It's the final preview of our Draft World Cup groups!
So, today's group features big guns France and Argentina, who both were part of last year's final stage, whilst Poland and Saudi Arabia are making their DWC debut. So for the final time, let's have a look at each team...
France
World ranking: 7th
Manager: Hugo France Captain: Steve Mandanda Star player: Neymar – it has to be. The world’s most expensive player wanted to be the main man at a club, and he has the chance here to shine. He didn’t really star as France scraped through qualification, so he will need to improve to live up to expectations. Hopefully this time he won’t get injured in the quarter-finals, leading to his teammates having an emotional breakdown during the semi-finals. |
Last year: Quarter-finals
Admittedly hamstrung by the squad value limit, France would still have been disappointed to qualify in second in their group behind China. This landed them in a finals group with Switzerland, Argentina and Chile, and again France had to settle for second – this time behind Switzerland after a miserable final-round performance. This set them up to play Mexico, and a tame match was heading to a draw until Lucas Lima’s cross sailed in – but only thanks to a collision between Edinson Cavani and Mexican keeper Marchesin. The referee allowed the goal, and France progressed to the quarter-finals. There, they were put out by an extra-time screamer from Ricardo Montolivo as Italy progressed.
This year: European Play-off winners
With no squad value limit, France went in as very strong favourites for the opening European qualification group. They couldn’t prevent the occasional draw keeping them within reach of second-placed Poland as the two sides met in the final round, and an early penalty was enough for a shock Polish victory to consign France to the play-offs. They drew Israel, and everything went wrong in the first leg – Neymar was forced off injured early on, and Israel ended up claiming a 2-0 win. In the return leg France only managed one goal, as the game entered its final stages. Up steps centre back Kamil Glik, who levelled the tie late on. Before we can go to extra time, France steal the win when Lucas Moura cut in to fire the ball home. Easily the most ridiculous qualification of any of the sides here.
Admittedly hamstrung by the squad value limit, France would still have been disappointed to qualify in second in their group behind China. This landed them in a finals group with Switzerland, Argentina and Chile, and again France had to settle for second – this time behind Switzerland after a miserable final-round performance. This set them up to play Mexico, and a tame match was heading to a draw until Lucas Lima’s cross sailed in – but only thanks to a collision between Edinson Cavani and Mexican keeper Marchesin. The referee allowed the goal, and France progressed to the quarter-finals. There, they were put out by an extra-time screamer from Ricardo Montolivo as Italy progressed.
This year: European Play-off winners
With no squad value limit, France went in as very strong favourites for the opening European qualification group. They couldn’t prevent the occasional draw keeping them within reach of second-placed Poland as the two sides met in the final round, and an early penalty was enough for a shock Polish victory to consign France to the play-offs. They drew Israel, and everything went wrong in the first leg – Neymar was forced off injured early on, and Israel ended up claiming a 2-0 win. In the return leg France only managed one goal, as the game entered its final stages. Up steps centre back Kamil Glik, who levelled the tie late on. Before we can go to extra time, France steal the win when Lucas Moura cut in to fire the ball home. Easily the most ridiculous qualification of any of the sides here.
As with most of the major teams, France are going with a 4-2-3-1 formation. France will be playing a high-tempo game to suit their players’ fine athleticism. Crucial for France will be the understanding between club and international teammates Marquinhos and Thiago Silva, as they may well find themselves exposed at times.
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GK: Areola, Mandanda, Subasic
DF: Alves, Glik, Jemerson, Kurzawa, Marquinhos, Sidibe, Silva, Yuri
MD: Di Maria, Draxler, Fabinho, Fekir, Lemar, Moutinho, Rabiot, Verratti
FW: Cavani, Falcao, Mbappe, Neymar
Key: Lyon, Marseille, Monaco, PSG
DF: Alves, Glik, Jemerson, Kurzawa, Marquinhos, Sidibe, Silva, Yuri
MD: Di Maria, Draxler, Fabinho, Fekir, Lemar, Moutinho, Rabiot, Verratti
FW: Cavani, Falcao, Mbappe, Neymar
Key: Lyon, Marseille, Monaco, PSG
Argentina
World ranking: 14th
Manager: Mia Argentina Captain: Fernando Gago Star player: Fernando Belluschi – a highly creative midfielder, Belluschi has had spells in Europe with the likes of Porto and Bursaspor, but is better-known in South America. He should work well as part of a strong midfield unit that will give opponents plenty of issues. |
Last year: 3rd in Group C
In qualification Argentina made serene progression, staying clear of a dramatic scrap between Turkey, South Africa and Malaysia. This put them into a group with France, Switzerland and Chile. Losses to the two European sides had Argentina knocked out before they claimed a meaningless win against Chile. So they will be aiming for revenge against France this year.
This year: 2nd in South American Qualification Group
Argentina desperately struggled for consistency in South America’s marathon qualifying group – winning, drawing and losing an equal proportion of their first nine games. Things eventually clicked for Argentina, and two draws were the only points they dropped between then and the end of the group, as they only missed out on top spot on goal difference. They also had the satisfaction of securing the elimination of rivals Uruguay in the final round.
