World Cup Group Stage Predictions
By Zach Malamud
Group A
|
Country |
W |
D |
L |
Pts |
|
Uruguay |
3 |
0 |
0 |
9 |
|
Russia |
2 |
0 |
1 |
6 |
|
Egypt |
1 |
0 |
2 |
3 |
|
Saudi Arabia |
0 |
0 |
3 |
0 |
The host of the 2018 World Cup, Russia is not the biggest name in group A. Uruguay with world-class strikers Edinson Cavani and Luis Suarez should come out on top pretty easily. Russia will put up a good fight winning against Egypt and Saudi Arabia but will lose to Uruguay to finish with six points. Egypt may be without Mohamed Salah for one or two games but if it ends up being two games he will miss both important games against Uruguay and Russia. Salah will most likely be there for the third and final game which will give Egypt their only win in the group against Saudi Arabia. Surprisingly, there will be no draws in the group as no teams are really even.
Group B
|
Country |
W |
D |
L |
Pts |
|
Spain |
3 |
0 |
0 |
9 |
|
Portugal |
1 |
1 |
1 |
4 |
|
Morocco |
1 |
1 |
1 |
4 |
|
Iran |
0 |
0 |
3 |
0 |
With the Iberian rivals squaring off on the second day, this is a very exciting group with world class players on both sides. Ronaldo’s men are coming off a Euro final win against France two summers ago but have dropped some key names from that squad including Nani, Eder, Renato Sanches, Eliseu and Andre Gomes. On the other hand, Spain will take first in group B and go far into the World Cup winning all three group stage games. The sleeper in the group is Morocco in their fifth World Cup appearance. Captain Medhi Benatia who is the starting center back on Italian giants Juventus, along with highly-rated Real Madrid prospect Achraf Hakimi are looking to get passed the group stage for the second time. Morocco will draw against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal but will fall short on goal-difference. Iran just has no chance in this group and they will lose all three games.
Group C
|
Country |
W |
D |
L |
Pts |
|
France |
2 |
1 |
0 |
7 |
|
Denmark |
1 |
1 |
1 |
4 |
|
Peru |
0 |
3 |
0 |
3 |
|
Australia |
0 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
Next up is group C with title contenders France who have added some of the best youngsters in the world including Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele and Thomas Lemar. But, this fight for second is going to be really close so France can’t go easy one bit. They will take first but they’ll draw against Peru who are without captain Paolo Guerrero. Peru though drew against Argentina twice and beat Uruguay and Croatia, so a draw against France will be good for the Peruvians. Denmark will come in second for the fourth time ever with stars Christian Eriksen and Andreas Christensen leading the way. Last is Australia who don’t have as much quality as the others in their group.
Group D
|
Country |
W |
D |
L |
Pts |
|
Argentina |
2 |
1 |
0 |
7 |
|
Croatia |
2 |
1 |
0 |
7 |
|
Iceland |
1 |
0 |
2 |
3 |
|
Nigeria |
0 |
0 |
3 |
0 |
It was such a tough game to lose for Argentina at the World Cup final in Rio, but Messi’s men have added a world-class talent in Paulo Dybala to make sure they are on the winning side this time. The attacking force of Argentina is unbelievable with star players including Lionel Messi, Gonzalo Higuain, Angel Di Maria and Sergio Aguero. They will have tough competition though in the group stage with the sleepers of the tournament, Croatia, coming to spoil some dreams. Croatia led by Luka Modrić , Ivan Rakitić and Mario Mandžukić, can shock the world when they draw Argentina and go into the round of 16 as a two seed because of goal differential. A World Cup debut for Iceland won’t be the best, but they’ll get their first win against Victor Moses’ Nigeria who will lose all three games they play and go home with nothing.
Group E
|
Country |
W |
D |
L |
Pts |
|
Brazil |
3 |
0 |
0 |
9 |
|
Serbia |
2 |
0 |
1 |
6 |
|
Costa Rica |
0 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
|
Switzerland |
0 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
In group E, Brazil is without a doubt the standout team led by Neymar and world-class talent around different leagues. They will prove they are the best by winning all three group stage games by a large margin. Next, Serbia will show off their strong team in their 12th ever world cup appearance. They are led by Nemanja Matić and youngster Sergej Milinković-Savić. They will lose to Brazil but beat Costa Rica and Switzerland to get to the round of 16 for the first time since their country was officially named Serbia. Costa RIca led by Bryan Ruiz and Keylor Navas will put up a good fight but will have to go home early with just a draw in the books for their team. Switzerland and Xherdan Shaqiri will do the same as Costa Rica with losses to Brazil and Serbia, while getting the draw vs Costa Rica in an exciting matchup on the final day of the group stages.
