World Cup preview: Group B – an opportunity for history to be made | OneFootball

The World Cup is almost upon us. From June 11 til July 19, 48 countries will fight to become World Champions in the tournament held in the USA, Mexico and Canada.

The teams in the tournament have already been drawn into 12 separate groups. Group B contains Canada, Switzerland, Qatar and Bosnia and Herzegovina. There will be the opportunity to make history, as three of the four teams have never made it out of the World Cup group stage before.

Here’s a preview of the teams hoping to make it out of Group B:

Canada

The co-hosts of the tournament will certainly fancy their chances in this group. They will play their opening match in Toronto followed by two fixtures in Vancouver, meaning they will of course have home advantage on their side.

Jesse Marsch described the squad at his disposal as the best Canada has ever produced and there is optimism that they can reach the World Cup knockout stages for the first time in their history. Alphonso Davies and Jonathan David are the biggest names in the group, although 18 of the 26 mean are currently playing in Europe.

Player to watch: Alphonso Davies – he is still the poster boy of Canadian soccer and will spearhead any success they have this summer.

Stage of elimination prediction: Round of 32

Switzerland

Switzerland are favourites for this group and look to be the most-complete outfit by some distance. Despite this, peculiarly, the Swiss have faced each of the other sides in group B just once previously and have lost all three of those matches – although they were all friendlies and took place as long as 24 years ago.

Switzerland have a balanced squad, possessing a wealth of top-level experience in all areas of the pitch. The likes of Granit Xhaka, Ricardo Rodriguez, Manuel Akanji, Remo Freuler and Brett Embolo have all been capped more than 80 times. They could be dark horses to go far in this tournament and could reach as far as the quarter-finals for the first time in over 70 years.

Player to watch: Johan Manzambi – the 20-year-old excelled for Freiburg as they reached the Europa League final, and could really announce himself at this summer’s tournament.

Stage of elimination predicted: Round of 16

Qatar

The hosts of the last World Cup, Qatar will have been somewhat underwhelmed with how it turned out for them. Despite playing on home soil, Qatar were the first side eliminated from the tournament. They lost all three of their fixtures, managing to score just a single consolation goal along the way.

Still, last time was their debut in the competition. Perhaps having participated in their maiden World Cup will provide Qatar with some valuable experience to help them improve. However, aside from that, there is little reason to suggest that this summer’s tournament will go any better for them.

Player to watch: Akram Afif – the 29-year-old is already in the all-time top three for both goals and appearances for Qatar.

Stage of elimination predicted: Group stage

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bosnia and Herzegovina overcame Italy in the final play-off match to earn their spot at this summer’s World Cup. It will be just their second-ever appearance at the tournament, having debuted in 2014. Despite the 12-year absence, their talisman remains the same – Edin Dzeko. Now aged 40, the striker continues to captain the side and lead the line up front. Defender Sead Kolasinac is the only other surviving squad member from their first World Cup.

Bosnia do not possess the most accomplished squad, but they are known for playing with heart. They are used to being underdogs and will give their all to cause an upset. They will also be keen to make history by reaching the knockout stages for the first time.

Player to watch: Edin Dzeko – the Bosnian Diamond will have one last chance to represent his country on the big stage.

Stage of elimination predicted: Round of 32