Group H

H is for Heathrow, Heathers (the movie), Heather (the name), and hockey which is probably my favorite team sport other than football. H is also the final group.

Group H

Switzerland, Chile, Spain, Honduras


This one looks pretty straight forward to me. Four teams, each at a very different level with distinct playing styles. Surprises are always possible but I think we know how this one is going to go.

Switzerland- They had an impressive run in 2006 making it through the group stage on an airtight defense. We all know they were the only team to go out without conceding and that was cool. But their unimpressive performance as host of the Euro two years later was a let down. Switzerland aren't a bad team but I see them as a kind of "happy to be here" squad. Maybe they get to four points, and in some scenarios that could be enough, we will see.
PTW- I dunno.

Spain- The best team in the tournament as of right now Spain will demolish this group. They have what looks to be a perfect set of conditions. Skilled players that also want to win and know how, a hungry and accomplished coach who can both motivate and handle the tactical side of managing, a deep squad that boasts more than one elite player at nearly every position, a group of players mostly at or near their prime, and the experience of having won a major trophy recently. One of the things that makes Spain easy to like as a neutral observer is that they are a superpower that wins and wins and wins but does it always on their terms. And in their case that means fluid, attractive, and attacking football.
PTW- Andres Iniesta. Spain are overloaded with superstars so this is subjective, but I think he is a key piece. At both club and country level Iniesta's teams have been nearly unbeatable the last 18 months. But take a look at the rare occasions they have lost: he has been absent. It may or may not be a coincidence but when Iniesta is running and touching and passing alongside Xavi there is no other midfield duo in the world that can approach them.

Honduras- This team is garbage. They qualified through Concacaf where they are an okay side, but on the big stage in a group where they are clearly the worst of the four their chances are extremely slim.
PTW- Carlos Pavon. Maybe he gets them a much needed goal. Does he get them two or three? Seriously doubt it, but maybe he makes me eat my words.

Chile- Much like Paraguay this is a team that will surprise those who do not follow the South American game. Marcelo Bielsa whipped the Chileans into a disciplined and astute team that can control the flow of a game to their advantage. Watching them play in qualifying was very enjoyable. They had a few signature wins over regional rivals and I fully expect them to take second place in this group. Chile do not have a great history at world cups but this team is cohesive and organized and has some legitimately good players like Alexis Sanchez and Chupete Suazo.
PTW- Speaking of... Suazo plays in the comparatively inferior Mexican league but he is a true goal scorer who is able to bury chances when they arrive. In this tournament I see the team laboring to create opportunities for him and he will seal the deal the if they are to go through. And he probably will.

Group H predictions
1. Spain (9)
2. Chile (6)
3. Switzerland (3)
4. Honduras (3)