tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43142325464759143622024-03-13T14:08:44.999-07:00World Cup 2014 Previewthewestleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06547961334983683352noreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314232546475914362.post-11219929067618082612014-06-12T09:52:00.003-07:002014-06-12T09:52:33.444-07:00Algeria<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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When I started with all of this blogging stuff I was
Dreading 3 teams Honduras, Iran and Algeria. I know little about them and that
is a nightmare for any blogger or football writer. However Algeria is one of the
teams that you think you know nothing about but in fact its not that bad. I know
a few of these players in fact i rate a few of these players. Don’t get me
wrong im not saying they will be getting out of the group and im not even
saying they will win or draw a game but they have few players ive heard of. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The first one is a guy who I actually think would do a
decent job in the championship or maybe higher and that is Madjid Bougherra. He
was brilliant at Charlton and Rangers and then moved to Qatar. Ruined his
career. I think this guy is class. He is 31 and could be back in France or
England from what I hear on a free this year. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Also like a lad called Sofiane Feghouli (a cool name to
say). He plays for Valencia. I have seen him a few times playing for them and
he seems tricky almost works his way into trouble. But decent at what he does. I
like the look of Boudebouz. I remember him being linked to Blackburn a few
years ago. Playing in France with Bastia still but may be on for a move soon. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I don’t expect much from them but good luck to them. They are
in a weak group. They have Russia, Belgium and South Korea and all 3 are better
than them. A Draw would be a good result for them. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Star Man: Feghouli<o:p></o:p></div>
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One to watch: Boudebouz<o:p></o:p></div>
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Prediction: no points out at group stage. <o:p></o:p></div>
thewestleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06547961334983683352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314232546475914362.post-38434966215012346152014-06-12T07:07:00.002-07:002014-06-12T07:07:22.562-07:00Portugal<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I cant help but feel like Portugal should have done better
over the last 10 years. When Porto won the Champions league they had a base of
fine Portuguese players who were all class and they lacked a centre forward. Then
Ronaldo came along and moved from wide to up front and now they are fine in that
area (but still only because of him) but the supporting cast they had is no
longer there. The championship winning Porto team is no more and now Portugal
is mainly used by South Americans to develop before moving elsewhere in Europe.
Benfica have been in a few Europa League finals in the last few years but only
2 of the Benfica squad made the cut to
the World Cup and they are back ups not star players. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Portugal are set up to counter attack and they will look
more impressive against bigger teams that will want to play than the smaller
teams that will look to defend and play on set pieces i actually think Portugal
will get quite far because of this. The group is a tough one and that works in
Portugals hands. I was actually in Portugal last week. They believe they will
win the World Cup. Mainly because of Ronaldo but also they love Joao Moutinho
and they think William Carvalho is going to be a star for them. I have to
agree. I looked up some stats yesterday. Moutinho assisted to more goals in
qualifying than any other player. Ronaldo is Ronaldo and Carvalho is being
rumoured to Manchester United and many other major European teams. <o:p></o:p></div>
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This is Ronaldo’s time to Shine. At 29 this is the World cup
when he is his Prime. He is the current world Player of the year and has just
won the champions league and is on FIRE!!!! I actually think that Messi is the
best footballer in the world but i completely agree that Ronaldo won it this
year. My worry for CR is that he doesn’t have the players around him that he
has at Madrid. Nani is ok but he is not Di Maria. They are not blessed with the
talent that Madrid has to offer so how much will that effect Ronaldo. Don’t get
me wrong, If Portugal set up just to counter then they may well win the World
cup but if they have to break a team down they will struggle. With Ronaldo they
are a contender. If you play him out of the game they are not much better than
Greece. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Portugal may well win this group but i think Germany will
win the group. It all comes down to who does better in the game between them. I
expect them to get out of the group but if they in that will need to be at their
best at all times in the tournament. Its going to be a tough road but 8 good
games and they may well win it. they wont win it for the record. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Star man: um well they are a bit of a one man team so im
going with RONALDO<o:p></o:p></div>
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One to Watch: Carvalho<o:p></o:p></div>
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Predction: 2<sup>nd</sup> round/ Quarter finals <o:p></o:p></div>
thewestleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06547961334983683352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314232546475914362.post-64733703666689704942014-06-12T02:39:00.003-07:002014-06-12T02:39:48.089-07:00Ghana<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Ghana have the youngest squad in the World cup. The Defence
is weak and inexperienced. Against Portugal and Germany there will be goals and
I expect them to fall at the first hurdle in the group and that is purely
because of the weak inexperienced defence. However I actually think they are
very good in midfield and not bad up front. Kevin-Prince Boatang, Sulley
Muntari and Michael Essien are all well known for playing both England and
Italy. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The guy im most looking forward to watching is Kwadwo
Asamoah. The Juventus Midfield player can play central or wide left and I think
this is hi world cup to show off what he can do. I also like Emmanuel
Agymang-Babu who plays for Udinese. I saw him play a few times this year and I
really like him as a footballer. Loads of energy. They have the Ayew brothers
Jordan and Andre who play in France for Marseille. If your a Fifa computer game player you may
know Abedi Pele who is always in the Fifa legends squads well his real surname
is Ayew and his is the father of both Jordan and Andre. <o:p></o:p></div>
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You may remember Asamoah Gyan for nothing more than his
Penalty 4 years ago that crashed off the crossbar and effectively put Uruguay
through after Suarez handballed it on the line. Well you may be surprised to find out that he
is still only 28 years old and is about to compete in his 3<sup>rd</sup> world
cup. Ghana have got out of the group on the last to occasions knocking out USA
both times (either in the group or in the 2<sup>nd</sup> round) they also play
Germany again after being in the same group as them 4 years ago and joining
them out of the group in the knockout stages and facing the USA who they beat.
No African team has got closer to the semi finals than Ghana but don’t expect
that to change this world cup. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The Group is tough. I expect Portugal and Germany to go
through. Defensively they are just better than the USA and Ghana. Im not saying
that Ghana or the USA cannot cause a shock and go through but I just don’t think
they will. But there is a shock every year so maybe this year it will be
Germany or Portugal going out group stage. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Star man: Kevin Prince Boatang<o:p></o:p></div>
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One to watch: Kwadwo Asamoah <o:p></o:p></div>
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Prediction: Group Stage <o:p></o:p></div>
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thewestleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06547961334983683352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314232546475914362.post-80647880015077647562014-06-12T01:56:00.000-07:002014-06-12T01:56:05.010-07:00Germany<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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4 years ago Germany took a really young side to south Africa
and not a lot expected of them. Now the weight of the world is on them. The likes
of Ozil, Hummels, Kroos and Muller are all world class players now. Bayern Munich
have dominated World football for a few years and they have German players the
whole way through the squad. Pound for Pound this is the best team in the tournament.
