Spain:-

“La Furia Roja” are aiming to defend their title as World and European Champions by beating the odds and lifting the trophy in Brazil!

This is probably the most straight-forward analysis of all the 32 teams competing (no further comments even necessary!); mainly because Spain have been operating with the same consistency for more than half a decade now.

In defense, it is hard to imagine that Spain will be having too many difficulties at the back if all of their first-choice defenders are fully fit and in-form. The chemistry and understanding already exists (take a bow Señor Del Bosque!) and it will be a big ask of every team they face to break down Spain’s defensive stability.

Perhaps the only TINY issue in defense for Coach Del Bosque would be Jordi Alba’s relatively modest number of games this previous season, due to injury, in comparison with his fellow defenders.

From the back, it is a typical high-press game for the defenders; with the SBs going on endless forward runs to support their wide men and even trying to penetrate the opposition’s box themselves, should the chance present itself.

The “Spanish show” takes place, obviously, in midfield; where probably any football manager in the world would envy coach Vicente del Bosque for the unbelievable amount of talent (and experience!) at his disposal in that area of the field.

Spain’s possession-based strategy is built around the core of Xavi, Iniesta, Busquets and/or Xabi Alonso; a mixture of pure vision, technique, stability and near-perfect passing abilities. Smothering the midfield with players is one thing, but being enable to dictate play AT WILL during the majority of games is something else; and that is Spain’s biggest strength.

On the flanks, Spain have, again, extremely talented and versatile wide men who have all the elements required to execute their strategy of running the channels and opening up play for their midfielders.

Coach Del Bosque has, over the last 2 years almost, constantly been switching between playing Fabregas in a false-nine role and deploying Torres as their main striker. Obviously, his final decision will most likely depend on Diego Costa’s ability to shake off his ever-recurring injury so that he'll be in top shape and form come the start of their WC campaign.

It is best here to avoid going into the more obvious details of Spain’s play and, rather, focus on how to effectively beat them; because, bookies’ odds aside, it is very difficult to counter-argument the fact that Spain are THE team to beat in order to win the World Cup, IF all their players are performing by their usual high-standards.

Brazil (2013 Confederations Cup final), Bayern Munich (2013 CL semi-finals) and Atletico Madrid (2013/2014 season) have all demonstrated very effective and not so different styles of play that have fully-destroyed teams playing a possession-based strategy.

The first requirement would be an extremely high level of individual AND collective commitment from all the players in their respective positions. Secondly, serious doses of extreme aggressive onward attacking waves that puts Spain in a real “backs to the wall” scenario and enforces immense pressure on them.

Thirdly, a great sense of physicality has to be imposed on Spain’s individual players when they are looking to retain possession. Lastly, and this is the most obvious one, the entire team (from GK to STs) must be tactically positioned in a correct manner to be able to launch counter-attacks at ANY second when they are defending and attempting to soak Spain’s offensive pressure.

A first glimpse of an attempt at such a strategy will most probably be show-cased by the Netherlands in Group B’s opening match; where it will be an incredible match for those who enjoy tactical football! (Just don’t expect a flood of goals…)


Main man: Andres Iniesta: If Spain are to win the World Cup without any surprises, then it could quite possibly be, more or less, due to this midfield maestro. Iniesta’s world-class technique, one-of-a-kind tactical awareness, super vision and inhumane passing skills are simply the tip of the iceberg in regards to how Spain could taste WC glory this year.

Odds (average from top 24 betting firms): 7.21625

South Korea:-

The “Taegeuk Warriors” are the second-worst team, after Australia, at this WC (according to FIFA’s latest rankings) and it will take some really hard work if they are to sign-off from Brazil with a “respectable” campaign!

Only AFTER South Korea’s SECOND group-stage match against Algeria would head Coach Hong Myung-Bo have been at his position for an entire year; a very difficult thing to swallow for a nation so proud of its own football.

However, it might not be as bad as it first seems; because, for starters, coach Hong already knows most of his young players very well; having worked with them as head coach of South Korea’s U-23 national football team from 2009 to 2012.

