Jordan Peto, a slightly above average goal keeper, has left Germany once again to join France. This is a fairly meaningful transfer so here is my quick hit analysis of it:
-The first question that comes to mind is what does this mean for Tristan. I doubt these guys are willing to share time so I will assume Tristan is out, which is strange since I believe he was the better keeper in his hay day. Tristan also would have been very useful against Sudan as he is a beast in the air.
- Does this hurt Germany? Losing your starting keeper would be crushing to most teams but Germany has Simon Kluge ready to step in. He has CIS experience and is at least as good as his predecessor.
- If France weren't favorites before they surely are now. They now have their full team that rolled through the RSA tournament plus the Winnipeg guys they got. Should we bother having a tournament this year? It's over.
- Hopefully this move works out better for Peto than the last time he left Germany. That run with Canada did not go well.
- Lastly if I am a team in need of a goal keeper (ie. ROI) I am bending over backwards to try and get Tristan. Even if he can only play playoffs it would be worth kicking his tires. He is a former ROI guy so this move makes a lot of sense.
Thursday 28 February 2013
Wednesday 27 February 2013
Monday 25 February 2013
Player Transfers/Rumours
A lot of player movement or at least rumors of player movement but I thought I would jot down what I have heard. Can decide for yourself what is true and what is not.
The Pattersons are apparently a hotly coveted duo as usual. Germany are desperate to keep them but supposedly ROI and France are both trying to lure them away. I give it about a 50% chance of them leaving.
On the same note I have also heard D-Pat may not play as he is in school??? Who knows...
Also while on Germany I have heard that France have inquired about Jordan Peto's interest in joining their side after playing for them in the RSA tournament. Seems as though there is some uncertainty from France on their goal keeping situation.
And speaking of goal keeping situations if any knows one call ROI.
Jamaica has perhaps been the busiest of all the teams signing Mike Collins, David Brown, Shaan Kapila, Jonah Gardikiotis and less importantly Dwayne Gareau. Should make their team a lot more composed.
Our usual discussion as to whether Northey will be playing this year or
not is up in the air. i have heard both yes and no but am currently
hearing more no. Could be a moot point anyway as Northey is more than
replaced by Laos' pickup of Chico form Afghan.
Poland looks to be in a lot of trouble as they will most likely end up with "Tips" as their only goal scoring threat. It sounds as though Brett Levis will be missing and Jay Tomchuk has just had ankle surgery and is hoping to b back after week 1. That seems like an awfully quick recovery. Heal Fast Jay!
Poland have signed Chris Zoller though. I believe he is a defender so that solves a lot of their problems.
Finally Afghan have signed U of S's Bobbi Nicholat. Make of that what you will.
Correct me if i am wrong of join in if you have heard anything else. DOOM TOASTED!
Saturday 23 February 2013
Mens Group D
Ireland - What to say about Ireland. They have suffered some massive, massive, massive losses. This might be a tough year for them as they are currently without a keeper or a roster for that matter. That being said this pool is so bad that they will continue to make the playoffs this year.
Djibouti - I know absolutely nothing about Djibouti and that includes where it is. Somebody fill me in! On the team that is.... don't really care where it is.
Serbia - It's hard to come up with stuff to talk about with these middle of the pack teams since there is very little meaningful player movement. We always hope Serbia will bring in their "Winnipeg guys" but it looks like France may have beat them to it. What Serbia does have is the one and only Darko a goal scoring, blogging lyricist. Come back Darko.
Portugal - Played Portugal the other night and I can't say I was star struck. They definitely played some soccer but just don't have the athleticism or goal keeping needed to go far in this tournament. I see them as another middle of the pack team.
Scotland - Hard to believe that Scotland once finished in the top 4 not so long ago. Such a fall from grace. The one thing Scotland has going for it is youth but that will not get them very far. Sources tell me that Scotland actually has aspirations of doing quite well this year. Haha my crystal ball is not quite seeing that.
Colombia - This is my sleeper in the tournament. I watched them in the RSA tournament and they are a hard working team who just seems to take their chances and hang in there. They were only a break or two away for beating both France and Poland. Plus I have finally stopped spelling Colombia with a u. Respect.
I could actually see ROI losing out to Colombia. Not having a keeper is a major problem in this tournament. Will eventually be their downfall. After those two Serbia and Portugal will be extremely close I obviously gave it Serbia based on the Darko catalyst. While Djibouti is a complete unknown my gut tells me they are not a 2nd coming of Sudan. I see them being more of a Somalia type squad. Finally I have Scotland 6th only because there aren't anymore teams in this pool. Ouch.
