2018 World Cup Group F Preview and Predictions

Germany did not lose a game in the qualifiers, winning all ten of their games. While Germany scored an impressive 43 goals in these ten games, they also only allowed 4. Since then, Germany have played in four friendlies drawing three of them and losing one to Brazil 1-0. The caveat to these games is that the German team experimented with players and formations. Their style of play is efficient, technical, hard-working and physical where each player knows their role.

The German counter-attack is near perfect. This is one of a few teams were every position has a star in it. This team is also one of the few teams that could suffer an injury in any position and continue to march on without an issue.  Germany is thinking of how to repeat has champions. This group will allow them to ease into the tournament and keep players rested for later rounds. Germany wins all three games to take this group.

Last World Cup Appearance - 2014 Brazil, Champions

Best World Cup Finish - 4 Time Champions (1954, 1974, 1990, 2014)

Best Overall Player - Mesut Ozil. He is hot and cold with Arsenal, however Ozil always brings his ‘A’ game for his nation. With a team of stars, many players could be the top player but I expect him to be the standout.

Top Goal Scorer Prediction: Thomas Muller. Thomas lead the team in scoring during the qualifiers and will be the main striker during the Cup. The alternative could be Timo Werner. He was in form down the stretch in the Bundesliga.

Muller is 25 to 1 to win the Golden Boot at BetOnline.

Mexico had a straight forward qualifying campaign and finished top of CONCACAF zone moving straight into the World Cup. This is Mexico’s 16 time going to the World Cup and they have qualified in every campaign since 1994. Mexico has played in five friendlies since the qualifiers, going 3-1-1 in these games. Mexico played very well in these friendlies including a draw with Belgium and beating Poland, both away from home. The Mexican style of play is blending given the region they play in. They use a mix of the physical North American style with the flair of their South American counter parts. Mexico loves controlling the ball but striking surprisingly fast. The Mexican speed will give them a slight edge over Sweden and South Korea to help them take the second spot in this group.

Last World Cup Appearance - 2014 Brazil, Lost in Round of 16

Best World Cup Finish - Quarter-Finals (1970, 1986)

Best Overall Player - Hector Herrera. He will be heavily relied on to help the back four defend but he will also be needed to move the ball forward to Javier.

Top Goal Scorer Prediction: Javier Hernandez. Javier is the top scorer all-time for Mexico. This will not change at this World Cup as he will lead Mexico in goals once again.

Sweden played well in their tough UEFA Group A which included two powers, France and Netherlands. The group went down to the wire, Sweden finished tied with the Netherlands in second place on points but move on to the playoff game due to a better goal difference. In the two-leg playoff game, they were draw against Italy were few punters gave them a chance to move onto the World Cup. To the amazement of all, Sweden won the first leg 1-0 and drew 0-0 away in Italy to book their ticket to Russia. Since this big win, Sweden have played in four friendlies going 1-2-1 and losing the last two games to two non-World Cup qualifiers.

With Zlatan in international retirement, Sweden will maintain roughly the same system they did during qualifying round. The Swedes style will continue to be based on a strong work ethic and organization which will make up for their lack of stars. Sweden could surprise us by picking Zlatan in their final squad, but this will make no difference. Sweden will not advance and finish third in this group.

Last World Cup Appearance - 2006 Germany, Lost in Round of 16

Best World Cup Finish - 2nd Place (1958 in Sweden)

Best Overall Player - Emil Forsberg. The impact of Emil’s speed gives Sweden an edge in most games. He can quickly transition the team from defence to attack on a dime.

Top Goal Scorer Prediction: Marcus Berg. He will be the main target man unless Sweden surprise everyone and bring Zlatan Ibrahimovic out of retirement.

By their standards, South Korea had a poor qualifying campaign. Despite this, the Reds still managed to finish second in the AFC Group A and qualify automatically for the World Cup. Since the qualifiers, South Korea have played in five friendlies, winning two, drawing one and losing the last two. Nobody is really sure what style South Korea will play at the World Cup but we all know that the will rely heavily on Son to control the ball and score goals. This team will need to grind out games and play solid defensively to stay in any game. South Korea will have a short tournament and finish last in this group.

Last World Cup Appearance - 2014 Brazil, Eliminated in Group Stage

Best World Cup Finish - 4th Place (2002 in Japan)

Best Overall Player - Son Heung-Min. He is the best player on this team and one of the better players in the EPL this season. All action will go via Son for South Korea.

Top Goal Scorer Prediction: Son Heung-Min. Son has been in great form for Spurs in the EPL this season and will no doubt carry this form to Russia for his nation.