Once the WCP Cup starts to heat up again, I'll start making new posts.
Feel free to comment on the previous post.
Monday, November 5, 2007
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Looking Back...
The WCP Cup keeps getting better, and this year was no exception. The groups were all very entertaining to watch and it was great to see so many fans out to watch. This tournament is really great for soccer in Saskatchewan and so many people who knew nothing about soccer came to see what all the excitement was about.
It will only continue to grow in the coming years, but in order to make it even more exciting, the rules will have to be formatted to the expanding amount of teams and the quality of play.
A couple things I was thinking about:
1. Maybe seeding more than the top 4 teams. It worked out fairly good this year, but there's no denying that any team that was left out in group D could have made another pool quite a bit more exciting. This year there were a lot of good teams, so it wasn't too big of an issue. Just a thought though.
2. Changing the way tiebreakers are made. Norway's pool and Jamaica's pool both had issues with this. It goes head to head, then goals for, then goals against. In Northern Ireland's final two games, they were blown out of the water because Norway and Ukraine were trying to score as many goals as possible. It's embarrassing to the team, and it would be better if it went goals against ahead of goals for, that way rather seeing how bad you can embarrass the other team, it's how well you can keep the ball out of your net. No one likes watching a 10-0 blowout.
All in all, the WCP Cup is very well handled and these are just suggestions.
Any others?
It will only continue to grow in the coming years, but in order to make it even more exciting, the rules will have to be formatted to the expanding amount of teams and the quality of play.
A couple things I was thinking about:
1. Maybe seeding more than the top 4 teams. It worked out fairly good this year, but there's no denying that any team that was left out in group D could have made another pool quite a bit more exciting. This year there were a lot of good teams, so it wasn't too big of an issue. Just a thought though.
2. Changing the way tiebreakers are made. Norway's pool and Jamaica's pool both had issues with this. It goes head to head, then goals for, then goals against. In Northern Ireland's final two games, they were blown out of the water because Norway and Ukraine were trying to score as many goals as possible. It's embarrassing to the team, and it would be better if it went goals against ahead of goals for, that way rather seeing how bad you can embarrass the other team, it's how well you can keep the ball out of your net. No one likes watching a 10-0 blowout.
All in all, the WCP Cup is very well handled and these are just suggestions.
Any others?
Sunday, May 6, 2007
Amazing Final
-Norway beat Ireland 4-3 in overtime in today's final. The best final anyone could have hoped for, as Norway went up 2-0 early besides domination by Ireland. Their first goal was a beauty as it hit the crossbar and went into the net. Ireland kept up dominating the game though and battled back to tie it 2-2. Near the end of the game Norway had the lead 3-2 when with about 6 minutes left Ireland tied it. In overtime, Adam Payette beautifully headed a cross over the Ireland keeper and into the net.
-It was great game to watch, but one thing that wasn't too classy of some fans was booing Ireland every time they touched the ball. Yeah, it was kinda funny, but those guys out there are trying hard and it does get the team down. There's really no need to insult the team. The reffing was very one-sided against Ireland and the entire crowd save for a few people were pro-Norway.
-On a positive note, it's great that Norway won and toppled the mighty Ireland. The game was awesome and it's good to see that having the best players doesn't necessarily make a team the best. Ireland was hated by many and it's good for the tournament to see a different team win this year.
-The bronze medal game was another good game with Jamaica winning 3-1 over Laos. Laos just couldn't pull together and Jamaica was able to match their quickness.
-It was great game to watch, but one thing that wasn't too classy of some fans was booing Ireland every time they touched the ball. Yeah, it was kinda funny, but those guys out there are trying hard and it does get the team down. There's really no need to insult the team. The reffing was very one-sided against Ireland and the entire crowd save for a few people were pro-Norway.
-On a positive note, it's great that Norway won and toppled the mighty Ireland. The game was awesome and it's good to see that having the best players doesn't necessarily make a team the best. Ireland was hated by many and it's good for the tournament to see a different team win this year.
-The bronze medal game was another good game with Jamaica winning 3-1 over Laos. Laos just couldn't pull together and Jamaica was able to match their quickness.
Thursday, May 3, 2007
On to the Playoffs!
With Portugal securing second in their pool last night, and Norway getting first, the playoffs are all set.
First off at 6- Ireland v Portugal
Ireland comes off playing a fairly easy pool, while Portugal had a tough road to get here. This could work in Portugal's favour, as Ireland haven't played a very strong team yet and aren't sure how to work their strategy yet. However Ireland won't need much to get going, and should win fairly easily. Ireland will take it 3-0.