David
1. Serbia
2. ROI
3. Colombia
4. Portugal
5. Scotland
6. Djibouti
I have Serbia 1st because they have a goal scoring machine in Darko, he is favorite to win golden boot for me this year. ROI should still advance from this group although they have lost a few players. Colombia and Portugal may be able to upset the other top 2 teams and possibly steal a playoff spot. Scotland in 5th just judging on last years showing. I have to have Djibouti last in this group as I have no idea who is on the team.
Djibouti - I know absolutely nothing about Djibouti and that includes where it is. Somebody fill me in! On the team that is.... don't really care where it is.
Serbia - It's hard to come up with stuff to talk about with these middle of the pack teams since there is very little meaningful player movement. We always hope Serbia will bring in their "Winnipeg guys" but it looks like France may have beat them to it. What Serbia does have is the one and only Darko a goal scoring, blogging lyricist. Come back Darko.
Portugal - Played Portugal the other night and I can't say I was star struck. They definitely played some soccer but just don't have the athleticism or goal keeping needed to go far in this tournament. I see them as another middle of the pack team.
Scotland - Hard to believe that Scotland once finished in the top 4 not so long ago. Such a fall from grace. The one thing Scotland has going for it is youth but that will not get them very far. Sources tell me that Scotland actually has aspirations of doing quite well this year. Haha my crystal ball is not quite seeing that.
Colombia - This is my sleeper in the tournament. I watched them in the RSA tournament and they are a hard working team who just seems to take their chances and hang in there. They were only a break or two away for beating both France and Poland. Plus I have finally stopped spelling Colombia with a u. Respect.
Predictions
Mike
1. ROI
2. Colombia
3. Serbia
4. Portugal
5. Djibouti
6. Scotland
David
1. Serbia
2. ROI
3. Colombia
4. Portugal
5. Scotland
6. Djibouti
I have Serbia 1st because they have a goal scoring machine in Darko, he is favorite to win golden boot for me this year. ROI should still advance from this group although they have lost a few players. Colombia and Portugal may be able to upset the other top 2 teams and possibly steal a playoff spot. Scotland in 5th just judging on last years showing. I have to have Djibouti last in this group as I have no idea who is on the team.
Thursday 21 February 2013
Mens Group C
Canada - Finished 3rd place last year and should continue to be a top competitor this year. Known mostly for their defensive discipline and immense work ethic Canada looks about the same as they have in years past. Rumour is they may have added a player or 2 but no real huge additions. Look for much of the same.
Norway - Norway were Champions a decade ago I think... and they will never ever let you forget it. I think they could tell you down to the minute how long its been since they won. As the tournament has expanded and teams have improved Norway have remained stagnant keeping essentially the same team year after year. Because of that they are now nothing ore than a middle of the pack team that no longer possesses the athletic ability to get under teams' skins.
Hungary - I can't remember much of Hungary's performances from last year but I did play them this year in an exhibition so here are my observations. They are moderately organized at the back but will struggle mightily going forward. Goals will be hard to come by. Don't expect much out of them especially being stuck in this group.
Nigeria - I had Nigeria on the cusp of being one of the elite teams last year before thing took a turn drastically south. Nigeria seems to be another team that tends to flounder when it comes to crunch time. They are a speedy team intermingled with some quite skilled player but they lack some depth. Another team that could spoil someone's tournament.
Poland - Everyone's favourite from last year looks like they may be in a bit of down year by their own tremendously high standards. They have lost their two best goal scorers and from what I saw at the RSA tournament that is going to hurt a lot as they struggled to score. They play sound defense and will be hard to break down and score on but they need someone (maybe Dustin "Dorothy" Sembaluk and his spectacular footwear) to step up and score some goals.
Greece - One of the scariest teams to play as they are big and strong and painful to run into. However, they aren't growing any younger or more skilled any time soon. They need an injection of youth and I have no idea where to get that. Greece are what they have always been and I think they are up for another middle of the pack finish.
Predictions
Mike
1. Canada
2. Nigeria
3. Poland
4. Norway
5. Greece
6. Hungary
Canada was actually a fairly easy choice for here as I think they are simply a better version of Poland. Then came the tough part Nigeria vs Poland. My instincts said to go with Poland but after reflecting on Poland's performance in the RSA tournament I see Nigeria winning the head to head battle. Now I think Poland will beat on all the other teams and I am not sure I can say the same about the inconsistent Nigeria. So who knows where that really leaves me. Norway almost certainly beats Greece in my opinion and Greece beats Hungary. Should be very tight in a few spots though.
