Favourites for the World Cup Golden Boot

1. Lionel Messi

Argentina has relatively easier group when compared to other teams and Lionel Messi is expected to play the leading role in Argentina’s World Cup hopes and put in a string of performances which will make him one of the all time greats. Therefore, the four time Ballon D’Or winner needs to perform for his nation to have any chance of claiming glory on enemy soil.

2. Neymar

A lot is being expected from Neymar this World Cup, after all he is their Poster Boy. He showed the world what he is capable of last summer in the Confederations Cup by helping Brazil to victory. A similar set of performances will certainly make him a leading contender for this year’s World Cup Golden Boot award and may even help make A Seleção world champions for an unprecedented sixth time.

3. Thomas Muller

The 2010 Golden Boot winner could become the first man in history to win back-to-back Golden Boots. He is expected to play a major part in Germany’s bid to lift the famous trophy as he is almost a certain starter for Die Mannschaft. Can the Bayern Munich man create history in Brazil?

4. Sergio Aguero

Sergio Aguero has been in a lethal form of late and he has been destroying clubs in the Premier League with amazing goal scoring skills. His fitness levels are being closely monitored and if he is deemed fit, you can expect him to score a lot of goals. The fact that Argentina has easier fixtures in the group stages comes in as handy to him. Let us see how effective he is for Argentina.

5. Mario Balotelli

The lethal Italian striker is one of the most prolific strikers in the world and has a good international record with 13 goals in 31 appearances. Expect him to add to his goal tally and who knows, he may even fire the Azzurri to victory.

6. Cristiano Ronaldo

I know what you are wondering. What is Ronaldo doing so low? He’s the Ballon D’Or winner, he deserves to be higher! The answer is simple. Portugal rely heavily on the wing wizard and that pressure may get to him and cause him to become a flop during the tournament. Furthermore, Portugal do not have a strong squad and are unlikely to go far in Brazil, therefore Ronaldo’s chances of scoring goals will become limited as his rivals are all parts of superior teams who will progress to the latter stages of the competition.

7. Karim Benzema

Benzema will play a major role in the performance of the French national team. Now that the fan-favourite Ribery is out injured, his responsibility has doubled and his performance will be under the scanner. He had a decent campaign with Real Madrid, winning the Champions League and Copa Del Rey in the process. He will be motivated by the fact that his side has a relatively easier group when compared to other teams.

8. Luis Suarez

Most of you won’t agree, but Luis Suarez has been the best striker in the world for the past 1-2 years. His vision, passing, runs and goal scoring techniques have been one of the best, not to forget his free kicks. He is fighting to be fully fit because of the injury he got in the end of the Premier League campaign. This is expected to affect his chances a bit, that’s why he is this low in the list. One would have expected him to be in the top three otherwise.

9. Fred

This is the 30-year-old Fred’s first and most-probably-last World Cup and so he would really like to give his best for his country. Added to that, Brazil will be playing as the host nation and this certainly gives Fred an upper hand. His lethal performances helped Brazil to win the Confederations Cup last summer and he is expected to play a pivotal role in this year’s World Cup.

10. Romelu Lukaku

Surprised to see his name in the list? You should not be. He has been in a lethal form both in domestic and international football. Belgium find themselves in one of the easiest groups and they will face Algeria, Russia and South Korea. Belgium are expected to win all three matches and we can expect Lukaku to score 3-4 goals in the group stages alone. So it won’t be a surprise if this beast from Belgium wins the golden boot.

Written by Nadeem – @nadz_robbani//@100PercentAFC

Follow us on Twitter: @FutbolAfterDark

End of Tika-Taka?

Arjen Robben helps the Netherlands exert revenge for their defeat in the World Cup Final to Spain 4 years ago

Walking alone with slumped shoulders, a bowed head and weary eyes, Xavi exited Arena Fonte Nova wearing the look of a man who knew exactly how profound Friday’s 5-1 defeat by Netherlands could prove.

None of the assembled journalists even attempted to pose a question; there was no point. He was staring at the floor, seemingly oblivious to outside influences.

Others stopped to talk but not Xavi, nor Andres Iniesta. Two of the greatest midfielders the game has ever seen now down and despondent, humbled and humiliated, fatigued and forlorn.

For Spain’s defeat by the Dutch was not normal. La Roja lost their opening match four years ago before recovering to become the first side to win a Fifa World Cup having done so.

But this was different.

Switzerland in 2010 scored a goal and closed ranks – it can happen. Netherlands in 2014 subjected one of the finest teams of all time to an absolute savaging – that does not happen.

Spain have suffered two heavier defeats in their competitive history, but the most recent came in 1950, and neither are likely to have been as unexpected or potentially damaging as the one the World Cup favourites were subjected to in Salvador.

They did not trail at any stage of an unbeaten qualifying campaign in which their defence was breached on just three occasions, had lost only eight of 85 matches under coach Vicente del Bosque, averaged 60 caps per man and have not conceded in 10 knockout matches spanning the last three major tournaments, all of which they lifted.

