World Cup Preview - Group H

Group H

Poland (10)
Senegal (28)
Colombia (16)
Japan (60)

Poland - Going to their first World Cup since 2006, Poland will be glad they have been drawn in a group that gives them a strong chance of qualifying for the Last 16 for the first time since the 80's. In a group with Denmark, Romania and Montenegro, they qualified with ease, losing only one game away in Montenegro.

The squad has a good blend of youth and experience, but the bulk of the starting 11 is made of up experienced players who have played in the big leagues in Europe.

Lukas Piszczek and Jakub Blaszczykowski played together on the right hand side for Dortmund for many years and have a good understanding there. At 33 and 32 respectively they are likely going to their last tournaments. They used to have serious pace and cause trouble with that, but they are good footballers and can still be creative influences.

Two midfielders that are exciting members of the squad are Arkadiusz Milik and Piotr Zielinski. Both have been at Napoli for the last two seasons, with Milik being unlucky with knee injuries. He has had operations on both knees for separate injuries and it will be interesting to see how fit he is in Russia. Two years ago he was looking like a top prospect playing with Ajax. He has a beautiful left foot and great feet, but is also a threat in the air. Hopefully the injuries haven't slowed him down.

Zielinski is smaller, quicker and a skillful player. He likes running with the ball and is more of a creater of chances.

At central defense, Monaco defender Kamil Glik is strong and aggressive and a crucial part of the team. He has picked up an injury to his shoulder in training, doing an overhead kick, so if he is missing that will be a huge lose to Poland. Behind him, if fit, will be one of two former Arsenal keepers, Szczesny or Fabianski. Fabianski has been a regular this year at Swansea and that game time could well be the deciding factor over who is number one this tournament.

Poland finished third in 1974 and 1982, but they will be surprising everyone if they make it that far again. They have a great chance to progress from the group where they will face Belgium or England most likely. They are a strong team with some exciting players, they won't be easy to beat.

Star Man - 16 goals in qualification for Robert Lewandowski was 13 more than anyone else in the team. He has been one of the best goalscorers in world football for seven seasons now in the Bundesliga, and with 52 goals is the record scorer for his country. This will be his first World Cup and a chance to do it on the biggest stage of all. He is possibly looking for a move this summer, and a Golden Boot performance from him would drive up his price.


Senegal - The Lions of Teranga are going to the World Cup for the first time since they shocked France in 2002. Their only tournament to date resulted in a Quarter Finals place, something that will be hard to replicate here. They were given an easy group in qualification to help them through, with an unbeaten six games against Burkino Faso, South Africa and Cape Verde Islands.

The team relies on a strong base, with 3 defensive minded midfielders, allowing the three upfront to try and create chances. They only scored 10 goals in the six qualifying games, with top scorers Diafra Sakho and Cheikh N'Doye getting two each. Sakho was at West Ham for four seasons, but never looked like a regular goalscorer. His best season was 12 goals in the first year he arrived. He moved to Rennes in January and only managed four games, scoring three goals. He is likely to be used from the bench for Senegal.

The likely front three of Keita Balde, Sadio Mane and M'Baye Niang is very exciting for Senegal. They are all extremely quick, and are all interchangeable in a front three. They will be hard to deal with on a counter attack. Balde in particular has impressed since his move to Monaco last Summer, and with himself and Niang both only being 23 years old, the future could be bright for Senegal.
Sadio Mane has had another great season with Liverpool, especially in their Champions League run. He sometimes looks a little out of control, but his pace and directness are a real threat.

The choice of five midfielders all playing in England shows the team has a lot of quality. However the midfield is mostly strong against the ball and lack quality on it. They won't be readily joining the attack, and they are not generally considered a goal threat in open play. Set pieces however could be a big weapon for Senegal. With at least five players in the starting team over 6ft4in, they could be tough to deal with if delivery from corners and free kicks is good enough.

Star Man - Kalidou Koulibaly has been a rock at the heart of the Napoli defense this season as they tried to wrestle the Serie A stranglehold that Juventus have away from them. His stoppage time winner from a corner in Turin looked like the catalyst for it to happen, but they ultimately fell short. The French born 26 year old stands at 6ft5, is quick and strong, but also can read the game.

Nicknamed 'The Wall' by fans, he can also come out with the ball and pick a pass. He could be a big money mover this summer, and he has a chance to show off his qualities on the world stage.




Colombia - Four years ago in Brazil, Colombia were the team everybody enjoyed watching. They played attacking football and James Rodriguez emerged as one of the best players in the world. A controversial quarter final defeat by Brazil didn't stop the fans welcoming them home as heroes. Four years on and they arrive on the back of a qualifying campaign in which they struggled to score goals, and only just qualified in fourth place, on the last game day. The South American qualifiers are difficult, but it was the lack of firepower that really worries Colombia.