Next Laos plays Canada at 7, a team that maybe shouldn't have made it out, but nonetheless did. Laos has proved themselves to be a very strong team and Canada will be a good test for them. Canada is once again highly underrated and could topple Laos. Laos is a very quick and agile team and can exploit Canada's weaknesses in speed and agility, but it will be very tough to beat Canada, as they play very well as a team. I think Canada can pull off the upset of Laos, but either way it will be a hard-fought game. ......mmmmmm I'm gonna go with Canada on this one, just because Canada is coached well and plays very solid as a team. (Note:I love the upset, so I have to take at least one in the quarter finals.)
Thirdly, Greece takes on Norway at 9.
Greece should be able to dominate Norway with their superior play. Greece is solid all around, while Norway only has a couple bright spots. Canada plays a lot like Greece and Canada dominated Norway(even though it was only 3-2), so I expect Greece to do the same. Greece takes 'er 4-2.
Finally, Jamaica plays Italy at 10.
Italy surprised a lot of people with how well they've been playing and only lost to ireland 4-2. However Jamaica is a very good team and will be able to capitalize on breakdowns in Italy's line-up. Jamaica wins 3-1
First off at 6- Ireland v Portugal
Ireland comes off playing a fairly easy pool, while Portugal had a tough road to get here. This could work in Portugal's favour, as Ireland haven't played a very strong team yet and aren't sure how to work their strategy yet. However Ireland won't need much to get going, and should win fairly easily. Ireland will take it 3-0.
Next Laos plays Canada at 7, a team that maybe shouldn't have made it out, but nonetheless did. Laos has proved themselves to be a very strong team and Canada will be a good test for them. Canada is once again highly underrated and could topple Laos. Laos is a very quick and agile team and can exploit Canada's weaknesses in speed and agility, but it will be very tough to beat Canada, as they play very well as a team. I think Canada can pull off the upset of Laos, but either way it will be a hard-fought game. ......mmmmmm I'm gonna go with Canada on this one, just because Canada is coached well and plays very solid as a team. (Note:I love the upset, so I have to take at least one in the quarter finals.)
Thirdly, Greece takes on Norway at 9.
Greece should be able to dominate Norway with their superior play. Greece is solid all around, while Norway only has a couple bright spots. Canada plays a lot like Greece and Canada dominated Norway(even though it was only 3-2), so I expect Greece to do the same. Greece takes 'er 4-2.
Finally, Jamaica plays Italy at 10.
Italy surprised a lot of people with how well they've been playing and only lost to ireland 4-2. However Jamaica is a very good team and will be able to capitalize on breakdowns in Italy's line-up. Jamaica wins 3-1
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
Final day Matchups
Today is going to be the deciding day for many teams. Ukraine's, Canada's and Norway's playoff spots will be determined by how many goals Norway scores tonight. If Norway scores 8 goals and wins, they're through at second place. It will intense to see if Northern Ireland can hold them to under 8 or possibly beat or tie them.
Prediction: I think Northern Ireland can hold Norway to less than 8 goals, though it will be tough to do without their regular goalie. Canada ends up 1st, Ukraine at 2nd.
Scotland, Jamaica and Portugal's lives depend on how portugal does tonight against Botswana. If Portugal scores two goals and gives up none, they'll be through at second. If they don't score two goals, or tie or lose, Scotland goes through in first.
Prediction: Portugal should be able to score two goals against Botswana, but Botswana has never given up easily and should be able to get a couple of their own. If Botswana scores 2 goals, Portugal will then need to get 3 goals because they'd have to score more goals than Scotland. I still think Portugal will be able to score 3 goals and get the win. Jamaica at 1st, Portugal at 2nd.
Italy and Serbia face off in their matchup, not having to rely on any tiebreakers. The winner of this matchup goes through at second place.
Prediction: Serbia will pull out a close one and take second.
It's too bad that two entire pools are going to be decided on goals for, but i guess that's the way it goes. Should make for exciting soccer anyway.
Prediction: I think Northern Ireland can hold Norway to less than 8 goals, though it will be tough to do without their regular goalie. Canada ends up 1st, Ukraine at 2nd.
Scotland, Jamaica and Portugal's lives depend on how portugal does tonight against Botswana. If Portugal scores two goals and gives up none, they'll be through at second. If they don't score two goals, or tie or lose, Scotland goes through in first.
