Russia 2018: Beating the curse of Defending champions : Germany.

Superstition, history and trends in sports, football especially sounds very silly. You may choose to believe it or not and you would be absolutely right either way. The recent trend of defending champions bowing out in the first round of the world cup looked to capture another victim. At halftime on Saturday at the Fihst Stadium,Germany were 45 minutes away from possible elimination. But for a hard fought comeback completed by Toni Kroos’ stunner in the 95th minute, they would have been the 4th world champion in 5 competitions to bow out of their title defence in the first round. The 2-1 victory was the difference between Germany facing possible elimination from the group stages and handing them a lifeline for qualification to the next stage of the 2018 world cup. Die Manschafft now have a simpler job to do against South Korea in their final group game on Wednesday. Don’t be deceived, the Germans have been very disappointing in the tournament. They put up an absolutely poor performance in the 0-1 loss to Mexico. The group F opener served as a much needed wake up call that was supposed to do away with all traces of complacency within the side. They scrapped a win against Sweden in the second group with Kroos’ goal in injury time giving the defending champions the all important 3 points ahead of the final group games. But the question still stands, What is the problem with this German side?

Joachim Leow set up in a 4-2-3-1 with Reus, Draxler and Müller in behind Timo Werner as the Centre forward. Mesut Ozil was dropped to the bench after 26 consecutive games for Germany in major tournaments. A run that began 8 years ago. The decision was made in order to accommodate another forward, Reus. While Muller has been a shadow of himself and looks a totally different player from the one that scored 10 goals in the last two world cup tournaments, Werner, tipped as his long term replacement has been overwhelmed by the role and expectations of leading the line. Werner, who was topscorer at last year’s confederations cup has found goals so hard to come by and is yet to net at this year’s world cup. However, their problems don’t end there.

In defence, they have full backs who pick up positions very high up the pitch with center backs playing a high line. This leaves them exposed to counter attacks as seen in their first two games. To add to this, the arrogance of the German midfield means little support to their centre backs leaving them at the mercy of quick pacy players who cause mayhem .

Yes, the free scoring side in the last 2 world cups are struggling to get goals and they are also giving away so many opportunities to the opponent. South Korea presents a brilliant opportunity for the Germans to get back on track and correct all wrongs. However, If they are to defend the title, much improvement is needed in all areas of the pitch.

Danke.

World Cup; Game Digest

GROUP A

Russia Vs Saudi Arabia
Kick-off time: 4pm
Venue: The Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow

Tournament hosts, Russia open the tournament in a far less interesting fixture that favours the host nation against a less fancied Saudi Arabian side. Russia are however the lowest ranked side at the World Cup and with Saudi Arabia’s record in qualifying, Russia might be given a run for their money in this fixture before a theming crowd of cheering Russian fans. History is also on the side of the Arabian team as they won a friendly against Russia in 1993 by 4goals to 2. Another worrying stat for Russia is that, Russia last won a match in October 2017, when they beat South Korea 4-2 in a friendly. Saudi Arabia on the other hand were impressive during qualifying and won two of their warm up games. Russia last progressed to the round of 16 stage in 1986 where they were part of the collective Soviet Union team that participated at the tournament. Saudi Arabia on the other hand accomplished that feat in 1994 and have since then lost seven and drawn two of their matches in three World Cups.

Where the Game Would Be Won or Lost.

For Russia, their strength would be in attack. Aleksandr Kokorin, Aleksandr Golovin, Artem Dzuyba and Ferdor Smolov are a few of the rich attacking talent that Russia have in their arsenal and with the most of these strikers playing at top clubs in Europe, they might be no match for the Arabian rearguard. Their weakness however, would be in defense after losing three of their last five matches and drawing the other two conceding 11 goals.
Saudi Arabia’s strength however would be their midfield organization and disciplined play. They would have to tighten things at the back against this Russian attacking talent.

