51 replies to this topic

[jaybee1978]

So our group has been drawn and we now know who we will be competing against for a place at World cup 2014. I thought I'd write up a wee bit about the teams we will play against.

Croatia ranked 9th in FIFA rankings - Seeded top in the group and in recent times they stopped England qualifying for Euro 2008. Many seem to think they are not one of the best teams out of the top seeds but they have in demand player Luka Modric of Spurs, Rangers player Nikica Jelavic who we are aware of from playing in SPL, ex Arsenal striker Eduardo and Spurs defender Vedran Corluka who keeps Alan Hutton out team. Their captain is Darijo Srna of Shakhtar Donetsk.

Serbia ranked 27th in the world - Seeded 2nd in our group they are a tough team to beat due to their strength in defence. They are currently 3rd in their Euro championship qualifying group behind Italy and Slovenia. Their top players are Nemanja Vidic who is regarded as one of best centre backs in the world, young defender Neven Subotic of Borussia Dortmund and Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic. Their main attacking threats are Nikola Zigic of Birmingham and Milan Jovanovic of Liverpool. Their captain is Dejan Stankovic who was considering retirement from international football but fancies a crack at the other Balkan nations.

Belgium ranked 37th in the world - The Belgians are considered as one of the best up and coming teams in Europe with many of their players being in demand such as Eden Hazard of French champions Lille and Romelu Lokaku of Anderlecht. They also have Vincent Kompany who was considered one of best defenders in England last season at Manchester City and midfielder Marouane Fellaini of Everton. Their captain is Thomas Vermaelen of Arsenal who missed a lot of last season.

Macedonia ranked 96th in the world - A team who have caused us problems in the past and a team we have lost to before. They are probably the best team out of 5th pot of seeds. Their main threat is Inter attacker Goran Pandev who is also their captain.

Wales ranked 112th in the world - A team who are well known to us and have defeated us twice recently in friendlies. Their main threats are Gareth Bale of Spurs, Aaron Ramsey of Arsenal who missed a lot of last season and is their captain, Craig Bellamy who is out of favour at Manchester City and 2 players who play in SPL in recent Celtic signing Adam Matthews and also Joe Ledley.

[craig]

A very good write up jaybee, that has unfortunately left me a little depressed about our chances

[jaybee1978]

Cheers Craig, glad you like it. As I've said elsewhere our home form will be key as all teams are capable of beating each other.

[douglasta]

Good info, mate. Just enough to prove that it's just not "easy" anymore in world football. Everyone has talent but it is depressing that our own game has been stagnant for too many years while other small countries are producing quality players and competitive international sides.

That said, the draw could not have been any better for us and if we were going to qualify for Brasil2014 it is going to be from this group. Time to get to work and start winning games.

[Graeme]

I think our only hope is if teams take points off each other meaning a relatively low points tally could get us through. If we can pick up points consistently, even draws, then we will be in with a chance in that situation.

[johnarob]

when you see the players in the wales squad then it's no wonder you think negative..but they all have to turn up on the night

pandev is a fantastic player, but he is only one man

croatia are not the team they were, and here's hoping it stays that way for a wee while

belgium have got decent players but so have we

serbia can be brilliant or pish

got to think positive...still say it's our best chance in a good while

[jaybee1978]

Ex Wales manager John Toshack has been named Macedonia coach which should make our group even more interesting.

[jaybee1978]

Thought i'd do a quick round up on how our group rivals got on.

Wales lost 2-1 at home to Australia tonight.

Croatia drew 0-0 away to Republic of Ireland.

Belgium drew 0-0 away to Slovenia.

Macedonia won 1-0 away to Azerbaijan.

Serbia lost 1-0 away to Russia.

[BelgianFan]

I believe the feeling in Belgium is probably the same as in the other countries in our group ... the draw could have been a lot worse. I read how Scotland has a young and upcoming team, but I have to admit that I don't know the players that well. I'd thought I would share how I believe the Belgian starting 11 will look like in a year and would love to hear how the Scottish team compares to this. I won't comment about the players that play in the EPL, since you probably see them play more often than I do.

