FIFA World Cup 2018, Russia - Battle for the Ultimate title

The Finals: France vs Croatia

The festival is going to end today and we will have to wait for another 4 years. Whoever wins today will hold the trophy for longer period of time as the next world cup in Qatar in the month of November 2022 which is close to winter for competitors. France will be the favorites to win their second title but no one is willing to underestimate Croatia given the way world cup came to this stage. So let us review once how both teams fared in the Semifinals.

Line ups:

France: 4-2-3-1

Lloris, Pavard – Varane – Umtiti – Hernandez, Pogba – Kante, mbappe – Griezmann- Tollisso, Giroud

Croatia: 4-2-3-1

Subasic, Vida - Lovren - Corluka - Strinic, Modric – Brozovic, Rakitic -Rebic – Perisic. Mandzukic

Risk of Suspension is Immaterial here.

For France it has been a dream tournament with clinical performance across the stages. In particular France has not taken the game beyond 90 minutes which is the biggest booster for the French and they have been the tightest defense in the competition. At the same time if the game goes to Extra time French performance in the extra time has not been tested and can crumble there. Mbappe and Griezemann have been clinical in the competition and will certainly attack Croatia in counters so the match is going to be sizzling to core. Most important is that will Didier Deschamps join Kaizer Beckenbeur and Mario Zagallo in the list of men who have won the Cup as Player and coach will be seen. Overall French have the psychological advantage but when it comes to finals DATA and SKILL have role of just 20% while Psychology, mentality and nerves hold 80% stake in Finals so it is test of nerves which I feel France do possess.

For Croatia it is a dream come true to be in finals which they couldn’t enter in 1998 but with sheer skill and determination they have reached here. Davor suker being head of football affairs of Croatian football will be hoping to achieve what he couldn’t achieve as player in 1998. For Croatia they have taken their entire knock out games to extra time and in 3 matches 2 they have won in penalties. If they are thinking of same strategy today it may not work and Croatia has to rework their strategy today. In all the Knock out games, Croatia have conceded first and came from behind so giving similar advantage for France is fatal and Croatia have to avoid it. If Croatia should win they can win within 90 minutes for sure but If they take it to extra time then Croatia has the distinct advantage to win. Mandzukic, Perisic and Rebic have to be clinical that they have to utilize every opportunity to fullest. Also having possession with you won’t win you the game and hence the skills of Modric-Rakitic will actually test the French Midfield as both players are one of the finest midfielders in business.

In short ALL THE BEST TO BOTH TEAMS AND HOPE THE GAME IS MEMORABLE TO WATCH.

Prediction: though there is no point or difficult to predict, my take is simple. If France has to win they have to win within 90 minutes and once game goes to extra time, game becomes even and Croatia has the advantage there.

VENKATS saying ADIEU!!!

FIFA World Cup 2018, Russia - Battle for Bronze

Battle for Bronze: Belgium vs England

After 1974 (Where Poland beat Brazil 1-0) all 3^rd place Playoff’s resulted in goals galore with minimum 3 goals scored in the match. In fact if we go in History of the third place playoff’s except 1974, 1970, 1962 and 1950, 1930 (Both 30 and 50 3^rd place playoffs were not played) all 3^rd place playoffs match witnessed minimum 3 goals and in cases this match decided the Golden Boot winner like Mueller (10), Suker (98), Eusebio (66) and in today’s match too we can expect Kane vs Lukaku. With tough luck for both the teams to be eliminated in the Semifinals, third place will be a consolation which actually the teams always hate to play after a lengthy tournament. First let us look at the baseline data on how losing semifinalists fared.

After failing to bag the bronze in the year 1990, England would want to bow out with something, at the same time Belgium too would like to go back home with bronze at least living up to expectations from Fans. England though has been exciting in their play as basically dependent more on Set pieces from which they can create chances. Today as well the game play depending will definitely pay dividends like what they did against Croatia early, But Belgium being a creator team can counter from set piece in faster pace which may threaten 3 men defense which would be caught by surprise. Belgian Defense has been as good as English but again while Belgium has not taken any of their matches to Extra time which is the key here. On the other hand England took 2 of their 3 knockout stage matches to Extra time and hence English defense and mid field should do extra work out to contain Belgium.

