World Cup preview: Group F – potential group of death? | 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 F contains the Netherlands, Japan, Tunisia and Sweden. With four very capable sides, it will be one of the most interesting and competitive groups.

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

The Netherlands

The Netherlands are generally considered as the best footballing nation to have never won a World Cup. Unfortunately for them, that is unlikely to change this summer. Ronald Koeman’s squad lacks the attacking firepower that would make them true contenders in the competition.

Despite that, the Dutch still boast a very strong squad and will expect to reach the latter stages of the competition. They have a defence and a midfield capable of rivalling any other country. And, although they are missing a world class forward at the top of their game that could help them to glory, they still have some good attacking options.

Player to watch: Brian Brobbey – a handful for every defender he faces, with their lack of strikers Brobbey could be handed an opportunity.

Stage of elimination prediction: Quarter-finals

Japan

Japan have been one of the most consistent competitors at recent World Cups, reaching the knockout stages in three of the last four tournaments. They have been at each of the last eight World Cups and are continuing to develop as a footballing nation.

However, Japan have been hampered by injuries in the run up to this summer’s tournament. They will be forced to compete without a number of their star players. Despite this, their identity and style of play is well established, and they will still be hoping for positive results.

Player to watch: Takefuso Kubo – With Kaoru Mitoma and Takumi Minamino both ruled out, Kubo will be the man tasked with stepping up as the team’s primary creative source.

Stage of elimination prediction: Round of 32

Tunisia

Tunisia will perhaps be coming into the tournament with slightly less optimism. Although it will be their third consecutive World Cup appearance, their current crop of players are not as strong as they have been in the past.

Despite being a capable side and tough opponents to face, the African country have never made it out of the group stage. After disappointing performances in recent years, it is unlikely that they will reach the knockout stages this summer.

Player to watch: Ali Abdi – winner of the last two Tunisian Player of the Year awards, he offers a real attacking threat from left-back.

Stage of elimination prediction: Group stage

Sweden

The last time the US hosted the World Cup, back in 1994, Sweden made it all the way to the semi-finals. After an abysmal qualifying campaign this time, they were fortunate to book their place at the tournament via the playoffs. 

Sweden will arrive with some genuine excitement surrounding them. They boast not one but two of the best strikers in the world. There are also a number of other top level talents littered throughout the rest of the squad. However, after failing to win a single match in their qualifying group against Switzerland, Slovenia and Kosovo; it is unclear how they will perform this summer.

Player to watch: Viktor Gyokeres – it was his late goal that secured Sweden’s place at the tournament and he arrives after finishing the season on a high with Arsenal.

Stage of elimination prediction: Group stage