Group F
|
Country |
W |
D |
L |
Pts |
|
Germany |
2 |
1 |
0 |
7 |
|
Mexico |
1 |
2 |
0 |
5 |
|
Sweden |
1 |
1 |
1 |
4 |
|
Korea Republic |
0 |
0 |
3 |
0 |
The World Cup Champions are back again for another fight to become the third team ever to win back to back World Cups and the first since Brazil in 1958 and 1962. We will see if the dropping of Manchester City star winger Leroy Sane will hurt Germany after manager Joachim Low picked Bayer Leverkusen winger Julian Brandt instead. A game changer in Sane and a player in Brandt that as Joachim Low said,”…can play multiple positions…”. We will see who was the right choice. In second, Mexico will get a huge win against Korea Republic while drawing against leaders Germany and third place Sweden. In third, Sweden, led by Victor Lindelöf will get two huge results one being a draw against Mexico on the last group stage matchday. But, it won’t be enough to move on with Mexico ending one point ahead of them. Korea Republic led by Heung Min Son will go out in last losing all three group stage games. They won’t stand a chance in this group since they are really a one man team.
Group G
|
Country |
W |
D |
L |
Pts |
|
Belgium |
3 |
0 |
0 |
9 |
|
England |
2 |
0 |
1 |
6 |
|
Tunisia |
0 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
|
Panama |
0 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
Arguably the toughest group of the World Cup, Group G should see the Belgians looking to move on in first place. They will do that while winning all three group stage games. Right behind them in second is England with all of their premier league stars including Harry Kane, Dele Alli and Raheem Sterling. They will lose to Belgium after they beat Panama and Tunisia in the group. Third place will be Tunisia with two losses
to Belgium and England and a draw against Panama on the final day of the group stage. They’ll come in third ahead of Panama on goal differential. In last is Panama in their World Cup debut led by Luis Tejada. They like Tunisia will lose to both Belgium and England but draw against Tunisia on the final day. Sadly, they will come in last based on goal differential however, they will feel happy to be at their first World Cup.
Group H
|
Country |
W |
D |
L |
Pts |
|
Poland |
2 |
1 |
0 |
7 |
|
Colombia |
2 |
1 |
0 |
7 |
|
Senegal |
1 |
0 |
2 |
3 |
|
Japan |
0 |
0 |
3 |
0 |
The final group will be the shocker of the group stages with Poland taking first over Colombia. Poland is led by world class striker Robert Lewandowski and AS Monaco star center back Kamil Glik. They will beat both Senegal and Japan while drawing against Colombia in the second matches of the group stage which will allow them to come in first on goal differential. Colombia and James Rodriguez will have to deal with second place based on the draw against Poland. This might be disappointing for them as they may have to go up against Belgium in the round of 16. In third, Senegal led by Liverpool star Sadio Mané will lose to both Poland and Colombia but, they will get a win against Japan in their second match. Finally, in last is Japan who will lose all three games and go home really early.
So here are the predictions for the round of 16. Check back at the end of the group stages to see the predictions for the knockout stages in the 2018 FIFA World Cup!!
Zach Malamud is a contributing writer for Dabuzzza. He is a radio host of The Plainview Blitz on WPOB 88.5 FM. He loves soccer and basketball and finds himself watching Manchester City on a regular basis. His favorite athletes are Derek Jeter and Kevin De Bruyne. You can follow him on twitter at @Zachmalnyy
January Transfer Targets: Tottenham
By Zach Malamud
Tottenham is just looking to get into a Champions league spot for next season as it doesn’t look like anyone is going to catch Manchester City. But, Spurs did go undefeated in the group stage of this year’s Champions League in what was so called the “Group of Death” with Real Madrid and German runner-ups Borussia Dortmund. To secure a top-four spot and even try to win the Champions League this year, here are some players that Tottenham can look at during the January transfer window:
#1. Cedric Bakambu- Villarreal
With Harry Kane on fire, Tottenham still have lost games where they have not scored many goals. Spurs are also looking for an extra striker as Fernando Llorente who they bought from Swansea over the summer, has not met expectations when Kane needs a rest. Bakambu is on fire to start the season with 14 goals in 21 appearances. Therefore, I do believe that Spurs have a shot to get the Congo striker if they give up a good chunk of money for one of the best strikers in La Liga so far this season.
