Steven Gerrard With His Childhood Idol

What Fletch Really Said to Young

Credit to 101greatgoals, or wherever they took it from.

Neuer's Reaction to Champions League Draw With Arsenal

Sums it up, really. 

Credit to /u/mozy777

AVB SACKED!

After getting chewed up and spit out by first City and now Liverpool, I can't say I'm shocked, but he seemed to be making progress. Maybe it was just Bale's magic last year, but he seemed like an alright manager last season.

It can't be avoided that despite their heavy investment of the funding from the transfer of "he-who-must-not-be-named", they've been fucking awful. Sure, they're 7th. However, three of their wins came from their first 4 games where they won 3 dodgy penalties. On top of that, they had a poor record against top teams (0-1-3), having only a couple of points against faltering Chelsea and Manchester United at White Hart Lane to show for themselves against the big boys of the EPL this season.

Villas-Boas seemed sort of edgy recently, getting that dude ejected in the Europa League for singing about him, and generally seeming like a dick to everyone.

For a team that reportedly spent around £70m on attacking talent (Eriksen, Soldado, Lamela, and Chadli), Spurs haven't done much more than become a fun team to play with on FIFA 14, and it was time for AVB to go.

Let's all laugh when Di Matteo replaces him. LOL. Happy Holidays.

Champions League Round of 16 Draw

Manchester City vs Barcelona (??)

Unfortunate for City that when they finally qualify for the knockout rounds, they get welcomed to it with the nightmare draw. Funny situation here where both teams are probably the last one the other wanted to see. City should dominate the first leg at the Etihad, and could possibly go through on away goals. That's not to discount the magnificence of Barça on their day, though. Tough one to call. This is the only draw which isn't straightforward, in my opinion.

Olympiakos vs Manchester United

No disrespect intended, but I don't think United could have hoped for a better draw. Moyes better not take them too lightly, and we'll trot on to the Quarterfinals. 

AC Milan vs Atlético Madrid

Milan are in the middle of some massive rebuilding. Allegri might not even be manager once mid-February rolls around, but either way Atlético are joint top of La Liga, and they'll steamroll through to the Quarterfinals over this sorry sight calling itself a Rossoneri side. 

Bayer Leverkusen vs Paris Saint-Germain

Going into the tournament, I was worried about Leverkusen (as a United fan). 9-1 aggregate later, and they seem porous. Both times United throttled them, it was supposed to be the turning point of United's season, they went on to go through a tough patch – first we got trashed at the Etihad, and then after the second fixture we went on a run of matches where we picked up 5 points from a possible 12. 

That being said, I think PSG will destroy them.

Galatasaray vs Chelsea

Didier Drogba makes his Stamford Bridge return, which will be fluffy and lovely. No matter. Barring apocalyptic-hail-witchcraft, Chelsea are going through easily.

Schalke 04 vs Real Madrid

Real Madrid got a pretty easy draw, as far as what was possible for them. Obviously they would've preferred Milan, Leverkusen, Zenit or Olympiakos, but they'll be chuffed they avoided a big boy like City or Arsenal. They're clean through. 

Zenit St. Petersburg vs Borussia Dortmund

It'll be interesting to see how Dortmund deals with the Russian winter, but it shouldn't affect them too dearly. Hopefully they can avoid further fitness issues with their back-line, but honestly I think Arne Friedrich and Sokratis would handle Kerzhakov just as ably as Hummels and Subotic. 

Arsenal vs Bayern Munich

Nightmare for Arsenal, drawing the same as last year. Don't expect the same slip-up from Munich this year (though it didn't even affect them), they'll trounce them twice. 

As far as the big picture, barring an ugly Quarterfinals draw, this gives PSG a good chance of reaching the latter stages, don't be surprised if they reach the Semifinals. As far as winning "the trophy with the big ears", I think it can only be Madrid, Barça, or Munich. Too much quality. If City can get past Barcelona, they stand a chance too just off of their home form. 

Balotelli back to his old ways?

Credit to /u/binbl on /r/soccer

World Cup predictions!!