In January 2014, an ACL tear to star striker Radamel Falcao was a bitter blow to the squad. He wouldn't be back in time for the World Cup, and now it is great to see him back scoring goals and getting his opportunity to come to his first tournament. He didn't look fit at Manchester United or Chelsea, but since his return to Monaco he has almost looked back to his best. His 24 goals this season have helped Monaco to second place in Ligue 1, and I hope he can go on to have a big World Cup.
Two defenders that have come on to the international scene recently are Yerry Mina, who plays at Barcelona, and Davinson Sanchez at Spurs. Both are tall and quick, but definitely have mistakes in them. It will be interesting to see how they fair if Colombia are playing against stronger opposition.

Winger Juan Cuadrado is another player who didn't quite break in to the Chelsea team, but has been an excellent signing for Juventus. His pace running with the ball is a real threat, and he will be hoping to replicate his form of four years ago when he was the top of the assist charts at the tournament.
The squad has a nice blend of youth and experience, and they will be looking for inspiration from their star players to qualify from what is a tough group.

Star Man - Top scorer in Brazil 2014, and in qualifying for this tournament, James Rodriguez is the countries key player. He wasn't a regular at Real Madrid, but has been looking back to his best at Bayern Munich. He plays the role he loves for Colombia, behind the striker and with a free role, which gives him the chance to show his skills and eye for goal. He regularly scores important goals for his country, with five out of six of his goals in qualifying being the first goal of the game, and the other being an equaliser, against Chile. He could be set for another big tournament.


Japan - Normally regarded as the strongest team in Asia, Japan are definitely not expected to be such a threat this year. They just edged out Australia and Saudi Arabia by one point in the qualifiers, but arrive in Russia on the back of friendly defeats against Ukraine, Ghana and Switzerland. The Bosnian manager, Vahid Halihodzic led The Samurai to the tournament, but he was recently sacked, and the role given to Akira Nishino.

The Japanese Football Association technical director was given the job after Halihodzic was criticised for his direct and aggressive style of play. Now with a more attractive looking 3-4-3 in operation, they will try to return to the short passing and high pressing that made the team a danger in previous tournaments.

It will be difficult to change things in such short notice, but with the return to the squad of experienced players, Kagawa, Honda and Okazaki, the team looks stronger than it did 12 months ago.
The Bundesliga is where six of the current squad play, and they will be an important part of the managers plans. Hamburg have just been relegated, but captain and right wing back Goteku Sakai is a crucial player for his country. His energy on the right hand side is a good outlet, and he also helps out when required to defend.

Strikers Yoshinori Muto(Mainz) and Yuya Osako(just signed for Werder Bremen) will share central striker responsibilities. Muto has had a better season with Mainz, scoring ten goals, but Osako has been more prolific when playing for his country.
In qualifying, it was Genki Haraguchi that top scored. The winger played a key role in helping Fortuna Dusseldorf achieve promotion to the Bundesliga this season after going on loan there in January.

Japan are outsiders for the group, but with a new manager and some optimism back in the team, they could cause a surprise.

Star Man - Southampton defender Maya Yoshida was a regular in the Premier League again this season and he is the most important defender for Japan. He reads the game well and is aggressive, also providing a goal threat for his country with ten goals. He now has 80 caps for his country, and the 29 year old is hoping to be part of a back three that can keep clean sheets in Russia, against quality attacking opposition. He is likely to be busy and will have to lead the defense well for Japan to qualify.



Predictions - Group H is probably the hardest to predict given their is no clear favourite and no rank outsider. Colombia did so well four years ago, and they have James Rodriguez and Falcao to link up. They play Japan in game one, and a win would put them on their way to qualifying. I think they will top the group eventually, and be joined by Poland. The injury to Glik for Poland will be an issue, but with Milik, Zielinski and Lewandowski they are such a threat in attack, and I think they will be just too good for Senegal over the three games, maybe on goal difference.
Japan will finish 4th, I think, but Senegal could easily sneak in to the top two.

What to Bet on - Poland scored 28 goals in qualifying, dominating a tough group. I think they will beat Japan in the final game to qualify. They are 5/6 to beat Japan in that game.

World Klutz - It wouldn't be World Klutz without the most famous of them all in 2006. The last game of an illustrious career, the final of the World Cup, what a way to end it all on the biggest stage.

France went on to lose the shootout and Zidane retired in disgrace. I'll forever remember him for his goal at Hampden when I stood behind it on the track as a 15 year old. But this moment possibly cost his team, as they saw Italy lift the trophy.

People too young to remember 2002 will forever remember this as his most famous moment.

He went on to management and is doing not bad.