#2. David Neres- Ajax
The 20-year old Brazilian has caught the attention of many teams as he is on absolute fire with 8 goals and 11 assists through just 16 appearances in Eredivisie. He has been given the name “Little Neymar” by the press and he could be headed to Spurs, Man United or AC Milan if he keeps this run up. He could be a big help for Spurs as a long term option with Moussa Sissoko and Victor Wanyama having injury problems. He would be an extra midfielder that could help them stay in a Champions League spot and even try to make a run to the title in this year’s Champions League. Therefore, I do believe Spurs can get this young star in the January window.
#3. Ryan Sessegnon- Fulham
This is another defensive option for Spurs as they are looking for a stronger left back with the date of Toby Alderweireld’s return unknown. A young defender like Sessegnon who is also linked with a move to Real Madrid can be a long-term option. Spurs will have to pay a little more than expected if they are really interested in the 17-year old English defender. Therefore, he will be a good option for depth in the January window.
#4. Yannick Carrasco- Atletico Madrid
The 24-year old winger has so much potential to become a star. He has been through some fallouts this season with team-mates Koke and Gabi which means that he is free to leave Atletico during the January transfer window. The Belgian winger is also linked with a move to Arsenal, Chelsea and Bayern Munich which can make a move to Spurs a lot more expensive. Therefore, Spurs have a slim chance of securing the winger.
#5. Wilfried Zaha- Crystal Palace
Zaha is 25 and is in the best form of his life, but there is still room for improvement if he chooses to go to Spurs to play with world class players like Harry Kane and Christian Eriksen. Also, Crystal Palace are close to relegation and might not want to sell their top goal scorer with still another half of the season to go. Therefore, it is unlikely for him to move in this January window but it is a possibility for a move to Spurs, Arsenal, City or Chelsea over the summer.
Zach Malamud is a contributing writer for Dabuzzza. He is a radio host of The Plainview Blitz on WPOB 88.5 FM. He loves soccer and basketball and finds himself watching Manchester City on a regular basis. His favorite athletes are Derek Jeter and Kevin De Bruyne. You can follow him on twitter at @Zachmalnyy
January Transfer Targets: Chelsea
By Zach Malamud
Chelsea are 16 points behind league leaders Man City but are just 1 point behind 2nd place Man United. The premier league champions have struggled at some points this season as they have lost in games that most people would say the should’ve won. These games include a 2-1 loss to Crystal Palace who lost their first 7 games before winning this match for their first win of the season and a 1-0 loss to West Ham who was in the relegation zone at the time. With Antonio Conte giving up in the title race, here are some transfer targets that can help Chelsea secure a spot in the Champions League next season:
#1. Yannick Carrasco- Atletico Madrid
The 24-year old winger has so much potential to become a star. He has been through some fallouts this season with team-mates Koke and Gabi which means that he is free to leave Atletico during the January transfer window. The Belgian winger is also linked with a move to Arsenal, Tottenham and Bayern Munich which can make a move to Chelsea a lot more expensive. Therefore, Chelsea have a slim chance of securing the winger
#2. Jean Michaël Seri- Nice
Seri is another target of Antonio Conte and his look for an extra midfielder. The 26-year old midfielder would be a signing for more depth at that spot of the Chelsea squad. The Ivory Coast man can be an option for with Cesc Fabregas getting older. He has also been linked with a move to Liverpool, but with the signing of Virgil Van Dijk it seems that Liverpool are done with their January spending. Therefore, Seri could end up in a Chelsea uniform for the right amount of money.
#3. Arturo Vidal- Bayern Munich
This is a more surprising name to see on Chelsea’s shortlist but with Conte keen to bring his good friend Vidal to the bridge, the deal could end up happening in the January window. The Chilean midfielder is now 30 and has just 18 months left on his contract. With the Bundesliga winners bringing in a lot of young players, they could look to cash in and get around 50 million euros for their top class midfielder.
