves you exposed and open to losing. If the goal is to win the WC, than advancing is the goal.  It is really not a lot different than a team resting their players in the last games of a season once they made the playoffs. Why risk it, whether you are Germany or USA? I know it is not a popular view, but I hope to see the worlds most boring 0-0 tie on Thursday.

Saturdays games

Saturday saw both Group F games as well as one of the Group G games.
  In the morning game, Argentina struggled with Iran for 90 minutes before a Messi strike from the top of the box gave the South American team the win. To be truthful, it was not a very impressive display from Argentina. They showed a lack of width in the forward third. They had only one point of attack and that was through the middle. They are extremely adept at this, but it does not work when a team packs in the middle on defense. Argentina will have success against offensive minded teams, but against teams with strong disciplined central defenders, it will be a struggle. We also saw Iran have some success on the break. The Argentinian defenders lack of speed was shown. Watch for this to be an issue as the tournament progresses.
  The second game saw Bosnia fall to Nigeria, and thus out of the tournament. While I picked Nigeria to advance, and it looks like they will, I must say that I felt Bosnia was the better team on the field. They had a beautiful goal disallowed for a poor offsides call, and they have an argument that the Nigerian goal was the product of an offensive foul. I am sure they feel cheated, but these things happen in soccer. Over time, the fates balance out, but on any given day, it can be cruel. Nigeria will have to show more than speed to get results in the knockout round.
  The other  game on Saturday was half of Group G. Germany played Ghana in a tremendously exciting back and forth match that saw Germany score a late goal and earn a tie. The Germans looked the better team for most of the first half but failed to score. In the second half they got an early goal, and just when it looked like they might take charge, Ghana struck twice on the counter and took the lead. For the rest of the match Ghana showed that a good offense was the best defense. They outplayed Germany, but a couple substitutes on the deep German bench turned momentum a the tied was deserved.  For the US, this was a good result, because now a win against Portugal guarantees a spot in the second round. Ties and loses , also leave a chance, but why make it so difficult? They need to take out the guess work and secure the 3 points. We shall see.

Results of Group D games

Well Group D has now played 2 games, and 2 things are clear. England is going home after the first round, and Costa Rica, and perhaps the CONCACAF  region as a whole are better than people think.
Yesterday England and Uruguay played in a game that both needed to win. England lost 2-1, after losing to Italy 2-1 in the previous game. After the loss, they had only the slimmest chance to get out of the group, and those hopes were dashed when Costa Rica won today. The failure to advance is particularly painful for England because they really did not play that poorly. They have played worse in other tournaments and still advanced. Yet what plaques England is what always does. They play scared and tight and nervous. Despite any false bravado, they do not believe they will win. They are always waiting for the other shoe to drop. It is the same reason they fail in penalty kick shoot-outs. Everyone knows nerves kill in shoot-outs. England played tight and that led to the defensive mistakes that resulted in goals ( somewhat against the run of play) in both loses. Of course losing reinforces the doubt and the nerves and now England is mired in a 50 year old cycle that talent alone will not erase.
  Uruguay found a way to win. The return of Suarez from a knee injury was the key. He was out of shape, and not uber aggressive, but he has the touch of a goal scorer, and he pounced on the England miscues and made them pay. After watching Uruguay play their 2 games, I am not convinced they will beat Italy, but they have given themselves a chance, and that is all their fans asked for.
     Today, Costa Rica got a great result and beat Italy to ensure a place in the knock out round. It is only the second time that they have gotten that far, but it is no fluke. They out hustled and out played the Italians for most of the match. They created goal scoring chances from midfield, never letting Italy get in a groove. After beating Uruguay, they actually look to be the best team in this group. No one will want to play them in the round of 16. If the US can get a result in the next two games, we will probably have 3 teams from our region in the final 16, and that has never happened in any previous WC.
  Italy did not look sharp today, and most of that credit can go to Costa Rica, but they are still my favorite to get out of the group over Uruguay. They will not make the kind of mistakes that the South Americans capitalized on in the win over England. Italy will play with in themselves and find away to penetrate the Uruguayan defense. Still, it will be a winner take all game and it should be a classic. The kind of match the World Cup is all about.

