Top 5 Defenders

Though I have received much criticism for my extremely "biased" topics I have decided to plow forward anyway:

1) Jarvis Hughybaert (Canada) - Great in the air and a very strong attacker. He will run all day and if he ever gets beat he has a great recovery. He will get forward and can shoot with both his left and right foot so he will chip in with more than his fair share of goals.

2) Benno Looft (France) -  Benno is the best defender in the air and the best at bringing the ball out of the back. If you have Benno in your team you can play a 2 defender system and that is a huge help. Also when Benno gets stuck in you know it.

3) Stephen Patterson (ROI) - The best 1 on 1 defender in the tournament in my mind. So quick and strong. He can muscle the strong players and stay with the agile players. Another guy who is great going forward too.

4) #2 on Sudan (Sudan) - Sorry I don't have your name but you are a beast. He wears a weight vest to train and warm up. A WEIGHT VEST. If I wore a weight vest I would be way way slower Banerjee and Troy. Anyway he is massive at the back especially aerially and was a large part of Sudan's success.

5) Troy Lydiate (Jamaica) - You wanted him so here he is. Troy has pace to burn so obviously he has great recovery ability. He can also get forward and has very a strong shot on him. Troy will need to play as well as ever if he is going to carry Jamaica to to the promised land.

David's Picks

1)Stephen Patterson(ROI) - SPat is solid 1vs1 and is one of the toughest guys to get past, he is fast and also dangerous going forward.

2)Benno Looft (France) - Benno is a monster! Tough as nails and solid in the air. Benno can also shoot from anywhere over half and has scored his share of screamers.

3)Laos guy with hard shot - Name please? I think number 5? But I think this guy is underrated. He has scored some of the most clutch/best goals the tournament has seen. He is solid defensively and possesses the hardest shot in the tournament. Deadly from free kicks.

4) Spencer Veikle (ES) - Another guy that is underrated. Heart of the ES defence. Spencer is a big guy and uses it well. He wins balls in the air and doesn't give the opposition time on the ball.

5)Abu (Nigeria) - Abu is speed, strength and wild tackles! Abu commits to every tackle he gets into but he usually comes out on top. He also can shoot which is dangerous in this tournament.

Top 5 Keepers

1. Evan Campbell  (Laos) - I still think when Evan actually puts forth an effort he is the best keeper in the tournament. He has the size and hands to effectively deal with the thousands of crosses there are per game. So what if he doesn't try every game he plays on Laos so he doesn't need too. 

2. Michal Bandula (Poland) - Probably the best shot stopper in the tournament. Michal has great reflexes and knows how to command his back line. If Poland want to go anywhere this year they will have to rely heavily on him.

3. Jonah Gardiokitis (Jamaica) - Jonah is another great shot stopper. Doesn't have the height that Evan has but has great awareness and plays his angles really well. If Michal is important to Poland Jonah is 10 times as important to Jamaica.

4. Jordan Peto (France) - Peto has some big shoes to fill taking over for Tristan but is more than capable. Played really well in the RSA tournament, stopping a penalty in the final. Can have some ups and downs but is generally quite strong.

5. Noor Mitri (Sudan) - I had a hard time remembering what team Noor was on as I think he has played on half of them but I eventually figured it out. I know some people will disagree with this pick but Noor flat out stood on his head last year. You can't argue with results.


David's Picks


1. Michal Bandula (Poland) - Best shot stopper in the province. Also has unreal reflexes. Michal is the key to Polands success and with him in goal I think there chances are good.

2. JD Blakely (Canada) - JD is back in town and after playing the high levels he has it is impossible to leave him off this list. All around skilled goalie.

3. Evan Campbell (Laos) - Evan is a beast. Although my list isnt in any certain order I think the WCP suits Evan more then the other goalies as he is a monster in the air so crosses and long balls into the box he can eat up.

4. Jonah Gardiokitis - Jonah is another goalie who is all around strong. I think Jamaica will be relying on Jonah to win some games for them.