Recall Del Bosque’s news conference on Thursday when he bullishly rejected a suggestion that his is a “veteran squad”, arguing: “We are mature, at our best”. He appeared irritated at the subject being raised, perhaps aware deep down that there is actually an element of truth in it.

His post-match verdict told a rather different story. “I feel sick,” said the 63-year-old – and if Spain are indeed at their best then, on current evidence, they are also in trouble.

Del Bosque described Netherlands’ physical approach in the 2010 final as “brutal”, but the only brutality on show in Salvador was a Dutch display that tore Spain to shreds.

Troubled against Italy in last year’s Confederations Cup semi-final and dispatched by hosts Brazil in the final, there were indications that the Spanish might be losing their way.

Xavi claimed before the match that Spain would “win or die” by their famous tiki-taka style of play and although Friday indicated the latter was more plausible, it is surely unfair to pass judgement over an approach that has generated such success on the basis of one match.

From chatting to a number of Spanish journalists, the overwhelming feeling is that the philosophy is tried and trusted, has become a part of the national identity and is here to stay.

What is clear, however, is that Del Bosque’s existing crop are possibly losing the ability and hunger to execute their methods to the level that has brought them many accolades and admirers over the past six years.

Seven of the 14 players who featured against Netherlands endured a disappointing season with Barcelona, while there was just one representative from La Liga champions Atletico Madrid.

Moreover, none of Real Madrid’s key attacking players are Spanish, and seven of the squad are aged 30 or over. Could this be the beginning of the end for the protagonists, if not the project?

So long the standard bearer for club and country but now the oldest at 34, Xavi was uncharacteristically lax in possession and a rare miscontrol led to the second Dutch goal.

Spain enjoyed 63.8% of the ball and made 618 passes to Netherlands’ 339, yet managed only four shots on target to 10 for their opponents and lost 124 balls to 114.

All over the pitch there was cause for concern: keeper Iker Casillas made some important saves but otherwise had a torrid evening, right-back Cesar Azpilicueta was run ragged by Daley Blind, centre-backs Sergio Ramos and Gerard Pique could not contain Robin van Persie and Arjen Robben, and striker Diego Costa was unspectacular in the 62 minutes he was given.

When Van Persie scored his second goal to make it 4-1, the television cameras cut to the Spanish dugout as they watched a replay on the big screens. The players and staff were visibly shell-shocked, likewise their supporters dotted throughout a gobsmacked stadium.

The contrast could not have been more vivid as the Dutch catapulted off their bench in wild celebration, the orange-clad spectators giddy with unforeseen delight.

Expectations around Netherlands were low: they fell at the group stage of Euro 2012, are the eighth-youngest squad in Brazil, had concerns over their defence and were relying majorly on the ‘Golden Triangle’ of Van Persie, Wesley Snijder – both of whom have had fitness issues – and Robben.

Valentijn Driessen, chief football writer for Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, explained that the estimated 2,500 fans who have travelled to Brazil are markedly down on the 4000-5000 usually present when Netherlands compete in a major competition. Hopes were not high.

The loss of Roma midfielder Kevin Strootman to injury saw coach Louis van Gaal controversially scrap the traditional 4-3-3 formation in favour of a supposedly defensive-minded 5-3-2.

But during an open training session in Rio on Tuesday, full-backs Blind and Daryl Janmaat were essentially operating as wingers and the pair played a key role as Netherlands went on to produce an attacking masterclass that conjured memories of the ‘Total Football’ they pioneered in the 1970s.

“Credit to the Dutch,” said former Arsenal and France striker Thierry Henry, a BBC pundit for the World Cup. “They took it from Spain. You have to own it, they went out there and they had no fear. I was questioning if they would be fazed but they weren’t. I’m speechless.

“Tonight the Dutch got their style back.”

Former England captain Alan Shearer added: “Some of the performances – Robben, Van Persie and Blind – were absolutely brilliant. I have never seen that Spain defence pulled around as much as they were tonight.”

If it continues, Manchester United followers will be beside themselves with excitement at the thought of Van Gaal taking over as manager later this summer.

The 62-year-old was never fazed by Spain’s greater experience – they named 16 survivors from 2010 compared to six for Netherlands and had 1,375 caps to 645 – and he is sure to take great satisfaction at helping develop a new generation of Dutch talent.

This was only a group game, nothing has been won or lost and both coaches will preach calm, but it was impossible to escape the notion – and you could sense it inside a buzzing arena – that we may have been witnessing a changing of the guard in world football.

Written by @nadz_robbani// @100percentAFC

Brazil vs Croatia Preview

The first game of the World Cup pits the hosts against an experienced opposition. Brazil having qualified for every World Cup will face a team of whom did not qualify for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa so Croatia’s experience of playing nations in other continents is fairly limited.

