Henry's World

I was going to post an update after the end of group play, but I wanted to say a few words after watching the death of La Roja. For those that don't know, Spain lost to Holland 5-1 in their opening match in group B, and lost today 2-0 to the Chileans to eliminate themselves from the world cup. First, I would like to give a congratulations to Chile. Their heart and determination to succed will see them through to the knockout stages, and possibly much further. But this isn't about the rise of Chile, this is about the death of the team that dominated world football for six long years: La Roja. La Roja, or the Reds, was a nickname given to the Spanish national team by current manager Vincente Del Bosque when he took over. The name has stuck, and the entire Spanish nation united under a common front, a common purpose. When the Spanish won the Euros 2008, they proved to the world of their capability to be a team, to be a football powerhouse. Things only went up for La Roja. They w

It's time to preview the final group, Group H featuring the drinking captial of the world, Belgium! BELGIUM Manager: Marc Wilmots Team Overview: One of the most-talked about nations in the world, Belgium are stacked with amazing young talents. The Red Devils suffered a big blow, however, when striker Romelu Lukaku went down with injury. X-Factor: The Red Devils have nearly everyhing: defenders, goalscorers, a fantastic keeper. However, the one thing they lack is international experience. They haven't even been in the World Cup since 2002. Skipper Vincent Kompany will be the lone real leader for this team. Where they'll finish: Despite losing Lukaku, and not really having any veterans, the Red Devils could get by on talent alone. And given the show Thibaut Courtois put on in the Champions League final, this is the year to be a fan of the Red Devils. ALGERIA Manager: Vahid Halilhodzic Team Overview: With no real star players nor well-known player, things would loo

Another group of death preview featuring European giants Germany! GERMANY Manager: Joachim Low Team Overview: After a trio of near misses(2nd, 3rd, 3rd) Die Mannschaft fans are hoping this year will finally be their year. An incredible mix of young and old, pace and experience, this German squad may be the best one yet.. X-Factor: Remembering what go them to the dance. Low's offensive approach has jepoardized an amazing defensive core, featuring the greatest fullback to ever play football, Phillipp Lahm. Sure, players like Bastian Schweinsteiger and Mesut Ozil provide offense, the defense is what makes the wheels go 'round, and Die Mannschaft are best to keep it that way. Where they'll finish: The Germans desperately want to win the World Cup this year, but it would be a hard road ahead. There are many powerhouse nations this year, and Die Mannschaft are going to have to hope that their younger players can pull it together and make this a run for the ages. PORTUGA

It's time for part 2 of today's four-part marathon, featuring Argentina. ARGENTINA Manager: Alejandro Sabella Team Overview: Is Lionel Messi one of the best footballers ever? The Argentine star man will have a chance to prove it when he plays in Brasil this year. Messi has tended to stuggle when it comes to international football, and has not yet won the World Cup, though he hopes to change that. X-Factor: Believe it or not, La Albicelestes have other players whose names do not end in Messi. The back line consits of Ezequiel Garay, Pablo Zabaleta and Marcus Rojo, and the star-studded midfield includes Javier Mascherano and Ever Banega. These players' form will be crucial to La Albicelestes just as much as Messi's. Where they'll finish: There are no more excuses for Messi, no more hidey-holes to climb into. It's time for the Argentine skipper to win the World Cup. The midfield is there, the back line is very strong, and it is now time for Messi to take th

Welcome to the opening day of 2014 Fifa World Cup! The plan for today is a marathon, with all the remaining 4 group previews today. Enjoy! SWITZERLAND Manager: Ottmar Hitzfeld Team Overview: The surprise top seeds of this group, the Swiss have a very balanced mix of youth and experience. The youth movement is lead by Xherdan Shaqiri and Granit Zhaka, who both play for Bundesliga clubs, and the experienced players, like captain Gokhan Inler and back line leader Stephan Lichsteiner. X-Factor: A true goalscorer. La Nati lack a true goalscorer up top, as centerback Fabian Schaer lead the team in scoring during qualifying. Forwards Mario Gavranovic and Haris Seferovic will have to step up, though they will recieve help from their superb midfielders, Xhaka, Shaqiri, and Inler. Where they'll finish: Getting top seed in this group will largely mean nothing for La Nati, as it will be all about their play in Brasil that will determine their finish. At the same time, it's hard to

