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2012 Mens - Group A

David Brown and I are going to preview all the groups over the next few days starting obviously with Group A. Here it goes.

Group A appears to be the easiest group to pick. After ROI and Sudan there is a major drop off. I may be the greatest ever at drawing my pool because we seem to end up with the easiest pools ever every year. Should be a walk through for the top 2.

ROI

Having won the tournament multiple times ROI will look to continue their success. A lot of turnover on their roster, ROI have brought in some new names and faces but will likely make a strong push for the final.

Strengths:

ROI are probably the deepest team in the tournament. Most of their backups would be starters on any other team. They have a lot of very skilled players and a sound keeper. Physically they are one of larger teams as well and won't be afraid to getting into a pushing match.

Weaknesses:

This is not the powerhouse ROI team of last year. They have lost a lot of firepower from last year especially up front. It remains to be seen where their goals will come from. With so much turnover you can expect a bit of a learning curve.

What David Thinks:

ROI will make it through the group with ease. Although losing Brett and Tomchuk to Poland and myself to injury there are other guys on the roster that score goals. What separates ROI from any other team in WCP is the depth of the squad. I do not see ROI getting tested to much in this group.

Projected Finish Within Pool:

Mike - 1st
David - 1st

Sudan
Sudan was the Cinderella story of last year's tournament. No one knew anything about them but they quickly became a fan favorite playing Laos closely and beating El Salvador. Had it not been for a loss against Colombia (nailed that spelling) they would have made it to the knock out stage. 

Strengths:

This is one of the most physically gifted teams in the tournament. Extremely athletic, they rely on speed and the ability to seemingly score rippers from anywhere on the pitch. They have shown that they have a deadly counter attack as we all learned in watching them play ES last year.

Weaknesses:

I think anyone could answer this one: Goalkeeping. It was horrendous at best. Some really poor goals allowed especially the one against Colombia. They also are slightly reliant on several key players (Tong Tong). Not sure if that will be the case this year.

What David Thinks:

Last year I unfortunately didn't get to watch a Sudan game. From what I've heard they are fast, strong and exciting to watch. I think they will be the toughest opponent that ROI face but don't see them upsetting last years champs.

Projected Finish Within Pool

Mike - 2nd
David - 2nd

Botswana

Botswana are another favorite among the fans. They play with the enjoyment and enthusiasm that the game is meant to be played with. They also seem to improve every year I would expect that to continue.

Strengths:

This is a hard working team. They pressure all over the field and that can result in turnovers as it did in their recent exhibition game against Jamaica. They are a sound tackling team who can win games if they can bury their chances.

Weaknesses:

That being said they don't always finish their chances which is heartbreaking for Botswana fans. Pressuring full field can leave their team a little exposed at the back and that leads to goals. Sometimes they get running around and seem a little bit out of control.

What David Thinks:

Another team I do not know too much about. I think I played against them 2 years ago in round robin. They seem to lack technique and organization. But there strengths are they don't let you have too much time on the ball and are definitely not afraid to throw in some tough tackles.

Projected Finish Within Pool

Mike - 4th
David - 4th

Somalia

This is a team I literally know nothing about except for one persons scouting report so I will run off that.

Strengths:

I heard them described as a "less skilled Sudan" so if they have 1/5th of the athleticism of Sudan they should be alright.

Weaknesses:

Being described as a less skilled Sudan is hardly a compliment. I wouldn't say Sudan is exactly known for their ball skills so they could be a bit all over the place. New teams tend to have trouble getting accustomed to this tournament. I would expect some struggles.

What David Thinks:

Ive heard nothing about this team at all. Therefore, 6th place.

Projected Finish Within Pool

Mike - 6th
David - 6th

Scotland

Scotland have become the perennial whipping boys of this tournament. I think their closest game might have been about 10-0 last year. Frankly, I am surprised they are still around. Sorry.

Strengths:

Youth. This team has gotten much much younger and though I don't expect to see huge strides this year it bodes well for their future. At least they are making strides at heading in the right direction.

