Key Players
G - Maarten Stekelenburg
D - Giovanni Van Bronckhorst, John Heitinga
M - Mark Van Bommel, Wesley Sneijder
F - Dirk Kuyt, Robin Van Persie
Advantages
-Incredible Possession in Midfield
-Good Finishers
-Variety of Scoring Options
Weaknesses
-Lack of Pace in Defense
-Size Up Front
-Tendency to Choke in Big Games
Prediction
First Place in Group E
Denmark
Key Players
G - Thomas Sorensen
D - Daniel Agger, Lars Jacobsen
M - Daniel Jensen, Thomas Kahlenberg
F - Jon Dahl Tomasson, Nicklas Bendtner
Advantages
-Good Finishers
-Size
-Solid Goalkeeping
Weaknesses
-Depth
-Speed
Prediction
Second Place in Group E
Japan
Key Players
G - Seigo Narazaki
D - Yūichi Komano, Yuji Nakazawa
M - Keisuke Honda, Makoto Hasebe
F - Keiji Tamada
Advantages
-Creativity in the Midfield
-Experience
-Dangerous From Set Pieces
Weaknesses
-Lack of a Great Finisher
-Depth
-Size
Prediction
Fourth Place in Group E
Cameroon
Key Players
G - Carlos Kameni
D - Rigobert Song, Benoît Assou-Ekotto
M - Alexandre Song, Jean Makoun
F - Samuel Eto'o, Pierre Webo
Advantages
-Outstanding Finishing
-Speed in Attack
-Good Mix of Youth and Experience
Weaknesses
-Lack of Pace in Defense
-Depth
-Lack of Playmakers in the Midfield
Prediction
Third Place in Group E
I really like the Netherlands this year. I was surprised to see Van Nistelrooy absent from the roster at first but he doesn't take away from their strengths. The heroes we grew up with have to step down some time.
ReplyDeleteAs numbered the factors that could break this World Cup are, there are just as many working in it's favor. One of which is the strength of some of the teams that didn't quite make it as far as they should of last time. I'll stick to my Spain/Brazil final on principle but I wouldn't be surprised to see a Spain/Netherlands or Spain/England final either. Others like Ivory Coast and Australia will be biting at the bit to redeem themselves as well.
Denmark may have some trouble with their attacking. Bendtner is skilled no doubt, but tends to choke in front of goal. I think their strength lies in the back with Sorensen in goal and Agger doing work Liverpool style. We've seen he can net some pretty ones too.
I'll expect some heat from Cameroon as well. They're in their element in that African heat and Eto'o never fails to impress. Should be a fun Group to watch.
Yeah Holland is poised for some success. They have arguably the best midfield in the world, and have some world class finishers in Van Persie and Kuyt. Their main weakness to me is their speed on the defensive side and the age. Gio is getting old and probably won't be able to keep up with the likes of Eto'o and Bendtner.
ReplyDeleteI think that the biggest thing to look at with most teams is depth, and I think that's what makes Spain/Brazil/Germany/England such favorites.
Bendtner has a great finisher behind him in Tomasson to help him out. Sorensen is a beast, and so is Agger. Daniel Agger is one of my favorite defenders just because of his versatility as a center half.
One thing you have to think about though is the fact that it's going to be winter down in South Africa, with them being below the equator. That will be bad for the African teams to be honest.
But definitely a fun group.
Oh man. I didn't even think about it being winter down there. Well, luckily the big names have played in European conditions so I'm sure they're accustomed enough be dangerous.
ReplyDeleteYeah for sure. The winter seems to be pretty mild down there. They don't get snow much or anything, and it will be the beginning of winter I believe, much like the Confederation's Cup last year. I'd say that most of the big time players who play in England, Germany, and Italy will be used to it for sure.
ReplyDeleteDon't forget about Kahlenberg and Poulsen in the midfield for the Danes. They are the next best midfield of the group.
ReplyDeleteYou think they're better in the midfield than Sneijder, Van Bommel, De Jong, and Van Der Vaart?
ReplyDeleteI can't believe I forgot Robben...
ReplyDeleteMe either. The Netherlands is threatening to ruin your three-a-piece key players system. And I think Jordan C. meant they're the next best to the Dutch midfielders.
ReplyDeleteOh crap, I misread what he was saying. My bad.
ReplyDeleteI think Holland has the group on a lock. I think the battle for the group is who will finish 2nd. Japan is always so disappointing and Cameroon is having trouble keeping their favorite player happy. Denmark has great goalkeeping and Bendtner who finished the season with Arsenal on point. Denmark I think will finish 2nd and I think they'll bring the Illi-noise for the 2nd round of the WC.
ReplyDeleteYeah I think that Denmark is a real dark-horse in this year's cup. They have a bit of versatility on their side.
ReplyDelete