Group H Analysis

Group H

Spain

Spain used to suffer from the English disease – big expectations, but would fail when they should do better. That was the case until Euro2008 and I think that has changed the mindset of the Spanish for the foreseeable future. There is no doubt in my mind that they are the best team in the World, and they could outplay the best teams in the competition.

I just have one fear however, and it is the one reason why I think they will possibly fall short in South Africa. Think about it. Combine Euro2008, along with the success of Barcelona – there are some absolutely key players in the team – Xavi, Iniesta, Puyol, Villa, Silva – who have played in so many games over the last two years, and that heavy workload is beginning to take its toll. Barca were not what they were two years ago, and injuries are starting to play a role now. Xavi would have been operated on a knee injury if it was not for the WC, Iniesta has struggled badly over the last six months particularly, while Fernando Torres is as fragile as ever. That is a major concern of mine with regards to Spain and I think it could have a major effect. A large number of the players have played 55-60+ games per season in the last two years, and they are suffering now.

If they somehow manage to avoid injuries, then they are the team for me. I am not totally sure about the defence and Iker Casillas has even had one or two weak moments in the lead up to this event, but the way in which they absolutely dominate possession means they can usually hide that weakness.

For me, it is a case of following them closely as the tournament progresses. If they avoid injuries, then it is theirs for the taking. If not, I see them just falling short. I am just not sure who can take advantage of any slip. They have a talented squad, but they cannot afford to miss the likes of Xavi Iniesta or Villa and Torres, so they need some luck in that department. Weighing everything up, I see them losing in a close final.

Prediction – Runners-up



Chile

Any Football Managers players will be cheering some of these Chilean players on as Mati Fernandez and Alexis Sanchez have been legends in the game for so many people. In real-life however, both are probably under a bit of pressure now to fulfil some of the potential that so many football folks have raved about but they have yet to live up to.

Apart from the likes of Sanchez, they have an experienced squad with many of the squad having played in Europe and Spain in particular. Mark Gonzalez could be one of the stars of the show if he can stay fit – something that has rarely happened in his career thus far. He is an excellent talent and on his day, can cause any right-back problems.

Defensively, they are very experienced. Fuentes, Contreras, and Jara have been mainstays in the squad for years along with Claudio Bravo in goal. They are pretty solid as a unit without being amazing individually. It is not the strongest point however, and is possibly the weakest of the five South American sides. In qualifying they did very well to come second in the group as they were rewarded for their attacking play. Humberto Suazo will lead the line and will have Gonzalez, Sanchez and Matigol supporting him down the flanks. If they provide Suazo with chances, he will score goals.

As far as their chances go, I think they will be competing with Honduras and the Swiss for second place, and that could be quite a battle. I just about give them the edge however. I like their attacking options and they can outscore the other two to steal second place. Marcelo Bielsa is doing a good job as coach and he can get them out of this group in my view. Even if they do however, a Round of 16 game against Brazil will send them home pretty sharply, but they could impress a few with some of their play along the way to that stage.

Prediction – Round of 16



Honduras

I think these boys will prove to be a fun team to watch, and I have a little soft spot for them. A handful of the squad play in England – Palacios, Figueroa and Thomas, and they are good, strong committed players with some flair added in.

Their preparations are hampered somewhat by injuries to two key men – Palacios and striker David Suazo. Both will be touch and go for the first game against Chile and they would be big losses to the team if they miss out.

They do have some other decent players. Carlos Pavon has a good goalscoring record, while the midfield is full of ferocious runners who are strong and fearless. Their approach will undoubtedly be a high tempo style and they will put their opponents under pressure throughout. Many of them will be keen to impress and earn transfers to Europe.

Whether they have enough to get through the group, I fear not. They will be a tough opponent for the Swiss and Chile, but unless Palacios and Suazo can get fit and on form, they will struggle to win games – just lacking the quality of Chile and possible the discipline of the Swiss. I am looking forward to watching them, but they are going home after the groups.

Prediction – Group Stage Only



Switzerland

I remember the start if Hitzfeld’s career as Swiss coach – picture me, sat in a pub chatting with the barman who likes stupid bets. He says, I think Luxembourg can beat Switzerland – I say, that is unlikely my friend....why not go for a draw if you suspect a surprise? Switzerland 1-2 Luxembourg.....Rob gets his coat and leaves promptly.

They turned it around, and did very well to negotiate an average but tricky group including Greece, Latvia and Israel. They are however a very average team. Some of their key players are not even regulars at their teams, and that will go against them. They will also struggle to score goals. Alexander Frei is done now, and despite a strong midfield which is key in protecting the defence and supporting the front men, they do not have enough to do much here. I think they are a little unfortunate in terms of the group – they are up against flair teams with excellent individual skill which will prove their downfall. They would be better against some of the more one dimensional European teams who they can frustrate and nick a goal against. They may score a goal or two, but they will find it hard to stop all three rivals.

The midfield will have to be on fire to lead them out of the groups, and I just do not see it as they could well finish bottom of the group. I have a soft spot for the Swiss, after all I am a resident but they will be gone pretty quickly unfortunately.

Prediction – Group Stage Only