World Cup preview: Group E – Germany hope to leave recent struggles in the past | 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 E contains Germany, Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curacao – teams with a huge difference in quality and expectations.

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

Germany

Germany are one of the seven or so countries that will come into the competition with genuine ambitions of going all the way. Four-time champions of the world, they will have the opportunity to match Brazil’s record of five World Cup triumphs.

However, since their success in 2014, Germany have failed to make it out of the group stage in each of the last two World Cups. With Julian Nagelsmann in charge, they will hope to leave their recent struggles in the past. Germany will arrive at this summer’s tournament with a good mixture of youth, experience and talent. They will be highly-motivated and should go deep in the competition.

Player to watch: Florian Wirtz – Liverpool’s record signing has not excelled for his club in his debut Premier League campaign, but has continued to impress for his country.

Stage of elimination prediction: Quarter-finals

Ecuador

Ecuador are a strong side that are perhaps going under the radar a little bit. Alongside footballing heavyweights France, Spain and Brazil, Ecuador were one of the four nations to have representatives on both sides of the recent Champions League final between Arsenal and PSG.

The South American team have a genuinely solid defence and midfield. Ecuador may lack some firepower going forwards, but do possess a few exciting youngsters that could be capable of making a difference. They have reached the knockout stages just once before in 2016. Ecuador will certainly hope to be returning there this summer.

Player to watch: Moises Caicedo – the £115 million Chelsea man has developed into a world class midfielder and is undoubtedly his nation’s star.

Stage of elimination prediction: Round of 16

Ivory Coast

Despite having birthed a number of football icons, Ivory Coast do not have a great record at the World Cup. They have competed in just three prior tournaments, being eliminated in the group stage on each occasion.

After reaching the Afcon quarter-finals earlier this year, the Ivorians will be motivated to perform even better this summer. They have a number of well-established stars across the pitch and will believe they can make it out of this group.

Player to watch: Yan Diomande – currently being chased by the likes of PSG and Liverpool, the 19-year-old winger is on his way to the very top.

Stage of elimination prediction: Round of 32

Curacao

The smallest nation to ever compete at a World Cup, just qualifying for the tournament will already be remembered as an incredible achievement. Located in the Caribbean, the small island has a population of under 160,000 people, although 25 members of the 26-man squad selected where actually born in the Netherlands.

Curacao are under the guidance of veteran Dutch coach Dick Advocaat. As well as managing in top leagues including the Premier League, Bundesliga and Eredivisie, he also has plenty of experience in international management. Advocaat has previously taken charge of the Netherlands (on three separate occasions), the UAE, South Korea, Belgium, Russia, Serbia and Iraq. The 78-year-old was coaching at the last World Cup, reaching the quarter-finals with his native country back in 1994. However, he will be unlikely to repeat that feat with Curacao this time out.

Player to watch: Leandro Bacuna – Curacao’s all-time leading appearance maker, the midfielder has more than four seasons of Premier League experience.

Stage of elimination prediction: Group stage