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bawlmer
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Group E Preview: Honduras

Manager: Luis Fernando Suarez

Current FIFA Ranking: 33

Schedule (all times Eastern)

v. France – June 15 @ 3PM - Estadio Beira-Rio (Porto Alegre)

v. Ecuador – June 20 @ 6PM - Arena da Baixada (Curitiba)

v. Switzerland – June 25 @ 4PM - Arena Amazonia (Manaus)

Odds to Lift the Trophy: 1500/1

Goalkeepers: Noel Valladares, Donis Escober (both Olimpia), Luis Lopez (Real Espana)

Defenders: Brayan Beckeles (Olimpia), Emilio Izaguirre (Celtic/Scotland), Juan Carlos Garcia (Wigan/England), Maynor Figueroa (Hull City/England), Victor Bernardez (San Jose Earthquakes/USA), Osman Chavez (Qingdao Janoon/China PR), Juan Pablo Montes (Motagua)

Midfielders: Arnold Peralta (Rangers/Scotland), Luis Garrido (Olimpia), Roger Espinoza (Wigan/England), Jorge Claros (Motagua), Wilson Palacios (Stoke/England), Oscar Garcia (Houston Dynamo/USA), Andy Najar (Anderlecht/Belgium), Mario Martinez (Real Espana), Marvin Chavez (Colorado Rapids/USA)

Forwards: Jerry Bengtson (New England Revolution/USA), Jerry Palacios (Alajuelense/Costa Rica), Carlo Costly (Real Espana), Rony Martinez (Real Sociedad/Spain)

The Rundown

After cruising through the CONCACAF preliminary round, Honduras took third place in the Hexagonal and the last direct qualifying spot for Brazil. Los Catrachos dropped only four points in the final qualifying round and beat Mexico for the first time at the Stadia Azteca, a monumental victory that should give them some hope in group play where they will be looking to win their first ever World Cup match.

Although not well known outside of Central America, a look through manager Luis Fernando Suarez’ squad shows that they are well represented throughout Europe, albeit with several lower level teams. There is not one player that you can pinpoint as the superstar, and they will not be blowing any teams away with their attacking abilities. Suarez, who in a previous stint as manager led Ecuador to the round of sixteen in Germany 2006, has set his tactics around this fact and will employ a disciplined and well-shaped defense with an offense that will look to hit their opponents on the counter.

The draw was somewhat kind to Honduras, and although they may have the highest odds to lift the trophy in Brazil, they will like their chances, even if no one else does, of advancing past the group stages. Buoyed by a 0-0 draw against England in their final pre-World Cup tune-up, where they played a man down for the last twenty five minutes, they will be looking to replicate a similar performance against a talented French squad and an Ecuadorian and Swiss side who look to be offering very little offense.

Old Post 06-11-14 02:39 AM
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Group F Preview: Argentina

Manager: Alejandro Sabella

Current FIFA Ranking: 5

Schedule (all times Eastern)

v. Bosnia and Herzegovina – June 15 @ 6PM - Maracanã - Estádio Jornalista Mário Filho (Rio De Janeiro)

v. Iran – June 21 @ 12PM - Estadio Mineirao (Belo Horizonte)

v. Nigeria – June 25 @ 12PM - Estadio Beira-Rio (Porto Alegre)

Odds to Lift the Trophy: 4/1

Goalkeepers: Sergio Romero (Monaco), Mariano Andujar (Catania), Agustin Orion (Boca Juniors).

Defenders: Ezequiel Garay (Benfica), Federico Fernandez (Napoli), Pablo Zabaleta (Manchester City), Marcos Rojo (Sporting Lisbon), Jose-Maria Basanta (Monterrey), Hugo Campagnaro (Inter Milan), Martin Demichelis (Manchester City).

Midfielders: Fernando Gago (Boca Juniors), Lucas Biglia (Lazio), Javier Mascherano (Barcelona), Angel Di Maria (Real Madrid), Maxi Rodriguez (Newell's Old Boys), Ricardo Alvarez (Inter Milan), Augusto Fernandez (Celta Vigo), Enzo Perez (Benfica).

Forwards: Sergio Aguero (Manchester City), Lionel Messi (Barcelona), Gonzalo Higuain (Napoli), Ezequiel Lavezzi (Paris Saint-Germain), Rodrigo Palacio (Inter Milan)

The Rundown

After a somewhat shaky start to qualifying, a 14 match unbeaten run had Argentina finishing top of the table in a South American group full of quality, tallying 35 goals while only surrendering 15 on the way to winning the preliminary competition for the third time. With the abundance of talent that Argentina always seems to have throughout their squads, especially in the final third, qualification has become an almost given. It has been their inability to come together as a unit, however, that has prevented them from reaching the pinnacle of the world stage since 1986.

Recognizing this deficiency, manager Alejandro Sabella has placed a high premium on the group dynamic, putting the importance of the group above all, something which he hopes to see transfer to positive results on the field. It will be up to Lionel Messi to see this approach through and carry La Albiceleste to greatness. The four time Ballon d’Or winner is looking to bounce back on the world stage after a poor performance in South Africa, where somewhat surprisingly he failed to find the back of the net. He will be supported by world class players such as Sergio Aguero, Angel Di Maria, Ezequiel Lavezzi, Gonzalo Higuain, and fellow Barcelona teammate Javier Mascherano. To say they are loaded with talent would be an understatement! But can they put it all together?