It's time for the Group D preview, aka the group of death! URUGUAY Manager: Oscar Tabarez Team Overview: One of the surprises in South Africa, La Celeste have a great chance to once again shock the football world. Lead by fiery striker Luis Suarez, this team has incredible talent stacked up and down the pitch. Edinson Cavani should partner well up top with Suarez, the winners of the 2011 Copa America should push for the World Cup trophy yet again. X-Factor: Defensive capability. This team can score, with Suarez and Cavani up top, but can they keep the ball out of their own net? Diego Godin leads the back line for La Celeste, and he will be essential to shutting down some of the great forwards in this group, like Mario Balotelli and Wayne Rooney. Where they'll finish: If Tabarez can get this group functioning like a well-oiled machine, there is no reason Uruguay won't finish top of the group. But if Suarez can't get his focus on football, and defense breaks down,

It's time for the Group C preview, featuring Columbia! COLUMBIA Manager: Jose Pekerman Team Overview: It's Columbia's first World Cup finals appearance in 16 years, and their fans could not be more proud. However, it wouldn't be a true World Cup without drama, and an injury to star striker Radamel Falcao will be just that. X-Factor: Leadership. With Falcao questionable, it'll be up to somebody else to step up and take charge. There are several players who could lead on this team, including attacking midfielders Juan Cuadrado and James Rodriguez. Whether or not one of these players or possibly somebody else steps up will be key for the Columbians. Where they'll finish: Lukily for Columbia, they drew a pretty easy group. If Falcao can play, this team could be a surprise quarter or semi finalist. If not, they still should be able to get out of this group. Anything else is nothing short of a disappointment. GREECE Manager: Fernando Santos Team Overview:

It's for the group B preview, featuring defending champions Spain! SPAIN Manager: Vincente Del Bosque Team Overview: La Roja may be the hottest team in the world right now. They followed up a victory in South Africa over the Dutch with a win in Euro 2012 over the Italians. On paper, Spain is definitely the best team in the world, though Brasil may have something to say about that. X-Factor: Age. Both Brasil and Spain are having to deal with a lot of pressure this year, but Spain has to deal with four more years being tacked onto their team. David Villa has really shown his age during La Liga and in the Champion League Final loss to Real Madrid. Xavi has also shown his age, and it will be interesting to see how the Spanish skipper will play in Brasil. Where they'll finish: Fitness and age will play a factor for La Roja. Having an all-Spanish Champions League final will have an interesting effect on this World Cup squad, whether good or bad. Even so, Del Bosque will have

Now it's time to say some stuff I'll look back and cringe about later! We'll start off with Group A, featuring hosts Brasil. BRASIL Manager: Luiz Felipe Scolari Team Overview: The Brasilians are known for pace, finness and skill. Exciting to watch as always, this version includes star stiker Neymar Jr. How he and Scolari will handle the pressure of being the host nation will sink of swim the hosts chances this year. X-Factor: The pressure cannot be overstated. Brasil may well have been one of the favorites without hosting anyway. This must win the World Cup. Anything else is a failure. How Brasil will handle the weight of an entire county and the world as a whole, watching their every will prove very interesting. Where they'll Finish: It's win or go home for Brasil. The finals definitely look promising, but Germany and Spain, and possibly Argentina, await for Brasil. It's not going to be easy, but there's a pot of gold, and they may well be able to g

Hey guys, It's Henry, back again with another post. This time, I decided to do my own preview of this year's World Cup in Brasil. I personally can't wait until we see Rio De Janeiro in action! Let's predict some stuff. Tournament Overview and Thoughts: Disclaimer: These are all my own opionions and thoughts. When I first heard that the 2014 World Cup was coming to Brasil, I was extatic, as any football fan would be. Brasil has produced some of the greatest footballers of all time, and will continue to do so for many years to come. Brasil, as a nation, hold a outstanding relationship with the FIFA commitee, and have done so for many years. It's only until you read the fine print that you realise the monstrosity that this World Cup could possibly be to Brasil. Brasil is a nation in dissrepair. Their government is in shambles, and their people are not happy. Hosting a World Cup requires a mammoth amount of resources and money. Though Brasil may have the money re