Russia 2018: Groups E - H

The World Cup is only a matter of days away now. Will Russia 2018 just see the same sides progress through to the latter stages? Who will struggle and be disappointing? And who will exceed expectations? Over the next couple of days I will look at the groups to see who will progress, and who will go home.

After that I will move to the knockout stages before giving you my winner, of it all, before the World Cup kicks off. Yesterday we looked at Groups, A- D, today it's the turn of E-H.

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Group E:

In a group which boasts Brazil it's always going to be a battle for that second spot. Heading into that final game I think Serbia's win over Switzerland in game 2 will put them in pole position to qualify. The only thing standing in their way? Brazil!

Serbia will not have enough to get anything against Brazil, who qualify with nine points. However, Switzerland have a point to prove, and do so, against Costa Rica. Defeating them in the final game not only see the Swiss move off the bottom, but puts Serbia through. 


Group F:

I do think Germany, the defending Champions, will find it tough.A surprise opening day draw against Mexico is followed up with a single goal victory over Sweden. Of course they hammer South Korea in the final game but I think Mexico could surprise and top the group. For the record I think they will finish second, but on goal difference rather than a points disadvantage.

Sweden bow out with a final game defeat by Mexico and the Europeans head home. South Korea finish bottom of the group, with only a single goal to show for their efforts. 


Group G:

England face Belgium in the final game of the Group, and that could benefit both sides. Tunisia and Panama shouldn't prove too difficult, on paper at least, for the two European based sides. But stranger things have happened. 

Both start with two wins fro two before facing each other, and both already qualified. From there it is a coin toss as to who finishes top and who is second. I think the potential opponents in the next round are not too daunting and so a draw will play out. 

England second with Belgium topping the group. Panama and Tunisia playing for pride ends in a victory for the Panamanians.  


Group H:

I think this will be the tightest group heading into the final day. Only three points from fourth to top means win and go through. Japan have disappointed in the first two games, and continue that by losing to Poland. 

Topping the group though is Senegal. Defeating Colombia on the final day, added to their tough draw with Poland and defeat of Japan, moves them out to face England.