Netherlands vs Mexico – Dutch ‘Van’tage Point

ROUND OF 16 – MATCH 3

NETHERLANDS  VS  MEXICO

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Venue: Estádio Castelao, Fortaleza

Referee: Pedro Proenca (Portugal)

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OVERVIEW

It has been an amazing fortnight of amazing football action. We’ve had goals, own goals, red cards, controversies, bites and we have reached the 2nd stage of this amazing tournament. 16 teams have been sent home by the 16 teams still left in this tournament. Big European giants such as England, Italy, Spain and Portugal have been sent home while the world will have underdogs such as Greece, Costa Rica and Columbia at their disposal to cause some more upsets.The first match of the Round of 16 will be played between The Runners Up of Group A ie Mexico and The Winners of Group B ie The Netherlands. Group A finished like many would have predicted with the hosts Brazil finishing top followed by Mexico but Group B surprised everyone with Current World Champions Spain knocked out after embarrassing defeats to Netherlands and Chile.

ROAD TO THE ROUND OF 16

Netherlands, led by the Manchester United talisman Robin van Persie, finished top of the group with 9 points defeating all the 3 teams in the group. The Netherlands started their campaign against the current champions Spain. The world did expect the Dutch to give a fight but nobody expecting them to embarrass the Spanish. Spain were humiliated in their opening fixture as The Oranje defeated La Rojas 5-1. Their second game was against underdogs Australia whom everyone expected to be defeated by the Dutch easily, but, like this World Cup has been, full of surprises, The Aussies surprising were a stern test for the Dutch. The Dutch did win this one 3-2 but it was not an easy task. The Dutch then had to play a swift, energetic Chilean side who were in great form as they helped the Spanish pack their bags after defeating them 2-0. The Dutch in this match were without their Captain Robin van Persie who was suspended for the match after he received a booking in the game against Australia. That didn’t stop The Dutch from defeating Chile as the scoreline at Full Time read Netherlands 2, Chile 0. That meant Netherlands finished top of their group followed by their opponents of that day, Chile and would face the Runner Up of Group B.

van Persie destroys Spain.

Group A had its own spices to offer. Mexico played Cameroon in their opening fixture. Mexico’s Giovani Dos Santos had two goals disallowed for offside in the first half. In the second half, dos Santos had a shot saved by the Cameroon goalkeeper but the ball rebounded into the path of Peralta, who slotted the ball into the net. Hosts Brazil after controversially,  yet convincingly defeating Croatia in their opening match of the tournament, faced a stern Mexican side in their 2nd match. The game ended 0-0 but the game was certainly not boring like the scoreline suggested. Mexico, for some part of the match, outplayed the hosts and showed the world that they can’t be taken easily. Mexico faced Croatia in their last fixture. A win for either of the sides would have ensured qualification. Sadly, for Croatia, it didn’t come for them as The Mexicans scored 3 times in 10 mins and made sure that a late goal from Ivan Perišić was only a consolation. Victory for Mexico meant that Mexico finished 2nd behind Brazil and would now face the Winners of Group B which was already decided as the Netherlands had topped the group after beating Chile earlier in the day.

Marquez and co brush Croatia away.

NETHERLANDS – TACTICAL SETUP

FORMATIONS : 3-5-2

EXPECTED LINEUPS: Jasper Cillessen ,Bruno Martins/Memphis Depay, Ron Vlaar, Stefan de Vrij,Daley Blind, Daryl Janmaat, Nigel de Jong, Jonathan de Guzmán, Wesley Sneijder; Arjen Robben, Robin Van Persie.

Mexico clearly face a very strong opponent in The Dutch who are masterminded by their Dutch Manager Louis Van Gaal.  The Dutch play an attacking 3-5-2 with their Full Backs covering the flanks and helping their wide players in attacks. The Dutch are boasted with pace on the flanks with the likes of Arjen Robben and have a great in form striker, Robin Van Persie. The Dutch play direct long ball football, one which lead to their first goal of the campaign, a super header by the captain, Robin Van Persie. Also, they have a strong midfield comprising of a strong attacking midfielder in the form of  Wesley Sneijder and Nigel De Jong behind him doing all the dirty work. Also, they have and everlasting, Dirk Kuyt in their squad who makes sure that the team never runs out of battery. In the case of emergency they have a very strong centre half in the form of Ron Vlaar who guides a rather young but strong defence comprising of Stefan de Vrij, Daley Blind, Bruno Martins, Daryl Janmaat and Memphis Depay.  A rather young, inexperienced but confident Jasper Cillessen stands between the poles. The Dutch make sure they get the ball back as soon as they lose it. They don’t play beautiful football like The Spanish ‘used to’, but they make sure they make it look good when the ball lands in the back of the net.