After a potentially tricky opening round game against Bosnia-Herzegovina, Argentina will take on minnows Iran and then Nigeria to round out group play. With the bracket potentially falling in their favor in the round of sixteen and beyond, anything less than a first place finish in the group followed by a deep run to at least the semi-finals will be seen as a disappointment for the White and Sky Blue.

Old Post 06-11-14 02:42 AM
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Group F Preview: Bosnia and Herzegovina

Manager: Safet Sušić

Current FIFA Ranking: 21

Schedule (all times Eastern)

v. Argentina – June 15 @ 6PM - Maracanã - Estádio Jornalista Mário Filho (Rio De Janeiro)

v. Nigeria – June 21 @ 6PM - Arena Pantanal (Cuiaba)

v. Iran – June 25 @ 12PM - Arena Fonte Nova (Salvador)

Odds to Lift the Trophy: 150/1

Goalkeepers: Asmir Begovic (Stoke City), Jasmin Fejzic (Aalen), Asmir Avdukic (Borac Banja Luka).

Defenders: Emir Spahic (Bayer Leverkusen), Toni Sunjic (Zorya Luhansk), Sead Kolasinac (Schalke), Ognjen Vranjes (Elazigspor), Ermin Bicakcic (Eintracht Braunschweig), Muhamed Besic (Ferencvaros), Mensur Mujdza (Freiburg).

Midfielders: Miralem Pjanic (Roma), Izet Hajrovic (Galatasaray), Haris Medunjanin (Gaziantepspor), Senad Lulic (Lazio), Anel Hadzic (Sturm Graz), Tino-Sven Susic (Hajduk Split), Sejad Salihovic (Hoffenheim), Zvjezdan Misimovic (Guizhou Renhe), Senijad Ibricic (Erciyespor), Avdija Vrsajevic (Hajduk Split).

Forwards: Vedad Ibisevic (Stuttgart), Edin Dzeko (Manchester City), Edin Visca (Istanbul Buyuksehir)

The Rundown

Looking to qualify for their first ever World Cup, Bosnia-Herzegovina had an outstanding campaign, winning eight of their ten matches, drawing and losing just once. Their thirty goals scored represented the fourth-highest tally in European zone qualifying, while boasting a defense that was equally impressive conceding only six times. They finished qualifying level on points with Greece, but their superior goal differential secured them direct passage to Brazil.

The offensive production exhibited by the Golden Lillies was no mistake. Manager Safet Sušić instilled an aggressive approach, often playing all of his star forwards at once in a flexible 4-2-3-1 formation. A noted disciplinarian who has banned his players from having sex while at the World Cup, the “tactical gamble” as Sušić explains it, is for the good of the game. “When you have players such as these, it would be unfair to the fans, to the sport itself, not to unleash all our talent.” As a neutral fan you have to love that philosophy and to admire his willingness to adapt to the players within his squad, something that a majority of managers find difficult or are reluctant to do.

Bosnia-Herzegovina have a core of talented players who make the team strong from front to back. Manchester United forward Edin Dzeko, their leading scorer in qualifying will lead the line and depending on the formation Sušić chooses to employ could be paired with Vedad Ibisevic. Miralem Pjanic, who thrived in a similarly proactive system this past season at Roma, runs the show in the midfield and is capable of the moments of magic that will be needed to see the Golden Lillies put the world on notice at Brazil. The defense is anchored by Emir Spahic and goalkeeper Asmir Begovic, one of the better goalkeepers that the English Premier League has to offer.

While their qualifying group may not have been the toughest, the talented core of players, a favorable draw, the tactical flexibility, and the no holds barred approach gives them a great opportunity to make their first trip to the World Cup a memorable one. If they make it out of group play, they will be a team that no one will want to face in the knockout stage.

Old Post 06-11-14 02:44 AM
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Group F Preview: Nigeria

Manager: Stephen Keshi

Current FIFA Ranking: 44

Schedule (all times Eastern)

v. Iran – June 16 @ 3PM - Arena da Baixada (Curitiba)

v. Bosnia and Herzegovina – June 21 @ 6PM - Arena Pantanal (Cuiaba)

v. Argentina – June 25 @ 12PM - Estadio Beira-Rio (Porto Alegre)

Odds to Lift the Trophy: 250/1

Goalkeepers: Vincent Enyeama (Lille/FRA), Chigozie Agbim (Gombe United), Austin Ejide (Hapoel Be'er Sheva /ISR)

Defenders: Elderson Echiejile (Monaco/FRA), Efe Ambrose (Celtic/SCO), Godfrey Oboabona (Rizespor/TUR), Azubuike Egwuekwe (Warri Wolves), Kenneth Omeruo (Middlesbrough/ENG), Juwon Oshaniwa (Ashdod FC/ISR), Joseph Yobo (Norwich City/ENG), Kunle Odunlami (Sunshine Stars)

Midfielders: John Mikel Obi (Chelsea/ENG), Ogenyi Onazi (Lazio/ITA), Gabriel Reuben (Beveren/BEL), Michael Uchebo (Cercle Brugge/BEL), Ramon Azeez (Almeria/SPA)

Forwards: Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow/RUS), Shola Ameobi (Newcastle United/ENG), Victor Moses (Chelsea/ENG), Emmanuel Emenike (Fenerbahce/TUR), Peter Odemwingie, (Stoke City/ENG), Uche Nwofor (Heerenveen/NED), Babatunde Michael (Volyn/UKR)

The Rundown

Winners of the 2013 CAF Africa Cup of Nations, Nigeria had little trouble progressing through qualifying against the likes of Malawi, Kenya and Namibia. Once in the final playoff they easily defeated Ethiopia 4-1 on aggregate to seal their spot in Brazil. Coach Stephen Keshi, who was brought in to replace Lars Lagerback after South Africa 2010, has earned a reputation as a no-nonsense boss who is not afraid to choose in-form domestic players at the expense of more well-known stars, and that policy paid handsome dividends in their Africa Cup of Nations triumph.