This is probably how our starting 11 will look like:
Thibaut Courtois - Chelsea (currently on loan to Atletico Madrid)
Vincent Kompany - Manchester City
Thomas Vermaelen - Arsenal
Toby Alderweireld - Ajax - Defender that took the place of Vermaelen when he moved to Arsenal
Jan Vertonghen - Ajax - former partner of Vermaelen in the defense of Ajax. Can play CB or LB and linked with a move to Milan and Manchester City
Eden Hazard - Lille - One of the hottest prospects in Europe and linked to almost every European top team
Axel Witsel - Benfica - probably best known for his horrible tackle on Wasilewski. It actually earned him a bad reputation that was not entirely deserved. In the meantime he has recovered and his move to Benfica will hopefully make him a better player.
Moussa Dembele - Fulham
Kevin De Bruyne - Genk - Very talented winger linked with a move to Chelsea as well
Marouane Fellaini - Everton
Romelu Lukaku - Chelsea

Our reserves:
Simon Mignolet - Sunderland
Daniel Van Buyten - Bayern Munchen - Very accomplished defender, but age is catching up to him.
Nicolas Lombaerts - Zenit St Petersburg - Very underrated CB or LB. However if you can win 2 titles in Russia and win the EL, you're not an average player.
Dedrick Boyata - Manchester City
Steven Defour - Standard Liege - Highly rated midfielder, but in order to continue his development he should move to a different team outside the Belgian League.
Nacer Chadli - AZ Alkmaar - A winger and one of the revelations in the Dutch league last year. For an offensive player he also does his fair share on the defensive side.
Dries Mertens - PSV Eindhoven - Alternative to Eden Hazard. He has a very similar style of playing, however not as talented as Eden Hazard.
Jelle Vossen - RC Genk - Top scorer in the Belgian League and
Kevin Mirallas - Olympiakos - Striker of the champions side in Greece and second in the top scorer ranking last season
Yassine EL GHANASSY - AA Gent -

[jaybee1978]

Welcome to the forum.

I think Belgium seem to have one of best up and coming teams in Europe and look forward to our games.

[PaulBand]

Lukaku is scary for his age & Eden Hazard will cause trouble

[jaybee1978]

BelgianFan said:

I believe the feeling in Belgium is probably the same as in the other countries in our group ... the draw could have been a lot worse. I read how Scotland has a young and upcoming team, but I have to admit that I don't know the players that well. I'd thought I would share how I believe the Belgian starting 11 will look like in a year and would love to hear how the Scottish team compares to this. I won't comment about the players that play in the EPL, since you probably see them play more often than I do.

This is probably how our starting 11 will look like:
Thibaut Courtois - Chelsea (currently on loan to Atletico Madrid)
Vincent Kompany - Manchester City
Thomas Vermaelen - Arsenal
Toby Alderweireld - Ajax - Defender that took the place of Vermaelen when he moved to Arsenal
Jan Vertonghen - Ajax - former partner of Vermaelen in the defense of Ajax. Can play CB or LB and linked with a move to Milan and Manchester City
Eden Hazard - Lille - One of the hottest prospects in Europe and linked to almost every European top team
Axel Witsel - Benfica - probably best known for his horrible tackle on Wasilewski. It actually earned him a bad reputation that was not entirely deserved. In the meantime he has recovered and his move to Benfica will hopefully make him a better player.
Moussa Dembele - Fulham
Kevin De Bruyne - Genk - Very talented winger linked with a move to Chelsea as well
Marouane Fellaini - Everton
Romelu Lukaku - Chelsea

Our reserves:
Simon Mignolet - Sunderland
Daniel Van Buyten - Bayern Munchen - Very accomplished defender, but age is catching up to him.
Nicolas Lombaerts - Zenit St Petersburg - Very underrated CB or LB. However if you can win 2 titles in Russia and win the EL, you're not an average player.
Dedrick Boyata - Manchester City
Steven Defour - Standard Liege - Highly rated midfielder, but in order to continue his development he should move to a different team outside the Belgian League.
Nacer Chadli - AZ Alkmaar - A winger and one of the revelations in the Dutch league last year. For an offensive player he also does his fair share on the defensive side.
Dries Mertens - PSV Eindhoven - Alternative to Eden Hazard. He has a very similar style of playing, however not as talented as Eden Hazard.
Jelle Vossen - RC Genk - Top scorer in the Belgian League and
Kevin Mirallas - Olympiakos - Striker of the champions side in Greece and second in the top scorer ranking last season
Yassine EL GHANASSY - AA Gent -

