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