Brazil team news

With an eye on both squads starting line ups are pretty predictable. For Brazil a 4-3-3 Formation is the one most likely to be used by them. The obvious standout in this team is indeed Neymar; tipped by many to be player of the tournament his pace, lung bursting runs and sheer trickery are enough to frighten the most experienced of defenders and this is why I am tipping Neymar to cause issues to the Croat defence. On the other side is a man of whom does not need introduction. Hulk a frighteningly quick and powerful individual will be sure to prove as dangerous as Neymar on the other side; providing a massive conundrum for the Croatian defence on who to man mark. Their midfield is packed with a host of talent this featuring the number 11 Oscar who has proved at Chelsea to be a crafty genius in the attacking midfield role. Their defensive partnership is the most expensive in the history of football with David Luiz joining Thiago Silva at P$G. They are a fearsome duo who do not concede many goals this ties together the Brazil Team.

Croatia team news

Croatia are a team that will line up differently to Brazil as they play a more classic 4-4-2 formation with star players Modric and Barcelona bound Rakitic being deployed as Central midfielders. Although technically gifted there are just two of them compared to the three in Brazil’s formation this could leave Croatia with a lack of possession in the midfield area and as well as that prone to counter attacks. Their striking duo is deadly with Madzukic the top scorer in the Bundesliga and Eduardo firing on all cylinders for Shakhtar Donetsk. This could provide issues for a Brazil defence consisting of a sometimes unreliable David Luiz of whom pushes forward an awful lot and only one chance is required for one of these strikers to find the back of the net. Aside from these 4 individuals the Croatia team is very weak and will be exposed by the pace that Brazil have. As Srna and Vida do not like people who are capable of marking the talented duo of Neymar and Hulk.

Key Duels

I feel Croatia’s strikers against Brazil’s centre back pairing will prove a good duel to see in the match as both strikers are lethal infront of goal and although Luiz and Silva are a good defensive unit they may be truobled by the Cratian strikers. Brazil’s wingers in Neymar and Hulk vs Vida and Srna seems a bit of a mismatch as their pace and experience is too great to be handled by the two “weaklinks” in the team and this is personally where I feel the game will be won by Brazil.

By Marvin – @TrueBlueTalk_

Why Hodgson should start Raheem Sterling

After silencing his critics in the 2013/14 Premier League Season, Raheem Sterling is one of currently England’s top talents. His contributions saw Liverpool nearly win the League Title and earned him a call up in Roy Hodgson’s squad. However as recent friendlies show, he has been amongst the substitutes in those games. This may be an indication as what Hodgson’s plans are for the World Cup, which will mean Sterling can only showcase his talents after coming off the bench. This shouldn’t be the case after the season the 19-year-old has had and here is why he should start England’s games in Brazil.

Best option
Danny Welbeck or Raheem Sterling. Which player would you select to be in your team? Most of you should’ve said the latter after the season he has had. His Liverpool side was undoubtedly the best attacking team in the league providing limitless entertainment along the way. The second half of his season made him a contender for Young Player of the Season which further shows the season he had.
Compare that to the season of the other contender: Danny Welbeck. His lacklustre season and dire contributions were shown as Manchester United finished 7th. Also, Sterling offers a lot more than Welbeck. His explosive pace makes defenders quiver as the unpredictable side of his game proves to be one of his strengths. Another side of his game is the skill to adapt to different positions. Throughout the course of the season, Sterling played in many positions including right and left wing, attacking midfielder and a central striker. However for Welbeck, he only played the majority of his games on the left or as a striker. In the World Cup, he is expected to play on the left as the central positions are being taken up by the likes of Wayne Rooney, Ross Barkley and Daniel Sturridge. In the games he has played in that position for Manchester United, he managed to rack up no goals and assists, and only managing a 6.71 rating on Whoscored.com. Should Hogdson choose to play a formation in which there is left sided spot, he should choose Sterling.

Last season, Sterling faced the likes of Vincent Kompany, Per Mertesacker, Hugo Lloris. The common theme here is that they are all fully fledged internationals going to the World Cup. Sterling managed to cause trouble, score goals against players of that calibre which shows that he can do it on the big stage. Compare that to Welbeck where he faced players such as Manuel Neuer. He did put in a good performance but to no avail. He couldn’t even perform against lower quality teams such as Olympiakos. What happens when Welbeck gets matched up against Chiellini, Godin, Buffon?

Welbeck comes to Brazil with 3 of his Manchester United teammates; two of those being defenders. On the other hand, Sterling arrives with 5 Liverpool players with 4 of them being midfielders/attackers. This familiarity means that Sterling wouldn’t have to change his style of play as much as he knows most of the teammates in the squad and he knows how they play. If all goes good, England could even play just like Liverpool should Hodgson play his cards right. You could have Sturridge, Gerrard, Henderson and Sterling play there normal roles whereas Rooney and Lallana could be the Suarez and Coutinho of this England side.

World Cup Interviews!

Here are some interviews that three legends have conducted, saying their predictions for the World Cup!