De Jong – Dirty Work Master.

STRENGTHS :

1. The Dutch are commanded by a mastermind, Louis Van Gaal. Renowned for his tactics with Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Ajax and AZ, the Dutch coach’s tactics will be the biggest threat to his counterpart Miguel Herrera.

2. The Dutch highly depend on their captain Robin Van Persie for the goals. The current Dutch squad has been stripped and rebuilt by Van Gaal and is very young and inexperienced compared to the Dutch team which reached the finals of the tournament last time. The youngsters look upto Van Persie to provide and he is a major influence on the squad.

3. Arjen Robben was another player who took part in the final of the tournament in the last World Cup. The Dutch depend on Robben for his pace and his eye for goal. The Dutch winger made up for his mistakes in the Champions League final against Chelsea when he won the UEFA Champions League for Bayern Munich by scoring a goal in the dying minutes of the final last year. Holland supporters will be hoping he could achieve the same feat for his country this time.

WEAKNESSES: 

1. One thing that this Dutch squad lacks is experience. They have looked strong and fearless till now but the team might fall under pressure.

2. Some might argue on this, but Wesley Sneijder isn’t the same player anymore. He does have loads of experience but he is not the player who took Inter Milan to the UEFA Champions League Final and Holland to the World Cup Final in 2010. Sneijder will have to depend on his intelligence and vision to beat his opponents because he clearly doesn’t have the legs to do that.

 

MEXICO – TACTICAL SETUP

FORMATION : 5-3-2

EXPECTED LINEUPS: Guillerme Ochoa: Rodriguez, Rafael Marquez, Hector Moreno: Miguel Layun, Andres Guadrado, Salcido, Hector Herrera, Aguilar: Giovanni Dos Santos, Oribe Peralta

Mexico on the other side play a defensive 5-3-2 but that doesn’t stop their full backs either to go forward and assist their men forward. The 3 man midfield consists of Juan Vázquez, Miguel Herrera and Andrés Guardado. Their strike force is lead by the man Giovani dos Santos and Oribe Peralta, while they also have the likes of ‘super-sub’ Javier Hernandez at their disposal on the bench. The team is held together by their legendary captain and centre back Rafael Márquez who made history this time after captaining his national side for four consecutive editions of the World Cup. The hero of the match between Brazil and Mexico, Guillermo Ochoa is the one who stands in goal for the Mexican side. If this man can pull of some more saves against the Dutch this Saturday, the world might witness yet another upset.

Fort Ochoa stands strong.

STRENGTHS :

1. Like the Dutch depend on their captain Van Persie, The Mexicans depend on their legendary player and captain Rafael Márquez. Márquez comes into this tournament after captaining his side in the previous three editions of the World Cup. So, clearly he does not lack in experience. The Dutch depend on Persie to provide the goals while The Mexicans depend on Márquez to stop them.

2. Their strikers look in great form. Giovani dos Santos had 2 goals disallowed wrongly in their match against Cameroon. Oribe Peralta, has been in great knick as well and has been able to keep the Manchester United man Javier Hernandez on the bench.

3. While Oribe Peralta and dos Santos have done a great job, one man sits on the bench, who doesn’t like to do this job but does the job like noone. Javier Hernandez aka Chicharito or ‘The Little Pea’ is known for coming off the bench and scoring goals which he has done so often for his club. Miguel Herrera is not expected to start the little fellow but he will surely expect him to provide the goals if his country needs him.

 

WEAKNESSES:

1. The Mexicans go into this match as the ‘Underdogs’. They are not expected to bring any surprises against a strong Dutch squad. The players look passionate but they lack quality and experience. Miguel Herrera will need to make sure he gets the best out of his players if they are to put a tough fight against The Dutch, much like they did against The Seleçãos.