David
1. Canada
2. Poland
3. Nigeria
4. Greece
5. Norway
6. Hungary
Canada should go undefeated in the group stage but they never seem to make things easy for themselves. Poland have recruited a couple of players but have also lost some key player. I see Poland being just ahead of the rest of the group mainly on goalkeeping. It was tough for me to decide the 3rd/4th but I have Nigeria and Greece beating Norway just because I don't think Norway has the pace or physical presence. I have Hungary 6th but I could see them winning a game or 2 and maybe leap frogging Norway.
Norway - Norway were Champions a decade ago I think... and they will never ever let you forget it. I think they could tell you down to the minute how long its been since they won. As the tournament has expanded and teams have improved Norway have remained stagnant keeping essentially the same team year after year. Because of that they are now nothing ore than a middle of the pack team that no longer possesses the athletic ability to get under teams' skins.
Hungary - I can't remember much of Hungary's performances from last year but I did play them this year in an exhibition so here are my observations. They are moderately organized at the back but will struggle mightily going forward. Goals will be hard to come by. Don't expect much out of them especially being stuck in this group.
Nigeria - I had Nigeria on the cusp of being one of the elite teams last year before thing took a turn drastically south. Nigeria seems to be another team that tends to flounder when it comes to crunch time. They are a speedy team intermingled with some quite skilled player but they lack some depth. Another team that could spoil someone's tournament.
Poland - Everyone's favourite from last year looks like they may be in a bit of down year by their own tremendously high standards. They have lost their two best goal scorers and from what I saw at the RSA tournament that is going to hurt a lot as they struggled to score. They play sound defense and will be hard to break down and score on but they need someone (maybe Dustin "Dorothy" Sembaluk and his spectacular footwear) to step up and score some goals.
Greece - One of the scariest teams to play as they are big and strong and painful to run into. However, they aren't growing any younger or more skilled any time soon. They need an injection of youth and I have no idea where to get that. Greece are what they have always been and I think they are up for another middle of the pack finish.
Predictions
Mike
1. Canada
2. Nigeria
3. Poland
4. Norway
5. Greece
6. Hungary
Canada was actually a fairly easy choice for here as I think they are simply a better version of Poland. Then came the tough part Nigeria vs Poland. My instincts said to go with Poland but after reflecting on Poland's performance in the RSA tournament I see Nigeria winning the head to head battle. Now I think Poland will beat on all the other teams and I am not sure I can say the same about the inconsistent Nigeria. So who knows where that really leaves me. Norway almost certainly beats Greece in my opinion and Greece beats Hungary. Should be very tight in a few spots though.
David
1. Canada
2. Poland
3. Nigeria
4. Greece
5. Norway
6. Hungary
Canada should go undefeated in the group stage but they never seem to make things easy for themselves. Poland have recruited a couple of players but have also lost some key player. I see Poland being just ahead of the rest of the group mainly on goalkeeping. It was tough for me to decide the 3rd/4th but I have Nigeria and Greece beating Norway just because I don't think Norway has the pace or physical presence. I have Hungary 6th but I could see them winning a game or 2 and maybe leap frogging Norway.
Wednesday 20 February 2013
Mens Group B
Laos- Laos are past champions and last years runners up. Expect Laos to continue their tradition of success. Reports vary on whether Northey will be in attendance or not so that could make a difference. However, even if he is a no show Chicolicious may be just the pickup required for Laos to get their championship swag back.
Afghanistan- Afghanistan proved themselves a competitive team last year surprising some with their quality and discipline. I would look for them to try and throw a major wrench into this group and are a dark horse to make it through. Also worth noting is that this year they have lost Chicolicious so I would not expect them to have the same fanfare or commercial appeal as they did last year.
South Korea- Unless South Korea have made major, major upgrades they are going to take a walloping in this group. As the big boys look to increase their plus minus in this group look at them to focus on South Korea. This could get ugly.
Northern Ireland- I recently watched Northern Ireland play in the Men's RSA tournament and I can't say I was overly impressed. Just not a lot of quality out there. Had they drawn another group, D for example, they may have stood a chance but this is to big a hill for them to climb.
Germany- Where to start here? They annoy me, but I suppose that has nothing to do with their tournament prospects. All in all they are a solid team. Might be slightly weakened if they lose the rights battle for the Patterson twins but they are also actively so they may be able to lessen the blow. Either way they will be right in it come time for knockout stages. Should make this group very interesting.
Jamaica- Every year you seem to think this could be the year Jamaica makes a run for the title and every year they disappoint. Typically what is on show is poor discipline and shaky defending and an out and out ineptitude. This may actually be the year that changes. Jamaica has made several big name signings and they have not been drawn with Canada. Now let's see what they can do.
