WC 2018 Group F: Germany, Mexico, Sweden, South Korea

Can you share a link to the article? I googled it but couldnt find anything, in fact there was only two Russia 2018 articles.

 

I ignored that article since I assumed it was only about Group A just like the other article on their site. Thanks and sorry

 

Swedens road to Russia!
We did a few pretty nice goals.

 

Korea Republic 0 - 0 Bolivia.

 

we played terribly and our manager said that it was a "trick" or something, but the team was exhausted from intensive physical training from the past few days, but no excuse for not scoring on Bolivia's B or C team...

 

Bolivia outside of La Paz is a inferior opponent. Not to score against them tells much about South Korea's state. Their fate in Russia seems clear. Last place with either 0 or 1 point. They can't score and their defense is holey as Swiss Cheese. Not looking good at all for them to be honest.

 

Any team dropping points against us will suffer 3-and-out for sure.

 

My question to the Mexico fans... is "el Fluppe" still alive?

 

Subs

 

Sweeden can top this group Im deadly serious. Germany can crash out in the group stage like other European world championships.Maybe sweeden and mexico advance but it's likely Germany and sweeden .This group is going to be a lot closer than people think it's going down to wire for all 4 teams.

 

There is hope for Korea they drew with Germany at the last game in the Olympics group stage containing mexico and they advanced.

 

There is not so good news for Germany brazil beat mexico in the confed cup but a year later drew with them in the world cup.Germany usyally drops points in the second game and that's against sweeden .South Korea also drew with Germany in a last group match in the Olympics. Yes they are the world champions but beating Saudi Arabia with a goal that was offside is not a good sign either.

 

I still think Germany will make it through, but Sweden can frustrate them for sure. Mexico seems to be in slight disarray, following the latest fiesta in the swimming pool, so I think this may affect their coherency and preparedness this time. Korea is no match for any of these teams. I do not think anyone seriously thinks Germany will not advance from the group?

 

I think people are blowing out the fiesta out of proportion. Mexico is in disarray, but not because of the fiesta. It's because they've been playing like shit for quite some time.

 

Germany 2 - 1 Saudi Arabia.

 

The Saudis played better than I expected, but Germany missed several scoring opportunities. Saudi keeper was MOTM. Still, it could easily have been 4 or 5 to 1. Or 5 to 0. The penalty was pretty soft.

 

I listened to the radio broadcast of Germany vs. Saudi on British Talksport whilst muting the TV.

The commentators were unimpressed by the German performance. Have we not heard this before. Pundidts and so called experts almost by default trashing Germany.

It was not a memorable performance. But this means absolutely nothing. When it really counts, you can count on Germany. A historical axiom.

For any of the favourites - Seleção, Die Mannschaft, Les Bleus, Espana - it is also a fact, that you need quite a bit of luck to earn the trophy. Maybe especially this year since there is no rock solid favorite.

 

Yup

 

Mexico beaten by Denmark 2:0. That said both goals came after Mexico makes massive 2nd half changes.

 

Swedens challenge to play 0-0 in every group game will soon start. I presume everyone is excited för it?

 

I know people seem to be doubting Germany's chances (at least a little) and saying they're somewhat likely to crash, citing how several previous champions have crashed out of the GS, but I don't see it with Germany. Save for the "history factor" (which I believe is getting blown out of proportion) there are no real red flags with Germany:
- They're not an old team, with only Manuel Neuer (32 and still arguably the best GK in the world when healthy, Sami Khedira (31 and still playing well) and Mario Gómez (32 and a backup).
- They're not too young (only three players younger than 23) nor they are inexperienced (only Marvin Plattenhardt and Kevin Trapp have less than 10 NT caps).
- Half of their squad have WC winning experience.
- Their starting eleven have star power, no glaring weaknesses and they're arguably the deepest squad in the tournament.
- They're excellent defending, have a talented midfield and can score with no trouble.
- They're healthy except perhaps for Neuer (and if he isn't ready, Ter Stegen is there).
- And to cap it off, they have arguably the best coach in the business.

And if you take a glance at it's group, their three rivals are not entirely convincing: Sweden is well coach and defends well, but lacks firepower and elite players, South Korea just changed coaches, are weak on defense and are the least talented team in the group while Mexico is atrocious defending, struggle to create chances and have been struggling to score for the past two years, add that they've been hit by the injury bug hard and have a coach that has been undermining his roster with his tactics and the team lacks chemistry and you have an easier than expected path to Germany (at least easier than four years ago).

 

I agree. I believe people are righting off Germany because of their recent friendly performances, but they seem to forget that Germany always underperforms a lot in friendlies. This is something very historical and nothing new.