Group E
“Competition”, the perfect word to describe Group E. It features the betting favorite in Brazil, one of CONCACAF’s best teams in Costa Rica, and two European nations in Switzerland and Serbia. Thanks to the Selecao being the trending pick to win this year’s World Cup— deservedly so, it’s a no brainer to select them as group winners. But who’ll finish second? Any of the remaining three nations are more than capable.
Four years ago Costa Rica shocked many by reaching the quarterfinals, meanwhile Serbia won its qualifying group, and whilst Switzerland advanced through the UEFA Play-off round, the Swiss went 9-1 in the group, finishing second to Portugal on a head-to-head tie-breaker. On paper, the Ticos seem to be the least talented, however between the sticks, there’s no one better than Real Madrid #1 Keylor Navas within Group E. Meanwhile, the Swiss are led by a plethora of quality players in Yann Sommer, Stephan Lichtseiner, Ricardo Rodriguez, Granit Xhaka, Xherdan Shaqiri, and Breel Embolo. Lastly, the Serbs, who are back in the tournament after missing out in 2014, feature a trio of talented midfielders in Nemanja Matic, Adem Ljajic, and soon to be the world’s most expensive midfielder in Sergej Milinkovic-Savic. It’s really a toss up here, hence the key word “competition”. My gut says the Serbs will go through thanks to a talented trio in the middle of the park.
- Brazil 2. Serbia 3. Switerland 4. Costa Rica
Group F
The defending World Cup Champions Die Mannschaft highlight Group F. Once again the Germans are loaded from back to front, and will assuredly win the group with ease. El Tri seem to be the slight favorite over Sweden to finish second, however with the recent team party scandal featuring roughly 30 call-girls coupled with a squad that has looked sketchy at best on the pitch in tune-up matches against Wales (0-0 D), Scotland (1-0 W), and Denmark (2-0 L), I’d say El Tri is in trouble.
Meanwhile Sweden stunned us all by beating Italy 1-0 on aggregate in the UEFA Play-off round to advance to the World Cup. On paper, they don't have many so-called stars, but they’re a team that truly plays as one and obviously have the will to win as they kept Italy out of the World Cup for just the third time in history (The Italians declined invitation to the 1930 World Cup, then proceeded to win the 1934 and 1938 editions upon entering. The Italians failed to qualify in 1958.). Therefore, I’m picking the Scandinavian side lead RB Leipzig’s Emil Forsberg. Oh, and I forgot to mention South Korea. They’ll finish fourth with Hotspur forward Son Heung-Min providing the team’s lone glimmer of brilliance.
- Germany 2. Sweden 3. Mexico 4. South Korea
Group G
Group G should be one of the more straightforward groups in the tournament. The Red Devils and Three Lions should each earn at least six points and advance to the knockouts with ease. Panama and Tunisia neither have the quality nor the depth to match the likes of Eden Hazard, Kevin De Bruyne, Romalu Lukaku, Harry Kane, Raheem Sterling, Dele Ali, and so on. Los Canaleros will and should simply be proud and thankful to be participating in the World Cup for the nation’s first time. And much of the same for Tunsia as it’ll be their first appearance since 2006.
- Belgium 2. England 3. Tunisia 4. Panama
Group H
The eighth and final group of the World Cup is perhaps the most perplexing. I’ve seen pundits across the globe picking Poland, Columbia, or Senegal winning Group H, with Japan even finishing second according to some. Without a doubt, Group H is the most even and what could be the most dramatic group of this year’s group stage. On paper, Columbia seems to be the favorite, but Poland actually is the top-seeded nation, ranking 8th in October’s FIFA Rankings while also winning Group E of UEFA’s WCQ ahead of Denmark. In addition, despite the lack of World Cup pedigree (Les Lions de la Teranga have only participated in WC ’02), Senegal seems to be a trendy pick thanks to tremendous pace up top in Sadio Mane and Keita Balde, partnered with an all English Premier League midfield and a stout center back in Kalidou Khoulibaly. Lastly, Japan have quality of there own as they boast a squad featuring 14 players plying their trade in Europe, led by BVB’s Shinji Kagawa. Therefore, Group H is finally balanced. However, I must pick two teams, so I’ll go with one of the world’s best strikers in Robert Lewnadowski and my fellow Poles to win the group. In addition, as my wife and mother-in-law like to call him, James “Little Ronaldo” Rodriguez will guide Columbia to second place.
- Poland 2. Columbia 3. Senegal 4. Japan