Prediction: Russia 2:1 Saudi Arabia

Russia might just edge it at the end due to the home advantage but their history in defense and a Saudi Arabian team motivated by their presence at the World Cup; amidst the crisis back home, their quest to bring a smile on the faces of the Saudi population might just be enough motivation to snatch a victory.

10 players Who Would be Missed At the World Cup.

The World Cup in Russia is only some few weeks away and as teams prepare to begin camping ahead of the global showpiece, most players have begun getting call-ups from their managers and are more excited as ever to be on the plane to Russia. Others could not get the privilege to be part of this hugely decorated football event because their countries failed to qualify or they were not called up due to poor performances this season. Here is a list of top stars who probably should have been at the World Cup and will be missed.

Alexis Sanchez

Alexis Sanchez started the season as an Arsenal player and moved to the red of Manchester in January in a mammoth swap deal that saw him rise to a weekly wage of about £350,000 per week. However, even after playing in the Confederations cup in June; and reaching the final, Chile failed to qualify for the World Cup. Finishing 6th in the CONMEBOL round of qualifiers behind Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, Colombia and Peru. Chile lost some vital points both home and away and it cost them on the final day as Argentina won their game to deny them a place in the World Cup. Alexis Sanchez will be sorely missed at the World Cup including this Chile team that is full of good players and have won the Copa America twice in a row.

Mario Gotze

Toast of the football world in that final in Brazil as he finished expertly past Romero to clinch the World Cup for Germany. Then, 22 years, Mario Gotze was taunted as Germany’s youngest superstar and future of the Die Manschaft. In the years the proceeded, Gotze had a really torrid time under Pep Guardiola at Bayern and switched back to his boyhood club, Dortmund amid protests from the Dortmund fans. Injuries, lack of form and a general decline in Dortmund’s overall form over the years has sort of taken the shine off the player’s career with many arguing that the payer could not handle the superstar status after the World Cup in Brazil. In his second spell with Dortmund, Gotze has not lived up to expectations and in a season where he scored only three goals German coach, Joachim Low had no choice but to leave him out.

Mauro Icardi

Once again overlooked for another major tournament by the coach, Inter Milan striker, Mauro Icardi was left out by Jorge Sampaoli who preferred to take Sergio Aguero, Gonzalo Higuiain and Paulo Dybala instead. Icardi has been in fine form for Inter in the just ended Serie A season as he captained the Inter Milan team to a Champions league qualification spot. Icardi scored a total of 29 goals this season and was hugely influential for Luciano Spalleti’s side as the Milan team relied hugely on him for goals. Rumours have it that Icardi’s temperament could unstable the dressing room and hence his continuous omission from a place in the Albiceleste team. There are other people who have mooted that Messi is not a fan of the player and hence Icardi’s omission. However, the player in the past season has grown up really well and has not had an issue with his club, coach or team mates and has won the hearts of the fans back with his performances and therefore the case of temperament doesn’t hold water. The truth is, however we would see it, Icardi should have been on a plane to Russia with the Argentine national team based on his impressive performances during the season.

Leonardo Bonucci

Leonardo Bonucci is still undoubtedly one of the best defenders in the world even after his controversial move to AC Milan fromJuventus. Bonucci was instantly made captain of the Milan team and even though their performances were questionable at times, Buffon was one of the brightest stars in their somewhat below par season. Italy failed to qualify for the World Cup for the first time in 60 years after scaling through the qualifiers only to lose to Sweden over two legs by a lone goal. At 31 years, Bonucci might not be able to grace the World Cup again given his age and it would be a huge loss to not see him play in thie World Cup in Russia together with the Azzuri.