So yeah this is officially my first post on this blog, as I've been exhausted with work (Bon Bon here btw) :)

Anyways the Groups have been announced, so here's what I predict for this upcoming World Cup.

Group A
1. Brazil
2. Croatia
3. Mexico
4. Cameroon

If Brazil performs superb like the Confed 2013, they are true finalists

Like seriously, with Mexico in such shit form this seems very likely, unless Croatia fails to adapt to the climate and the others take advantage of it. If climate severely effects these Croatians than Cameroon could be surprise runner ups of this group. 
Many European teams will have a torrid time compared to the other countries, thats for sure.

Team to watch from this group - Brazil. I mean, hosts, contenders, excellent form... what else?

Group B
1. Spain
2. Chile
3. Netherlands
4. Australia

Chile could even win the group with these climatical advantages

I wouldn't say this in normal conditions, but for this World Cup with the climate, the pitch condition, and the massive home support for the South American teams, this outcome can happen. The only reason I picked Spain above the Netherlands is the difference of squad depth, and with Spain having the advantage of playing here earlier in the confederations cup. Chile is also an impressive side, so the Netherlands does have quite a chance to be knocked out early. Australia... well I feel bad for them honestly. I mean they park the bus against Japan, lose 6 - 0 to Brazil and France.. don't see them even getting a point in this group.

Team to watch from this group - Chile. They actually have a chance to even win the group. Either ways they are an entertaining team to watch for the neutrals.

Group C
1. Colombia
2. Japan
3. Ivory Coast
4. Greece

If these two self-destruct.. Japan could end up in the bottom, unless Honda and Kagawa score more than they concede, which is pretty unlikely...

I may be biased for putting Japan ahead of Ivory Coast, but I just think this would happen, Japan does have a great record against African sides. But again, this group is such an even group, all teams have the chance to win it, and all teams have a chance to lose all games honestly.
Anyways, I think Colombia will probably win the group (skill level, home advantage). They can park the bus if they want to, and still win 2 - 0, 3 - 0 with the likes of Falcao doing all the job.
Japan's hopes will be on the defense lines' hands, as the center backs self destruct sometimes... if that doesn't happen then Japan are through the group stages for sure, maybe even winning the group.
Ivory Coast has an equal chance as Japan to go past the group stages, and Yaya Toure will be the key man for it.
Greece... well I know they have improved alot but they aren't that great of a side in my opinion. And the climate will strike them too.. so I really don't see them going past the group stages. 

Team to watch from this group - Japan. They can surprise the world if everything goes well. The only Asian side willing to play offensive, possession football.

Group D
1. Uruguay
2. Italy
3. England
4. Costa Rica

I personally think England needs him, and if picked, he will decide England's fate along with Wayne Rooney in the tournament

The original skill level + the climate and support advantage, Uruguay are going to be the winners to me. Italy has suffered in this condition in the Confederations Cup, but they still managed to capture 3rd place of the tournament. I just don't see how England can topple these two teams, even if these two teams didn't have all these advantages. But again, they can prove me wrong, with the likes of Rickie Lambert (if he gets picked).. players who will play their heart out for their country and give everything they've got, never dying fighting spirit. 
Costa Rica... All I can say is may god save you, hopefully you guys earn a point or something. 

Team to watch from this group - England. On paper, on form.. they are below Uruguay and Italy. They do have the players to turn it around, its just if they can find the right formula and if they can execute it or not.

Group E
1. France
2. Switzerland
3. Ecuador
4. Honduras

With Benaglio's heroics, Switzerland could even win the group

I seriously feel that Blatter and Platini had something planned here... but anyways I don't think Ecuador can even go past the group stages, even with this support and the climatical advantages. Switzerland have low work rate compared to the other European teams anyways, so I doubt they'll get affected with the climate as much as teams like the Netherlands do. France will probably win the group, unless they get another team fight and end up in the bottom of the group.
Honduras... I don't even know how they qualified above Mexico (even though they were in absolute shit form), get a point from this tournament and I say thats job well done.