Here is my verdict on Scotland team

Allan McGregor - now Scotland's number 1 due to injuries to Craig Gordon. Been linked in past to EPL but recently signed long term contract with Rangers

Phil Bardsley (Sunderland) - has recently broke in to Scotland team and is a solid full back who is not scared to get stuck in

Gary Caldwell (Wigan) - plenty of experience with Scotland and also in the past with Celtic in champions league

Danny Wilson (Liverpool) - needs to get regular football and if he does is likely to start. A composed defender who will only get better with more experience

Lee Wallace (Rangers) - a full back who is full of energy and will get forward at every opportunity

James Morrison (West Brom) - another who has become a regular under Levein. A creative midfielder who can play wide or through the middle

Darren Fletcher (Manchester United) - our captain and leads by example. Always wants the ball and will now hopefully thrive with more creative players around him

Scott Brown (Celtic) - one who has plenty passion and will run all day. Still to fulfil his initial potential but a favourite of the manager

Charlie Adam (Liverpool) - a contender for player of the year last season. Capable of any kind of pass and great from set pieces

Kris Commons (Celtic) - has developed superbly over last year and capable of goals from wide areas

Kenny Miller (Cardiff) - leads the line for us due to his pace. His goals record could be better but has plenty of experience at this level

Subs

Craig Gordon (Sunderland) - needs to get fit again and start playing regularly. If he does he could be number 1 again

Alan Hutton (Spurs) - another who needs 1st team football. Great going forward though sometimes found wanting defensively

Grant Hanley (Blackburn) - young centre back now getting his chance in EPL

Graham Dorrans (West Brom) - missed a lot of last season. Creative midfielder who is capable on either foot

Robert Snodgrass (Leeds) - wide player who can play on either side

Steven Naismith (Rangers) - can play wide or up front. For a wee guy he is good in the air

David Goodwillie (Blackburn) - best striking talent we have had in years. Hopefully he gets games in EPL and gets amongst the goals

[BelgianFan]

jaybee1978 said:

Here is my verdict on Scotland team

Allan McGregor - now Scotland's number 1 due to injuries to Craig Gordon. Been linked in past to EPL but recently signed long term contract with Rangers

Phil Bardsley (Sunderland) - has recently broke in to Scotland team and is a solid full back who is not scared to get stuck in

Gary Caldwell (Wigan) - plenty of experience with Scotland and also in the past with Celtic in champions league

Danny Wilson (Liverpool) - needs to get regular football and if he does is likely to start. A composed defender who will only get better with more experience

Lee Wallace (Rangers) - a full back who is full of energy and will get forward at every opportunity

James Morrison (West Brom) - another who has become a regular under Levein. A creative midfielder who can play wide or through the middle

Darren Fletcher (Manchester United) - our captain and leads by example. Always wants the ball and will now hopefully thrive with more creative players around him

Scott Brown (Celtic) - one who has plenty passion and will run all day. Still to fulfil his initial potential but a favourite of the manager

Charlie Adam (Liverpool) - a contender for player of the year last season. Capable of any kind of pass and great from set pieces

Kris Commons (Celtic) - has developed superbly over last year and capable of goals from wide areas

Kenny Miller (Cardiff) - leads the line for us due to his pace. His goals record could be better but has plenty of experience at this level

Subs

Craig Gordon (Sunderland) - needs to get fit again and start playing regularly. If he does he could be number 1 again

Alan Hutton (Spurs) - another who needs 1st team football. Great going forward though sometimes found wanting defensively

Grant Hanley (Blackburn) - young centre back now getting his chance in EPL

Graham Dorrans (West Brom) - missed a lot of last season. Creative midfielder who is capable on either foot

Robert Snodgrass (Leeds) - wide player who can play on either side

Steven Naismith (Rangers) - can play wide or up front. For a wee guy he is good in the air

David Goodwillie (Blackburn) - best striking talent we have had in years. Hopefully he gets games in EPL and gets amongst the goals

Looks like a good team with a mix of young talent and players that are moving to their prime age (26-30) as football players.

