Go check out my previews and predictions for Group A as well.
Group B:
Cameroon
The Indomitable Lions were the last team to get a ticket to Russia by winning the 2017 African Cup of Nations in February of this year, beating Egypt in the final 2-1. Cameroon’s roster has changed dramatically since the last World Cup in Brazil, and many people did not expect them to be African champions. Still, they came out on top and didn’t lose a game for more than a year until losing to Colombia on Tuesday. That may sound good on paper, but Cameroon have only won against other African teams in that year.
The last two times they have faced a team outside their continent, the aforementioned Colombia and France, they’ve lost, so I can’t see them picking up a win in this tournament.
Players to watch: Vincent Aboubakar is without a doubt the star and leader of this team. The Beşiktaş striker on loan from FC Porto has the most caps and goals for the Lions, so he will be their only hope for a win. Also, keep an eye on FC Lorient player Benjamin Moukandjo, who will be running the midfield.
Chile
The 2x Copa America champions have at least confused their fans with some questionable results from their recent games. Most recently, they took a shock a loss to Romania on Tuesday (2-3). They also tied with a struggling Russia on June 9(1-1).
Their World Cup Qualification was also in doubt after the Copa America, so it hasn’t been easy for La Roja. However, I think once they start the tournament Chile will show the world why they beat Lionel Messi and his Argentina side twice with their sparks of brilliant plays from their star players. I don’t see them winning the whole thing, but they will easily make it pass the group stage.
Players to watch: Obviously the midfield mastermind that is Arturo Vidal and the country’s golden boy Alexis Sanchez are always the players to watch as they always carry the team. In addition to these two, Inter Milan’s Gary Medel and Bayer Leverkusen’s Charles Aranguiz are two key pieces of this Chilean team that hope to win their third trophy in three years.
Australia
The last time Australia was in this tournament, they were representing Oceania. This will be the first time they represent the Asian Football Confederation. Australia actually made it to the final of this tournament once before in 1997, before being manhandled by Brazil 6-0. This year, coach Ange Postecoglou has set a high goal for the Socceroos. “We want to win it, mate," Postecoglou said confidently, according to ABC News Australia. That seems almost impossible though with their stiff competition, but confidence is always important and Australia is going into this tournament with the right mindset.
Players to watch: Queens Park Rangers midfielder Massimo Luongo was the 2015 AFC Cup Player of the Tournament, so he will be exciting to watch in the midfield.
As for the attack, veteran Tim Cahill will be joined by Matthew Leckie and Tomi Juric, two players that have scored a combined 7 goals in Australia’s last 10 games.
Germany
Joachim Low’s squad will not contain the likes of Neuer, Hummels, Boateng, Kroos, Ozil, or Muller. Instead the German boss is sending an alternate squad full of young talent to do the job in Russia. Only three players on the team were world champions in 2014. Many critics say Germany is not playing to win and that may be true to a degree but I think this squad is still capable of winning this tournament. Germany has team depth unlike any other country in the world right now, and if any star player is out, another equally efficient player can take his place.
Their emphasis on player development from youth teams to the national team is why Germany has and will be very successful for years to come.
Players to watch: Newly named captain Julian Draxler will be running the midfield for Die Mannschaft, which also features young stars Leon Goretzka, Emre Can, and Julian Brandt. Timo Werner will be in the attack after he helped his club Red Bull Leipzig to a historic second place finish in the Bundesliga with 21 goals last season.
Group Standing Predictions:
For me, Germany, B-squad or not, will still leave this group with the top spot. They’ll beat Australia and Cameroon pretty easily, Chile will be a bit tougher but they’ll still leave with the win, and nine points.
Chile will be in second with six points. Australia will lose games with Germany and Chile but will win against Cameroon, making them third with 3 points. That leaves the Indomitable Lions with zero points in my opinion, as they are just too weak of a team for me to get a positive result in any game.
Knockout Round Predictions:
If you haven’t already, click on the link at the beginning of the article to see my Group A preview.
Semi-finals:
For the semis, I have Portugal (winner of group A) vs. Chile (Runner-up of group B). This will be a very entertaining matchup with two of the best attacking wingers in the game in Cristiano Ronaldo and Alexis Sanchez. It will be a close one but I think Portugal will take this one by a one goal difference, it may even go to extra time!
For the other semi-final, I have Mexico (runner up of group A) vs. Germany (winner of group B). This may seem like an easy win for Germany, but remember they have a B-squad, which may be enough to beat Australia and Cameroon, but I think Mexico will give them a battle. Mexico tends to shine when they are not favored upon, such as the last World Cup, so don’t expect this to be a walk in the park for Germany. With Chicharito and Fabian on the rosters, who play in the Bundesliga, their wisdom with the German game will come in handy, but the German team boasts too much talent on the defensive side with Kimmich, Mustafi, Ginter, and their goalkeepers, so ultimately, I think Mexico will get close but no cigar.
Final:
So here’s the moment we’ve all been waiting for…the final! I predict an all European final with Portugal vs. Germany. Just the idea of Germany winning another international tournament with an alternate squad blows my mind, and it could happen. However, the motivation Ronaldo will have by being in another final will be too much for the Germans, and I got Portugal winning the cup. The strength and experience Portugal have in their squad from the center backs to Ronaldo will be too much for the Mannschaft, and Cristiano will get yet another trophy this year, and with that, might just guarantee a Lionel Messi-tying fifth Ballon d’Or
