Euro Qualifying Round 5 Preview

You either love or hate the international break. It's like Marmite and I love it. No, not the spread, the football. We're back for Round 5 of the Euro 2016 Qualifying campaign and the home nations will be looking to be one step closer to the tournament come Monday.

England kick us off on Friday night with a tie against Lithuania. It should be a relatively straightforward tie in a relatively simple group for Roy Hodgson's men. With England at the top of the pile with four wins out of four, another three would be a step closer to booking their flights on the plane across the channel to France next summer. All the lights will be on Harry Kane who is set to win his first cap for his country. I don't think there could have been a more suited tie for his debut as the Three Lions are expected to coast past a side sitting fourth in the group. A call up for Kane has been well deserved considering his goal scoring form this year. Another Spurs player, Ryan Mason has also been included for the first time who has replaced the injured Adam Lallana. It will be a massive shock if England do not win at home, meaning that Hodgson can use the youth that he has at his disposal.

Wales face a difficult trip to Jerusalem to face Israel in a tricky group B game. Currently sitting behind Israel in the table, it will be a titanic battle to see who will come out on top. Neither side has met each other in a competitive fixture since since Wales beat them 4-0 to progress to the 1958 World Cup Finals in Sweden - their only appearance in the competition to date. Israeli International football is going through a rough time as of late, with many fans getting apprehensive over their sides recent failures to qualify for a major competition. Without someone of the calibre of Gareth Bale, I doubt whether Wales would be able to go their and get any sort of a result. However, with the recent tension between Madristas and Bale, he will probably see this as a welcome break to get away from all the pressures he faces in his everyday life as a Real Madrid footballer. I don't think Wales will be able to come away with all three points, but I do think that Bale can rescue a vital draw for the Dragons, and give them confidence going into the remaining qualifying matches.

Some may say that Scotland face a 'week off' when they take on Gibraltar at home on Saturday, but we all know that they can turn the easiest of games into a battle in recent years. However, Gordon Strachan and Scotland seem to be on an upward turn this campaign, with a respectable performance against Germany and a wins against the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Gibraltar will not offer any competition to Scotland and I would expect them to put at least 3 goals past them. This would give Strachan the opportunity to try other combinations to ensure that is side has strength in depth for the rest of the qualifying campaign. Level on points with Germany and the Republic of Ireland, they will be looking to distance themselves from their Irish neighbours. They don't have as good a goal difference as Ireland, and with them facing leaders Poland, they will be hoping to score goals, particularly if this group is decided on goal difference. A couple of early goals, could see Gibraltar fold, and a barrage of goals could follow. Scotland to win comfortably.

As mentioned previously, the other team in Group D, Republic of Ireland face a crunch match against Poland in the Aviva Stadium. Having beaten the World Champions already in the group phase, Poland will go into this match with confidence and will hope to pile the pressure onto Germany. It will be a tough ask on Sunday, particularly with the injuries to several key men. Darren Gibson has returned to Merseyside after suffering a groin injury. Concerns have been raised over the fitness of Burnley fullback, Stephen Ward, who is doubtful also with an ankle injury. After limping off a training session earlier this week, James McClean was confirmed that he will be '100% ready to play' come kick off on Sunday. With Scotland facing an easy task and Germany travelling to Georgia, there is no room for error for Martin O'Neill's men. A 'play for a draw' mentality could back fire and leave them on the back foot, playing catch up for the rest of campaign, if they harbour any ambitions to qualify for the finals. It's a must win game, and also a tricky affair. The crowd could play a massive part in an Irish victory and I am predicting a smash and grab job for O'Neill's men. 1-0 to the Republic of Ireland.

Last but not least, Northern Ireland hope to continue their impressive start to the qualifying campaign with a game against Finland on Sunday. A win would see them move onto 12 points level with Romania, who are likely to beat the Faroe Islands at the weekend. Lee Hodson has been called up to replace the injured Paul Paton who was set to make his debut appearance. Also on the injury front, Sammy Clingan and Shane Ferguson were ruled out and both will be blows to Michael O'Neill. Top scorer, Kyle Lafferty is set to play, while Jonny Evans is set to make his return to competitive international football after a 16 month lay off. Looking at Finland, they sit in fourth position, five points behind their opposition. Expect the crowd to get behind the Green and White Army, and I wouldn't be surprised if Finland were to become the latest victim of Michael O'Neill's Ulstermen. I think Northern Ireland can sneak it, 1-0.