Prediction: Portugal should be able to score two goals against Botswana, but Botswana has never given up easily and should be able to get a couple of their own. If Botswana scores 2 goals, Portugal will then need to get 3 goals because they'd have to score more goals than Scotland. I still think Portugal will be able to score 3 goals and get the win. Jamaica at 1st, Portugal at 2nd.
Italy and Serbia face off in their matchup, not having to rely on any tiebreakers. The winner of this matchup goes through at second place.
Prediction: Serbia will pull out a close one and take second.
It's too bad that two entire pools are going to be decided on goals for, but i guess that's the way it goes. Should make for exciting soccer anyway.
Friday, April 27, 2007
Day 3 Recap
In day 2, I guess chile lost to italy, 3-2. That'll do some damage to chile's hopes of making it through. The final score between Nigeria and Botswana was 5-2 for Nigeria.
In other group A news, Serbia dominated Austria tonight and won by a score of 3-1. Serbia, led by Aryian Farahani's 3 goals, really controlled the first half but allowed Austria back in it in the second. Austria could only muster 1 goal and it's chances of making it through to the second round seem shot.
The first game of the evening featured laos against england. England looked to dominate early and came up with a 2-0 lead, but laos responded with a goal of their own. Down 3-1, Laos began their comeback and tied it 3-3 before getting control of the lead near the end of the second half by scoring to make it 4-3. England pressured and pressured, crossing it in, and Mark Korthius headed it just past keeper Evan Campbell to tie it up. With two minutes left and just after England's goal, Robbie Mintenko fired a low shot from near half that just made it by England's keeper, putting Laos up 5-4. Laos held off England for the win.
Canada gained back some of their former glory and destroyed Northern Ireland. With the addition of their keeper from last year, and the second Patterson twin, Canada is still in the hunt for a spot in the second round, but they must beat norway.
Portugal and Scotland played a barnburner of a game, but Scotland came out on top 2-1
Portugal didn't have much offence and their only goal was a penalty shot. Scotland looks like a solid pick to make it out of their group if they can beat nigeria.
In the best game of the evening, Greece whomped Germany 4-1. Germany just couldn't play as a team and Greece played above and beyond what was expected of them. They hustled to every ball and thoroughly dominated.
In other group A news, Serbia dominated Austria tonight and won by a score of 3-1. Serbia, led by Aryian Farahani's 3 goals, really controlled the first half but allowed Austria back in it in the second. Austria could only muster 1 goal and it's chances of making it through to the second round seem shot.
The first game of the evening featured laos against england. England looked to dominate early and came up with a 2-0 lead, but laos responded with a goal of their own. Down 3-1, Laos began their comeback and tied it 3-3 before getting control of the lead near the end of the second half by scoring to make it 4-3. England pressured and pressured, crossing it in, and Mark Korthius headed it just past keeper Evan Campbell to tie it up. With two minutes left and just after England's goal, Robbie Mintenko fired a low shot from near half that just made it by England's keeper, putting Laos up 5-4. Laos held off England for the win.
Canada gained back some of their former glory and destroyed Northern Ireland. With the addition of their keeper from last year, and the second Patterson twin, Canada is still in the hunt for a spot in the second round, but they must beat norway.
Portugal and Scotland played a barnburner of a game, but Scotland came out on top 2-1
Portugal didn't have much offence and their only goal was a penalty shot. Scotland looks like a solid pick to make it out of their group if they can beat nigeria.
In the best game of the evening, Greece whomped Germany 4-1. Germany just couldn't play as a team and Greece played above and beyond what was expected of them. They hustled to every ball and thoroughly dominated.
Day 2 Recap
Day 2 was relatively uneventful, but the matchup between Germany and el Salvador kicked off group D with a bang. I didn't attend any games today, but from what i heard Germany thoroughly deserved the win of 4-3. Apparently two of el Salvador's goals were due to miscommunication between Germany's goalie and the defence.
Nigeria played Botswana and won 3-2. That's the extent of my knowledge about that game.
Chile also played Italy. I'm guessing Chile won
Day 3 will be action-packed with every game being one that could determine who's coming out of that pool. Laos and England start it up at 6, followed by Austria and Serbia(Austria looks to gain back some dignity after a beating provided by Ireland).