Bryan Robson – Former England and Manchester United captain

Bryan Robson – Former Manchester United and England Captain

World Cup Q & A with
Bryan Robson

1. Winner?
   Brazil
2. Dark Horse?
   Germany
3. Golden Boot (top scorer)?
   Messi
4. Golden Ball (best player)?
   Schweinsteiger
5. Young player of the tournament?
   Sterling

Luis Garcia – Former Liverpool and Spain winger

Luis Garcia – Former Liverpool and Spain winger

World Cup Q & A with
Luis Garcia

1. Winner?
   Spain
2. Dark Horse?
   Japan
3. Golden Boot (top scorer)?
   David Villa
4. Golden Ball (best player)?
   Eden Hazard
5. Young player of the tournament?
   Raheem Sterling

Fernando Morientes – Former Liverpool and Spain striker

Fernando Morientes – Former Liverpool and Spain striker

World Cup Q & A with
Fernando Morientes

1. Winner?
   Spain
2. Dark Horse?
   Chile
3. Golden Boot (top scorer)?
   Ronaldo
4. Golden Ball (best player)?
   Messi/Ronaldo
5. Young player of the tournament?
   Carvajal

Steve McManaman – Former Liverpool and England playmaker

Steve McManaman – Former Liverpool and England playmaker

World Cup Q & A with
Steve McManaman

1. Winner?
   Brazil
2. Dark Horse?
   Columbia
3. Golden Boot (top scorer)?
   (Argentinians will go far so someone) like Aguero
4. Golden Ball (best player)?
   Neymar, (he was excellent in the Confed Cup)
5. Young player of the tournament?
   Mario Gotze

 

World Cup Preview

So the prestigious World Cup 2014 in Brazil (or Brasil…) starts in 5 days now. So seen as we haven’t covered the World Cup recently I thought that it would be the perfect opportunity to write about it.
In this blog, the focus will be on the top 8 teams in the world cup. Just a preview or a prediction if you like as to how far they will go in this summers competition. So, let’s begin.

Argentina:

Along with Brazil, Argentina probably fits into the second tier of favorites, one notch below Spain and Germany. Playing on their home continent will help. And no other country can boast the attacking weapons Argentina does, even without the ostracized Carlos Tevez. Messi, Sergio Aguero, Gonzalo Higuain, Ezequiel Lavezzi and Angel di Maria form a fearsome fivesome of forwards. With a solid corps of midfielders and defenders, a semifinal berth should fall within the Albiceleste’s capabilities.

Belgium:

No other country can boast anywhere near as much young talent as Belgium does, in spite of only being the size of Maryland (US state) and counting just 11 million citizens – Eden Hazard and Vincent Kompany and Jan Vertonghen and Romelu Lukaku and Christian Benteke and Kevin De Bruyne are just a few of the great names coming out of Belgium. In spite of their age, they are already an outsider for the title, boasting more than enough talent in every line to match up with just about anybody the World Cup can throw at them. But they are also internationally inexperienced, meaning a quarter-final showing would be a fine result.

Brazil:

There is no ambiguity whatsoever about what is being demanded of the 11 lining up in the gold and green jerseys come June. The Brazilians expect Brazil to lift their sixth World Cup. Plain and simple. To make amends, in a sense, for 1950, when the only other World Cup on Brazilian soil was lost to Uruguay in the final – a national tragedy long in the memory.

The task at hand, however, is much less straightforward. The pressure will be crippling, even more so than in 1950. And, more alarmingly, the talent might not be there. Certainly, Brazil won the Confederations Cup. But this is no vintage Brazilian side. Neymar will surely dazzle up front. But the rest of the team is young overall, suspect in some spots in the back, somewhat uncohesive in midfield, and lacking a consistent goal-scoring threat in attack. A semifinals elimination to either Spain or Germany is the most likely outcome.

France:

Deschamps must procure consistent performances from a brittle squad comprised of aging mainstays, temperamental stars and untested performers at the highest level. Ribéry offers potential salvation every time he steps onto the field, but he will be missing the World Cup due to injury. However his powers alone cannot eradicate the lingering concerns about the suspect mentality of a group reliant on erratic figures like Karim Benzema and Samir Nasri (also not going to the World Cup). Any outcome from a group stage exit to a quarterfinal berth remains firmly on the table depending on how this side molds together.

Germany:

A team full of crafty technicians who play exciting and winning football and are entering their prime. In Mesut Ozil, Schweinsteiger, Toni Kroos, Thomas Muller, Mario Gotze and oh so many others, Germany has the midfield depth to match anybody’s. And yes, that includes Spain. Consequently, anything less than a spot in the final will be a disappointment. Don’t be surprised if Germany lifts its fourth World Cup.

Italy:

After flaming out spectacularly in 2010, Italy decided it was finally time to rebuild and stop relying so heavily on the generation that won in 2006. With exciting young forwards Mario Balotelli and Stephan El Shaarawy stepping into bigger roles and a strong supporting cast emerging, the return was immediate. Italy reached the final of Euro 2012, losing to Spain, and fell to the same team on penalties in the semifinals of the 2013 Confederations Cup. This team is on the ascent but not quite there yet. A quarterfinals exit is most probable.