5.Mark Diakiw - Rumor has it Mark maybe picking up the 2nd highest salary at WCP! (Chico obviously highest!). Afghan have offered him a rumored $400 to come play with them. Not sure if he has accepted or not but if he decides to play then he will be on the list.

Power Rankings

1 - France - I am sure I will draw criticism for this but they look the in form team to beat. They won the RSA Men's tournament over a strong Winnipeg side and have also added Benno to their team. They will be tough to beat.

2 - Laos - Laos are the same old Laos, always a contender and probably bound to finish 1st or 2nd. Play together really well as a team and use their quickness to exploit match ups.

3 - Canada - Finished 3rd last year so of course that is where I have them ranked. Last year I didn't really think they were a serious contender to win the whole thing but I think that changes this year. Look for them to upset someone big.
 
4 - Sudan - Sudan revolutionized the tournament with their "ping it long strategy" and I imagine they will continue to use it. However I just think a lot of stars aligned in order for them to win. A few breaks here and there as well as some spectacular goal keeping. I am not sure they can keep that up.

5 - ROI - Suffered some significant hits this year but are always among the best at recruiting. Expect them to field one very strong lineup with some fill ins to give them breathers. Would be much stronger if they found a keeper or Alfie pulled the trigger and cut his son.

6 - Poland - I would have Poland higher if I was certain Jay would be fully recovered and if they could figure out how to use him. Also waiting to find out if Brett Levis makes the smart decision and skips these games before skipping town.

7 - Nigeria - Played Nigeria recently and must say I was fairly surprised. They are still a very fast team but they look to have added some skill. If they can put it all together consistently look for them to make a run.

8 - El Salvador - Yes I have heard of the big 3 of Rolfe, Jerson and Cesar but I think of them more as the little 3. Let's face it this tournament is not built for the smaller guys. It's ugly. It's about pushing and heading and taking your chances. I can't see them getting out of their group.

9 - Germany - Germany are always better than people anticipate. They may not have the star power that some other teams but they are at least solid everywhere. there is a good chance they make it out of their group.

10 - Colombia - As I have said before Colombia are my sleeper team. They seem to just be able to keep hanging around and hanging around and when a bounce goes their way they are able to capitalize. Not sure how they do it.
  
11 - Afghanistan - Afghanistan were already a really decent team this year and now they have done some recruiting to try and take their team to another level. Not sure they will make it out of their group but I can guarantee Soheil coaches the hell out of them.

12 - Jamaica - Yes Jamaica has made additions but I am not sure it will be enough. There is not much depth and there is little to know defending as a unit or at all for that matter. Will need to score a lot in order to get out of their group.

13 - Hungary - Played against Hungary and was not overly impressed but I have heard they are bringing in a few university players. I trust that rumor and this ranking reflects that.

14 - Norway - Norway continues to be the same team they have been since 2007. Though I can appreciate that sort of ability it might be time for an update. They still have some soccer players though and could cause some upsets.

15 - Italy - Surprised a few last year with some strong results but they always seem to get into a tough group. Don't expect them to make it out this year.

16 - Greece - Greece have some real quality players but they are another teamwho's failures can be attributed to their loyalty for heritage oplayers. Some of them just don't make the grade. I do absolutely love watching Greece games though so I am hoping they do better than this.

17 - Serbia - Until Serbia finds away to bring in their Winnipeg players this is where they will sit. They have some great players (ie. Darko) and that will allow them to score some goals but I am very worried about their goalkeeping situation. Not sure they have one as of now so that could mean trouble. 

18 - Northern Ireland - I think I somehow managed to watch 10 minutes of one of their games in the RSA tournament and it was not pretty. There was a lot of work put in but very little quality substance came out.

19 - Portugal - Another team I have played against and I can't help but be worried for them. If you lose 6-1 to Jamaica I think you are in for a tough go. Many of the same faces we have all seen before. They won't get out of their group.

20 - Scotland - The only people who think Scotland have a chance of doing well are the Scotland players and I have no idea why. They haven't submitted a team that has even bordered on mediocrity in years and I don't know why this year would be any different. At least they are getting younger.

