2011 Mens (Group D)

Group D is by far the most difficult group to make it out of. Considered to be the group of death, only 2 of these teams will live to make it to the knock-out stage. Every game in this group will be important into determining the final standings and none of these teams are a walk in the park. Mark your calendar for these games, you definitely do not want to miss out!

Poland

Poland have made it out of their group the past two years and are confident they can do it again. 

Strengths:

They play together as a team and move the ball around the pitch very well. They are good defensively and have a steady keeper. A team that cannot be taken lightly.

Weaknesses:

Do not have a consistent finisher and have lost one of their top players in Brett Levis. Goals will need to be scored to keep up with their opponents in group D, where they will come from is yet to be seen.

Player to Watch:

Aleks Wosik - Midfielder - Strong on the ball, plays with good pace. A good shot but aim is inconsistent.

Odds of Winning:

25/1

Scotland:

Finished dead last in 2010, the only place to go is up!

Strengths:

Have been having alot of exhibition games and are developing chemistry with each other. They should be in game shape and are going to work very hard to cause a stir in this group.

Weaknesses:

Tactics will need to be strong to make up for area's in which they lack. Not sure they will be. Probably do not have the depth to be a contender in this group.

Player to Watch:

To be determined

Odds of Winning:

250/1

Ukraine:

Flying under the radar this year, have been potential contenders in the past, but have not lived up to the hype.

Strengths:

Most of the team plays with each other on the Yorkton mens team. The Yorkton shell is a well developed defensive tactic, which has been notably hard for even the best teams to break down. Combine this with a great keeper (may or may not be playing) and you have a chance at making it out of this group.

Weaknesses:

Goal scoring, goal scoring, goal scoring. Where oh where will these goals come from? Ukraine in the past has failed to make it out of their groups due to too many draws. Full points are a must to make it out of this group.

Player to Watch:

Steve Delong - Attacking Midfielder- If the goals are going to come, look his way. Hard working midfielder is one of the keys to this teams success.

Odds of Winning:

25/1

Canada:

One time finalist, Canada finished an impressive 4th at last years tournament. Arguably pre-tournament favorites to make it out of this group.

Strengths:

Not a team renowned for their gorgeous soccer, but their tactics are more than effective. A very hard working defensive unit that always plays as a team and never relies on one person alone. This team will be tough to break down. If they develop a lead on you, it will definitely be an uphill climb for their opponent.

Weaknesses:

That being said, they are missing a game-breaker that can score goals in crunch time. They can work the ball up the field but don't have that reliable option up front.

Player to Watch:

Tavis Workman-Winger- Speedy with very quick feet. Look for him to be an offensive threat. Can shoot with both feet

Odds of Winning:

11/2

Jamaica

Perennial under achiever. Jamaica didn't make it out of the group of death last year and has the misfortune of being in the group of death once again this year. Won't be happy just making it out of this group.

Strengths:

Will be as well organized tactically as any other team in the tournament. In the midfield they have fast wingers that will be working hard on both ends of the field. A midfield containing Korthius and Holness will be terribly hard to contain.

Weaknesses:

Not good defensively. Putting pressure on their backs causes them to panic and could lead to costly mistakes. When attacking, they don't always make the best of their opportunities. Depth could possibly be an issue.

Player to Watch:

Mark Korthius- Centre Midfielder- One of the best players in the tournament. Big, strong and technically gifted and has a left foot second to none. As competitive of player as they come.

Odds of Winning:

11/2

Germany:

Made it out of the group of death last year and has a good shot at doing it again. Not a team you want to face in the knock out stages.

Strengths:

Very physical squad that battles hard from start to finish. Physicality will give skilled teams a tough time getting comfortable. Very direct offense that is more concerned about effectiveness than style and looks to shoot from anywhere and everywhere. Also has two top notch keepers.

Weaknesses:

All out attack leads to defensive breakdowns and leaves them vulnerable on the counter attack. Physical style of play can land them in trouble with referees. A free kick specialists dream.

Player to Watch:

Patterson twins-Midfielder- They are as difficult to contain as they are to tell apart. These 2 players are talented midfielders that are dangerous everywhere on the pitch.

Odds of Winning:

11/2