STOUT BRAZIL TO DEFEND MEN’S TITLE
Ninth Saskatoon World Cup showcases clutch of talent, new knockout Round of 16
The ninth Saskatoon World Cup is upon us.
From Thursday through Monday, SaskTel Sports Centre will host 76 teams in men’s, women’s, masters, under-15 boys, under-13 boys and girls.
Men’s Open is the main event and will feature a knock out Round of 16 for the first time, meaning two teams will advance from each group. The quarter-finals, semis and final will be played over 12 hours on Monday, with the championship match slated for 8 p.m.
The defending champions are Brazil. They promise to be strong once again. Diogo Galvao is back, fully recovered from injury and hungry to score. They play debutantes Portugal and follow that up with matches against Canada and then Cameroon.
Jesse Schwartz is bringing in a team Humboldt for the first time. With the #humboldtstrong community behind the newcomers, they have a tough task as they face seeded First Nations in the opening match of the tournament. Colombia and Iraq round out a balanced Group B.
After a few early exits, Ireland has improved its roster more than any other. Garrett Peters, Mitchell Bauche and Yiannis Tsala join the Boys in Green. The Irish won it all in 2013, and are desperate to taste victory once again. Their biggest test will be last year’s quarterfinalists Ukraine. Winning Group C could set up a mouth-watering showdown with Brazil in the last eight.
It’s been seven years since Nigeria last reached the final. Arguably Africa’s greatest hope, import goalkeeper Jon Neufeld does not concede many goals. Brothers Peter and Wilson Ntignee are important if the Super Eagles are to find success.
The other African side that poses a threat are up-and-comers Morocco. Led by captain Hassan Mowgli, the veteran midfielder has eight years’ experience on a side that has gotten better each year. Coached by Mohamed Rtimi, they face a challenging task when they meet 2016 semifinalists China in the final match of Group D.
China’s top players, Robert Lee, Ivan Mak and Kerry Zhang, will pose problems for the opposition. Finishing first in this group will be important, as the runners-up will most likely meet Ireland in the Round of 16.
Perennial contenders Norway could be the best team not to have ever lifted the trophy. Jarvis Huyghebaert and Brandon Holmes are the leaders. Tyler Redl is their biggest offensive threat. Drawing England in their group will provide fans with a much-anticipated match in the opening round. Winner of Group F could end up facing Poland in the quarter-finals.
After missing back-to-back finals, England will look different this year, some old faces return along with a handful of new blood. After a three-year absence, Andrew Frost has returned to the Three Lions. Midfield will be anchored by the formidable Dwayne Gareau and Kevin Murphy.
Poland was a finalist a year ago. The White and Reds will rely on the trio of Jay Tomchuk, Michal Bandula and Gabriel Buatois to get them to the final once again. Here are my predictions: QUARTER-FINALS Ireland over Brazil Romania over Nigeria China over Canada Norway over Poland SEMIFINALS
Ireland over Romania Norway over China FINAL
Ireland over Norway ODDS TO WIN THE 2018 SASKATOON WORLD CUP: Romania……2 to 1 Brazil..……. 3 to 1 Ireland..…… 3 to 1 Poland………4 to 1 Norway……..5 to 1 England…….6 to 1 Nigeria……...7 to 1 China……….7 to 1 Morocco……..9 to 1 Ukraine…….10 to 1 First Nations…12 to 1 Peru ………… .13 to 1 Canada…..….14 to 1