Predictions
Mike
1. Laos
2. Germany
3. Jamaica
4. Afghanistan
5. Northern Ireland
6. South Korea
Laos are the deepest and most talented team in this group so it is hard to choose against them coming in 1st. What it came down to next was Jamaica against Germany and I have Germany irritating their way to the knockout stages. Afghanistan could mess up somebodies playoff hopes but I don't quite see them beating any of the top 3. After Afghanistan the drop off to Northern Ireland is significant and the drop off from Northern Ireland to South Korea maybe even more so.
David
1. Laos
2. Jamaica
3. Afghanistan
4. Germany
5. Northern Ireland
6. South Korea
Laos are consistently making it into the finals so its hard not to have them coming out first in this group. Jamaica, Germany and Afghanistan will be battling for 2nd. Jamaica made some off season moves so maybe they can make it into playoffs this year. Afghanistan lost Chico but have made some good pick ups. Germany are always tough but if they lose the Pattersons I just cant see them advancing. I don't know much about Northern Ireland or South Korea so I just placed them based on previous WCP results.
Afghanistan- Afghanistan proved themselves a competitive team last year surprising some with their quality and discipline. I would look for them to try and throw a major wrench into this group and are a dark horse to make it through. Also worth noting is that this year they have lost Chicolicious so I would not expect them to have the same fanfare or commercial appeal as they did last year.
South Korea- Unless South Korea have made major, major upgrades they are going to take a walloping in this group. As the big boys look to increase their plus minus in this group look at them to focus on South Korea. This could get ugly.
Northern Ireland- I recently watched Northern Ireland play in the Men's RSA tournament and I can't say I was overly impressed. Just not a lot of quality out there. Had they drawn another group, D for example, they may have stood a chance but this is to big a hill for them to climb.
Germany- Where to start here? They annoy me, but I suppose that has nothing to do with their tournament prospects. All in all they are a solid team. Might be slightly weakened if they lose the rights battle for the Patterson twins but they are also actively so they may be able to lessen the blow. Either way they will be right in it come time for knockout stages. Should make this group very interesting.
Jamaica- Every year you seem to think this could be the year Jamaica makes a run for the title and every year they disappoint. Typically what is on show is poor discipline and shaky defending and an out and out ineptitude. This may actually be the year that changes. Jamaica has made several big name signings and they have not been drawn with Canada. Now let's see what they can do.
Predictions
Mike
1. Laos
2. Germany
3. Jamaica
4. Afghanistan
5. Northern Ireland
6. South Korea
Laos are the deepest and most talented team in this group so it is hard to choose against them coming in 1st. What it came down to next was Jamaica against Germany and I have Germany irritating their way to the knockout stages. Afghanistan could mess up somebodies playoff hopes but I don't quite see them beating any of the top 3. After Afghanistan the drop off to Northern Ireland is significant and the drop off from Northern Ireland to South Korea maybe even more so.
David
1. Laos
2. Jamaica
3. Afghanistan
4. Germany
5. Northern Ireland
6. South Korea
Laos are consistently making it into the finals so its hard not to have them coming out first in this group. Jamaica, Germany and Afghanistan will be battling for 2nd. Jamaica made some off season moves so maybe they can make it into playoffs this year. Afghanistan lost Chico but have made some good pick ups. Germany are always tough but if they lose the Pattersons I just cant see them advancing. I don't know much about Northern Ireland or South Korea so I just placed them based on previous WCP results.
Mens Group A
Sudan- Last years surprise winners have redefined how to play in the WCP Cup. Their new style involves treating every dead ball situation including goal kicks and kick ins as though they are free kicks. Add in two gigantic strikers and you have an effective though not always pretty strategy.
Somalia- Here are the two things I can remember about the Somalia team. 1) They were not very good. They are going to have to step it up significantly if the expect to compete at all. Especially in this group. 2) They have by far the best national anthem in the tournament. Harlem Shake who?
Italy- A surprise team from last year. Italy began the tournament with a series of strong performances but fell apart as the tournament went on. A middle of the pack team that most likely will not win the tournament but will be competitive at least.
El Salvador- El Salvador will be the same El Salvador as we have seen in years past. A quick, skilled team that can hang with the upper echelon teams. However, without any resounding pick ups I don't believe that El Salvador will have the ability to make it out of the quarters much less their own group.