Nightly Telecast

So I am going to write about today's games in the morning, but I wanted to comment a little bit about the nightly WC studio telecast. The show has a great set, and a decent format, but it is so amateurish it is amazing, but what is kind of surprising, I really like it. The announcers all have good insight and great information, they are just not polished. Mike Tirico is the only professional broadcaster, and he tries to keep it moving. He might feel frustrated, but it does not show. He seems to enjoy the different personalities. They have players from around the globe who add some perspective. They do some human interest, but not to much. I even enjoy Alexi Lalas on this show. He is loud and opinionated, but he is the worst soccer player they have on the set, so the other guys keep him in line. I guess it is refreshing to see an under produced, yet information filled show with what appear to be real guys + Julie Foudy.

Evaluations

So in evaluating the teams so far we run in to a couple issues. Is Costa Rica really a great team, or is Uruguay weak? Is Holland the next coming or did Spain just have an off night? Will a loss in the opening game pull a team apart, or bring them together to fight on? After one game these determinations are almost impossible, yet the prognosticators can't help themselves. We will learn much more after the second game. It will separate the wheat from the chaff, so to say. I think Costa Rica and Holland are a little overrated, England and Ghana underrated, but we shall see.

The last off the 1st games and the start of the 2nd

So today saw the last of the 1st group games get started. Group H finally gets in on the fun. We also saw the second games for hosts Brazil and their opponent Mexico.
    The favorite in Group H is probably Belgium. They are ranked 5th in the world( although the ranking system FIFA uses is absurd). They do have lots of talent. It is Belgium's first time in this favorite position, and a number of its players lack experience on this kind of stage. The nerves were obvious in the game against Algeria. The halftime score saw Algeria with the lead from a deserved penalty kick conversion. While it was against the run of play, it seemed like the result might hold as the Algerians are a tough defense to break down and Belgium was struggling. About midway in the half, Belgium subbed in Fellaini, the Man U midfielder. His presence paid almost immediate dividends as he flicked a header past the Algerian goalie. The pressure only mounted and a few minutes later they converted on a break as they secured a well earned 2-1 victory. With 3 points in hand, they might relax and become a dangerous squad.
  Russia played Korea in the afternoon game. It was a high spirited game between a couple of teams who although not highly talented, have a great chance on getting out of the group stage due to the weakness of their group. Algeria is not likely to get out, so that means either Russia or Korea will join Belgium in the knock out phase. With so much to play for, it is understandable that nerves were present. Russia looked the better side, but poor goalie
play gave South Korea a goal. Russia pushed back and eventually got the equalizer. Time expired before either team could break the deadlock. It seems likely that tie breakers will decide who gets out of H.
The high profile match was Mexico vs Brazil. This game had lots of drama, and Mexico got a well deserved tie and 1 point. The styles of the two teams area similar, and there were times when El Trico controlled the ball, but despite this, they never had any great scoring chances. They shot high...wide...but not on target. Brazil had a different problem. They created great scoring chances and probably thought they had put a couple in the back of the net, but great goalkeeping stuffed them.  It takes 11 players to play the game, and Mexico needed the 11th. Ochoa was a real hero. Still, Mexico is going to feel great about this game, but their confidence might be a bit over blown. Obviously getting points off Brazil is great, but Ochoa can't bail them out every time, and they still do not look like a team that knows how to score. If Croatia wins tomorrow, then the final game between Mexico and Croatia will be the clincher.