There is not a weakness throughout the team with the maybe exception of a
centre forward. They have Klose and Podolski but I think they may start with
Muller as a false 9. But with Gotze, Kroos, Draxler, Muller, Schurrle, Ozil and
Schweinsteiger they are not short of midfield players who can weigh in with a
goal or 2. At the back they are strong. Right back may be questionable but they
have the best keeper in the world right now, Hummels, Meresacker and Lahm in
front of him and the highly rated Howedes and Boateng to come in if needed. Germany
will be a force this world cup for sure. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I actually think they are similar to Spain. I guess thats
not a bad thing. The foundations in place for German football are brilliant. They
are used to making organised solid defences and building on that. They struggled
recently to make as many full backs and midfield players but the full backs
worldwide are not that strong at the minute. In terms of individuals Klose
deserves one more shot at the top ever scorer at the world cup. He needs 2 to
overtake Ronaldo (the Brazilian one) at the top ever goal scorer at the world
cup (set in 2006). Podolski is a great goal scorer as well and Im a big fan of
Andre Schurrle. Its a shame that Marco Reus got his injury but they have enough
cover in this squad. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The Sub goalkeeper in the squad is a chap called
Ron-Robert Zieler who was at Manchester United as a young player and had a loan
spell for a few months at Little Northampton Town (This is where is am from and
watch a lot of football at). He played 2 games in 93 days and was mainly behind
a chap called Frank Fielding who is currently playing in the championship. If you
had told me that 6 years later he would be in the German squad for the World
cup even as a back up I simply wouldn’t have believed you. I am really pleased
for him. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Tough Group, Germany are joined by Portugal, Ghana and the
USA. I think the USA will be bottom of the group. Don’t get me wrong i don’t think
they are bad but they don’t tend to win against teams better than them and
Ghana tend to turn up to these kind of games. If you don’t know the Boatangs in
both the Germany Squad (Jerome) and Ghana’s Kevin Prince are bothers who chose
to play for different national squads. They are both German with Ghana roots. Both
played for Germany at youth levels and both play in Germany now but Kevin
Prince made his name a little later than Jerome (in terms of age) and Ghana
were able to snap him up. 4 years ago they played each other at the world cup
and again they have done again this year. Portugal have the world player of the year in
Ronaldo and will be a counter attacking force make no mistake. They could beat
Germany but I actually think they wont. Germany to top this group but they wont
win all 3 games. If they do, put your money on them to win the cup. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Star Man: Ozil<o:p></o:p></div>
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One to watch: Gotze<o:p></o:p></div>
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Prediction: Semi finals/ Final<o:p></o:p></div>
thewestleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06547961334983683352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314232546475914362.post-19006939866397274212014-06-11T06:43:00.001-07:002014-06-11T06:43:26.683-07:00USA<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Why don’t the Americans get Football. I just don’t understand
how its the only truly whole world based tournament and they don’t care about
it. it shocks me. the Americans love themselves. They show more national
pride than pretty much any other country. This is the only single sport
sporting event that they could actually show the world that they make better
athletes in the world than any other and they just don’t. The year that they
invest in football property they will win the world cup 10-15 years later. The athletes
they produce for Basketball and NFL they would change football. Imagine if
LeBron James was a footballer. A quick, strong and huge guy, Even as a
goalkeeper would be amazing. <o:p></o:p></div>
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This USA squad has been clouded by the Non selection of
Landon Donovan. If Klinsmann thinks they are better without him then they
should back this but I don’t think it was the right call. i don’t see a lot of quality in this squad. Im actually a
fan of Jozy Altidore dispite the fact that he never scores against anybody I
think he has a presence and I think he needs someone to show his how to be a
proper target man. But at the moment at 24 he has 70 caps and still looks a raw
talent. Time for Jozy to push on. Clint Dempsey still stars in this team even
playing back in the USA he is still a very very good player. Tim Howard is the
first choice keeper, Americans have always been able to make a good goalkeeper
and in Brad Guzan they have a back up that they can call on if need be. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The one to watch may not play but they have selected a young
man making waves at Bayern Munich. I have heard a few rumblings that Julian
Green would be a German international but he has chosen to be an international
for USA. Can play as a forward or a wide player been compared to Gotze. I have
never actually seen him play so I cannot say much about him but I hear that he
will be a class act. <o:p></o:p></div>
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A little story that makes me giggle. At the last World Cup
is South Africa the USA scored a goal against Slovenia and the Ref disallowed
the goal. Bars in America went silent. No outrage nothing. They were waiting
for the Ref to tell them why he hadn’t given the goal. In American sports they
explain everything. Even if its just hand signals they explain why they give a
foul. In football we have to work it out. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Group G is a tough group for the USA. Portugal, Germany and the
team everybody was talking about 4 years ago Ghana. USA have the weakest 11 but
the 2<sup>nd</sup> weakest squad ahead of Ghana. I don’t expect anything. I don’t
think they will get out of the group and i don’t think they will win a game. Prove
me wrong America!!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Star Man: Clint Dempsey <o:p></o:p></div>
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One to Watch: Jozy Alidore<o:p></o:p></div>
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Prediction: Group Stage<o:p></o:p></div>
thewestleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06547961334983683352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314232546475914362.post-1872127594449030882014-06-11T04:55:00.000-07:002014-06-11T04:55:57.494-07:00Argentina<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Argentina are a lot of teams pick to win the World Cup. Its
close to home. They have one of the best players to have ever played the game
as well as many players who are the in the World Class bracket. But they have a
weak link. If they win the World Cup this year they will be the team with the
worst defence to have ever won the World Cup. American Football has a saying
that I love “offense wins you games, Defence Wins you championships” a world
class offence can win you a game but can it win when it matters. A world class
defence gives your offence a chance to score 1 or 2 and win. This is what
champions are made of. Look at the best teams in the world they all have great
defenders. Argentina have 1 world class defender (Zabaleta) but the rest of the
defenders are average or Poor. Demichelis isn’t and has never been an
international standard defender. If he was English he would be Curtis Davies
(no caps 1 call up and that was with a new manager) yet at 33 and 38 caps he is
in this squad. Actually their best centre back is Mascherano and they play him
centre midfield. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Attacking talent they are the best in the world. If you put
the forward from with team in the Belgium defence they would be unbeaten for
years. Di Maria, Messi, Aguero, Higuain and Levezzi are all top class forward
players. And they would have played together hundreds of times even if Higuain
only has 36 caps. They are all 26 years old (except Levezzi) so they will know
each other better (I would think) than any other team at the world cup. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Please understand that im not saying Argentina will not win
the World Cup because they don’t have a good enough Defence but looking back on
history the winners have had top class defenders and thats something that
Argentina just don’t have. The youngest player in the squad is 24 years old. So
this team has been built for this tournament. They need Messi to perform at the
big time and so far he hasnt done that but he was 22 last world cup this year
he is 26. He is primed to make a big impression this year. In my opinion he is
the greatest football to have ever played the game. Pele, Maradona and Zidane
are all up there make no mistake but they are known as the best because they
have won the World cup. The only thing that people say against Messi is that he
hasnt done it at the world cup. I think he will be the Top scorer at this years
world cup. With the group they have he could have 5 or 6 before the 2<sup>nd</sup>
round. Last world cup Forlan and Muller shared the top scorer with 5 goals. This
is Messi’s year. if he doesn’t win this World cup I actually don’t expect him
to win it in Russia in 4 years unless Argentina develop some world class talent
in the next few years. The fact that not 1 player is under 23 years old doesn’t
look good for them. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Aguero is also one to watch he is for my money the best
footballer in the Premier League when fit but his fitness is a problem. If Argentina
have him fit for the whole month they have one hell of a player. His fitness is
frustrating because he is a World player of the year player if he is fit. He is
never fit. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The group is easy for them. Nigeria, Bosnia and Iran. They couldn’t
have a easier group if they had rigged it themselves............im not saying
they did rig it themselves but if they did they would have this group. The toughest
thing about this group is that they wont know much about Bosnia, the Nigerians
either turn up and play well or are tripe and Iran........ok i have nothing good
to say about Iran. If Argentina don’t win this group with 9 points (in the
words of Brian Clough) they want bloody shooting. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Star Man: Messi<o:p></o:p></div>
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One to watch: Di Maria is in sizzling form<o:p></o:p></div>
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Prediction: Semi Finals (beaten by Spain) or Final (beaten
by Brazil) wow i love the World Cup<o:p></o:p></div>
thewestleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06547961334983683352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314232546475914362.post-21603420353704740012014-05-31T05:43:00.002-07:002014-05-31T05:43:41.682-07:00Bosnia<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Bosnia are the only team in their first World Cup this year.
