World Cup Group E Overview
Cam (@CamB_PerSources):
Back in December, during the draw, I dubbed this group the infamous “Group of Death”. Why? Brazil are heavy favorites, Switzerland have an experienced team that focus on defense, Costa Rica now how to perform in a difficult group and Serbia have a youthful team ready to shake up the stage. Neymar headlines Brazil and the limitless talent that they possess in attack. Roberto Firmino, Gabriel Jesus, Phillippe Coutinho, Douglas Costa, and Willian will took to support the PSG man up front. The South Americans will look to avenge their last World Cup performance. Switzerland have ability and organization to match any team in the group. Switzerland only conceded 7 goals in 12 games to secure spot via playoffs. Schalke’s Breel Embolo and Stoke City’s Xherdan Shaqiri provide the goals. Costa Rica shocked many last World Cup reaching the Quarterfinals while beating Uruguay and Italy. Keylor Navas and company look to do the same as this veteran squad will look to make an impact. Serbia is thrown into the mix with world class talent in defense and midfield. Nemanja Matic jumps off the team sheet with his former Chelsea teammate Branislov Ivanovic captaining the side. A team, that relays on strength, will look to win the ball high up the field to create chances, while holding steady at the back. Brazil will advance with the second spot up for grabs. It won’t be surprising to see Brazil struggle breaking down the rest of Group E as they relay on defense. In the end the Swiss will advance in the second spot behind Brazil.
Tincho (MP_persources):
Brazil will once again start the tournament as one of the contenders to lift the trophy. After disappointing Copa Americas and a humiliating semi final defeat in 2014, Brazil has developed their rising stars into some of the best talent in the World. Alongside them in the group are 2014’s Cinderella team, an inconsistent but threatening Switzerland and a young Serbia side. Switzerland at its best can make things uncomfortable for Brazil but realistically cannot compete with the South Americans. I do not believe Costa Rica is the same team they were back in 2014. They had a fantastic qualifying campaign coming in second only behind Mexico but overall I believe the team has lost a step. Although Serbia has a handful of players that have played or that are playing in top teams in Europe, I do not think they have enough to compete even in this group.
Player To Watch:
Tincho: Keylor Navas
Keylor Navas comes into this World Cup as an established keeper playing for the best team in Europe. Even though his performances have been overlooked at times, Navas is still one of the most reliable keepers in the World. He will be the face of Costa Rica’s defense summer and his experience should play a massive part in Costa Rica’s success going forward. The Central Americans allowed the second lowest amount of goals in the final Hexagonal round of the CONCACAF qualifiers thanks in big part of Keylor Navas. The most experienced player in the history of Central America, Keylor Navas will have to be at the top of his game if Costa Rica look to advance out of this group.
Cam: Sergej Milinkovic-Savic
Neymar will grab all the headlines for Group E but the young Serbian is the hottest property in Europe. Milinkovic-Savic has been the base of a Lazio midfield that finished fifth. The 6’ 4” 23 year old has the physicality to play just front of the back four along with the attacking ability to play just behind the striker. Milinkovic-Savic scored 12 goals in 35 games for Lazio coming from midfield. The young Serbian has been rumored to be on Jose Mourinho’s list in what could be a replacement for Paul Pogba. The “Sergeant” has only been capped twice by his national team but it would be hard to imagine him not seeing time in Russia as his transfer value could rise.
Biggest Concerns
Cam: Too Many Stars For Brazil
Brazil have players on the bench that could start nearly on any other team. Can the stars come to together and perform on the biggest stage. We have seen at club level, that Neymar has to be the focus point of the team. Coutniho and Jesus will have to expect to receive the ball from Neymar rather the other way around. In defense stars will also have to sit on the bench. Even players that couldn’t make the team (Alex Sandro, David Luiz, etc) didn’t make the cut. Miranda, Marquinhos, and Tiago Silva will battle it out for the two center back positions. Majority of the players on the field are stars for their club team, so they may not be willing to give the ball around. This could be the down fall to this team if they struggle come June.