Group G games

So I did not post yesterday. My apologies.
  There were 3 games. The least exciting of the games was Nigeria and Iran. It gave us our first tie and to be truthful, both sides seemed very pleased with getting the 1 point. To be fair, neither side has much a chance to get out of the group, but with the point, each still have hope as they head into the second game.
  The first game of the day saw Germany manhandle Portugal. A good deal was made before this game about the matchup between the German defense against World Footballer of the year, Cristiano Ronaldo. While I really do not think that there is much debate of what an amazing player Cristiano is, he is one player against a very disciplined talented German team. The Germans looked very good. Many had predicted a deep tournament run for Germany. This looked every bit a team capable of winning the cup. They have structure, depth and they are creative through the midfield. While Portugal made the job easier by getting a player tossed and going down to 10 men, the Germans were up 2 to 0 already. The Portuguese suffered a cup ending injury to a top flight defender, and of course Pepe will have to sit out the next game for the red card. While it is true that Portugal has real offensive talent and they can score on anyone, People need to remember that they had a very difficult time in qualification. They barely made the Cup and some of their hype is based on past performances and not current data. They are immature and at times selfish. They have a red card in every tournament they have played for the last 20 years. The next game against the US will be a true test for both teams.
  The last game was the much anticipated USA vs Ghana. Ghana is a nightmare matchup for the US. They knocked them out of the last 2 Cups. In fact last year, they came a handball on the goal line away from making the final 4. They are physical and well conditioned. The US got a great early goal from Dempsey, but in away, that shifted the flow of the rest of the game. The US found itself playing defense for 80 minutes. In part because of a probable tournament ending injury to Altidore. With out Josie up front, the US could never find their form, and to be fair, it is hard to switch over your strategy in mid game. So difficult that it was wiser to minimize mistakes and protect the lead. The strategy almost backfired as Ghana scored in the 82 minute. The US showed great resolve by coming back to get the game winner late. 3 points is 3 points, and they now find themselves with a real chance to get out of group. They play Portugal next, and they matchup well. Both sides have players to replace. The US up front, and Portugal in defense. We will we see how it plays out on Sunday. One thing for sure, if the US can win that game...they are almost guaranteed of making the second round. Ghana still have a shot. They will be going all out against Germany on Saturday. They are a much better squad than people think and it will not be a cakewalk for the Germans.

Fathers Day at the World Cup.

So a fairly simple day at the WC.
  France had no real problems with Honduras. Of course they played most of the match with a man advantage, so it is not easy to tell how good they may be. Two things we learned....Benzima is in very good form and is a leading candidate for the golden boot. He will be a beast for other teams to try and mark. The other thing that we learned was that the goal line technology the broadcasts have been hyping seems to work. If it is seamless and quick, than there should be no, or little argument about it's use.
  Argentina looked workmanlike in there handling of Bosnia. It was not pretty, but it does not need to be. Messi had a marvelous goal and the team should be very happy about the result. They have more on their mind than winning one game against a rookie tournament team...instead, they are looking for the whole enchilada.
  The most exciting game of the day was Switzerland over Ecuador. A number of prognosticators felt Ecuador would make the next round...and they still could, but losing to Switzerland will make it tough. Switzerland came from a goal down, and scored the winning goal 4 minutes into injury time. It was very exciting. One key point happened at midfield on the last break by the Swiss. The Swiss player was clearly fouled...on purpose by the Ecuadorian defender. Ecuador seemed to stop, expecting a whistle, but the ref correctly played the advantage and seconds later the Swiss scored. This is one of the great things about the rules of soccer. Unlike Basketball and all the late game intentional fouls, in soccer the foul is not called, if it would damage the chances of the other team. Great example...great goal....great game.

The 4 games of Saturday

So 4 games on this first Saturday. All good games, with an upset, a come back and a close match between European powers.
  In the first game, Columbia overpowered an out manned Greek team. This was no surprise. The Greeks play a defensive style of football and hope for ties and miracles. Columbia is likely to get out of the group, and today showed why. Creative and energetic, this is a good team.
  The surprise of the day was Costa Rica upsetting Uruguay. This was an upset, but this was not a fluke. Uruguay scored first on a justified penalty, but after that, it was all Costa Rica. I had expected Uruguay to look older and slower than last cup where they made the semifinals. I do not think they will get out of the group, but I did think they would win today. Actually, when looking at the game, Uruguay's biggest weakness was goalie play. He was very weak, and that does not bode well for their chances.
The game between the Ivory Coast and Japan was telling. The team play of Japan carried them through the first half with a one goal lead, but they looked tired and out manned in the second half and Ivory Coast played well, got through their jitters, and with the help  of Drogba,  they looked every bit a second round squad.
  The marquee match of the day was Italy vs England. These are the two sides most likely to get out of group play, especially with the weak form Uruguay showed today. To be fair, both sides were disappointing. England played some bizarre formation that left tons of room on the flanks for the Italian midfield to sit on the ball. They never looked like they had a game plan, and while there were some individual moments of good play, it was sloppy covering on a cross that let in the last goal. Of course more marking on the outside would have limited the Italian chances. As far as Italy is concerned, is there a more boring specter in international football then Italy sitting on a lead? It is so boring to watch, although effective. I always hope for the bright joyful football that everyone knows they can play....but it seems to never come. Nothing I saw today changes my mind that Italy and England will make round two, although the Three Lions now have no margin for error.