I for one welcome them. They are starting to have a few players who are making
into the big clubs. They have Dzeko of Man City, they have Pjanic of Roma and
Begovic of Stoke who is known as one of the Premier Leagues best keepers. I know
little about any other players in the team. A lot of the players play their football
outside of Bosnia in fact only 1 person (the 2<sup>nd</sup> choice Keeper)
actually plays for in Bosnia. <o:p></o:p></div>
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In Dzeko they have a goal scorer but more than that they
have a world class striker who has won the league in both England and Germany. He
is really dangerous and scores important goals. <o:p></o:p></div>
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In Pjanic they have a center midfielder who the world is
chasing. This guy at 24 years old is about to make a big move if you ask me.
already made his name in France and Italy a move to one of the big teams in
Spain or England is due im sure. A classy midfield player who is on the verge
of being world class. He is a massive player for this team. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The defence isn’t great but in Begovic they have a keeper
who is proven and solid. He even scored a goal this year. I think its a matter
of time before he moves on from Stoke and moves to a much larger team. The question
for me is where does he go? Manchester United, Man City, Arsenal, Liverpool and
Chelsea all have World Class Goalkeepers so a move outside the UK seems to make
sense. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I think it comes down to Bosnia or Nigeria to get the 2<sup>nd</sup>
spot in this group (Argentina will top the group for sure). The game between
them is huge so a good result for Bosnia could see them in the 2<sup>nd</sup>
stage. However I think Nigeria will qualify.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Star Man: Dzeko<o:p></o:p></div>
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One to watch: Pjanic<o:p></o:p></div>
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Prediction: Group Stage <o:p></o:p></div>
thewestleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06547961334983683352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314232546475914362.post-33693686271871357442014-05-31T05:13:00.003-07:002014-05-31T05:13:32.013-07:00Nigeria<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
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Did you know that 1 in 3 Africans are Nigerian? Thats actually
true. They should be the best team in Africa. They are not. The Ivory Coast is
the best team in Africa at the moment. Nigeria has had some great squads mainly
in the 1990’s and early 2000’s. Now they don’t have a bad squad but they lack
the gifted players like Jay-Jay Okocha who was so good they named him twice. Now
they create really strong athletic players. At the back they don’t look that
good. especially at full back this may be a weakness. But i really like one of
the defenders. A young lad called Kenneth Omeruo who is on loan at
Middlesbrough from Chelsea. This lad is 20 and is being tipped as a future
first teamer. Apparently he is a really good defender. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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<br /></div>
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There are a few names that fans of the premier league will
know. Joseph Yobo, John Obi Mikel, Victor Moses and Peter Odemwingie are all in
the squad as well as free agent Shola Ameobi who had a great record for the
England Under 21’s previously but never stepped it up beyond that. <o:p></o:p></div>
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A lot of the squad is between 21 and 25 and thats a good
sign for the future of this team. I remember a few years ago they banned
themselves from playing football (they reversed the ban a few weeks later). That
may have cost them a lot but ended up not effecting them at all. I think the
likes of Sunday Mba, Victor Moses and Joel Obi will end up being the stars of
African football. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The lad I am looking forward to watching is a chap called
Emmanuel Emenike. This guy has speed and power. Looking like a brilliant
player. He had a great record in Russia and now he is doing the same in Turkey.
I think this guy will score a few goals and may be the man to help them into
the 2<sup>nd</sup> stage of the World Cup<o:p></o:p></div>
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Argentina will top the group and with Bosnia and Iran as the
other 2 in the group Nigeria will fancy that 2<sup>nd</sup> place finish. I think
they will do it. I think they will go out in the 2<sup>nd</sup> round but they
are capable to cause a shock I Guess.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Star Man: Emeike<o:p></o:p></div>
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One to watch: Omeruo<o:p></o:p></div>
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Prediction: 2<sup>nd</sup> Round <o:p></o:p></div>
thewestleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06547961334983683352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314232546475914362.post-75122236325518152662014-05-30T03:01:00.001-07:002014-05-30T03:01:07.236-07:00Iran<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<img height="181" src="http://www.straitstimes.com/sites/straitstimes.com/files/iran19e.jpg" width="320" /></div>
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I didnt think I knew a single thing about the Iranian
football team. So i thought ill do some research............most of the players
either play for really small teams or they play in IRAN (for small teams). This
blog is going to be short and sweet.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I know 4 players and 1 of them well. ill start with the ones
ive seen a little of. Javad Nekounam the Iran captain. He is a central Midfield
player. has a wicked shot, Decent passer of the ball. He played in Spain for a
while I cant remember what team but I want to say Osasuna. He has a lot of caps to
his name and at 34 he seems to old but Stevie Gerrard is 34 and he is playing
really well. Giggs just retired at 41 so I guess as long as he is fit he should
be ok. Then we have Andranik Teymourian who had a spell in England with Bolton.
I remember being impress by him and I wandered (i know thats spelt wrong but i linked
it to Bolton Wanderers...........see what I did? no oh you see they are called
Wanderers and i put the word Wonder but i spelt it with.......forget it). obviously nobody agreed that he should get
more playing time because he is no 31 and back playing in Iran. From what I
remember of him he reminded me of Beneyoun. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
The other 2 currently play in England. I don’t think
Charlton fans have seen the best of Reza Ghoochannejhad and i doubt many can
say his name (if he gets a chant i want to hear it). in his 12 games for
Charlton he has 1 goals not that impressive but for Iran he has 9 goals in 12
games. Thats impressive even if you are playing Jordan and Qatar........ oh
wait no its not. The fact that Iran mainly play against teams where their main
job is not football they don’t do well enough. if you a professional playing
against nothing but amateurs all the time you should score a load of goals. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The other player I know is likely to be the star of this
team and could actually cause some problems. Ashjkan Dejagah and be the bright
light for a poor season for Fulham. If nobody picks this guy up after Fulham’s
relegation id be shocked. I think he is class. He is direct Quick and dangerous.
Has a German league title with Wolfsburg. I think he is class this may be
because he was raised In Germany from the Age of 1 and played for the German
national side all the way through youth levels. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The last thing i wanna touch on is something ive not written
about yet and thats the manager. As a Manchester United fan I think Carlos Queiroz
is a brilliant manager.... well brilliant football man and great assistant. Hasnt
really showing the same ability at manager level yet. I don’t think he will do
much for Iran in this world cup but if anybody can get their tactics right its
him. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The group is Argentina, Nigeria and Bosnia. The team that finishes 2<sup>nd</sup>
in this group will go out in the 2<sup>nd</sup> knockout stage im sure. I don’t
think they would have got out of any other group. I think it will be Nigeria. Its
shocking really that Spain, Holland and Chile are in one group and this is
another. Messi should score a bunch in the group stage. This could actually be
the most interesting group. Bosnia, Nigeria and Iran are all at the same kind
of level. Argentina should go through top with 9 points. But the other 3 may
get a win on any given day. Its hard to pick a runner up in this group. In some
of the other groups they have to be careful not to lose but these 3 will know the
importance of a win. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Star man: Dejagah<o:p></o:p></div>
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One to watch: Dejagah<o:p></o:p></div>
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Preditction: group stage<o:p></o:p></div>
thewestleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06547961334983683352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314232546475914362.post-52174068472908873742014-05-29T09:39:00.001-07:002014-05-29T09:39:07.098-07:00Ecuador<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Does anybody else say Eduador like the 1997 hit song from
SASH! EC-WA-DOR dum dum ect................no just me. ok ON WITH THE BLOG!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Ecuador may win a game at this World cup but that’s because they
play Honduras. This is not a great team. Id go as far as saying they are one of
the poorer teams in the tournament. They do have Antonio Valencia or as I call
him “one foot Tony” who I rate but he cannot carry a team. He is supposed to be
the fastest player in the world but he doesn’t use it as well as he should. He
is Hench but doesn’t use it, he has a
left foot but doesn’t use it. He doest use his Right foot and to good effect. I
think he is a brilliant squad player just don’t think he can carry a nation or
a team. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The only other player I really know is Felipe Caicedo who
used to play for Manchester City before they had any money. He is a big and
strong lad and i don’t think they gave him enough time but he didnt look like a
World beater. He will get a goal or 2
against Honduras. <o:p></o:p></div>
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It would be wrong to do a blog about Ecuador without
mentioning Christian Benitez who was the star of Ecuadorian football. Benitez
is possibly best known for his time in England with Birmingham City but also
had a fine career in Mexico before moving to Qatar at the age of 27. He went to
a Hospital complaining of a strong pain in the Abdomen and a few hours later
Died. You wont see a player wearing 11 for Ecuador as they have retired the
number in his honour. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Group E is not a strong group France and Switzerland will
qualify and Ecuador should beat Honduras. I don’t see them getting any other
joy.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Star Man: Valencia<o:p></o:p></div>
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One to watch: Valencia- One man team<o:p></o:p></div>
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Preditction: 3 points. Group stage elimination <o:p></o:p></div>
thewestleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06547961334983683352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314232546475914362.post-13186701794158622102014-05-29T03:47:00.001-07:002014-05-29T03:47:14.513-07:00France<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<img height="200" src="http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/01698/evra_1698113c.jpg" width="320" /></div>
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The French left our NASRI!!!!!!!!!!!
AAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHH do you know what I actually think this is a
good move. After what happened last year if Deschamps thinks that Nasri is going to the world cup is
going to disrupt the squad then don’t take him. The Surprise for me is the
inclusion of Evra. As a United fan I like Evra as a player and as a person I
think he is funny and seems a good chap. But he was the ring leader 4 years
ago. He was the guy who was suspended for 10 games. Im shocked that Deschamps
has selected him over Clichy who had a better season than Evra as well. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Anyway the French have a good squad. Im a big fan of the
young players they have coming through especially Varane and Pogba who are in
this squad. For a little while now France have made the same kind of player Cabaye,
Nasri, Valbuena, Gourcuff ect but they also make defensive midfield players
like Matuidi and Mavuba. Pogba is an different type of midfield player. I
wonder what would have happened if he had stayed at Manchester United. No doubt
in my mind he is the same kind of player to Yaya Toure. I really like this guy
and I promise you this, He will score one of the goals of the Tournament
because thats what he does. He scores amazing goals. Doesn’t bother scoring rubbish
ones just the ones that stand the test of time. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Varane is every inch a World Class Defender now and at the
age of 21. He has won the Champions league this year. I think he is better than
Pepe I don’t understand why he is the back up to Pepe because he is in a
different league. This guy is SOLID and he will be the Worlds best soon. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The French is strong everywhere. Goalkeeper they have
Lloris, in defence they have Koscielny, Varene, Evra, Sagna, Debuchy and Sakho.
In Midfield they have Ribery, Cabaye, Pogba and Matuidi and Up front they have
Benzema, Remy and Giroud. This is one of the strongest squads of them all. The fact
that they left out 2 top class players and they are still this strong shows the
depth that France has at this time.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The only other thing im going to write about with France is
Antoine Greizmann. This guy is going to be a very handy player for France. A short
quick tricky winger with a goal or 2 in him. I think the Real Sociedad winger
could be a big player for them and that may get him a move to one of the big
clubs in Europe. I think his time in Sociedad is coming to an end anyway but at
the moment he may get a Liverpool or Wolfburg. A good World cup and Barcelona
or Real Madrid may come calling for him. <o:p></o:p></div>
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If you have Read my Swiss blog you will know that I see easy
work for France and the Swiss. I see France topping Group E. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Star Man: Franck Ribery<o:p></o:p></div>
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One to Watch: Paul Pogba<o:p></o:p></div>
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Prediction: Quarter Final/ Semi Final <o:p></o:p></div>
thewestleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06547961334983683352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314232546475914362.post-21190319385988690102014-05-29T01:59:00.002-07:002014-05-29T01:59:53.701-07:00Switzerland <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
I<img height="213" src="http://www.follwr.com/images/tips/11916_1.jpg" width="320" /></div>
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m pretty sure that the Swiss are one great forward away
from being a world beater. I Rate them very highly. They have a proven manager,
some very good defenders and a really strong midfield. They just have no good
forwards. Im guessing that there may be some people reading this not
understanding the treat the Swiss hold but it shouldn’t surprise you. Remember
4 years ago when they beat Spain in the first game of the world cup? And Basel
(the best team in Switzerland) have beaten Chelsea last season and knocked
Manchester United out at the group stage a few years ago. They are an
impressive team and a lot of the Swiss national team either plays for them now
or recently left for a stronger country (mainly Germany).<o:p></o:p></div>
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For me the Star player is Xherdan Shaqiri. I expect a big
world cup from this guy. The funny thing is he is at Bayern Munich and doesn’t play.
He knew Robben and Ribery were there why would he go to Bayern? Mental. But don’t
let the fact he isn’t as good as the Wingers at one of the best clubs in the
world make you think this lad is not class. He would walk into any team in the
Premier league and most of the teams in Spain or Germany (obviously not Bayern).
A tricky left footed Winger who is able to beat a man and has a dangerous long
shot on him. The first time I watched him was in a game between England and the
Swiss when it looked peachy for England a comfortable away win. Then Shaqiri
shot from 30 yards and scored and it was game on. England Won but still it was
a great goal. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But its not just about him you also have Stocker who has
impressed for Basel in the champions league nearly every time ive watched him,
Inler of Napoli and Barnetta who never really reached his promise has moments
of pure brilliance, Xhaka who I really like, Senderos who has rebuilt his
career at Valencia and Djourou who Arsenal fans will also remember, Lichtsteiner
who is a star in Turin for Juventus and Benaglio who has been a rock for both
Switzerland and Wolfsburg. <o:p></o:p></div>
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There is a lot of buzz about for Ricardo Rodriquez. This guy
is meant to be the next big full back and has impressed in Germany this year
(also plays for Wolfsburg). 19 caps at just 21 would say that the Swiss knew
about him for a while but i don’t think most of Europe know him even with him
playing in a big league for a large club in that league and being a international.
Him and Xhaka are the ones ill be tuning in to watch Switzerland for Oh and
Shaqiri. This side could go far but I think will go out 2nd round or Quarter Finals. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Group E is a strange one. The non European teams don’t look
strong. I think its the most Cut and Dry group of them all. If France and
Switzerland don’t qualify it would a major Shock. They are just better than Ecuador
and Honduras and should win comfortably but football isn’t always that easy i
guess. Maybe Ecuador are better than I think. Maybe they turn up pumped up for
the World cup. I don’t see it myself. I see the Swiss and the French going
through. Either it will be both teams on 7 points or one of 9 and the other on
6. But both with go through. The big thing for the swiss is who goes through
Top and who goes through 2<sup>nd</sup>. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Star Man: Shakiri<o:p></o:p></div>
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One to watch: Rodriquez<o:p></o:p></div>
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Preditction: 2<sup>nd</sup> round. <o:p></o:p></div>
thewestleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06547961334983683352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314232546475914362.post-33243598526845722512014-05-28T07:02:00.002-07:002014-05-28T07:02:21.995-07:00Australia <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I fear for the Aussies. I don’t see quality in this team. The
days of Harry Kewell, Mark Viduka, Mark Schwarzer and Tim Cahill are pretty
much over. Tim Cahill is the only survivor of a good time for the Roo’s. They announced
the 30 man squad and I recognised about 5 players on the list. I know a fair
amount about football. I don’t claim to know it all but the A-League is a
league I know very little about. Pedj Bojic played for Northampton, Liam Miller
played for Man Utd, we all know Heskey and Del Piero from the fine careers they
had and thats about it for my knowledge of the A League. Pedj Bojic is the only
one able to play for the Australian national side and he wasn’t called up. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The did keep Tim Cahill, Tim Bresciano and Luke Wilkshire
were all in the squad in South Aftica 4 years ago. I actually think all 3 were
in the 2006 World cup as well. they have Mile Jedinak who had a brilliant
season at Crystal Palace. I know the name James Troisi and Ryan McGowan from
computer games but have never seen them play and ive heard of Joshua Kennedy
but I don’t know why. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Thats about it. thats all the players I knew of before doing
any research and the thing is even after my research im not impressed. It seems
that they are picking their team based on being able to play in the world cup
in Russia in 4 years time. I have no problem with that. I like the fact they
are doing this. Building a team is important. I just don’t think the players
are good enough. a few years ago Australia had some really good players in some
really good squads in Europe, Now the don’t. The biggest club anybody plays for
is Dortmund and Langerak who I haven’t really heard of but has played 10 times
for Dortmund in 3 years. Nothing wrong
with being the back up for a side like Dortmund but lets face it Weidenfeller
(Dortmund’s number 1) isn’t that good so im not expecting anything. The next
biggest club is Crystal Palace. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Dont expect anything from this team. They wont win. I don’t think
they will draw. They are going to be beaten and beaten well. I just don’t see
them scoring. This would have been a hard group for an Australian All star team
made up of the best players in Australian history. Chile should beat them,
Spain will beat them and Holland will beat them. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Star Man: Tim Cahill <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One to Watch: Jedinak<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
</div>
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Prediction: in for a beating- group stage. Id be impressed
if they scored. <o:p></o:p></div>
thewestleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06547961334983683352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314232546475914362.post-42731850288844802272014-05-27T09:06:00.001-07:002014-05-27T09:06:56.056-07:00Holland<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img height="213" src="http://www.standard.co.uk/incoming/article8898670.ece/alternates/w620/HOLLAND2310.jpg" width="320" /></div>
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I don’t like the word Netherlands. Ive always know The Netherlands
as Holland and I think I always will. I don’t know why it seems to have
changed. What was wrong with Holland? Nothing. So why did we change it? did we
change it because thats what they want to be called. If so I want the French
and Spanish and everybody else to refer to England as England not Angleterre or
anything else.........ok so that wasn’t supposed to be a rant but turned out to
be one. I only mentioned it to say I will refer to Holland as Holland not The
Netherlands. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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<br /></div>
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The Dutch have a good squad. They have a mix of Cracking
Young players like De Vrij, Memphis Depay and Jordy Clasie with experienced world
class players like Robin Van Persie and Arjen Robben. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The Dutch have never won the world cup they have come close
a few times including the final 4 years ago but never crossed the line to
winning the cup. I like this Dutch team. So much Class running through them and
the Future Manchester United Manager in charge of them. The worry I have for
them is at the back. They have Ron Vlaar and a bunch of kids at the back. I don’t
rate Vlaar so if he is your Rock at the back then your in trouble. In Midfield they
are fine. A lot of class going forward mixed with some steel at the defensive positions.