Weaknesses:

Sorry to be blunt here but being Scotland. Until I see major improvements all over the park I am not going to single out one particular weakness.

What David Thinks:

Scotland have WCP experience, that is why I have placed them above Somalia. They seem young and always keen to improve there squad but so far haven't proved too much.

Projected Finish Within Pool

Mike - 5th
David - 5th

Serbia

I think the thing people deem most note worthy about Serbia is the rumor they will bring in players from Winnipeg every year and they their failure to do so. They are usually a middle of the pack team and I don't expect that too change.

Strengths:

Serbia really does have a couple nice players especially in the middle of the park. That alone will be enough to get them by half the teams in this pool. They will be able to score some goals. They also should have solid goal keeping which is a big help.

Weaknesses:

Defensively they are not as solid as they need to be. They are an aging squad and much of that age lies in their back line. They don't have much depth after their top guys either and will tire out as the games go on.

What David Thinks:

Serbia have a couple of good players that score goals and run the middle of the park for them. There weakness last year was goalkeeping and there defense. I don't think Serbia can cope with the attack of ROI or Sudan but I don't expect them to lose to anyone else in the group.

Projected Finish Within Pool

Mike - 3rd
David - 3rd

Pool Projections

Mike -

ROI
Sudan
Serbia
Botswana
Scotland
Somalia

David -

ROI
Sudan
Serbia
Botswana
Scotland
Somalia

Q & A with Kevin Holness/Chico Commercial

Kevin has graciously offered to take some time out of his incredibly busy schedule to answer a few questions I submit. Instead of me just sending in questions I thought I would attempt to let the readers submit questions and from there I will pick a few to send to Kev. Deadline will be tomorrow sometime so lets have at it. NOT ALL QUESTIONS WILL BE ANSWERED!

Also Julio has recently directed me towards a commercial released by Chico's media team so I thought I would share.

Team Preview El Salvador - Sean Riggs

Best win? Worst loss? For your team in history of the tournament.

Best Win -Like Kapila it was my first year with ES last year. Obviously our best win was France. It was a heavyweight battle where we went toe to toe. Unfortunately with a minute left they made 2 errors in 10 seconds: First they booted the ball into the ceiling giving us a 14 yard direct kick. Secondly, they set up an 8 man wall covering the entire net. A smart move in theory bu Tristan couldn't even see the ball and we just had to hit the net.

Worst loss -Sudan was a crazy game. I can't remember what the score was, but we were winning and they scored and we weren't too concerned. Then they scored again and again and again..... That's what happens if you take a team lightly, leave them in a game and they get momentum. The atmosphere was great that night as obviously 98% of the crowd wanted the upset.

Tranfers. Who's in? Who's out?

In- Scott Mailk, Carson MacDonald, Dallas Stern

Out - Nobody significant, just Julio and Chico
 
Who is your most important player?
This may seem surprising to some but I would say Will Torres. He's a great leader who leads by outworking every player on the pitch. He lives, breathes, eats, sleeps, bleeds El Salvador and his passion and hard work rub off on everybody. We may not have the best team, but try to come in and outwork us.

What are you team's strengths?

Great intensity, strong defensively, plus some speed and a few talented attackers. The main thing we have is that we don't really have any "stars" out there. We are a true team and fight hard to win.

If you could have one player from any other team who would it be? Why?

This guy is one of the top players I've played with but doesn't get the credit he deserves: Ryan Mcallister. There may be better skilled guys out there, or flashier guys, but the guy leads by example and is a natural born winner.

Realistically where do you expect to finish?

I think with ROI somewhat diminished this is the year that a few teams could sweep through and take it. Do I think we're a favorite to win? I wouldn't go that far. But I do think that we have a chance to win. If we work hard and get the bounces who knows? I would be disappointed if we don't make it to the semis.

Who would you like to see win besides your team?

I root for the underdog, so anyone but ROI or Laos I guess. Honestly I don't really care, just like going down and seeing everyone and the atmosphere is great!

