We are previewing the eight Draft World Cup groups ahead of the finals starting on the 14th of June. This is the draw:
Today, we are looking at Group B, featuring Spain and South Africa, who both made the last 16 in last year's edition, alongside new faces Colombia and Trinidad & Tobago.
Spain
Last year: Second Round
The squad value limits of £200m (qualifying) and £250m (finals) tripped Spain up. In both cases they went all-out with big names – notably Messi and Ronaldo in the finals – at the expense of squad balance, and failed to impress. In qualifying they were severely embarrassed by being pipped to top spot by Central Africa. In the group stage they lost early on to Bulgaria, but recovered well to beat Germany (who of course went on to win the tournament). They got through to the second round but were frustrated by a stubborn Greece side, succumbing 1-0 in the end.
This year: 1st in European Qualification Group B
With no squad value limit, this is a wildly different Spanish side to the one before it. In fact, they crush all opponents and appeared set to claim a perfect record in qualifying until a late Serbian equaliser held Spain to a draw in the final match.
The squad value limits of £200m (qualifying) and £250m (finals) tripped Spain up. In both cases they went all-out with big names – notably Messi and Ronaldo in the finals – at the expense of squad balance, and failed to impress. In qualifying they were severely embarrassed by being pipped to top spot by Central Africa. In the group stage they lost early on to Bulgaria, but recovered well to beat Germany (who of course went on to win the tournament). They got through to the second round but were frustrated by a stubborn Greece side, succumbing 1-0 in the end.
This year: 1st in European Qualification Group B
With no squad value limit, this is a wildly different Spanish side to the one before it. In fact, they crush all opponents and appeared set to claim a perfect record in qualifying until a late Serbian equaliser held Spain to a draw in the final match.
Tiki-taka, of course. Ronaldo will play on the left with Luis Suarez up front, but should the Uruguayan falter then Ronaldo is the obvious candidate to lead the line, with plenty of stars able to come in. Gerard Pique will have to be sharp to cover for Marcelo, who may struggle to marry his defensive duties to his attacking remit.
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GK: Navas, Oblak, ter Stegen
DF: Alba, Carvajal, Godin, Marcelo, Pique, Ramos, Varane
MD: Bale, Busquets, Coutinho, Iniesta, Isco, James, Kroos, Modric, Roberto
FW: Griezmann, Messi, Ronaldo, Suarez
Key: Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, Real Madrid
DF: Alba, Carvajal, Godin, Marcelo, Pique, Ramos, Varane
MD: Bale, Busquets, Coutinho, Iniesta, Isco, James, Kroos, Modric, Roberto
FW: Griezmann, Messi, Ronaldo, Suarez
Key: Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, Real Madrid
South Africa
World ranking: 16th
Manager: Bokamoso South Africa Captain: Itumeleng Khune Star player: Percy Tau – the winger has some serious pace, and at 23 years of age will be going into the tournament with the fearlessness of youth. In fact, he is reminiscent of a younger Siphiwe Tshabalala, who will be lining up on the opposite flank. |
Last year: Second Round
South Africa did very well to pip Turkey to second place and qualify behind Argentina. Once there they appeared to have drawn a nasty group. However, two victories over Belgium and Norway saw South Africa breeze through with a game to spare. Failing to beat Greece in the final group match saw them draw Germany in the second round. Once again, South Africa upset the odds, taking their opponents to extra time, where they finally fell to an Arturo Vidal volley.
This year: 1st in African 3rd-round Qualifying Group D
A slow start saw South Africa draw 2-2 with Malawi in the opening leg in the second round, before a fine return performance saw them through. In the final round they easily held off the challenge of Algeria and Gabon to qualify for the finals. Going in as the top-ranked African side, it was a relief to live up to that billing.
South Africa did very well to pip Turkey to second place and qualify behind Argentina. Once there they appeared to have drawn a nasty group. However, two victories over Belgium and Norway saw South Africa breeze through with a game to spare. Failing to beat Greece in the final group match saw them draw Germany in the second round. Once again, South Africa upset the odds, taking their opponents to extra time, where they finally fell to an Arturo Vidal volley.