<o:p></o:p></div>
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Up Front is the strength of this Dutch team. RVP (Van
Persie), Robben, Huntelaar, Depay and Lens are all about scoring goals. Im
impress by Depay. The speed of the guy is unreal. He is going to be a star so
is Wijnaldum who has a very hard to spell name. But I think Clasie may be the
one to watch. He is a central midfield player who has exceptional passing
ability. I think he is like Xabi Alonso. Not the fastest but a great passer of
the ball. I do like De Vrij and Bruno Martins Indi who play at the back (that i
don’t rate) as exceptional young defenders but thats what they are they are
both 22 and have 22 caps between them. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The Group is tough. Ive written this a few times now. But The
Holland v Chile Game will decide both teams fate. I Think Holland will go
through because im convinced they are going to draw with Spain in game 1 of the
3. Spain will beat Chile (it will be close but i think Spain will be Chile) and
then i think all teams with beat the Aussies. So a draw for Holland and they
will be on 5 points and Chile 4. A Chile win puts them on 6 points and Holland on
4 and Chile would go through 2<sup>nd</sup>. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Star Man: Arjen Robben<o:p></o:p></div>
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One to Watch: Jordy Clasie<o:p></o:p></div>
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Prediction: Quarter Final maybe Semi Final. To weak at the
back to win it all. <o:p></o:p></div>
thewestleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06547961334983683352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314232546475914362.post-47107740158322036802014-05-27T07:50:00.000-07:002014-05-27T07:50:21.319-07:00Chile<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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About 5 years ago Chile did something that not a lot of
teams do. They looked at their squad and instead of looking at the formation they
wanted to play and then look at the players they had to fit that formation they
put their best 11 players on a piece of paper and came up with a brand new
formation. They are not symmetrical they sometimes don’t play that many
defenders they know their strength is in the Centre of midfield and playing
through Alexis Sanchez. Its this that not only makes Chile hard to play against
but also they have started to get recognised for the players they are bringing
through. The players im going to talk about in today’s blogs you will have
heard of if your into your footballers and maybe one or 2 you may not have
heard of. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Chile destroyed England a few months back. The went to Germany
a few weeks later and controlled them and lost by a really small margin and the
Germans booed their own team. The formation thing is an odd thing but the
important thing about the formation is how they get the best out of their best
players. Sanchez, Vidal, Medel, Isla and Vargas. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The most important player to Chile is Barcelona’s Alexis
Sanchez. I think he is class. He is 25 years old and he is a direct strong
winger who plays wide for Barcelona but more central (sort of a free role) for
Chile. I love his Directness its fantastic to watch. I think Direct football
should be used more often anyway as its very effective. That’s why Bale and
Ronaldo are getting so much joy at footballers. They are so direct. No messing about “im going to score” bang “see
I told you” style of players and Sanchez is one of them. I actually think
Barcelona is the wrong team for him. I think he would be better in the Premier
League. its built for players like Alexis. Manchester United would be an incredible
fit. Ive wanted him at United since I first saw him play for Udinese in Italy
about 5 year ago. Im actually surprised more wingers are not getting stronger
because it seems to be really effective. Ronaldo, Bale and Sanchez are 3 of the
best wingers in the world and they are all strong, Quick and athletic. Seems obvious
to me. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Im a big fan as well of the 2 lad that play for Juventus. Isla and Vidal. Isla is
a full back but can play defensive midfield as well. think Lahm of Bayern. Very
good full back, Wing back or Defensive centre midfield. Vidal is the perfect
Centre midfield player. This lad is world class. Good goal scorer, good passer,
can tackle and cross ect. I actually think he is the best player in Italy at
the moment. <o:p></o:p></div>
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It may surprise you to hear that one of their best players
plays for a championship club. He plays for Wigan and his name is Jean
Beausejour. This guy confuses me. for Wigan he seems average at best. For Chile
he transforms. He seems to pick the right pass a lot more for Chile. Ive seen
it before where some players just play better for their country but Beausejour
shows a bigger improvement that anybody ive seen in recent time. maybe its just
playing against better players, i don’t know. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The group is interesting. If you have read the Spain blog
then you will know that I think Spain will top this group. But Chile or Holland
will be runner up. The match between Holland and Chile is going to Vital to the
progression of them. I do think Chile may do it and qualify. It would be
interesting if they Drew because then it would come down to who didn’t lose to Spain
or beat Australia by the most amount of goals. I get the feeling that the way
the games fall Holland have an advantage by playing Spain first and i think
that will be a draw. Meaning if they draw with Chile they will have 5 points
(they will beat the Aussies). Chile wont beat Spain and i also think Spain
will win that game so Chile with a draw
to Holland would only have 4 points. But Chile beat Holland and they will
qualify. This is going to be a really good group<o:p></o:p></div>
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Star player Alexis Sanchez<o:p></o:p></div>
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One to watch: Vidal<o:p></o:p></div>
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Prediction: unfortunately I think they will go out group stage<o:p></o:p></div>
thewestleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06547961334983683352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314232546475914362.post-90807823871635728992014-05-27T07:48:00.004-07:002014-05-27T07:48:38.021-07:00Spain<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Group B is know as the Group of Death. With Spain, Holland, Australia
and Chile in it you can see why. This is a tough group. Spain are the current
World cup and European Champions. They are the only European team to win the
World Cup outside of Europe. They are (in my opinion) the best international
team to have ever played football. This team is no different. Yeah Xavi is
getting on a little, Torres and Villa are not what they were all that was true
2 years ago and they still couldn’t be stopped. Normally what I do in these
blogs is rave about 1 or 2 players that I am really looking forward to watching
but Spain have far to many. A True football fan will know nearly all of the
Spain squad. Their 3 choice goalkeeper is David De Gea who was Manchester
United’s Player of the season. This is a team that doesn’t really play a
striker and they have Torres, Villa, Llorente and Negredo all called up as well
as the controversial choice of Diego Costa. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I do9nt actually think Diego Costa is as good as everybody
says he is. Atletico are a brilliant team regardless of if he plays for them or
not. They are being made out as a bit of a one man team but not for me. they
have a lot of players who work really hard and are top class players. Costa is
a good player don’t get me wrong but people are putting him in the £50m price
bracket. He is not worth that. Hes good maybe £25m-£30m at most but not £50m.