In fact, almost half of the entire (most-probable) line-up of players consist of the same players with whom coach Hong was able to win the bronze medal in football at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. A great feat considering the fact that they first drew with eventual gold medalists Mexico, beat the 2011 UEFA U-21 Euro finalists Switzerland and even went neck-to-neck with a Great Britain team boasting the likes of Ryan Giggs, Daniel Sturridge and Aaron Ramsey!

Sadly though, that inexperience causes the team more harm than good; as the team have averaged a GCPG ratio of ca. 1.33 over the course of 15 games (12 of which were friendlies) under coach Hong. Given their GSPG of 1.0 over the same period, it seems wise enough to deploy EITHER Kim Young-Gwon OR Hong Jeong-Ho ALONGSIDE the more experienced Kwak Tae-Hwi; rather than Coach Myung-Bo Hong’s tendency to allow BOTH young CBs to start simultaneously during the majority of the games in which he has been in charge.

In midfield, South Korea’s most-likely midfield-trio boast immense talent among themselves but, again, their inexperience (they’re all 25 years old) might prove to be their undoing; especially considering their more experienced and physical opponents (think Russia and Belgium!).

Coach Hong might look to implement a pivot-like attacking lay-out of a main striker supported by an inverted-winger CF; where he’ll want to enforce a small dose of high-pressure on their opponents. Which would, in turn, place a big chunk of responsibility on his attacking midfielders’ shoulders to go forward on surging runs and try to penetrate opposition defenders and push them into their own final-third when having the ball.

Their wingers either sides of the pitch WILL cause the opposition trouble and South Korea’s chances of grabbing a result or two will significantly increase if those wide players are offered enough space on the flanks; where they’ll look to cross to their target man or simply attempt to force themselves into the opposition’s box to unleash a shot on target. A good focus will also be placed on set-pieces; as some of their players have great accuracy with long-ball deliveries and might look to make the most of their dead-ball situations.

Their main-striker choices', namely Lee Keun-Ho and Park Chu-Young, lack of game time this previous season might also be a cause for worry; whether inexperience will take its toll on coach Hong’s youthful squad or whether they’ll spring a surprise or two is still up in the air!


Main man: Son Heung-Min: The “jewel in the crown” of South Korea’s extremely talented squad! His electric pace, brilliant technique and lethal shot are just a small part of his repertoire of skills and much of South Korea’s performance up-front will depend on this future star.

Odds (average from top 24 betting firms): 403

Food for thought: Russia’s defense and offense:-

The much-experienced and ageing defensive CB pair of Vasili Berezutski and Sergey Ignashevich, both Euro 2008 participants (remember that Russian team?!), offer coach Capello much-needed stability at the back (considering the aforementioned chaos on either side of the defense) and have averaged a very impressive GCPG ratio of just 0.5 during their WC qualifying campaign.

It is, without doubt, extremely important for coach Capello to have these 2 defenders at the heart of it all, and the fact that they have been able to form a good understanding and chemistry between them over the years will only serve to further enhance the strength and stubbornness of their defense. Therefore, the degree to which both CBs will be able to cope with the intensity and rigors of a grand tournament will surely prove to be a big factor in deciding how far Russia go into this competition.

In terms of their midfield, Russia have a lot of positives to look forward to in that area of the pitch; however, some of their midfielders must step-up to the plate and perform on a much higher level than what they are used to in their domestic league.

Case in point is, for example, Alan Dzagoev; for he has certainly show-cased his talent to the world at the Euro 2012, but ever since then, he has faltered at club level and this is the perfect opportunity for him to re-emerge onto the football scene and dominate play from midfield. Whether or not he’ll be a starting 11 at every match remains to be seen and his dynamism, coupled with the sheer abundance of technique he has, can be very important for Russia going forward.

A key issue for coach Capello will be whether to start with a 4-4-2 formation from the get-go or to opt for a more conservative 4-5-1/4-3-3 variation. The mixture of youth and experience between both AleksandrS up front, namely the hugely-talented Kokorin and the very dependable and experienced Kerzhakov, has borne fruit over the past; but it does not seem that coach Capello is very comfortable with such a set-up and might just go for the “safer” approach of deploying only one striker.

