2014 World Cup Odds: Group E Picks and Predictions – France the Favorite: Group E might be the most diverse based on the style of plays of the four teams. France brings a balanced attack to the table, Switzerland brings a stifling defense but inconsistent offense, and Ecuador has an explosive scoring attack but doesn’t play a lot of defense. Last but not least, Honduras rounds out the group and doesn’t really stand out in any particular area.
Projected Winner: France
While the loss of Franck Ribery isn’t ideal, France still has a ton of talent on its roster. The offense will be led by Karim Benzema, who is coming off a great year with Real Madrid. Meanwhile, midfielder Paul Pogba is an up-and-coming star, and the team’s midfield in general is one of the best in the World Cup. France is also solid on defense, and Hugo Lloris is a steady presence in goal. In terms of talent and potential, France is potential sleeper to contend for the overall title. In Group E, the team’s overall balance makes them the most complete team by a sizeable margin, and France should be able to win the group.
Projected Runner-Up: Switzerland
Although Switzerland is a young team, they certainly took care of business in World Cup qualifying, posting a 7-0-3 mark. Perhaps more impressively, this team allowed just six goals in 10 matches during qualifying. Switzerland’s defense is legit as evidence by the team’s 1-0 win over eventual champion Spain in group play in the 2010 World Cup, and in general, this is one of the more disciplined defensive groups in Brazil. Meanwhile, Xherdan Shaqiri headlines an inexperienced but potentially-dangerous offense. In the end, Switzerland should be able to find just enough offense to support its stingy defense and advance on to the knockout stage.
Potential Sleeper: Ecuador
This team grabbed an automatic spot in the World Cup via CONMEBOL qualifying with a potent offensive attack led by athletic forwards leading the way. Antonio Valencia and Renato Ibarra are the main cogs of the attack, and both players are capable of making special individual plays to create scoring chances. On the flip side, Ecuador has been shaky on defense in matches leading up to the World Cup, and with all of its top talent residing on the other side of the field, the problem isn’t likely to go away. Whether or not this team advances likely comes down to a meeting with Switzerland, and if Ecuador can come up with a big defensive effort at the right time, this team could sneak through to the Round of 16.
Team to Avoid: Honduras
Honduras is making its second straight World Cup appearance, but unfortunately for this team, it probably won’t fare any better than it did in 2010 when the team went winless and didn’t score a goal. Granted, Honduras was solid in qualifying for this year’s tournament, but the CONCACAF isn’t a particularly strong qualifying region, and the roster simply lacks the top-level talent it takes to win at this level. Forward Jerry Bengston is the closest thing Honduras has to a star, and realistically, scoring a goal or two would be a victory. Advancing out of pool play seems impossible for Honduras.
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