Supp. One ‘Foreshadowing’
- Jun 14, 2018
- 3 min read
By now, with under 12 hours until the Luzhniki Stadium is graced by the footballing juggernauts of Saudi Arabia and Russia, the prospect of the World Cup has once again truly swept the football viewing public of the world up. The World Cup does that, being perhaps the only sporting event transcending all boundaries and engaging most of the planet. With this site providing a review of the daily fixtures, this first Supplement will be a relatively small look at whats to come in the Group Stages. So, with that in mind there are some key areas to preview;
It looks like Uruguay and Egypt, along with Spain and Morocco respectively will advance from Groups A and B. Uruguay look a shoe in for progressing top of Group A after an impressive qualifying campaign - boasting stars like Luis Suarez, Diego Godin, Fernando Muslera and top scorer in qualifying Edinson Cavani, whilst Egyptian talisman Mo Salah is likely to miss the opening two games through his shoulder injury sustained in the Champions League Final, vaulting Egypts chances to make a real go at it.
Spain had looked nailed on to top Group B and even potentially go all the way to the final before coach Julen Lopetegui was sacked yesterday for his actions surrounding the Real Madrid Job. Lopetegui has left the Spanish Football Association very much in the lurch, potentially blowing group B right open. Even with the appointment of Sporting Director Fernando Hierro, the opening game against Portugal promises to now be even more of a tournament defining for the Spanish. Morocco are my personal pick to get out over a lethargic and creativity lacking Portuguese side. Midfield steel is matched with the deft creativity of Hakim Ziyech of Ajax who was truly decisive in Morocco’s qualifying campaign under the tutelage of accomplished manager Herve Renard. I think that their youthful exuberance and attacking zeal will place them on top of this tired looking Portugal group who overachieved at the Euro’s; however, you can not remove the Ronaldo factor.
Group C looks like a Christian Eriksen influenced Danish side will progress behind a France side which is perhaps among the most talented to be at any of the recent tournaments. The key for the French lies in the hands of at times controversial manager Didier Deschamps; it is paramount that the former international finds a way to accommodate Antoine Griezmann and Paul Pogba in the same side, both players who like the occupy the area in between midfield and attack. It hindered them on home soil at the Euro’s, and if Deschamps can not maximise the output from both potentially tournament defining players then this French team could be stunted.
Group D is arguably the most beautifully even and balanced at the tournament, with either of the four teams good enough to go through on their day. Finalists in Brazil, the Argentinians have little to be optimistic about aside from having Lionel Messi and Jorge Sampaoli amongst their ranks. But a lack of anything partially resembling a world class midfielder and the even more dire situation in defense means that they may struggle to escape their group. The qualifying campaign also points to this, with the South American’s leaving it until the very last second to secure a spot in Russia. I think the flair and team ethic of Nigeria could ruffle a few feathers and top this group, with the Argentines finishing second: I can’t see Messi winning his World Cup this year, with Croatia suffering the consequences of internal turmoil meaning they won’t progress out of the group.
Group E looks simple; I see the Swiss progressing behind what promises to be an incredible Brazilian side with talisman Neymar looking to make this World Cup his own. Group F looks exciting too; the defensively concrete Swedish side just lack enough attacking intent and verve and I feel it will cost them. I can see Germany topping their group over an exciting Mexico side which could push them right to the end (Hirving Lozano looks a prospect who could do things at the tournament). Would not be surprised to see the German’s bottle it, however. England and Belgium will progress from Group G with the English being a team to watch out for, and despite having a hugely talented side, I feel Senegal will be pipped by Poland and Colombia to not leave Group H; Colombia being another side to watch for with James Rodriguez looking to heavily influence another World Cup stage.
The next month promises to impart some of the best football we have ever seen, and I can not wait. Suffice to say my alarm is set for 3am tomorrow morning.
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