JustArsenal World Cup Predictions Group E – Joel Campbell to beat Xhaka to 2nd?

World Cup Finals Group E Predictions by Dan Smith

Arsenal have Joel Campbell for Costa Rica and Granit Xhaka and Stephan Lichtsteiner for the Swiss.

Brazil – 1st
The last time we saw Brazil in the World Cup they were part of one of the tournament’s most incredible moments. Just when you thought you seen it all in football we saw them lose 7-1 to Germany. Never before had I witnessed a professional team be crushed by the weight of their own pressure. The fear of failure, the wanting to win too much crippled the side. 4 years on, I give them more of a chance than when they were hosts. While no one envisioned how they would exit, there was always a feeling defensively they were not good enough and they over relied on Neymar.
Tito has created more of a balance. While still the poster boy of Brazilian football, there is now a Coutinho and Jesus ready to take on some of the pressure.

Costa Rica 2nd
I am predicting Costa Rica to finish second due to them being more ambitious then the other two. Topped a far more difficult group 4 years ago but surely won’t be underestimated this time

Switzerland 3rd
The Swiss were unlucky to have to go through the play offs having only dropped points when losing to Portugal, earning a total that most sides topped their groups with. Against Ireland though were over cautious making it likely that they will revert to type when the pressure is on. Parking the bus won’t work vs Brazil, making it a must win in the other two games.

Serbia 4th
The experience of Ivanovich, one of the best DM in Matic and inform striker Mitovic, there is enough talent on paper for Serbia to advance. That’s been said over the last few tournaments however and Serbia are yet to meet their public’s lofty expectations which might be unrealistic.
Even when topping their qualification group they sacked their manager due to a negative approach.
The most positive out of the three will join Brazil in advancing.

Dan Smith

16 Comments

  1. The Brazil coach has really improved them since Dunga left. They are more balanced & have stopped being over reliant on Neymar. They will easily win the group. Switzerland will be 2nd. The other positions aren’t relevant, hence no comment for that.

  2. Stop these world cup predictions bullocks, I want to hear transfer rumours. Heard that Leno and Torreira are almost done deal

    1. Hey Sane, I know ur sad that u aren’t going to the WC?, wat ya doin in an arsenal page?

  3. FINDING IT BORING TO COME TO THE SIGHT AND ONLY SEE WORLD CUP PREDICTIONS. ANYWAY LET ME GO ENJOY MY HOLIDAY IWILL BE BACK AFTER WORLD CUP

  4. 1. Brazil
    One of the best and most balanced teams in Russia, with rock solid spine and few magicians to brake down any defence. Tite accomplished where Emery failed this year, to find a perfect role for Neymar, he is the main guy but it’s not all about him. Left side of the field, with Marcelo and Neymar, supported by Coutinho if he plays as left CM, will terrorise defences. I think they are by far 1st favourites to win this WC, although they won only once in Europe, 60 years ago, and history is playing big part in tournaments like this.
    2. Serbia
    Physically strong and tall team, core players have a lot of Premier League experience, winning trophies and used to playing under pressure. Few very bright young talents and future stars. Sergej Milinkovic-Savic might join 100m+ club after WC. Andrija Zivkovic was often mentioned as our target, he is tricky left footed RW. Nikola Milenkovic had a great second part of the season in Fiorentina and can be next Nemanja Vidic. I hope Sven is following this guy, he is just 20 years old, tall, great positioning and anticipation, very calm with ball, solid passing range and maybe most important he is no compromise type of defender, brave and committed.
    3. Switzerland
    Park the bus game plan just wont work. Breel Embolo failed to live up to his hype, Shaqiri will try hard, knowing he needs good WC to earn a transfer back to PL, but usually he just brakes under pressure. Also, it would be great to have Lichtsteiner joining us sooner, in time for at least a part of preseason. Group exit would give Xhaka enough time to rest and come back ready to fight for his future. Next season will be career defining for him, if he fails to establish as important member and continues to make blunders, Emery wont hesitate to sell him, which could be the end of career at top clubs.
    4. Costa Rica
    Costa Rica was a surprise in Brazil, but they don’t have quality to repeat that result. Only Navas is world class player, Ruiz is getting old, Campbell is coming after injury plagued season. Belgium trashed them few days ago, and strangest thing was that their head coach had no idea who Eden Hazard is.

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