Radja Nainggolan

Belgium boss, Roberto Martinez bizarrely dropped Radja Nainggolan from the final list of players to travel to Russia to defend the Belgian flag. The decision caused a major uproar among Belgian and football fans alike and many questioned Martinez’s decision to drop the Roma midfielder. Martinez defended his decision by saying he needed players who had the ability to play how he (Martinez) wants not those who want to play for their reputations. Rumours however have it that, Martinez and Nainggolan are not on good terms and the player was dropped because of those circumstances. The star-studded Belgian midfield that boasts the likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Eden Hazard, Moussa Dembele, Axel Witsel and the likes would on paper seem not to have problems with Nainggolan missing out but the 30 year old is a very influential player for his country and might be missed. Known for his hard tackling and ferocity in midfield duels, coupled with an eye for long range shoots, Nainggolan would be sorely missed by this Belgium side. And after launching a rather scathing verbal attack on Martinez, Radja Nainngolan released a statement that that said he had retired from International duty.

Asamoah Gyan

Africa’s all-time leading goalscorer at the World Cup misses out on adding to that tally as Ghana failed to qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 2006. Ghana’s off- field problems and their disappointing show in Brazil in 2014, has haunted them all through the qualifiers and in a qualifying group that contained Egypt, Uganda and Congo Brazzaville, the African giants fell short as Egypt won the group to gain automatic qualification to the World Cup.

Alexandre Lacazette

Probably a victim of a hugely talented pool of players looking to be selected, Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette missed out on a call up as Deschamps decided to drop the former Lyon striker. Lacazette who joined Arsenal in the summer for a then record fee with 14goals and 4 assists in the just ended season. Lacazzette is among an elite French footballers club that has names like Anthony Martial, Moussa Sissoko, Adrien Rabiot and of course Karim Benzema that were not called up for national team duty with ‘Les Blues’ going into the World cup. And with Deschamps probably taking only two out-and-out strikers to the tournament, Lacazette arguably should have been on the plane.

Gareth Bale

Fresh from being the hero of a record breaking night in Kyiv where his two strikes sealed the thirteenth Champions league for Real Madrid, Gareth Bale would certainly have wished his home country- Wales- would have booked a ticket to the monumental showpiece in Russia. After an impressive showing at the Euros in 2016, many would have thought a Gareth Bale inspired Wales would have made it to the World Cup for the first time in as many years. Wales failed to qualify from a group that contained Serbia, Republic of Ireland, Austria, Georgia and Moldova playing most times with Gareth Bale injured and both Wales and Gareth Bale would feel if Bale hadn’t had such an injury plagued season, they probably would have booked a ticket to Russia.

Memphis Depay

Shipped out to Lyon by Jose Mourinho’s United, Memphis Depay has become that player we used to know in the Dutch league with PSV. Rejuvinated, hungry and more matured, Memphis has shone brightly in a Lyon shirt this season and would have wished the Dutch side would not have given such a poor account of themselves during qualifiers. The Oranje needed to beat Sweden on the last day of qualifying by seven clear goals to overtake Sweden and qualify for a play-off spot. With Sweden being no pushovers during qualifiers, Holland only managed a 2 goal win and Sweden progressed. The Holland team was plagued by managerial and player selection issues coupled with a poor showing at the Euros in 2016, Holland were on a decline and thus could not make it to the World Cup.

Edin Dzeko Bosnia missed the World Cup and football fans might probably not bother until you remember Edin Dzeko is part of that Bosnian side. Roma’s top marksman this season with a total of 24 goals in all competitions, Dzeko played a leading part in Roma’s push for the title this season. Good in the air, incisive in the box and an intelligent team player, the Bosnian captain would not be leading his charges at the World Cup since they could not qualify for the competition.

The World Cup Diaries; Preview Of the Teams

GROUP B

Portugal

FIFA Ranking: 3

Manager: Fernando Santos

Key Player: Cristiano Ronaldo

European Champions had to leave it till the last day of the qualification round of matches to qualify for the World Cup without having to go through the play-offs. The Selecao are coming into the tournament as one of football’s biggest nations and favourites to win the tournament after their Euro 2016 heroics. Coach, Fernando Santos has blended experience with youthful intelligence and strength to build up a squad worthy enough to be tournament winners. The likes of Bernado Silva, Andre Silva, Renato Sanches, William Carvalho, Raphael Guerreiro and a host of other youngsters have been given starring roles in the Portugal side. Cristiano Ronaldo, of course, is the country’s talisman and would look to wave his magic wand for his motherland in the World Cup.