With John Obi Mikel back in the national team fold, Keshi has a solid core of players with international and European based experience including the likes of Vincent Enyeama in goal, Victor Moses, Peter Odemwingie, Shola Ameobi , with Ahmed Musa and Emmanuel Emenike leading the attack. On the heels of their poor showing in last year’s Confederations Cup and their last three trips to World Cup where they went out at the group stage all three times, they will be looking to find the form that led them to the continental title.

Their run in to the World Cup has been less than impressive and could be cause for worry, but a matchup against Iran in their opening game, where it will be absolutely vital for them to get points if they have any hopes of advancing to the knockout stages, could be just what they need to get back on track before facing the heavyweights of the group.

Old Post 06-11-14 02:47 AM
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Group F: Iran

Manager: Carlos Queiroz

Current FIFA Ranking: 43

Schedule (all times Eastern)

v. Nigeria – June 16 @ 3PM - Arena da Baixada (Curitiba)

v. Argentina – June 21 @ 12PM - Estadio Mineirao (Belo Horizonte)

v. Bosnia and Herzegovina – June 25 @ 12PM - Arena Fonte Nova (Salvador)

Odds to Lift the Trophy: 1500/1

Goalkeepers: Daniel Davari (Eintracht Braunschweig), Rahman Ahmadi (Sepahan Isfahan), Alireza Haqiqi (Sporting da Covilha)

Defenders: Hossein Mahini (Persepolis), Jalal Hosseini (Persepolis), Amir Hossein Sadeqi (Esteghlal), Hashem Beykzadeh (Esteghlal), Mehrdad Pouladi (Persepolis), Ahmad Alenemeh (Naft Tehran), Pejman Montazeri (Umm Salal SC), Steven Beitashour (Vancouver Whitecaps FC), Mohammad Reza Khanzadeh (Zob Ahan Isfahan)

Midfielders: Reza Haghighi (Persepolis), Andranik Teymourian (Esteghlal), Ghasem Hadadifar (Zob Ahan Isfahan), Bakhtiar Rahmani (Foolad), Javad Nekounam (Kuwait SC), Ehsan Hajsafi (Sepahan Isfahan)

Forwards: Khosrow Heidari (Esteghlal), Karim Ansarifard (Tractor Sazi), Reza Ghoochannejhad (Charlton Athletic) Alireza Jahanbakhsh (NEC),Masoud Shojaei (Las Palmas), Ashkan Dejagah (Fulham)

The Rundown

Much like their governing regime, the Iranian national team is a bit of an enigma. Former Portugal manager Carlos Queiroz guided Team Melli through a two year qualifying campaign, eventually sealing their place in Brazil with a 1-0 defeat over Korea Republic in the round’s final match. Consistency was lacking for Iran throughout qualifying as they went from averaging almost three goals a game to scoring only twice in five matches.

Captain Javad Nekounam, who has quickly established his place as the team’s talisman, will provide leadership and creativity from midfield while Mehrdad Beitashour will anchor the defense and Ashkan Dejegah will lead the front line. The wildcard in the group is Queiroz’ latest find, twenty six year old striker Reza Ghoochannejhad, who scored the goal against Korea that put the Iranians through. He showed during qualifying that he has the pace and finishing ability to potentially worry their upcoming opponents.

Working with a squad comprised of mostly domestic based players, Queiroz will need to address their consistency issues if they are to have any impact on the tournament and avoid potential embarrassment. In sharing the longest odds to win the tournament with Honduras, there is little belief that the Iranians will be able to do much drawn in a group with a loaded Argentina and dangerous Bosnia Herzegovina squads.

Old Post 06-11-14 02:48 AM
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Group G Preview: Germany

Manager: Joachim Low

Current FIFA Ranking: 2

Schedule (all times Eastern)

v. Portugal – June 16 @ 12PM - Arena Fonte Nova (Salvador)

v. Ghana – June 21 @ 3PM - Estadio Castelao (Fortaleza)

v. USA – June 26 @ 12PM - Arena Pernambuco (Recife)

Odds to Lift the Trophy: 11/2

Goalkeepers: Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich), Roman Weidenfeller (Borussia Dortmund), Ron-Robert Zieler (Hannover)

Defenders: Jerome Boateng (Bayern Munich), Erik Durm (Borussia Dortmund), Kevin Grosskreutz (Borussia Dortmund), Benedikt Howedes (FC Schalke), Mats Hummels (Borussia Dortmund), Philipp Lahm (Bayern Munich), Per Mertesacker (Arsenal)