Should Russia opt for a formation including one striker only, coach Capello will, in that case, look to push at least one of his offensive midfielders out wide (as a winger) for large parts of the game; so as to mainly run the channels and look to deliver crosses to their target man. On the other hand, should he deploy 2 strikers (both as CFs or a combo of 1 CF & a support striker), his wingers will then have to perform from a deeper position (namely SM).

As a support striker, Aleksandr Kokorin offers his fellow forward-man many options and could dazzle play with his dribbles and forward runs. Also, as a center forward, he is very capable of positioning himself in dangerous areas and scoring goals whenever he’s given the opportunity.

Kokorin has a lot to prove if he is to live up to the hype surrounding him as one of the most talented young strikers at this WC, and his performance will, to an extent, depend on how coach Capello decides to best use his attacking prowess.

Russia:-

“Sbornaya” are a different team under new coach Fabio Capello and their nation expects some respectable results before hosting the WC in 4 years’ time.

First of all, clearly, coach Capello has gone with “experience over youth” in his final squad selection; as Russia's most-probable line-up boasts one of THE highest average squad ages among all the teams competing: namely 28 years and 343 days almost!

The biggest issue regarding Russia’s defense is their lack of an established RB; mainly due to experienced (standby) Aleksandr Anyukov’s lack of game time during the previous season because of injury. While Aleksey Kozlov has shown flashes of prominence with Kuban Krasnodar and, more recently, Dinamo Moskau, the fact that he’s a “late bloomer” has not encouraged coach Capello to fully trust him with that role.

Between switching Andrey Yeschenko (a natural LB) to the right side of defense (hence, pushing Dmitri Kombarov, a natural LM, back into LB) and inverting Vladimir Granat from his usual CB position into an RB role, coach Capello has created a very uncertain atmosphere on both sides of the pitch in defensive and, consequently, offensive areas for the Russian team.

In regards to Russia’s attacking approach, much of their play will focus on an organized set-up in midfield; where coach Capello might look to implement a diamond-like formation so as to coordinate play between their defensive and offensive lines.

The great experience and vision which most of their midfielders possess (Roman Shirokov injury and fitness permitting) is a real asset for Russia going forward, and they will look to play the ball between themselves before latching it forward to their attackers; all the while ensuring that they do not leave holes in the middle of the park as well as protecting their, somewhat, fragile wide defensive areas.

Russia have great physicality about their play and sometimes enforce an aggressive style when retaining possession; leading to numerous challenges from opposition players. It is this physical presence that will prove to be very dangerous in set-pieces and all-round general aerial play when attempting to go forward.

It is worth mentioning that the apparent lack of communication between the coach and the players (also between the players themselves!) during matches could, quite possibly, prove to be a tad fatal during the entirety of the WC campaign; especially in situations when things would not be going Russia’s way.

Should coach Capello find the perfect formula on either side of his defense and arrange for a proper harmonious attacking lay-out, while simultaneously having all his midfielders fully fit and in-form, then Russia might just prove to be a surprise package at this WC.


Main man: The deadly youth duo: Alan Dzagoev and Aleksandr Kokorin: Dzagoev’s great technique, wonderful dribbling skills and keen eye for goal will be vital for Russia, should he feature from the start. While Kokorin’s great goal-scoring abilities, amazing pace and dominant aerial play will only make opposition defenders’ lives miserable.

Odds (average from top 24 betting firms): 98.08

Food for thought: Portugal’s attack:-

The culmination of Coach Paulo Bento’s hard work over the last 4 years or so has finally arrived and all will be tested in a seemingly tough WC campaign for Portugal.

It’s not a myth nor a secret: Portugal ARE a (much) weaker team without Cristiano Ronaldo! Therefore, should he be able to completely recover from his nagging injury (and let’s be honest, it has HUGELY affected his game over the last 2 months or so) and regain 100% fitness and form, then Portugal have every chance of success at this World Cup.

