222nd World Cup group
The draw for the group stage of the most exciting World Cup was settled in less than 20 minutes, and when the ball was drawn for the future of the team, the head coach of each team must have been one of the most nervous.
However, when the third opponent in Group B, Sweden, was withdrawn, the camera showed the rather embarrassing smiling faces of the England representative, especially the Swede Eriksen, who was the coach of England, although he experienced a similar scene four years ago, but this time, the trend of Group B seemed to be more dangerous.
Of course, a similar gathering of rivals is not only the England and Sweden pair in this cup. The old and new hatreds will all be settled in Germany next year.
The record of 38 years of not winning against the British and Swedish team since 1978 and not winning against the Swedish team for nearly 40 years will probably be a huge burden for the English. However, in Eriksen's hands is what claims to be the strongest England team in the last 30 years.
Of course, the outcome of the match against Sweden will largely depend on the outcome of England's opening match against Paraguay. If both teams win the first game of the group, it is not ruled out that the scene of the "tacit ball" to defeat the Argentine team in 02 will be staged again. Rivalry is not an absolute criterion for measuring interests, and when it reaches the point of putting it to death and then rebirth, I am afraid that England's record of 38 years without victory against Sweden will continue.
Crow's Beak Pelé seems to have done a good thing for all the Brazilians who hate Argentina this time, and when the old king drew the Netherlands to the Argentine group, I am afraid that all the Brazilian fans were celebrating the ill-fated fate of the old rival. And all the Argentines must be cursing Pele's "black hand".
This is an old rival team, and Argentina once scored two goals in extra time thanks to their number one star Kempes. The defeat of the Dutchman in the 1978 World Cup final was also the beginning of the Orange Army's seemingly glorious but disgraceful green hat of the "Uncrowned King". If you want to change your image in one fell swoop, the Dutch does have to tear up the skin of the old rival this time, especially for the strong-blooded Basten, it is reasonable to kill Argentina and become famous.
Although France and Switzerland in Group G are not old enemies, the rise of this small country upstart in recent years has been a great headache for the French. The young swordsman Feng Lantang brought great deterrence to the aging French defense in the Euro 04 competition; And not so long ago in the qualifiers. The Swiss' frantic attack sent France almost into the play-offs. Now facing a new and growing rival in the World Cup, I am afraid that all the French are not sure of the chance of winning.
Authentic and fake samba football meet in a narrow way for Zico. Meeting Brazil is probably what he hopes for the most. Even if he loses, as long as he loses brilliantly, he Baile will be a hero in the hearts of Brazil and all Japanese fans. The horror of the Japanese lies in their "flexible application" of rules, and in today's increasingly "weird" football tactics and diplomacy. I'm afraid even Brazilians who don't know Japan. Don't dare to take it lightly in such a group.
Jonker's Portugal team is in Group D!
When the FIFA spokesperson in charge of the draw called out Portugal, Scolari laughed, and the man behind him kindly nudged him, signaling that it was definitely a good sign.
Portugal are in Group D with Iran, Angola and Mexico, and the Portuguese are fantasizing about qualifying for next year's World Cup with Mexico. Although Mexico is seeded, it is not worthy of the name in the eyes of many.
Despite their outstanding results in the World Cup qualifiers and their good performance in this year's Confederations Cup, they defeated Japan 2-1 and drew 0-0 with European champions Greece. It was only a penalty defeat to Argentina in the semi-finals, but such a team was in the eyes of the Portuguese. Still not much competitiveness. With two teams in a group reaching the round of 16, Portugal can rely on their own to join Mexico in the knockout rounds.
However, despite the good situation of qualifying, Mexico and Portugal must not take it lightly, otherwise they will capsize in the gutter. The four teams in this group have never met in the World Cup finals, with Mexico meeting only occasionally in friendlies with Iran and Portugal.
On January 9, 2000, Mexico and Iran faced each other in Oakland, USA, and won the only meeting 2-1 thanks to two strikes from Hernandez and Blanco, who were in peak form at the time. Mexico and Portugal last met 36 years ago, when Mexico hosted Lisbon and drew 0-0.
Not to mention Angola, an African team that is simply a "stranger" in the group stage and about which little is known by the three teams in the same group. What's more, African teams have always been not to be underestimated, and in the 2002 Korea-Japan World Cup, Senegal overturned the then defending champion France in the first round.