21 - Somalia - It seems that some of Somalia's players have moved over to Djibouti which may be the best thing that could happen to their team. Based on previous years results I do not have a lot of faith in them.

22 - Djibouti - Here is what I know about Djibouti. 1) They are not anywhere close to a contender. 2)They tackle studs up and then they get really angry when you retaliate. 3)They are coming for me.

23 - South Korea - Last year they were bad. I mean really bad. I haven't seen them play at all this year but I am hoping for more. Step it up.

10 Terribly Irritating Things About the WCP Cup

1. The seating - This is the perhaps the most obvious one. It is awful having to watch from behind the nets or worse standing watching over someones shoulder up top. We have tried to think of ideas such as having bleachers on the far side but haven't come up with any perfect solutions. Any suggestions?

2. Chile Chants - CHI CHI CHI LE LE LE! Ugghhh...... Let me know when its over. 

3. Players Who Have No Idea What They Are Doing - If you have played any reasonable level of soccer you know exactly who these guys are. They are the ones who tackle you, studs up, at your knees while you don't even have the ball and it's half time. Then they have no idea that they have even done anything wrong. See Djibouti.

4. Crap Days - Maybe it is just because I have to go watch on pretty much every day but the days that have a U16 Girls Game followed by a bad Women's Game all topped off with 2 terrible Mens games are hard to sit through. Don't be surprised if my recaps are very vague.

5. People Taking It Too Seriously - Then there are the players who think that if they made the semi final of the tournament that they are one of the greatest players to have ever lived. If winning a WCP Cup is the greatest achievement on your soccer resume...... it's probably not much of a resume.

6. Polska Chant - Another frustratingly uninventive chant. If Polska had only had one more syllable in it this chant would be obsolete. Let's step up the creativity people.

7. Pretending To Follow Rules - I know this is supposed to be a heritage tournament but what the heck is the point if we are going to make so many exceptions that a quarter of the teams probably don't qualify under the heritage rules. Let's just do away them then.

8. Kick Ins - I know I complain about this all the time but it just annoys me so much. Now Sudan has taken it to the extreme and the result is a game that hardly recognize anymore. We've taken soccer and americanized the heck out of it. Next year a 3 point line.

9. Youth Teams Keeping Their Change Rooms - Remember when the top 4 Mens teams used to get to keep their dressing rooms? Why doesn't that happen anymore? Because the winning youth teams get to keep a dressing room now. Why in the world does a youth team need to keep a dressing room? They take all their stuff home with them (well their parents do) and I am sure they are not ever going in it when there are not playing. What's the point?

10. Seeing Random People - Once a year for 3 weeks I am awkwardly forced to talk to a bunch of people I would never talk to otherwise. Its like a high school reunion, if I wanted to talk to you I would have probably stayed in touch.

Power Rankings - David Brown Edition

1) Laos -  Laos are always finishing within the top 4. They are a strong team with a lot of depth. Without losing anyone from the core of the team and adding Chico I believe they have a team to win the tournament. Key Player - Chico

2) France - France are solid and are expected to win every year. For France to win the WCP this year they are going have to find a way to win the big games. This is what their trouble has been in the past. Key Player - Brett Bachelu

3) Canada - Canada are always strong defensively and work incredibly hard as a team. They have added quality in net which could be the last piece needed to bring them home the title. Key Player - Jarvis

4) Poland - Poland have some strong players but I don't think they use them correctly, Ex: Jay played wing for them last year.  He is the best striker in the tournament. For Poland to win the tournament they are going to need Brett Levis to be available for all of playoffs(which I believe he isn't). So therefore I feel they will fall short. Key Player - Michal Bandula

5) Sudan - Last years champs, but from what I've heard some of the players have moved to different teams. I feel that teams will just pack the box and counter attack them since they play very direct long balls into the box. Key Player- Tong Tong

6) ROI - ROI are always strong, if they have recruited a goalie then they may even challenge for the title. Although ROI lost a few players that gives a few guys more playing time and they are more then capable of filling in the spots. Key Player - Nathan Reis