Sometimes, the stats tell most of the story and, in this case, the stats are crystal clear concerning Portugal’s main assets going forward:-


Officially speaking (i.e. not including friendlies), over the last 2 years, if Ronaldo hadn’t been (directly and/or indirectly) involved with Portugal’s 30 goals (11 of which he scored himself), then Portugal would NOT have won 7 of their 15 games in which Ronaldo actually featured. That’s close to a staggering 50%!

Including friendlies, Ronaldo featured in 22 games, scoring 17 goals, and his non-involvement would have resulted in Portugal NOT winning 9 matches; a slightly lower ratio of 40%.


Now, EVEN without considering any specific set of matches, like those qualifying play-offs against Sweden (enough said!), it would be an UNDERSTATMENT to suggest that Portugal have ANY chance of glory either without Ronaldo or with a not-fully-fit-and-in-form Ronaldo!

Furthermore, coach Bento has a few worries within his attacking lay-out; for ever since the great days of Pauleta and, to an extent, Nuno Gomes, Portugal have not had a proper and DEADLY out-and-out center-forward who can carry the goal-scoring burden easily.

Both Postiga and, a tad more, Almeida have great physical attributes but their lack of pace in addition to some of their, sometimes, trademark awful misses only add to Portugal’s worries in front of goal. Postiga’s 4 goals from ca. 16 games last season (due to recurring injuries) are not encouraging and whether he’ll be able to shake-off his recent injury and return to top fitness and form in time for Portugal’s first game remains to be seen.

Hugo Almeida had a slightly better campaign with Besiktas, scoring 15 goals from approximately 27 games (yes I know, it’s the Turkish league); but coach Bento does not seem to trust him very much in a marksman role for the team.

On the wide right hand of the field, coach Bento faces a slight dilemma in choosing who his main man will be; mainly because Nani played a meagre 8 full games this previous season. Varela is a real prospect going forward; but his tendency to “fade-out” in big games could be the reason he might not feature from the start.

Inverting Ronaldo (with full fitness and top form) into a center-forward role would, somewhat, restrict his own endless repertoire of attacking abilities and even if such a scenario would happen, Portugal’s lack of other wide players would weaken their play on either side of the pitch.

Coach Bento is probably hoping, for starters, that Ronaldo regains full-match fitness and usual form to lift the entire team and provide excellence all around the pitch. Moreover, he’ll be praying that Positga or Almeida (better yet, BOTH) bring their best shooting boots with them to Brazil!

Portugal:-

“A Seleção das Quinas” have come agonizingly close to a real shot at glory over the last decade or so at major international competitions. They hope to surpass their own expectations this time around!

In terms of headaches for head coach Paulo Bento, his defense looks rather solid; however, Bruno Alves and Pepe (injury, fitness and/or form permitting), with a combined age of 63, certainly do not form the youngest CB partnership among the 32 teams competing. Their lack of pace (especially in Bruno Alves’ case) coupled with Pepe’s trademark lapses of concentration and being caught out of position could prove to be their undoing.

Moreover, João Pereira and Fábio Coentrão are both very attack-minded SBs and, while they fit coach Bento’s strategy perfectly, their recurring forward runs often leave gaping holes either side of their defense.

Therefore, in light of the aforementioned defensive worries, it’s no surprise to find out that in the 27 games Portugal have played over the last 2 years, they have averaged (approximately) a 1.04 ratio of goals-conceded-per-game (GCG). Excluding friendlies, the ratio drops slightly to 0.88; which is still almost one goal PER game and, quite simply, not good enough.

In midfield, coach Bento has a very reliable choice of midfielders, all of whom are very talented and experienced. In fact, only a few teams competing at the WC can confidently boast such a midfield-trio, and much of Portugal’s success will depend on these players; for their positional play will be vital in protecting their somewhat leaky defense, while their vision, technique and passing (both short & long) will dictate the pace, flow and rhythm of their play going forward.

Without a doubt, Portugal tend to play in a pure counter-attacking manner under coach Bento, and it’s no secret that, given their choice of wingers, it will mainly be a case of running the channels and delivering ball after ball into the box to their target man. They like to invite pressure way deep into their own half and then launch blitz-fast counters; often catching opposition defenders off-guard.

