World Cup 2014 Preview, Predictions: France, Switzerland, Ecuador, Honduras: Which Team Gets Out of Group E? [Watch]
Groups of Death often get the majority of the spotlight, but Groups of Opportunity are just as worthy of attention.
Group E is certainly one of those opportunity groups as it features a few sides that are not considered major contenders but could potentially surprise at the World Cup. Here's our look at Group E:
France
France is often seen as the favorite in this group, but it is possible that the French giant could implode. In 1998, Les Bleues won the tournament, but in 2002, the team was eliminated in the first round and did not even manage a win. Four years later, France got off to a poor start but managed to make a huge run to the final in the knockout rounds thanks to an inspired performance from Zinedine Zidane in his final performances for the national side. Four years ago, the team crumbled and controversy ensued; the end result was a last place finish in Group A.
If this pattern is to materialize again, France should be destined for a great tournament. But there are a few things that this team must overcome if it is to make any run whatsoever. Heading into the World Cup, many expected Franck Ribery to lead the French attack. The Bayern Munich winger was nominated for the Ballon d'Or this year but struggled down the stretch for his club and will now miss the tournament because of a lingering back problem. His absence will put the onus on Yohan Cabaye to spearhead the attack from the midfield. Samir Nasri was not called up for this tournament, so France could be in big trouble without its top star. It should be noted that the team is playing rather well heading into the tournament and recently destroyed Jamaica 8-0, so it is possible that the club gels in time for the tournament.
Switzerland
France's issues could open up a huge opportunity for Switzerland, who entered the tournament as one of the top-seeded teams in the World. Switzerland is strong defensively, but there are lingering question about how good this team could really be. The Swiss had one of the easier groups in qualifying, and many believe that the lack of great competition prior to the tournament could hurt the team in the big show. Of course this very team did defeat Spain 1-0 in its opening game of Group H in the 2010 World Cup, but then the side failed to pick up a win in its following two matches and wound up eliminated. Xherdan Shaqiri will be the man who gets the biggest spotlight cast on him for Switzerland.
Ecuador
Ecuador is a team more than capable of dominating this group. Even though the team has struggled in recent friendlies against Mexico and England, the South Americans can take solace in the fact that they are playing on their continent and do have a rather solid team through and through. Ecuador will be competing in its first World Cup since 2006. The key player for Ecuador is Manchester United's own Antonio Valencia. The midfielder will be called to give the team structure in the middle of the park.
Honduras
Honduras will also look for a historic performance as well. The team has never won a game in this competition, and it is possible that they could provide more trouble than expected. Four years ago, this very team eliminated Switzerland from the knockout round by pushing them to a 0-0 draw. Honduras' main man will be Jerry Bengtson. He has 19 goals in 41 games for Honduras.
Schedule:
June 15: Switzerland vs. Ecuador
France vs. Honduras
June 20: Switzerland vs. France
Honduras vs. Ecuador
June 25: Honduras vs. Switzerland
Ecuador vs. France
Prediction
Ulitimately, without Ribery, the French attack becomes less threatening. The Swiss will play a seamless defensive style and manage a huge showing in the tournament. Look for them to finish first in the group, while Ecuador gets enough points to finish second. Honduras ties France but finishes fourth.
1. Switzerland
2. Ecuador
3. France
4. Honduras
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