Spain:

Spain will enter the fray as one of the favorites. Its ability to join Brazil (1958 and 1962) and Italy (1934 and 1938) as consecutive winners hinges on whether it can find a way to outwit the athletic and robust approach of its fellow contenders. The trademark sharpness in possession must endure with lingering and potentially fatal questions in defense creating vulnerabilities when the opposition counters. Whether this group – perhaps just on the other side of its best with Iniesta and Xavi Hernandez not at their peaks – can muster that panache again or pursue the necessary alternatives remains uncertain. A place in the last four represents a reasonable expectation for a team still among the best in the world.

Uruguay:

It isn’t fair to expect another place in the final four with foundational pieces Diego Forlán and Diego Lugano on the wane. The strength of this side now rests disproportionately up front with Suárez and Edinson Cavani leading the side with their constant menace and steady supply of goals. Their incisiveness is ably supported through midfield, but the defense  might struggle against higher-quality opponents. A spot in the knockout stage represents a reasonable return for this outfit as currently comprised.

Thank you for reading this World Cup preview. We will try to produce as much content as possible moving forward towards the World Cup and during the competition itself. Including match reviews and previews!

Follow us on Twitter for all the up-to-date news regarding football – @FutbolAfterDark
And follow me personally – @ItsLouiis // @AllAboutSpurs

 

Needs For Teams (BPL Edition Part 3)

Welcome to the third instalment of the Needs for Teams segment on our blog. Sorry for the lack of articles recently. We have been able to post because we have all had exams. Today is the third of the series and we are sticking with the Premier League but this time doing another 5 teams. This is mainly focusing on the teams that finish in and around the lower mid-table. Before we begin, make sure to return in two more days where I do the next 5 teams in the Premier League. So lets begin!

Crystal Palace:

Crystal Palace have had an amazing return to England’s top flight finishing in 11th with 45 points. Since Tony Pulis has taken over from Ian Holloway, Palace have gone from strength to strength. Their more open style of football saw them beat the likes of Chelsea. Anyway, more to the point. Who do they need? They have a vast amount of wingers including Gayle, Puncheon and Bolasie. So I can see them going for more dominant players such as centre-mids or centre-backs. Leroy Fer from relegated team Norwich City would be a good option as he has the capability to both attack and defend. The 24 year old could add stability to the Palace midfield. Now for a centre-back. Maybe someone like Ashley Williams from Swansea who is reportedly looking for a move away from the Swans. He would fit in nicely being a commanding centre-back and he would join fellow countryman Joe Ledley.

Swansea City:

Swansea had a fairly decent season finishing comfortably in 12th with 42 points. Well, decent enough for a team that sacked their manager halfway through at least. So who do they need? I would say a goal keeper but they recently signed Łukasz Fabiański from Arsenal. So maybe a commanding centre-back and possibly a pacey winger. For a centre-back, maybe Steven Caulker? The Cardiff City player has only been playing in Wales for one season but Cardiff got relegated possibly prompting a move elsewhere. However I am not sure if it is a wise move moving between the two Welsh giants. So maybe instead Fabricio Coloccini from Newcastle. The Argentine has been linked with a move away from the club for a while. A winger. Tom Ince? He hasn’t signed for Inter yet so maybe he’s a decent shout. Or more realistically Nathan Redmond who showed positive signs last season for relegated team Norwich City.

West Ham United:

West Ham had a disappointing season finishing in 13th with 40 points. At the start of the season I would have guessed that they would have finished in 10th. But 13th is still a comfortable finish above the relegation zone. So who do they need? A clinical striker because they missed Andy Carroll when he was out injured. Well I don’t need to take a guess because Mauro Zárate has already been confirmed as West Ham’s new signing! He scored 19 times in 29 games last season. Great buy Mr Sullivan and Mr Gold. Also West Ham may need a holding midfielder. They have been linked with former Hammer and Napoli’s Valon Behrami who played 58 times for the Irons between 2008 and 2011.

Sunderland:

The Black Cats had a strong end to the season after spending most of the campaign at the foot of the table. They finished in 14th with 38 points, 5 points above the drop zone. Who do Sunderland need? I would again say a wide midfielder and/or an attacking midfielder. However they have already secured the services of Jordi Gomez for next season. So instead maybe a commanding centre-back. Again I’ll say Swansea’s Ashley Williams who may be looking for a way out of the Liberty Stadium. Apart from that they may be looking for a striker and a holding midfielder. If they could loan Borini back to the Stadium of Light again that would be amazing for them as he impressed last season. Also if they did want to sign a holding midfielder, Jake Livermore would be a perfect loan option.

Aston Villa:

Finally we will move onto the last club. The Villans. They finished 15th this season, level on points with Sunderland with 38 points. They had a season to forget as nothing too special happened. However they did not get relegated so there is a positive amongst the negatives. Villa have a young squad and I think that they need to buy experienced players during this summer. Despite saying that, Andros Townsend would be a good buy for them, providing width and pace to their attack. A centre-midfielder in Leroy Fer would be a decent buy as he would be cheap, coming from a relegated team. Even Jack Rodwell from Manchester City, but I doubt Villa would be able to pay his wages. I would recommend an experienced centre-back. Maybe someone like Michael Turner or Sébastien Bassong who would add experience to their back-four.