Team to watch from this group - Ecuador. Why? They might actually ruin Blatter and Platini's plan for getting the two teams in to the knockouts :P

Group F
1. Argentina
2. Bosnia - Herzegovina
3. Nigeria
4. Iran

These 3 players will be crucial for Bosnia's campaign, oh, and don't forget Pjanic!

Unless something goes terribly wrong, Argentina will win the group for sure. No doubt.
The second place spot will be fought, and I predict it will be pretty even. Bosnia has the better squad, but these climates can affect heavily on these Eastern Europeans, and Nigeria can take full advantage of it. Iran might have a chance getting a point, or even all three against Bosnia under these climates, but again.. this is a team preparing for the World Cup beating sides like Lebanon and Thailand. I say the chances are quite slim.
Argentina to win it for sure, second place will be fought between Bosnia and Nigeria.

Team to watch from this group - Bosnia - Herzegovina. The only World Cup Debutants, even though they have such a great squad. Definitely a team to watch.

Group G
1. Germany
2. USA
3. Portugal
4. Ghana

These two will be crucial for USA's chances

Why would the god of football make such a tough group LOL.
Anyways, where ever the tournament may be, this current German side seem unstoppable to me. Only Argentina, Brazil, Spain, Italy, or Uruguay seem like the teams which can beat them.
USA ABOVE PORTUGAL?! Yes... something is telling me a giant killing like in 2002 will happen again, and if it does it'll be a shame to only see 3 games of Cristiano Ronaldo. Anyways I really do think USA can pull it off, I'm not so sure if they are used to the climate though, or else that'll keep them the same standing as Portugal.
Ghana.. well they are a good side, but just not better than these 3 (Although they beat USA in 2010).

Team to watch from this group - USA. They have the potential to cause an upset. They have done it before, they can maybe do it again. Either ways, this team provides entertainment, like the last minute goal against Algeria last World Cup to send USA to the knockout stages.

Group H
1. Belgium
2. Korea Republic
3. Russia
4. Algeria

If Korea wants those goals, Heung Min Son must keep his recent good Leverkusen form for this World Cup. Such a talented player, probably move to the EPL within the next 2, 3 years.

This group is quite low leveled compared to the other groups, but thats a good thing for Korea, thats for sure. Don't see them beating Belgium, but I'm sure they can beat Algeria, and even have a chance against Russia. Not only Korea has been reviving (the rise of Heung Min Son, Bo Kyung Kim, etc), Russia will have a torrid time under these climates. Also, they were inconsistent in EURO 2012, so I see that happening again here too, unless Capello fixed that up already. Anyways I don't see Belgium losing a game in this group as long as they have Kompany in the backline. And Algeria, well.. yeah don't see em getting in the second place spot.

Team to watch from this group - Korea Republic. On paper, its Belgium and Russia going through. Korea can turn it around. Why? To me, they are one of the few teams who has the biggest fighting spirit and pride to play for their country. Now they even have individually skilled players.
Along with Japan, this country has the potential to keep surprising the world.

World Cup Draw...Fuck.

AJ: World Cup Draw Dress Rehearsal – FIFA, You Fucking Jinxed It

• 
  

  Group A: Brazil, France, Italy, Australia

  Group B: Uruguay, Nigeria, USA, Croatia

  Group C: Argentina, Ghana, Costa Rica, Russia

  Group D: Switzerland, Chile, Japan, Greece

  Group E: Spain, Ivory Coast, South Korea, England

  Group F: Colombia, Cameroon, Honduras, Netherlands

  Group G: Germany, Ecuador, Iran, Portugal

  Group H: Belgium, Algeria, Mexico, Bosnia
• As you can see, the USA (and Japan) were handed the kind of group that we've been praying for to see our nations progress although USA would get destroyed by either Brazil or Italy after they got through their respective groups.
• Japan, on the other hand, would probably win their group then have most likely Russia to face, which would be no problem. 
• So, yeah. Fuck you, FIFA.