2. The Mexicans will have to come out of their defensive shape and bring the game to The Dutch. They can’t sit back for 90 mins against fearsome Dutch attack. Their defensive setup might let them down.

 

KEY BATTLES

Key battles include the Strikers against the Centre backs, Wingers against the Full backs and the two sets of midfielders.

Rafael Márquez v/s Robin Van Persie

Rafael Márquez will have to be on his toes when he comes against the force of Van Persie. Rafael Márquez will have to make sure that the man behind him Guillermo Ochoa doesn’t see much of the ball while Robin and Robben will like to add their tally of goals.

Robben – Lightning Pace.

Wesley Sneijder v/s Juan Vázquez

Wesley Sniejder might just have to use his experience more today as he’ll be up against a young Mexican midfield comprising of Juan Vázquez, Miguel Herrera and Andrés Guardado. Sniejder will be assisted by De Jong and Guzman but like we saw in the match against Brazil, this Mexican midfield can run riot on their day.

Giovani dos Santos v/s Ron Vlaar

The Dutch defence will be up agaisnt dos Santos and Oribe Peralta. Ron Vlaar will be tested by Santos’s runs. Also, the full backs Burno Martins, Depay and Blind will be tested by the Mexican full backs and wingers and the same would be seen at the other end when Robben and co against Layun and Aguilar.

Peralta – Dangerous weapon.

Lastly, it will be a test of the tactics. It will be a test of the mastermind of the legendary Louis Van Gaal against the passionate Miguel Herrera. It will be a great to see whether Herrera can make his players play the game as passionately as he celebrates his team’s goals and victories.

Van Gaal and Herrera – The Odd Couple.

PREDICTIONS

The Dutch just can’t afford to take the Mexicans lightly. It will be a great mistake if Van Gaal and his men go casual in this match becuase Miguel Herrera will make sure his men are focused and ready for the game. The tournament has seen a lot of upsets. The world has seen many big guns leave the tournament at an early stage and another upset would just make this World Cup more interesting and less predictable. The Dutch go favorites in this match while The Mexicans go in this match to cause another upset.

I predict a 3-1 victory for The Oranje but I will certainly love if my predictions go wrong and if it isn’t easy for any of the two.

MATCH 16 – The Impregnable Fort Ochoa

MATCH 16  – GROUP A

BRAZIL          0-0               MEXICO

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Venue : Estádio Castelão, Fortaleza

Referee : Cuneyt Cakir (Turkey)

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For the first time in the world cups, the Mexican Hat Dance became as equally elegant as the Brazilian Samba . In a rather surprising result, it was the hosts Brazil who were restricted to a goalless draw by the Mexicans. This is the first time that the Brazilians are not scoring a goal in a group stage match since the 1978 World Cup (1 year before Julio Cesar was born). The match had a lot of attack from both the sides but it was one “free agent” that held the praises of all Mexicans as well as curses of all Brazilians at the Castelao. The free agent was surprisingly Guillermo Ochoa who had a night that every other goalkeeper likes to dream of. His brilliant saves frustrated the hosts and gave hope to the Mexicans to make it to playoffs.

TEAM LINE-UPS

Brazil (4-3-3): Julio Cesar; Dani Alves, Thiago Silva, David Luiz, Marcelo; Luiz Gustavo, Paulinho, Ramires (Bernard 46’), Oscar (Willian 84’), Neymar, Fred (Jo 68’).

Due to an injury at training Hulk misses out from the squad. He was replaced by Ramires. Though the injury made everyone to expect a 4-3-3 formation, they played their standard 4-2-3-1 formation with Ramires on the right wing, Oscar on the left wing and Neymar through the middle.

Mexico (3-5-2): Guillermo Ochoa; Francisco Rodriguez, Hector Moreno, Rafael Marquez; Paul Aguilar, Hector Herrera, Jose Vazquez, Andres Guardado, Miguel Layun; Giovani dos Santos, Oribe Peralta.

El Tri came with no changes as the team had a comfortable victory over Cameron in their first match. Expectations were high on Peralta and Dos Santos to make the things easier for their manger Miguel Herrera.