That concludes this edition of ‘Needs For Teams’. Thank you for reading. The next episode should be up in the coming 2-3 days. These take an incredibly long time to write as they are quite long. Anyway, thank you again.

Follow us on Twitter for all the up-to-date news regarding football – @FutbolAfterDark
And follow me personally – @ItsLouiis // @AllAboutSpurs

Key Players this Word Cup (Part 2)

Following my previous article of Key Players (Part 1), this article will follow on to Group B.

Here are the Key Players and Players to watch this summer in Group B.

This year, Spain, Netherlands, Chile and Australia are all in Group B this 2014 World Cup. Previous finalists in 2010 Spain and Netherlands are in the same group for this years competition.

Spain:

Spain’s Key Player this World Cup will be Barcelona’s Andres Ineista. Last World Cup in South Africa 2010 Ineista was Spain’s savior scoring the winning goal in the final. Ineista will be the key to Spain’s success this campaign due to his  direct style and quick feet. Ineista relies on exceptional creative passing, intuition and inventiveness to control the midfield. Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque described him as “the cmplete midfielder. He can attack and defend, he creates and scores”.

Spain’s Player to Watch will be Atletico’s talisman Deigo Costa. Currently he is injured and we will wait to see if he can make the team, however Deigo Costa chose to play for Spain rather than Brazil as his national team. Deigo Costa is a more direct striker and is different to previous Spain strikers in Fernando Torres and David Villa, Deigo Costa has been linked to Chelsea this summer and may want to prove his worth by scoring goals in a national competition and winning the World Cup. He will be Spain’s Player to watch.

Can Ineista be the difference yet again this World Cup?

Netherlands:

Netherlands Key Player this world cup will be Manchester United striker Robin van Persie. van Persie struggled last season with new manager David Moyes who was sacked briefly into his managerial career lasting only 11 months. Robin van Persie would like to forget last season and start fresh with a strong campaign with Holland and new boss Netherlands Coach and Manchester United Mananger Louis van Gaal. van Persie has scored 42 goals for Holland in 83 appearances. Robin van Persie will be vital for Holland as he will be the leading force scoring the goals.

Roma midfielder Kevin Strootman will be Netherlands Player to Watch due to his successful start with club Roma finishing second in Seria A. Strootman is a box-to-box midfielder who can break up play very well and who can create chancess for the strikers. He will lead the strings in midfield for Netherlands this World Cup.

Striker Robin van Persie for Holland

Chile:

Chile from South America is the team with very little recognition, however Key Player Arturo Vidal would like to show World Cup fans what Chile are about. Arturo Vidal is Chile’s captain and has won Seria A three times with current Italian champions Juventus. Vidal is a Key Player for Juventus scoring 28 goals in 95 appearances in his career. Vidal is a pivotal character in midfield, as he is a box-to-box midfielder, with great stamina and great shooting abilities who is able to score from long distances. In 2013 Vidal was voted 13th best footballer.

A Player to Watch in Chile’s team is Barcelona winger Alexis Sanchez. Sanchez moved to Barcelona in 2011, a move to be around £22mil. Alexis Sanchez has phenomenal pace, great crossing abilities and is a fine shooter. He will be keen to impress this World Cup with a few rumoured clubs to be after him. He will be a Player to Watch this summer.

Chile captain Arturo Vidal

Australia:

This Year Australia’s Key Player will be Tim Cahill who previously played for Everton in the Premier League. Tim Cahill has scored 32 goals in 68 appearances for Australia.

Australia’s player to watch is Crystal Palace midfielder Mile Jedinak. Jedinak has made over 40 appearances for his country who now captains them. He is a defensive midfielder and is known for his aerial ability, strong tacking and leadership on the pitch. 

Tim Cahill for Australia

Thank you for reading and make sure you follow the Key Players series.

Keep up with the latest and up-to-date football news and follow @FutbolAfterDark for more information.

Shaquille – @ShaquilleJ29

 

Can England Win The World Cup?

Can England replicate this success?

Every four years an English fan will say ‘This is our year, we will win the World Cup.’Over recent years it seems to me as though we just say that to bring moral hope not because we actually have a passion to win. Look back to 2002. England struggled to qualify for the World Cup. It took the passion of the entire team, mainly David Beckham, to overcome Greece to get to the World Cup. That is the passion England lack.

Let’s be honest. The only player that shows passion for our country is Steven Gerrard. He is a well deserving England captain.

However, this year I believe that England actually do have more of a chance. Do I think that we can win our 2nd World Cup this year? No is my answer. No for a few reasons.
We do not have that one player who can change a game. We have a team full of good players. There is no stand out great, amazing, Ballon d’Or player. Our team is better than Portugal’s and possibly Argentina’s but they have Ronaldo and Messi. Holland have Robben. France have Ribery and this list can go on. Whereas we have Rooney… or Gerrard…
Both are undoubtedly the best English players in recent years but neither of them are Ballon d’Or quality.