It's the new year in the qualifying calendar, and every one of the Home Nation sides will be hoping to carry their form from 2014 into 2015. Round 5 marks the half way point, and teams will be on the home straight in order to confirm their place on the plane to France next summer. An intriguing weekend of international football awaits. 

Euro Qualifying Round 4 Preview

In this round of the European Qualifying, I'm only previewing four matches, but the quality will certainly make up for one less match.

There is not a better way to kick us off with a crunch tie where Scotland take on the Republic of Ireland. Even though Scotland defender Steven Whittaker has calmed the significance of winning on Friday night, a win would send them level on points with their opponents who lie behind Poland in the standings. BBC have reported that James McCarthy is doubtful which will be a big miss in the centre of the park for the Republic. While both teams will be after maximum points on Saturday, a draw is looking likely. We can expect a few rough challenges from each team who will want to leave their mark on each other as they push for qualification to France in 2016.  The Republic of Ireland will be looking to keep the pace with Poland at the top of the standings who face an away trip to Georgia and would be expected to record another 3 points.

My home country, Northern Ireland have enjoyed a splendid campaign to date, collecting a maximum of 9 points in our opening 3 matches, but the task facing us on Friday night will be bigger than any we have faced in the current campaign. The loss of captain, Steve Davis is a massive blow, particularly when it is coupled with the injury to Jamie Ward, who has been a breath of fresh air this time out. Manager, Michael O'Neill, has called up Manchester United youngster, Paddy McNair, and he could make a brief cameo, especially if the fitness of Aaron Hughes is lacking. Looking at the opposition, they seem to be going through a period of transition having removed their manager last month. The Romanians will be forced to play in front of an empty stadium with exception to the raucous created by the travelling Northern Irish support due to crowd trouble at their last match against Hungary. I'm sure the fans would settle for a draw, but knowing O'Neill, I'm convinced he will want to win this match and extend his lead at the top. 2-1 Norn Iron.

With Wayne Rooney playing down his talents earlier this week, it's unlikely that he will need to utilise his full capabilities against Slovenia in 2 days. Despite injuries to Andros Townsend and Michael Carrick, the English fans and media expect nothing short than a commanding victory against a team ranked 36th in the World. England U21 international, Saido Berahino has dazzled the Premier League this season and last with several sparkling performances and some have argued that he is long overdue a call-up to the senior squad. As for their opponents, Slovenia, they lie in second position behind England in Group F after shocking the Swiss at home and comfortably dispatching Lithuania in Vilnius. Striker, Milivoje Novaković has netted all 3 goals for the central European side, so no doubt Roy Hodgson has done his homework on the 35 year old. Slovenia possess Samir Handanovic who is a monster in nets and has saved 3 penalties this season already for Internazionale. It will be a victory for England, but somewhere someone will complain about something.

It's a massive night for Wales as they travel to take on a Belgium side who has been relatively disappointing in this campaign and find themselves 3 points of the Welsh pace-setters at the top of the group, albeit they have a game in hand. It's obvious that Wales would like to batten down the hatches and get out of Brussels with a point, but there may be a sense of optimism as if they get Gareth Bale running full tilt at a Belgian defence then they can cause all sorts of problems for a defence who has only conceded a goal in this campaign. Wales have been no means spectacular so far, narrowly edging out the Andorrans, drawing with the Bosnians before an unconvincing home victory over Cyprus. Belgium were disappointing by everyone's standards at the World Cup this year and will be hoping to capitalise on an excellent squad that they now possess in time for France 2016, providing they get there of course. As for the outcome, I’m going to say 2-1 Belgium.

Let's be hoping for positive score lines all round over the break. With teams only playing one match this time around, a victory each would set them up perfectly for over Christmas. The march to France continues.

Euro Qualifying Round 2 Preview

We're back for another instalment of Euro Qualifying action, with England kicking us off against San Marino on Thursday night. Yet again, the international break is greeted with the same grumblings and rumblings that we have been accustomed to, so in order to lighten the blow, here's my prediction on the fortunes of the Home Nations this weekend.

