World Cup Blog -- Group B Preview
6/2/2006 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
June 2, 2006
Group B is one of the groups that soccer people like to think is a done deal with Sweden and England advancing over Paraguay and Trinidad and Tobago, and believing that the only real game of doubt is the Sweden and England match up June 20th in Cologne (ESPN 2 p.m.). Well soccer people BEWARE because Paraguay could act as spoiler especially with England's first game jitters due to the high expectations for the English weighing in on shoulders (remember France in the 2002 World Cup). The defensively orientated Central Americans could inevitably ruin England and Sweden's plans of advancing.
Group B Team by Team
Trinidad and Tobago
Trinidad and Tobago is a team with island flair and optimism, but may lack the defensive where-with-all to keep the ball out of the net. Players to watch are the aging, but important, Dwight Yorke and goalkeeper Shaka Hislop, along with U.S. based Avery John, Cornell Glen, Stern John
Paraguay
Paraguay has a history of advancing into the second round as it did so in the last two World Cups, and has it well within its sights to do it again. With the gritty defensive style and midfield structure from Julio Dos Santos, things could shape up for Paraguay. Having two players based in Germany (Roque Santa Cruz, Bayern Munich and Nelson Valdez Werda Bremen) also helps with the acclimation of the team. Roberto Acuna, Carlos Gamarra, Denis Caniza are three players playing in their third World Cup that could also help settle early round nerves and provide valuable experience.
Sweden
This is a team favored to advanced, but not necessarily favored to win the World Cup. With Sweden's good balance of experience and a positive direct style of play that puts the onus on the opposition to defend, good things are possible. With players like Freddie Ljungberg, Olof Melberg and dynamic striking duo Henrik Larsson and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, if healthy and showing good the same good domestic league form these team could advance.
England
The home and founder of Association Football (soccer) as we know it and the winners of the 1966 World Cup, England always has high hopes and expectations of repeating 1966. This often weighs heavy on the teams' shoulders and cause frustration resulting in what is seen as underachieving. This year's team, however, has the advantage of the English Premier League (EPL) and many top Champions League experience. Coupled with Goran Eriksson's calm pragmatic way, this team is one of the favorites to win the World Cup. Hurdles to overcome for England are; Sweden, despite being Swedish, England's manager Eriksson has never beaten Sweden in 10 meetings. Paraguay has the opening game against England that could prove to be very prickly and hard to handle for the English because of Paraguay's tough defensive shell. Finally, the health and injury of key players like Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen are questionable because both are listed as hurt at this time. Positives for England are a midfield that boasts some of the best in the world, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and David Beckham, plus a goalkeeper Paul Robinson that is steady despite his age (he is only 24). Watch out for John Terry at corners and free kicks because he could be a great offensive weapon especially with Beckham's accuracy and range.
Players to Watch
Trinidad and Tobago: Dwight Yorke (F), Shaka Hislop (GK), Avery John (D), Cornell Glen (F), and Stern John (F)
Paraguay: Santa Cruz (F), Valdez (F), Julio Dos Santos (M)
Sweden: Freddie Ljungberg (M), Olof Melberg (D), Henrik Larsson (F) and Zlatan Ibrahimovic (F)
England: Wayne Rooney (F), Michael Owen (F), Steven Gerrard (M), Frank Lampard (M), David Beckham (M), Paul Robinson (GK), John Terry (D)
Group B Schedule
Sat., June 10 - ENG v PAR - Frankfurt
Sat., June 10 - TRI v SWE - Dortmund
Thurs., June 15 - ENG v TRI - Nuremberg
Thurs., June 15 - SWE v PAR - Berlin
Tue., June 20 - SWE v ENG - Cologne
Tue., June 20 - PAR v TRI -- Kaiserslautern
Personal Thoughts on the World Cup
My favorite World Cup, emotionally being born in England, was in1966. While living in the United States 2002 was memorable with the U.S. surprising the world and advancing to quarter finals. As a lover of soccer, the 1970 World Cup Champions, Brazil, to me was the best World Cup team ever. Also in 1978, I enjoyed watching Holland. Although luckless, that team was talented and creative.
This Year's World Cup Before it Starts.
First, I believe it will be a World Cup of many surprises and huge excitement. Many of the teams have a shot of upsetting traditional powers and FIFA ranked teams. My early favorites are of course Brazil - the only team to win a World Cup on its own continent - Argentina, France and Holland with England and Czech Republic upsetting them if they stay healthy.
The U.S. has a great opportunity but a very, very difficult group to get out of. I am excited to Ghana, Japan, Germany and South Korea because of their hidden capabilities. Finally, I have complete wonder at the kind of spectacle and performance the first-time and extreme underdog countries will show. 2006 will be a great World Cup, but I'm not sure if we'll see a brand new country on the trophy this time around.