Last year because he wasn’t selected by Brazil for the Confederations cup he
chose to play for Spain instead. Thats very mature of you Diego. Abandon you
country and play for another because you weren’t deemed good enough to play at
that point. He would have been a dead cert to play for them this World Cup. If
I was a Brazil fan id be happy without him. No doubt he would have helped them
but a poison no doubt. Just wouldn’t want him around the squad. Im shocked that
with all the options Spain have they are selecting him. I get the feeling that
they are just making sure Brazil don’t have him. They are better than stealing players
from other countries. I think if you move somewhere for your job (playing
football) you shouldn’t be calling that place you country. Fair enough if you
were born somewhere else and you moved to be happier or not die and you happen
to find out your a world class footballer thats fair but nothing should be
better than wearing the colours of your home nation. Sorry but it annoys me. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Spain are not just about forwards. They have 9 midfield
players who would be in every single countries world cup squad if they were
from any other nation and some would argue 10 or 11. They pass the ball better
than any other team. Defence isn’t that strong but they do have world class
players in Pique and Ramos and top top class players like Azpilcueta, Alba and
Martinez. Im a big fan of Spain. I do think they will be in the Final and they
could well be the first Back to Back World Cup winners.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The group is good as I said at the top. Spain should top
this group though. Chile and Holland will fight it out for the runner up spot
of group B in my eyes. I don’t think Spain will win all of their games but they
may well win 2 and draw the other (maybe Holland). They start with Holland and
I think both teams will not want to lose. I just think in this situation the
games are a little boring because they both know that a draw is a good result..
I actually feel bad for Australia because
they are in for 3 beatings. Chile and Holland are both brilliant teams and its
a shame they are in the same group. I want to see 3 of the teams in this group
more than 3 times but it adds some spice to the group stage. Holland v Chile is
one of the games im looking forward to the most. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Star man: Hard to say who the star man is but I love
watching Iniesta<o:p></o:p></div>
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One to watch: Koke is class but may not get much game time. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Prediction: what Spain do best. Winner. <o:p></o:p></div>
thewestleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06547961334983683352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314232546475914362.post-87556662663258783622014-05-23T09:05:00.003-07:002014-05-23T09:05:44.877-07:00Japan<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today blog is Japan. Im actually not expecting much from
Japan. I know they work hard as a football team (every Japan team has). I know
that they will be organised. I know they will have some flair and speed. In Kagawa,
Honda and Okazaki they have 3 really good players. They have more players in
Europe than ever. Most play in Germany who seem to have really embraced Asia
players as a lot of the South Korean squad play in Germany as well. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I want to write about Kagawa to start off with. He plays
well for Japan and less so for Manchester United but people forget that he is a
2 time Germany league winner and player of the season. Im a Manchester United
fan and I like Kagawa. I think a lot of the time he gets compared to Park or
Mata. That’s unfair he sits somewhere in the middle. He works hard he has great
talent but for me he is not world class. Same really as Honda (who was born on
the same day as me by the way). He finally moved to a big club in AC Milan
after years of floating around Europe’s lesser leagues in Russia and Holland. I
am pleased for him as it looked like he has been ready for this move for a few
years not but has only just got it but again he is not world class. We are yet to see the Real Deal come out of
Japan or any other Asia team. That may not last very long. 1998 Japan qualified
for their first world cup and they have been to them all since. The youngest
player in the tournament is 18 and born 2 years before this. They will have a
culture of football from not only 1998 when they were beaten but the 2002 World
cup they hosted and made and impression on. Its a matter of time before either
Japan or South Korea win World Cup but i think we are looking beyond the Qatar
World Cup in 8 years. We may be talking 20 years but the fact that they are
coming to Europe shows that they are getting better and better. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I think its interesting that Japan have no players under the
age of 23. They haven’t called anybody under the age of 21 all the qualifying campaign.
I cant find anything about any restrictions they put in but it seems to me like
the under 20’s play till they are over 20 and then they play for the under 23’s
until they are to old for them. This isn’t the best way of doing things for me.
<o:p></o:p></div>
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Star Man: Kagawa<o:p></o:p></div>
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One to watch: Honda<o:p></o:p></div>
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Prediction: Group stage. <o:p></o:p></div>
thewestleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06547961334983683352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314232546475914362.post-68668624328425037262014-05-22T06:57:00.000-07:002014-05-22T06:57:04.587-07:00Ivory Coast<div class="MsoNormal">
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Africa’s best hope of winning the World Cup. I don’t think
they will win it but this is clearly the best team in Africa. They have a lot
of players are well known in football. Yaya Toure is the star of the
team but Drogba and Kolo Toure have both starred in the Premier League
previously but are getting on and are not the stars they were. Then you have
Kalou (former Chelsea), Gervinho (former Arsenal) and Zokora (former spurs) who
also played for big teams in the premier league. The likes of Tiote, Traore and
Bony all played in the premier league last year. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Yaya Toure’s form at the end of the season for City was
amazing. The guy has so much power and strength but is also really good with
his feet, really quite and a great
finisher. For my money he is the complete midfield player. people are starting
to say he is one of the Premier Leagues best ever midfield players and is hard
to say he is not. Its no like he has only just started playing well. He has
been a rock for City for years now. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I wanna talk about 2 players you may not know about. Everton
Fans will know Lacina Traore but I doubt even Everton much of him. He is like a
African Peter Crouch. 6 ft 8 tall. Skinny. He scored goals in Russia for fun. I
think he could be a big player some day. Monaco Saw enough of him to buy him in
Jan but clearly didnt think he was ready for them just yet as they Loaned him
straight to Everton. It hard to mark a
guy who is that tall if they are really strong.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The other player who is interesting me is the full back Serge Aurier who is a huge
prospect in France. He is a right back and has been compared to the guy he has
replaced in the Ivory Coast squad Eboue, From what ive heard he is better defensively
than Eboue. He is rumoured to be leaving Toulouse this summer and a move to a big Prem team seems to be on the
cards. Im hearing Arsenal is his preferred choice. We will see I guess. <o:p></o:p></div>
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This is not a young team. Most of the players are in their
late 20’s/ early 30s be interested where the future of Ivory Coast is. But Traore
and Bony will have a big say on that. By the way I was seriously impressed with
Bony this season. Im always a little suspect of great goals scorers in Holland.
They don’t tend to do that much in the Premier League when they move there
(Kezman and Alves the main 2), But Bony really impressed. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The Group isn’t that tough. Japan, Greece and Colombia. I think
Colombia and Ivory Coast will have a really good game against each other. I think
Japan would have to cause a shock to get out of the group and Greece should get
beaten 3 times. This hasnt been spoken about much but I actually think the group
is the closest of them all. No clear winner and no Clear Runner up. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Star Man: Yaya Toure<o:p></o:p></div>
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One to watch: Serge Aurier<o:p></o:p></div>
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Prediction: last African team standing. Quarter Finals <o:p></o:p></div>
thewestleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06547961334983683352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314232546475914362.post-23233159600994434132014-05-21T06:51:00.001-07:002014-05-21T06:51:13.611-07:00Colombia<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Ive been looking forward to this blog since before I started
doing the first blog. Colombia are seen by many as a dark horse. I don’t think
so. I don’t think they are a dark horse. Same as Belgium they are not dark
horses they are just a good team. Colombia are in the top 10 consistently
nowadays and they have some truly world class players. Mainly Falcao and James
Rodriguez but some would argue that Jackson Martinez and Fredy Guarin are as
well (not for me). <o:p></o:p></div>
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I like their young players especially Luis Muriel who is a
Rapid striker (and I MEAN RAPID). He plays in Italy for Udinese but I don’t expect
him to be there long. I think a move to
the premier league would suit him better. Arsenal or Chelsea ideal. He is 23
and doesn’t have many caps but this guy is class and he may well play what with
the injury troubles with Falcao. Im shocked Falcao is back. In January he was
rules out with a Cruciat Ligiment knee injury and i though that was that but he
is at 60% at the moment and only getting stronger. He may well make it. Jackson
Martinez and Carlos Bacca (who just won the Europa League) also play up front
so may be hard to get him involved. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Defensivly they may not be that strong. They do have
Zuniga of Napoli and Zapata of Milan who
are really good players but Armero struggled to make an impression at West ham
this season and the next biggest name is former Milan player Mario Yepes who is
retiring after the world cup. I do like the keeper Ospina who plays in France
for Nice. From what ive seen he is a good young keeper. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Just want to mention that they have the oldest player in the
world cup playing for Colombia. A chap by the name of Mondragon who is 42 and
will be 43 during the world cup. He is a back up keeper and has been playing
first team football since 1995. The average age of this squad is probably very
high as they have Yepes (38) and Perea (35) Mosquara (32), Ramirez (33) and Soto
(33) all over the age of 30. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Star Man: Falcao if he makes it Rodriguez if he doesn’t<o:p></o:p></div>
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One to watch: Muriel or Rodriguez<o:p></o:p></div>
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Prediction: Quarter Finals. <o:p></o:p></div>
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thewestleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06547961334983683352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314232546475914362.post-87722524756058770532014-05-20T09:31:00.003-07:002014-05-20T09:31:33.816-07:00Greece<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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When I committed to writing a blog on every time in the
build up to the world cup I expected to have a few Blogs i wasn’t looking
forward too. Greece, Iran, Honduras (that’s why i did it first), Costa Rica and
Algeria. I’ve done Costa Rica and Honduras and actually enjoyed them. Greece
less so. Ive not enjoyed the research but here goes.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Greece in 2004 rocked the world with the win in Portugal. They
won without playing well. it was a fluke and wont be repeated in Brazil. They have
to go down (in my eyes) as the worst team to win a major competition. 2 years
ago I wrote that I would be shocked if Greece got out of their group and they
did I looked foolish. They were comfortably beaten in the 2<sup>nd</sup> round
but they got out of the group. This time around id be shocked if they got out
the group again. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Do they have bad players? Not really. Do they have Great
players? No not one. They are an organised team and they play well together but
they are not a good group of players. There is an argument that they have left their
best player at home in Kyriakos Papdopoulos of Schalke 04 in Germany. They reason
for this is he is injury prone but he only has to be fit for 1 month. Even Abu
Diaby could manage that (actually he couldn’t). <o:p></o:p></div>
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They do have some decent players. Sakratis Papstathopoulos
(yeah i copied the spelling over from google) is good defender who plays for Dortmund.