Holland-Spain

Well I was planning on making one post at the end of the day to cover the games that were played that day, but the Spain- Netherlands game requires some kind of comment.  What a trouncing. I believe that my predictions were for a draw. I think that I thought these teams were a bit long in the tooth and that they would be a little slow.  I was half right. Spain were missing a step, and the “Barcelona” style that has made them the most successful national side for the last 6-8 years has to some extent been neutralized.  Coaches have figured out how to clog the middle and attack the flanks, and while this might not have worked when the Spanish midfield was quicker, father time has slowed them a step or two, and that’s all these teams need to take advantage. I was worried that the early penalty/flop was going to be the story of the game, but Van Percy and Robben took care of that concern. I had stated that the Dutch were always dangerous to attack, but I did not see that onslaught coming. The young players did their bit, and the old guard looked anything but old.  Holland is now a favorite to win this group, and while I still expect Spain to rebound and get to the next round, Chile must be licking their lips at the opportunity that lies at their feet. 

Opening game

So the opening game has been played. A few take-a-ways. No one can underestimate the importance of winning the first game. As some one once said.....you can't win the world cup in the first game, but you can lose it. Brazil looked a little rough at times, and a little great at times. Their defense needs work, but they got 3 points, and that is what counts.  Croatia played well, but with out Mandzukic, the Bayern Munich striker who had to sit out today because of a red card in qualifying, they did not have the the fire power. Still, he will be back next game and Croatia has to believe they can make it out of the group.
   What has me most worried is the officiating. Not about missed calls. I am not worried about the penalty kick, or a card given or not given. What has me concerned was the overall physical level of the game. Hard tackles were everywhere. Is this going to be the way the games are called? If so, Italy and Uruguay must be pinching themselves because that style will suit them well. The creative teams, they will get beat up and it will not be fun to watch. Hopefully this game was an aberration. There's are 4 games tomorrow, so I guess we will find out.

Group H -  Belgium….Algeria…..Russia….Korea Republic

Our last group is Group H. The surprise powerhouse in this group is Belgium. I say surprise because theirs is not a name that rolls off of your tongue when you name the great soccer teams of Europe. Still, they have talent from top to bottom with Belgian players occupying all-star positions in all the great leagues. They have defenders like Kompany from Man City, midfielders like Defour from Porto and strikers such as Mertins from Napoli and a player who is one of the favorites to win the goal scoring trophy, the Golden Boot”, Lukaku, who plays for Everton and will be a household name by the end of the tournament.  They are the class of this group and can go far in the knock out stage as well.

  Russia are my pick to come out second. They are not as strong as in past years, but the style that they play goes over well in this type of event. They play strong defense, they do not beat themselves, and the have absolutely no pressure. In fact as an underdog they have a chance to show people up and this is something that Russians have always enjoyed doing.

  I am going to put South Korea as my number 3 team, although it would not surprise me if they were to come in second. Over the last 20 years, the South Koreans have had players infiltrate all over Europe. They have players in the Serie A in Italy and the Premier League in England. They are known for  a high work rate and a quick passing game that is the hallmark of good midfield players. What they have never excelled in and what will be their downfall once again is the back half of their squad, the defense and the goal keeper position. They do not stand up well to heavy pressure and the physical play that come in the World Cup and so this year I predict they will be watching the second round from the sidelines…or the pool deck…or the beach.

  For most Americans, the highlight of last World Cup and one of the greatest soccer moments ever was the last second goal that Landon Donovan scored against Algeria to put the Americans through to the second round. It was one of the greatest of my soccer memories. Suffice it to say, it will not be repeated, not just because Donovan is not in Brazil, but because teams will be scoring on them at will.