#4. Gareth Bale- Real Madrid
Challenging Manchester United for the Welshman’s signature, Chelsea are looking for another world-class winger with Eden Hazard on one side. Bale is now 28 and has had experience in the premier league when he played for Tottenham for 6 seasons before being sold to Real Madrid for 101 million euros in 2013. Bale can also help Chelsea in the Champions League where they will have to play La Liga leaders FC Barcelona in the round of 16. Therefore, I see Chelsea beating Man United to a deal for Bale.
Bale is certainly in the rumors to be on their way out, but is it to Chelsea? (via Goal)
#5. James Tarkowski- Burnley
Tarkowski is having the best season of his career and with Burnley in 7th place, a lot of the credit will go to him. This has gotten Chelsea interested into getting another center back with David Luiz reportedly close to a move to Real Madrid. The English defender would be a huge help and allow them to focus on a Champions League spot. However, I believe that Burnley’s key to success has been their defense coming up big in tough situations so I don’t think they will look to give up their top defender.
Zach Malamud is a contributing writer for Dabuzzza. He is a radio host of The Plainview Blitz on WPOB 88.5 FM. He loves soccer and basketball and finds himself watching Manchester City on a regular basis. His favorite athletes are Derek Jeter and Kevin De Bruyne. You can follow him on twitter at @Zachmalnyy
January Transfer Targets: Manchester United
By Zach Malamud
Now down 15 points to their arch rivals Manchester City, United might be more interested in staying in second place to secure a spot in the Champions League for next season. To help secure their spot in the Champions League, United have a couple of names they are looking to bring in during this January window:
#1. Malcom- Bordeaux
At the age of 20, Malcom can be a huge addition to the young wingers that Man United have brought up. Adding a goal scorer can definitely help win more games, especially because he could end up being a bargain due to Bordeaux’s financial problems. Malcom has also been linked with PSG which can make things a bit more challenging for United if the Brazilian winger would like to stay in France. This means United might end up spending a little more than they wanted to.
#2. Antoine Griezmann- Atletico Madrid
Griezmann is 26 and is arguably one of the best strikers in the world. But he might want a move somewhere else now that his team didn’t make it into the Champions League round of 16. Griezmann has been at Atletico since 2014 and just signed a huge contract extension over the summer. Man United are interested in him, therefore I don’t see them getting him in January due to the extension. There is a slight chance that they can get him over the summer though.
Griezmann has been linked to United, but will a move happen in January? (via Daily Express)
#3. Danny Rose- Tottenham
The 27-year old defender would be a great fit for a United defense that has struggled this season with injuries to Eric Bailly and Ashley Young having to play at left back. The English defender can be a start of defensive signings for United as they are also in need of a center back which they will probably look at over the summer
#4. Ryan Sessegnon- Fulham
This is another defensive option for Man United as they are in need of a left back. A young defender like Sessegnon who is also linked with a move to Real Madrid can be a long-term option. United will have to pay a little more than expected if they are really interested in the 17-year old English defender. Therefore, he will be a good option in the January window.
#5. Gareth Bale- Real Madrid
With reports that Henrikh Mkhitaryan will leave by the end of the season, United can sign another winger like Gareth Bale. Bale is now 28 and has had experience in the premier league when he played for Tottenham for 6 seasons before being sold to Real Madrid for 101 million euros in 2013. Real Madrid have said that Man United and Chelsea will have to give them around 80 million euros to secure the Welshman. Therefore, buying Bale will slim the chances for United to buy targets Antoine Griezmann and Paulo Dybala.
Zach Malamud is a contributing writer for Dabuzzza. He is a radio host of The Plainview Blitz on WPOB 88.5 FM. He loves soccer and basketball and finds himself watching Manchester City on a regular basis. His favorite athletes are Derek Jeter and Kevin De Bruyne. You can follow him on twitter at @Zachmalnyy
January Transfer Targets: Manchester City
By Zach Malamud
Now 15 points ahead of 2nd place Manchester United, the citizens are rolling through the premier league season dropping points just once in a draw at home against Everton on August 21. But, there is still room for improvement with another half of the season to play. Here are some transfer targets that the citizens can pounce on in the January window to help them secure their 3rd premier league title in the last six years:
#1. Milan Skriniar- Inter
At the age of 22, Skriniar can be a long-term help for Pep Guardiola’s side. City are in need of a center back considering the consistent injury problems of their captain Vincent Kompany. The Slovakian defender just joined Inter in the past summer window which can be a problem for City who might have to spend more than they wanted to.
