So... any comments on the World Cup draw? Spain Costa Rica / New Zealand Germany Japan When If Spain advance out of the group they would play Group F in the Round of 16... Belgium Canada Morocco Croatia Advance to quarterfinals would likely bring one of Portugal, Uruguay, Switzerland or Serbia (or Brazil but unlikely). I just hope there's no coaching change two days before the opening match.
As skeptical as I’ve been of Enrique as the man in charge, I really think we can make a deep run with the mix of experience (back line and Busquets/Koke/Tiago) with the young guys. I think we’ll benefit from the November start, since it gives the youth core at Barca to continue to develop. I’m very excited for this one!
If both Spain and Brazil win their groups, they'd be due to meet each other in the quarters (I think). If Spain finish second then its more likely the teams you listed (POR, URU, SWI, SER) in the QF. Almost better to let Germany win the group if you look at it this way. But of course you improve your chances of meeting Morocco or Canada in the R16 if you win the group.
I don’t know that would be a good thing having to go through Morocco in the Round of 16, since we all remember they gave us a scare in Russia. With all of the history between the two countries, I’m sure they’ll be charged up playing us in a knockout game too
Of course, that's assuming Morocco can advance out of their group. I feel that group is the most even, toughest to predict.
Most definitely. Not to count out the Croatians either. We all remember that shoutout in the Euros with them. I’m cautiously optimistic about this tournament
I'm VERY curious to see how Canada perform. I watched most of their qualifiers and they looked quite impressive. But I don't think they have played much outside the region so I'm curious to see how they do against the 'world'. I usually am satisfied if Spain reach the quarterfinals. Anything beyond, I regard are a bonus. But after Euro 2020, and to an extent the Nations League, my expectations shot upward. "Cautiously optimistic" sounds about right.
I see a lot of people are labeling us as early favorites, and I’m not sure how to react to that. We do have one of the best sides in the world, however, our inconsistency in front of goal worries me. Hopefully we’ll uncover a poacher between now and November!
Ansu Fati looks to be back in training at Barcelona but with many injuries at a young age is he already damaged goods? . I think goalkeeper is also a position that has yet to be solidified.
I hope he’s not going to be a shadow of what he was (even though briefly) when he first came onto the scene, but my fear is that he’ll end up getting lost in the crowd being injury prone. I like Simón, however I think Asenjo should get a chance, considering he’s done great in the CL and Enrique has given chances to guys playing at the bottom of the PL.
It's not better to let Germany take 1st place. Spain better go full throttle from the get go and win their group. In that way they can build some confidence and momentum. Keep in mind that the last nine World Cup Champs were all group winners. I have Spain topping the group. They will beat Germany if they need it in order to top the group. The general consensus seems that Spain and Germany battle it out for 1st. I much rather see Germany and Japan (underrated team imo) battling out for 2nd. If Spain can compete with their best possible squad and they bring their A game there are very few teams out there who can beat Spain.
From the random prediction videos I watched Spain seem to me constantly getting overlooked. All the talk is this time on Brazil, France, Argentina, England and Germany. Spain can go low key into this tournament and return as World Champs.
Greetings from Canada my Spanish friends am posting here to get your help to continue a project of previewing each World Cup team with the help of a fan from each country. Have done 5 so far https://kylewest.substack.com/publish Will prepare writeups for each one with posts here on the ideal starter and subs bench and then record a podcast to talk through the roster. Here are the first five here, have a listen and message me if interested. 1-Argentina 2-France 3-England 4-Netherlands 5-Brazil