Line ups of both the sides will be filled with players who didn’t feature much in the tournament and there are likely to be at least 4 changes in each team. This changes line up will give both teams more freedom and license to go for kill and can expect a cracker contest.

Prediction: Belgium win

--
VenkatS

FIFA World cup 2018 Russia: Semi Finals Preview – Croatia vs England

Semi Finals Preview – Croatia vs England

France has reached the Finals for the third time and Belgium has been knocked out in semifinals for second time in their History. Today’s match between Croatia and England will decide who will play against France and Belgium accordingly. Croatia who had reached Semifinals in 1998 was defeated by France while England reached semifinals last in 1990 just to be eliminated by West Germany. After these instances both teams didn’t reach Semi’s till this world cup. Let us first see how both teams performed in the Quarter finals on the base level data.

Probable Line up:

England: 3-1-4-2

Pickford, Walker – Stones – Maguire, Henderson, Trippier – Young – Dele – Lingard, Sterling – Kane

Croatia: 4-2-3-1

Subasic, Vida - Lovren - Corluka - Strinic, Modric – Brozovic, Rakitic -Rebic – Perisic. Mandzukic

Risk of Suspension

Maguire (ENG), Strinic (CRO), Vida (CRO), Lovren (CRO).

Firstly Both Croatia and England so far had a good run in the tournament and on all counts most pundits or fans didn’t expect both these teams here in semifinals. Going into the game both teams have exceptional talent loaded and will lock horns to gain supremacy. English Football stung by failures for decades did come up with action plan which most people laughed off but to everyone’s surprise it has paid rich dividends with England being Under 20 and Under 17 world cup winners also this World cup they are in Semi Finals. So just two matches left to reach the destination and If England lifts the cup it will be second team after Brazil to Achieve the Feat. But about winning the cup or winning today’s game it purely depends on the style they followed throughout the tournament of capitalizing the errors and set pieces which gave them the advantage throughout. Kane vs Lovren, Sterling vs Corluka, Modric vs Henderson, Rakitic vs Young are to be seen live to decide the winner. England definitely has the advantage of being able to win quarter finals with ease and not having any injury which is big pros for England. So it is England’s game to lose given that they have the advantage of physicality and mental toughness than Croatia.

Coming to Croatian side, this side is one of the best creative and skillful sides in the world cup. In every aspect the tradition of Eastern European football is evident and we can see that on a given day Croatian side can steamroll on any side. But with regards to the form that Croatian side possessed in the Group stages and Knock out stages, I feel Croatia is underperforming in the knockout stages. In both the matches Croatia took the game penalties to win the game and in both the games Croatia was first to concede and this factor should worry them a lot. In my opinion Croatian players are likely to be more tired and injuries prone than English players considering they have played 120 minutes in both knock out games and have travelled more than 1500 km since to reach Moscow (Nizhny Novgorod to Sochi to Moscow). With news coming already that Subasic and Vrsaljko are having injury scares it is very important for the team to give a spirited performance. Overall with regards to Croatian side given the situation they are in, if they can unleash the performance that they gave in Group stages today then England is no match to them. If Croatia is prone on conceding set pieces then it is going to be a nightmarish evening for Croatia.

Prediction: England has the Edge but Croatia can overturn their disadvantage and gain.

--

VenkatS

FIFA World cup 2018 Russia: Semi Finals Preview – Belgium vs France

Semi Finals Preview – Belgium vs France

Two more match day left for the cup to go home and we are nearing the climax of the festival.  Belgium will be playing their second ever semifinals in the world cup while for France it will be the fifth semifinals appearance. At the start of the world cup though both teams were formidable, I don’t see any pundits would have given both these teams a chance to reach the final four stages. Both teams in the pursuit to semifinals beat formidable sides like Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Japan to reach this stage. In the semifinals stage prediction becomes much difficult is here the human element takes more weightage than the skill and most important is holding nerves in crunch moments. Let us see how both teams performed in the quarter finals.