My take: First and foremost , it pained me to type up the that first paragraph of Riggs talking talking about his own freekick. Hopefully me acknowledging it is all the credit he needs. Now on the team, I heard a rumor that ES was could be in trouble this year because they are having trouble getting the numbers needed. This could be complete hearsay but I am throwing it out there. Anyway, if ES fields the team I believe they will I feel like they will make another solid run. They have a lot of skilled players: Ronny, Rolfe, Jerson, etc. and are always extremely well organized and tough to break down. They are in a tough pool though and it could be a bumpy road but I still expect them to make playoffs.

Sundays Exhibition Games

A lot of exhibition games yesterday and I am sure there are some people curious about the scores. If people could help out and add the ones I am missing I will post those as I learn them.

Canada 8ish - Scotland 0 - Summary in comments

Poland 4 - Mike Collins Selects 4 - Poland played I group of guys a put together with the game ending up 4-4 as Poland scored in the last minute to tie. We were up 4-1 at half but ran out of steam. Good game.

Germany 3 - Colombia 2 - Germany is in trouble. They had no distinguishable formation or tactic other than to kick it long and on net. Colombia looked decent, moving the ball well and were in good shape. Maybe a bit of a sleeper team.

France 8 - Hungary 1 - Maybe this was the score? I don't even think the France guys had any idea how many it was. Not much to write here. France = good, Hungary = Not Good. Does that mean Jamaica = Really not good?

Jamaica 3 - Botswana 1 - I managed to watch about 10 mins of this game before I was forced to leave not want to have soccer forever ruined for me. Botswana was taking it to Jamaica for those 10 mins and were up 1-0 when I left. I don't know what happened after that, can only assume Jamaica got it together and played the way you'd think they'd be able too. They might be getting worried.

Send in the rest.

Team Preview ROI - Shaan Kapila

Best win? Worst loss? For your team in history of the tournament.

Best Win - Beating Laos 3-0 in the finals certainly showed how strong of a team ROI was. It could have been even worse if Evan didn't come up with some key stops.

Worst loss -Since last year was my 1st year and we didn't lose, it wouldn't be fair to not bring up our semi final clash with ES. ES came out with a game plan and executed it perfectly. Julio put on arguably one of the best defensive showings in WCP history and stopped our explosive attack. Game was a thriller to watch and be part of.

Tranfers. Who's in? Who's out?

In- Garrett Meier, Shawn Dooley, Ryan McGavigan, Julio, Riley Korthius, Ryan Mcallister, Jordy Schidlowsky, Kule Kambere

Out - Jay Tomchuk, Benno Looft, David Brown, Brett Levis, Jeff Friesen, Adam Laing
 
Who is your most important player?
Losing Jay, Brett and David is going to have a huge impact on our team. Nathan Reis is going to have to step up and fill the shoes left by our top 3 goal scorers of last year. Jonah deserves honorable mention as he has bailed out our team in the past (penalties vs ES). He's one of the top keepers in this tournament and will be more relied upon this tournament than last.

What are you team's strengths?

Ireland has always been known to have an all-round strong team and this year shouldn't be much different. Scoring as many goals as we did last year won't occur but we still have attacking options.

If you could have one player from any other team who would it be? Why?

Brett Levis would be a top player on any team, and he showed that be being one of our most dynamic players last year. He's an all round player who rarely has an off game. So having him back from Poland would help a lot.

Realistically where do you expect to finish?

It wouldn't be right to make the finals every year and not expect to make it again. It will be a tougher run, but we should make it.

Who would you like to see win besides your team?

Hopefully not Afghanistan... anyone else is alright.

My take: This ROI team has had a lot of changes since last year but we should be able to remain a strong side. Yeah losing some strong players hurts but I have replaced them with solid talent. As for Shaan's best win and worst loss I would differ by saying beating France in 2-1 in the semi final 2 years ago was a big one for me since they had a few defected ROI players. As for worst loss, there is nothing that can remove the embarrassment of losing to a that awful Norway squad. The strength of our team is definitely depth in that whoever is on we can count on them to get the job done whether it's a starter or not. I see ROI making a trip to the finals once again but coming up short in 4-1 loss to Poland.

