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World Cup: SBI’s Group H Preview

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David Villa 1 (Getty Images)  

By FRANCO PANIZO

With an enviable cast of characters that ply their trade throughout Europe's top clubs, it's easy to see why Spain is considered one of the favorites to lift the World Cup trophy this summer. Having exorcised some of its demons and silenced critics by winning the European Championship two years ago, Spain is still riding high and playing some of the best soccer on the planet. La Furia Roja will be a treat to watch in South Africa.

While it seems all but clear that Spain will claim first in Group H, just who finishes directly behind it is not as certain.

Chile is a team that also likes to attack, and with quality Argentine coach Marcelo Bielsa at the helm, the South Americans could be one of the tournament's darkhorses. Chile, which finished second in CONMEBOL qualifying, will need to fix its leaky defense if it wants to reach the round of 16, though.

Switzerland enters the World Cup having qualified for its second straight, and hopes to repeat its showing of 2006 when it advanced to the knockout rounds. For that to happen, talented midfielder Tranquillo Barnetta must have a good tournament, as will the Swiss' other attackers, such as soon-to-be Seattle Sounders forward Blaise Nkufo and striker Alexander Frei.

Honduras may be the lesser known of the four teams, but that doesn't mean it lacks quality. Los Catrachos could surprise and make it out of the group if Hendry Thomas, Wilson Palacios and David Suazo play up to their abilities.

Here is SBI's take on Group H:

WORLD CUP GROUP H

Top Players to Watch

Iker Casillas, Spain

David Villa, Spain

Xavi, Spain

Tranquillo Barnetta, Switzerland

Philippe Senderos, Switzerland

David Suazo, Honduras

Maynor Figueroa, Honduras

Humberto Suazo, Chile

Young Players to Watch

Gerard Pique, Spain

Sergio Busquets, Spain

Pedro, Spain

Gokhan Inler, Switzerland

Wilson Palacios, Honduras

Matias Fernandez, Chile

SBI's Predicted Order of Finish

1. Spain

2. Chile

3. Honduras

4. Switzerland

Spain is just too strong, and will easily finish atop this group. The race for second will be close between Chile and Honduras, but Marcelo Bielsa will be the difference as the South Americans claim second place. Switzerland does have quality players, but its youth will ultimately doom it to finishing fourth.

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How do you see Group B panning out? Share your thoughts below.

Comments

  2. If Palacios and Suazo weren’t knicked up I would agree. According to Honduran papers yesterday both are officially in doubt for the Chile game. Of course I expect them both to play, but if they are less than 100% that is still significant.

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  8. I’ve adopted Honduras and Ivory Coast as my secondary teams to root for. Honduras for the “plucky underdog” factor as well as for CONCACAF pride, since their not really a “rival” of ours. Ivory Coast for the Didier Drogba “comeback” story and for what he does off the field. Yeah yeah, I know he’s a questionable on field personality, but I’ll still pull for that team.

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  11. i agree with you in so much as the cup will be defined by how these two teams Brazil and Spain) fare, but to me the real story will be how the rising powers do against a number of shaky giants, especially since the tourney is happening on neutral ground.

    will france advance? who will topple argentina and italy? will the dutch and english rise to meet expectations? can cote d’ivoire escape the round of 16 and if so what will stop them from running on through to the final?

    We all know who the favorites are. On paper it’s plain as day. However, the game is played on the pitch, not on paper, and each of those moments represent a potential tipping point in football, where we can truly call this tournament the world cup

    Reply

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