Tag: germany

All eyes on are the prize….

Summer 2018 is nearly upon us……

The World Cup is nearly here……

This tournament is the said to be the hardest to predict in ages, because of the raw talent set to entertain.

Who do you think will be World Champions?

Here I’m going to talk about who I think are my favourites to win, who will top their respective groups, players to watch, as well my contender for the golden boot.

The Groups and my predictions for winners:

(Credit: BBC Sport)

 

 

 

 

Do you agree?

Who do you think will top their respective groups?

 

My favourites to win:

Spain:

The masters of tiki-taka. Spain had one of the best footballing teams in my generation from 2008-2013, winning three major tournaments consecutively. However, they were humbled in 2014, by the mighty Chile and dynamite Dutch duo Robben and van Persie. Spain have struggled in recent years in terms of finding a consistent striker since the Torres-Villa days, with Morata and Diego Costa blowing hot and cold on the international stage, however, with the added comfort of having David de Gea in net and having an array of midfield magicians, including Thiago, Iniesta, David Silva, Isco and Marco Asensio, they may have the key to unlocking any stubborn defence.

 

Both have had mixed seasons, with Morata starting off his campaign very well, then struggling for form in the latter stages, while Diego Costa had no club appearances until January after moving to Atletico after an alleged fall-out with Conte. Can either turn up for their country?

 

 Brazil:

Here’s the thing.

Are Brazil as good as the teams from the 90s and early 00’s? No.

Will Brazil get a team as good as that ever again? Of course, but probably not for a while.

However, they will be hurting after the worldwide humiliation against Germany. Neymar is trying to get back to fitness after his injury; however, they do have brilliant alternatives in their front-line in Coutinho and Willian if he doesn’t make it.

 

Brazil always have a solid World Cup tournament, but I feel that they will give it more than their all, to prove to fans across the globe, that they still possess some of the most skilful players in the world.

 

Belgium:

It would surprise me greatly if Belgium doesn’t get at least a semi-final finish this time. Their team is fantastic all over the park. Lukaku and Batshuayi are firing for their clubs, while the likes of Hazard, Mertens, Dembele and De Bruyne have impressed. Their competent defence with the likes of Courtouis, Vertonghen and Alderweireld should not go unnoticed.

Can these three do the business for Belgium?

There is no questioning the ability of this squad, but it comes down to mentality. How much do you want it?

France, Germany, Colombia? They shouldn’t be forgotten….

 

My 7 Players to watch:

Having watched these players at international level and various domestic and European competitions, here are some players you should keep an eye on.

Pione Sisto (Denmark)

Paulo Dybala (Argentina)

Aleksandr Golovin (Russia)

Leon Goretzka (Germany)

Hirving Lozano (Mexico)

Emil Forsberg (Sweden)

Gabriel Jesus (Brazil)

 

Top Scorer?

I think this man will win the golden boot.

It’s Mueller time. His astute tactical awareness and positioning, as well as his crucial versatility will mean that he is always a threat going forward. He won the golden boot in the 2010 edition, so who’s to say he won’t win it again. You’re probably thinking “nahhhh…..” but whenever Bayern or Germany are in search of a goal, he is always in the right position. He possibly has one more another world cup left in him after this one in 2018. Could he break his fellow countryman Miroslav Klose’s record?

Who do I personally want to win?
Nigeria.

Let’s be honest, England are bottle jobs. I’m sorry.
Backing the Super Eagles this time.

Can we just take a minute to appreciate this kit though?!