7) Afghanistan - They have a good core, but there depth is why I don't have them as a top 4 team. Young and skilled they should have enough to make it out of a tough group. Key Player - Josip Coric

8) ES - ES had a weak tournament for there standards last year. I feel they will bounce back to a top 8 team this year. They have some very good players with great technique. I just don't think they have the physical presence it takes compete with the other top teams. Key Player- Cesar Santamaria

9) Nigeria - I could rank Nigeria any where from 5th to 15th. You never know what Nigeria side is going to show up. They are capable of beating the best of teams but then they go and lose games they shouldn't. The Ntignee brother's are the head of there attack and are very good I just don't know how many games they will make. Key Player - Abu

10) Jamaica - Placed in the group of death I just don't see Jamaica having the depth or players to make it through the group. Key Player - Mike Collins

11) Germany - Also in the group of death the Germans will find it tough to advance. With the loss of the Patterson's I feel Germany took a massive hit. Key Player - Duncan Mcdougall

 12) Serbia - Serbia are a middle of the pack team and I don't see that changing too much. They have a couple young players and an decent midfield. They will maybe make it through to the quarters only because they are in such a weak pool. The game vs. Colombia should decide that. Key Player - Darko

13) Colombia - Colombia are a team that are always there. They have upset some of the top teams but then failed to beat weak teams. The game vs. Serbia is going to be a good one to see who clinches the 2nd playoff spot in the group. Key Player - Paco

14) Norway - Reached their peak in 200? whenever they won. Living in the past and not improving their team. Key Player - Braden Husdal

15) Greece - The Greeks may be one of the most physical teams in the tournament, sadly that doesn't turn into wins for them. They had a good run 2 years ago when they lost a close game to Laos but i feel that was just a one time thing. Key Player - George

16) Italy - I have never played against or seen too much of Italy so I can only assume they will be the same as previous years.

17) Portugal - Portugal seem to have been on the decline in the past few years with their better players leaving to go chase the WCP dream with other countries.

18) Hungary - A new team that I have never seen play, nor do I really know anything about them.

19) Northern Ireland - Based on past WCP I have to assume they will be roughly the same.

20) Scotland - From what I've heard they are young and still searching for their first win in how many years?

21) Somalia - Poor last year and expect the same this year.

22) Djibouti - New team that haven't shown they will manage to compete (based on exhibition games)

23) South Korea - Based on last years tournament, props on them for sticking around and I hope they have made some improvements. They are in the group of death and I think it will not be fun for them.

*** I know I didnt add key players for everyone but thats just because I am not familiar enough with those teams. That is also the reason why some teams didnt get a very long write up.

10 Bold Predictions (Nathan Reis Edition)

*Keep in mind, these are not necessarily things I strongly believe should or will happen, but are more like longshots that I think could happen, specifically ahead of other longshots.

1) Golden Boot: While the smartest money in the tournament may be on Brown to take home the Golden Boot honours, I’ll take the field here. I like Josip to spearhead the attack for Afghanistan and score 14 goals to Brown’s 12. There’s no way Dave gets 23 or 25 or however many he scored in 2011 with this somewhat makeshift Jamaican team, compared to the powerhouse that was ROI in ’11.

2) Neither Tomchuk nor Levis play a minute for Poland. Michal stands on his head. Poland is eliminated in group. 

3) ROI also bow out in group, largely in part because they, well, don’t have a keeper.

4) France and ES advance from Group A, leaving last year’s champion Sudan disgruntled and eliminated. Next year, Tong Tong pairs up with Brown to make a formidable striking tandem on Jamaica and the two bag 30 goals between them.

5) Collins has a beer with Dwayne.

6) Darko and Paco decide to settle their blog-related differences by going mano-a-mano in a rye shot contest. Four minutes later they embrace one another and admit they are both incredible.

7) People don’t hate this column (boldest prediction of the lot).

8) Lee Mooney’s dad cuts him to make room for Riggs on the ROI roster. Bold prediction or insider information? We’ll see.