Probable Line up:

France: 4-2-3-1

Lloris, Pavard – Varane – Umtiti – Hernandez, Pogba – Kante, mbappe – Griezmann- Tollisso, Giroud

Belgium: 3-4-3

Courtois, Alderweireld – Kompany – Vertonghen, Dembele - De Bruyne – Witsel - Fellaini, Chadli – Lukaku – Hazard

Belgium won against Brazil 2-1 with 2 first half goals will be facing France who has been the best team in terms of Defense. On the other hand Belgium has been good in defense and better in attack so the contest seems to be even on paper. Belgium attack has been concentrated from the flanks and this is where French defense will have to hold the nerves. With regards to France, Mbappe and Griezemann can sneak across any defense considering the agility and speed of the both is the battery of the French attack.     

With regards to France, they have the world cup winner as their manager and he is one of the best known players in Europe so that will be an advantage for sure for French side. Coming to their side, Lloris has been good in the cup so far with 3 clean sheets will have to hold the nerves as stopping Belgium from scoring is definitely not an easy task or not likely to happen. In case of conceding first, equalizing within 10 minutes (in case of first half) or within 80^th minute (in case of conceding early in second half) is key and for which Pogba, Hernadez, kante have to be on top of the game.

In similar conceding scenario for Belgium, they are likely to move to 4 defense system and attack further from flank and have more possession which will give more potency in attack. In the Brazil game particularly in final 15 minutes, Belgium lost more possession and they cannot take those chances in today’s game on all counts. Overall Belgium does have the edge but France does have the experience. Both Teams are young and both teams will be even potent in Euro 2020 which will be similar to Euro 2004.

Prediction: Even game on cards with Belgium Edge. Game may go to 120 minutes but Penalties unlikely to decide the winner.

--

VenkatS

FIFA World cup 2018 Russia: Quarter Finals Preview – Russia vs Croatia

Quarter Finals Preview – Russia vs Croatia

With England through to semifinals for the first time since 1990, Winners of the match between host and eastern European power house Croatia will play against England. Croatia who had a dream run in the 1998 world cup would certainly set sights at semifinals again this year but Russians who stopped Spain would be high on confidence so cracker contests on cards.  Let us see how did both teams perform in the round of 16's.   

Probable Line up:

Russia: 3-4-2-1

Akinfeev, Fernandes – Kutepov - Ignashevich, Kudryashov – Zobnin – Kuzyaev - Samedov, Golovin – Cheryshev, Dzyuba

Croatia: 4-1-4-1

Subasic, Vrsaljko - Lovren - Vida - Strinic, Rakitic, Brozovic - Rebic - Modric - Perisic, Mandzukic

Risk of Suspension: Kutepov (RUS), Zobnin (RUS), Lustig (SWE)

Both Russia and Croatia won their Round of 16 matches on Penalties. Russia on one hand was able to withstand the relentless attacks and passes of Spain and knock them out which will go on to be one of the finest upsets in the world cup and As far as match between Croatia and Denmark is concerned, Denmark nearly did everything to deny a win for Croatia but end of the day spot kick decided something else. The emotions of Father Son schmeichel will be remembered for long time to come. Croatia severely lost their nerve in the round of 16 games which could have eliminated them and to their horror they were never near to their group stages form in the Round of 16’s.

For Croatia, this game should be a cake walk considering the depth and strength of the side that they possess. But past performance in knockouts have always been haunting them so holding their nerves against Host are vital. Modric, Rakitic may provide much energy in the middle but Mandzukic has to capitalize.

For Russia, it is a dream run to reach quarter finals and a win here will take them to a semifinal that is first in their history. Russian defense has been good throughout the tournament and Cheryshev, Dyzuba combination have been good but taking the game to extra time today may not be something which is advisable. Capitalizing on errors and minimizing the errors are key here for Russia. Those Ignashevich moments should be avoided here for win if I have to be blunt.

Winners of this game will play against England on 11^th July at Moscow.

Prediction: Croatia win but Croatians should be wary of Russia as 12^th men of Russia the spectators can light up Russian team when needed.