United Talk: Pt 1

• • 
    
    

    • BS: Haha well after Fergie retired i realized how amazing he was (not being sarcastic here). Although a genius in his early days, in his recent years his tactics and all are pretty average.. but idk.. that winning mentality he has.. makes the team damn strong. Now with Moyes he has the same team but without the mentality so they are suffering this much.
      

    
    

    • AJ: Well, according to Mike Phelan, HE was calling the shots for the last 3 years. That would explain the shite lineups. Apparently all Fergie did was figurehead the organization and give team talks, and Phelan made the lineups apparently and was in charge of day-to-day training and stuff.

    • BS: Hmm oh well Moyes is in trouble now. He needs to buy a CM in January or there is no hope at all. The Kagawa in CAM is working well though

    • AJ: Yeah, but it's gonna end as soon as RvP comes back from his injury. 

    • AJ: I don't know why Nani can't get a start, why Januzaj hasn't played, and Zaha still hasn't seen the pitch since our last preseason friendly.

    • BS: Yeah surprised Zaha hasn't had a chance yet.

    • AJ: I mean his decision making is still a bit green, but so is Welbeck's. When he plays for United, at least.

    • BS: Suppose as:

    • Januzaj Kagawa Welbeck

    • 
      

    • for example, then it's understandable, Januzaj with the trickery and Welbeck with the defensive duties and all that stamina. But sometimes Moyes plays:

    • Welbeck Rooney Valencia

    • BS: I mean, how much stamina do you want? and no tricks? LOL

    • AJ: Welbeck tries tricks. Tries.

    • AJ: I thought our lineup was perfect vs Leverkusen

    • 
      Rooney
    • Nani Kagawa Valencia

    • BS:

    • De Gea
      Rafael Jones/Evans Vidic Evra/new LB
      Carrick new cm/Fletcher
      Valencia Kagawa Januzaj
      Rooney

    • seems the best to me, with the impact subs of RvP, Nani, Zaha

    • I mean forget about individuals, the Rooney Kagawa combination is the best for the team's balance.

    • AJ: Agreed. Rooney+Kagawa is perfect because Kagawa is kind of lazy with tracking back. But if he has Rooney in front of him he has less defensive duties. I think the ideal lineup is a little different, almost exactly like our lineup vs Leverkusen, but with the rest of the stars:

    • De Gea

    • Rafael Vidic Evans Evra

    • Jones Carrick

    • Valencia Kagawa Nani

    • Rooney

    • BS: and rvp has even less work rate xD

    • AJ: Right, so Kagawa+RvP means no defending from the front.

    • BS: It's funny how Moyes doesn't really realize this kinda simple thing.

World Cup Preview: Pot 4

Pot 4 is all of the UEFA nations that failed to make it into Pot 1. It consists of 9 nations, and it will serve as a sub-pot, from which one nation will be drawn into Pot 2. 

Netherlands

FIFA World Ranking: Joint #8

Jonesy Ranking: #6

Bonny Ranking: #6

Key Player:

AJ:  Robin van Persie is the man, full bias noted. World-class striker. Also, if Wesley Sneijder's resurgence holds until summer, he'll play a huge part in how far they could go. Not to mention, Arjen Robben is the best winger in the world on his day.

BS:  De Jong is the key player, as Netherlands have a SHIT defense. (AJ note: Pretty sure he doesn't play for them anymore, at least doesn't start. Try Strootman :P)

Predictions: 

AJ: Quarterfinals. Toss-up between them and Italy in my opinion, but their typically weak defense will be a hindrance against the cream of the crop. They'll depend on the combination play between RVP, Robben, Sneijder, Lens, and maybe van der Vaart.

Italy

FIFA World Ranking: Joint #8

Jonesy Ranking: #4

Bonny Ranking: #4

Key Player:
AJ: Andrea Pirlo makes them tick and Gigi Buffon is, at 35 years old (36 once the World Cup rolls around), still one of the best goalkeepers in the world, if not the best outright. Italian supporters will hope that wildcard Mario Balotelli can keep it together mentally and that Giuseppe Rossi (former United represent) can stay healthy and maintain his excellent form.

