SHANE STAY
  • Home
  • Blog
  • About the Author
  • Where to Buy
  • Press

the dark horse team of world cup 2018

12/21/2017

 
The Dark Horse team of World Cup 2018: Egypt. 

With the favorites being Germany, Brazil, Argentina and France, it would be easy to say the Dark Horse contender for the title will be Colombia, Uruguay, or even Japan and Nigeria. Though, Egypt has a solid group, with salient talent in Said (who has played with Egypt since 2008) and Salah (born in 1992, with experience at Chelsea and Roma). Though it will be a stretch for them to win the whole thing, or even reach the semi finals, the team once coached by Bob Bradley has a spark and they should be watched closely as the tounament progresses. 

russia 2018 toughest group

12/2/2017

 
The FIFA World Cup in Russia has one group that stands out above the rest. 
In this year's Final Draw, which partitioned the teams in a very even manner, the toughest Group has to be Group F. 

Group F
Germany
Mexico 
Sweden
Korea Republic (South Korea)

The Germans, of course, are the defending champs, and the recent winner of the 2017 Confederations Cup. Even without those accolades, they're always a favorite. But, the reality is they have many returning players from 2014 who are in their prime, with the same coach, who is a brilliant soccer mind, and nothing seems to be holding them back from a rare World Cup repeat title run. (Only Italy and Brazil have accomplished such a feat, in 1934, 1938 and 1958, 1962). 
   Mexico arguably has the best team in their history, with too much talent on the field at one time, including Hernandez, Guardado, Corona, Herrera and others. Despite their second round curse in past World Cups, they have the potential to make huge strides in Russia. 
  Sweden without Ibrahimovic will not be much to write home about, however, they are a solid team which put Italy to bed in the Preliminary Competition two-game playoff. 
   South Korea is one of Asia's most consistent performers. If they can find some 2002 magic they'll be on track. Regardless, this team right now is a solid one, and like Sweden, they have the capability to overthrow anyone at any given time.  
Picture
Any fans attending Group F games will be in for a treat.

    Shane stay +   
    ​(archives)     

    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014

    KEY
    (NS) refers to "Non-Soccer" related blog entries, stories and essays.

    Author

    Shane Stay, author of The Euro 2020, The World Cup 2018 Book, Why American Soccer Isn't There Yet.

    Categories

    All

    RSS Feed

    All Written Work Copyright 2014-2023 Shane Stay

Proudly powered by Weebly