THE MATCH

After a rather emotional national anthem for Neymar, the game started off in an almost full packed stadium. The opening minutes saw attacking intent from both the sides but the hosts had much of the possession. It was clear that Scolari’s men were failing to penetrate the Mexican defence. It was a much disappointing day for Fred as he was unable to convert the chances given to him. Most of the time his positioning was wrong and yes this indeed gave headache to Scolari as he was given 2 offsides within 20 minutes. The first of them was a good cross from Oscar wasted by him even though the ball was hit into the side netting. The opening fifteen minutes passed without either goalkeeper being called into action. But still the match was getting more competitive as each minute progressed. Most of the contest continued to be in the midfield but the first and probably one of the best efforts came in the 24th minute when a 30 yards shot from Herrera (not the manager!) was tipped over acrobatically by Julio Cesar. Though the goal-keeper awarded goal kick, replays showed that the he got some hand on it. The best save of the night came from the Mexican goalkeeper Ochoa in the 26th minute. Neymar rose majestically to steer a header toward the near post but to the amazement of all the people in the Castelao, Ochoa makes a full stretch to palm the ball away. For me, this was the turning point of the match since it could have given an early goal for Neymar and hence could have literally the game taken away from Mexico. Many pundits compare the save made by him to that of Gordon Banks save off Pele at 1970 World Cup.

Ochoa – At full stretch.

Gordon Banks denying Pele – Reminiscent.

With long rangers from Layun and Herrera it was clear that they want to test the veteran goalkeeper Julio Cesar with many of them. But Cesar was alert and focused during the game. After the save from Ochoa, the game suddenly burst into action and a goal before first half was expected. Oscar who had a good match last time around was not in his best today as one of his shot became a routine goal keeping save for Ochoa. The lone forward Fred too was not looking in good form.

For Mexico ,Peralta was the only player to make attacks mainly but the Brazilian defence this time seemed much more solid than the last match. The 44th minute saw another brilliant save by Ochoa when Paulinho’s shot from the loose ball was blocked by the “free agent”.

Fort Ocha standing strong.

The second half started with the substitution of Bernard for Ramires suggesting that the Brazilians are prepared to win this game and put more pressure on their opponents. The hosts started the half better than Mexico with Bernard making some good runs down the Mexican left hand side. Julio Cesar was kept to alert constantly and it seemed that the tactics of Mexicans were almost successful when they was a close 30 yard strike from Vazquez in the 55th minute. The ball almost brushed the crossbar on its way out. After this attempt Dos Santos, Herrera, Layun all made good attacks and had some chances, this worried the Selecao. The usual vibrancy in Brazils midfield was lacking and a change was expected. The much needed change came for Brazil in 68th minute when the out of form Fred was replaced by Jo who had scored the last time these two teams met in the Confederations cup. Immediately after this change Neymar forces Ochoa into yet another brilliant save. The 28 year old goalkeeper who was 3rd choice in 2006 and a second choice in 2010 was playing his second match in his world cup career but was indeed having a game that he will never forget and a game that will open the eyes of many clubs to sign this free agent. The 76th minute saw a big chance for Jo as Beranrd’s cross was hit into the far post by him. He shouts in frustration and the whole team looked frustrated. The frustrations became evident as Thiago Silva receives a yellow card and was not happy with the team’s defence. Though Peralta was replaced by J.Hernandez it was clear that Miguel Herrera will be happy to settle with a draw as the hosts continue to search for the goal. Yet another crucial moment of the match came in the 86th minute when Ochoa saves a Thiago Silva header. The stop was a brilliant though it was more of a “reflex” one. But that stop was the last shot on target for Brazil and the game ended with a close chance for Jimenez but Julio Cesar gets down to palm it away from danger.

Man of the Match: Guillermo Ochoa

Undoubtedly the major player behind the goalless draw. The saves had made him a popular player to discuss among the football maniacs last night and some of the big clubs will be keeping an eye for him.

None Shall Pass.

 

CONCLUSION

With the both teams having their strengths in attack, a goalless draw was never expected. It was one of those draws which has been entertaining and exciting till the last minute. The defence of both teams looked solid but it was Ochoa who made the difference between the two teams in the end. With one game in hand for both of the teams, the Mexicans look forward to their next opponent Croatia which will again be a great contest. The group as of now looks wide open and the hosts too are now vulnerable though they need to face Cameroon who hasn’t looked as good a team as expected.