Midfielders: Julian Draxler (Schalke), Matthias Ginter (Freiburg), Mario Gotze (Bayern Munich), Christoph Kramer (Borussia Monchengladbach), Sami Khedira (Real Madrid), Toni Kroos (Bayern Munich), Thomas Muller (Bayern Munich), Mesut Ozil (Arsenal), Lukas Podolski (Arsenal), Marco Reus (Borussia Dortmund), Andre Schurrle (Chelsea), Bastian Schweinsteiger (Bayern Munich)

Forward: Miroslav Klose (Lazio)

The Rundown

Germany was hardly troubled in qualifying as they secured nine victories from ten fixtures, scoring the most goals of any side in European competition with thirty six, on their way to topping their group and securing automatic qualification to Brazil. This is not your father’s Germany, as DFB has been transformed over the last decade from a defense first team to an attacking squad that boasts some of the most talented and creative midfielders in the world.

With a depth in midfield that can only be rivaled by the likes of Spain, it was no surprise that manager Joachim Low chose only one forward for his final 23 man squad in Miroslav Klose, who will be attempting to beat Ronaldo’s record of 14 goals scored at World Cup finals if he can find his way on to the field. With the option to choose from the likes of Toni Kroos, Thomas Muller – won the Golden Boot and was named Best Young Player at the 2010 finals – Mesut Ozil, Lukas Podolski , Andre Schurrle, and Bastian Schweinsteiger, Low has a litany of formations and tactical maneuvers he can make to combat almost anything an opposing team throws at them. Then there is the supremely talented collection of young players that Germany seems to be able to produce at will. Mario Gotze, Julian Draxler and Marco Reus, who will miss out on this year’s tournament after picking up an ankle injury in a pre-tournament friendly, ensure that Germany will be loaded over the next decade.

Drawn in to what many are calling the “Group of Death” at this year’s World Cup, Germany is still a cut above Portugal (especially with a potentially injured Ronaldo), and several cuts above the United States and Ghana. They have a legitimate chance to challenge for the trophy and anything less than topping their table in the group stages followed by a deep run to the finals would be seen as a disappointment.

Old Post 06-11-14 02:51 AM
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Group G Preview: Portugal

Manager: Paulo Bento

Current FIFA Ranking: 4

Schedule (all times Eastern)

v. Germany – June 16 @ 12PM - Arena Fonte Nova (Salvador)

v. USA – June 22 @ 6PM - Arena Amazonia (Manaus)

v. Ghana – June 26 @ 12PM - Estadio Nacional (Brasilia)

Odds to Lift the Trophy: 25/1

Goalkeepers: Beto (Sevilla FC), Rui Patrício (Sporting Clube de Portugal), Eduardo (SC Braga).

Defenders: André Almeida (SL Benfica), Bruno Alves (Fenerbahçe SK), Fábio Coentrão (Real Madrid CF), Pepe (Real Madrid CF), João Pereira (Valencia CF), Ricardo Costa (Valencia CF), Neto (FC Zenit).

Midfielders: João Moutinho (AS Monaco FC), Miguel Veloso (FC Dynamo Kyiv), Raúl Meireles (Fenerbahçe SK), Rúben Amorim (SL Benfica), William Carvalho (Sporting Clube de Portugal), Rafa (SC Braga).

Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid CF), Éder (SC Braga), Hélder Postiga (SS Lazio), Hugo Almeida (Beşiktaş JK), Nani (Manchester United FC), Silvestre Varela (FC Porto), Vieirinha (VfL Wolfsburg).

The Rundown

Portugal have a long history of struggling against lesser opposition and they lived up to that reputation in qualifying as poor form against Northern Ireland and Israel had the Selecção das Quinas forced to contest a playoff for the second consecutive World Cup cycle. In a duel that pitted two of the world’s best players against one another, Ronaldo got the better of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Sweden, scoring all four goals for his county to guide the Portuguese safely to Brazil 4-2 on aggregate.

Despite sub-par showings in past World Cups, a heartbreaking loss in penalties to eventual champions Spain in EURO 2012, and a somewhat lackluster qualifying campaign, Portugal seemed to finally be gelling as a team with the two time Ballon d’Or winner the centerpiece, finding his form for both club and country. However, The Real Madrid forward has been struggling with tendinitis in his knee as well as a muscle injury in his left thigh since the end of the domestic campaign, and there are serious fears he may miss Portugal’s opening game of the World Cup against Germany if not more.

It may seem obvious to even the most casual soccer fan that the success Portugal hopes to achieve in Brazil begins and ends with Cristiano Ronaldo, although he does find himself supported by a very able cast, even if they have been underwhelming in their pre-tournament friendlies as he remains on the sideline working towards fitness. The central-defensive pairing of Pepe and Bruno Alves is the cornerstone of a very solid rearguard that also features flying full-backs Joao Pereira and Fabio Coentrao. Joao Moutinho is the heartbeat of a creative midfield unit, while Nani can also be relied upon to shine alongside Ronaldo when and if he plays.

Portugal have always seemed to have the talent at their disposal to challenge the best the world has to offer, but time and time again were never able to put it all together on the world’s biggest stage. With Ronaldo in their lineup, advancing to the round of sixteen if not further is a likely possibility. Without him however, they could be looking at another disappointment and an early trip back home.

