World Cup Preview Group F

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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 F - Germany, Mexico, Sweden, South Korea

Germany

Odds to win: 9-2 (Highest)

Finish in 2014 WC: Defeated Argentina in the Finals 1-0

Most Important Player: Germany are one the most well-rounded teams in the world. I don't think they are led by any single superstar, and for the most part, everyone is replaceable. Their team is deep enough, they often play friendlies with 2nd or 3rd string squads. This would give most teams trouble, because of a lack of consistency, but with Germany it seems to work. I would have to say their most important player is sweeper-keeper Manuel Neuer. His presence in the side seems to calm everyone down, even when he looks WAY out of position. There are plenty of good German goalkeepers, but Neuer is very great. He has led Bayern Munich and Germany to a plethora of titles in the last couple of years, and as long as he is healthy (recent injury problems have held him out), I just can't see Germany being upset in the tournament.


Why they have a chance to win: As just mentioned, Germany have the depth to compete with even their B or C teams. With so many quality players, it becomes easy to interchange positions and have a solid rotation to avoid injuries. I think having a deep squad is essential to competing during the World Cup, and it could really help the Germans in the later rounds. While other teams could suffer suspensions or injuries to their key players, I really think Germany is a favorite for a reason, and they will dominate regardless. They also decimated 4 years ago and won a title with most of the group that will be returning this year.

Why they don’t have a chance to advance past the group stage: Germany won in spectacular fashion 4 years ago, a 4-0 win against Portugal, 7-1 win against Brazil, and 1-0 win against France. However, their campaign also included a 2-2 draw against Ghana where they had to tie it up late and a 2-1 win against Algeria in extra time. If Germany cruises like they did in 2014, there could again be a possibility that they will struggle at some point. Mexico and Sweden provide enough of a challenge that it could happen.

Mexico

Odds to win: 60-1

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

Most Important Player: People may disagree with me, but I have a tie for Mexico's most important player. I think their defending is fantastic, and for me the two standouts are Hector Moreno and Miguel Layun. Now both playing in Spain for Real Sociedad and Sevilla, respectively, the two could be described as journeymen. Moreno, started in Mexico before bouncing to the Netherlands, Spain, and Italy for 5 different clubs. He is a centerback that has taken over for willy veteran and goal scoring machine Rafa Marquez. Layun, an outside by trade, also started in Mexico before playing in Italy, England, Portugal, and now Spain. His pace is incredible and also has an ability to create chances for his team.

Why they have a chance to win: Mexico cruised through qualifying, given very little resistance in CONCACAF. They have a great feeder system for young players, and Liga MX is up and coming as well with talent. A strong domestic league, with plenty of roster depth is recipe to compete with the best, and El Tri will have a chance to do so with their opening match against reigning world champions Germany. If they can start off with a very strong game...the group only gets easier from there. Look for Mexico to be a real threat in Russia.

Why they don’t have a chance to advance past the group stage: Mexico had a strong showing in 2014 before losing to the Netherlands late. They only failed to beat Brazil in the group stage, and had an exit that was way too early. Croatia and Cameroon did not perform well in 2014, and even Brazil's credibility is in question. Mexico will need another great 3 games to prevent any slip-ups this summer. Demi-God Memo Ochoa also boosted Mexico's chances in each game, and their goalkeeping choice may be the most important!

Sweden

Odds to win: 80-1

Finish in 2014 WC: Have not qualified since 2006

Most Important Player: Former Manchester City man John Guidetti looks like he will led the Swedes into Russia this summer with a whole host of club experience. Having already been on loan for 6 different teams, the 25 year old had one breakout season for Feyenoord in 2011 (20 goals in 23 appearances). If Guidetti can regain his form, he can really leave an impression for his country, and reignite his club career (i.e. 2016 - Hal Robson Kanu)

Why they have a chance to win: Unbelievable qualifying campaign, and just barely finished below France. They also beat the Dutch on goal differential, which I'm not upset about whatsoever. They had built up enough of a point lead, that they lost the final match to the Dutch 2-0 and were still fine. They also topped Italy in the playoffs 1-0 over two legs, so they have the experience against the big name teams.

Why they don’t have a chance to advance past the group stage: This being their first World Cup since 2006, the pressure will be on Sweden to prove they belong to stay. They may have lucked into a weaker group, but I think Sweden may actually be the weakest team in this group. They will have to beat South Korea (possible) and probably beat Mexico (highly questionable). I just don't see it happening.

South Korea

Odds to win: 500-1

Finish in 2014 WC: Finished 4th in Group H

Most Important Player: As the most expensive Asian player and current top Asian goal scorer in Premier League history, Heung-min Son is still underrated by many. He had a breakout season for Tottenham Hotspurs last year, and mostly continued his fine form this season. This summer is the first real chance to see Son at the world stage, for his country. He is electric to watch and will definitely be Korea's best chance going forward.

Why they have a chance to win: While South Korea has JUST gotten in for this summer, it wasn't too long ago when South Korea were World Cup semifinalists. They fell to Germany 1-0 off of a Ballack goal in the 75th minute, and couldn't rebound against Turkey in the 3rd place match. Their 4th place finish is still their highest ever finish...and they will need to channel that energy to have any chance of picking up points.

Why they don’t have a chance to advance past the group stage: South Korea are one of the lowest ranked teams in the World Cup, currently sitting at 59. They had a very average qualifying campaign finishing with 4 wins, 4 ties, and 3 losses. They only finished two points about Syria and Uzbekistan. Not a great record for a group that has to play Mexico and Germany in the group stages. I think South Korea will finish with 0 points total, and an early exit in Russia.

Group F:

4TR Sports Predicts

1. Germany

2. Mexico

3. Sweden

4. South Korea 

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

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