Group B Predictions
Teams:
England
Paraguay
Trinidad & Tobago
Sweden
This group is about a straight fight between England and Sweden for the first place in the group. The second place team of this group is likely to face Germany in the second round.
Debutants Trinidad and Tobago are likely to be contenders for the worst team of the competition. Paraguay have the South American pedigree of good attacking football with a fiar share of flair players. But injury to the experienced forward, Jose Cardozo and their lack of depth will hurt them in the competition. Also, compared to Sweden and England, the German conditions will be alien to their players. Their key player will be Roque Santa Cruz, an exciting forward playing for Bayern Munich and their captain Carlos Gamarra in defence.
Between England and Sweden, the overall feeling in the media is that England will succeed and I concur with them. England, even without Rooney, have a good structure to their team and form. They have one fo the best defensive line up and depth among all the teams. They can go a goal up and afford to defend the rest of the game, though as a strategy it might be fatal. The feeling from the media reports is that Rooney might be fit but Steven Gerrard might be doubtful for the first game against Paraguay. But that should not be an issue as Stevie G is a big match player and should be required only by June 20, when they face Sweden.
Sweden are an ageing side capable of beating any team on their day, but consistency might be a problem. Their hopes are tied around the form of 24 year old Juventus stiker Zlatan Ibrahimovic. If he is able to get his rhythm in a game, then the whole Swedish side can build around him and change the complexion of any game. Sweden have the likes of Hendrik Larsson (who will retire after this competition) and 28 year old Arsenal midfielder Fredrik Ljungberg (who has a nagging injury he is playing with) but as mentioned earlier, they will have to push to the extreme their bodies and spirit.
Predictions: England win all three games, followed by Sweden.
England
Paraguay
Trinidad & Tobago
Sweden
This group is about a straight fight between England and Sweden for the first place in the group. The second place team of this group is likely to face Germany in the second round.
Debutants Trinidad and Tobago are likely to be contenders for the worst team of the competition. Paraguay have the South American pedigree of good attacking football with a fiar share of flair players. But injury to the experienced forward, Jose Cardozo and their lack of depth will hurt them in the competition. Also, compared to Sweden and England, the German conditions will be alien to their players. Their key player will be Roque Santa Cruz, an exciting forward playing for Bayern Munich and their captain Carlos Gamarra in defence.
Between England and Sweden, the overall feeling in the media is that England will succeed and I concur with them. England, even without Rooney, have a good structure to their team and form. They have one fo the best defensive line up and depth among all the teams. They can go a goal up and afford to defend the rest of the game, though as a strategy it might be fatal. The feeling from the media reports is that Rooney might be fit but Steven Gerrard might be doubtful for the first game against Paraguay. But that should not be an issue as Stevie G is a big match player and should be required only by June 20, when they face Sweden.
Sweden are an ageing side capable of beating any team on their day, but consistency might be a problem. Their hopes are tied around the form of 24 year old Juventus stiker Zlatan Ibrahimovic. If he is able to get his rhythm in a game, then the whole Swedish side can build around him and change the complexion of any game. Sweden have the likes of Hendrik Larsson (who will retire after this competition) and 28 year old Arsenal midfielder Fredrik Ljungberg (who has a nagging injury he is playing with) but as mentioned earlier, they will have to push to the extreme their bodies and spirit.
Predictions: England win all three games, followed by Sweden.
posted by kgroupie @ 12:11 PM
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