Tuesday, May 30, 2006
World Cup Preview: Group D
Teams: Mexico, Portugal, Iran, Angola.
History: First round exits were all that Mexico had to their name until reaching the quarter-finals in 1970 and 1986, both as the host nation. The Mexicans have fared a little better in recent tournaments, as they have reached the second round the last three go-arounds. But they have lost all three of those elimination games, including a bitter loss the USA in 2002. Thought of by many as power in world soccer, Portugal has actually only qualified for the World Cup three times. They finished third in 1966, and lost in the group stage in 1986 and recently in 2002. Iran has participated twice, with their lone win coming against the USA in 1998. They failed to qualify for 2002, as did Angola who is in the tournament for the first time.
Mexico: The Mexicans are strong from the net out, with goalkeeper Oswaldo Sanchez and a stout defense which will be anchored by Rafael Marquez. This team often employs the 3-5-2 (defense-midfield-forward) line-up, so they are fully capable of filling the opponents net. There are some question marks in the midfield. Salvador Carmona would normally be the go-to guy, but he will not be present since he has been banned for doping. So the task of moving the ball up to the forwards likely falls to Gonzalo Pineda or possibly the young Mexican-league star Andres Guardado. At forward Jared Borgetti will look to add to his all-time national team scoring lead. There are high expectations for Mexico, especially after drawing an easy group, so the pressure is definately on.
Portugal: Portugal comes to the tournament boasting great balance at all three positions. On the back end they will have Paulo Ferriera and his team-mate from Chelsea, Ricardo Carvalho who is world class. In the midfield they have Costinha to help out the defense and Maniche and Deco to set up the forwards. The Portuguese attack is one of the best at the tournament. Led by Cristiano Ronaldo, Pauleta, and Luis Figo who is still going strong at 33 years old, they scored the most goals in European qualifying. Even back-ups like Nuno Gomes and Helder Postiga are to be respected. The "golden generation" has mostly been replaced, but this team looks as strong as any previous edition, and is a good bet to make it out of the group stage for the first time in 40 years.
Iran: Due to the political landscape right now, some people have called for Iran to be kicked out of the tournament entirely. They wont be, but the hostility could prove to be a distraction that they definately do not need if they are to challenge Portugal and Mexico. Iran's biggest advantage is familiarity. Many of their players play professionally in the German Bundesliga and should feel right at home. One of those players is midfielder Ali Karimi, the Iranians most talented weapon. They are also strong in goal, but the defense could be their downfall with only Yahya Golmohammadi being a veteran fixture. Iran will be in tough to make the knock-out round, but the two favoured teams would be foolish to overlook them.
Angola: This team qualified out of Africa after upsetting Nigeria. They are a rag-tag bunch, with most of their players coming from the Portuguese second division. This is a team devoid of any big-name players. Instead they rely on all eleven men putting in a good effort to achieve victory. Angola beat the odds by simply making it to Germany, but will look to at least be competitve. Expect thier best effort to come in the opener against Portugal. Of course, Angola was once a Portuguese colony, which has fuelled a rivalry between the two. A not-so-friendly once had to be called off in the second half after several Angolans were red carded for vicious tackles.
Match to Watch: Portugal v Mexico, June 21. This could be anticlimactic if both sides have already secured spots in the next round, but it is clearly the match that should see the most talent and excitment generated in what could be a dull group.
Prediction: 1) Portugal, 2) Mexico, 3) Iran, 4) Angola. Portugal and Mexico strikers will light up the suspect defenses that they face on Iran and Angola. Iran could be capable of the upset, but the top two will be determined to make up for disappointing finishes in past tournaments. Whoever advances has to play the Group C qualifiers in the next round, so their joy might be short-lived.
History: First round exits were all that Mexico had to their name until reaching the quarter-finals in 1970 and 1986, both as the host nation. The Mexicans have fared a little better in recent tournaments, as they have reached the second round the last three go-arounds. But they have lost all three of those elimination games, including a bitter loss the USA in 2002. Thought of by many as power in world soccer, Portugal has actually only qualified for the World Cup three times. They finished third in 1966, and lost in the group stage in 1986 and recently in 2002. Iran has participated twice, with their lone win coming against the USA in 1998. They failed to qualify for 2002, as did Angola who is in the tournament for the first time.
Mexico: The Mexicans are strong from the net out, with goalkeeper Oswaldo Sanchez and a stout defense which will be anchored by Rafael Marquez. This team often employs the 3-5-2 (defense-midfield-forward) line-up, so they are fully capable of filling the opponents net. There are some question marks in the midfield. Salvador Carmona would normally be the go-to guy, but he will not be present since he has been banned for doping. So the task of moving the ball up to the forwards likely falls to Gonzalo Pineda or possibly the young Mexican-league star Andres Guardado. At forward Jared Borgetti will look to add to his all-time national team scoring lead. There are high expectations for Mexico, especially after drawing an easy group, so the pressure is definately on.
Portugal: Portugal comes to the tournament boasting great balance at all three positions. On the back end they will have Paulo Ferriera and his team-mate from Chelsea, Ricardo Carvalho who is world class. In the midfield they have Costinha to help out the defense and Maniche and Deco to set up the forwards. The Portuguese attack is one of the best at the tournament. Led by Cristiano Ronaldo, Pauleta, and Luis Figo who is still going strong at 33 years old, they scored the most goals in European qualifying. Even back-ups like Nuno Gomes and Helder Postiga are to be respected. The "golden generation" has mostly been replaced, but this team looks as strong as any previous edition, and is a good bet to make it out of the group stage for the first time in 40 years.
Iran: Due to the political landscape right now, some people have called for Iran to be kicked out of the tournament entirely. They wont be, but the hostility could prove to be a distraction that they definately do not need if they are to challenge Portugal and Mexico. Iran's biggest advantage is familiarity. Many of their players play professionally in the German Bundesliga and should feel right at home. One of those players is midfielder Ali Karimi, the Iranians most talented weapon. They are also strong in goal, but the defense could be their downfall with only Yahya Golmohammadi being a veteran fixture. Iran will be in tough to make the knock-out round, but the two favoured teams would be foolish to overlook them.
Angola: This team qualified out of Africa after upsetting Nigeria. They are a rag-tag bunch, with most of their players coming from the Portuguese second division. This is a team devoid of any big-name players. Instead they rely on all eleven men putting in a good effort to achieve victory. Angola beat the odds by simply making it to Germany, but will look to at least be competitve. Expect thier best effort to come in the opener against Portugal. Of course, Angola was once a Portuguese colony, which has fuelled a rivalry between the two. A not-so-friendly once had to be called off in the second half after several Angolans were red carded for vicious tackles.
Match to Watch: Portugal v Mexico, June 21. This could be anticlimactic if both sides have already secured spots in the next round, but it is clearly the match that should see the most talent and excitment generated in what could be a dull group.
Prediction: 1) Portugal, 2) Mexico, 3) Iran, 4) Angola. Portugal and Mexico strikers will light up the suspect defenses that they face on Iran and Angola. Iran could be capable of the upset, but the top two will be determined to make up for disappointing finishes in past tournaments. Whoever advances has to play the Group C qualifiers in the next round, so their joy might be short-lived.
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Yeah! Only one more week. That was a good conversation we had earlier about these upcoming games. This is going to be fun. How quickly 4 years between these goes! I'm sure we will bore dad on this but that is okay. You can put the football up for him soon.
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