My biggest fears for the Belgian team are that we have a lot of young players and it's not because you have 11 very talented players that you automatically have great team.

Anyway should be an interesting game with two teams that have the majority of their players plying their trade in the EPL.

[jaybee1978]

It should be an interesting couple games. I think it will be important to win home games as don't see many away victories in group.

Was there not an attitude problem in Belgium squad under Advocaat?

[craig]

BelgianFan said:

I believe the feeling in Belgium is probably the same as in the other countries in our group ... the draw could have been a lot worse. I read how Scotland has a young and upcoming team, but I have to admit that I don't know the players that well. I'd thought I would share how I believe the Belgian starting 11 will look like in a year and would love to hear how the Scottish team compares to this. I won't comment about the players that play in the EPL, since you probably see them play more often than I do.

This is probably how our starting 11 will look like:
Thibaut Courtois - Chelsea (currently on loan to Atletico Madrid)
Vincent Kompany - Manchester City
Thomas Vermaelen - Arsenal
Toby Alderweireld - Ajax - Defender that took the place of Vermaelen when he moved to Arsenal
Jan Vertonghen - Ajax - former partner of Vermaelen in the defense of Ajax. Can play CB or LB and linked with a move to Milan and Manchester City
Eden Hazard - Lille - One of the hottest prospects in Europe and linked to almost every European top team
Axel Witsel - Benfica - probably best known for his horrible tackle on Wasilewski. It actually earned him a bad reputation that was not entirely deserved. In the meantime he has recovered and his move to Benfica will hopefully make him a better player.
Moussa Dembele - Fulham
Kevin De Bruyne - Genk - Very talented winger linked with a move to Chelsea as well
Marouane Fellaini - Everton
Romelu Lukaku - Chelsea

Our reserves:
Simon Mignolet - Sunderland
Daniel Van Buyten - Bayern Munchen - Very accomplished defender, but age is catching up to him.
Nicolas Lombaerts - Zenit St Petersburg - Very underrated CB or LB. However if you can win 2 titles in Russia and win the EL, you're not an average player.
Dedrick Boyata - Manchester City
Steven Defour - Standard Liege - Highly rated midfielder, but in order to continue his development he should move to a different team outside the Belgian League.
Nacer Chadli - AZ Alkmaar - A winger and one of the revelations in the Dutch league last year. For an offensive player he also does his fair share on the defensive side.
Dries Mertens - PSV Eindhoven - Alternative to Eden Hazard. He has a very similar style of playing, however not as talented as Eden Hazard.
Jelle Vossen - RC Genk - Top scorer in the Belgian League and
Kevin Mirallas - Olympiakos - Striker of the champions side in Greece and second in the top scorer ranking last season
Yassine EL GHANASSY - AA Gent -

welcome to the forum and a superb first post. very informative, thanks.

[jaybee1978]

Here is how our group rivals got on.

Croatia won 3-1 away to Malta
Serbia won 1-0 away to Northern Ireland
Belgium drew 1-1 away to Azerbaijan
Macedonia lost 1-0 away to Russia
Wales won 2-1 at home against Montenegro

[jaybee1978]

Here is how our rivals got on last night.

Croatia beat Israel 3-1 at home
Serbia beat Faroe Islands 3-1 at home
Belgium didn't play
Macedonia beat Andorra 1-0 at home
Wales lost 1-0 away to England

[jaybee1978]

Belgium won 4-1 at home to Kazakhstan
Macedonia lost 4-1 away to Armenia
Serbia drew 1-1 at home against Italy
Croatia lost 2-0 away to Greece
Wales won 2-0 home against Switzerland

[Grumpy Old Man]

jaybee1978, on 08 October 2011 - 10:28 AM, said:

Croatia lost 2-0 away to Greece

Samaras scored in this one

[jaybee1978]

The recent results of all the teams I still think suggests that the group will be very close. I actually think anyone apart from Macedonia is capable of winning the group. Should make for an exciting campaign.