World Cup Preview - Group G

Group G

England (13)
Belgium (3)
Tunisia (14)
Panama (55)

England - Qualification was relatively straightforward for England as they only dropped points away at Scotland and Slovenia, drawing both. They didn't convincingly win all their games, with a 4-0 win in Malta and 3-0 at home to Scotland their only wins by more than two goals but topping the group was never really in doubt.

Despite continuous high expectations, England have failed to get past the quarter final of a World Cup since a 4th place finish in 1990.

Gareth Southgate will be looking forward to his first major tournament as a manager, and he has gone with a squad that has an average age of just 26.

The big talking point all season was whether Joe Hart would still be number one as he has been since 2012. However his poor form has resulted in him not even being selected, meaning Jack Butland and Jordan Pickford will battle it out for the starting role. The position has been an issue at tournaments for a while with England, and now with less than ten caps between all three goalkeepers, it could be a problem area.

Defensively they resorted to a back three, but strangely it seems to be including Kyle Walker. Walker has been outstanding for Manchester City this year as an attacking full back, but defensively he has been vulnerable at times. On the right of a back three seems to take away his strengths and force him to defend more. Beside him there is a choice of Stones, out of favour at City, Cahill who was a long time out of the team at Chelsea, Jones who is an accident waiting to happen and Maguire, who I am not convinced is a good defender. He is comfortable on the ball, but I think he could be in trouble when up against a top opposition.

In the midfield it seems that Eric Dier will be used in the holding role he plays for Spurs. He was moved there mainly because he isn't a good enough defender. For me he isn't a top level passer and isn't what England need to keep the ball when games are tight. Henderson had a strong season with Liverpool taking them to the Champions League final. He is busier and more aggressive than Dier, and tries more forward passes. He isn't world class either, but might be a better option. It is possible both are playing against stronger teams.

The strength of the England team is in the forward four players. Harry Kane has proved he is one of the best strikers in the world. He scores goals and links the play well and is always hungry to get in the box. One slight worry is it looked like he wasn't fully fit towards the end of the season, so it will be interesting to see how he gets on. Teammate Dele Alli is also a great goalscorer. He doesn't have incredible pace or skill, but he has an instinct for goals and I think his movement in the box is outstanding. He will score goals at this tournament for sure, but he has to make sure he doesn't get sent off because teams will try to wind him up.

Another weapon they have is pace from the bench from Vardy, Rashford, Lingard and Welbeck. Pace at the end of games when defenders are tiring can be a real bonus, and they could all have crucial roles to play.

Star Man - Raheem Sterling has been regularly criticised throughout his career, but since Guardiola joined Manchester City his game has gone to new levels. His confidence is sky high and he has added goals to his game, especially this season. His final product was always the issue, but now he has looked more composed in the final third and set up goals as well as scored goals all season. His pace, quick feet and change of direction make him an important player as England look to unlock defenses and advance deep into the knockout stages.


Belgium - Belgium are nearing the end of their so called golden generation and it hasn't produced what was expected. Now with Roberto Martinez in charge, it seems like nobody is expecting them to challenge for the trophy this time around. He made a strange decision not including Roma midfielder Nainngolan, despite him having a great season for the Champions League semi finalists.

Benteke was a surprise inclusion despite an awful season of just three goals with Crystal Palace in the initial squad, but he has not been included in the 23. It was perhaps as a backup given that Michy Batshuayi picked up an ankle injury late in the season after really impressing on his loan move in Dortmund. He must be fit, so they won't only be relying on Romelu Lukaku to score the goals from upfront. He is one player that has probably gained confidence under Mourinho, as he is constantly talked up in the press and starts every time he is fit. He lost his place at the 2014 World Cup to Divock Origi, but I'd be surprised if that happens again. He won't win the golden boot, but he can be the important link man to get Belgium up the pitch and help get their star players on the ball in the final third.

One of those stars is Kevin De Bruyne, probably the best passer in the Premier League. He is so clever at finding space and recognising when to pass the ball and where to pass it. He has license to roam as Axel Witsel and possibly Marouane Fellaini sit deeper and protect the defense.

Dries Mertens has had his best two seasons as a footballer the last two years at Napoli. Now 31 he has taken on a goalscoring responsibility, and has managed 56 over the last two seasons. He goes to the World Cup after a great season with Napoli and with his pace and running off the ball, will add another dimension from Lukaku, De Bruyne and Hazard.

Despite the reputation of the manager struggling with defense in the past, he is lucky to have inherited such a strong one here. It looks like Kompany might have injured himself, so it could help as Vertonghen and Alderweireld get to link up as a partnership. When they play together at Spurs they are the best partnership in the league, and should be strong for Belgium. Thomas Meunier has played a number of games at right back for PSG this season, and Vermaelen can fit in at left back, despite not being a regular at Barcelona. With Courtois behind them this is a team that shouldn't concede many goals, and is very dangerous on the attack.