Old Post 06-11-14 02:53 AM
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Group G Preview: USA

Manager: Jürgen Klinsmann

Current FIFA Ranking: 13

Schedule (all times Eastern)

v. Ghana – June 16 @ 6PM - Estadio das Dunas (Natal)

v. Portugal – June 22 @ 6PM - Arena Amazonia (Manaus)

v. Germany – June 26 @ 12PM - Arena Pernambuco (Recife)

Odds to Lift the Trophy: 100/1

GOALKEEPERS (3): Brad Guzan (Aston Villa), Tim Howard (Everton), Nick Rimando (Real Salt Lake)

DEFENDERS (8): DaMarcus Beasley (Puebla), Matt Besler (Sporting Kansas City), John Brooks (Hertha Berlin), Geoff Cameron (Stoke City), Timmy Chandler (Nürnberg), Omar Gonzalez (LA Galaxy), Fabian Johnson (Borussia Mönchengladbach), DeAndre Yedlin (Seattle Sounders FC)

MIDFIELDERS (8): Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake), Alejandro Bedoya (Nantes), Michael Bradley (Toronto FC), Brad Davis (Houston Dynamo), Mix Diskerud (Rosenborg), Julian Green (Bayern Munich), Jermaine Jones (Besiktas), Graham Zusi (Sporting Kansas City)

FORWARDS (4): Jozy Altidore (Sunderland), Clint Dempsey (Seattle Sounders FC), Aron Johannsson (AZ Alkmaar), Chris Wondolowski (San Jose Earthquakes)

The Rundown

After losing their first game of World Cup qualifying on the road at Honduras, the United States proceeded to earn points in seven of their remaining nine qualifiers, scoring 15 goals while conceding only 8, to finish in first place in the Hexagonal. After taking over for the deposed Bob Bradley in the summer of 2011, Jürgen Klinsmann set his sights on simultaneously changing the culture of soccer in the United States and securing World Cup qualification. So far he is two for two. However, any goodwill that he has garnered from a successful qualifying campaign and the successful implantation of his style of play and the transformation of the youth system is set to be undone by his player selection.

To the surprise of many, longtime national team mainstay Landon Donovan, the all-time leading goal scorer and second most capped player in American soccer history, was left out of the 23 players selected to travel to Brazil. Based on experience alone, Donovan looked like a shoe in to play in the fourth World Cup in his career, but it now appears evident that Donovan was never able to earn his way back in to Klinsmann’s good graces after his self-imposed sabbatical from national team duty last year, a theory that only gained more traction after Klinsmann’s seventeen year old son posted a tweet essentially mocking Donovan’s exclusion from the team.

With the ink still fresh on the four year contract extension he received this past December, Klinsmann is clearly putting his stamp on the national team, and one could argue looking ahead to World Cup 2018 in Russia. The U.S. roster includes just five players who have played in a World Cup — Clint Dempsey, Michael Bradley, Tim Howard, Jozy Altidore and DeMarcus Beasley — and seven players 24 years of age or younger. After Bradley and Jermaine Jones, their midfield lacks serious depth, comprised mostly of career MLS’ers and they will find it extremely difficult to keep up with likes of German and Portugal.

Experience is not the only obstacle working against the United States as they must cope with the most grueling travel schedule in the tournament – a total of 9,000 miles travelled and games played in a variety of climates, including the sweltering heat and humidity of Manaus – and the vaunted Group of Death, where they will face Klinsmann’s native Germany and Portugal, ranked the 2nd and 4th best teams in world respectively, as well as old nemesis Ghana, who has knocked them out of the last two World Cups.

With the potentially mountainous roadblock of travel, climate, and competition standing in the way of the United States and a spot in the knockout rounds, a player of Donovan’s caliber, even at the age of 32, would have provided much needed experience and minutes to a young squad who could be in danger of getting run over in Brazil.

Old Post 06-11-14 02:56 AM
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Group G Preview: Ghana

Manager: Kwesi Appiah

Current FIFA Ranking: 37

Schedule (all times Eastern)

v. USA – June 16 @ 6PM - Estadio das Dunas (Natal)

v. Germany – June 21 @ 3PM - Estadio Castelao (Fortaleza)

v. Portugal – June 26 @ 12PM - Estadio Nacional (Brasilia)

Odds to Lift the Trophy: 200/1

Goalkeepers: Fatau Dauda (Orlando Pirates), Adam Kwarasey (Stromsgodset), Stephen Adams (Aduana Stars)

Defenders: Samuel Inkoom (Platanias), Daniel Opare (Standard Liege), Harrison Afful (Esperance), John Boye (Rennes), Jonathan Mensah (Evian), Rashid Sumalia (Mamelodi Sundowns)

Midfielders: Michael Essien (AC Milan), Sulley Muntari (AC Milan), Rabiu Mohammed (Kuban Krasnodar), Kwadwo Asamoah (Juventus), Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu (Udinese), Afriyie Acquah (Parma), Christian Atsu (Vitesse Arnhem), Albert Adomah (Middlesbrough), Andre Ayew (Marseille), Mubarak Wakaso (Rubin Kazan)

Forwards: Asamoah Gyan (Al Ain), Kevin-Prince Boateng (Schalke), Abdul Majeed Waris (Valenciennes), Jordan Ayew (Sochaux)

The Rundown

Ghana topped their qualifying group, which included 2012 African Cup of Nations champions Zambia, with five wins out of six games while outscoring their opponents fifteen to three. They eventually booked their flight to Brazil by dismantling Egypt 7-3 in the playoff on aggregate.