Coach Bento places a considerable emphasis on set-pieces and he commands a very strict set-up in dead-ball situations; always trying to maximize their goal-scoring potential every time Portugal are fouled or get a corner.

Another aspect of play that should worry opposing teams is Portugal’s clear desire to shoot from distance every time space opens up in the middle of the park; as they have a large contingent of players with excellent shooting abilities and have proven, time and again, to be able to score absolute screamers.

Admittedly, a lot of work has to be done before Portugal even kick a ball at the actual WC and the degree to which coach Bento addresses his team’s weaknesses will reflect on their performances and how far they end up going in the competition.


Main man (how difficult :P): Cristiano Ronaldo: The man who almost single-handedly gave Portugal the ticket to Brazil will now want to lead his national team to more glory and cap an amazing year for him. His team surely have the elements necessary for success (compare Messi’s situation with Argentina!) and it’s time for him to shine on the international forefront. Again, no need to mention his footballing attributes!

Odds (average from top 24 betting firms): 27.41667

Nigeria:-

The “Super Eagles” travel to Brazil for their 5th WC; standing out as THE African champions and are looking to try and produce some results worthy of the huge amount of talent at their disposal!

Head coach Stephen Keshi has worked long and hard over the past 2 and a half years almost to mold Nigeria into the team they are today; however, he still has some issues with which to deal.

Starting from the back, his lack of an experienced genuine RB defender might force him to push either Oboabona (also lacking top-level experience) or Ambrose to the right side of defense. Consequently, the hole at the heart of defense would then have to be filled by, most-likely, Emmanuel Egwuekwe; who, again, lacks experience at major international competitions (see where this is going?).

To draft young prospect Omeruo straight into the RB at such a big stage would be somewhat unorthodox and could prove fatal against the likes of Argentina, Bosnia and Iran; who all have extremely talented and fast wingers.

From the back-line onwards, another major issue arises; namely, the lack of game time most of the players have had this last season! Apart from Nigeria’s most-probable choice of strikers, the ENTIRE likely squad of midfield and attacking players have averaged ca. 17 games among themselves. A very shocking number for a team travelling to the WC and expecting some form of glory.

17 might not be THAT bad of a number but it will certainly be a BIG factor when it comes to those players’ form, fitness, mental levels and performances. Regardless of the intensity of their past, current and near-future pre-WC camps; it is hard to imagine that such an issue will NOT hinder their chances when playing against other opponents.

In midfield, coach Keshi looks to implement a pretty basic midfield triangle with the aim to control the pace of the game and disperse the ball in both directions of the flanks. Their most-likely midfield trio will have to constantly shift to the side of the ball when losing possession and aim to hold up play as much as they can when they DO have the ball.

With the attacking talent at their disposal, it seems pretty obvious that Nigeria’s main play will be spent on the wings for most parts of the game; feeding their strikers who are all more than capable of scoring numerous goals, given the right delivery into the box. As a whole, the Nigerian team tends to take their chances from outside the box; often using their physicality to force their way into the opposition’s defensive third and releasing a deadly shot or two from distance.

Coach Keshi’s favor of a rather counter-attacking strategy fits most of his players’ footballing attributes, defensively AND offensively. Their wide players’ electric pace and great technique will prove hard to stop for opposition defenders (particularly the SBs) once they get going down the flanks.

The biggest obstacle in the way of Nigeria’s success at this WC is, truthfully, themselves. If they can find the consistency in their play (especially against the “bigger” teams) and add to that a good amount of balance in-between their lines, they could end up with some fruitful results, to say the least.


Main man: John Obi Mikel: Mikel’s subtle style of play rarely earns him the praise he truly deserves; for his dynamism in midfield, wonderful passing skills and ever-needed physicality offer his team endless dimensions in attack and defense.

Odds (average from top 24 betting firms): 273.58333

Netherlands:-

“Oranje” hope to put the bad memories of the previous WC behind them and look to enforce themselves back onto the international scene with their attractive brand of football!