Group G...."a bunch of cupcakes"

Group G-   Germany….Portugal….Ghana….United States

Group G has been called the group of Death. That is a stupid phrase. It is a very hard group, this is true. In fact all 4 teams qualified for the round of 16 in the last cup. The other groups have an average of less than 1.5 teams that made it that far last time. One thing is for sure…two teams who made the round of 16 last cup…will not make it this time.

 Germany had a very strong team in the last World Cup and nothing has changed in the last 4 years. They have a couple minor health issues and are missing Marco Reus, a quality goal scorer, but they have a great deal of depth, and they will not lean on excuses. The team the US beat last summer, was an out of shape B team, while the US was in prime shape from gold Cup and domestic league play. Not much should be read into that game. It will be a complete shock if the Germans do not make it out of group play #1.

   Here is my homer pick. I am selecting the US to come out of this group #2. It will not be easy, but if they can get 4 points out of the Ghana and Portugal games, which means beating one and tying the other, than I think they will get through. They have the advantage of playing Germany last, by which time the Germans might already be through and laying low. If this is the case, they might even get a tie here as well. Now do not get me wrong. It will not be easy. In fact it will be very very difficult, but it is completely within the team’s ability.  They do not need to do anything amazing; they just have to not make mistakes. That is easier said than done, but if they play the way they can, and avoid communication breakdowns on defense…than they have the ability to move on in this tournament.

    Portugal are an interesting team. They struggled through qualifying and in fact they needed a win in their last game on the road in Sweden to even make the Cup, but they got it. They got it because perhaps the most dangerous and talented goal scorer in the world plays for them.  Cristiano Ronaldo is every bit the World Footballer of the Year. He scored a hat trick in that game clincher in Sweden. He can score at any minute against any one, but he is just one player, and in addition to a few nagging injuries that have been bothering him, he has also disappeared in international matches in the past. His club record is much better than his record for his country, and while he could almost win this group on his own..he could also fade into the background and that is my prediction for this cup. Despite a few flashes..Portugal will not advance.

    Ghana has knocked the US out of the WC before. On more than one occasion. They are talented fast and deep. The style they play, gives the US fits. That is partially why Klinsmann selected Nigeria as the last tune up game for the Americans, they play a similar style. The US does not plan on letting Ghana beat them again. If that happens, then Ghana will be in trouble against Germany and Portugal, both of whom play with more discipline and experience. Ghana, if they fail against the US, will likely go 3 and out. One interesting matchup to watch when Ghana play Germany are the Boatang brothers. They are twins and one plays for Ghana and the other for Germany. This has never happened before in a World Cup.

Group F

Group F-    Argentina….Bosnia & Herzegovina….Iran…Nigeria

Group F contains my pick to win the World Cup.  Argentina is now my favorite. This gives me no joy. I do not cheer for this South American powerhouse. I was never a fan of Maradona.  I am begrudging in my respect for Messi, but the simple fact is, they have deep talent. They are playing right next door to their home, which as history has shown is a real plus. They are healthy, and they have confidence, but not the immense pressure that Brazil have. These group games are just scrimmages and they will be primed and ready when the knock out stages start in 2 weeks.

 The second place team was not an easy choice, but I am going with Nigeria, not because of any great faith in their abilities. After all…they did not look that great against the US on Saturday, rather my lack of faith in the other two teams in this group. The Nigerian team is physical and healthy enough to get the points they need against the other weak opponents.

Bosnia is not a real threat to get out of the group. The team has a couple players with top flight European experience, but no real depth and no World Cup experience, since this is their first time qualifying. I realize they scored goals during the qualifying process, 30 in 10 games, but that was against weak teams and when asked to defend themselves…they have been lacking.

Iran is not going to make it out. Enough said. They do not have world class talent and they do not have experience. They will load up 10 players behind the ball. Frustrate and break up as much of the other teams offense as possible and hope that a mistake is made that somehow gives them a goal.