In qualification Argentina made serene progression, staying clear of a dramatic scrap between Turkey, South Africa and Malaysia. This put them into a group with France, Switzerland and Chile. Losses to the two European sides had Argentina knocked out before they claimed a meaningless win against Chile. So they will be aiming for revenge against France this year.
This year: 2nd in South American Qualification Group
Argentina desperately struggled for consistency in South America’s marathon qualifying group – winning, drawing and losing an equal proportion of their first nine games. Things eventually clicked for Argentina, and two draws were the only points they dropped between then and the end of the group, as they only missed out on top spot on goal difference. They also had the satisfaction of securing the elimination of rivals Uruguay in the final round.
A flat midfield is the crux of Argentina’s 4-3-3 formation. Belluschi, Enzo Perez and Fernando Gago will deny their opponents space, and they should cover for each other in attack. If the midfield works as planned, then Argentina will be a very solid side with a lethal striker in Lucas Pratto. If the midfield doesn’t run smoothly, then attacking full backs may expose a weak defence.
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GK: Armani, Campana, Rossi
DF: Fabra, Goltz, Gomez, Maidana, Mas, Moreira, Pinola, Rodriguez
MD: Acosta, Belluschi, Gago, Gonzalez, Marcone, Martinez, Pavon, Perez
FW: Benedetto, Lopez, Pratto, Tevez
Key: Boca Juniors, Independiente, Lanus, Racing, River Plate, San Lorenzo
DF: Fabra, Goltz, Gomez, Maidana, Mas, Moreira, Pinola, Rodriguez
MD: Acosta, Belluschi, Gago, Gonzalez, Marcone, Martinez, Pavon, Perez
FW: Benedetto, Lopez, Pratto, Tevez
Key: Boca Juniors, Independiente, Lanus, Racing, River Plate, San Lorenzo
Poland
World ranking: 28th
Manager: Szymon Polska Captain: Marcin Wasilewski Star player: Dusan Kuciak – Poland is notable for producing many fine goalkeepers, and Dusan Kuciak will be important for Poland if they are to get through the group stage. Interestingly, he is likely to be selected ahead of Jan Mucha, who used to keep Kuciak out of the team when the two played in Slovakia together, and still remains the first-choice Slovakian keeper. |
Last year: 4th in Qualification Group D
On the fact of it, Poland had a nice draw, with only Spain a clearly stronger side. However, an unexpected charge by Central Africa meant that Poland were left scrapping for a play-off place. They led Chile by a point and only needed a win over bottom side Finland to get through. However, a great pass by (of all people) Julien Faubert leads to Finland taking the lead for the second time in the match, and this time there was no Polish reply as a deflected free kick saw them lose 3-1 and get overtaken by Chile.
This year: 1st in European Qualification Group A
Unlike last year, Poland appeared to have a much tougher qualifying assignment, with both France and Russia appearing much stronger. Poland were excellent, however, and were able to keep up with their rivals. Russia’s win in the final round of fixtures meant Poland had to beat France to avoid elimination and steal top spot (second place was impossible). An early penalty from Ivan Runje put Poland ahead, and they held out to become the first side to qualify for this year’s finals. All eyes will be on their match-up with France now.
On the fact of it, Poland had a nice draw, with only Spain a clearly stronger side. However, an unexpected charge by Central Africa meant that Poland were left scrapping for a play-off place. They led Chile by a point and only needed a win over bottom side Finland to get through. However, a great pass by (of all people) Julien Faubert leads to Finland taking the lead for the second time in the match, and this time there was no Polish reply as a deflected free kick saw them lose 3-1 and get overtaken by Chile.
This year: 1st in European Qualification Group A
Unlike last year, Poland appeared to have a much tougher qualifying assignment, with both France and Russia appearing much stronger. Poland were excellent, however, and were able to keep up with their rivals. Russia’s win in the final round of fixtures meant Poland had to beat France to avoid elimination and steal top spot (second place was impossible). An early penalty from Ivan Runje put Poland ahead, and they held out to become the first side to qualify for this year’s finals. All eyes will be on their match-up with France now.
There are six players here with an attacking remit, so this is a fairly death-or-glory set-up. With this in mind, a lot of pressure will be on the central defenders and midfielders. The defence will be marshalled by Wasilewski, who was cruelly denied a Premier League winner’s medal with Leicester because he fell one appearance short. He is paired at the back with former Celtic man Thomas Rogne, who has already been knocked out of this year’s DWC once, as he with Sweden in the qualification stages.