Star Man - No doubt that Eden Hazard has had inconsistent form with Chelsea the last few years, but he is such an exciting player to watch. His close control is as good as anyone and when he dribbles with the ball his change of direction and acceleration from a standing start are almost impossible to defend. He can win a game on his own and also has great composure infront of goal. He is likely to be top scorer for Belgium, and with defenses likely to have to watch Mertens, De Bruyne and Lukaku as well, he should get opportunities to run 1v1 at defenders, and there will only be one winner in that scenario.


Tunisia - Surprisingly the highest ranked team in Africa now, Tunisia qualified by winning a group with DR Congo, Libya and Guinea. They were unbeaten and will compete for the first time at the World Cup since 2006. They have never advanced past the groups, and in fact only ever won one game, a 3-1 defeat of Mexico in 1978.

Top scorer in qualifying Youssef Msakni is unfortunately going to miss out on the tournament due to an injury he picked up in April. The second top scorer in the Qatari League, with 25 goals in 22 games was the main goal threat for the country. Now they will be relying on home based players, Anice Bedri and Saber Khalifa, or Saudi based Ben Youssef to find the net. Between them they have 15 goals for their country, but it will be a huge step up from the leagues the play in.

Recent friendly draws against Turkey and Portugal will have given them confidence going in to the tournament, but they are up against it in this group.

Most of the players play in Asia or African leagues, with a handful playing in France. 31 year old Leicester City defender, Yohan Benalouane has only three caps for Tunisia after rejecting call ups previously hoping to earn his way in to the France squad. Born in France he finally accepted a call up for Tunisia this year, and some will not be happy with his inclusion. He is a strong defender however, and is likely to be starting games in central defense.

Only 33 year old goalkeeper Aymen Mathlouthi has more than 50 caps in the squad, and having made his debut in 2007, it means that every member of the squad will be going to their first ever World Cup.

Star Man - He showed only glimpses of quality at Sunderland, but having scored 11 goals for Rennes this season Wahbi Khazri is the most likely star for Tunisia. He has 12 goals for his country, including a recent winner against Costa Rica in a friendly. His delivery from set pieces will be vital for Tunisia, and he will be relied upon to create chances in open play. This Tunisia team is lacking any real stars, and playing England and Belgium in their first two games, they could be out before they get a chance to beat Panama.


Panama - A national holiday was declared when Panama qualified for their first ever World Cup at the expense of the USA. An 88th minute winner at home to Costa Rica in the final game from 110 times capped defender, Roman Torres gave them third position and a place in Russia. He is one of five players in the squad with more than 100 caps, full of players based in Central and North America.

A lot of the defenders in the squad have struggled for game time at their clubs this season, but one regular has been Adolfo Machado at Houston Dynamo. The 33 year old defender served a two year doping ban from 2012, but with 65 caps for his country he has been a strong central defender in qualifying and in the the MLS.

Only one player in the squad plays in a top level domestic league in Europe, and that is left back Erick Davis. He plays in Slovakia with Dunajska Streda, who finished third in the league this season. With many not being regulars at their clubs, or playing in second tiers, this is for me the poorest squad at the tournament, perhaps along with Saudi Arabia.

They won three out of ten games in qualifying which was enough to see them through, scoring only nine goals, conceding ten. It's an incredibly poor record for a team that qualified automatically and shows how poor the CONCACAF qualifying is.

It will be a great party for them in Russia and their supporters, but they are nowhere near good enough and will be lucky to get a point from their three games.

Star Man - Gabriel Torres is the main striker for Panama, and has had a solid journeyman careers so far. Nine goals in 15 games so far for Huachipato in Chile this season, he has totalled 15 international goals as well. He once had a trial at Manchester United in 2007, but his career has been played on the other side of the Atlantic. He was top scorer at the Gold Cup in 2013, and will be hoping to add to his tally in Russia.



Predictions - This group is probably the easiest to predict given the strengths of England and Belgium over Tunisia and Panama. Also given England meet Belgium last, they both should already have qualified by then. Panama are likely to finish bottom as Tunisia should beat them to claim third spot.

Depending on whether players are rested in the third game, I can see Belgium just having too much for England with the attacking options they have.


What to Bet on - Panama are 15/2 to be the lowest scoring team that the tournament. I don't think they will score any.


World Klutz - In 2010 it was a big chance for Rob Green to earn himself the right to be England goalkeeper for the foreseeable future. Unfortunately in game one versus USA, it didn't quite work out...

This goal resulted in a 1-1 draw for England, who would eventually go out to Germany in the Last 16. Rob Green was subsequently dropped for the following game, and only played one more time for England, two years later. A shocking piece of goalkeeping, one that England will be hoping doesn't happen to whoever is chosen as first choice this year.