MATCH 2 – The Mexican Relief

 

MATCH 2 – GROUP A

   MEXICO          1-0          CAMEROON

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Goals-

MEX : Peralta 61′;

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Venue : Estádio das Dunas, Natal

Referee : Wilmar Roldán

 

SUMMARY

It was relief for Mexicans at Arena das Dunas, Natal as they have beaten an African team for the first time in the World Cups. Placed in a group containing the hosts and Croatia, a win in this match was much needed for both the teams. But the urge to win the match was more on the Mexicans as they dominated the game most of the time. Amid heavy rains in Natal, the first half saw a couple of goals all of which were denied by some close and controversial offside decisions. But a second half strike from Oribe Peralta gave the Mexicans a much deserved win.

TEAM LINE-UPS

Mexico : Ochoa, Rodriguez, Marquez (c), Herrera, Layun, Dos Santos, Moreno, Guardado, Peralta, Aguilar, Vazquez;

(Manager : Miguel Herrera)

Cameroon : Itandje, Assou-Ekotto, Nkoulou, Djeugoue, Song, Moukandjo, Eto’o (c), Choupo Moting, Chedjou, Mbia, Enoh;

(Manager : Volker Finke)

Cameroons preparations for the world cup have been less than perfect after a row on player bonuses sparked mass controversy. The squad even refused to board the Brazil bound flight until the dispute was ended. Further their main striker Samuel Eto’o was accused of “high treason “by the local media after refusing to accept a symbolic flag from their Prime minister. But putting the controversies aside Cameroons warm-ups were much promising after the win over Moldova and draw over title favourites Germany. With players like Luis Montes out with injury Mexico was having a tough time in the warm-ups where they lost against debutants Bosnia and Portugal. But they are the 2012 Olympic Gold medalists and underestimating a team like this is the greatest mistake that an opponent team can make.

The Mexicans made a rather expected change as coach Miguel Herrera chose Oribe Peralta (one of the stars of Mexico’s 2012 Olympic winning team) over Manchester United’s forward Javier Hernandez. Cameroon on the other hand went with an experienced team including players like Alex Song, Assou-Ektou and Samuel Eto’o.

THE GAME

The lively start to the game was provided by the Mexicans whose exuberant attacking style football was evident as the wing backs Layun and Aguilar were getting forward most of the time in the starting minutes. The Africans seriously struggled to attack as Peralta and Dos Santos forced the Cameroonians to make defensive errors. At the 12^th minute, Mexico thought that they have the lead as Giovani Dos Santos smashed a volley from a Marquez cross past the Cameroonian goalkeeper, Itandje but it was ruled out for offside. The TV replays showed that the decision was immensely harsh and close. This early scare made the Africans to attack more and they almost earned a reward for this tactic as a goal from Moukandjo was ruled out offside . Mbia’s headed flick landed at the feet of Moukandjo who gets the ball in from an offside position. The best chance for Cameroon came at the 22^nd minute when a great run of Assou-Ektou provided Samuel Eto an accurate low cross ,but the shot from him narrowly missed the post. The period between 20^th to 30^th minute saw both teams attacking but it was again an unlucky moment for Dos Santos whose goal was disallowed in the 30^th minute again due to offside. A cross was headed by Dos Santos into the far post but the assistant raised his flag for offside. Yet again, the TV replays clearly shows that it was not offside. With three goals disallowed in 30 minutes the match was gaining momentum towards the end of first half. During the 45^th minute the Mexicans were denied a penalty after Chedjou clumsily brings Dos Santos down. The referee, however, gives a corner.

The start of the second half saw the Mexicans looking a bit more disciplined. They became a bit more relieved when Peralta provided them with the lead in the 61^st minute. The Mexican struck from a rebound as Dos Santos’ shot was saved by Itandje.

 

Peralta hits the much needed goal for the Mexicans.