Predictions:
AJ: Semi-finals. Italy has that special something about them, and they have the team spirit to make it, but I think they'll lose if they face Spain or Brazil, but they could surprise one of them with their fantastic defending and deadly interplay. All depends on their form and whether they can maintain fitness – finishing the Euro 2012 final with 10 players due to injury was more of a tactical error by Prandelli, and he should get it right in 2014. Could make it 5 for the Azzuri in Rio.  

England

Bwing on Brazil! 

FIFA World Ranking: #10

Jonesy Ranking: #9

Key Player:

AJ:  Wayne Rooney, even when off form, is their most important and best player. Steven Gerrard, as captain will also have a massive role to play in what might be his last major tournament for the Three Lions.

Predictions:

AJ: Round of 16. Ugh. England. I've stopped putting my faith in them. Too many times has the sensationalist press rated their chances of winning that it's just at the point where I'll set my hopes low, and watch them struggled to exceed even those. Overrated squad – the best players in the EPL aren't even English, save for Rooney, Gerrard, Cole, and Baines (relative to their positions, of course).

Portugal

FIFA World Ranking: #14

Jonesy Ranking: #7

Bonny Ranking: #7

Key Player:

AJ: The best player in the world, Cristiano Ronaldo. This man better win the Ballon d'Or. He'll lead them by example, and they can surprise a few people with him spearheading their attack.

BS:  Moutinho and Miguel Veloso are key players too. Their dominance in midfield decides the game (excluding Ronaldo magic)

Predictions:

AJ: Round of 16 at minimum. If they can avoid their bogey-team Spain, they can go as far as anyone else in the tournament. With the best player in the world leading their attack, he can strike at any moment. 2014 might finally be the year in which Ronaldo shows up at a major tournament, and if he does the other sides better watch out.  

Greece

FIFA World Ranking: #15

Jonesy Ranking: #25

Bonny Ranking: #26

Key Player:

AJ:  Giorgos Karagounis is a perfect example of Greece's dependency on the old dogs, and he'll captain them next summer without doubt and Georgios Samaras is a talent, not just in the air. However, the man they'll look to is Konstantinos Mitroglou. He's had a scintillating first few months of the season, and his hat-trick in the first leg of their UEFA qualifying play-off with Romania was the difference maker. He gives them a dynamic that no one knew they had – he can attack.

BS:  Don’t forget Salpingidis, he isn’t great, but scores crucial goals for Greece.

Predictions: 

AJ: Group Stages/Round of 16. Greece are a boring side to watch, but they can make it work by playing their game, but they'd only scrape through the group stages, provided they get a favorable draw.
BS: 3^rd in the group, I just don’t get why they are always so lucky/good in the qualifiers, they are not only boring but I rate them really low.

Bosnia-Herzegovina

FIFA World Ranking: #16

Jonesy Ranking: #21

Bonny Ranking: #21

Key Player:

AJ: Edin Dzeko is on the cusp of world-class. If he moves to a place where he's appreciated, á la Borussia Dortmund or maybe even Napoli, he'll be able to finally show his true worth. Fantastic striker. Bosnia is full of young talent. Asmir Begovic is one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League, and Miralem Pjanic is another burgeoning talent that could take Bosnia places in the coming years and tournaments.

BS: Although playing in China now, Zvjezdan Misimovic is the biggest key player along Dzeko. If he struggles, unless Pjanic does something amazing Bosnia will struggle in attack too

Predictions:

AJ: Group Stage. Despite their pedigree, I don't they have it in them this year, and making it to the Round of 16 will be an accomplishment for them in their first ever World Cup.

BS:  I say Round of 16.

Croatia

FIFA World Ranking: #18

Jonesy Ranking: #18 (Go me)

Bonny Ranking: #14

Key Player:

AJ: Luka Modric is one of the best midfielders in Europe, and he'll need to be in top form to see Croatia through to any success in Brazil.

BS:  Mario Mandukic is another key player

Predictions:

AJ: Group Stages. Croatia are much like Bosnia in that they have pedigree, but I can't see them showing it in the tournament proper. Just like Bosnia, making it to the knockout rounds will be a job well done.