 

There's no points awarded for guessing the outcome of the England v San Marino game, and I expect it to be as one sided as a FIFA match on amateur. BetVictor make the principality 80/1 to beat the hosts, and frankly, you have more chance seeing the Loch Ness Monster than seeing a San Marino victory. At Wembley, Roy Hodgson will treat anything less than 5 goals as a failure, and if they were to concede, well, it would be well documented in the media the following morning, regardless of the result. With Daniel Sturridge unavailable due to injury, Danny Welbeck will be hoping to add on his 2 goals scored against Switzerland, and will certainly be eyeing a hat trick - and I expect him to get it. In short, it will be nothing more than a training game for England, and I'm not expecting any dazzling activities from the away team. I'll go for a modest 7-0.

Next up we have the Republic of Ireland entertaining newly recognised, Gibraltar at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Having lost to Poland 7-0 in their first ever European Qualifying game, it'll probably be one-way traffic for the Irishmen. The Republic of Ireland will look to capitalise on their 2-1 defeat of Georgia last time out, at the same time as increasing their goal difference. Manager Martin O'Neill could see this as a perfect opportunity to experiment, particularly if they have an unassailable lead at the interval. Hull City fullback, Brian Lenihan was handed a surprise call-up and could make his international debut on Saturday against Gibraltar, particularly as Everton star, Seamus Coleman hasn't recovered from a concussion he received so will not feature. Similarly his club mate, James McCarthy will also not make an appearance against the Gibraltans. I expect Ireland to win this by a comfortable margin, 4-0.

Now our attention turns to the Scots as they entertain Georgia at 5pm on Saturday. An encouraging performance against the World Cup Winners, Gordon Strachan will be hoping that his team can carry the momentum through to this game. Although they lost against Germany, there were many positives to be taken and I'm sure that Scotland will be expecting nothing but a win from this encounter. Their opponents, Georgia, will be looking to bounce back after an Aiden McGeady strike sealed their fate in the dying embers of the game. The Georgians will be out to get points on the board and stop the Scots from getting their tournament up and running. I do think Strachan's men will be able to overcome the challenge offered by the Georgians, particularly as the Georgian legend, Shota Arveladze criticised the away side for having a lack of flair. 1-0 Scotland.

My wee country, Northern Ireland take on the Faroe Islands on Saturday at 7:45pm. After a tremendous comeback away to Hungary last time out, the onus will be on the home side to capitalise on their excellent start. With Jonny Evans injured, Michael O'Neill was set to call up Paddy McNair to his squad, but an ongoing ankle injury has prevented him from winning his first international cap, weeks after gaining his first senior appearance for Manchester United. Sitting poised in second position, Northern Ireland face a tricky trip to Athens after the game, so 3 points is imperative to keep the momentum running. For the Faroe Islands, they suffered an opening game week defeat at home to Finland. As with Northern Ireland over the years, they have always produced inspiring performances against the top dogs, but when it comes to the minnows, they struggle. Let's home that our fortunes have changed as they attempt to beat the Faroe Islands at the weekend. 1-0 Northern Ireland.

Last but not least, we have Wales. Last time out, it took a late Gareth Bale free kick to walk away from Andorra with 3 points. Now, they face Bosnia at home as they hope to produce a better performance this time around. Wales will be missing key midfielders such as Joe Allen and Aaron Ramsey due to injury, however Galactico, Gareth Bale will play, fresh from his 90 minute drubbing of Athletic Bilbao at the weekend. No doubt Bale will decide the outcome of the tie, and, if he puts in a performance that we come to expect from him, he could win the maych for Wales. If Wales reproduce a performance similar to the one they delivered against Andorra, then expect another nervy game for the Welsh fans, resulting in a loss. With key names out for Wales, I am going for a 2-1 win for Bosnia. Edin Dzeko and Miralem Pjanic will be able to take advantage of the notable absentees.

Another weekend of international football is ahead of us and we take one step closer to the finals in France 2016. Hopefully we can relive 1958, the last time all of the Home Nations qualified for a major tournament.

2014 World Cup Final Preview

A month ago today, I was gearing up for my last exam, but more importantly, the world was ready for the World Cup to kick off. One month on, and arguably the greatest sporting spectacle on earth awaits its climax in Rio de Janeiro at the home of football, The Maracanã. 