--

VenkatS

FIFA World cup 2018 Russia: Quarter Finals Preview – England vs Sweden

Quarter Finals Preview – England vs Sweden

With Major big guns out of the tournament and to say it is just European countries that are currently left in the Fray for the Big Trophy. With Uruguay and Brazil eliminated yesterday, the Host Russia will face the powerhouse of Eastern Europe Croatia and England will face Sweden in the quarter finals today. At first let us look at the stats from the round of 16 match played by 2 quarter finalist.

Probable Line up:

England: 3-5-2

Pickford, Walker – Stones - Maguire, Trippier – Young – Henderson – Alli - Lingard, Sterling - Kane

Sweden: 4-4-2

Olsen, Krafth – Lindelof – Granqvist - Augustinsson, Claesson – Svensson – Ekdal - Forsberg, Berg - Toivonen

Risk of Suspension: Lingaard (ENG), Hendereson (ENG), Lustig (SWE)

3 games in the round of 16 went into penalties and winners of all 3 will play today and Sweden will be the only team playing today which won the match in 90 minutes. Sweden has been a silent performer who by far throughout the tournament has a decent run and to everyone’s surprise their performance against Mexico fetched them the top position in the group. Skipper Granqvist has been performing really well in the defense and berg, toivonen has been pretty good in attack. Overall Sweden has a working team which depends more on efficient game on the field.

On the other hand, England is having a dream run in this tournament with Kane running for Golden Boot award and he may emerge winner of the same. After the English team under Sven Ericsson, This team under Gareth Southgate has exceeded the expectations of the fans for the first time. In fact for the first time an English fan can claim that this team can reach the finals. But knowing the England of past, can we assert that this team can reach finals is to be answered. Unlike the past where pointless stardom was a hindrance for England, this team an young, able talent and without the stardom factor has put performance that would put 2000’s English team to shame. Though the game by far should be a cake walk for England team but given the way this world cup is progressing, any fan would be cautious and wary of the opponent.

Prediction: England should win.

 --

VenkatS

FIFA World cup 2018 Russia: Quarter Finals Preview – Brazil vs Belgium

Quarter Finals Preview – Brazil vs Belgium

With 3 big fans following players out of world cup will Neymar follow the three or will be the one who will move forward. At first let us look at the stats from the round of 16 match played by 2 quarter finalist.

Probable Line up:

Brazil: 4-3-3

Alisson, Fagner - Thiago Silva – Miranda - Marcelo, Fernandinho – Paulinho - Willian, Coutinho, Neymar, Jesus

Belgium: 3-4-3

Courtois, Alderweireld – Kompany – Vertonghen, Meunier - De Bruyne – Witsel - Fellaini, Chadli – Lukaku – Hazard

Belgium which was supposed to win the round of 16 match with ease actually was made to toil till the final seconds, on the other hand Brazil fairly had an easy win against Mexico. Though Fan favorite has been Neymar but the fact remains It is Coutinho and willian who seems to be the battery of the Brazil side. Firmino, coutinho can be partnered in the midfield which could bring in more versatility in the field. Regarding Belgium, the start studded side has everything they need to win, but in every tournament they have had bad games always in the knock outs and in my opinion I would say game against Japan was their bad game. Now coming into the quarter finals on paper Brazil seems to be a silent side which has performed in optimum to good levels while Belgium has been much spoken flamboyant side which exceeded expectations.  

Regarding the theatrics of Neymar, It is just matter of time he will be penalized for the pointless acting as these nonsense will actually annoy the referee more which may go on to be detrimental for Brazil and it is necessary for Brazil management to control Neymar. 5 times world cup winners Brazil had a humiliating exit in semifinals of previous world cup in the hands of world cup winner Germany and definitely they would want to seek redemption and try to reach semifinals again. If there is somehow who will be key to success for Brazil it will be Coutinho and not Neymar.

Regarding Belgium, this team is probably the best Belgian side ever who has set sight at the trophy will work to overcome Brazil as with the game against Japan Belgium had nearly lost the game. In previous world cup too Belgium was touted as one of the best side but only to lose against Argentina in Quarter finals but this year the determination seems even better. kompany,  Vertoghen, De Bruyne, Hazard and Lukaku will have to replicate their best club form here today to get past Brazil. If this Belgium side holds their nerves and ease past Brazil they are capable of winning cup but if Belgium struggles this time too, they will probably be labelled as European version of Cote D’ivoire who always had stars but could never convert star performance into countries victory.