Portugal had a similar lesson, but they lost to South Korea in Asia. Therefore, Mexico and Portugal must be careful, otherwise once they miss, it will be too late to recover.
However, the new generation of Portugal's golden partner has reason to believe that they have gone further, and in the first tournament after the older generation faded out, it is also the time to test the young people, and whether Jonk and Ronaldo can take on the future of Portugal and deserve the name of the golden partner is also verified in this tournament.
After all, Portugal has a good draw, and if you look at other traditional powerhouses, there will be joys and sorrows!
For the Samba Army, it is no longer difficult to break through the dense defensive system of modern football in attack, and it is the neurotic performance of the defenders that matters. The most solid Lucio has made mistakes in the tournament, not to mention Júnior, who was swept away by Milan. The three teams in Group F are all teams that are known for their overall operations, and there is no lack of ability to strike from the air. If you want to play against the five-man attack group in the front court that is in peak condition, I am afraid that the old and weak midfield configuration of the five-time champion will attract more attention from the opponent.
The Germans are shrewd enough to give a thumbs up, and as long as England's performance doesn't lose its level, there will be no big obstacle for the hosts to progress to the last four. However, the dark arrow in the group stage made Klinsmann have to guard against it. Compared to the Samba Army. The Germans had an age advantage but lacked the most basic experience. Poland, Colombia and several goalscorers in the Ecuadorian team. The likes of Zurawski, Cavides, Delgado and Wanchope, whose biggest advantage is that they have traveled far and wide, played for many clubs, played against any type of defender, and are homeless killers. After careful comparison. I'm afraid the German fans are going to worry about the lads of the national team.
Compared with the recent situation of England in the past few years, it is difficult for Fengrui's 38-year winless history to become an obstacle for England to qualify, and the tacit understanding between the two teams has been a long time. Of course, this tacit understanding is based on common interests. If England falls to the Paraguayans in the first game, I am afraid that it is inevitable to tear the skin of the old enemy, even if they can't win, I am afraid they will have to fight to the death.
Therefore, the first game against Paraguay is a top priority for England. Won the South Americans. Everything is easy to say. Santa Cruz won't have too many chances to shine under the double combination of John Terry and Leao, but they don't have an absolute core of midfield, Baredes, Otis, Bonet, etc., any one of them has the potential to put the Three Lions under extreme pressure. Underestimating the enemy and being unfamiliar with the opponent will be the most important consideration for England in this crucial battle.
Argentina & Netherlands are in the same group, so let's consider the two teams together. The Argentine defence looks like it's more powerful than ever. But in the continuity of the overall defense, there has been a turn in speed. It just so happens that the two big wingers in the Netherlands, Robben and Kuyt, have been on the bench, and they are all strikers with comprehensive skills and first-class speed. Rooney upset Ayala and Zanetti in the recent Anglo-Afghan game, and this time, the Argentines should not take it lightly.
The situation of the Orange is quite similar to that of the Germans, and the lack of major tournament experience is a congenital deficiency that is difficult to compensate. Didier Drogba and Crespo are just as capable of striking from the air as Tony, and Kezman's bizarre movement can often create good opportunities for his teammates.
The French Gallic Roosters have drawn a top sign, but for this team, how to deal with the South Koreans' crazy pressing tackles and the Swiss' unyielding spirit of resistance will be the top priority for them in the group stage. This pressure from the opponent comes more from a non-tactical point of view, but from mental strength. When your technical superiority suddenly fails to be fully utilized on a specific occasion and at a specific moment, I am afraid that the decisive factor must be the quality of will. It is even more difficult for the elegant and romantic French people to take advantage of the Taiji Tiger in front of them!
The Spanish Matadors need to confirm their main squad for the tournament as soon as possible to stabilize their morale. The adverse effects of Raul and Xavi's absence are by no means simple, with the ups and downs of form and the psychological weakness of being weak are usually caused by the Spanish team's inadequate preparation and inadequate response measures before the competition. Obviously, in this regard, the Spanish team needs to hire a senior psychologist to accompany the team for a long time.
Of course, Chinese fans are more concerned about the situation in Group D where Portugal are located.