From the start of the tournament, Argentina were tipped to do well, but possibly haven't reached the performance levels that were expected of them. With the wealth of talent at their disposal it astonishes me as to how they haven't been more convincing and brushing teams aside with more conviction. On the other hand, Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria have shone throughout the tournament, and have helped Argentina on their way to a first final since 1990. 

As for the Germans, not many people, including myself, gave them much attention in the build up to the start of the World Cup, probably because there was too much emphasis put on the host nation, Brazil, and the holders, Spain. With Manuel Neuer as goal keeper, Germany are in safe hands. I find it hard to find another goal keeper in this world that comes close to the Bayern number one, he is definitely the best goal keeper in the world at the minute.

It will be interesting to see if Jogi Löw deploys his captain in front of the back four or else at right back, like he did in the Semi Final match against Brazil. If he does line up in a central defensive midfield role, will he be given the orders of neutralising Argentina's talisman, Lionel Messi? Taking Messi out of the game will give the Germans the edge, as everything the South Americans have created has come through the little master. It would certainly be a key and intriguing battle.

Another positive head ache that Löw has, is whether he should start a more conventional number nine, Miroslav Klose, or else the modern false nine in Thomas Muller up front. Both played in the semi final, with Muller playing in a wide position. This conundrum offers Löw a 'B' plan, particularly if things don't go to plan against Argentina. As it has been highlighted regularly during the last week, Klose became the World Cup all time record goal scorer in the bludgeoning of Brazil at the Estadio Mineirão last Tuesday night. Muller is also on the edge of a record as he is just one goal short of Colombia's James Rodriguez who is leading the challenge for the Golden Boot with 6 goals.

Argentina have a team which consists of very talented individuals, that are likely to thrive from playing with a counter attacking style. Toni Kroos is likely to control the ball, giving Germany the majority of possession. As we know from previous matches for club and country, Angel Di Maria is lethal on the counter. His understudy is Ezequiel Lavezzi and not a bad one to have at that. While he is a quality player, we are yet to witness the performances of his days at Napoli for either PSG or Argentina. Could tomorrow be the day that he shines?

Similar to Barcelona, Lionel Messi is the heart and soul of Argentina. When he plays well, then his whole team is given a boost. With many people claiming that Messi is not amongst the world's best because he hasn't won the World Cup, tomorrow we could witness a change in the attitudes of some of his critics. Having contributed 4 goals and 1 assist to his country's World Cup adventure, a victory tomorrow would guarantee the plaudits going to Messi.

While Argentina don't possess a creative midfielder such as Toni Kroos, they do have Javier Mascherano. Guardiola converted him from midfield to defence once he first joined the Catalan club to cope with the shortage in quality of defenders and has made his name there. For Argentina he has been solid, making crucial tackles to prevent attacks. While he isn't the most creative, he puts in a shift, the least you can ask for in a defender. As with most fullbacks in this day and age, it appears that they're simply 'failed wingers'. Some may argue that this is the case with young left back, Marcos Rojo, who seems keen to abort his defensive duties in favour of helping the wingers in attacking. As said before, this weakness can exploited and if Ozil, Schurrle or Muller isolate him then Germany will be able to create chances.

Argentina and Germany have met in the final twice before with both winning one game. With history aside, this already looks a tasty affair. On this occasion, I'm going for a European victory with Thomas Muller and Lionel Messi to get on the score sheet. Of course, we all would love the match to go to penalties, but an exciting match would be a decent alternative! The countdown to kick off is on! 

The Dutch Destroy Tiki Taka and an England v Italy Preview

Last night was quite breathtaking. Nobody could have predicted a Dutch onslaught. I still cannot quite believe what took place before my eyes. Surely they must now be considered as serious competitors?

Credit must be given to a superb Netherlands side who rolled back to the days of Total Football, but Spain were abysmal, and that's being generous. It's amazing how easily Sergio Ramos and Gerard Pique were made to look distinctively average. Gaps between the centre-halves were exploited with ease, but the problem started with the lackadaisical full backs. Quite often while playing for Barcelona, Jordi Alba enjoys to bomb down the left wing, leaving the left full back position exposed. This allowed the Dutch wing-backs Janmaat and Blind to commit and pull Ramos and Pique out of position. 

