World Cup Draw Reaction
Despite my countless permutations over the last year and a half of how the World Cup Draw could play out, I have yet to address the actual proceedings in the two weeks since they occurred. So, without further ado, a hot take on each of the 8 World Cup Groups next summer!
Group A
Favorite: Uruguay
Challenger: Russia
Chaos Potential: 6/10
Player To Watch: Mohamed Salah, F (Egypt)
The first group is fairly straightforward- South American welterweights Uruguay should be favored, but hosts Russia will look favorably on their draw as well. The wild card here is Egypt, who looked extremely impressive during qualifying. If Salah brings his 2017 form to next summer, the Egyptians are good enough to secure a shock Round of 16 qualification.
Group B
Favorite: Spain
Challenger: Portgual
Chaos Potential: 3/10
Player To Watch: Cristiano Ronaldo, F (Portugal)
It will be quite surprising if anyone other than Iberian rivals Spain and seeded Portugal go through, though Morocco's AND Iran's defenses are stout enough to possibly snag a point from one of the two. By this point, it's boring to label Ronaldo as the "Player To Watch", but it's true- all eyes will be on whether Portugal still relies on him as their sole source of creativity, or if he will be comfortable enough in a distributor role.
Group C
Favorite: France
Challenger: Peru
Chaos Potential: 5/10
Player To Watch: Antione Griezmann, F (France)
The last time we saw France in a competitive tournament, Griezmann was brilliant as the insanely-talented French came within inches of winning the Euro Cup. Group C will undoubtedly be a race for 2nd, as France is one of the favorites to win the whole thing. But, with Peruvian talisman Paolo Guerrero barred from the tournament, quite the race for 2nd it could be.
Group D
co-Group of Death
Favorite: Argentina
Challenger: Croatia
Chaos Potential: 8/10
Player To Watch: Lionel Messi, F (Argentina)
Most have been quick to label this the Group of Death, or at least the closest thing to it this tournament, and for good reason. Iceland, fresh off their Euro Cup shock run, have proven their staying power. Nigeria is in absolutely flying form. Croatia has a roster laden with La Liga-level talent. But on paper, Argentina still has one of the most talented team sheets in the tournament, though their results of late haven't matched; will 31-year old Messi be able to will his side to one more chance at glory?
Group E
co-Group of Death
Favorite: Brazil
Challenger: Switzerland
Chaos Potential: 7/10
Player To Watch: Neymar, F (Brazil)
Strictly in terms of FIFA Rankings, though, Group E is definitely the Group of Death. A Brazil in torrid form will be expected to top the group, but Neymar and co. face a balanced and experienced Switzerland team, a tough Costa Rican side whose last World Cup consisted of a quarterfinal run, and a Serbia lineup chock full of young talent. This may end up being the most fun group to watch.
Group F
Favorite: Germany
Challenger: Mexico
Chaos Potential: 5/10
Player To Watch: Manuel Neuer, GK (Germany)
In terms of just name recognition alone, this group could even make a claim for Group of Death. However, Germany's level, perhaps best epitomized by their wall of a goalkeeper, is so far above the contenders. Mexico, Sweden, and South Korea all will be inferior to past iterations of themselves, but the former two at least could provide a very entertaining battle for 2nd.
Group G
Favorite: Belgium
Challenger: England
Chaos Potential: 1/10
Player To Watch: Kevin De Bruyne, M (Belgium)
Group G has to be the most predictable group of all. No intention of decrying Tunisia's potential, nor Panama's toughness, but if Belgium and England do not progress from this group, it will be among the Cup's biggest stunners. Of the clear top two, one has to favor the Belgians this time around, provided De Bruyne can pull the strings as magically as he does for Manchester City.
Group H
Favorite: Poland
Challenger: Colombia
Chaos Potential: 9/10
Player To Watch: Robert Lewandowski, F (Poland)
It's not a traditional Group of Death, but Group H is probably the most evenly-matched group top-to-bottom. Japan is known for tactical precision and surprising unassuming teams. Senegal has firepower and massive goalscoring potential. Colombia is oozing with talent, though is susceptible to mental lapses. Poland is undoubtedly the weakest seeded team of the all the groups, but having the World's greatest striker means they will still be favored to win. Speaking of, what a great group of Forwards: Lewandowski, James Rodriguez (Bayern Munich) at Colombia, Sadio Mané (Liverpool) at Senegal, and Shinji Okazaki (Leicester City) for Japan.