France- It was only two years ago that France looked poised to almost certainly win the WCP Cup but they came up just short. Though they had a bit of a down year last year it was simply for them to reload. Coming off a fantastic victory in the RSA Men's tournament France look like the odds on tournament towhine win the 2013 WCP Cup.
Predictions
Mike
1. France
2. Sudan
3. El Salvador
4. Italy
5. Somalia
Like I said France look in fine form and are favourites to win the whole thing. I also think people will start to figure out Sudan which will ultimately lead to their downfall. It is incredibly hard to repeat. Would not want to meet them in playoffs though. Therefore I have ES as the odd man out just because I think they will fall to both Sudan and France. Italy might make a game or 2 interesting while Somalia will sputter at best.
David
1. France
2. Sudan
3. El Salvador
4. Italy
5. Somalia
Same predictions as Mike here. France are awesome, so any group they are in I had to have them winning it. I think Sudan will just edge ES in a deciding game for the 2nd playoff spot. Italy have a squad in which they could possibly upset one of the top 3 teams which could stir everything up. Somalia hopefully went out and recruited some talent, otherwise they will experience the same results as last year.
Somalia- Here are the two things I can remember about the Somalia team. 1) They were not very good. They are going to have to step it up significantly if the expect to compete at all. Especially in this group. 2) They have by far the best national anthem in the tournament. Harlem Shake who?
Italy- A surprise team from last year. Italy began the tournament with a series of strong performances but fell apart as the tournament went on. A middle of the pack team that most likely will not win the tournament but will be competitive at least.
El Salvador- El Salvador will be the same El Salvador as we have seen in years past. A quick, skilled team that can hang with the upper echelon teams. However, without any resounding pick ups I don't believe that El Salvador will have the ability to make it out of the quarters much less their own group.
France- It was only two years ago that France looked poised to almost certainly win the WCP Cup but they came up just short. Though they had a bit of a down year last year it was simply for them to reload. Coming off a fantastic victory in the RSA Men's tournament France look like the odds on tournament to
Predictions
Mike
1. France
2. Sudan
3. El Salvador
4. Italy
5. Somalia
Like I said France look in fine form and are favourites to win the whole thing. I also think people will start to figure out Sudan which will ultimately lead to their downfall. It is incredibly hard to repeat. Would not want to meet them in playoffs though. Therefore I have ES as the odd man out just because I think they will fall to both Sudan and France. Italy might make a game or 2 interesting while Somalia will sputter at best.
David
1. France
2. Sudan
3. El Salvador
4. Italy
5. Somalia
Same predictions as Mike here. France are awesome, so any group they are in I had to have them winning it. I think Sudan will just edge ES in a deciding game for the 2nd playoff spot. Italy have a squad in which they could possibly upset one of the top 3 teams which could stir everything up. Somalia hopefully went out and recruited some talent, otherwise they will experience the same results as last year.
Tuesday 19 February 2013
WCP CUP Mens Groups 2013
Group A
Sudan
Somalia
Italy
El Salvador
France
Group B
Laos
Afghanistan
South Korea
Northern Ireland
Germany
Jamaica
Group C
Canada
Norway
Hungary
Nigeria
Poland
Greece
Group D
ROI
Serbia
Portugal
Scotland
Colombia
Djibouti
Previews to come.....
Sudan
Somalia
Italy
El Salvador
France
Group B
Laos
Afghanistan
South Korea
Northern Ireland
Germany
Jamaica
Group C
Canada
Norway
Hungary
Nigeria
Poland
Greece
Group D
ROI
Serbia
Portugal
Scotland
Colombia
Djibouti
Previews to come.....
WCP CUP Womens Groups 2013
Group A
Ukraine
Scotland
USA
El Salvador
Portugal
Group B
Germany
England
Poland
Canada
Ireland
Netherlands
Ukraine
Scotland
USA
El Salvador
Portugal
Group B
Germany
England
Poland
Canada
Ireland
Netherlands
WCP Cup Youth Groups 2013
U12 Girls
Canada
El Salvador
Ireland
Japan
U12 Boys
Argentina
Canada
England
Germany
U14 Boys
Canada
England
Scotland
U16 Girls
Brazil
El Salvador
England
Germany
USA
U16 Boys
Group A
Pakistan
Germany
Canada
Bosnia
Group B
Italy
England
El Salvador
Scotland
Canada
El Salvador
Ireland
Japan
U12 Boys
Argentina
Canada
England
Germany
U14 Boys
Canada
England
Scotland
U16 Girls
Brazil
El Salvador
England
Germany
USA
U16 Boys
Group A
Pakistan
Germany
Canada
Bosnia
Group B
Italy
England
El Salvador
Scotland
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