World Cup Preview Group G

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We will be releasing a new group breakdown every day, so look out for them! Let us know what you think about it and tweet at us just how wrong we are...

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 G - Belgium, Panama, Tunisia, England

Belgium

Odds to win: 12-1

Finish in 2014 WC: Lost to Argentina in the Quarterfinals1-0

Most Important Player: Belgium should be slandered on this very post for defeating the USA in 2014...but I can't bring myself to do that. Belgium are one of the top 4 young teams coming into this Summer with France, Spain, and Germany in the mix. Belgium have their stars playing at the highest level, on the best teams, making big impacts. 4 years ago, the roster had the same spine as it does in 2018, but the players have vastly improved. Names like Kompany, Hazard, De Bruyne, and Lukaku are almost household names in England, and this could be their chance to put their country on top. I think Kevin De Bruyne will be fresh off of winning the PFA Player of the Year in England, helping Manchester City to winning the league title, and will be a leader for the Red Devils in midfield. He has been incredible for Manchester City all season, and is making a push to be the best midfielder in all of Europe.



Why they have a chance to win: Belgium have something that all of the top teams in the world have, squad depth. Even their second line has Dries Mertens (34 goals last season), Michy Batshuayi (5 goals in 7 games for Dortmund since January), and Radja Nainggolan (Midfield tank for Roma in Calcio A who can do this...). 

Belgium could probably top group G with their bench, and maybe even advance from the group with their Under-24's. They are a virtual lock, and it is going to take a special team (or a reallllly special game from a team ie. Wales 2016) to take them down.

Why they don’t have a chance to advance past the group stage: Belgium started well in 2014, and ran into the Argentine side that was destined to reach the final (and lose). Belgium will hope to avoid any other world powerhouse until the quarterfinals again. They will want to make sure they are firing on all cylinders in the group stages, to prepare to face Argentina, France, Germany, etc. Then again, Wales had ONE special game and took them down in the EURO quarterfinals. So anything is possible.

Panama

Odds to win: 1000-1 (T-Lowest)

Finish in 2014 WC: First ever appearance



Most Important Player: Roman Torres has had a wild 3 years. Captains Panama at the 2015 Gold Cup, scores the opening goal in the Semifinal, signs for Seattle Sounders right after the tournament, scores the winning penalty for Seattle to take home the MLS Cup in 2016, and scoring the game winning goal for Panama last October to send them to their first ever World Cup. If that isn't the stuff of legends, I don't know what is. The man can do no wrong, and no matter what happens, Panama will be chanting his name. If anyone on Panama can pull out a moment of brilliance to leave Russia with 1 point or 3...its Roman Torres.

Why they have a chance to win: Lowest odds to win the World Cup for a reason, Panama barely inched into Russia. They had to rely on the United States historically collapsing against the worst team in the group. Yes, it happened, but Panama aren't ready for the World Cup, this will be great experience for their younger players and a great goodbye to their veterans.

Why they don’t have a chance to advance past the group stage: Panama have an older team. Their star players are all over 30, and stalwarts like Blas Perez, Felipe Baloy, Luis Tejada, and Jaime Penedo all being over 35. This is for sure their first and last run at the World Cup, and I just do not think they are going to be able to keep up with Belgium and England who just have more quality.



Tunisia

Odds to win: 500-1

Finish in 2014 WC: Have not qualified since 2006

Most Important Player: Sunderland may be up for sale and sinking, but they do have some players on their team that could keep them afloat. First off of that list is Wahbi Khzari. The midfielder played his whole career in France before moving to Sunderland in 2016. He has since been loaned to Rennes in France, and playing much better soccer. With 31 caps for Tunisia, Khazri will probably be the go-to for his country, as they look to take on powerhouses England and Belgium. Best moment from Khazri has to be his free kick to beat De Gea in February 2016.

Why they have a chance to win: Young teams either crumble at the prospect of playing in a World Cup, or feel easy that there are little expectations to do well. If Tunisia could feel the latter, they may just nick a point or two out of the group stage. They will be hoping to be the team to shock either England or Belgium! Also ranked #23 in the world by FIFA(??)!

Why they don’t have a chance to advance past the group stage: Their best bet is to beat Panama, but also at least tie England/Belgium...and then they have to pray that the goal differential goes their way. Basically, a lot of factors have to go in to help Tunisia make the round of 16, and I just don't see them doing it. They don't have enough experience in the toughest leagues, their roster isn't deep enough with talent, they just have to cross their fingers.

England

Odds to win: 20-1

Finish in 2014 WC: Finished 4th in Group D

Most Important Player: King Harold Kane.

102 goals for Tottenham in 141 games is something special. The 24 year old has been given the keys to the England attack, and is expected to be the first name on the team sheet come June. Kane is in his 4th season as a starter in the Premier League, and has picked up 6 Player of the Month awards, 2 back to back Golden Boots, 2017 England Player of the Year, named to the PFA Team of the Year 3 years in a row (will definitely make it 4 this May), and won Tottenham Player of the Year for 2014. The dude knows how to score, and when he is on the field, England are just a better team. If he can keep this form going into Russia, he may well could be the best forward in the tournament.

Why they have a chance to win: England have one of, if not the, best league in the world. The Premier League has the most talented players, all the drama, and is the most watched soccer league in the world. Every single player expected to be called up for the World Cup plays in the Premier League, which is a testament to the English FA and their ability to keep talent playing in their home country. Playing week in, week out with the best players from other nations can only help you improve. If England are able to put together a really good squad, from the dozens of stars to choose from, they are going to be set up for a deep tournament run.

Why they don’t have a chance to advance past the group stage: England are an enigma at the international level. They have all the talent and coaching as referenced earlier...but they do not have the results to prove it. Just 2 quarterfinal appearance since 1998, at the World Cup and EURO's combined! They have a tendency to flounder when the opportunity comes for them to make a statement win. Just two years ago, England bowed up against Iceland, in a game many will call the worst ever defeat for the country. 6 years before that, in 2010, England were embarrassed by finishing 2nd behind the United States in what was largely believed to be cakewalk group for them. Point is, they have struggled as of late on the international stage, and it would surprise exactly zero people if they went out in the round of 16.....again.

(How close England were to having to play Ghana...instead of Germany)

Group G:

4TR Sports Predicts

1. Belgium

2. England

3. Tunisia

4. Panama 

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

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