BS:  Round of 8 to me, unless they end up in the deadly group.

Russia

FIFA World Ranking: #19

Jonesy Ranking: #17

Bonny Ranking: #12

Key Player:

AJ: Igor Akinfeev needs a move out of the Russian Premier League. Just like Keisuke Honda, he's wasting away his career at CSKA Moscow and needs to test himself in a Big-4 league.

BS: More like forced to waste his career at CSKA like Honda xD

Predictions:

AJ: Group Stage. After a great start to Euro 2012 with an absolute mauling of the Czech Republic, they choked and didn't even make it to the knockout rounds. Don't be surprised to see a repeat performance. All 3 games matter, stupid.  

France

FIFA World Ranking: #21

Jonesy Ranking: #11

Bonny Ranking: #10

Key Player: Franck Ribery is widely expected to contest for the Ballon d'Or, and his involvement is what keeps France ticking. Paul Pogba will have had 2 full seasons starting in the top flight under his belt once the World Cup rolls around, and he could have a major role to play for Les Bleus.

Predictions: Round of 16 at least. My personal favorite Fifa team for international play, which may influence my opinion of them, but I think they have it in them if they can control the egos and play for their nation like a normal national team for once. 

Marouane Fellaini is David Moyes' best signing as United manager,

BECAUSE HE'S HIS ONLY SIGNING.

Tom Cleverley's Heat Map (@FattusAntus, Twitter)

As you can see. 

World Cup Preview: Pot 2

Pot 2 will be accompanied by a random team from Pot 4, which has 9 teams (due to them all being from UEFA). 

Algeria

FIFA World Ranking: #32

Jonesy Ranking: #29

Bonny Ranking: #29

Key Player: 

AJ: Sofiane Feghouli is a classy winger (not to mention a good buy in Ultimate Team). He may be their one and only offensive outlet come 2014.

Predictions:

AJ: Group Stages. Just like their lethargic showing in 2010, they'll park the bus and pray. And it will get them nowhere.

Cameroon

FIFA World Ranking: #59

Jonesy Ranking: #27

Bonny Ranking: #27

Key Player: 

AJ: Samuel Eto'o, the old bag of bones, will be their one hope after coming out of his self-imposed exile from the national team. He'll hope to build up on his form for Chelsea so he can be on top of his game after his self-imposed football exile at Anzhi. 

Predictions:

AJ: Group Stages. Lowest-ranked side in the tournament, and it's not necessarily undeserved, save for maybe Honduras or Costa Rica. This team has no quality, apart from Eto'o and Alex Song, and that's saying something.  

Ivory Coast

FIFA World Ranking: #17

Jonesy Ranking: #15

Bonny Ranking: #17

Key Player: 

AJ: Didier Drogba is still their one hope, even at 35 (36 in March). Yaya Touré is widely considered one of the best combative midfielders in the world, and he will need to be at the top of his game to show the Ivory Coast's class.

Predictions: 

AJ: Group Stage, and I'll tell you why: these bastards can't get drawn into a favorable group to save their lives. Their last two, and only two, World Cup appearances have seen them drawn into the “Group of Death”, and my superstitious side says that will happen again.

Ghana

FIFA World Ranking: #23

Jonesy Ranking: #22

Bonny Ranking: #22

Key Player:
AJ: Asamoah Gyan is a very good striker with serious attitude problems: think Balotelli with half the skill. Penalty expert, and villain of their failure to beat Uruguay back in 2010, he'll probably be hoping he doesn't screw the pooch again. 

BS: Kevin Prince-Boateng is on form, he will be a key player more than Gyan.

Predictions: 

AJ: Group Stages. All joking aside, Ghana are a very talented side, but I don't see them doing as well as their Quarterfinal appearance in 2010.

BS:  I say Round of 16 if they get a decent group.

Nigeria

African Cup of Nations Champs

FIFA World Ranking: #33

Jonesy Ranking: #20

Bonny Ranking: #20

Key Player: 

AJ: John Obi Mikel, Victor Moses and Emmanuel Emenike are the life-blood of this team. The success of Nigeria in this tournament will entirely rest on their creativity and finishing.