#2. Iñigo Martínez- Real Sociedad
Martinez is one of Pep’s top targets and at the age of 26, he can also be a help to the in-need defense at Manchester City. The Spanish defender started his career playing for U19 Sociedad before moving to the A team and now could end up being a bargain for City who are valuing him at 7.5 million dollars.
#3. Jonny Evans- West Brom
Evans, who is 29 now is another center back option for Pep’s side to look at. The former Manchester United defender has a lot of experience in the premier league can help city in developing some of their younger center backs including John Stones and Tosin Adarabioyo. He won 3 league titles at Manchester United and can help win one for the blue side of Manchester.
#4. Wilfried Zaha- Crystal Palace
Zaha is 25 and is in the best form of his life, but he might get limited playtime in a filled attack at City. Also, Crystal Palace are close to relegation and might not want to sell their top goal scorer with still another half of the season to go. Therefore, it is unlikely for him to move in this January window but it is a possibility for a move to City, Arsenal, Spurs or Chelsea over the summer.
Will Alexis Sanchez finally make his move to Manchester City? (via TalkSport)
#5. Alexis Sanchez- Arsenal
Last summer, a move to the Etihad fell through as Arsenal couldn’t find a replacement like Thomas Lemar to go to the Emirates. An angry Alexis who was coached by Pep at Barcelona, wanted a move and didn’t get it. City and PSG are the two clubs interested in him. If PSG move for Alexis in January it will leave Pep no other choice to start agreeing to a pre contract as City’s attack is full.
Zach Malamud is a contributing writer for Dabuzzza. He is a radio host of The Plainview Blitz on WPOB 88.5 FM. He loves soccer and basketball and finds himself watching Manchester City on a regular basis. His favorite athletes are Derek Jeter and Kevin De Bruyne. You can follow him on twitter at @Zachmalnyy
Top 10 FIFA Summer Transfers So Far
By Alex Winston
10. Alexis Sanchez
Sanchez was a key player to Barcelona throughout the years that he played there. In the 2013-14 season, he scored 19 goals with 10 assists in La Liga. Alexis Sanchez has accepted a deal of £250,000 a week to join Arsenal in the Barclays Premier League.
9. Ivan Rakitic
Rakitic had a fantastic 2013-14 season for Sevilla. He led his team to the club’s third Europa League championship in nine years. Ivan Rakitic came to an agreement with FC Barcelona on a five year deal, but they haven’t made a agreement on price yet.
8. Mario Mandzukic
Mandzukic was a key player for Bayern Munich in the 2013-14 season. He had 18 goals and four assists. It was tough for Bayern to let go of such a key player but Atletico Madrid offered a deal he couldn’t resist. Mandzukic agreed with Atletico on a five year, £17.5 million deal.
7. Luke Shaw
Shaw is only 18 years old but is unbelievable and has showed that he has high potential. Luke Shaw agreed with Manchester Untied for £30 million for four years and he will be getting £100,000 a week.
6. Thibaut Courtois
After playing great as a starting goalie for Atletico Madrid, Courtois will return back to Chelsea from a season loan. Courtois is only 22 years of age and already has 100 clean sheets. It should be interesting to see how Courtois fits back in to Chelsea, as he’ll have to fight with Petr Cech for the starting goalie spot.
5. Toni Kroos
The German phenom Kroos was on his last year of his contract, and everybody and their grandmother knew he was gonna leave Bayern Munich. Toni Kroos is a 24 year old brilliant midfielder. In the 2013-14 season, Toni was a brilliant passer, more specifically on his long lob passes. Toni Kroos will leave Bayern Munich and will move to Real Madrid on a six year, £24 million deal.
4. Cesc Fabregas
Fabregas played in the 2013-14 season with FC Barcelona. Last season he scored eight goals with four assists. With phenomenal passing ability and quick touches, he was one of the best midfielders on the club. Barcelona decided to move him to Chelsea on a five year, £30 million deal.
3. Diego Costa
Costa was last season’s second leading scorer on Atletico Madrid. In the 2013-14 season he scored 27 goals and had three assists. Costa was a excellent passer and had a curving shot. He is leaving Atletico and is heading to Chelsea for £32 million for five years.
