Group E is yet another tough group that is difficult to predict, in this World Cup there are few groups that are straight forward. Group E contains Switzerland, who are one of the strange top seeds, Ecuador, France and Honduras. This group has a great variety of footballing styles, which contrast each other. There are now only 51 days until the start of the 2014 World Cup, lets see what Group E has to offer...
Switzerland
Coach: Ottmar Hitzfeld
Star Player: Xherdan Shaqiri
Tournament Best: Quarter Finals 1934, 1938, 1954
How they qualified: UEFA Group E Winners
Switzerland was controversially selected as one of the top eight seeds for the tournament. Although most people don't believe the Swiss are a top footballing nation, the facts speak for themselves. Switzerland were undefeated throughout World Cup qualifying and are still the only team to have beaten Spain in their championship run of Euro 2008, World Cup 2010 and Euro 2012 wins. Switzerland are still extremely disciplined and have a great defensive structure. As they did in 2010 they will be looking at stopping the other team from scoring first and scoring goals of their own second. A younger squad however bring a bit more exuberance and hunger.
My main issue with Switzerland is whether they have enough quality and skill to get the goals needed to win games. A good defense is always important but if you can't score any goals you won't be winning any games. I think the other teams in the group attack with plenty of flare and pace, which will be enough to break down Switzerland's organised defense. I expect a lot of fight from them but not enough goals to progress to the second round.
Ecuador
Coach: Reinaldo Rueda
Star Player: Antonio Valencia
Tournament Best: Second Round 2006
How they qualified: CONMEBOL Round Robin 4th Place
Although Ecuador just scraped into the automatic qualification spots thanks to goal difference, they are an extremely dangerous team with high hopes for Brazil 2014. It could be argued that Ecuador are the strongest they have ever been and with the right players being in good form at the right time they could make a big impact at the World Cup. Antonio Valencia will be their main man as they look to attack direct and fast. Another characteristic of their game that will help them a lot in this group is their physicality and muscular style of play, they are not only skillful but also very strong on the ball.
The biggest problem with Ecuador might be their all or nothing approach as highlighted by their roller coaster qualifying campaign. The way they attack relentlessly and quickly might leave a lot of gaps in the back for their opposition to exploit. Another problem is that they find it difficult to control the tempo of a match. Last but not least they don't seem to have the depth that other nations have. All of these points were evident in their last international match against Australia. Australia found it easy to score goals against them and could dominate the possession and tempo, it wasn't until Ecuador's best players were on the park that they were able to impose themselves. In saying that I think they have a great chance to get through to the second round.
France
Coach: Didier Deschamps
Star Player: Franck Ribery
Tournament Best: Winners 1998
How they qualified: UEFA Playoff Winners
The 2010 French side will always be remembered for their internal disputes and complete capitulation that sent them home after the group stage after they failed to notch a win. Didier Deschamps has been able to bring some order and discipline to the squad and if they can get going in Brazil, watch out! France has a star studded lineup that includes Ribery, Benzema, Lloris, Cabaye, Evra and others. Their quality cannot be questioned, they are the clear stand out in this group. I would be shocked if they struggled to make it to the second round but they must not under estimate the other sides in this group.
Franck Ribery will need to have a big tournament if France are to do well, unfortunately we didn't get to see his best in 2010 in a team that was a mess. Their biggest obstacle will obviously be their discipline both on and off the pitch, hopefully the mishaps of 2010 taught them a lesson. In terms of football I find it hard to see many weaknesses. All they have to do is keep their head together and the quality in their squad will see them through to the second round.
Honduras
Coach: Luis Fernando Suarez
Star Player: Wilson Palacios
Tournament Best: Group Stage 1982, 2010
How they qualified: CONCACAF Forth Round 3rd Place
Honduras had one of their finest footballing moments of all time during qualifying for the World Cup, they beat Mexico 2-1 away at the Azteca stadium after trailing 0-1, which send them on their way to secure qualification. Although they were given a very tough group, they will be happy just to be in the tournament and their nothing to lose attitude could create problems for some of the other teams. Wilson Palacios from Stoke City will be their main man and they actually have some quality going forward. Their 8-1 win against Canada in the first stage of qualifying was mighty impressive.
Unfortunately, as is the case with most of the smaller nations, Honduras are not good enough defensively. Don't be surprised if they sneak a goal or two during the group stage but they will let in too many. Their structure and resilience will also let them down, which will suit their opponents in this group. I can't see Honduras beating any of the other teams but they will play with a lot of passion and pride.
My Group E Prediction:
1. France (9 pts)
2. Ecuador (6 pts)
3. Switzerland (1 pt)
4. Honduras (1 pt)