Predictions: 

AJ: Group Stages/Round of 16. The African Cup of Nations champions could be able to navigate the group stages, finishing second, but that will be as far as they go, as far as I can see, save for a favorable draw or knockout round opponent.

Chile

Vidal will lead Chile with his fiery passion

FIFA World Ranking: #12

Jonesy Ranking: #13

Bonny Ranking: #18

Key Player:

AJ:  Arturo Vidal – probably the best box-to-box midfielder in the world apart from maybe Yaya Touré, but with an even better scoring touch than the massive Ivorian. Alexis Sanchez also deserves a shout, he's fantastic at his best.

Predictions:

AJ: Round of 16. Fantastic midfielders, and somewhat-close-to-home-support will see them through to the Round of 16, but I don't think they'll have what it takes to win their group, unless they get one of the cannon-fodder group leaders, which means that odds are they'll have to play a much better team, and they'll crash out.  

Ecuador

FIFA World Ranking: #22

Jonesy Ranking: #26

Bonny Ranking: #24

Key Player: Antonio Valencia I suppose. Who knows. Felipe Caicedo scored 7 goals in qualifiers.

Predictions:

AJ: Group Stages. They'll be spurred on by their grief over their fallen teammate, Chucho Benitez. To be honest I've only ever heard of about 3 players, including Tony V. In CONMEBOL qualifying their goal difference was a paltry +4 with only 20 goals from 16 matches. That will not be good enough against the big boys of the tournament, or even the little ones. Watch them draw all 3 group stage games and crash out. Sorry Tony.

World Cup Preview: Pot 3*

Edit: I wrote this thinking that this would be Pot 2, but it turns out it's Pot 3. Tomorrow's post will be on Pot 2.

Pot 3 is made up of the 4 qualifiers from CONCACAF and the 4 from AFC. It is probably the weakest pot, but Japan, USA, and Mexico could play the underdog, provided with favorable draws. Obviously, AFC is more Bonny's area, and CONCACAF is mine, so it's perfect.

Japan

Japan's B-Team showed up Belgium last month. 

FIFA World Ranking: #44 (which is a fallacy)

Jonesy Ranking: #12

Bonny Ranking: #15

Key Player:

AJ:  Keisuke Honda is the heart of the Japanese national team, and when he's on, they all are. 

BS: Keisuke Honda – the heart of the team. If he isn't on the pitch Japan are half as good. Another key player is Yoshida. If he is stabled and leads the defense line Japan can go far. If he struggles and doesn’t provide and defends like shit, Japan will end up in the group stages.

Predictions: 

AJ: Quarterfinals. They're another dark-horse, with a little luck, they could shock a lot of people. They, or maybe Portugal or the Netherlands, are going to be the next team to win a World Cup for the first time in my opinion, and it could happen sooner than you may think.

BS: Although still in the developing stage, Japan is the light of Asia. While other Asian countries continue to aim for the coutner, Japan tried to keep bringing their own style they have been polishing since the beginning of the qualification stage, with the quick passing game, and now is in the stage to execute it effectively. They showed glimpses of it in the Confederations Cup (AJ edit: in which they were exhausted from a vital qualifier in Jordan 2 days earlier when they got mauled by Brazil) and executed it well in their November friendlies with the Netherlands and Belgium. 

Although there is a gap in quality between the centerbacks and the remainder of the team, Japan is capable of getting past the group stages and into the Round of 16. If they improve even more before the World Cup, they can get through to the Quarterfinals, maybe even the Semis. They are the most improved team since 2010.

Iran

Literally know no one in this picture. 

FIFA World Ranking: #49

Jonesy Ranking: #30 (which may be a tad harsh)

Bonny Ranking: #30

Key Player: Javad Nekounam, the captain, is the leader and heart of the side.

Predictions: 

AJ: Group Stage. Iran has a lot of spirit, and good chemistry between the players, but that doesn't grant them the class to negotiate the Group Stage. Knockout rounds would be a massive achievement.