Canada then looks to regain its former glory and remain in the hunt for a playoff spot by playing Northern Ireland. Portugal takes on Scotland at 9 in what should a barnburner of a game, and Germany takes on Greece to cap off the evening.
Should be a fun-filled night.
Nigeria played Botswana and won 3-2. That's the extent of my knowledge about that game.
Chile also played Italy. I'm guessing Chile won
Day 3 will be action-packed with every game being one that could determine who's coming out of that pool. Laos and England start it up at 6, followed by Austria and Serbia(Austria looks to gain back some dignity after a beating provided by Ireland).
Canada then looks to regain its former glory and remain in the hunt for a playoff spot by playing Northern Ireland. Portugal takes on Scotland at 9 in what should a barnburner of a game, and Germany takes on Greece to cap off the evening.
Should be a fun-filled night.
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Day 1 Recap
Opening ceremonies started today at 6:30 and took a lot longer than they should have. The groups that were dancing took way too long in their routines. Finally after all the dancing and speeches were over, Ireland took on Austria about an hour behind the scheduled time.
The game went as expected for Ireland, as they crushed Austria 8-0. Ireland played very well as a team and didn't lack effort at any position. Passes were crisp all around and the shots were accurate and powerful. They showed why they remain the number 1 contender for the Cup.
The second game of the night featured the first game on the girls side with Germany winning 2-1. Germany outplayed Chile in every aspect and deserved the win.
The third game featured a group B matchup with Ukraine and Canada. This was a very important matchup as the winner would more than likely make it out of their group along with Norway. Ukraine started off very strong in the opening minutes and has a series of good shots, finishing one of them. Leading 2-0 by halftime, Ukraine seemed to lose form and Canada began it's attack. With 12 minutes or so left in the game Canada seemed to have scored on an indirect free kick, but upon further review the goal was disallowed because it didn't touch anyone. Ukraine held off the scrappy Canada team then added another goal as time was winding down.
The fourth game was between Jamaica and Scotland. Jamaica took and early lead of 3-0 and it seemed that Scotland would never be able to get back in it. Scotland then netted a goal to make it 3-1 and the chase was on. The game was very fast-paced and both teams had very good chances. Scotland rung one off the crossbar and Jamaica's counter attack led them to their 4th goal. Scotland countered quickly to make it 4-2, but time was running out on Scotland's hopes. The pace picked up and Scotland tried a more offensive approach, but Jamaica scored on the weaker defence, making it 5-2. Scotland scored soon after, but the game was winding down and beyond reach. Jamaica wins 5-3
The game went as expected for Ireland, as they crushed Austria 8-0. Ireland played very well as a team and didn't lack effort at any position. Passes were crisp all around and the shots were accurate and powerful. They showed why they remain the number 1 contender for the Cup.
The second game of the night featured the first game on the girls side with Germany winning 2-1. Germany outplayed Chile in every aspect and deserved the win.
The third game featured a group B matchup with Ukraine and Canada. This was a very important matchup as the winner would more than likely make it out of their group along with Norway. Ukraine started off very strong in the opening minutes and has a series of good shots, finishing one of them. Leading 2-0 by halftime, Ukraine seemed to lose form and Canada began it's attack. With 12 minutes or so left in the game Canada seemed to have scored on an indirect free kick, but upon further review the goal was disallowed because it didn't touch anyone. Ukraine held off the scrappy Canada team then added another goal as time was winding down.
The fourth game was between Jamaica and Scotland. Jamaica took and early lead of 3-0 and it seemed that Scotland would never be able to get back in it. Scotland then netted a goal to make it 3-1 and the chase was on. The game was very fast-paced and both teams had very good chances. Scotland rung one off the crossbar and Jamaica's counter attack led them to their 4th goal. Scotland countered quickly to make it 4-2, but time was running out on Scotland's hopes. The pace picked up and Scotland tried a more offensive approach, but Jamaica scored on the weaker defence, making it 5-2. Scotland scored soon after, but the game was winding down and beyond reach. Jamaica wins 5-3
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Revised Predictions
Looking at some recent friendlies, I should make some adjustments to my predictions
Group A- Ireland, Austria
Still the same. I saw Chile play, but a lot of them were busting belts. They have a couple of guys who could make an impact, but its easy to take them out of the game if you know how.
Group B- Norway, Ukraine
Also saw Ukraine play, and they look like a fairly decent team. Their defence is solid and they have a couple guys who will get lots of shots on net. And considering that goalies aren't really all that good, they should get a bunch in the net.