2. James Rodriguez
This arguably can be placed as number one, but I’ve decided to pick it here. When Real Madrid sees a player that they like, they throw money at his team and buy him. This was surely the case with James Rodriguez. In the 2014 World Cup, James Rodriguez was a stand out player as he lead Columbia to the quarterfinals. He also won the Golden Boot, scoring the most goals in the tournament with six. The 23 year old fútbol player played well for AC Monaco. He mostly plays midfielder and is very quick with the ball. He is one of the most expensive young transfers in the history of FIFA. He will be leaving AC Monaco to head to the powerhouse that is Real Madrid for six years and £63 million.
James Rodriguez made an impact on the World Cup and now will hope to do the same in La Liga (Via Goal News)
1. Luis Suarez
James Rodriguez is great and should make an immediate impact in La Liga with Real Madrid. But there’s no denying that their arch-rivals FC Barcelona got better. In the 2013-14 season, Suarez was named the PFA player of the year. He was the leading scorer on Liverpool with 31 goals in 33 games. The 27 year old is currently one of the best strikers in the world. In the 2014 World Cup, Suarez bit Italy’s Giorgio Chiellini and was suspended for four months in the regular season. Suarez is leaving Liverpool to go to FC Barcelona for £75 million on a 5 year deal.
Honorable Mentions:
1. Robert Lewandowski: Dortmund –>Bayern
2. David Luiz: Chelsea –> PSG
3. Didier Drogba: Galatasaray –> Chelsea
4 David Villa: Althetico Madrid –> New York City FC
5. Nemanja Vidić: Manchester United –> Inter Milan
Alex Winston is an avid sports fan. His favorite teams include the Boston Bruins and PSG. He also enjoys playing and watching hockey
World Cup Predictions
By Vishnu Nagaraj
For Group A Preview, click here.
For Group B Preview, click here.
For Group C Preview, click here.
For Group D Preview, click here.
For Group E Preview, click here.
For Group F Preview, click here.
For Group G Preview, click here.
For Group H Preview, click here.
Match 1:
Group A Winner: Brazil
Group B Runner-up: Netherlands
Winner: Brazil
Match 2:
Group C Winner: Ivory Coast
Group D Runner-up: England
Winner: England
Match 3:
Group E Winner: France
vs.
Group F Runner-up: Nigeria
Winner: Nigeria
Match 4:
Group G Winner: Germany
vs.
Group H Runner-up: South Korea
Winner: Germany
Match 5:
Group A Runner-up: Croatia
Group B Winner: Spain
Winner: Spain
Match 6:
Group C Runner-up: Greece
Group D Winner: Italy
Winner: Italy
Match 7:
Group E Runner-up: Switzerland
Group F Winner: Argentina
Winner: Argentina
Match 8:
Group G Runner-up: Portugal
Group H Winner: Belgium
Winner: Belgium
Match 9:
Match 1 Winner: Brazil
vs.
Match 2 Winner: England
Winner: Brazil
Match 10:
Match 3 Winner: Nigeria
Match 4 Winner: Germany
Winner: Germany
Match 11:
Match 5 Winner: Spain
Match 6 Winner: Italy
Winner: Spain
Match 12:
Match 7 Winner: Argentina
Match 8 Winner: Belgium
Winner: Argentina
Match 13 (Semi-Final 1):
Match 9 Winner: Brazil
Match 10 Winner: Germany
Winner: Germany
Match 14 (Semi-Final 2):
Match 11 Winner: Spain
Match 12 Winner: Argentina
Winner : Spain
Match 15 (Final):
Match 13 Winner: Germany
vs.
Match 14 Winner: Spain
Winner: Germany
Match 16 (3rd Place Game):
Match 13 Loser: Brazil
Match 14 Loser: Argentina
Winner: Brazil
In this World Cup I am predicting Germany to win. They are arguably the most complete team in the world and they have perfect chemistry and balance. Spain will finish second as their lack of height and strength will harm them in the end. I expect Brazil to finish a disappointing third and Argentina to finish fourth. I am predicting Germany forward Thomas Muller to be named the MVP of the tournament however, I am predicting that Argentina forward Lionel Messi to be the leading goalscorer in the tournament.
Vishnu Nagaraj is a finance major at Binghamton University. He is a self-taught DJ and sports fanatic. His favorite teams are the Yankees, Brooklyn Nets, San Diego Chargers, and FC Barcelona. You can follow him on twitter at @DJVishMusic.