Soccer from nation to nation

Soccer is played all over the world, yet it is a little different everywhere. One of the beautiful things about the sport is that it can be played in so many different styles. Over time, every country has adapted the game to their own country's personality. The flair of the Italians, the joy of the Brazilians, and the German structure are all on display. As you watch games in this cup, notice ways that the sides playing styles reflect the country. Then watch the USA play. No country in Brazil has as many people from as many nationalities as the United States. It is great to see and truly reflects the multicultural nature of the country. If the team can learn to play together, there can be strength in the diversity. If not...if they are not able to communicate and get on the same page, then it will be a short tournament.

Group E

Group E -  Switzerland.......Ecuador......France.....Honduras

Group E is a very interesting one. Switzerland do not have a long history of being a world class power. Yet, in qualifying, they were very strong and in fact went undefeated. They will surprise teams with how well organized they are and the fact that they do not make mistakes. I think they will actually win this group, although the game with France will likely determine that.
  France are one of the most hot/cold teams in soccer. They won the whole thing in 1998 and came in second in 2006, yet in 2002 and 2010, the did not even get out of the group and failed to win a game. History would predict that this might be another year for a title run, and they have plenty of talent, but they have been bitten by injuries and they do not have a great deal of time playing together. I still think they get out of the group, but after that...we shall see.
   Ecuador is a very good team. They finished fourth in their qualifying group, but against the other South American powerhouses, that is not bad. Still the majority of the Ecuadorean roster play on clubs in South America, not the stronger European leagues. Antonio Valences, the Manchester United winger is the lone exception, but he will not be enough.
  Honduras is the final group team, and like many teams in the tournament, they are more a place holder than anything else. Teams will have to protect the ball against them, and of course this is soccer, so anything can happen, but Ecuador making it to the next round would be quite a miracle.
 

Group D

Group D-Italy...Uruguay....England....Costa Rica

This is one of the two toughest groups in the World Cup. I am picking Italy to come out on top. Last World Cup was a nightmare for the Azure. Not only did they under perform, but there were scandals in their  pro league. Match fixing  and financial misconduct. The performance was just the last straw. Since then, they have made changes and brought in a number of new young players. Now I think they are a real favorite to win the whole cup.
     My pick to also make it out of the group is England. I know that Uruguay is the more popular pick, but England have a number of new youngsters to go with  experienced stars. It has been 48 years since England won the World Cup. They seem to always under perform, but this year, expectations are not as high...and I think that works in their favor and they make a deep run. They won't win...but they will do well.
    Uruguay had a great tournament last cup, and they have talent, including Suarez, who might be one of the top 3 scoreres in all football, but the pressure, and team chemistry are not good. No sneaking up on anyone this year.
   Costa Rica have had a great year. They might be the second best team in Concacaf. There are several players from the MLS, and Ruiz, Costa Ricans best player plays his trade in England, but this group is just too tough, and Costa Rica will be short lived in Brazil.

Group C

Group - C.  Columbia......Greece.....Ivory Coast.....Japan...

  Compared to the first two groups, group C is pretty weak. Columbia is likely to come out on top. Some of this prediction is based on the fact they are playing in their home continent. This has always been an advantage for teams at the World Cup. The winning percentage for teams in their own continent in the history of the tournament is about 20% higher. Columbia has world class talent and a deep roster. I do not expect them to do much in the second round, but getting there should be easy.
  Ivory Coast is my choice for second in the group. They are a big physical team that plays with flair. In this group that will be enough. Depth and team unity are not the greatest...but they will be in shape and they have a bit of a chip on their shoulder. For years the soccer world has predicted great things from them, and to this point they have not delivered.
In years past, Japan has had a strong team. They play with a team chemistry and discipline to be admired. However the talent pool is not where it has been in the past. The striker Honda is a player to watch, but when the tournament is over the Japanese squad will not be in the knock-out round.
  It was not that many years ago the the Greek national team came out of nowhere to shock Europe and win the European championship. They pulled off that feet with a stifling defense that shut out and frustrated opponents and an offensive that out worked the other guy as they pounced on mistakes. It was one of the biggest underdog stories in world soccer history. That was then...not now. Greece will be home before July.

Group B

Group B-  Spain...Netherlands....Chile....Australia

  Defending Champion Spain has drawn Group B, which includes the other finalists from the last World Cup, but I am not convinced that either side is as dominate as they were last time around. Still, Spain are loaded with talent...relatively healthy, and since the majority of the squad play on just 3 of the top teams in Spain's La Liga, the players have a familiarity with each other of which other countries can only dream. I am picking them to get out of the group...after that we will see how age and injury leave the as to how far they will go.