After the goal Mexico chose to go with a back five formation making Agulilar and Layun to be more of an orthodox full back. The goal scorer Peralta was replaced by the “little pea” Hernandez in the 74^th minute. Dos Santos continued making chances for his team but this time the Cameroons defence was able to clear most of it. Cameron showed their desperation to get a goal after Alex song was substituted for Fenerbache’s Peter Webo. The 90^th minute saw two crucial misses by both the teams. An Assou-Ekotto’s cross was directed toward goal with a powerful header by Moukandjo but the Mexican goalkeeper rises to the occasion as he leapt across to catch the ball in a rather acrobatic fashion. The second chance was Chicharito’s after a great cross from Layun was hit over the cross bar.

Man Of The Match : Giovani Dos Santos

He was surely the man of the match for me, though the match has been a bit unlucky for him.

CONCLUSION

As the final whistle was blown, the Mexicans felt more relieved as this was their first win against an African team in the world cups. The victory was much deserving for them after two goals were turned down in the first half. Giovani Dos Santos was surely the man of the match for me though the match has been a bit unlucky for him. Meanwhile the Cameroonians face an uphill task as they face Croatia and then Brazil. Their recent world cup form of team is very disappointing as they have won only one of their last 14 games. Mexico can now take this momentum as they face the hosts Brazil for their next match and Croatia after that. If the Mexicans show this intent in their next matches then we can expect group A to be more interesting.

GROUP A – All Eyes on the Hosts

Group A

Brazil

Croatia

Mexico

Cameroon

 

An Outlook

Group A will kick things off at this World Cup, with tournament favorites Brazil taking on the Croats. This promises to be quite an interesting group, because it will give us an idea if Brazil can live up the ‘favorites’ tag. Although the hosts are expected to cruise through, the remaining spot is up for grabs. Croatia look most likely to grab that spot, but its never that easy, isn’t it?

Lets take a look at how each of these teams have shaped up, with analysis strengths, weaknesses and whom to watch out for.

Here’s Team Previews Set 1.

 

 

BRAZIL

 

Nickname: Seleção (The Selected)

The most successful team in the competition’s history. A country whose history is packed with some of the greatest players ever to have played the game. A team whose style of play is matched by no other. Pace, power, control, elegance, passion – these words epitomize Brazilian football. And this year, they play in their own backyard. Few would argue that they are the team to beat to win this World Cup.

 

Luiz Felipe Scolari – You just don’t want to be at the end of that look.

Manager: Luiz Felipe Scolari

The fiery Brazilian is no stranger to the World Cup. Having already led Brazil to victory in the 2002 World Cup and getting Portugal into the last four at Germany 2006, Scolari boasts a wealth of experience very few can match. Yes, he did suffer The Abramovich Axe at Chelsea, but ‘Big Phil’ is back to his favorite stage, and is ready to face the storm.

Best World Cup Performance

Champions : 5 (1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, 2002)
Runners Up : 2 (1950, 1998)

The Team

In my opinion, their greatest asset at this World Cup would be their defence. The center-back combination of Thiago Silva, who for me is the closest anyone is today to being the ideal defender, and David Luiz, the versatile and crazy one, is definitely going to take some magic to beat. Brazil have always been known for their overlapping wing-backs who find themselves largely in the opposition half than their own. In fact, the Brazilians were the ones who brought in the concept of a wing-back. The legendary combination of Carlos and Cafu dangerously charging down the wings at the 2002 World Cup is almost equally replicated now through the Real Madrid-Barcelona duo Marcelo and Alves.

Their midfield for me is their weak link. Brazil employs a 4-3-3 formation with 3 central midfield positions and no orthodox wingers. Among the 7 players chosen by Scolari for these 3 positions, Fernandinho, who won the English Premier League with Manchester City, is the only player to have won a title this season. All the others are coming off largely disappointing seasons. The Chelsea trio of Ramires, Willian and Oscar, although brilliant at times this season, have failed to capture that form consistently. If there’s one area where Brazil could be beat, is in midfield.

As we move to the forwards, there’s that one name that stands out. Brazil’s biggest icon today, the poster boy for the World Cup, Neymar. The Barcelona man is all set to dazzle the world with his exquisite skills and is widely touted to be the star of the tournament. He’s gifted in the art of faking (in all meanings of the word). Along with the powerful duo of Hulk and Fred, Neymar and co are all set to blast their way to glory.