Although Mexico is seeded, they are the most unworthy seeds in the eyes of many. Despite their outstanding results in qualifying and a good performance in this year's Confederations Cup, such a team is still not very competitive in the eyes of the Portuguese, and with two teams in a group reaching the round of 16, Portugal can rely on their own strength to join Mexico in the knockout rounds.
The overall level of Asian teams is lagging behind, and although Iran has a good record in Asia, they have not performed very well on the world stage, and they have always played the role of accompanying the prince to study. And Angola seems to be even less worthy of consideration for newcomers in the World Cup, such a team with no stars and no experience in the World Cup is destined to become the target of other teams to frantically score points or earn a goal difference.
However, Portugal have been placed in a good group, but they should not be taken lightly. Mexico aside, that is, the Asian team Iran, Portugal should also be careful not to overturn in the gutter, in the 2002 World Cup South Korea defeated Portugal, so that he lost the opportunity to enter the round of 16, so, in the face of Asian teams, Portugal must learn from the past lessons, step by step forward, absolutely can not take it for granted that the strength of Asian teams is not as good as their own, and they will not miss when facing Asian teams. Otherwise, when it is irretrievable, it will be too late to regret it.
The myth of Senegal's victory over France in the last World Cup is still being talked about, so Portugal must not be careless when facing a new African force like Angola. A Latin team like them is most afraid of facing a team with a rough style of play and relying on their physical advantages, while Angola is just an African team that is in dire need of an unknown name, and the reason why they can come to Germany is definitely not to rely on their own skills, they only have innate physical conditions and rough fighting. It remains to be seen whether Portugal can adapt to this style of play, and perhaps it will only be after the opening of the World Cup that we will know what the final answer will be.
In such a group, I am afraid that only Angola did not think that they would enter the knockout round. The other three teams will all show their skills and try to make a difference in the German World Cup, so although the situation in this group is much better than the group of death, the team that slacks off will be punished severely. There are no weak teams in the World Cup. Qualifying for any group is not easy to obtain.
After understanding the general situation, most fans are not as conservative as the media said, it seems that everyone thinks that Portugal will definitely appear as the top of the group, this view has been unconditionally supported by Chinese fans, it can be said that the country with the most support in the World Cup is not the host Germany, nor the melancholy and handsome Italy, but the Portuguese team led by Jonk and Ronaldo.
That's right, the appearance of Jonk led the attention of Chinese fans. And the merchants will not let go of such a good opportunity, and they want to find Jonk to endorse.
But. The best candidate in the eyes of the businessman, but he rejected such a good opportunity one by one, concentrated on reporting to the national team, and officially started the training life before the World Cup.
The media also did not expect that Jonke would be the first to arrive at the pre-game base.
Located in the heart of western Germany, in the narrow urban agglomeration from Dortmund to Gelsenkirchen and from Cologne to Frankfurt, there are as many as 15 teams stationed here, which is almost half of the top 32 of the World Cup. Hotels such as Italy, Portugal, Serbia and Montenegro, South Korea, Ivory Coast, Saudi Arabia and Croatia are all historic and antique hotels.
Compared to other teams, these teams are still very low-key.
As the host of this year's World Cup, the German team does not need to adapt to the water and time difference, and pays more attention to convenience, comfort and practicality in choosing a hotel in the local area.
The Grunalwald Palace Hotel was the result of the 1912 appointment of the German Emperor Wilhelm II. Feng. The Duke of Panwitz built it in the French style of palace architecture. When completed, it could accommodate up to 1,000 guests at a time, and was once occupied by Wilhelm II, the last emperor of Germany. Since 2004, Klinsmann has designated it as the base camp for the national team to prepare for the World Cup. From 5 June, they will be able to occupy 54 rooms, all of which are independent, and the hotel will also provide the team with a 500-square-metre swimming pool with a Finnish sauna, dry steaming and the most modern fitness equipment.
Since 2004, the hotel's traditional German specialties have been known throughout Europe, and surprisingly there are three restaurants in the hotel, one for breakfast, one for lunch and dinner, and one for after-dinner drinks. The hotel's standard rooms cost €189 per night, while the 12 Grand Suites cost up to €395 per night. For a host like the German team, such a hotel is not super luxurious, but the price is very fair, and it has a unique "culinary advantage", and for the serious Germans, they always put practicality first.