Miroglou had a brilliant record for Olympiacos before moving to Fulham where he
never played. Sotiris Ninis had a spell in England before going back to Greece
but I rate his as a decent winger. I don’t rate Samaras of Celtic. I think
Karagounis is passed his best. That’s about it. I don’t have anything else to say
about Greece and that is their problem. Ive written and researched a lot of
teams I didn’t think were going to do anything this World Cup ie Honduras and
Costa Rica but they both had a star player and Greece has a squad of average
players. 1 playing club football for a team that is considered a top team and that’s
Sakratis of Dortmund again. They bored me in the last tournament and I expect
the same this time.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Group c is made up of Japan, Ivory Coast and Columbia. All 3
are better than Greece. I expect them to lose all 3. I kind of want them to
lose all 3 so that they don’t qualify. 3 games of boredom is enough for me.
they may Draw to Japan but i think Columbia and Ivory Coast will have to much
for them. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Star player: um................... maybe k........
no.............um im going to go for Sokratis Papastathopoulos <o:p></o:p></div>
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One to Watch: um Kastas Mitroglou...... he cant be that bad
can he?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Prediction: 1 point maybe. Defiantly out in group stage. <o:p></o:p></div>
thewestleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06547961334983683352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314232546475914362.post-38662176141868820012014-05-19T03:12:00.000-07:002014-05-19T03:12:10.362-07:00England<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Ok so im an England fan. I am English and I love England. I want
and believe that England can win the world cup. I don’t see why not. Do they
have world class players? Yes (Rooney, Gerrard and Hart are all world class).
Do they have a weakness? Maybe at Right back. Secret Weapons? Not really because
the premier league is the most watch league in the world, but Sterling,
Barkley, Lallana and Shaw may be underestimated. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The Squad has a good balance between youth and experience,
they have grafters and flair players. They have a good organised defence and
attacking Full backs. My worry for England is Defensive midfielders. They don’t
have a midfield stopper a guy who is just there to stop people playing and move
the ball to the better players. Henderson, Gerrard, Wilshire, Lampard and
Barkley are the centre midfield players. Personally I would have taken Carrick
over Lampard. Lampard hasnt had a good year but nor has Carrick. Carrick though
is England’s best passing midfield player and he also intercepts play better
than any other England player. he is on stand by so he may get the call but id
play him in a 3 man midfield. I suspect they will play Gerrard in that position
and maybe try to ustilise Wilshire more. I quite like Ox playing in centre
midfield. He played there a few times for Arsenal and I was impressed. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Up front they have some class. Rooney is due a good tournament.
Some people say he has underperformed for England but he will end up England
top ever goalscorer and has been a star for 10 years for them. He was amazing in
his first tournament Euro 2004 but got sent off against Portugal in 2006, England
didnt make 2008’s Euro, was injured right up to the first game of the world cup
4 years ago and got himself suspended for 2 games in the last tournament 2
years ago. He is due a good tournament and has played well in a poor Manchester
United team. They have Sturridge who is a greedy, selfish little bugger but he
scores goals and has brilliant ability. I think you need a selfish player up
front. Nobody says Ronaldo is Selfish but he is. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I think people outside England may seen Jagielka and Cahill
as weaknesses but I actually think they are brilliant. I watched England beat
Spain a few years back. The centre backs in that game were Jagielka and
Lesscott and they were brilliant. They defended nearly all game and Spain couldn’t
get passed him. Jags especially was amazing. Joe Hart has the ability to make
amazing saves he showed that previously. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The group is tough for England. Ive written that I expect England
will qualify out of the group. This is because I expect them to draw against
Italy and Uruguay and beat Costa Rica. I Expect Costa Rica to lose to Italy and
Uruguay and I expect Italy and Uruguay to draw in their game. As England play
Costa Rica last. This means that they will know how much they have to beat
Costa Rica by. I don’t see Italy scoring to many against Costa Rica. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The problem would be what happens after that. England haven’t
beaten a decent team in a knockout game since 1996 when they beat Spain in the
Quarter Final of the Euro in England (they won that on Pens). Lost to Portugal
and Argentina on pens as well as being battered by Germany and beaten by Brazil
in the world cup in 02. They have beaten Ecuador and Denmark in recent time. I
worry about playing a big team because I don’t think they know how to win
against them. <o:p></o:p></div>
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In 1966 England won the world cup, Atletico Madrid won the Spanish
League, Real Madrid won the Champions League, Austria won the Eurovision and
the in the FA cup Final the team that won it went 2-0 down to pull it back and
win it. If Real Madrid win this weekend
im putting my money on England to repeat history in Brazil. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Star Player: Wayne Rooney<o:p></o:p></div>
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One to Watch: Ross Barkley<o:p></o:p></div>
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Prediction: Hope Winners, Realistic Quarter finals <o:p></o:p></div>
thewestleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06547961334983683352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314232546475914362.post-72058538258678230502014-05-19T03:09:00.003-07:002014-05-27T07:17:47.599-07:00Costa Rica<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Im not going to pretend I know a lot about Costa Rica. Ill
know a lot more by the time that Uruguay have played them in the World Cup but
I know little of them know. Ive only seen 3 of them play football before,
Kaylor Navas (Goalkeeper for Levante), Bryan Ruiz (number 10 who is now at PSV
used to play for Fulham) and Joel Campbell (Olympiacos winger on loan from
Arsenal). I have heard of Celso Borges but i think this is just through
playing computer games like Football manager. Ive looked at him a little and
his goal scoring record from midfield is very good (although all in Sweden).</div>
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Navas shouldn’t be under estimated. I remember seeing the
Barcelona v Levante game this season and Navas was very very good. He is the
kind of keeper who will make a wonder-save and then lose concentration for a
second and cost his team. I don’t think he will be given the chance to lose
concentration at the world cup as they should be on defence most of all 3 games
they will play. </div>
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Joel Campbell is going to be vital for them. His speed and
skill will be very useful for counter attacking. He showed in the Olympiacos v
Manchester United game that he can take on and beat a player and he has a good
shot on him as well. Campbell is an odd one. Id heard of him before
Arsenal signed him but I cannot remember why. He must have played in a game I
watched a few years ago but I just don’t remember it. Good player though. I
expect that he will be their best player. </div>
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Bryan Ruiz is a tricky player who is a classic number 10.
