Russia 2018 Preview - Group E
Brazil - The Boys from Brazil enter this tournament full of confidence but with nightmare memories of that semi-final match in 2014 against Germany during which Der Mannschaft handed them their lunch in front of a home crowd at the Maracana. Manager Tite has a wealth of talent from which to choose, including a dream forward line of Neymar, Gabriel Jesus, Douglas Costa, Roberto Firmino, Willian and Philippe Coutinho. While jogo bonito aficionados like me would play them all, Tite is much more likely to play it safe with two destroyers such as Fernandinho and Paulinho across the middle and five across the back. The group stage will be no challenge at all for them, as the Swiss, Ticos and Serbs will be swept aside. They're eyes will be toward the knockout and avoiding another potential embarrassment.
Switzerland - Vladimir Petkovic's plucky Swiss side placed second behind Portugal in Group B of European qualifying for Russia 2018, which set them up with a relatively easy play-off match-up with Northern Ireland. As always, the Swiss are a side full of players who ply their trade in Europe, albeit at the second tier; however, they are riven with ethnic squabbles between French, German and Italian speakers (and even imports from Central Europe such as Granit Xhaka) in the camp. They'll likely be turned over good and proper in the opener against group favorites Brazil. They key will be getting results against the other sides. Do that and the Swiss will be around and about.
Costa Rica - The Ticos were impressive in CONCACAF qualifying, finishing second behind confederation powers Mexico and pushing the US toward oblivion. Oscar Ramirez lines up his side around his strengths in defense and midfield in front of Real goalkeeper Keylor Navas, their one real star in the side. As they showed against England the other day, they'll likely drop deep and try to hit sides on the break through former Arsenal starlet Joel Campbell and veteran striker Bryan Ruiz. The opener against Serbia will set the tone for the campaign. Get a quick start and the Ticos could replicate their 2014 success.
Serbia - The Central Europeans had an impressive qualifying campaign in UEFA Group D, topping the group ahead of the Republic of Ireland and Wales. Manager Mladen Krstaijic has a well-seasoned squad, many of whom play in the Premiership, at his disposal. The spine of the side run through skipper Alexander Kolarov, former Chelsea defender Branisalov Ivanovic, Manchester United schemer Nemanja Matic, Southampton's player Dusan Tadic and Newcastle striker Alexander Mitrovic. Don't expect them to be pretty; however, in a weaker group, they should just about have the nous to get out of the group.
Predictions - Brazil to sail through the group, racking up nine points and loads of goals. Serbia to emerge second, setting themselves up for a Round of 16 clash against Germany. Costa Rica edged into third and Switzerland as one of the least interesting and/or impressive sides at Russia 2018.
posted by The Blue Devil @ 9:35 AM
1 Comments:
Brazil will definitely run away with this group, but I have some info case you want to change you predictions. The majority of Swiss players play in the Bundesliga, which includes all three keepers. They also have a fair numb er of players playing in Serie A. Serbia has players playing in all sorts of league including several in Russia and even one in China. Meanwhile , the majority of the Ticos play in MLS or their domestic league and Fred says that even a Black Cat was able to make it into their squad.
My Prediction : Brazil first, Switzerland second, Serbia third and Costa Rica last.
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