9) Quarter-final teams are as follows: France, Es, Laos, Afghanistan, Canada, Norway, Serbia, and Columbia. Semi-final teams are as follows: France, Laos, Canada, Serbia. And that leaves us with…

10) The Final: Laos takes on France in a matchup for the ages. Laos proves too much to handle with the addition of Chico, and come out on top, 4-2.

MVP: Chico anchors the Laotian holding midfield position, stays at home, doesn’t make too many solo runs leaving him out of position, and leads Laos back to the Promised Land. He picks up the MVP award in the process, and kisses the Laotian crest on his jersey, as he accepts the plaque.

10 Bold Predictions

1. New Champ - It is extremely hard to repeat in this tournament as you tend to get everyone's best shot. On top of that I feel Sudan was a bit of a "wild cat" situation where teams will learn how to play against their style and effectively counter it.

2. Sudan Don't Make The Semis - Like I just said I think teams will adapt to Sudan's unique style of play and they will look more beatable. Not helping their cause is they will likely have to play Poland or Canada in the quarters. That's tough.

3. David Brown Doesn't Lead The Tournament In Goal Scoring - Sure he would be an easy pick as he has scored more goals than anyone likely will ever but Jamaica is in a tough pool. He will not get much service either so that won't help. Have to believe Nathan Reis is a front runner again as the teams that ROI plays will be terrible

4. Dwayne Switches Teams Twice More - On roster submission deadline day Dwayne moves to Germany who promise him 10 beer, increased from the 6 ROI promised him, and says they don't care if he can only make one game. However upon joining Germany he gets another call 2 minutes before the deadline close, from France saying they will give him a 24 and that they would actually prefer he not come at all. A deal to sweet for Dwayne to pass up. C'est la vie!

5. Opening Ceremonies Last Under An Hour - The snooze-tastic opening ceremonies will hopefully be dramatically decreased time wise this year. It just depends if some self indulged person decides to go rogue on the mic. Keep it short speakers!

6. Jamaica Keeps A Clean Sheet - Now this is a bold prediction. Anyone who caught some of the Jamaica/Nigeria game saw that Jamaica can't defend any where on the pitch. If this some how occurs it will be because of Jonah or a forfeiture.

7. Scotland Win A Game - Yep you read that right. When was the last time that happened? I think their group is just weak enough that it will happen this year. Finally something for kilt dude to cheer about!

8. Colombia Beat ROI - I am playing a hunch here but I watched Colombia play and they are just that team that hangs around and hangs around and then all of a sudden your behind. With ROI not have a keeper that could be a problem. Also I could see Paco having a sudden growth spurt adding an extra 24 inches and from then on being known as Paco Paco.

9. France's Winnipeg Players Are No Shows - Every year we here how these Winnipeg guys are coming down for the tournament, usually to play for Serbia, and ever year they don't come. Though France probably has more appealing pull but I still think they won't be coming.

10. Nigeria Beat Poland - I am telling you Poland is going to have trouble scoring goals this year as we saw in the RSA Mens tournament. Combine that with the fact that Nigeria is a lot better than many give them credit for. This is my upset special. 

Julio's Last Words

Hard to believe the time has come, but Julio has asked me to post this for him. Just a heads up it is a long post! - DB

Up To The Minute With Julio
To start off my first and only conversation of this WCP, against popular belief I have not posted on this site to date. Obviously there are many out there that can only dream of being Julio, and their best approach to fulfilling that fantasy is by pretending to be me. To each their own, and I guess after years of being a celebrity of these blogs... I shouldn't expect anything less. This is my thread and I will only reply to this thread. Oh how I can't wait to hear the same anonymous bashers say the same things over and over and over. I wasn't going to make any posts, but I decided to make a brief appearance..... seeing as soo many people think they know me, might as well give them something to complain about. (Jesse... like who are you? Obsessed much? All good I'll give you an autograph just bring a custom made Julio Tee. Sorry I started this post just a tad bit differently for you)

After reading some of the posts on the blogs, I decided to do some digging to bring everyone the latest and greatest of the news surrounding the tournament.

