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World Cup 2014: Group G - The United States of America Will Advance!

Group G aka The Group Of Death

THIS GROUP IS THE GROUP OF DEATH FOR A REASON AND WITH THAT SAID ANYTHING OR ANYONE CAN ADVANCE...BET WITH CAUTION!

Group G Prediction 


1. Germany
2. The United States of America 
3. Ghana
4. Portugal 

 Germany - FIFA Ranking - 2

 Germany is going to win this group.  The team sheet contains a plethora of world-class players at every position.  Defensively Philip Lahm (FC Bayern Munich), Mats Hummels (Borussia Dortmund) and Per Mertesacker (Arsenal) standout as the key members of a back-line supported by goalkeeper Manuel Nuer (FC Bayern Munich).  The midfield is also stacked as veterans Bastion Schweinsteiger and Thomas Muller (FC Bayern Munich) will headline.  The issue I see Germany possibly running into is the selection of only one traditional out and out striker Miroslav Klose (Lazio). To counter this they will play a false 9 meaning they will prefer midfielders to an abundance of forwards. They will win the group but will be pushed extremely hard against the fellow nations of the "Group of Death."

My Player You Should Know is Andre Schurrle (Chelsea).  Schurrle is coming off an terrific campaign scoring 8 goals in 30 appearances.  He has speed, foot skills and has scored some beautiful goals for club and country.  Look for him to play a large role as a substitute and to fill the gap left by injured Marco Rues (Borussia Dortmund).



Projected Finish - 1st 


The United States of America - FIFA Ranking - 13


The review I've been waiting for.  The United States of America have the chance to bring "soccer" into the forefront of American sports.  The main issue will be an unexperienced defense as central backs Matt Besler (Sporting KC) and Geoff Cameron (Stoke City) have only a few international friendlies under their belt as a pairing.  The key man will be fullback Fabian Johnson (Borussia Monchengladbach)  as he posses enough speed to keep up with the stars of the "Group of Death". This will mean that midfielders Michael Bradley (Toronto FC) and Jermaine Jones (Besiktas J.K.) must play flawlessly.  The United States of America needs forward Jozy Altidore (Sunderland) to piggyback off of breaking his scoring drought and use his size to hold up the ball thus allowing them to attack as a team. Major League Soccer veteran and left footed set piece specialist Brad Davis (Houston Dynamo) will surprise the world as he can delivery balls into the box at will even though he lacks speed and will be seen as a substitute.  If The United States of America can beat Ghana in the first match then they will advance.  

 P.S: Everyone stop talking about Landon Donovan (LA Galaxy) "losing his post" to Julian Green (FC Bayern Munich).  Please its getting old like Donovan. 

My Player To Watch is  Graham Zusi (Sporting KC).  The 27-year-old is very underrated.  After watching a training session at Red Bulls Arena before facing Turkey, it was clear to me he understands his role.  A role that will require him to get into the attack and combine off of Altidore.  USA! USA! USA!


Projected Finish - 2nd


Ghana - FIFA Ranking - 37


Ghana is very talented.  If they had gotten a better draw I would pick them to advance.  The first game versus the USA will foreshadow the rest of the tournament as a win could easily put them through. However, after having knocked them out of the past two World Cups I think they will slip up.  Midfielders Kevin Prince-Boateng (FC Schalke 04) and vice-captain Michael Essien (Chelsea) will command the center of the field.  As for attacking options Asahamoah Gyan (Ali-Ain) and Jordan Ayeu (Marseille) can wreak havoc as they put together a very impress World Cup Qualifying campaign.  As a fan of the USA, I predict them not to advance due to my personal bias.  Can you tell who I am rooting for?

My Player To Watch is Andre Ayew (Marseille).  The 24-year-old was awarded the 2011 African Footballer of The Year.  Andre joins his brother Jordan who alike him posses a mix of speed and the attacking mentality needed to be successful in the World Cup.  This video of goals scored in 2013 showcase why he has been hailed as the future of Ghanian football...



Projected Finish - 3rd 


Portugal - FIFA Ranking - 4


Picking Portugal to finish last in this group is bold.  This is due to the fact they will bring one of the oldest average aged squads to Brazil and as a result they will struggle with the issues of the hot climate as it will wear and tear on the older players.  Portugal posses the ability to pour on goals with names such as Nani (Manchester United), Vieirinha (Wolfsberg), Hugo Almeida (Besiktas J.K.) and last but not least Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid).  I see them not advancing due to an inconstant defense hinging on Pepe (Real Madrid) who is known for making ill-advised and dangerous tackles.

My Player To Watch is this guy you may have heard of before...Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid). Ronaldo is, in my opinion, the best player in the world but has picked up multiple injuries and was forced to leave training early this afternoon due to what appears to be a knee injury.  If he comes to play health then he could prove me wrong and help Portugal advance as he can score goals that are breath taking at will.
(His Rise To Fame Was With Manchester United)

Projected Finish - 4th 
*I do not own the rights to these videos...don't take legal action that would be classified as "not chill"

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