An impressive Germany 2006 saw the Black Stars beat the Czech Republic and the USA before being eliminated by Brazil in the second round, but they were the only African team to escape their group. In 2010, they were again the only side from the continent in the knockout rounds, and they equaled Africa’s best-ever performance by beating the USA to reach the quarter-finals. A heartbreaking penalty kick loss to Uruguay in the final eight prevented them from becoming the first African side to reach the semi-finals of the World Cup.

While the Black Stars will be looking to use the disappointment of 2010 as a springboard to success in Brazil, they might find that form difficult to replicate. Manager Kwesi Appiah’s final squad includes sixteen players contesting their first World Cup. But there is plenty of experience elsewhere, with captain Asamoah Gyan and Sulley Muntari preparing for their third finals and Jonathan Mensah, Michael Essien, Kwadwo Asamoah, Andre Ayew and Kevin-Prince Boateng about to contest their second.

Looking to find the right balance within the squad between veteran experience and developing talent could be an issue for Appiah’s squad, as so far they have looked pedestrian in their warm up friendlies and it looks like the veteran’s might be a little too old and the young talent not quite ready to step up to take over the reins. With an opening round matchup against the United States, whom Ghana has knocked out of the last two World Cups, they will need to be on their game from the start with matchups against Germany and Portugal looming.

Old Post 06-11-14 02:58 AM
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Group H Preview: Russia

Manager: Fabio Capello

Current FIFA Ranking: 19

Schedule (all times Eastern)

v. Korea Republic – June 17 @ 6PM - Arena Pantanal (Cuiaba)

v. Belgium – June 22 @ 12PM - Maracanã - Estádio Jornalista Mário Filho (Rio De Janeiro)

v. Algeria – June 26 @ 4PM - Arena da Baixada (Curitiba)

Odds to Lift the Trophy: 100/1

Goalkeepers: Igor Akinfeev (CSKA Moscow), Yury Lodygin (Zenit St Petersburg), Sergei Ryzhikov (Rubin Kazan)

Defenders: Vasily Berezutsky, Sergei Ignashevich, Georgy Shchennikov (all CSKA Moscow), Vladimir Granat, Alexei Kozlov (both Dynamo Moscow), Andrei Yeshchenko (Anzhi Makhachkala), Dmitry Kombarov (Spartak Moscow), Andrei Semenov (Terek Grozny)

Midfielders: Igor Denisov, Yury Zhirkov (both Dynamo Moscow), Alan Dzagoev (CSKA Moscow), Roman Shirokov (FC Krasnodar), Denis Glushakov (Spartak Moscow), Viktor Faizulin, Oleg Shatov (both Zenit St Petersburg)

Forwards: Alexander Kerzhakov (Zenit St Petersburg), Alexei Ionov, Alexander Kokorin (both Dynamo Moscow), Maxim Kanunnikov (Amkar Perm), Alexander Samedov (Lokomotiv Moscow)

The Rundown

After failing to qualify for Germany 2006 and South Africa 2010, Russia faced seemingly long odds to secure an automatic place in Brazil, especially with Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal looming in their qualification group. After a hugely impressive performance at Euro 2012, former England manager Fabio Capella, who recently extended his contract with the Russian Football Union until the end of the 2018 World Cup, got Sbornaya off to a fast start and they eventually secured automatic passage to Brazil, outlasting the Portuguese.

While the Russians are built on a solid defensive foundation, Capello’s most prized assets can be found in what is a technically gifted midfield unit. Although they will be without captain Roman Shirokov, who will miss out on the tournament with a back injury, they have plenty of midfield talent with Igor Denisov, Viktow Fayzulin and Alan Dzagoev to make up for his loss. Though not always a starter Alexandr Kerzhakov, the only player in the squad who has previous World Cup experience having been in the squad that competed in 2002 the last time Russia reached the final stages, is a lethal finisher who could cause havoc in Brazil.

Unbeaten in their last ten games and on the heels of a successful EURO 2012 and qualifying campaign, Russia certainly look the favorite in their group to advance tothe round of sixteen and maybe beyond, with the combination of talent on the field and experience from manager Fabio Capello enough to drive them on a deep tournament run.

Old Post 06-11-14 03:01 AM
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bawlmer
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Group H Preview: Belgium

Manager: Marc Wilmots

Current FIFA Ranking: 11

Schedule (all times Eastern)

v. Algeria – June 17 @ 12PM - Estadio Mineirao (Belo Horizonte)

v. Russia – June 22 @ 12PM - Maracanã - Estádio Jornalista Mário Filho (Rio De Janeiro)

v. Korea Republic - June 26 @ 4PM - Arena de Sao Paulo (Sao Paulo)

Odds to Lift the Trophy: 18/1

Goalkeepers: Thibaut Courtois (Club Atlético de Madrid), Simon Mignolet (Liverpool FC), Koen Casteels (TSG 1899 Hoffenheim).