Neymar – Leading the hosts’ charge from the front.

Brazil Squad In Full

Goalkeepers: Julio Cesar (Toronto FC), Jefferson (Botafogo), Victor (Atletico Mineiro)

Defenders: Marcelo (Real Madrid), Daniel Alves (Barcelona), Maicon (AS Roma), Maxwell, Thiago Silva (both Paris St Germain), David Luiz (Chelsea), Dante (Bayern Munich), Henrique (Napoli)

Midfielders: Paulinho (Tottenham Hotspur), Ramires, Willian, Oscar (all Chelsea), Hernanes (Inter Milan), Luiz Gustavo (VfL Wolfsburg), Fernandinho (Manchester City)

Forwards: Bernard (Shakhtar Donetsk), Neymar (Barcelona), Fred (Fluminense), Jo (Atletico Mineiro), Hulk (Zenit St Petersburg).

 

 

CROATIA

 

Nickname: Kockasti (The Chequered Ones)

After the huge disappointment of not having qualified for the previous World Cup in 2010, Croatia would be raring to go at this edition. Boasting many big names in the team, they are more than capable of causing an upset or two. They are favorites to qualify from the group behind hosts Brazil.

Niko Kovac – The Newbie.

Manager: Niko Kovac

Just recently retired from his playing career in 2009, Niko Kovac is a total newcomer in the coaching world. He retired as Croatia’s oldest player, having captained them in both the 2006 World Cup and Euro ’08. But, coaching the national side at a World Cup is a huge task. Compared to Big Phil above, Niko is just a kid. Quite a lot of pressure on the chap, but let’s hope he can unleash the ‘ic’s.

Best World Cup Performance

Third Place : 1998

 The Team

There are 10 players in the squad whose names don’t end in ‘ic’. I think that has to be a Croatian record! Anyways, this squad boasts a few big names from some of the biggest clubs in Europe. In my opinion, Croatia’s strongest area is their central midfield, with the magnificent duo of Luka Modric, who is fresh off a Champions League winning campaign, and Ivan Rakitic, who won the Europa League Player of the Tournament during Sevilla’s successful campaign. The former especially, is one of the finest playmakers today and has become a regular fixture in the Real Madrid squad.

Leading the attack is the first choice striker for German giants Bayern Munich for the past couple of years, Mario Mandzukic, who seems to have a head made more of rock than brains. At the back, one of the best signings of this season in the English Premier League, Dejan Lovren of Southampton, sits rock solid, providing the team a good balance. This is a squad that is indeed capable of raising a few eyebrows.

Luka Modric – Pulling all the Strings.

Croatia Squad In Full

Goalkeepers: Stipe Pletikosa (Rostov), Danijel Subasic (Monaco), Oliver Zelenika (Dinamo Zagreb).

Defenders: Darijo Srna (Shakhtar Donetsk), Dejan Lovren (Southampton), Vedran Corluka (Lokomotiv Moscow), Gordon Schildenfeld, Danijel Pranjic (both Panathinaikos), Domagoj Vida (Dynamo Kiev), Sime Vrsaljko (Genoa).

Midfielders: Luka Modric (Real Madrid), Ivan Rakitic (Sevilla), Ognjen Vukojevic (Dynamo Kiev), Ivan Perisic (Wolfsburg), Mateo Kovacic (Inter Milan), Marcelo Brozovic (Dinamo Zagreb), Sammir (Getafe), Ivan Mocinic (Rijeka).

Forwards: Mario Mandzukic (Bayern Munich), Ivica Olic (Wolfsburg), Eduardo (Shakhtar Donetsk), Nikica Jelavic (Hull City), Ante Rebic (Fiorentina).

 

 

MEXICO

 

Nickname: Los Manitos (The Little Hands)

Some say the although Mexico is in North America and not South America, the Mexicans have the touch and talent that is equal of a Brazilian or an Argentinian. Sadly enough, they haven’t been able to prove that much. It will quite be a tough task qualifying from this group, let alone go further. They’ve always been a country with more historical importance than actual performances, like being part of the first ever World Cup match, the first country to host two World Cups etc. Maybe they can turn the tables this time.