Where do I think England could reach? If I’m optimistic I would say the semi-finals. If I’m realistic I would say quarter-finals if we are lucky because as of late, even that is a difficult task.. Then again football at times is about luck, but most of the time it’s about pure skill to beat the opponent. However the World Cup does bring out the best of players and maybe it is an English player’s turn to shine in front of the world. Maybe Joe Hart can replicate Gordon Banks and not Rob Green. Maybe Daniel Sturridge can replicate Sir Geoff Hurst and not Tim Flowers. Don’t know who Tim Flowers was? You probably wouldn’t. He played 11 times and scored 0 goals for England, yet he was picked to go to France ’98…

So why do I say the semi-finals? Well we have a good core of young players such as Henderson, Sterling and Wilshere. Then we also have the key experience in the likes of Gerrard, Lampard and Jagielka. Also, unless I’ve missed something I haven’t heard a lot of ‘Oh yeah, this is our year’ and all of that nonsense. I think this year we are renowned underdogs. Being the underdogs as Atletico Madrid experienced means that you can surprise people. No-one expects much from you so you have nothing to lose. Go there, give it your best shot possible and maybe bring home the FIFA World Cup itself.

I don’t see why we can’t go there and win. Look at our team!

Goalkeepers: Fraser Forster, Ben Foster, Joe Hart
Defenders: Leighton Baines, Gary Cahill, Phil Jagielka, Glen Johnson, Phil Jones, Luke Shaw, Chris Smalling
Midfielders: Ross Barkley, Steven Gerrard, Jordan Henderson, Adam Lallana, Frank Lampard, James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Raheem Sterling, Jack Wilshere
Forwards: Rickie Lambert, Wayne Rooney, Daniel Sturridge, Danny Welbeck.

The majority of players either play for the same team or have grown up through the youth ranks together. This shows the unique bond between all of our players. Out of every team in the world, our national team only contains 9 teams. 8 top teams from England and the best team in Scotland. Our main attackers all play for the same club. The chemistry between the players is immense. Hopefully it sparks them to do well in the tournament that starts in a mere 14 days.

So once again I’ll reiterate my thoughts. England can easily reach the quarter-finals if they put their mind to it and maybe with a bit of luck reach the semis. I think the final is just out of our reach but I’m excited for this years World Cup. Anything can happen.

They look ready. Let’s “Rock an’ Roll” COME ON ENGLAND

 

This year is our year…
COME ON ENGLAND!
ENG-GER-LAND, ENG-GER-LAND, ENG-GER-LAND…….

Thank you for reading this article focusing on England’s chances this summer. We hope you enjoyed it.

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Needs for Teams (BPL Edition Part 2)

Welcome to the second instalment of the Needs for Teams segment on our blog. Today is the second of the series and we are sticking with the Premier League but this time doing another 5 teams. This is mainly focusing on the teams that do not finish in the top 4 regularly but do finish high up in the league. Before we begin, make sure to return in two more days where I do the next 5 teams in the Premier League. So lets begin!

Everton:

Everton had one of their best ever seasons in the Premier League finishing 5th with 72 points, 7 points behind 4th placed Arsenal. The Merseyside club traditionally do not spend much in the transfer window but maybe under new manager Roberto Martínez things might change. They will be needing a few fresh faces in certain positions which I will quickly run over. Let’s start with the striker position. Everton need a big, main target man which they have been missing for a number of seasons. In the season just gone they solely relied on Lukaku who was on loan from Chelsea. He banged in 15 goals and this is where the goal problem begins for Everton. Lukaku was the only Everton player to score more than 10 goals so they will need to buy a new striker. I can’t see Lukaku returning,  so maybe someone such as Welbeck or Bony. Can I see either of them fitting in? No, but they are the type of player Everton needs. They have also been linked with former Toffee, Jack Rodwell or Manchester City. That would be a great signing as he has talent, he is young and he knows the Everton philosophy. He would also be pretty cheap seen as he hasn’t had a breakthrough at City. Gerard Deulofeu impressed on loan last season and Everton would love him back but Barcelona have said no. This had led to links between Everton and James Forrest from Celtic, another young, pacey winger.