Defenders: Toby Alderweireld (Club Atlético de Madrid), Anthony Vanden Borre (RSC Anderlecht), Laurent Ciman (R. Standard de Liège), Jan Vertonghen (Tottenham Hotspur FC), Vincent Kompany (Manchester City FC), Daniel Van Buyten (FC Bayern München), Thomas Vermaelen (Arsenal FC), Nicolas Lombaerts (FC Zenit).

Midfielders: Axel Witsel (FC Zenit), Steven Defour (FC Porto), Marouane Fellaini (Manchester United FC), Nacer Chadli (Tottenham Hotspur FC), Moussa Dembélé (Tottenham Hotspur FC).

Forwards: Kevin De Bruyne (VfL Wolfsburg), Dries Mertens (SSC Napoli), Adnan Januzaj (Manchester United FC), Eden Hazard (Chelsea FC), Kevin Mirallas (Everton FC), Romelu Lukaku (Everton FC), Divock Origi (LOSC Lille).

The Rundown

Belgium booked their ticket to Brazil without breaking a sweat, only dropping points in a draw and after they had locked up the top spot in their qualifying table, a massive nine points ahead of second place. A squad that is loaded with talent from top to bottom who ply their trade throughout the top domestic leagues in Europe, manager Marc Wilmots (affectionately knowing during his playing days as the War Pig) guided the Rode Duivels back to the world’s biggest stage after missing out in Germany and South Africa.

Having looked to be building towards something special for a number of years, Belgium finally made the breakthrough many expected, with the belief in some quarters that this “Golden Generation” has what it takes to emulate the success of the 1986 team and reach the semi-finals of this tournament. From outstanding young goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who looks to be the air apparent to Petr Cech at Chelsea, to Manchester City stopper Vincent Company anchoring the center of defense, to a midfield loaded with depth that allows Wilmots to transition between a 4-3-3 to a 4-5-1 with ease, and the ultimate mercenary Romelu Lukaku leading the front line, they have the look of a team poised to make a deep run.

Drawn in to a group with Russia, KoreaRepublic, and Algeria and with the talent at within the squad, it is easy to see how the Rode Duivels are tipped to be the surprise of this year’s finals. However, they could be undone in the end with the lack of World Cup experience within the squad (Daniel Van Buyten is the only member of the squad to have played in a World Cup) and lack of balance in defense (they are short of natural full-backs and the defense is made up of essentially four center halves). Getting all three points from their opening round game against Algeria will certainly ease some of the pressure and expectation, and set themselves up for a round of sixteen appearance.

Old Post 06-11-14 03:03 AM
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Group H Preview: Korea Republic

Manager: Hong Myung-Bo

Current FIFA Ranking: 57

Schedule (all times Eastern)

v. Russia – June 17 @ 6PM - Arena Pantanal (Cuiaba)

v. Algeria – June 22 @ 3PM - Estadio Beira-Rio (Porto Alegre)

v. Belgium – June 26 @ 4PM - Arena de Sao Paulo (Sao Paulo)

Odds to Lift the Trophy: 300/1

Goalkeepers: Jung Sungryong (Suwon Bluewings), Kim Seunggyu (Ulsan Hyundai), Lee Bumyoung (Busan IPark)

Defenders: Hong Jeongho (Augsburg/Germany), Hwang Seoho (Sanfrecce Hiroshima/Japan), Kim Changsoo (Kashiwa Reysol/Japan), Kim Jinsoo (Albirex Niigata/Japan), Kim Younggwon (Guangzhou Evergrande/China PR), Kwak Taehwi (Al Hilal/Saudi Arabia), Lee Yong (Ulsan Hyundai), Yun Sukyoung (Queens Park Rangers/England)

Midfielders: Ha Daesung (Beijing Guoan/China PR), Han Kookyoung (Kashiwa Reysol/Japan), Ji Dongwon (Augsburg/Germany), Ki Sungyueng (Sunderland/England), Kim Bokyung (Cardiff City/England), Lee Chungyong (Bolton Wanderers/England), Park Jongwoo (Guangzhou R&F/China PR), Son Heungmin (Bayer Leverkusen/Germany)

Forwards: Kim Shinwook (Ulsan Hyundai), Koo Jacheol (Mainz/Germany), Lee Keunho (Sangju Sangmu), Park Chuyoung (Watford/England)

The Rundown

The KoreaRepublic’s qualifying campaign was one they will soon want to forget. It did eventually culminate with them punching their ticket to Brazil for their eighth consecutive World Cup appearance, but they finished behind Iran and only qualified by a single goal over Uzbekistan.

In the process they relieved two managers of their duties, finally settling on former national team player Hong Myung-Bo. The most capped player in Korean history, Hong has untold World Cup experience and is a major asset to the country’s chances in Brazil. This is however, new territory for him. His job at the helm of South Korea is his first senior managerial position, having previously led the country’s youth teams at the U-20 and U-23 levels.

Much like the Greeks, Korea has been trying to find the same formula that led to their success at the 2002 World Cup. We have come to expect a certain consistency and discipline from the Koreans, and their struggles during qualifying can most likely be attributed to the unstable managerial situation and the constantly changing lineups and formations. With Myung-Bo now in charge and a youthful squad accompanying him to Brazil, many of whom were involved in winning the bronze medal at the 2012 London Olympics, there is no reason to think that the Koreans could not sneak up to nip Russia or Belgium to the knockout round.