This year: 1st in African 3rd-round Qualifying Group D
A slow start saw South Africa draw 2-2 with Malawi in the opening leg in the second round, before a fine return performance saw them through. In the final round they easily held off the challenge of Algeria and Gabon to qualify for the finals. Going in as the top-ranked African side, it was a relief to live up to that billing.
Khune’s renowned distribution is key, as he is asked to distribute quickly and accurately to spur this side onto the counter. However, a trio of playmakers in midfield also means that South Africa will be able to control the play if required. Jeremy Brockie will hope to hold the ball up to allow Tau, Tshabalala and Khama Billiat the chance to run at opponents.
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GK: Keet, Khune, Onyango
DF: Coetzee, Hlatshwayo, Madisha, Mathoho, Matlaba, Mobara, Modiba, Mphahlele
MD: Kekana, Manyisa, Mekoa, Modise, Sirino, Tau, Tshabalala, Vilakazi, Zwane
FW: Billiat, Brockie, Ramagelela
Key: Bidvest Wits, Cape Town City, Kaizer Chiefs, Mamelodi Sundowns, Maritzburg United, Orlando Pirates, Polokwane City, SuperSport United
DF: Coetzee, Hlatshwayo, Madisha, Mathoho, Matlaba, Mobara, Modiba, Mphahlele
MD: Kekana, Manyisa, Mekoa, Modise, Sirino, Tau, Tshabalala, Vilakazi, Zwane
FW: Billiat, Brockie, Ramagelela
Key: Bidvest Wits, Cape Town City, Kaizer Chiefs, Mamelodi Sundowns, Maritzburg United, Orlando Pirates, Polokwane City, SuperSport United
Colombia
World ranking: 32nd
Manager: Diego Colombia Captain: Alexis Henriquez Star player: Teofilo Gutierrez – Teo, as he is known, has returned to Colombian football after a career that has seen him play for Cruz Azul, River Plate and Sporting Lisbon. His smart movement and sharp finishing means that Colombia should always have an attacking threat. |
Last year: 5th in Qualification Group K
Despite a second seeding for this group, Colombia were always in for a tough time given that the USA were notionally the third seeds. So it proved as the Americans and the Dutch ran away with the group. Colombia just didn’t get going, and tamely slipped away without challenging for qualification. They did score some spectacular efforts during the campaign though.
This year: 2nd in Intercontinental Play-off
Colombia set out to avenge last year’s effort with a strong start, and they led halfway into the campaign. However, things turned very sour and suddenly they couldn’t find a win from anywhere. They were lucky to see Uruguay’s late collapse preventing their elimination, but a 2-1 defeat to Chile saw them forced into the Intercontinental play-off. However, Colombia put in a strong performance from start to finish to easily qualify in second spot behind Italy.
Despite a second seeding for this group, Colombia were always in for a tough time given that the USA were notionally the third seeds. So it proved as the Americans and the Dutch ran away with the group. Colombia just didn’t get going, and tamely slipped away without challenging for qualification. They did score some spectacular efforts during the campaign though.
This year: 2nd in Intercontinental Play-off
Colombia set out to avenge last year’s effort with a strong start, and they led halfway into the campaign. However, things turned very sour and suddenly they couldn’t find a win from anywhere. They were lucky to see Uruguay’s late collapse preventing their elimination, but a 2-1 defeat to Chile saw them forced into the Intercontinental play-off. However, Colombia put in a strong performance from start to finish to easily qualify in second spot behind Italy.