The Dutch are a fun team to watch. They still have plenty of fire power and can score goals on even the best defensive teams in the world. They lost a few players from last cup but have brought in a number of young players, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. Will the mix of young and old be enough to get out of the group and make a run? Their first match is against Spain, and if there is a loser in that match...that team will be in a struggle to make it out. I predict a tense first game and a boring draw, which often happens in the early games of the tournament. A draw will go a long way toward getting out of the group...a loss...and it might be a short visit for the Orange.

Chili is a team to watch. Playing in their home continent is a big advantage. They will be acclimated to the climate and the time zone. They have less pressure, which can allow a team to relax and play up to potential. The 2 biggest stars for Chile are midfielder Vidal, who plays in the Italian first division, and the forward Sanchez who plays for powerhouse Barcelona. They are as good as it gets in international football. If either Spain or the Netherlands falter, these are the players that will move Chile into the round of 16. If i had any guts...I would just pick them through now....but...

Australia is the 4th team in Group B. They have some decent players and they will be fit and work at a high rate, but they just do not have the talent to get out of such a deep group. The biggest soccer news in Australia, will be watching how the investigation goes to corruption in the awarding of the 2022 Cup to Qatar, and will it lead to a re-vote which could bring that tournament down under to Australia.

Group A

Group A - Brazil...Croatia....Mexico....Cameroon

 Brazil is the favorite to win the whole tournament. The group A competition should not give them much competition. Their toughest fight will be off the field. They will need to manage fans expectations, the protests that will be going on around Brazil,( more on that in a separate post), and criticism when they win ugly. Really, these should be warm up games for the next round.

  Croatia is my pick to win the second spot in this group. They have a deep squad with some experienced players who will not wilt under pressure. They are a big strong team and the sometimes physical nature of the World Cup will be an advantage to them. Get used to seeing their trademark red and white checkerboard jerseys till at least the knock out stages of the tournament.

  Mexico barely qualified and in fact, it was a late US goal in a meaningless match against  Panama in qualifying saw Mexico get fourth place and a game against New Zealand for the last spot. Ironic that Mexico owes its place in Brazil to a goal by their arch rivals the USA. I thought that they might pull things together and have a very strong World Cup. they have plenty of talent, but a few injuries and a lack of team chemistry lead me to believe they will be 3 and out.

  Cameroon shocked the world in 1990 by beating defending champion Argentina in the opening game of that years cup. It was so surprising that I was actually able to bet a South American friend on the outcome, even though he knew that I had already watched the game. He still refused to believe that this was possible. Could such an upset happen this year....of course. Will it happen....no.

WC warm-up games.

  So after the second round of warm up games, what have learned.? The US looked a little better against Turkey than they looked in their last game, at least on offense. Dempsey looked healthy and Altidore was a force all game, although he did seem to be missing that last touch. I am a little concerned about our central defense. They seemed out of place and a step slow. Still, fans need to remember that Turkey is a very good team. The might be the strongest side not going to Brazil. No injuries and a tough game next week against Nigeria. The US side needs to keep improving and they will have a shot.
  The real news is injuries and final rosters. Italy is my outside favorite to win the whole thing, but they left Giuseppe Rossi off the team and suffered an injury to another striker, Montalivo, that will have him missing the cup. They are now in danger of even getting out of the 1st round.
 Mexico has seen Montes break his leg, and Uruguay are unsure about the fitness of Liverpool striker Suarez. World footballer of the year Christian Rinaldo of Portugal is also nursing a sore leg. Who will be fit and in form when the tournament starts, because the WC is not just about who is best, but who can perform the best for 4 weeks in the summer, every 4 years.

We are a mere couple weeks away from the start of the World Cup. Over this time I will breakdown each group and make my predictions as to who will win soccer's ultimate prize. Remember last cup I selected Spain and Holland for the final. I got that right, but I predicted a Dutch victory...which I got wrong.
 Watch the warmup games over the next week. Players are fighting for starting spots, and you can also see who is playing well, and who is injured.