1. Weight Gain
Unlike many of the soccer players present in this tournament, David Brown and I have both gained a ridiculous amount of weight over the past 12 month. The weight gain can't really be attributed to anything such as knee injuries requiring surgeries; rather than our desire to just get old and fat. Apparently on these blogs everyone else is in tip-top shape that I would really like to know how they manage to do it. The only other person that can't seem to get to the proper level of fitness for this prestigious event seems to be Mike Collins as he drinks 2.5L of vodka daily to replenish his liquids lost.

2. Scouts & Professional Contracts
Obviously because only the finest players in the world are developed in Regina, scouts from all over the world have already bought season tickets to the event. Rumor has it that all the big names are out looking for the next Ronaldo and a few players have attracted some serious interest. Baffling to myself and maybe everyone else as well, Chico did not get a lucrative 7 figure deal after last year's tournament, that my only guess is that he is holding out for an 8 figure contract from one of the world's top clubs. Rumors are swirling that scouts from the newly formed women's professional league will be in attendance, which have many believing that the perennial all-star and MVP candidate Paco may finally get the spotlight he greatly craves and desires.

3. Golden Boot & MVP No surprise here people, but one player has won all the major awards this year even before the event started. Darko was named top goal keeper, MVP, and the recipient of the coveted golden boot earlier today. Rumors are swirling that because Darko is the first player to win the WCP trifector a monumental statue will be placed at the entrance of the soccer center. The statue will depict Darko as he roasts Paco before he scores the tournament winning goal in this year's final. Yes you heard it here first, Colombia and Serbia will make the finals and Darko will be the hero.

4. Manager of the Tournament
Soheil Summers was expected to be a shoe in for this award. After creating another elaborate 10,000 formations and an additional 800 set pieces, the self appointed "yoda of futbol" has stepped down as manager of his respective club. Recent reports indicate that Soheil has accepted a position as Chico's hype man and agent, as a big pay day is looming in the wings. With no manager remotely close to Soheil's quality, the only other recipient who is worth recognition is Kirk Evans. Rumors from the German camp are that Kirk has started developing the new wave of top talents by teaching them all the skills he knows.

(Oh Kirk here is a clip of me teaching kids how to slide tackle kids from behind and dive; thought I'd share it with you. https://www.facebook.com/austin.boryski/posts/452588311477035?notif_t=story_reshare)

5.Tournament All-Star Team
With the WCP tournament being widely regarding as the mecca for soccer, it is rumored that not even Messi would be able to crack the tournament all-star team. The talent pool is deep and even the world's best are making an effort to make the journey to Regina for this tournament, but time will tell how many will actually be picked up by their respective nations. The following are my predictions for the Tournament's starting 9:

1.Flavio Bravo (GK): Lest we not forget that Flavio is still the recipient of custom made gloves by the Greek god Vulcan himself.
2.Scotty Myrah (D): No one runs harder than this guy can, I am pretty sure he covers the whole field in one sprint. Endless working and never out of position because the whole field is what he can cover. I know that every time he touches the ball he will beat you with sheer speed!
3.Darko (RB, LB, CM, RW, ST, LW): Darko is so good he can play up to 7 positions at once. A threat to score from anywhere at anytime there shouldn't be a doubt in anyone's mind on why Darko managed to capture the coveted trifector.
4.Paco (ST) Arguably not only the toughest player, but the self proclaimed best player to ever set foot in the province of Saskatchewan, Paco is known to bring fear to everyone around him by his posts of intimidation and disregard for others. Don't you dare cross the tiny little demon in case you fear taking a swift kick to the back of the leg.
5.Kirk Evans (BW): One of a kind talent. When I first saw Kirk play I really thought it was the first time he touched a soccer ball, but little did I know. Kirk is technically savvy and a magician with the ball... somehow every time he touches the ball its seems to disappear and end up in his own net.
6. Free Agents
I am not sure if this guy is a quality player or not, but from reading some of the post he is a bad player but nonetheless, Brett Levis is currently on the free agent market. Rumors are swirling that he isn't up to the quality that is needed for this tournament, that no team wants to waste a roster spot on him. To console the aspiring player, Chico has sent him a signed pair of Chicolicious briefs, while the great Darko sent Brett a text merely saying "Head up champ, not everyone can be as good as Darko." What is remarkable about this story is that the level of talent is so deep this year, that players like Levis will be forced to be on the outside looking in.

