World Cup Preview Group E

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The 2018 FIFA World Cup is just around the corner. After a great display at the 2014 rendition, the USMNT  will be looking to prove they are among the best in the world. With some fresh faces in this year’s tournament, as well as a few heavy favorites, here is the complete breakdown of the field of 32.


Group E - Brazil, Switzerland, Costa Rica, Serbia

Brazil

Odds to win: 5-1 (Second highest)

Finish in 2014 WC: Lost to the Netherlands in the 3rd place match

Most Important Player: Could it actually be anyone but Neymar? The most expensive player on the planet swapped Barcelona for PSG last summer for the fee of 222 million Euros. He has the footwork, ability to score goals, and is marketable as hell. The ultimate package. Throw in the fact that he just turned 26 (and only 24 goals behind Pele to become Brazil's top goalscorer) and that 222 million starts to almost look reasonable. There are whispers if this could be the year that someone other than Ronaldo or Messi win the Balon D'or...and Neymar is certainly the closest to achieving that. If Brazil win this summer, I really think Neymar COULD be the best player of 2018.


Why they have a chance to win: As hosts of the 2014 World Cup, Brazil were utterly embarrassed against Germany in the semifinals. They lost 7-1 AT HOME, and was their worst loss since 1920. It was wildly entertaining, demoralizing, and record breaking all in one. Brazil needed a major overhaul before 2018, and this is their chance to show that it was just a fluke (and not a crushing blow that could set Brazil back for several years). Another team of superstars, and a relatively easy group, Brazil is second favorites to win the World Cup for good reason. Let's just hope their games are as entertaining as 2014! Oh yeah, Brazil also finished top of CONMEBOL qualifying, with only 1 loss. They are also ranked #2 in the world by FIFA.

Why they don’t have a chance to advance past the group stage: Barring a second catastrophic collapse, or the end of the world, Brazil are advancing to the knockout round. Neymar's back won't break twice.

Switzerland

Odds to win: 80-1

Finish in 2014 WC: Lost to Argentina in the Round of 16

Most Important Player: 5 foot 6 inches of pure muscle, Xherden Shaqiri is a beast. He only scores amazing goals, and is probably one of the only players that I would say could truly score against any defense. Now playing for lowly Stoke City, his biggest fault can be a tendency to do too much, as well as a lack of consistency. When he is on though, he is well and truly on. The former Bayern Munich and Intern Milan man will have some tricks up his sleeve for defenses this summer*

*Assuming Shaqiri doesn't switch nationalities to Kosovo, which is rumored to be a possibility.

Why they have a chance to win: There seems to be a theme of "How the hell is this team ranked so high" and Switzerland fits nicely into that category. Currently ranked #8(!!!) by FIFA, Switzerland finished second in their qualifying group because of goal differential, but only allowed 7 goals in 10 games. Not too bad for being captained by 34 year old Stephan Lichtsteiner. Defense wins championships...and secures their nation a spot in the round of 16! FUN FACT: Switzerland hold the FIFA World Cup Finals record for consecutive minutes without conceding a goal, achieved from 2006-2010.

Why they don’t have a chance to advance past the group stage: I would bet my life savings on Granit Xhaka picking up either yellow card accumulation (two yellow cards in group stage), or a straight red card for a ridiculous tackle. That would really put a damper on what the Swiss are trying to do, and could be a blow to their chances. I also don't trust their forwards to score. They only scored more than 3 goals in one of their qualifying games, with a group including Andorra and Latvia. Lest we forget, Switzerland beat Nothern Ireland 1-0 across two legs to just get into the damn World Cup.

Costa Rica

Only one of these teams will be in Russia this summer :(

Odds to win: 200-1

Finish in 2014 WC: Lost to the Netherlands in the Quarterfinals (PKs)

Most Important Player: Of the final 8 teams in the 2014 World Cup, Costa Rica had the least amount of goals scored, as well as different players to score. Their defense was stout throughout qualifying (8 goals against in 10 games), but they are going to need players to step up and score/assist. Enter Joel Campbell. The speedy Arsenal loanee has done a bit of traveling these past 6 years. Playing in 4 different countries for 6 teams, Campbell will be hoping to impressive his way back into the Arsenal squad soon. Joel helped with the demolition of the United States team during qualifying, with a calm finish to put the game "officially" to bed.

Why they have a chance to win: Costa Rica come from CONMEBOL (North and Central America), which is generally a toss up for how a team will perform. Given their group, I think a solid performance could get them three points against Serbia and maybe even Switzerland. If, IF, they pull it all together...maybe a Brazil upset??? Look for Bryan Ruiz and Joel Campbell to be the focal points of attack, and Real Madrid Keeper Kaylor Navas to shine for his country.

Why they don’t have a chance to advance past the group stage: From Costa Rica's point of view, they are going to have a realllllly tough time. Brazil, the obvious favorite, is almost a lock to advance. Switzerland is a strong favorite, and even Serbia are a decent side. Costa Rica will have to upset one of the top seeds and lose a close game to the other in order to stay in contention. Lots of firepower in this group, and I honestly don't know if Costa Rica can keep up. CONCACAF is a just not on the level of the other federations, and even a middle of the road Serbia might go toe to toe with Costa Rica.

Serbia

Odds to win: 150-1

Finish in 2014 WC: Last qualified in 2010

Most Important Player: Captain Branislav Ivanovic is Serbia's most important player. We have seen him go from being bitten by Luis Suarez, to picking up lots of cards, to scoring 93rd minute headers to win Chelsea the 2013 Europa League! 

This is for sure his last chance at the World Cup, so who knows. Maybe he scores a game winning header, gets sent off, after being bitten??? Could happen!

Why they have a chance to win: Okay so their keeper selection isn't great, their backline is was great 4 years ago, and their attackers leave much to be desired. But HOLY MOLY their midfield is stacked. New boy Sergej Milinkovic-Savic joins a line of playmaker Dusan Tadic, General Nemanja Matic, and wildcard Luka Milijvojevic. Now THAT is dangerous. Let's just hope they are all healthy and Serbia could give their group some trouble!

Why they don’t have a chance to advance past the group stage: I see Serbia as the 3rd best team in their group on paper, and I really think that's where they will finish. They lack fire power up front, and a natural goalscorer to punish teams. Also they don't have a keeper I trust. And with Brazil in your group, looking to avenge their 7-1 loss in 2014, Serbia may be the sacrificial lamb.

Group E:

4TR Sports Predicts
1. Brazil

2. Switzerland

3. Serbia

4. Costa Rica



As always, let me know how wrong I definitely am, or what your group prediction is.

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