Newcastle:

The Tyneside club struggled this season, finishing 10th with 49 points. With talisman striker (Loic Remy) leaving due to the end of his loan from QPR, Newcastle will have to replace him. As of today (27/5/14) Newcastle are looking to get rid of the dead wood at the club such as Steven Taylor. They will need to replace these players. Most likely with new young players. Honestly I can’t see any big names joining Newcastle this summer, mainly because of their lack of success in recent years. However if I was Mike Ashley I would have a punt at Welbeck or Bony. Welbeck isn’t getting the game time he deserves and Bony is at Swansea who failed to finish in the top 10 this season! Can’t see any of those two transfers happening though. Also a pacey winger, maybe have a look at Tottenham’s Andros Townsend or Barcelona’s Cristian Tello. Again I can’t see any of these going through but they are the type of players that Newcastle need. If any action does happen up Tyneside I think it will be in the managerial position where Alan Pardew isn’t admired by the majority of Newcastle fans…

Southampton:

Now onto a more promising club. Southampton managed to finish 8th with 56 points under manager Mauricio Pochettino who has resigned and joined Tottenham Hotspur today (27/5/14). Now with key players Adam Lallana, Luke Shaw and Jay Rodriguez having links away from the club it makes sense to replace them with other talent. Now I’ve said Andros Townsend for other clubs on this blog but I seriously think he would fit in at Southampton. He’s young, pacey and would be the perfect replacement for Jay Rodriguez who is linked to Townsend’s Tottenham Hotspur. Replacing captain Adam Lallana is difficult but I have someone in mind. Someone along the lines of Miralem Pjanic, the Bosnian attacking midfielder from Serie A side Roma. He has been described as an “old fashioned playmaker with huge technical abilities”. His main attributes are his dribbling skills and passing. Much like Lallana he is also good at shooting. A replacement for Luke Shaw, maybe Erik Pieters from Stoke. He is slightly older at 25, but had the 10th highest tackles per game ratio in the whole Premier League, ahead of all the top defenders in the league. Doesn’t that say something? Perfect replacement in my eyes. Striker wise, Emmanuel Mayuka is returning to the club from a loan spell away in France. He will bring pace to their attack. Plus he is only 23! Likely to be a busy summer on the south coast of England!

Stoke:

Stoke had a strong season when you consider how they changed managers and their play style. They finished impressively in 9th with a solid 50 points.They brought in a few fresh faces at the start of the season including Austrian winger, Marko Arnautovic. He impressed in his first season with his pace but his shooting let him down as he only scored 4 goals. Another transfer like him would be ideal for Stoke. Someone like Oussama Assaidi who was on loan with them from Liverpool last season. If they manager to place a bid they might be able to acquire his signature on a permanent deal. Which I can see happening. Now Stoke need a striker. With their recent transfer history being all over the shop in terms of leagues, I would recommend 15-goal-a-season Mattia Destro from Roma. A lot of Roma players have popped up today but Destro I feel would fit into the Stoke philoshoy easily. He’s only 23 and he’s 6ft 1! Amazing header of the ball and is strong at finishing. Just someone who Stoke need. Honestly that’s about it. I feel as though Stoke have a reasonably strong squad which is more than capable of finishing in the Top 10 once again!

Tottenham Hotspur:

Now onto my team. Tottenham Hotspur. I’ll try not be biased which I usually am not as I am more of a realistic fan instead of the usual optimist. To be honest I’ve been waiting to do this one for ages. So let’s begin. Tottenham today (27/5/14) have confirmed manager Mauricio Pochettino as their new manager. This has heightened links between Tottenham and Southampton winger Jay Rodriguez who could follow Pochettino to the club. In my opinion this would be an amazing signing as currently Spurs have a major winger problem. Let’s begin the list of last seasons failed wingers…. Lamela, Townsend, Lennon, Eriksen (who would drift into his native CAM position)… this list could go on but this is future transfers not failed players. So who else do we need? A striker, a left back, a centre back and maybe a goal keeper if Lloris decides to leave. So a new left back… If you have been following me on my Spurs Twitter account (@AllAboutSpurs) you would have noticed that I have often showed my admiration for left back’s Mattia de Sciglio and Criscito who are both Italian. They would be perfect at our club as they are true defenders who know how to attack. For a centre back? Well we could be lazy and re-sign Steven Caulker from Cardiff City. I can see this happening. This reminds me of the old Spurs days. Sell Kaboul, Defoe and Keane and then buy them back the next season…. Anyway now to the striker position… Soldado is not the greatest and I can see him moving to Atletico Madrid as Diego Costa looks to be on his way to Chelsea. I would love Jackson Martinez, Wilfred Bony, Lukaku or Benteke. Just one of those four could be the thing that we are missing. Adebayor and Kane could alternate if Pochettino decides to play 442. Striker sorted. With rumours of Lloris leaving to French giants PSG we will be left with Friedel. He’s by far no means bad. He’s just getting on. If you know what I mean. So lets presume that Lloris has gone and Courtois has returned to Chelsea. Cech won’t want to be an understudy like Cassilas. So why don’t we have a punt at signing him? He won’t have to move house, he’ll just receive a lower pay check. Hopefully we replace our players with good alternatives unlike last summer. Only 2 out of our 7 signings actually proved to be worth it. Eriksen and Paulinho who is debatable… So for next season all I ask for is that Levy can you please listen to the fans? Oh and also sign players that will either win us a cup or finish in the Top 4. Thanks. – Louis

Thank you for reading our transfer predictions coming up for this summer. We will try to post one of these every other day for the next week or two depending on the amount of teams we decide to do.

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