Group E
Group E Prediction1. France
2. Switzerland
France - FIFA Ranking - 17
Les Bleus, "The Blues", have lost third place finisher in voting for FIFA Footballer of the Year Franck Ribery (FC Bayern Munich) to injury. This is a massive blow as he has proven to be a main driving force in the French attack however, it sets up a story book entry onto the World Cup stage for Antoine Griezmann (Real Sociedad). Griezmann had an explosive club campaign and in 4 appearances for the national team has tallied 3 goals. He will need to rise to the opportunity along side Yohan Cabaye (PSG), Mathieu Valbuena (Marseille) and Blaise Matuidi (PSG). The French frontline provides in form EPL forward Olivier Giroud (Arsenal) and the versatile Loic Remy (QPR). Whomever partners forward Karim Benzema (Real Madrid) will be supplied with multiple chances to find the back of the net.
My Player You Should Know is Paul Pogba (Juventus). The 21-year-old is one of the most coveted players in all of European football and one of my World Cup 2014: Rising Stars. The central midfielder is an all around stud. He will be the x-factor for this squad as he possess the game changing ability needed to make a deep World Cup run.
Switzerland - FIFA Ranking - 7
The Swizz have one of the youngest squads in the entire tournament. Even though age wise young, the vast majority has over 30 appearances on average. Take for example Diego Benaglio (VfL Wolfsberg) the highly talented goalkeeper. The 30-year-old is favored to have a flawless tournament and with the help of speedy defender Stephan Lichtsteiner (Juventus) and midfield captain Gohkan Inler (Napoli) the trio can ensure they advance from this group. Midfielder and one of my World Cup 2014: Rising Stars Xherdan Shaqiri (FC Bayern Munich) has a chance to captivate the world. The 22-year-old is a rare natural talent whose attacking knack will come in handy versus the likes of Uruguay.
My Player You Should Know is Fabian Schar (FC Basel). The 22-year-old defender and once banker has a brilliant storyline headed into Brazil. The defender has become target of transfer speculation as he has showcased time and time again for FC Basel he can really play. Schar isn't a finish product yet but has the potential to join the ranks of current central defensive stars. The stats do not do him justice, take for example this excellent goal he scored generated off of his on field ID.
Ecuador - FIFA Ranking - 26
Ecuador is the lowest ranked of all the South American teams taking part in the World Cup. This does not mean they don't have players of high quality though. Captain Antonio Valencia (Manchester United) is a world-class player who can play as a fullback or a midfielder and will feature in a more attacking role. 2006 was Ecuador's most successful World Cup as they advanced to the Round of 16. This year they have drawn a tough group and I do not see them having enough experience to progress.
My "Player To Watch" is coach Reinaldo Rueda. Rueda helped take Honduras, who is also in Group E, to the World Cup in 2010. He is known for getting results but will need to venture outside of his normal defensive tactics if Ecuador has a chance of getting out of the group.
Projected Finish - 3rd
Honduras - FIFA Ranking - 33
Honduras has been picked by few of my fellow colleagues to surprise and advance. I do not agree, sorry dude Honduras. They do have few players who will bring quality to Group E, midfielders Wilson Palacios (Stoke City) and Roger Espinoza (Wigan Athletic). The duo will need to generate outstanding performances in order for the Central American squad to go on a "Cinderella" run into the Round of 16.
My Player To Watch is Andy Najar (Anderlecht). The 21-year-old started his rise as a potential star state side in Major League Soccer. Najar showed his talent as a shifty midfielder during 2010 when he was awarded MLS Rookie of the Year. His main threat is his passing ability and I would not be shocked if he performs well, the transfer target of Arsenal could use the World Cup as a leap to international stardom.
Projected Finish - 4th
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