Group C- Jamaica, Portugal
Still the same, though I'd like to see Portugal play someone really good and see they can handle it.
Group D- El Salvador, Laos
Laos has done very good in their exhibition games and apparently germany really didn't show anything in their exhibition game against Chile. I don't know what England's final team will look like or if all the players they were supposedly bringing in are actually coming in. Greece has played solid the last little bit and they'll get a key midfielder back for the competition, but they'll still get third
Group A- Ireland, Austria
Still the same. I saw Chile play, but a lot of them were busting belts. They have a couple of guys who could make an impact, but its easy to take them out of the game if you know how.
Group B- Norway, Ukraine
Also saw Ukraine play, and they look like a fairly decent team. Their defence is solid and they have a couple guys who will get lots of shots on net. And considering that goalies aren't really all that good, they should get a bunch in the net.
Group C- Jamaica, Portugal
Still the same, though I'd like to see Portugal play someone really good and see they can handle it.
Group D- El Salvador, Laos
Laos has done very good in their exhibition games and apparently germany really didn't show anything in their exhibition game against Chile. I don't know what England's final team will look like or if all the players they were supposedly bringing in are actually coming in. Greece has played solid the last little bit and they'll get a key midfielder back for the competition, but they'll still get third
Friday, April 13, 2007
Finals
After the group rounds, the second stage will be upon us. Starting with total points, then goals for, Ireland figures to lead the pack because of the easiness of their pool getting a high goal total. They should come out with 3 wins and a ton of goals. Second place is really up in the air. Norway has a fairly easy pool and should also have a high amount of goals. Group C will be more offensive than the other pools, and Jamaica and Portugal could also have a high total of goals. Canada, should they make it through, and the second place team in Group A, will come in around the middle. The teams from Group D look to struggle in order to get through, and they will come in around last. Most of what I just said was considering solely the goals. Have to keep in mind that points come first
So, if I follow through with my predictions on who will make it out of the group stage, the final 8 teams will be (in ranked order): 1. Ireland
2. Norway
3. Jamaica
4. Portugal
5. Canada
6. El Salvador
7. Austria
8. Germany
With 1 v 8, 2 v 7, and so on, the games will shape up like this(i can foresee these kinds of things):
Ireland vs. Germany- This will be a good test for Ireland after breezing through the group rounds, and they'll be hard-pressed to match Germany's firepower, but can also counter Germany with tough D and a good offence. Ireland win: 3-2
Norway vs. Austria- Norway will manhandle Austria. Norway wins: 5-0
Jamaica vs. El Salvador- a rematch of last year's bronze medal, this would be quite a game. El Salvador's heart was not in the bronze medal match last year, and they'd pick up their game for this one. Still, Jamaica should come out on top in a close one: 3-2
Portugal vs. Canada- Portugal should be quick enough to beat Canada. Though this is where Canada excels in locking down good-shooting teams, Portugal should win: 2-1
Semis
Ireland vs. Portugal
Ireland is much better than Portugal and should beat them handily:3-0
Jamaica vs. Norway
I really can't say who'd win this one. I'll go with Jamaica: 4-3
Final
Ireland vs. Jamaica
Jamaica wins! Ireland chokes! Ireland haters rejoice!
honestly if anyone is upset during the tournament, my money is on Ireland. Their team is good, but they aren't gods and they can be exploited. There will probably be more upsets than I predicted...........so we'll see.
So, if I follow through with my predictions on who will make it out of the group stage, the final 8 teams will be (in ranked order): 1. Ireland
2. Norway
3. Jamaica
4. Portugal
5. Canada
6. El Salvador
7. Austria
8. Germany
With 1 v 8, 2 v 7, and so on, the games will shape up like this(i can foresee these kinds of things):
Ireland vs. Germany- This will be a good test for Ireland after breezing through the group rounds, and they'll be hard-pressed to match Germany's firepower, but can also counter Germany with tough D and a good offence. Ireland win: 3-2
Norway vs. Austria- Norway will manhandle Austria. Norway wins: 5-0
Jamaica vs. El Salvador- a rematch of last year's bronze medal, this would be quite a game. El Salvador's heart was not in the bronze medal match last year, and they'd pick up their game for this one. Still, Jamaica should come out on top in a close one: 3-2
Portugal vs. Canada- Portugal should be quick enough to beat Canada. Though this is where Canada excels in locking down good-shooting teams, Portugal should win: 2-1
Semis
Ireland vs. Portugal
Ireland is much better than Portugal and should beat them handily:3-0
Jamaica vs. Norway
I really can't say who'd win this one. I'll go with Jamaica: 4-3
Final
Ireland vs. Jamaica
Jamaica wins! Ireland chokes! Ireland haters rejoice!