Old Post 06-11-14 03:06 AM
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Group H Preview: Algeria

Manager: Vahid Halilhodzic

Current FIFA Ranking: 22

Schedule (all times Eastern)

v. Belgium – June 17 @ 12PM - Estadio Mineirao (Belo Horizonte)

v. Korea Republic – June 22 @ 3PM - Estadio Beira-Rio (Porto Alegre)

v. Russia – June 26 @ 4PM - Arena da Baixada (Curitiba)

Odds to Lift the Trophy: 1000/1

Goalkeepers: Mohamed Lamine Zemmamouche (USM Alger), Rais Mbolhi (CSKA Sofia), Cedric Si Mohamed (CS Constantine)

Defenders: Carl Medjani (Valenciennes), Aissa Mandi (Reims), Madjid Bougherra (Lekhwiya), Faouzi Ghoulam (Napoli), Rafik Halliche (Academica),Essaid Belkalem (Watford), Liassine Cadamuro (Real Mallorca), Djamel Mesbah (Livorno), Mehdi Mostefa (Ajaccio)

Midfielders: Sofiane Feghouli (Valencia), Saphir Taider (Inter Milan), Medhi Lacen (Getafe), Abdelmoumen Djabou (Club Africain), Yacine Brahimi (Grenada), Nabil Bentaleb (Tottenham), Hassan Yebda (Udinese), Riyad Mahrez (Leicester)

Forwards: Islam Slimani (Sporting Lisbon), Hilal Soudani (Dinamo Zagreb, Nabil Ghilas (Porto)

The Rundown

After navigating a surprisingly difficult African group, Algeria secured qualification to Brazil with a superior goal differential over Burkina Faso. This will be the Desert Foxes fourth trip overall to the World Cup and their second in as many cycles. Their 2010 campaign in South Africa was a forgettable one, registering two losses and a draw and departing the competition without a goal to their name. The strength of the team lies in its defense, though if they learned anything from South Africa it will be that they will need to find goals from somewhere within the team if they have any hope of advancing past the group stage.

Twenty-four-year-old midfielder Feghouli is perhaps the most renowned player in Algeria’s current squad, having played for La Liga giants Valencia since 2010. One of a number of French-born players with dual nationalities who have pledged their allegiance to the Desert Foxes, Feghouli is known for possessing pace and being a creative force in Valencia’s midfield, primarily operating on the right wing but with the versatility to move into central areas. With Algeria unlikely to pose much of a goalscoring threat, Feghouli and Islam Slimani, who plies his trade in Portugal with Sporting Lisbon and was Algeria’s leading scorer with five, will be critical to unlocking defenses in Brazil.

The African nation has enjoyed nice run of form as of late, suffering just one defeat in their last thirteen fixtures as well as a successful pre-tournament program, picking up victories over Armenia and Romania. However, Algeria have never advanced past the group stage, and with an inexperienced squad, a manager in Vahid Halilhodzic who has never been to a World Cup, and matchups with Belgium and Russia looming, it is looking highly unlikely that they will be breaking that streak this year.

Old Post 06-11-14 03:09 AM
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Gush
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Lots of good info here, thanks bawlmer

Old Post 06-12-14 01:13 AM
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HoustonFan
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Registered: Jan 2006
Posts: 6159

I cannot wait for the worlds greatest sporting event!

Already made a play - parlay Brazil and Miami Heat tomorrow. both on the ML




"Just Got Paid" -- ZZ Top
2008,2009 NCAA HOF Battle of the Brackets Champion

Old Post 06-12-14 01:35 AM
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bawlmer
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Np Gush...glad you enjoyed

World Cup Futures

Ivory Coast - to Make the Quarterfinals +500 (2 units)

Sergio Aguero - Golden Boot Tournaments Top Goalscorer +1500 (2 units)

Old Post 06-12-14 01:36 AM
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doubled1511
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538 worldcup predictions

http://fivethirtyeight.com/interactives/world-cup/

Old Post 06-12-14 03:10 PM
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bawlmer
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Posts: 2919

Final Bracket

Group A
1. Brazil
2. Croatia

Group B
1. Spain
2. Chile

Group C
1. Ivory Coast
2. Japan

Group D
1. England
2. Uruguay

Group E
1. France
2. Switzerland

Group F
1. Argentina
2. Bosnia-Herzegovina

Group G
1. Germany
2. Portugal

Group H
1. Russia
2. Belgium

Second Round
Brazil over Chile
Ivory Coast over Uruguay
France over Bosnia-Herzegovina
Germany over Belgium
Spain over Croatia
England over Japan
Argentina over Switzerland
Portugal over Russ

Quarterfinals
Brazil over Ivory Coast
Germany over France
England over Spain
Argentina over Portugal

Semi-Finals
Germany over Brazil
Argentina over England

Finals
Germany (3) over Argentina (2)

Old Post 06-12-14 05:57 PM
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doubled

That was a pretty cool to look over. Overall I am not a big fan of ESPN's coverage. Very happy that we get to listed to Ian Darke and John Champion call the names but not happy about hearing Alexi Lalas and Taylor Twellmens insight throughout the tournament. Those guys are dinosaurs when it comes to how the game is played and Twellmen is just a whiny little SOB.

Old Post 06-12-14 05:59 PM
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jayhawk7
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Posts: 8650

Bawlmer

Deleted

Old Post 06-12-14 06:37 PM
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