Spain

FIFA Ranking: 6

Manager: Julen Lopetegui

Key Player: David Silva

Ten years ago, Spain started a spectacular rise to the domination of world football. In a two year period , Spain had managed to conquer both Europe and the World by winning the Euros in 2008 and the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Delightful to watch and as incisive as ever, Vicente Del Bosque’s Spanish team became the toast of world football. Abysmal in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil as the Spanish team exited the tournament in the group stage, Spain began a rebuilding exercise that will see Julen Lopetegui replace Vicente Del Bosque as manager. Lopetegui has infused lots of youngsters into this Spanish side and has preserved the ‘tiki taka’ style of play of the La Roja. Gifted with a plethora of intelligent midfielders, and with star striker Alvaro Moratta not being called up for the global event, Spain would look to impact the world cup relying mostly on the intelligence of these midfield players.

Morocco

FIFA Ranking: 42

Manager: Herve Renard

Key Player: Mehdi Benatia

The Atlas Lions are back on the biggest football stage after 20 years of absence with their last appearance being the World Cup in France 1998. Head coach Herve Renard, is an expert at the African game and a really travelled coach on the African continent. After leading Zambia to a surprising Afcon win in 2012 after they beat continental giants, Ivory Coast, he was employed by Ivory Coast and he restored them to continental supremacy by winning the Afcon three years later. Fast forward another three years, Renard has managed to qualify the North African country to the World Cup at the expense of his former employers. Morocco qualified for the competition as the only African country that did not concede a single goal. That points to the importance that Renard places on defending with Mehdi Benatia marshaling the defense. Renard’s courage to put youngsters onto the big stage has put players like Madrid youngster, Achraf Hakimi, Southampton midfielder Sofiane Boufal and Ajax player maker Hakim Ziyech in the limelight as stars of this Morroccan team. Coupled with the experience Nordin Amrabat, Morocco; the first African country to qualify for the Round-16 stage at the World Cup, would look to make an impact again at the World Cup.

Iran

FIFA Ranking: 36

Manager: Carlos Queiroz

Key Player: Sardar Azmoun

Iran were the first Asian side to qualify for the World Cup. Carlos Queiroz has brought his influence and experience to bear on this Iranian team and for the first time, Iran has qualified for the World Cup for a second consecutive time. Known as having a temper and tendency to cause many controversies, Iran have surprisingly stuck with Queiroz even after the 2014 World Cup. Iran have developed a more direct and progressive style of football under the guidance and trust of Queiroz. With a host of the players now in Europe, especially in the Dutch Eredevise, Queiroz has brought an European touch to the play of the Iranian team making them a joy to watch. 23 year old Rubin Kazan forward Sardar Azmoun has the weight of the country on his shoulders because of his exceptional talent and his form with Rubin Kazan in the just ended football season in Russia. Skillfull, light footed and hugely intelligent on the ball, Azmoun has been on the wishlist of most of the heavyweight clubs in Europe. Former Fulham midfielder Ashkan Dejagah and former Charlton Athletic midfielder Reza Ghoochannejhad would look to use their wide experience of their European travels to impact Iran’s performance at the World Cup.

Predicted Group Standings

1. Portugal
2. Spain
3. Morrocco
4. Iran

Portugal will edge Spain slightly for a top spot in the group. One would feel that, Portugal are on a high after securing the Euros in 2016 and have a tightly knit relationship among both manager, backroom staff and players. There is enough confidence and Cristiano Ronaldo is always hungry for more. Spain are still rebuilding and would probably need to win the game against Portugal to win this group, but the shortage of out-and-out strikers could come back to haunt them. Morocco is the most likely to pull a surprise but against these two top guns in football, they would really need something special. Iran might put up a good fight but are really far from having a chance to qualify from this group. Football might just happen to give us a surprise though.