FIFA World Cup 2014 GROUP E Preview
France and Switzerland are the teams to look out for in this group.
Winning the World Cup in 1998, and finishing as runners-up in 2006, France made first round exit in 2010 World Cup, failing to win a single match. Didier Deschamps, who was the captain of 1998 winning team is now the manager of French team. He has brought some stabilities to the team after knocking out of Euro 2012 in quarter-final. He is working hard for improving their image of the side. As Frank Ribery is injured and Samir Nasri left out of squad, it will depend a lot on Karim Benzema and Paul Pogba.
On the other hand, Switzerland who failed to qualify for Euro 2012 and failing to get post of group stage in 2010 World despite 1-0 win over Spain will look forward to top the group as a seeded team. The team known for their defense , coach Ottmar Hitzfield was criticized for his defensive tactics. And so he changed the formation to 4-2-3-1, a more creative for counter attack.
Equador’s last appearance was 2006 World Cup. It may be the weakest of its group., but could spring a surprise with having the likes of Antonio Valencia and Felipe Caicedo.
Having a relatively experienced squad, Honduras have a cut over Equador. They have players like Wilson Palacios, Maynor Figueroa and Emilio Izaguirre. Their target will be a win over Equador.
FIFA World Cup 2014 GROUP F Preview
Having won the World Cup two times, Argentina will be charged up with their star-packed squad. Alejandro Sabella appointment as coach after their dismissal show in Copa America 2011. They hard an easy qualifying campaign. Star Lionel Messi will be the key to Argentina’s Success. With having a 5-3-2 formation, Angel Di Maria, Gonzalo Higuain and Sergio Aguero will have to work on their defense, which has been a primary concern for the team.
The debutants Bosnia Herzegovina will surely look to upset other group members. They were group winners during qualifying campaign. Edin Zeko will be the key player. Their midfield will depend on Miradem Pjanic. Goalkeeper Asmir Begovic is looking rock solid. Bosnia might find other competitors tough in their group.
Iran did well under ex-Portugal and Real Madrid coach Carlos Queiroz. They finished ahead of South Korea in Asian qualifying stage. A lot depends on Ashkan Dejagah, Reza Ghoochannejhad and captain Javad Nekounam who would be playing his last World Cup.
Nigeria can surely throw a few surprises. Fans have a lot of expectations from this team. Having talented goalkeeper, Vincent Engeama, Mikel Obi. Manager Stephen Keshi will have a lot of expectations.
