Tactics, defending and incisive midfield play is all very well of course, but what we really want to see at the World Cup is net-busting goal action. It used to be said of Brazil that it didn’t matter how many they let in, as they’d always score again anyway. That is precisely the kind of attitude that leads to Finals matches which live long in the memory. Here’s a look at some of the strike forces that are likely to cause mayhem in Brazil. You can keep up with all the latest news and odds on each team as the tournament progresses.
Argentina
Argentina head into the 2014 Finals with a brilliant, goal-heavy qualification record. They lost just twice on the road to the World Cup, against Venezuela and Uruguay, and registered nine wins. The experienced strike force (average age: just under 28) includes Napoli’s Gonzalo Higuain, Man City’s Sergio Aguero, and almost certainly one of the best player in the world – Barcelona’s Lionel Messi.
Between them, they’ve scored 80 goals for their country, and fans of Bosnia, Iran and Nigeria (their Group F opponents) will be praying that the potential damage can be kept to a minimum. Messi became Argentina’s top all-time scorer in a qualifier against Paraguay, though he’s only scored once for his country in 2014. That is not a situation he’s likely to allow to continue.
Portugal
Portugal have had an excellent few months, and look strong heading into Brazil. It’s not all been down to Cristiano Ronaldo either; Helder Postiga and Hugo Almeida have also got on the score sheet. They’re often overlooked as a quality side but Portugal have constantly done well in big tournaments without getting the credit they deserve.
They may have to up their work rate in Brazil, as Ronaldo (49 goals in 111 appearances for Portugal), despite playing impressively in a 5-1 spanking of Ireland just before the tournament, has been nursing left-leg injuries since the Champions League final. Any recurrence in Brazil will represent a serious problem for the nation’s strike force as they attempt to negotiate the Group Of Death – Germany, Ghana and the USA.
Holland
Holland are a team that have historically been one of the great underachievers at the World Cup, despite having some of the best attackers and footballers grace their shirt. This time, the Dutch are looking to a trio of experienced forwards, Robben, Sneijder, and van Persie to fire them to glory.
The Netherlands looked to be in trouble, after being placed in a tough group that included defending champions Spain and Chile, but last night’s performance showed just how dangerous they can be going forward. Both Robben and van Persie got a brace each, and they could’ve got more than the 5 they ended up with, but Casillas made a couple of good stops to keep them out.
Germany
Die Manschaaft have been one of the most consistent teams in world football in this millennium. They have built this consistency on the shoulders of superb young talents, and effective attacking football. This time too, the Germans have their sights set on the trophy, and will be looking to the prodigal talents of the likes of Ozil and Gotze.
Aside from the battery of creative midfielders that Germany have at their disposal, the main threat comes from the partnership that was so successful at the 2006 World Cup, that of Podolski and Klose. The latter is looking to get the record for the most World Cup goals as well. If Germany are to negotiate their tough group, they’re going to need the likes of Podolski and Klose to hit the back of the net regularly.
France
While France have been completely ignored and over-looked by experts, they find themselves in a considerably easy group with a golden chance of progression. This lack of expectations is exactly what the French need to ensure they have a good World Cup, just like they did in 2006.
With the likes of Ecuador & Honduras to face, two comparatively weaker teams, one can expect the French side to get among the goals. Though Ribery will be a big miss, it’s time for Griezmann to step up to the spotlight and make a name for himself (just like Ribery did 8 years back). France can certainly be among the top scorers of the group stage.
