Key men: I think there is this bloke, erm... Wayne something. The English nation's hope rest on Wayne Rooney, no pressure then. Of course, they have some other not as good but good players. Gerrard and Lampard will also be important, and whoever plays on the wings.
Story of qualifying: They won this group pretty easy. They won nine out of ten games, including the destruction of Croatia home and away.
How will they do?: Top is the minimum expectation, and they have no reason not to expect it as they will be too strong for the rest. 1st
Key men: Their star man is probably the United States' finest ever. Landon Donovan, very much like Wayne Rooney, will be the key to their success. Clint Dempsey is another very good player, will Jozy Altidore is an exciting player.
Story of qualifying: They topped their group, finishing a point above Mexico. They never looked in trouble during the qualification.
How will they do?: They have the second strongest squad in the group, but it won't be easy. 2nd
Key men: Their star man, Meghni, is ruled out with injury but players like Belhadj and Bougherra are very important to them. Of course, they have Wolves man Adlene Guedioura who is looking ever more likely to be in their starting line up.
Story of qualifying: With one game left, they faced the only team who could put them out. As they had already beaten Egypt 2-0, the Egyptians had to beat them by three goals to qualify automatically. Beat them by two, and it would go to a play off as they would be in identical positions. Algeria went to Egypt, were met by fans who attacked them and they lost two nil. In the play off they beat them one nil, Antar Yahia's first half strike enough to send them through.
How will they do?: They have some good players, but not enough good players. Can make it through but would be a small surprise. 3rd
Key men: German based forward Milivoje Novakovic has been one of their star players in qualifying. The Cologne striker scored five in qualifying, including two in the play offs vs Russia. Bojan Jokic is an influential midfielder and don't forget their captain, ex Baggie Robert Koren is a vital part of their team.
Story of qualifying: They had to qualify through the play off route. They secured a place in the world cup with a memorable two legged tie with Russia. They went through on away goals.
How will they do?: They will struggle, and while they have some skillful players they should end the group stages on zero points. 4th.
Disagree? Maybe you think England will flop, or Slovenia will rule. Comment and give your opinion!
That Rooney bloke. What a load of rubbish! :P
ReplyDeleteI think England will be fine, and I hope Adlene gets Algeria through. England and Algeria. USA bottom, serious!
That's what we thought in 1950, we all (well, most) know what happened back then!
ReplyDeleteEngland and USA/slovenia to go through
Yes, but I think they are being over rated because of the confederations cup. Maybe that's reasonable. as they got to the final but I think they will be the flops in our group.
ReplyDeleteCan't see it to be honest. If anyone flops, it will be England. I hope Guedioura does really well, and proves what a valuable signing he as BEFORE the world cup.
ReplyDeleteHaff to agree with TheHoff85 -- as England fans we should always be aware that arrogance has cost us in the past. IF England get through, they'll have to be at the top of their game. And then the tricky bit starts!!!
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