Another more important part shows the German mentality of the champions, the hotel is just a few minutes' drive from the centre of Berlin and only five minutes from the Olympic Stadium, the venue of the final final, and the Germans joke that the Germans live in "the closest place to the final in the round of 32", implying that the Germans are closer to the championship than anyone else.
As the defending champions, Brazil are the undisputed favorites to win the World Cup, and they are also the most concerned and eye-catching team in this World Cup. Of course, the Brazilian team, which is aiming to defend the title, did not sloppy in the "live" link.
The Kempinski Hotel is located in the small town of Quinigstein, 25 kilometers away from Frankfurt, although the location is very remote, but the whole town is beautiful and quiet, the leisure environment and natural scenery make it a famous holiday destination, is the first choice for many German celebrities to relax on their holidays, it is said that Pereira and the president of the Brazilian Football Federation chose this place to see the seclusion.
Quinigstein is a well-known and wealthy district in Frankfurt. The German name for Quinigstein is "Konigstein", which means "King" (Konig) and "Stone" (Stein) respectively. According to the locals, "The King" is because it was once the king's palace, and "Stein" because of the area's proximity to the Donna Mountains.
The Kempinski Hotel is based on a complex of castles built by the German Emperor Wilhelm II in 1909. He built a total of 8 buildings here to serve as his residence. Ninety years later, the Kempinski Group bought the buildings and converted them into a luxury hotel. For this reason, the Kempinski Hotel is also known as the "Emperor's Castle". Brazil's choice of this location, which is associated with the "City of Kings" and "Emperor's Castle", also shows the ambition of the Samba Army to wear the crown again.
For an England squad full of handsome guys, there's no better place to prepare for the World Cup than the Biellehall Palace Hotel.
The Royal Palace Hotel Bielehall is located in Baden, Western Germany. The suburb of Baden is also one of the most beautiful places in Germany. Tucked away in 18 hectares of royal gardens at an altitude of 800 metres, this secluded palace is known as the safest "leisure island" in the northern Black Forest. By choosing this place for their stay, Eriksen no longer has to worry about hordes of fanatical fans harassing his handsome guys. What's more, a small team of heavily armed SWAT officers will be stationed at the hotel to provide security services for England.
Built in 1914 as a retreat for military officers, the Büllerhall Palace Hotel is now one of Germany's most prestigious locations, hosting the first wedding of Wimbledon champion Becker and the presence of German goalkeeper Kahn, former US President Bill Clinton, former South African President Nelson Mandela and United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan. The hotel has 74 rooms with 16 suites, the most expensive of which is £1,483 per night, not including breakfast.
England will be stationed at the hotel from 5 June until the end of their World Cup journey, where England players will stay for five weeks if they are to lift the trophy in Berlin. The hotel offers a wide range of facilities including swimming pools, spa resorts, steam baths, treatment rooms, golf courses, mountaineering, skiing, mountain biking, horseback riding, even hunting, and the FA is even planning to spend £150,000 to replace the turf at the training base with new Wembley turf in pursuit of first-class training conditions.
But even with such a tight guard, Beckham and others still did not escape the cameras of reporters. Yesterday morning, the sleepy-eyed Beckham and Ashley. Cole was caught by reporters on the balcony of his hotel room. Could it be that these dedicated journalists are hiding in a tree near the hotel?
Some people are relaxed and others are worried, and for safety reasons, the American team can only "hide" "alone" in the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Hamburg, and their every move must be approved by the German police.
The biggest headache for the German police is also the two West Asian teams, Saudi Arabia and Iran. The Saudis, who arrived early in Noernheim, Hesse, had to be protected by the local police, and the local residents, who were accustomed to a well-to-do lifestyle, felt the threat of a possible terrorist attack for the first time, so they complained about it. Germany's interior ministry will work with Saudi intelligence to ensure the safety of the Saudi team.
Iran's security services warned the hosts half a year ago that the Iranian opposition in exile in Europe was a threat to the Iranian team's safety during their stay in Germany, so the German Interior Ministry, who was not careful, finally persuaded the Iranian Football Federation to set up its base camp at the Crown Hotel on the shores of Lake Constance, near the Swiss border. (To be continued......)