15 Quick Random WCP CUP Thoughts.

1. I am still not sure I understand why teams practice or play so many exhibition games leading up to this tournament. I have seen absolutely no correlation between number of practices and success and they often lead to unattainable expectations.

2.One team that is raising their expectations is Nigeria. Nigeria is a team that has been getting a lot of pre tournament hype because of some impressive victories

3. However, I watched Nigeria vs Jamaica last night and it was scrappy to say the least. Jamaica won 4-3 but it probably deserved to end in a tie. Very little defensive shape or overall plan.

4. And I can't reiterate this point enough. If you don't have a reliable keeper you are screwed.

5. On the other side of the spectrum is Poland who continues to try and lower the bar by bombing in exhibition games. We aren't fooled Poland, we know what you're up too.

6. Poland will get another crack at it this Sunday @ 6 pm when they take on team I have set up. I am sure they will be wanting to stick it to me.

7. A lot of talk about who the best players in Regina are and I can't lie I have been shocked by some of the answers. Sometimes I wonder what people see when they are watching?

8. If so and so is such a great player then how they consistently wind up on the losing side of things. It's the same people who win all the trophies and there is a reason for that. They're better.

9. So I have made my own Top10 list in no particular order. There is two criteria I have set out in order to be one of the best players in Regina. YOU HAVE TO BE IN REGINA. And I am not naming keepers because everyone knows who the best keepers are.

10. So in no particular order: Danny Marchinko, Ryan McGavigan, Jarvis (I am not spelling that last name), Adam Rolfe, Kevin Murphy, Mark Wernikowski, Brett Bachelu, Garrett Meier, Lee Mooney, Kevin Holness.

11. Literally put no thought into that, just what came off the top of my head. I assume their will be people you feel I have omitted.

12. I am sure not everyone actually knows the keepers so hear are the Top 5/only Regina ones worth mentioning. Jonah, Tristan, Peto, Evan and Mario.

13. Has anyone else noticed that Greece has become a very quiet team. They are usually on here commenting about their team unity and posting roughly-edited videos. Where did you go Greeks?

14. Which team does everyone have labeled as the surprise team of the tournament? I would have to go with Canada. I could easily see them making it out of their group and beating any team from group D. Semi-final appearance would be great for them.

15. This note is for one idiot. You can continue to write on here that I delete your comments but they are not going to be published if they are racist, abusive, or have cursing in them no matter what language. Keep trying though. #neanderthal

Team Preview Colombia - Paul Pablo

Best win? Worst loss? For your team in history of the tournament.

Best Win -Last year against Sudan. After watching them play Laos so well but losing, and the shear size (height) of their team I knew it would be a difficult team to play against. Especially when our average height is probably 5'8. But we played great defense, man marking, and tried as much as possible to not let them shoot from anywhere. Even though the game was a shooting frenzy at the end on us we still came out on top 2-1.

Worst loss - Austria last year. We just didn't come out strong or play as a team right off the bat. If we had won this game, it would have given us an even better possibility of actually making it out of our group. We just had to either tie or beat ES, because they lost to Sudan. Which I thought we had a chance of doing for sure but we couldn't get the ball in the net that day. I remember Spencer saved at least 3 goals if not 4 on the goal line using his massive from our shot and free kicks.

Tranfers. Who's in? Who's out?

In- Nothing to note on either.
Out-

Who is your most important player? 
Obviously my brother Paco is our most important player. He can do it all. Play attacking mid or defense, he's a playmaker, his dribbling, moves, control with the ball is so fast you think he's for sure going the one way, but he goes the other way and is gone. Has the most insane shots I've seen and rarely gives up the ball. And I'll give my other brother Carlos some credit, he can be pretty good, just needs to put on some weight and move a little faster.

What are you team's strengths?