World Cup Preview: Group H
By Vishnu Nagaraj
Group H consists of Belgium, Algeria, Russia, and Korea Republic. This is another group that promises to be very entertaining. With the young stars of Belgium to the veterans of Russia, one can expect plenty of great games from this group. Belgium could potentially be the biggest sleepers in the World Cup. They have the talent to go all the way but can the youngsters handle the pressure of playing on such a big stage. Eden Hazard and Vincent Kompany are the two big stars for Belgium and they will be expected to carry the load for the team. Algeria and Korea Republic will be looking to pull an upset and knock off the two European powers in an attempt to advance to the knockout rounds. Russia will expect to advance from this group but they cannot get complacent. They are a team that has been known to disappoint and they cannot let that happen to them this time around. Midfield star Alan Dzagoev and veteran Alexander Kerzhakov will be asked to lead the Russians in the tournament.
Chelsea Midfielder Eden Hazard will try to take Belgium far into the World Cup this year (Via Getty)
Vishnu Nagaraj is a finance major at Binghamton University. He is a self-taught DJ and sports fanatic. His favorite teams are the Yankees, Brooklyn Nets, San Diego Chargers, and FC Barcelona. You can follow him on twitter at @DJVishMusic.
World Cup Preview: Group G
By Vishnu Nagaraj
This is the group that I and most of the country will have their eyes on. The United States, Germany, Portugal, and Ghana make up this group. One of the favorites to win the entire thing, Germany will most certainly bring their A-game to this year’s World Cup. With a stunning midfield comprised of Bastian Schweinsteiger, Mesut Ozil, Mario Gotze, and Marco Reus, Germany will be one of the best teams to watch. German players have an incredible work-ethic and they very rarely make careless mistakes which is what makes them so hard to defeat. In order for Germany to win this group, they will have to stop the world’s most physically dominant player, Cristiano Ronaldo and his Portugal squad. Ronaldo’s incredible combination of speed and power make him the most entertaining player in the world. He has a strong supporting cast and he will look to them to play at the same level that he plays at. Portugal are a very strong side that will be sure to challenge Germany at the top of this group. Next we have Ghana. They are side filled with passion and intense pride. They never give up and are always running and hoping to create chances. Ghana will be led by flamboyant midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng. They will look to him to run the game from the midfield. Lastly, we have the United States of America. I would have given the USA a much better chance of causing some damage in the group but with the omission of their all-time leading goal-scorer Landon Donovan, I believe that advancing to the knockout round from this group will be extremely difficult. The USA will look to Clint Dempsey to be the talisman for them and inspire them. Someone to look out for is young winger Julian Green. Not too many people know about him but he has the potential to be a special player for the Americans. This is group that promises to create fireworks and there could be a surprise or two.
It should be a little strange seeing Landon Donovan sitting in an ESPN studio rather than playing on the field. (Via AP)
Vishnu Nagaraj is a finance major at Binghamton University. He is a self-taught DJ and sports fanatic. His favorite teams are the Yankees, Brooklyn Nets, San Diego Chargers, and FC Barcelona. You can follow him on twitter at @DJVishMusic.
World Cup Preview: Group F
By Vishnu Nagaraj
Group F consists of Argentina, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Iran, and Nigeria. This has the potential to be a very interesting group as Argentina could fail to live up to expectations. They have the best attacking arsenal in the world with the likes of Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero, Gonzalo Higuain, Ezequiel Lavezzi and Angel Di Maria among others. Even with the shocking omission of striker Carlos Tevez, Argentina definitely has the skill to win the whole thing but they will most certainly be tested. Bosnia & Herzegovina were an under-the-radar team to qualify for the World Cup, they have a core of Edin Dzeko, Miralem Pjanic, and Asmir Begovic, who all can change a game instantly. Next, is Nigeria. The reigning African champions have a very physical side who can present problems to anybody they face. This is where I believe they can challenge for a place in the knockout by using their sheer physical power to bully their opponents. Look for the weakest side in this group, Iran, to leave to everything on the pitch and make the other teams earn a win. They have nothing to lose and I am sure that they will give it their all. This is a group that could surprise most of us due to unpredictability and inconsistency. Watch for this to be one of the most watched groups especially with the presence of the world’s best player, Lionel Messi.
Messi is Argentina’s top weapon and he hopes to prove that during the World Cup. (Via AP)
Vishnu Nagaraj is a finance major at Binghamton University. He is a self-taught DJ and sports fanatic. His favorite teams are the Yankees, Brooklyn Nets, San Diego Chargers, and FC Barcelona. You can follow him on twitter at @DJVishMusic.
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