Blogging Etiquette

From some of the ridiculous comments I have seen I thought I would remind everyone about what this blog is about. We are here to discuss the good the bad and the ugly about the WCP Cup. Yes, as paying customers I feel you are entitled to have your opinions heard. However, remember there is no need to personally attack people for things that happen off the field. Criticize soccer abilities all you want but try and use acceptable language as this is a public forum. Use your big boy words....  Smarten up some of you!

Top 10 Players

Note: I am only using players who are playing in the tournament this year for sure so there are some obvious omissions.

This is in no particular order. Just randomly listing them. Here we go.

1. David Brown (Jamaica) - Has scored more goals than anyone else in WCP history and its not even close. Pretty much impossible to leave him off the list.

2. Evan Campbell (Laos) - You don't always get the best effort out of Evan but when you do he is a fantastic keeper. Has helped Laos win many games. I feel that Evan, when on his game is the best keeper in the tournament.

3. Danny Marchinko (France) - Danny is a great indoor player. Yeah, he tends to get under your skin but he also possesses a fearsome shot and more importantly the ability to create that one yard in order to get that shot off. Look for him to score a lot of goals.

4. Kevin Holness (Jamaica) - Still just the man. Maybe he is not as mobile as he once was but he can hold the ball up in this tournament as well as anyone. Easiest guy to play with.

5. Stephen Patterson (ROI) - Another extremely versatile player. What make S Pat so effective is that he can play against those quicker wingers while still having the size to muscle them. He can also get forward just about as well as he can defend.

6. Jarvis Hughybaert (Canada) - I hate playing against Jarvis. He manages to defend so tight that it is essentially impossible to turn. Can run all day and can shoot with both feet. That is a very dangerous ability in this tournament.

7. Kevin Murphy (France) -  Has been in fine form recently, tearing it up for both club and country. Yeah he is another guy who who tends to bother people but you know what? Get over it.

8. Brett Bachelu (France) - Has finally recovered from his knee injury he suffered in WCP two years ago and is starting to show his form again. Great at holding up the ball and never tries to do to much. A really selfless player.

9. Paco Brown (Colombia) - Arguably no team is more reliant on one player than Colombia on Paco. Has to play both offense and defense. Scores many of their goals and puts in a seemingly endless amount of work. Colombia would be screwed without him.

10. Darko (Serbia) - Of course this list would not be complete without my boy Darko. Scores a large amount of goals, including one beauty the other night, despite playing essentially by himself. Loves to score goals and then have people acknowledge his goals. A true narcissist.

Top Goal Scorers (Darko Hardi And His Ego Edition)

Here are my golden boot predictions:

1. Darko: I have scored plenty of goals in past tournaments and I always go unrecognized. Placed in a weaker pool this year, I have no doubts that Serbia will pass and I shall have more games to show my finishing around the net.

2. Josip: We Euro's have a natural skill for scoring, and Josip is just a step behind me and will make things interesting for the golden boot!

3. David Brown: David gave me a call out in a previous post, so I have to return the favor.

4. Riggs: I saw him in the Saskatoon World Cup and he was a goal scoring machine, but I am still better.

In case the trophy needs to be engraved it is Darko Hardi, #9 Team Serbia. Please spell it right.

David's Prediction:

1. Nate: I think Nate will be able to score lots in a weak group. Nate is a great finisher and with some weak teams in his pool I hope he takes it to his advantage. You can never score too much/win by too many!

2. France: I say France because I am not sure who will lead there scoring. I will assume it will be either Bachelu or Murphy. Both guys can find the net so it really could be either of them.

3. Tavis: Usually Canada's main threat and I see Canada making at least semi's this year, this will give Tavis plenty of time to find the net.