Didnt work for Fulham but seems to have impressed since going back to Holland
where he made his name. I actually rate Ruiz I just don’t think he will be
useful to a team like Costa Rica. They don’t need a player who is going to put
in a clever pass behind the defence. They need really quick players who will be
good on the counter attack. but more important than that they need Defenders
who are organised and disciplined. I know nothing about any of the defenders
but they got to the World Cup, How bad can they be?</div>
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Any group would be tough for Costa Rica. 3 games, 3 defeats.
The impact they will make on the tournament is one team is going to go out
because they didnt score enough goals against Costa Rica. I can see them
playing on the back foot and trying to counter on the break though Joel
Campbell and that is there best chance of getting something. I wont rule out a
draw in one of the games but personally I don’t think they will. </div>
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Star Man: Bryan Ruiz</div>
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One to Watch: Joel Campbell</div>
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Prediction: 3 Defeats and home. Id actually be surprised if
they scored. </div>
thewestleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06547961334983683352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314232546475914362.post-51429748996834265342014-05-17T03:50:00.003-07:002014-05-17T03:50:42.130-07:00Uruguay<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This is not a young team. Its an experienced reaching their peak
as a footballer team. The best players will be no surprise to anybody Edinson
Cavani and Luis Suarez are exceptional footballers and they are both 27 years
old this is the world cup that they should be in their peak for.<br />
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Diego Godin, Martin Caceres, Fernando Muslera and Alvaro Pereira
and Maxi Pereira are also a peak ages and they all have many caps. This side
has won Copa America they are a brilliant squad and in South America to they shouldn’t
be underestimated. They have been building to this world cup and im sure they
think they can win it. <o:p></o:p></div>
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My worry for them is defensively as they are not very good.
Diego Godin (Atletico Madrid centre back) aside they struggle. Caceres a
defender for Juventus but he is not a great footballer. Fucile is a cracking
full back but can be exploited. They lack Centre Midfield defensive players they actually lack midfielder completely. A stealth
of both England and Italy who are in the same group. They may well be one of
the teams to watch. Suarez scored all kind of goals and so does Cavani. They both
have great records at both club and country level and I expect them to be
brilliant. Muslera is a good keeper and will make amazing saves but also will
make a mistake or 2 every so often but mainly when under used. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I expect this team to get out of the group. They could go
quite far. They are a very good team. They may win it. I don’t think they will.
I think they will end up in the quarters. It wouldn’t shock me if they went out
group stage because they have a tough group with England, Italy and Costa Rica
in it. England and Italy wouldn’t be a shock. It would be expected a little I
guess. I think this team has the ability to go far but there is always one team
that does badly and I can also see that being Italy. I know i’m an England fan
i think the fixture order works well for England and I do expect them to go through.
It could come down to a shoot out between Italy and Uruguay. I expect Uruguay
to beat Costa Rica by more goals than Italy will. That for me means that its up
to Italy to beat Uruguay to go through. I cant pick that result.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Star Man: Luis Suarez<o:p></o:p></div>
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One to watch: Jorge Fucile<o:p></o:p></div>
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Prediction: Quarter Finals <o:p></o:p></div>
thewestleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06547961334983683352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314232546475914362.post-85849135375171077972014-05-16T04:13:00.000-07:002014-05-16T04:13:25.496-07:00Italy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The Italian football team is a product of the Italian
football league. they are not very good anymore. They have some obvious class
because they always will but previously they would have a Totti supporting an
Insaghi they now have a Balotelli supporting himself. <o:p></o:p></div>
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They Dont have a bad spine they have one of the best Goalkeepers
to play the game in Buffon and at 36 he still has a bit left in the tank. They have
Chiellini and Barzagli at centre backs and the option of going 3 at the back
with Bonucci they play together all the time and are pretty solid. They have
Pirlo and De Rossi in Centre Midfield with Montolivo there as well and then
Balotelli up front with people who never really did it at international level
Cassano and Rossi. At full back they look weak. I like the looks of De Sciglio
of Milan who is a young fullback but he is that. He hasnt established himself
and could be exposed. At winger they look worse i think they will play wing
backs because they don’t have any wide midfielders. <o:p></o:p></div>
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If Balotelli doesn’t score i don’t see them scoring. I don’t
see them letting in a lot but scoring could be set pieces and thats fine if
your West Ham but to be Real Madrid you need more than that. Only 3 of this
squad played outside of Serie A this year and they all played for PSG (Motta,
Verratti and Sirigu) who may not even play. I don’t see Italy getting far at
all. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The group is England, Uruguay and Costa Rica. They play
England First the Costa Rica and then Urugauy. I think they wil draw against
England and beat Costa Rica. And i expect England and Uruguay to draw aswell. This
means that England would go through with a better win against Costa Rica than
Italy or Uruguay who would have already played them. So if that happens i can
see the Uruguay v Italy game could be huge for both of them. I believe England
will get out of this group but will who will join them im not sure. The other
thing Italy have not done well is placement. They base is thousands of miles
away from game they play and in the higher altitude areas and the hotter areas.
Im not saying Italy is a cold place but Surely Costa Rica and Uruguay will be
better suited to the heat. I really see them struggling and i don’t see enough
class to get them out of this. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Ive been quite negative about them but some positives. They got
to the final of Euro 2012 they played well in that. Balotelli starred and will
be their best player again I feel. De Sciglio shows that they can still produce
some class with Verratti as well they have some ok young players. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Star man: Mario Balotelli<o:p></o:p></div>
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One to Watch: Daniele De Rossi (has got to turn up at some
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Prediction: going to put my neck on the line and say Group
Stage 5 points scoring less goals than England and Uraguay who also have 5
points but go through </div>
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thewestleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06547961334983683352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314232546475914362.post-2549000233316725332014-05-15T06:02:00.000-07:002014-05-15T06:02:09.140-07:00Croatia<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Like Mexico I think Croatia may be a Dark Horse. They have
been a bit of a dark horse team for a while. I remember them knocking England
out of Euro 2004 qualifying and then going on to have a good tournament. Like
Mexico I don’t expect to see Croatia win it but either them or Mexico could
make an impression. </div>
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They have some obvious class with the like of Modric and
Rakitic in midfield and they have a defender I rate very highly in Dejan Lovren
who plays in the premier league for Southampton. You may remember they also
have former Arsenal player Eduardo and for Spurs players Kranjcar (now of QPR)
and Corluka but I think a lot of people forget they also have Hull Striker
Kelavic and Bayern Munich Mario Mandzukic who was amazing against Manchester
United in the Champions league this year. add to that the experience of
Pletikosa (34 year old goalkeeper who has 109 caps), Darijo Srna (who has 111
caps and plays for Donetsk) and Ivica Olic (of Wolfsburg and formally of Bayern
Munich and has 90 caps) this side has been about. The next generation looks
good for Croatia as well. the like of Badelj (25 playing for Hamburg), Mateo
Kovacic who plays in Italy for Inter Milan and Ante Rebic who is also in Italy
with Fiorentina. The only surprise may be the fact they left out Alen Halilovic
who has just signed for Barcelona after impressing in Croatia and is rated as
the European Messi. Im sure that if he <b>was</b> Niko Kovac wouldn't have left
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They are missing Josip Simunic who has been banned for the
cup due to comments he made on a loud speaker after they qualified. I have
looked at the squad I think they are better without Simunic as i don’t rate him
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They have a tough group of Brazil, Mexico and Cameroon. Its
not an easy group. Ive done blogs on all 4 now and what in my head started off
as an easy ride to for Brazil actually looks harder than it seems. Id be
Shocked if Brazil didnt go through and id expect it to be either Mexico or
Croatia to join them in the knock out stages. I do feel Croatia are slightly
stronger but im really looking forward to the Mexico v Croatia game as that
will decide to me who will go through. Don’t rule Cameroon out but its a hard
ask for them. They look on paper the weakest side in the group.</div>
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Star Man: Luca Modric</div>
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One to watch: Ivan Rakitic</div>
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Prediction: maybe Quarter Finals but could also go out in
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thewestleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06547961334983683352noreply@blogger.com0