honestly if anyone is upset during the tournament, my money is on Ireland. Their team is good, but they aren't gods and they can be exploited. There will probably be more upsets than I predicted...........so we'll see.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Best Chance of Advancing Ranking
which team has the best chance to advance its ranking from last year? If you take into account the difficulty of the groups, there's a couple teams that can really improve their standing. The most notable would have to be Laos. Their team is a lot different and if they can make it out of the group stage....well anything is an improvement from last year. They are pretty good and it's too bad they got stuck in such a hard group. Any other group and they would make it out for sure. England also had a bad tourney last year and will really be a contender this year IF they can make it out of that death group. Norway, after beating Ireland in an exhibition match, also seems like a legitimate contender. Although it was a tryout and more of a practice for Ireland, they should still make it out of their group and advance their standing into the top 7 or 8.
Preview a Pool: Group B
Finalist Canada will try to again make it out of group stage and into the final, but this year they'll have an even tougher challenge in a bigger pool. Norway looks to be a real contender this year with a solid all-around team and Ukraine, another newcomer, also looks to make a run. Northern Ireland has to try and turn things around from a dismal 2006 outing, and Poland will look to improve on it's lone win. Prediction: Norway, Canada, Ukraine, Poland, Northern Ireland. Norway will not let Canada do what it did to Jamaica and Germany last year, but Canada will also be too tough for the other teams in Group B. Ukraine, Poland and Northern Ireland just won't have what it takes to beat the solid team effort by Canada.
Monday, April 9, 2007
Preview a Pool: Group C
Jamaica leads this pool with the likes of Botswana, Nigeria, Portugal and Scotland. Another very tough pool, Jamaica, Nigeria and Portugal all finished in the top 7 of last year's cup. This year the road to the top will only be tougher as Botswana has added a couple of playmakers and Scotland looks to improve it's 1-1-1 record from last year. Jamaica remains the top contender in the group and has solidified their starting lineup, but it will be hard-pressed to beat a Portugal team with some young guns and a very physical Nigeria team for the top spot. Prediction: Jamaica, Portugal, Nigeria, Botswana, Scotland. Jamaica has a more talented and athletic team than Nigeria and Portugal. They have a solid group of players that play well as a team and should take spot. Nigeria and Portugal will battle it out for second, but Portugal has superior skill and should be able to move the ball well enough to keep Nigeria out of range. Nigeria will only get a few chances, and if they can put them away, they can win. Botswana will offer a challenge to all the teams, but will be unable to compete with powerhouses Jamaica, Portugal and Nigeria. Scotland can also compete with these teams but will just be unable to match the physical aspect of the other teams.
Saturday, April 7, 2007
Preview a Pool: Group A
Defending champions Ireland got away with a fairly easy pool, joined by Serbia, Italy, Chile and Austria. Ireland should have little trouble finishing at the top of this pool, but the real challenge will be for second. Serbia and Austria are newcomers to the tournament and it will be interesting to see how they do. Italy and Chile are looking to improve on their standing from last year and avenge some close losses. Prediction: Ireland, Austria, Chile, Italy, Serbia. Ireland is too tough, while the remaining battle it out for second.
Friday, April 6, 2007
Preview a Pool: Group D
The pools were drawn last night, and I'm pretty sure the biggest surprise for everyone was the pool with with El Salvador, Germany, Laos, England and Greece. Yeah, it's a pool of death. El Salvador and Germany seem like early favorites to make it out of this pool, but don't forget about Laos' revamped squad. England and Greece could also upset these teams if they are taken too lightly. Teams took Canada too lightly last year, and they made it to the final. Not to say that they didn't earn it, because they played very well, but too many times teams are brushed aside because they lack "star individuals." Greece and England could play the role of spoilers this year by beating the the better teams. So yeah, tough to say who will get out of this pool. Prediction: El Salvador, Germany, England, Laos, Greece. El Salvador is all-around just too good to get beaten this early and I can't see any other team that will be able to compete with Germany's firepower. England will be tough to beat but will ultimately be unable to make it out of this group. Laos is still learning to play with each other and Greece will come out on the wrong end of some close games.
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