This is a pretty straight-forward analysis (follow-up thoughts not even necessary!); mainly because Coach Louis Van Gaal has already made-up his mind on the formation and tactics which he will be using throughout the WC campaign. A 5-3-2/5-2-3 variation will be the Dutch’s main tactical lay-out(s) and a platform from which they will look to redefine their world-renowned art of “total football”.

The first real issue isn’t so much the shape in which the defense will line up, rather the actual defenders who will be playing. Their most-likely defensive choices form an average age of almost 24 years, and almost all of them have no genuine experience at any major international competition. A real worry given the fact that they will be facing the likes of Spain and Chile, for starters!

Furthermore, should, as expected, coach Van Gaal deploy Daley Blind as a starting LB, a true sense of discipline is required from the young Ajax man in order for the Dutch to be able to form a solid back-bone for the midfield players. A lapse in concentration or a misjudged action (pretty plausible given the fact that he’s a natural DM) might leave a huge hole on that side of the field for the opposition to exploit.

The Netherlands’ lack of established midfielders (mainly thanks to injuries to Strootman and Van der Vaart) AND their wealth of talented wide players will cause them to focus play on either side of the pitch more often than not. Against sides with a wider range of midfield players (again, think Spain and Chile!), the Dutch might suffer to gain dominance in most areas of the pitch and struggle to retain possession.

Which is why, most probably, against said sides, coach Van Gaal will look to enforce a more defensive approach when they lose possession; choosing to soak-up the opposition’s pressure and release some blistering counter-attacks down the field.

Robben’s abundance of pace coupled with his trademark mirrored edge-of-the-box runs, with which many defenders still cannot cope (easier said than done!), are surely going to be the Netherland’s biggest asset going forward. His partner on the other side, be it Lens or (less likely) Kuyt, will be asked to do more of the same and run the channels as much as possible and offer target-man Van Persie numerous options from out wide.

Wesley Sneijder will be given a completely free role in-behind the main line of attack. It will be his top priority to make sure that he offers his attackers as many options as possible when having the ball at his feet. He will surely try to dribble his way through the middle and unleashe a deadly shot (Netherlands will be doing a lot of those!) or simply play someone through between the defensive lines. Ergo, His fitness and form will be crucial as to whether the Dutch will be able to open play and score goals whenever they get the chance.

It will be a very interesting show on offer every time the Netherlands play; but the degree to which they will be able to enforce their style of “total football” depends largely on how opposing teams adapt to the flow and tempo of the game at hand.


Main man: Robin Van Persie: Never has there been a more crucial time for Robin Van Persie to prove to the entire world (especially his doubters) just how much of an excellent player he is than at this WC. The Dutch Captain’s incredible technical skills, unbelievable eye for goal, immense quality in attack and proven positional play could be the reason why the Dutch might just go far in this competition.

Odds (average from top 24 betting firms): 31.54167

Mexico:-

“El Tricolor” are due to make their sixth consecutive appearance at the WC finals, after having endured a very horrible qualifying campaign!

It is quite difficult to be able to analyze a certain team’s tactics when so many outside factors contribute to the way the football is being played on the pitch! Mexico’s coaching merry-go-round (due to internal conflicts and ever-present political influences) haven’t created a very harmonious environment for the current players and staff. Here’s a shot nonetheless…

Mexico always seem to come up with extravagant and unorthodox tactics and/or formations at every WC they have played in recent times and it looks like that trend will continue this year with Coach Miguel Herrera clearly favoring a 5-man-defense system.

His SBs are, most probably, going to be converted to proper WBs for large parts of the tournament and a good portion of the defensive responsibilities will therefore ride on the CBs’ shoulders. While Rafa Marquez (who turned 35 a few months ago) is not the fastest of defenders around, he certainly has the experience and tactical awareness to act as cover for his two CB compatriots (think old-school sweeper-role!).

It is a great shame that the Mexican roster of midfield players was hampered by some very unfortunate injuries recently and it will only serve as a huge disadvantage for them going forward. An obvious midfield diamond-like set-up will be their best bet to launch attacks when possessing the ball. The WBs will provide enough width to enable the midfielders to play them into either flanks and deliver crosses to their strikers.

