For the History Books

Okay, the world cup has officially started! I have to say, living in Astoria during this time is so special. When there is a game on, every store I pass by as I’m going to work has the game playing. Nothing too crazy yet from a games point of view, but we have some exciting games coming up now. Since it’s so early on, I wanted to highlight a few teams in the next three posts before their respective opening matches start. Here we go… 

Brazil 

There’s been a lot of talk leading up to this tournament about the Brazilian team. Last time the tournament took place in the U.S., Brazil won the whole thing. With Carlo Ancelotti being in charge, Brazilians have high hopes for this team. I just don’t really see it to be honest. As much as I love Neymar and would love for him to win it, I don’t really see Brazil going the distance this World Cup. I’m feeling like it’s going to be another Quarter Final finish for them. Gone are the days of individuals winning you tournaments and as much as I see Ancelotti trying to make this an organized team, I don’t think he’s found the right recipe for this team yet. Their form in qualifiers has been far from convincing. I’m backing Brazil to be a bigger threat in the next world cup if they stick to Ancelotti though. 

Morocco 

Morocco had a historical run last time around. Fourth in the world. What a time. They have a new coach and will be hoping to make a deep run. I think they will do okay, but it’s really hard to do back-to-back semi-finals and there are massive expectations on them this time. I think it all depends on whether they top their group but I’m not too sure they’re going to make a deep run this time. Changing the coach after the AFCON final was an interesting decision, and while I hear good things about their new coach, having your first real test be at the World Cup can backfire. They’ll definitely qualify out of their group but I really hope they can go far because they truly have the quality to challenge for the title if they are in-form. 

Germany

Germany are flying under the radar a bit this World Cup. If you’re familiar with Germany, they thrive on low expectations. I’m backing Germany to have a deep run, I have them reaching the semi-final. At the last euros, it was small details that knocked them out against Spain in the Quarters. Toni Kroos is no longer playing and they don’t have a ton of star power right now, but with Nagelsmann fully settled into his role as a coach and them not having many egos, I think they’ll be a hard team to beat. Never particularly been a fan of Germany so I hope I’m wrong, but alas, we shall soon see. 

Netherlands

Ugh, the Netherlands. They always make it way harder than it needs to be, don’t they? Ronald Koeman is not a coach that I rate highly, nor do I particularly rate their team, apart from their stacked defensive line. However, like in every edition, they will make things extremely difficult for anyone who plays against them. I think they will do pretty well considering their lack of quality in attack, I have them reaching the Quarters. Let’s hope I’m wrong and they are out as soon as humanly possible because I can’t stand them. 

Japan

Oh Japan. Every four years, Japan comes into the tournament with people having high expectations of them, and I feel that they always underperform in World Cups. The last two World Cups were golden opportunities for them to make a deep run and reach the Quarters. Leading Belgium 2-0 in the Round of 16 in 2018, leading against Croatia 1-0 at halftime. But I think the problem with Japan is their over emphasis on team spirit. When you’re always playing as one unit, when the pressure gets high, the entire team crumbles because you don’t have any leaders that can soak up and take on some of that pressure. Their penalties against Croatia in the last World Cup is the perfect example for that, woeful penalties. This time, if they finish second, they will probably play one of Brazil or Morocco. I see them crashing out in the Round of 32. That being said, I’d be happy to have my prediction wrong on this one. 

Excited for the games coming up, especially Brazil vs. Morocco. Will be back soon to preview another set of teams. I would love to hear your thoughts and as always, thank you for reading!