Manager: Miguel Herrera

Miguel Herrera

After I read about him, I understood that this is guy who is as Mexican as Mexican goes. Played and managed entirely in the Mexican League for various clubs and here he is, off to Brazil. He has quite a difficult job ahead of him and so, since I don’t know him much, I’ll just say, Good Luck Mr. Herrera!

Best World Cup Performance

Quarter-Finals : 2 (1970, 1986)

The Team

The Mexican squad just has 8 players plying their trade in Europe as Herrera has opted for a largely domestic based squad. So, most of them are unknown to the rest of the world. The key names that stand out are Manchester United’s super sub Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez, and former Tottenham and Barcelona forward Giovanni Dos Santos, who will be leading the attack for the Mexicans. Also the presence of veteran defender Rafael Marquez, who boasts a wealth of experience at the highest level will be beneficial to the team’s confidence.

Chicharito will be spearheading the Mexican Wave.

Mexico Squad In Full

Goalkeepers: Jose de Jesus Corona (Cruz Azul), Guillermo Ochoa (Ajaccio), Alfredo Talavera (Toluca)

Defenders: Miguel Layun (America), Carlos Salcido (Tigres), Paul Aguilar (America), Andres Guardado (Bayer Leverkusen), Hector Moreno (Espanyol), Francisco Javier Rodriguez (America), Diego Reyes (Porto), Rafael Marquez (Leon).

Midfielders: Miguel Angel Ponce (Toluca), Jose Juan Vazquez (Leon), Javier Aquino (Villarreal), Hector Herrera (Porto), Isaac Brizuela (Toluca), Marco Fabian (Cruz Azul), Carlos Pena (Leon).

Forwards: Oribe Peralta (Santos), Javier Hernandez (Manchester United), Giovani dos Santos (Villarreal), Raul Jimenez (America), Alan Pulido (Tigres).

 

 

CAMEROON

 

Nickname: Lions Indomptables (The Indomitable Lions)

They remain Africa’s most successful team in World Cups, having played in the most tournaments and most matches than any other in the continent. They’ll be perhaps mostly remembered for their exploits at the 1990 World Cup, where they reached the quarter-finals with the incensed 38-year old Roger Milla taking the world by shock with both his goals and his dancing. They have been gifted with some of the best talents in Africa over the years and although they’re not among the favorites to qualify from the group, they will definitely have a strong say in who will.

Volker Finke

Manager: Volker Finke

Finke is a German veteran who has been in management for nearly 40 years now. Although he isn’t that well known, he has huge experience in managing, not just in Germany, but in Asia and now, Africa. His experience will be key as Cameroon hope to mount a surprise charge in Group A.

Best World Cup Performance

Quarter-Finals : 1990

The Team

The Cameroon squad has quite a number of players playing in the top European leagues. One of the big names to look out for is former Barcelona, Inter Milan and Chelsea veteran forward, Samuel Eto’o, who is arguably the best African player in the past decade, having won the African Player of the Year Award a record 4 times. He will be out to prove his critic(s) that he is not that old. Another big name is former Arsenal and current Barcelona midfielder Alex Song. With many such talents, Cameroon will hope to lead Africa’s charge in Brazil.

Samuel Eto’o – Still a young man.

Cameroon Squad In Full

Goalkeepers: Charles Itandje (Konyaspor), Sammy Ndjock (Fetihespor), Loic Feudjou (Coton Sport)

Defenders: Allan Nyom (Granada), Dany Nounkeu (Besiktas), Cedric Djeugoue (Coton Sport), Aurelien Chedjou (Galatasaray), Nicolas Nkoulou (Marseille), Henri Bedimo (Lyon), Benoit Assou-Ekotto (Tottenham Hotspur)

Midfielders: Eyong Enoh (Antalyaspor), Jean Makoun (Rennes), Joel Matip (Schalke), Stephane Mbia (QPR), Landry Nguemo (Bordeaux), Alex Song (Barcelona), Edgar Salli (Lens)

Forwards: Samuel Eto’o (unattached), Eric Choupo Moting (Mainz), Benjamin Moukandjo (Nancy), Vincent Aboubakar (Lorient), Pierre Webo (Fenerbahce), Fabrice Olinga (Zulte-Waregem).