World Fantasy: Group H analysis
Teams, players and a fantasy overlook of Group H of the World Cup.
The luck of the draw meant Group H would consist of Poland, seeded in Pot 1, Colombia, Senegal and Japan, from Pots 2, 3 and 4 respectively.
From the get-go, the most appealing match of this group happens in Round 2, when Poland and Colombia measure up for a possible 1st place finish. But Senegal and Japan aren’t going just visiting Russia and have shown the ability to take a stance every given Sunday. The openers will oppose Colombia to Japan and Poland to Senegal and, unlike other groups, it doesn’t appear that these matches will prove decisive for the outcome of Group H.
If there is a group in this WC2018 were every place is up for grabs, this is the one. Poland, currently 8th in the FIFA ranking, gave up playing friendlies before the World Cup draw to ensure a top-seed. Colombia, slight favourite, ranks 16th and Senegal is a few spots below at 27th, the second best African team, after Tunisia. Japan appears to be, by current ranking (61st), history and potential, the weakest squad of the bunch.
Poland
Poland had a nice and quiet qualifying stage. Grabbing 25 points out of 30, the 16 goals scored by their biggest star, Robert Lewandowski, should not be ignored. On the other hand, that also shows on how much the Poles rely on the Bayern Munich’s striker finishing ability. They played their last friendlies in March, beating South Korea by 3–2 and losing to Nigeria.
Lewandoswki (10.5M) leads this Polish team, heavily dependent on his production to go into the Round of 16 matches. The core of the team has some well-established players in European football, notably Zieliński (6.5M), but also Krychowiak (5.0M) and Kamil Grosicki (6.0M). If Poland features a two-man front, then Milik (7.5M) is one of the best options available at this price range.
Despite their seed, Poland couldn’t catch the luck of the draw and will have to do well against Senegal and Colombia to ensure a last round match with Japan that could settle their ticket into the knockout rounds. With individual talent on the offensive side of things, their greatest concerns are at the back, but ensuring a place in the Round of 16 will feel like duty fulfilled for the Poles.
Colombia
They only booked their place in WC2018 in the final round of the qualifiers, something unthinkable with four gameweeks remaining. In 18 games, they only scored 21 goals, a modest record for such a strong offense. From their recent friendly matches, we’ll highlight a comeback win against France, after being down 2–0, and a draw against Egypt.
James Rodríguez (9.5M) will, once again, be Colombia’s great hope for a magical run. He was their best scorer in the qualifying stage, with 6 goals adding 4 assists to his name. Another football superstar, Falcao (8.0M), has been revived since returning to Monaco and his killer instinct and finishing skills make him one of the best options up forward. Winger Juan Cuadrado (7.0M) is another option to take into consideration, as well as centre-backs Yerry Mina (5.5) and Davinson Sánchez (6.0), great options for their physical power and good aerial ability.
The “Cafeteros” are looking for 1st spot, as they are believed to be the best team in Group H. After this stage, and already looking at potential opponents, Pekerman’s side can clearly aspire for a spot in the quarter-finals.
Senegal
Senegal took 1st place in their qualifying group, without any loss and conceding only three goals during this stage. Their last friendly game was played against a cupcake opponent, Luxembourg, but for some reason, the Senegalese did not score.
Most of the attention will be on Sadio Mané (8.0M). The Liverpool player was great this season, especially in the Champions League. His dazzling speed and ability to pop up in finishing areas make him one of the most desirable midfielders in the competition. Another highlight for this side is centre-back Koulibaly (5.5), one of the best of the season, netting five goals for Napoli. The “Lions de la Téranga” have been generating quality talent the last few years, and Keita Baldé (4.5) or M’Baye Niang (5.0) could also be good bets.
Player by player, Senegal is the best African national squad in Russia. They will battle Colombia and Poland for a spot in the next round. If they can’t keep away from old habits, already showcased in previous international tournaments, they will have a brief journey throught this World Cup.
Japan
Japan were the best team in the Asian Qualifying stage, leading the group with 20 points, one above Saudi Arabia and Australia, in the 10 games played. This year hasn’t gone well so far for the Japanese: a draw and two losses, all against teams that won’t be at the World Cup.
Despite his poor club season, Kagawa (8.0M) still is the main man of the Japanese side, scoring six goals during the qualifiers. On the co-driver’s seat, Keisuke Honda (7.0M) left Europe this year to go play for Mexico’s Pachuca, but his relevance for the national team remains intact, grabbing top-scorer in the qualifying rounds, with 7 goals. Leicester’s forward Okazaki (6.5) may be a good option, if you are looking for a budget alternative, to invest more in other positions. The defense relies on the experience of Maya Yoshida (5.0M) and Nagatomo (5.5M) but isn’t known for being a solid unit.
The Japanese are the lowest-ranked team of Group H, and after negative performances setting up the World Cup, few expect them to relive the journey of 2002 and go ahead of the group stage.