The equaliser from RVP on the stroke half time was a touch of genius. The way he leapt into the air like a salmon was utterly majestic, and the pass wasn't bad either. Children all around the globe will be attempting Robin's leap, but not many will be able to pull it off. The Spanish defence could not contain the pace of Arjen Robben or the skill of Van Persie. You could argue that they single handedly ripped Spain's tiki taka apart, it was simply sublime to watch.

Ajax's Daley Blind announced himself on the stage last night with a quality performance. Son of Danny Blind, he was exceptional in both attack and defence, and is a great prospect. If he continues his top quality performance, the top teams could come knocking at Ajax's door in order to acquire his services.

Not many people gave the Netherlands a chance, never mind 5-1 victory against the Spanish, so England will be hoping to do the same against the Italians tonight. England will get a big boost from the news that Gigi Buffon will be absent with a twisted ankle. An equally impressive Salvatore Sirigu replaces the veteran, but it will be Buffon's leadership that they will miss.

Andrea Pirlo passed England to death in the Euros and he will be the linchpin that makes Italy tick. It's pretty much impossible to prevent Pirlo from getting the ball, and man marking him in the tropical conditions of Manaus would be suicidal. Even if  they were to stop Pirlo from controlling the game, Veratti also needs attention. It is likely that Daniele De Rossi will sit just in front of the back four, with the solitary role of breaking up the English attacks, something which he has excelled at over his successful career.

Italy possess superb wingers in Alessio Cerci, Antonio Candreva and Lorenzo Insigne. Glen Johnson and Leighton Baines will need to remain focused for the 90 minutes if they want to neutralise the threat from the flanks. Based on the performances from the warm-up games, Glen Johnson does not fill me with much confidence. 

England do have the ability to hurt Italy. With relatively slow centre backs, it is imperative that Daniel Sturridge starts. His pace, along with Rooney, Welbeck and Sterling, has the potential to hurt Italy and they need to be running lines in behind the defence. Wayne Rooney's position in this starting line-up has been up for the debate. In my opinion he should start. His experience will benefit the team, and I tip him to end his goal drought in the World Cup this year. As for Ross Barkley, Roy needs to bring him on when the ageing Italian midfield begins to tire and it may give him a free run at Chiellini and Bonucci.

I said in a previous article that England should be able to beat Uruguay, and it is quite likely after seeing a shambolic performance against Costa Rica. We witnessed a scintillating Dutch performance last night, so let's hope for another superb match up in 45 minutes.

World Cup Preview

"Twas the night before the World Cup, when all through the house

excitement was building, even in the mouse.

The fridge was loaded with beer and Doritos

and we were making our Brazilian mojitos."

I'll leave the poetry to Clement Clarke Moore and start discussing what lies in wait over the next month. It is hard to believe that in less than 24 hours, the 2014 World Cup will be kicking off. It seems like only yesterday when Andres Iniesta sent Spain to World Cup glory and they kick off their attempt to retain their title on Friday in a remake of the last final.

Everyone has seen the disruption and chaos that the country of Brazil is in, with stadiums not being ready and the protests from the natives over the World Cup, at why the money could not be spent with more wisdom on more pressing matters, such as tackling poverty and improving infrastructure. Blatter has already been in the media for the wrong reasons this week, and many people condemn him for heaping unwanted pressure onto the South American nation. Besides this not-so-small-issue, I hope the World Cup lives up to expectation once again.

Dark Horses

I would like to start with the teams who have the potential to cause an upset in the tournament. Under this bracket, I include the likes of Switzerland, Ivory Coast and Chile.

Firstly I'd like to begin with a personal favourite of mine, Switzerland. I tip the landlocked side to make an impression at the World Cup. They have a side that boasts a plethora of young talent such as Shaqiri, Xhaka, Schar and Stocker. In addition to this, their group consists of Honduras, France and Ecuador and Hitzfeld will be expecting to achieve a second place finish at the very least. Deep down, they must be thinking that they can topple France in order to avoid Argentina in the second round, and they certainly can do it.