Well this year our main line of guys should be in decent shape, because we have been doing boot camp sessions since about January. We are definitely starting to play more as a team, every year we get a little stronger. In recent years we have grown more comfortable with each other so there is a good team vibe. I should also mention our fan base, it may be small, but they are there every game in bright yellow jerseys cheering us on.

If you could have one player from any other team who would it be? Why?

I'm going to say the Patterson twins. As we all know, they come as a package. Every year I ask them to come out for my team, when they feel they've had enough of Germany and want to switch things up. Any team would be lucky to have them and they are good friends of mine.

Realistically where do you expect to finish?

Hard question, I'd like to say this is our year, and every year we win one more game than last year. So to get out of our pool but no further. Realistically probably 3rd place in our pool, but I've been gone for the past couple months, so maybe we will get out and make some sweet upsets on the way.

Who would you like to see win besides your team?

I'd like to see an underdog team win it, just for pure entertainment. Realistically though, Poland is my pick.

My take: Colombia is in a tough place this year. That is not an easy pool there in. Colombia are one of those teams where the more they stick around in a game the more their confidence grows and the harder they are to put away. Paco is a player who is going to make something out of nothing at least once a game and that's the danger in playing. Just like last year I see the playing spoilers and beat one of Afghanistan, Canada, Jamaica or Laos. I still think 2nd or 3rd will be a tall order for them in this tough group but wish them the best.

Team Preview Poland - Aleks Wosik

Best win? Worst loss? For your team in history of the tournament.

Best Win -7-1 win vs. Norway when needing to win by 5 to get through to the 2nd round
Worst loss -  A lot to 1 against Canada four or five years ago.

Tranfers. Who's in? Who's out?

In-Jay Tomchuk, Brett Levis
Out-None

Who is your most important player? 
Michal Bandula (Goalkeeper)

What are you team's strengths?

Very physical, and extremely fast pace and high intensity.

If you could have one player from any other team who would it be? Why?

Jarvis, calm, solid at the back, great midfielder and good shot.

Realistically where do you expect to finish?

Not reaching the semi finals would be considered under-achieving.

Who would you like to see win besides your team?

Anyone other than Ireland and Laos.

My take: It's pretty much a forgone conclusion that Poland are going to win this thing and here's why. They are already a top 3 team and that before that added the two best strikers in the tournament. They are also in one of, if not the easiest pool. I would argue that Brett Levis is now their most important player because form the exhibition games I have seen they have relied on him heavily. It will be interesting to see Brett adapts to Poland's style or if Poland is forced to adapt to Brett's style. Either way they will be a different team than last year. For Poland only making the final would be under-achieving, only making the semi would be a catastrophe. 

Team Preview Germany - Kirk Evans

Best win? Worst loss? For your team in history of the tournament.

Best Win - Haven't had our best win yet, it will come this year in the finals.
Worst loss - Anytime we've lost too Laos in the quarters.

Tranfers. Who's in? Who's out?

In- Josh Forsberg, Kent Mcdonald, Nick Hipp, Karl Hanna
Out- Dallas Patzer, Elliot Debolt, Tyler Szekely, Brad Felber, Pat Ince

Who is your most important player? 
We do not have a player who we consider our most important. Every player is important in the role they play.

What are you team's strengths?

Team is based as a whole and do not rely on a single player to win us games. Strong goaltender with great distribution. A plethora of attacking players who are scoring threats every time they touch the ball.

If you could have one player from any other team who would it be? Why?

Benno Looft. He's pure German and who wouldn't want Benno to anchor their team at the back?

Realistically where do you expect to finish?

Not reaching the semi finals would be considered under-achieving.

Who would you like to see win besides your team?

Sudan

My take: Can't say I am on the same page as Kirk on many of his points. I do agree that I can't remember many big wins but I do remember a lot of losses. I am not sure that Germany has "plethora" of attacking options as I have seen many of them play this year and they are not exactly setting the league a-fire. For me reaching the semi finals would be a great achievement for Germany. I certainly see them as a Top 8 team but not a Top 4 team. Whoever finishes 2nd in this pool will likely play ROI in the next round so that will make the semis tough.