BS: Iran will be an exciting version of Algeria. Better talent, but still not good enough which will make them force to park the bus. They parked the bus against a shit form Korea ffs. Their strongest opposition in 2013 was a shit form Korea, after that they’ve been playing Thailand and Lebanon -___-

Korea Republic

Korea Republic is falling behing Japan

FIFA World Ranking: #56

Jonesy Ranking: #28

Bonny Ranking: #25

Key Player: 

BS: Heung Min Son and Chung Young Lee

Predictions: 

AJ: Group Stage. Full disclosure, I know almost nothing about this team, other than that Australia is better than them, so. 

BS: Korea is better than Australia LOL. If Son can bring his Leverkusen form into the national side and lead the team Korea can get to the Round of 16, as their midfield is also decent, with the likes of Bo Kyung Kim, and Ja Cheol Koo.

Australia

Last hoorah for Tim Cahill

FIFA World Ranking: #57

Jonesy Ranking: #24

Bonny Ranking: #28

Key Player: 

AJ: Mark Schwarzer. Just like Greece, Australia heavily lean on their aging veterans, but that won't stop them from leaning on Ol' Mark once more in 2014. 

BS: Schwarzer retired from intl. football -_-. Key players are Tim Cahill and Robbie Kruse.

AJ: Oh. 

Predictions: 

AJ: Group Stage. Mixture of (ancient) veterans and raw youth, they don't have much of a prayer of reaching the knockout rounds. Then again I don't know much about them.

BS: Bottom of the group, unless they can come up with something that is not long balls and pray Cahill, Kruse, or Bresciano will do something.

United States

My boys. 

FIFA World Ranking: #13

Jonesy Ranking: #19

Bonny Ranking: #19

Key Player: Michael Bradley is finally getting the recognition he deserves, now that Daddy isn't the manager anymore. Clint Dempsey and Landon Donovan will provide the quality from the wings, and Jozy Altidore will look to continue his great national team form, but Bradley makes us tick, as can be seen by our poor performances without him.

Biased Predictions: 

AJ: Round of 16. And it will be glorious. Even as an American, I recognize the fact that we'll get dominated by any team with an ounce of true class, so we have to hope and pray for a favorable draw or we'll be out in the Group Stages. Bradley and Dempsey will be absolutely essential, and I hope Bocanegra or Beasley play left-back so Fabian Johnson can play left-midfield. 

The sport is still growing in the United States, and I don't see us going too far at all in Brazil. Get a tiered league system for christ's sake.

BS: I say Round of 16 too, USA isn’t a bad side, they are pretty good honestly.

Mexico

FIFA World Ranking: #24

Jonesy Ranking: #23

Bonny Ranking: #23

Key Player: 

AJ: Gio Dos Santos and Javier Hernández are the two best Europe-based players from the Mexican national team, and their combination is what makes them look like dark-horses usually. Santos Laguna's Oribe Peralta has been in incredible form lately for both club and country as well.

Predictions: 

AJ: Group Stages/Round of 16/Quarterfinal.It really depends on their mental state: at their best, they take some beating. If Mexico can get it together, the sky is the limit, but on current form they'll drop out without scoring a goal.

Honduras

FIFA World Ranking: #34

Jonesy Ranking: #32 (BOTTOM FEEDERS)

Bonny Ranking: #32

Key Player: 

AJ: Who cares?
BS: Palacios.. is he from Honduras? xD

Predictions: 

AJ: Group Stage. Awful, awful team. They score once in a while I suppose.

BS: BOTTOM OF THE GROUP xD

Costa Rica

FIFA World Ranking: #31

Jonesy Ranking: #31 (I'm on fire, hot damn)

Bonny Ranking: #31

Key Player:

AJ: Bryan Ruíz, the playmaker, is the one who can produce that bit of magic. 

BS: Celso Borges is also a kep player from central midfield.

Predictions: 

AJ: Group Stages. Though they're currently the second-best North American side, that's down to the poor form of Mexico, rather than the merit of their own play. Not to mention they're a whiny, bratty bunch of players to play against. A bunch of individuals does not a good team make.