England’s hopes of winning first World Cup since 1966 rest on the feet of a young captain, while Panama hopes to make most of bumping U.S.
BELGIUM ODDS: 9/1 2014 RESULT: Quarterfinals FORMATION: 3-4-3 PLAYERS TO WATCH: Kevin De Bruyne is coming off his best professional season at Manchester City (eight goals, 15 assists). He’s a precision passer who loves to split defenses. He’ll be given freedom centrally to be the catalyst for Belgium’s electric attack. Napoli forward Dries Mertens is a goal-scoring machine who could be a massive park off the bench.
OUTLOOK: Known for being the Red Devils’ golden generation, the likes of Eden Hazard, De Bruyne and company largely have disappointed on the global stage. But this group is a little bit older and more experienced, and with Group G particularly weak, Belgium should coast before real tests that will decide if they are a legitimate contender.
ENGLAND ODDS: 16/1 2014 RESULT: Group stage FORMATION: 4-3-3 PLAYERS TO WATCH: The Three Lions will sit on the shoulders of Tottenham striker Harry Kane. He has averaged 0.71 goals per match, tops of current players in the Premier League, across his career. He’s an intelligent striker who can provide service and uses his physical attributes well in hold up play. Kane, just 24, was announced as England’s youngest World Cup captain — a fair title for one of the world’s top goal-scorers. OUTLOOK: There’s a ton of youth with England this time around, led by Kane and Raheem Sterling. However, their projected starting center backs ( John Stones and Phil Jones) could be rusty after not grabbing regular minutes at their clubs.
Jordan Pickford gets the start in net despite being inexperienced on the international level.
PANAMA ODDS: 350/1 2014 RESULT: Did not qualify FORMATION: 4-4-2 PLAYERS TO WATCH: Anibal Godoy (right) is shifty in the center of Panama’s midfield, but Red Bulls right back Michael Murillo will be the Panamanian with the most eyes on him. If Murillo shines, it could reignite interest from abroad.
OUTLOOK: If not for Panama’s phantom goal, the United States would have claimed CONCACAF’s third spot. However, Panama gets a first-ever World Cup appearance and will implement a patent physical style-of-play. Panama isn’t going to play gorgeous soccer, but can agitate opponents with their overtly tough style, which could steal them a point. The team is also full of MLS players, including two Red Bulls (Murillo and
TUNISIA ODDS: 500/1 2014 RESULT: Did not qualify FORMATION: 4-3-3 PLAYERS TO WATCH: Sunderland’s Wahbi Khazri fills the creative voidoid left by Youssef Msakni, Tunisia’sa’s best player, whoho will miss the World Cup due to a knee injury. Khazriazri scored nine goalss on loan at Rennes this season, a relief enteringng Russia. With no other creative help, he will have a spotlight on himm wherever he roams.
OUTLOOK: Tunisia lackss true star quality, but have components that work well together in the midfield. The Msakni injury really takes away the central playmaking threat but Tunisia, like Panama, plays together. Unfortunately, their fate in Russia could be sealed depending on the result in their first match against England.