GK: Monetti, Vargas, Zapata
DF: Armero, Avila, Bocanegra, Braghieri, Henriquez, Rodriguez, Tesillo, Valencia
MD: Aguilar, Balanta, Hernandez, A Perez, O Perez, Pico, Sambueza, Silva, Torres
FW: Gutierrez, Martinez Borja, Moreno
Key: America de Cali, Atletico Nacional, Deportivo Cali, Junior, Millionaros, Patriotas, Santa Fe
DF: Armero, Avila, Bocanegra, Braghieri, Henriquez, Rodriguez, Tesillo, Valencia
MD: Aguilar, Balanta, Hernandez, A Perez, O Perez, Pico, Sambueza, Silva, Torres
FW: Gutierrez, Martinez Borja, Moreno
Key: America de Cali, Atletico Nacional, Deportivo Cali, Junior, Millionaros, Patriotas, Santa Fe
Trinidad & Tobago
World ranking: 48th
Manager: Cherelle Trinidad Captain: Trent Noel Star player: Kenwyne Jones – available for Trinidad & Tobago as he is not currently at a club, he stands out with his experience. His aerial presence will give defenders a tough time, and if he hits form he may inspire his side to the odd surprise performance. |
Last year: 4th in Qualification Group E (with Caribbean)
Trinidad & Tobago were part of a very plucky Caribbean side that battled hard in a difficult group containing France and China. Caribbean missed out to Bulgaria to find themselves eliminated, although their final act saw them dramatically claim a 3-3 draw with France to deny their opponents top spot in the group.
This year: 3rd in North American 3rd-round Qualifying
In the second round Trinidad & Tobago survived in the most dramatic way possible, as a late goal from Kordell Samuel secured a 3-2 win over Guatemala in the final round of fixtures. In the third round, where the top 6 teams fought it out, Trinidad & Tobago didn’t have much hope of keeping up with USA and Mexico, but were happy enough to stay clear of the rest and qualify for the finals three matches early.
Trinidad & Tobago were part of a very plucky Caribbean side that battled hard in a difficult group containing France and China. Caribbean missed out to Bulgaria to find themselves eliminated, although their final act saw them dramatically claim a 3-3 draw with France to deny their opponents top spot in the group.
This year: 3rd in North American 3rd-round Qualifying
In the second round Trinidad & Tobago survived in the most dramatic way possible, as a late goal from Kordell Samuel secured a 3-2 win over Guatemala in the final round of fixtures. In the third round, where the top 6 teams fought it out, Trinidad & Tobago didn’t have much hope of keeping up with USA and Mexico, but were happy enough to stay clear of the rest and qualify for the finals three matches early.
GK: Archibald, Foncette, Phillip
DF: Abu Bakr, Benjamin, John, Marshall, C Mitchell, Reid, Villaroel, M Williams
MD: Cummings, da Silva, Joseph, D Mitchell, Muckette, Noel, Thomas, G Williams
FW: Gay, Jones, Samuel, Winchester
Key: Central, Morvant Caledonia United, North East Stars, Police, San Juan Jabloteh, Williams Connection, unattached
DF: Abu Bakr, Benjamin, John, Marshall, C Mitchell, Reid, Villaroel, M Williams
MD: Cummings, da Silva, Joseph, D Mitchell, Muckette, Noel, Thomas, G Williams
FW: Gay, Jones, Samuel, Winchester
Key: Central, Morvant Caledonia United, North East Stars, Police, San Juan Jabloteh, Williams Connection, unattached
Next time
Group B looks quite open – with the exception of Spain, who must surely be expected to claim an easy group win. Trinidad & Tobago may appear to be the group’s minnows, but they were very good in qualifying and competed well with the likes of Mexico and USA. South Africa’s DWC pedigree will make them marginal favourites to progress with Spain, but realistically anyone could go through. This means the three ties not involving Spain are going to be particularly crucial in deciding progress, and they should be exciting!
The next update will preview Group C, where Netherlands, Mexico, Tunisia and Thailand meet.
Group B looks quite open – with the exception of Spain, who must surely be expected to claim an easy group win. Trinidad & Tobago may appear to be the group’s minnows, but they were very good in qualifying and competed well with the likes of Mexico and USA. South Africa’s DWC pedigree will make them marginal favourites to progress with Spain, but realistically anyone could go through. This means the three ties not involving Spain are going to be particularly crucial in deciding progress, and they should be exciting!
The next update will preview Group C, where Netherlands, Mexico, Tunisia and Thailand meet.