Group D Preview/Predictions

 Afghanistan (Last year: 4th place overall) - Afghanistan made a great run last year finishing 1st in what was the most difficult group but I wouldn't expect a similar run this year. Though Afghan still have some quality players they have lost many of their top guys. Their midfield trio of Ryan Contenti, Bobbi Nicholat, Mitch Bauche and defender Shawn Olson have departed for greener pastures. They have likely lost golden boot winner Josip Coric, keeper Mark Diakiw and apparently coach/tactical mastermind Soheil Summers. Even making it out of their group will be quite an accomplishment.

Colombia (Last year: 3rd in Group D) - This is a wildly unpredictable team. They are all over the map one game they play well enough to beat Sudan and the next they could lose to any team in the tournament. They looked odds on favourites to make it out of their group last year but choked in the final games and ultimately ended near the bottom of the group. Colombia is a team that plays well together and can cause any team problems however with their struggles with consistency I find it difficult to believe they make it through to knock out stages.

England (Last year: 4th in Group C as Hungary)- This is where I take a real leap of faith. I believe England will be similar to the Hungary team last year meaning that the majority of their team should be from Medicine Hat college. Training regularly should be a big advantage especially in a group which looks fairly weak. That being said they may struggle to get used to the style of play and facilities. If they adapt quickly I could see them getting out of this group.

First Nations (Last year: DNP) - I essentially know nothing about this team. Usually teams that are participating in WCP for the first time tend to struggle and its widely assume that First Nations will do just that. I have heard from some that First Nations will be much better than many expect but even a mid table group finish is considered an accomplishment for a new team.

Nigeria (Last year: Top 8 overall) - I think everyone remember Nigeria epic game against France in last years quarterfinals which saw them lose by a goal. Nigeria is a team no one wants to meet. They are wildly unpredictable boasting a lineup consisting of players who can impact the game both negatively and positively. They are capable of sweeping attacks but also horrible defensive lapses. In recent years they have become more consistent and I see no way they don't make it out of this group and cause problems for any team they come up against.

 Saudi Arabia (Last year: DNP) - Here is another team I know nothing about. It seems like there is a constant merry-go-round with this team. One year they finish 4th and the next they are out of the tournament. I believe last year some of the former Saudi Arabian players played for Afghanistan? (Correct me if I'm wrong) so it will be interesting to see where those two teams split. Until I see who is on this team its tough to say how they will do.

Mike's Predictions

1. Nigeria
2. England
3. Colombia
4. Afghanistan
5. First Nations
6. Saudi Arabia

This group is Nigeria's to lose the only slip up I can foresee is if England show up with a stronger squad than last years Hungary team. The rest of the group is really a toss up as any of the teams could finish 3rd through 6th. I am banking on others information when it come to First Nations so we will see how that turns out. I feel Afghanistan has just lost way too much to hold it together and depending on Saudi Arabia's roster they could make me look really stupid here.

David's Predictions

1. Nigeria
2. England
3. Colombia
4. First Nations
5. Afghanistan
6. Saudi Arabia

Nigeria - Nigeria play together in Saskatoon and Regina and consistently make it into playoffs. Nigeria have some skilled players and are exciting to watch going forward. They aren't the strongest defensively but being drawn in this group I see them cruising through to the playoffs.

England - I've put England this high assuming they are a slightly better Hungary, if that's the case then they will reach playoffs.

Colombia - Colombia are a team capable of upsets but I don't see them advancing. They are an older team with experience on the turf but I don't think they will be able to keep up with the top 2 teams.

First Nations - Lack of experience is why I don't see the First Nations reaching playoffs. They will be a young team with some talented guys. If they can get it together in time they could potentially cause some upsets.

Afghanistan - After losing the core of their team and the Jose Mourinho of Saskatchewan soccer I don't think Afghanistan will have much to offer this year.

Saudi Arabia - I know nothing about Saudi Arabia.