Team Preview Laos - Scotty Myrah

Alright time to stop fooling around and get to the team previews. I am trying to get all of the teams to fill out these 7 questions but don't have contact info for all the teams. It's interesting to hear from a teams perspective what they are hoping to achieve. So if you see this and want your team previewed fill out the questions and email it to me at officialblogservices@hotmail.com Thanks

Best win? Worst loss? For your team in history of the tournament.

Best Win - 2010 final vs ROI. Good back and forth game that ultimately ended 3-2 in a shootout giving us our first championship.
Worst Loss - 2009 Quarterfinal  vs ES. lost 2-1 via shootout but for anyone watching the game we were completely outplayed. Mention to ROI for toying with us last year in the final.

Tranfers. Who's in? Who's out?

In- Josh Northey, Math Leung, Zach Robert-Winters
Out- None

Who is your most important player? 
Arguably Northey cause missing him last year was a factor, but ultimately Evan Campbell. Has kept us in tons of big games and is a top keeper in the tournament.

What are you team's strengths?

Pace and high energy, we use it to our advantage to attack the wings. Having Boun and Northey out there definitely puts teams on their heels and opens things up all over the field.

If you could have one player from any other team who would it be? Why?

Jay Tomchuk. Our only real struggle is up front and having the best striker in the tournament would for sure put us over the top.

Realistically where do you expect to finish?

Top 4

Who would you like to see win besides your team?

An underdog for sure. Someone new to the playoffs. Us, ROI, Poland and ES are obvious favorites for the Top 4, so if we fell out it would be nice to have a less recognized team have some success.


My Take: Scotty pretty much nailed most of the points here. I would say Northey is probably their most important player as we all saw what happened to Laos last year without him. The two areas that Laos lacks a bit is there depth and size. Could use a bit more at certain position as it is a very fast game and players could use a rest. They are also a team that is going to get bullied a bit because of their physical stature as we saw last year against Greece. Top 4 for Laos seems very realistic and winning it all is not at all out of the question. Should be another strong year for Laos.

5 Things I'd Like To See Happen At WCP - Polish Playboy

1. Julio Get Embarrassed - As Julio has become more of a central figure on the blogs, and more people started to read them, controversy has swirled like a hurricane. Some love him, some hate him. The latter are probably dying to get a piece of him on the field. personally, I've come to have a funny respect for my favorite new character from Jersey Shore, but despite this respect I would love to put up a challenge to provide some incentive to take Julio on one v one whenever you get near him. If anyone can meg this tool and score I'll buy them a team pitcher. Has to be same play, if you just meg him I will buy you a schooner. Make him fall on his butt and watch out..... we might have a hole in the field.

2. Creative And Fun Celebrations - The 1st year of this tournament was in the old facility. Mike scored a goal against ES and jumped on the boards in front of the ES fans with his arms spread as if he were on the bow of the Titantic. This really got them going and they started cheering louder and louder and eventually pushed ES to the win. It doesn't seem like people remember or even know that there are no cards given for excessive celebrations, as long as they are neither vulgar nor disrespectful.

3. A New Flavor In The Final - Someone finally take out Ireland before they reach their 7th final in a row. Enough said.

4.Less Whining At And About The Refs - Every team is guilty of this, and granted that in the heat of the moment emotions prevail over cool heads but the relentless abuse some of these officials get is ridiculous. We're all grown men, act like it for the love of god. Crying about the calls after the fact won't change the refs mind and it makes you look foolish. I'm definitely a repeat offender in this category but I'm working on it. On the other hand, I do hope they assign the important playoff games to the experienced refs because some of these guys just can't handle the pressure and will lose control and blow matches.

5. Extra Point - Julio has purchased tap shoes and will now be barraging opponents with exaggerated leg lifts. He will be relentless in his pursuit of being the prettiest on the field. What would happen if ES got jerseys without collars? I think it's best we not even put those worrisome thoughts in that thick head of his!