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GK: Kuciak, Leciejewski, Mucha
DF: Dilaver, Kostevych, Mladenovic, Pazdan, Rogne, Toivio, Vesovic, Wasilewski
MD: Borysiuk, Bukata, Dabrowski, Krasic, Matuszczyk, Peszko, Radovic, Wolski
FW: Carlitos, Eduardo, Gytkjar, Mares
Key: Cracovia, Lech Poznan, Lechia Gdansk, Legia Warszawa, Piast Gliwice, Termalica Nieciecza, Wisla Krakow, Zaglebie Lubin
DF: Dilaver, Kostevych, Mladenovic, Pazdan, Rogne, Toivio, Vesovic, Wasilewski
MD: Borysiuk, Bukata, Dabrowski, Krasic, Matuszczyk, Peszko, Radovic, Wolski
FW: Carlitos, Eduardo, Gytkjar, Mares
Key: Cracovia, Lech Poznan, Lechia Gdansk, Legia Warszawa, Piast Gliwice, Termalica Nieciecza, Wisla Krakow, Zaglebie Lubin
Saudi Arabia
World ranking: 45th
Manager: Amaal Saudi Captain: Mark Milligan Star player: Ezequiel Cerutti – the Argentine winger has pace to burn, and in a group with very adventurous full backs, he may be key in creating opportunities for Saudi Arabia. I would also recommend looking this guy up on Wiki, the picture used appears to be a promotional shot for an up-and-coming folk singer. |
Last year: 4th in Qualification Group J (with Middle East)
Saudi Arabia contributed several players to the Middle East team that appeared to have a great chance of qualifying at least for the play-offs. The play-offs did indeed appear to look like the only option when Russia and Scotland pulled away, but in a group where no-one appeared to want to get through, Middle East slipped to fourth as Mediterranean got through to the finals.
This year: 1st in Asian Round 2 QualificationGroup B
In Round 1 Saudi Arabia stayed clear of a tight battle between Singapore, India and North Korea to qualify strongly. This included a remarkable 19-2 win over Northern Mariana Islands. In the second round everything appeared up for grabs, so Saudi’s strong start put them in a commanding position in a very even group. As the sides below them kept losing points to each other, Saudi Arabia secured qualification with great ease, and held off the challenge of Thailand to win the group.
Saudi Arabia contributed several players to the Middle East team that appeared to have a great chance of qualifying at least for the play-offs. The play-offs did indeed appear to look like the only option when Russia and Scotland pulled away, but in a group where no-one appeared to want to get through, Middle East slipped to fourth as Mediterranean got through to the finals.
This year: 1st in Asian Round 2 QualificationGroup B
In Round 1 Saudi Arabia stayed clear of a tight battle between Singapore, India and North Korea to qualify strongly. This included a remarkable 19-2 win over Northern Mariana Islands. In the second round everything appeared up for grabs, so Saudi’s strong start put them in a commanding position in a very even group. As the sides below them kept losing points to each other, Saudi Arabia secured qualification with great ease, and held off the challenge of Thailand to win the group.
It’s nice to finish this set of tournament previews with a 4-2-3-1 formation, given that it is by far the most popular formation. Complete forward Leo Bonatini will be tasked with pulling Saudi Arabia’s attacks together. At the back Saudi Arabia can call on former Wigan man Ali Al-Habsi, who brings over a century of caps to the table.
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GK: Al-Habsi, Al-Owais, M’Bolhi
DF: Abdel Shafy, Al-Shahrani, Hawsawi, Izaguirre, Machado, Milligan, Uvini
MD: Al-Muwallad, Claudemir, Cley, Cerutti, Eduardo, Fernandez, Fetfatzidis, Milesi, Villanueva
FW: Al-Soma, Bonatini, Ubilla, Ze Love
Key: Al-Ahli, Al-Ettifaq, Al-Faisaly, Al-Fayha, Al-Hilal, Al-Ittihad, Al-Nassr, Al-Qadisiyah, Al-Shabab, Al-Taawoun
DF: Abdel Shafy, Al-Shahrani, Hawsawi, Izaguirre, Machado, Milligan, Uvini
MD: Al-Muwallad, Claudemir, Cley, Cerutti, Eduardo, Fernandez, Fetfatzidis, Milesi, Villanueva
FW: Al-Soma, Bonatini, Ubilla, Ze Love
Key: Al-Ahli, Al-Ettifaq, Al-Faisaly, Al-Fayha, Al-Hilal, Al-Ittihad, Al-Nassr, Al-Qadisiyah, Al-Shabab, Al-Taawoun
Next time
France should be eying up a final-four spot at least, and so they will expect to brush aside the other teams in this group. Argentina appear the obvious candidates to join them, but Poland have already pulled off one shock, and will fancy their chances to get into the knockout round. With that in mind, the clash between the two in the final round of fixtures promises to be a great match. Saudi Arabia also qualified well, but given the quality of some of the Asian sides, it’s hard to judge whether they can bring that to the finals.
Anyway, the next update will be the opening match of the 2018 Draft World Cup! Reigning champions Germany will face Croatia on the 14th of June... see you there!
France should be eying up a final-four spot at least, and so they will expect to brush aside the other teams in this group. Argentina appear the obvious candidates to join them, but Poland have already pulled off one shock, and will fancy their chances to get into the knockout round. With that in mind, the clash between the two in the final round of fixtures promises to be a great match. Saudi Arabia also qualified well, but given the quality of some of the Asian sides, it’s hard to judge whether they can bring that to the finals.
Anyway, the next update will be the opening match of the 2018 Draft World Cup! Reigning champions Germany will face Croatia on the 14th of June... see you there!