2018 FIFA World Cup Group G Preview

The makeup of Group G provides for some intriguing contests. Because so many Belgians play in the Premiership, England will be familiar with them. Take the physical nature of Panama and the steady (if unglamorous) midfield of Tunisia, and things could be tighter than expected.

BELGIUM

KBVB, Group G

Current FIFA World Ranking: 3
13th World Cup Finals
Best finish: 1986 semifinals, 4th place

There is no denying that the Belgians are currently enjoying a tremendous spell with a “Golden Generation” of talent. A quarterfinal finish in 2014 should have provided this group a glimpse into the pressures of the latter stages. Can they take a step or two further this time?

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Kevin De Bruyne and Eden Hazard, the two who shoulder the biggest expectations, are not just supremely talented. They also possess the type of flair that makes the sport fun to watch. Regardless if they win or lose, they should play an attractive brand of soccer.

One knock against the Belgians recently has been their inability to win at crunch time. Unless they sharpen their focus at crunch time, they will not get past the quarterfinals yet again.

ENGLAND

FA, Group G

Current FIFA World Ranking: 13
15th World Cup Finals
Best finish: 1966 champions

Rooting for England has been somewhat of a masochistic exercise for fans over the years. Although long regarded a traditional power, they have struggled to keep up with the top echelon of international soccer.

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If they hope to advance far in the tournament, Harry Kane will have to be firing on all cylinders. He has made a solid case as a world-class striker at club level, and if he maintains his international form (8 goals in his last 7 caps), they will have a fighter’s chance.

A draw that was kind should see them make the quarterfinals, a great achievement for this squad. Though young and somewhat atypical of previous English rosters, that youth should nevertheless motivate Kane and others like Delle Ali, Marcus Rashford, Raheem Sterling, and Jesse Lingard to prove themselves.

TUNISIA

FTF, Group G

Current FIFA World Ranking: 14
5th World Cup Finals
Best finish: 4x Group Stage

Only four teams emerged from the qualification process undefeated – Germany, Spain, Belgium…..and Tunisia. That is some rarefied air, but given the draw, such a comparison may be all they can boast about.

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Hopes will be pinned on the shoulders of Wahbi Khazri. in light of the loss of main goalscoring threat Youssef Msakni. Unfortunately, there is little of note elsewhere even though this squad proved themselves quite capably in qualifying.

The final Group G match may be their only realistic chance of earning an elusive first-ever World Cup Finals win. By the time they face each other, both Tunisia and Panama are likely to have been eliminated, thereby lifting the pressure for what could be an entertaining if ultimately meaningless match.

PANAMA

Fepafut, Group G

Current FIFA World Ranking: 55
1st World Cup Finals

Few rate the Panama’s chances highly following the controversial manner in which they sealed qualification. As a matter of fact, their style of play could potentially stir up even more controversy in Russia, and they will be far from the most imaginative or exciting team to watch.

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An aging core will depend on Román Torres, Felipe Baloy, and Gabriel Gómez to marshal a very disciplined defense. They will most likely play with five across the back, thus making them a tough team to break down.

Do these debutantes have much chance to advance? It is unlikely, and when facing defeat, they have a tendency to lose their composure. As a result, there should be no shortage of fireworks in any match they are involved in. They are an improving soccer nation, and this tournament should be a good springboard for them.

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2018 FIFA World Cup Group G Preview