Here are my predictions: POL - NIR 3:1 GER - UKR 2:0 UKR - NIR 1:0 GER - POL 2:1 UKR - POL 1:0 GER - NIR 0:0 Final Group Standings: GP W D L GS-GA PT GER 3 2 1 0 4-1 7 UKR 3 2 0 1 2-2 6 POL 3 1 0 2 4-4 3 NIR 3 0 1 2 1-4 1
I don't agree the exact scores, but I agree in the order of advance though. Many people say that Germany and Poland will be first and second, but I think they are wrong. Ukraine as a really good defense, and Konoplyanka and Yarmolenko with Rotan between them supporting the striker is not to be underestimated. However I think all three teams will advance. Poland 2-0 Northern Ireland Germany 3-1 Ukraine Ukraine 1-0 Northern Ireland Germany 3-2 Poland Ukraine 2-1 Poland Germany 3-0 Northern Ireland 1. Germany 9pts 2. Ukraine 6pts 3. Poland 3pts 4. Northern Ireland 0pts
Its gonna be a really fun and interesting group to watch. I expect there to be quite a few magical goals in this group.
Germany struggled in the qualifications and they are not the same team from WC2014. They probably will win the group but it won't be as easy as you guys predict. My predictions: Ger-Ukr 1 Pol-N.Irl 1 Ger-Pol x Ukr-N.Irl 1 Ger-N.Irl x Pol-Ukr x 1.Germany 5pts 2. Poland 5pts 3. Ukraine 4pts 4. N.Irland 1pts
I think they underperformed in the qualifiers, but you are right they still are not the 2014 Germany. Although I do think this Germany is stronger than what we have seen in most qualifying games.
After last night ... Germany loosing 3-1 to Slovakia I am not so sure. Although they played with a B- team, they have many injury concerns.... They have to sort out there deference... IF Loew can manage that like he did in 2014 then they might get to the semis..... but I dont think they strong enough to win it. The group is tougher then it looks like , as yes both Ukraine and Poland are strong teams. As in some groups 3 teams will advance , I really think they should make it through to the second round.
I was really happy to see Ukraine pot four goals against a pretty defensively stout team in Romania, the three goals allowed by Pyatov were all questionable - he had a chance to stop all 3. I don't think Pyatov will repeat such a poor performance, he needs to bounce back. We know what Yarmolenko and Konoplyanka can do, but there is more on the way - look out for Zinchenko and Kovalenko in the middle of the field, they are the two youngest on the team, Zinchenko actually became the youngest player to score for Ukraine yesterday.
In my opinion this friendly game didn't change anything. Since pre tournament friendlys never were an indicator for the tournament peformance of any team. We are still a top3 contender with spain and france.
It is so disappointing that Ukraine's best keeper (it's still Shovkovskyi) has retired from international football...
Agreed! Also the team that was fielded was basically a bunch of youngsters/ and not such experienced players. Boa/Khedira and Gomez being the only ones who have a big back ground. With the addition of Muller, Neuer, Oezil, Reus, Hummels and partially Schweinie there is a whole new dynamic to the team. My believe is that the formation of using 5 defenders is not the right one. Germany has huge talent in midfield, and why sacrifice a a midfield spot for another defender. Basically we playing two defenders (Rudy and Hector) in a midfield position . They not the best out there.... Germany is using a 3 CB with two wing-backs Positions . The two wingbacks are used more in midefiled, so I would prefer if they go back to a 4 backline and rather add another midfielder to the team....
That's a fair point, he shoulda stuck around and pulled a Buffon. I hope Fomenko gives Boyko a half vs. Albania, then puts in Pyatov for the second half to gain some confidence back. Official squad was announced, a little bit surprising Kravets was cut - thought it was destiny for him to start vs. Germany but he couldn't get on the field even the last 3 friendlies, he's also out of form, meanwhile Budkivsky is in form and has taken his spot
I am more surprised that Husev was cut. Kravets really did not prove himself in any significant way but Husev is a very serviceable veteran, who can still score and defend. Yes, he has lost some of his speed, but his presence would have been very beneficial.
Agreed, I think there was only room for 1 of Husev/Tymoshchuk though, didn't think neither will get on the pitch in France.
Ukraine mid is also jam packed, it looks like they will be focusing on using Rotan and Karavayev as subs
True. Still unclear how Fomenko could keep Tymoschuk and send Husev home - Husev is a universal player, who could be used as a winger on both flanks and a wing back on both sides. Husev was also the second best scorer on Dynamo roster in 2015/2016. Tymoschuk plays in KAZAKHSTAN!
POL - NIR 2:1 GER - UKR 2:0 UKR - NIR 1:0 GER - POL 2:2 UKR - POL 1:2 GER - NIR 2:0 Final Group Standings: GP W D L GS-GA PT GER 3 2 1 0 6-2 7 POL 3 2 1 0 6-4 7 UKR 3 1 0 2 2-4 3 NIR 3 0 1 2 1-5 1 Germany has a history of sometimes slacking up on their 2nd games!!