Re: World Cup sweepstake - THE DRAW
Posted: Tue Jun 12, 2018 2:07 pm
Group "G" for Group.
Holden McGroyne
Holden had a very easy campaign in UEFA's qualifying Group H, and apart from a rather unlucky home draw against JW90 (he outshot him 17-2), the Red Devil didn't lose points and made sure of qualification long before the final fixture. He scored 43 goals in the process, and to put it simply, there was no contest whatsoever. This is the golden generation of Groyne football. The one hang-up is that he went to the 2014 World Cup and Euro 2016 and didn't deliver the expected results, mostly because he lacked a winning mentality and had tactical problems that resulted in poor balance, and some of the same problems remain. The general feeling is that he still lacks the killer instinct and doesn't really believe in his ability to turn dreams into reality.
Holden should make it into the last 16 without problems, beating Jonathan and Rorymac. If he finishes ahead of Lou and tops Group G, Sinbad could await him in the quarterfinals. If he finishes second he is likely to face Mark in the quarterfinals. That hurdle will be high and it is logical to predict that he would go out at that point, just like in 2014 and 2016. If he manages to overcome that hurdle, though, he could win the tournament.
Lou Grant
Lou made light work of a favourable draw in the UEFA qualifying section, emerging unbeaten at the top of a Group F by a convincing eight-point margin. Scoring 18 goals and conceding three, the only points dropped came in draws away from home against York Hunt and Judge Tedd. Lou has all the tools to be one of the fastest and most athletic competitors at the World Cup, young and dynamic with searing pace on the flanks and plenty of lung power in midfield.
Biggest weakness: it's hard to single out one of many. Lou's modern history of tournament failure becomes a psychological millstone when pressure hits, while penalty shootouts against just about anyone remain a dreaded prospect. More ominous than anything else, though, is the sense that he still doesn't know what kind of team he wants to be, and time is running out to establish a coherent identity ahead of the World Cup.
Holden is the strongest team on paper in Group G, but Lou should secure the runners-up slot with victories over Rory and Jonathan. That would set up a round-of-16 clash with the winner of Group H, most likely to be Henrycrs. While any contest would be tight, he can be optimistic of advancing as long as penalties are avoided. The benchmark of success should be reaching the quarterfinals, where familiar foe Mark will almost certainly be waiting to end his campaign.
Rorymac
Rory was drawn into arguably the most favourable of the five African qualifying groups, with Hillman Avenger representing his sternest rival. Rory boasts an excellent midfield, and should be well placed to hold his own against Holden and Lou in his opening two fixtures, offering balance, discipline and energy in the heart of the park, and this will ensure that he remains competitive. He is workmanlike, but as he demonstrated in his recent qualifying victories, he will be disciplined and tenacious in protecting the backline.
Rory isn't a bad side, boasting a strong midfield and several exciting attacking talents. However, as soon as the draw was made, his chances of reaching the knockout rounds appeared slim. There aren't too many tougher opening fixtures for any side at the World Cup than his, and he could already be out by the time he meets Jonathan in Saransk in his final fixture.
Jonathan
Jonathan finished third in CONCACAF's Hexagonal round after a 2-1 win over Jimmy Dee that featured a controversial "phantom goal."
A complete lack of World Cup experience will be a significant disadvantage. Even with his roster of seasoned players, competition at this highest of levels will take a toll. As if that weren't enough, Jonathan's Group G features European powerhouses Holden and Lou, while Rorymac also figures to be a difficult opponent. It won't be an easy debut for the Red Wave.
Jonathan's goal is to capitalize on the high of his first World Cup appearance. Any points earned in the group stage can be considered a plus, and anything but a last-place finish can be considered something to build on.
Holden McGroyne
Holden had a very easy campaign in UEFA's qualifying Group H, and apart from a rather unlucky home draw against JW90 (he outshot him 17-2), the Red Devil didn't lose points and made sure of qualification long before the final fixture. He scored 43 goals in the process, and to put it simply, there was no contest whatsoever. This is the golden generation of Groyne football. The one hang-up is that he went to the 2014 World Cup and Euro 2016 and didn't deliver the expected results, mostly because he lacked a winning mentality and had tactical problems that resulted in poor balance, and some of the same problems remain. The general feeling is that he still lacks the killer instinct and doesn't really believe in his ability to turn dreams into reality.
Holden should make it into the last 16 without problems, beating Jonathan and Rorymac. If he finishes ahead of Lou and tops Group G, Sinbad could await him in the quarterfinals. If he finishes second he is likely to face Mark in the quarterfinals. That hurdle will be high and it is logical to predict that he would go out at that point, just like in 2014 and 2016. If he manages to overcome that hurdle, though, he could win the tournament.
Lou Grant
Lou made light work of a favourable draw in the UEFA qualifying section, emerging unbeaten at the top of a Group F by a convincing eight-point margin. Scoring 18 goals and conceding three, the only points dropped came in draws away from home against York Hunt and Judge Tedd. Lou has all the tools to be one of the fastest and most athletic competitors at the World Cup, young and dynamic with searing pace on the flanks and plenty of lung power in midfield.
Biggest weakness: it's hard to single out one of many. Lou's modern history of tournament failure becomes a psychological millstone when pressure hits, while penalty shootouts against just about anyone remain a dreaded prospect. More ominous than anything else, though, is the sense that he still doesn't know what kind of team he wants to be, and time is running out to establish a coherent identity ahead of the World Cup.
Holden is the strongest team on paper in Group G, but Lou should secure the runners-up slot with victories over Rory and Jonathan. That would set up a round-of-16 clash with the winner of Group H, most likely to be Henrycrs. While any contest would be tight, he can be optimistic of advancing as long as penalties are avoided. The benchmark of success should be reaching the quarterfinals, where familiar foe Mark will almost certainly be waiting to end his campaign.
Rorymac
Rory was drawn into arguably the most favourable of the five African qualifying groups, with Hillman Avenger representing his sternest rival. Rory boasts an excellent midfield, and should be well placed to hold his own against Holden and Lou in his opening two fixtures, offering balance, discipline and energy in the heart of the park, and this will ensure that he remains competitive. He is workmanlike, but as he demonstrated in his recent qualifying victories, he will be disciplined and tenacious in protecting the backline.
Rory isn't a bad side, boasting a strong midfield and several exciting attacking talents. However, as soon as the draw was made, his chances of reaching the knockout rounds appeared slim. There aren't too many tougher opening fixtures for any side at the World Cup than his, and he could already be out by the time he meets Jonathan in Saransk in his final fixture.
Jonathan
Jonathan finished third in CONCACAF's Hexagonal round after a 2-1 win over Jimmy Dee that featured a controversial "phantom goal."
A complete lack of World Cup experience will be a significant disadvantage. Even with his roster of seasoned players, competition at this highest of levels will take a toll. As if that weren't enough, Jonathan's Group G features European powerhouses Holden and Lou, while Rorymac also figures to be a difficult opponent. It won't be an easy debut for the Red Wave.
Jonathan's goal is to capitalize on the high of his first World Cup appearance. Any points earned in the group stage can be considered a plus, and anything but a last-place finish can be considered something to build on.