Group F preview: Germany favorites in Group of Death
By Adam Stocker
Germany, Mexico, Sweden and South Korea will compete in Group F at the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Here’s what to expect from each side.
There’s no obvious Group of Death at this summer’s World Cup, but Group F is one of several that could stake a claim to the title. The group features a tournament favorite in Germany and three other teams all capable of finishing second. There’s not much between Mexico, Sweden and South Korea and any of the three nations could make it to the knockout stage if the ball bounces their way.
Germany are by far the most talented team in the group, and, as they showed at the Confederations Cup last summer, could probably win the group playing the last 11 players on their roster. Mexico qualified with the best record in CONCACAF and have advanced out of the group stage in the last six World Cups.
Sweden eliminated Italy in a two-leg playoff to qualify after finishing second in a tough group in UEFA qualifying, while South Korea continued their streak of qualifying for every World Cup since 1986. After going undefeated in the first round of qualifying, the Reds finished second in their second-round group to qualify for Russia. Here’s what to expect from the teams in Group F.
Germany
After winning the last World Cup, Germany are again one of the favorites to win in Russia. Die Mannschaft are loaded with talent that’s hard for any other team to match. Germany can push forward and attack with the best of them, but they’re just as strong at the back, where Jerome Boateng and Mats Hummels form one of the best center-back partnerships in the world. Their ability to possess the ball and dictate the style of play to best suited to them means most of their opponents will simply drop off and hope not to lose. If they have a weakness, it’s at full-back and striker, where 22-year-old Timo Werner will start in his first World Cup.
Since taking over for Jurgen Klinsmann after the 2006 World Cup, Joachim Low has won the 2014 World Cup, 2017 Confederations Cup and made it to the semifinal of every manager tournament since 2008. The Germany manager doesn’t get enough credit for being one of the best managers in the world, seamlessly adjusting formations and integrating new talent into his squad. Germany took a backup squad to the Confederations Cup and experimented with a back three. By doing so, Low increased his squad’s depth, experience and increased his flexibility to make in-game adjustments this summer.
Key player: Joshua Kimmich
Kimmich is the one player Germany will have difficulty replacing if he’s forced to miss a game. Germany’s biggest weakness is their lack of depth at full-back. If a full-back is suspended or injured during the tournament, Low would likely have to change from a back four to a back three.
The Bayern right-back is one of the best young players in the world, capable of marking the best wingers in the world while also getting forward to help the attack. This season, Kimmich scored six goals and added 17 assists in all competitions for Bayern Munich.
Biggest question: How fit is Manuel Neuer?
If Neuer is healthy, Low has said he’ll start. If he isn’t healthy, Marc-Andre ter Stegen will start. Neuer played in Germany’s pre-tournament friendlies, but it’s hard to say whether he was fully fit. Once the tournament begins the biggest question moves to Werner, and if he can perform on the biggest stage.
Mexico
The Mexican roster is filled with experienced players, many of whom will play their last World Cup in Russia. It will be their last chance to reach the quarterfinal for the first time since Mexico hosted the World Cup, in 1986. Juan Carlos Osorio, controversial figure thought he is, has produced results since taking over as manager in 2015 and El Tri believe they can get out of the group again.
Mexico’s roster is full of recognizable names playing on the top teams in North America, but they lack a top-level player playing at one of the elite European clubs. The Mexican players playing in one of Europe’s top five leagues all play for mid-table teams. The lack of top talent will limit how far Mexico can go in the tournament. However, they do have enough talent to get out of the group.
Key player: Hirving Lozano
Lozano is a breakout candidate this summer. PSV signed the Mexican winger last summer and he instantly delivered, scoring 19 goals and adding 11 assists in all competitions as PSV won the league title. Mexico need Lozano to be their next great player and take the pressure off of Javier Hernandez.
Biggest question: What does Hernandez have left to offer?
Chicharito is Mexico’s all-time leading goalscorer. However, at 30 years old, he’s lost a step. In his first season with West Ham, Hernandez started the season well but scored only one goal over the team’s last 11 games.
Sweden
Sweden finished second in their qualifying group behind France and ahead of the Netherlands, before squeaking past Italy 1-0 in the playoff round. This summer will be Sweden’s first World Cup since 2006, when they advanced out of the group stage.
Despite finishing second in their qualifying group, the Swedes proved they could make a run in the World Cup. Sweden scored a group-best 26 goals and allowed only nine goals. Marcus Berg led the group with eight goals in qualifying and will need to continue his strong form in Russia. Victor Lindelof was a big money signing for Manchester United last summer. However, he struggled to get regular playing time at Old Trafford. Lindelof has the chance to prove to Jose Mourinho that he deserves more playing time next season with a strong tournament.
Key player: Emil Forsberg
Forsberg is Sweden’s best player. The RB Leipzig winger can thread passes forward to the striker setting up goals for his teammates, and his abilities have attracted the interest of Premier League clubs. Sweden need Forsberg to use his speed and passing ability to create goals if they’re going to get out of the group. A strong tournament could also see him make a lucrative move at the club level.
Biggest question: Was not selecting Zlatan Ibrahimovic the right decision?
Ibrahimovic announced after Euro 2016 that he was retiring from the Swedish national team. However, when Sweden qualified, Ibrahimovic announced he would come out of retirement if the team needed him. Manager Janne Andersson thinks they don’t. Without Zlatan, Sweden will turn to Marcus Berg and Ola Toivonen for goals.
South Korea
South Korea are considered the weakest of the four teams in Group F and the longest shot to make it out of the group. That they won all eight of their qualifying games without conceding a goal (albeit against the likes of Lebanon and Laos) speaks to the strength of the group.
If South Korea they can upset Sweden in the opening game of the group stage, they’ll give themselves a good chance of advancing. They’re also lucky enough to play Germany in the last round of group matches, which gives them an extra advantage compared to their rivals for second place.
South Korea only have five players playing in one of Europe’s top five leagues. With the majority of their players playing in South Korea, the World Cup will be a massive step up in competition. Still, their best player is probably the best player in the group who doesn’t play for Germany.
Key player: Heung-min Son
Son has become a star playing under Mauricio Pochettino for Tottenham. The forward scored 18 goals in all competitions last season, playing out wide and occasionally through the middle, and will be counted on for goals. If Son struggles in Russia, South Korea are in big trouble.
Biggest question: Can anyone besides Heung-min Son score?
Ja-cheol Koo is second on the South Korea roster with 19 international goals. However, the Augsburg midfielder is dealing with an MCL injury and his availability for the opening game of the tournament is unclear. Hee-chan Hwang scored 13 goals for RB Salzburg in their run to the Europa League semifinal but is dealing with a quad injury.