Next is Ivory Coast. Similar to Switzerland, they have excellent options in attack. Even at the tender age of 36, Didier Drogba still has the capacity to excite, and with this almost certainly being his last tournament, he will be hoping to find his form for his country in order to go out with a bang. Drogba has former Chelsea team mate Saloman Kalou in support as well as Roma's Gervinho. A special mention also has to go to Yaya Toure in the engine room who guided Man City to their second title in 2 years.

Chile have been placed in a horrible group consisting of holders, Spain and runners up, Holland. Chile have an underrated team that consists of Nou Camp star, Alexis Sanchez in attack as well as Arturo Vidal in midfield. The Chileans finished 3rd in the South American qualifying table behind Argentina and Colombia. It is unlikely that they will get through, particularly if Holland are at their unstoppable best, however if a half-hearted Dutch side from the 2012 Euros is on show, they are their for the taking.

Big Slumps

Under this heading I will share my thoughts on who will be likely to flop at the tournament this year.

With all hype around the youthful Belgian side, along with a relatively simple group. They play Algeria, South Korea and Russia on the group, and with them likely to qualify, could meet Gemany or Portugal in the second round. The media and sports fans are expecting big things from this side, particularly with players such as Hazard, Lukaku and Kompany. On paper, this side would definitely not be out of place in the semis or even the final, but their lack of experience worries me. The last tournament that they qualified for was the 2002 World Cup when they reached the last 16. I can see them not getting past the last 16. However, this side has bags of talent, and will certainly will be around the big stars in years to come.

Another side that could suffer is Uruguay. They are in a group of 'death' along with England, Italy and Costa Rica. Many would tip Uruguay to qualify for the next round at the expense of England. I dont see this happening, as although they have a star-studded attack, their defense may let them down. With it being relatively slow, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Sterling or Cerci can cause mayhem with their direct running. If Italy and England run directly at the Uruguayan defence, then Godin and Lugano will be tied up in knots and also will have their work cut out if they are to secure a position in the next round.

Likely Contenders.

The bookies make Brazil the favourites to clinch the title on home soil, and I am hoping that they do is well. In addition to this, holders Spain, Argentina, Italy, Holland and France must also be included in the likely contenders.

Brazil will be hoping to give the nation a lift in spite of the problems that the country has been going through over the last few years. The weight of a nation falls on the young shoulders of 22 year old, Neymar. He silenced the critics during last years Confederations Cup, and after a solid league campaign for new club Barcelona, he will be hoping to set the world alight once again. The ably named Fred will lead the line for Brazil and he comes off the back of a superb season at Fluminense.

Spain have often played the attractive football and captured everyone in South Africa when they blew away the competition. Spain will certainly be up challenging, and looking for their 4th consecutive title, something that may not be achieved for along time. If anyone can achieve this feat, it is definitely this Spanish side. It is unlikely that midfield maestros, Xavi and Iniesta will be around for the next World Cup, so another title would be a fitting end on the illustrious careers of these players.

Brazilian rivals, Argentina had a disappointing 2010 campaign so they will be hoping to rectify this, and there is no better place to do it than on rival turf. It is becoming a cliche that you aren't one of the best ever players if you haven't won the World Cup. For Lionel Messi, a win in Brazil who certainly cement his place in footballing history  along fellow countryman, Diego Maradona as well as Pele. The Argentinians have the firepower to claim the Jules Rimet trophy on the 13th July and boast a formidable attack. Consisting of Aguero, Messi, Lavezzi, Higuain and Palacio. The defence could prove their downfall, which lacks pace. A fast team such as Brazil and Spain could exploit.

One Final Note.

The tournament promises to bring the World to a stand-still and it is something that I have been excited for since the group draw back in December. I am rooting for a home win in Brazil. Not only do I have Brazil in my family sweepstake, I feel that this could unite a nation in turmoil. I also feel the football team deserves to give something back to the nation who has suffered due to the costs of the World Cup. Looking into my not-so-mysterious crystal ball, I can see an intense showdown between two bitter rivals in Brazil and Argentina, something which I'm sure the neutral would love. Also, Spain will get to the Semi Final and beat Italy in the third place play off. You heard it here first. Feel free to give me your predictions on the winners, shocks or big slumps.

It is almost upon us. Get the beers chilled and the doritos in the microwave. Get the the diaries cleared and the best spot in the living room. It's going to be a cracking ride, and one that will be over in a flash. The World expects. And I expect plenty of late and exhilirating nights.