Wednesday 23 March 2011

2011 Mens (Group B)

The group is led by tournament front runners ROI and Norway, both of which have won the coveted WCP Cup in the past. The rest of the group consists of underdogs Serbia, England, Sierra Leone, and Portugal. Although this group appears to be a piece of cake for ROI and Norway, don't count anybody out. Could easily see someone pull off an upset.

Republic of Ireland:
Three time champions have been in the last 5 finals. Have only lost 3 games ever.

Strengths:
Have worked hard on recruiting, resulting in more stars in an already star studded lineup. Two strikers who are known to score special goals when called upon. Have bolstered their wings.

Weaknesses:
Almost whole team is from Saskatoon, not even I know who will show up for each game. Team is a blizzard away from forfeiture. Will have not played together at all going into the tournament.

Player to Watch:
David Brown - Striker - Known for his clinical finishing which often verges on the spectacular (see last years bicycle kick and goal vs France).

Odds of Winning:
7/3

England:
Have never advanced to the knockout stage, and appears they are in a rebuilding stage from the original England team.

Strengths:
Youthful resilience and a short memory will serve this team well. Hard working and being in shape will definitely be a plus.

Weaknesses:
Inexperience at a high level will hurt this teams chances of being competitive to go along with a lack of skill. Work is needed overall.

Player to Watch:
Andrew Kitchen - Defender - keeps things organized at the back. Calm and collected under pressure.

Odds of Winning:
250/1

Serbia:
A team on the verge of being a threat. Every year the talk about this team is their Winnipeg talent, and we are still waiting for them to show up. A few new players in the mix will help Serbia's chances in group B.

Strengths:
Have the ability to keep games close and are never to be counted out. Have good youth coming up that will help this team build a solid base for the future.

Weaknesses:
Do not have a well known striker to score goals. Suffer defensive breakdowns that lead to playing from behind. The playing time is distributed too evenly to keep them competitive, could be the downfall of this team.

Player to Watch:
Ivan - Midfielder - good touch and knowledge for game. Can distribute the ball well and will need to play amazing for Serbia to have success.

Odds of Winning:
100/1

Sierra Leone
New team to the tournament. Not much is known.

Strengths:
Have heard they possess speed and are great in the air.

Weaknesses:
New team to the tournament, may not have the experience yet to be successful.

Player to Watch:


Odds of Winning:
150/1

Portugal:
Have lost some of their top players from last year, appear to be in a rebuilding stage.

Strengths:
Bicycle kicks. Have attempted more than any other team in tournament history and are due for one to finally hit the mesh. Most of them have played together as a team in the indoor league and have good skill. Take lots of shots from all over.

Weaknesses:
Not organized at the back. Lost 2 of their strongest players. Attacks are often over elaborate. Goakeeper has tendency to let in some weak shots.

Player to Watch:
Justin Freitas - Midfield - Has a low center of gravity making it tough for defenders to push him off the ball. Has a good shot if he can get enough time to release it.

Odds of Winning:
125/1

Norway:
Very confident coming into this tournament that they will make it past the group stage. This team is still flying high on confidence from winning the tournament 4 years ago.

Strengths:
They have a never say die attitude and are all blue collar hard working players. Can manage to keep games close no matter who they are playing. Have a well balanced attack which gets goals from almost everyone on the roster.

Weaknesses:
Not the most skilled team in the tournament. Outspoken captain may lead to fans cheering against them, which will give opponents a boost.

Player to Watch:
Stefan Husdal - Midfielder - strong midfield player that can defend and distribute very well.

Odds of Winning:
20/1

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