4. Tomchuk: Tomchuk coming off a surgery but he thinks he'll be ready in time! I believe Poland will realise this year Jay is a striker, therefore leading to many goals for the big guy!

5. Josip: From what I know really the only guy on Afghanistan that can score. Consistently finds the net here in Saskatoon and is one of the best finishers in the province.

Honorable mentions: 
Brett Levis- Left him off my list because he wont make all the games and also being the best player in the province he will be closely watched in the games he does come too.

Mike Collins- Proven finisher, great in the air and also deadly from freekicks.

Tong Tong- I think Sudan's style of play will now be picked up on so it will be tougher for him to score.

Top 10 Players Scotty Myrah Edition

Format this year will be for someone besides myself to make a list on a chosen subject and I will then make a list of my own for the next day. So has requested here are the top 10 players according to Scotty.

1. Michel Bandula (Poland): We saw Poland fall off a tad last year but the consistency in net kept them in contention and will do so again this year. Poland has a strong D and Michel should be able to anchor them into far into the playoffs. He is the top goalie in the tournament.

2. Mike Collins (Jamaica): Leaves Ireland after much glory and should provide stability to a relatively weak Jamaica midfield. Deadly on free kicks mike will be relied on if Jamaica has a shot of going far this year.

3. Jay Tomchuk (Poland): injuries and coaching (who plays the best striker in the tournament on the wing?) held jay back last year, but he should be firing on all cylinders once after healing from surgery. Rumor has it he is only to play in playoffs so who ever team Poland crosses with in the quarters watch out.

4. Chico Farahani (Laos): one half of what made Afghanistan a contender last year, chico moves to Laos and should instantly strengthen the midfield. He can shoot from anywhere and can be dominant off set pieces. Interesting to see how he will gel once tournament rolls around

5. Jarvis Hughybaert (Canada): Canada is known for its strong defensive play and that’s thanks to Jarvis. He is a top defender in the tournament that has the ability to push forward and score goals in the run of play, as well as set pieces. If he can keep Canada in shape they should have no problem making it back to the top

6. Tong Tong (Sudan): No one really knows what Sudan team will show up, but if a repeat championship is possible they need Tong Tong to show up. Arguably the MVP of last year’s tournament, he is probably the best player in the air in the entire tournament and thrives on Sudan’s ability to turn any dead ball into a goal. All I can say is have fun watching him jump over your defenders.

7. Josip Coric (Afghanistan): The other half of Afghanistan’s talent that made them competitive. Losing Chico will hurt his ability to get the ball, but the addition of Mitch Bauche and Bobbi

Nicholat should ease the pain. He showed last year his prowess anywhere over half whether it be in the run of play or set pieces. Afghanistan’s only hope is that he scores a lot of goals, and he is definitely capable of doing just that.

8. Tavis Workman (Canada): Jarvis is the heart of Canada, but Canada has had success because of Tavis. He is no doubt the best attacking option Canada has and has proved this by scoring goals in the past. He has quick feet and an even quicker release of the ball. Defenders hate playing against him (myself included). Canada will rely on him to be the ‘workman’ up front.

9. Dwayne Gareau (ROI): You could argue Dwayne and Jarvis are pretty equal in defensive ability. Dwayne also moves to Jamaica this year and will instantly make the back line better (did anyone else see Nigeria thump Jamaica’s defenders?). As long as Jamaica is scoring and Dwayne plays major minutes in the back Jamaica should finally (how long has it been?) get through the playoffs.

10. Cesar Santamaria (ES): El Salvador always seems to be in the mix but hasn`t made it past the quarters for a couple years. Having an established and dominant midfielder in Cesar should help them make a push for more glory. Along with Rolfe and Jerson (and apparently the McDougall`s?) ES should feel as competitive as ever.

**I left off Brett Levis because he is still undecided whether or not he will play but obviously would be on this list. I didn’t rank anyone specifically because I think all these players are valuable to their respected teams. This is just MY opinion so don`t take too much through it just a starting point for everyone to rant. There are a lot of good players in this tournament so if you have more names throw them a shout out.