How the midfielders compose themselves with and without the ball is going to be essential to Mexico’s playing strategy and it will be a huge ask of them (due to their considerable inexperience) to cover certain areas of the pitch and dominate play when the ball is at their feet. Then again, this IS the WC after all; where players shine and announce themselves to the world…

Further worries for Coach Herrera are his attacking options. Javier Hernández’s (Chicharito’s) 159 minutes per goal (/1435) from last season with United is not very flattering for a striker who lives off scoring goals every time he is given the ball. It could actually be a tad counter-productive for him to start every game; given the fact that Oribe Peralta has been relatively more prolific.

Therefore, one might expect Coach Herrera to deploy Dos Santos as a support-striker behind Peralta and allow him a free role; so as to enable him to use his pace, dribbling skills and technique with the ball to create more opportunities from the back and hold up play for the wide players AND the target man himself.

Undoubtedly, it looks very grim for Mexico this year but a good amount of stability at the back coupled with some brilliance with the ball from their talented midfielders might just prove enough to send them into the round of 16.


Main men (not easy!): Carlos Peña and Oribe Peralta: Peña’s performance in midfield will, more or less, reflect on the team as a whole, and his combative style and dominance is a true asset for them. Peralta’s excellent finishing skills and superb work-rate might just “bring the goals home” for a Mexican side with so many worries.

Odds (average from top 24 betting firms): 157.41667

Japan:-

“サムライ・ブルー” (The Samurai Blues :P :P) have got a tough task ahead of them if they are to better their WC finals record and prove to the world why they are the undisputed Asian champions.

Question marks can be placed all over Coach Alberto Zaccheroni’s central defense and if they are to produce some results at this WC tournament, they will have to perform on a much higher level than they have been doing over the last 2 years and a half almost.

In that period, they have averaged about 1.3 goals per game (in official AND non-official matches!); which is, quite frankly, just not good enough for a team of Japan’s stature and lofty ambitions. Their central defenders do not seem to have a good understanding between them and, while coach Zaccheroni favors a more defensive approach, they seem to be very error-prone and flakey every time the opposition attacks.

The fact that both of their main SBs are extremely attack-minded is somewhat of a disadvantage for a team trying to play with a stable defensive system. Which is why coach Zaccheroni has to enforce a more strict style in regards to his defensive line at all times during their matches.

Japan’s abundance of talent in midfield is one of their key aspects going forward. They are very good with the ball at their feet and certainly know how to hold up play for their target man. The way the midfielders combine together and exchange play between themselves is crucial to Japan’s build-up play from the back and it is essential that they afford each other enough space in the middle of the park so as to widen the play.

Japan’s offensive approach is based on a pure vertical style of play; mainly because they lack proper wide attackers who can constantly run the channels and deliver crosses to their main man. This is where the SBs come into play and offer more width to the team when they go forward; which, in turn, places a huge responsibility on the CBs’ and DMs’ shoulders to close down the gaps at the back.

Coach Zaccheroni likes to set up his Japan team to soak up the pressure by inviting opposition deep into their own half and then launching quick counter-attacks from out wide and in towards the center of the opposition’s final third.

Much of the play will be at the heart of midfield when Japan have the ball and their attacking players’ technical abilities are their main assets when attempting to score goals. In contrast to their slightly poor defensive performances, they are very efficient in attack and certainly know how to score more than just one goal each game.

Japan must find a good balance between their defensive and offensive approaches and coach Zaccheroni should position his players in a way to best complement their attacking fire-power with their somewhat leaky defensive nature.


Main men: Shinji Kagawa and Keisuke Honda: Both men will have their work cut out for them if Japan are to have any impact at this WC. Kagawa’s vision and technical abilities coupled with Honda’s keen eye for goal and wonderful technique will offer the team numerous options going forward. But they must increase their defensive awareness and be ready to track back and get “stuck in” in defense when needed.

Odds (average from top 24 betting firms): 164.66667