Winner of this game will meet France in semifinals on 10^th July at Saint Petersburg.

Prediction: Tight game with Brazil having the edge.

--
VenkatS

FIFA World cup 2018 Russia: Quarter Finals Preview – France vs Uruguay

Quarter Finals Preview – France vs Uruguay

Before going into the Match preview, let us look at the data from the Round of 16 matches that both teams played and won.

France vs Argentina

Round of 16	FRA	ARG
Goals Scored	4	3
Goals Scored in 1st Half	1	1
Goals Scored in 2nd Half	3	2
Goals Conceded in 1st Half	1	1
Goals Conceded in 2nd Half	2	3
Penalties Awarded for	1	0
Penalties Scored	1	0
Penalties Missed	0	0
Penalties Conceded against	0	1
Penalties Scored	0	1
Penalties Stopped	0	0
Penalty Shootout	NA	NA
Passes Completed	344	512
Shots on Target	4	4
Shots off Target	4	1
Yellow Cards	3	5
Red Cards	-	-
Possession	40%	60%

Uruguay vs Portugal

Round of 16	URU	POR
Goals Scored	2	1
Goals Scored in 1st Half	1	0
Goals Scored in 2nd Half	1	1
Goals Conceded in 1st Half	0	1
Goals Conceded in 2nd Half	1	1
Penalties Awarded for	0	0
Penalties Scored	0	0
Penalties Missed	0	0
Penalties Conceded against	0	0
Penalties Scored	0	0
Penalties Stopped	0	0
Penalty Shootout	NA	NA
Passes Completed	273	544
Shots on Target	3	5
Shots off Target	2	8
Yellow Cards	0	1
Red Cards	-	-
Possession	33%	67%

Based on the data available one can see both France and Uruguay have had an excellent defense so far and Uruguay in particular has conceded just one goal in 4 matches and that speaks a lot about their defense. Of course France had conceded just one goal in Group stages but with a formidable all round team they still went on to concede 3 goals in round of 16. With Cavani out of the team Uruguay will likely to play lone striker and since there is no worry of any player out on Injury or Suspension France would field the same team as in Round of 16.

Probable Line up:

France: 4-2-3-1

Lloris, Pavard – Varane – Umtiti – Hernandez, Pogba – Kante, mbappe – Griezmann- Tollisso, Giroud

Uruguay: 4-1-4-1

Muslera, Caceres – Gimenez - Godin – Laxalt, Torreira, Nandez – Rodriguez – Betancur – Vecino, Suarez

Risk of Suspension: Giroud (France), Pavard (France)

With regards to the attack and defense, French attack is far formidable than Uruguay as Mbappe, Griezmann speed and accuracy can sneak across any defense. At the same time Godin and Gimenez with laxalt has been formidable in eliminating threats and caceres has been good at counter attack and defence. Muslera who has been with Uruguay national team since 2008 is playing his 3^rd world cup has been one of the best goal keepers in the business and has been enjoying a perfect rapport with his defense. Both teams have been good with the ball and have decent passes of around 400 passes per game in an average and 4 shots on target per match which effectively means both teams to play natural passing with effecting counter attacks. Uruguay had scored 4 goals in First half and 3 goals in second half so far and has conceded just once that is in second half. On the other hand For France out of 7 scores 5 had come in Second half and they have conceded 3 out of 4 in second half. Uruguay seems to score early and sit back while France may effectively need to counter accordingly.

On the paper based on stats both teams look equal in strength and for me I would expect the game to end regular time with lead of one goal for Uruguay. Though France looks formidable and the absence of Cavani is advantage for France, the back line of Uruguay remains colossal and I don’t see France will be lucky to be awarded a penalty in this match. But in all cases Uruguay has conceded multiple free kicks and if France could capitalize form them game may go their way.  French Counter attack will depend purely on Hernadez and Mbappe pace and Giroud sneaking inside will be interesting to watch, At the same time Suarez, betancur, caceres are capable of creating confusion just inside the box to sneak and score.  

Prediction: 2-1 Uruguay win (Inside 90 minutes)

--
VenkatS