The World Cup- A Guide To Group B

There is always a dreaded group of death and this is it. Spain, the reigning World and European Champions. Netherlands who literally kicked seven bells out of the Spaniards in the 2010 final. Chile who have match winners in every position. Lastly, Australia who are the outsiders but eternal optimists.

Group B - Spain - Netherlands - Chile - Australia

Spain 

The Manager: Vicente del Bosque

'Heads I play for Brazil, tails I play for Spain... Tails never fails.'

• Star Player: Andrés Iniesta
• Position: Inside Forward, Attacking Midfielder
• Age: 29
• Team: FC Barcelona
• Why? Flawless technique, outrageously accurate passing and the ability to glide through challenges. Iniesta is one of the world's best who enjoys the big occasion. Scorer of the winner against the Netherlands at World Cup 2010 and player of the tournament at Euro 2012, he knows what it takes to be the inspiration towards glory.

• One to Watch: Iker Casillas
• Position: GK
• Age: 32
• Team: Real Madrid
• Why? 153 Caps and Golden Glove winner in both the 2010 World Cup and the 2012 European Championships, Iker Casillas’ record is astonishing. He hasn't conceded a goal in a knock-out stage since 2006 in either the World Cup or Euro’s. He might be fighting for his place at club level but at international level he is very much still top-dog.

• Wildcard: Diego Costa
• Position: Striker, Centre Forward
• Age: 25
• Team: Atlético Madrid
• Why? A sensational season with Atlético. La Liga winners and Champions League finalists, Costa's goalscoring has been paramount to their efforts. The Brazilian-born Atlético Madrid star is surely going to take a lot of abuse in Brazil. Choosing to represent Spain instead of playing for his birth nation on home soil in a World Cup angered many Brazilian fans. Don’t expect this controversial player to shy away from boo’s though. They will only drive him on.

Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), Pepe Reina (Napoli), David De Gea (Manchester United).

Defenders: Dani Carvajal, Sergio Ramos (both Real Madrid), Gerard Pique, Jordi Alba (both Barcelona), Cesar Azplicueta (Chelsea), Juanfran (Atletico Madrid), Javi Martinez (Bayern Munich), Raul Albiol (Napoli), Alberto Moreno (Sevilla).

Midfielders: Sergio Busquets, Xavi Hernandez, Andres Iniesta, Cesc Fabregas (all Barcelona), Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid), Ander Iturraspe (Athletic Bilbao), David Silva (Manchester City), Santi Cazorla (Arsenal), Koke (Atletico Madrid), Juan Mata (Manchester United), Jesus Navas (Manchester City).

Forwards: Diego Costa, David Villa (both Atletico Madrid), Alvaro Negredo (Manchester City), Pedro Rodriguez (Barcelona), Fernando Llorente (Juventus), Fernando Torres (Chelsea).

Fun Fact: Diego Costa has 2 caps for Brazil and only 1 cap for Spain.

Netherlands

The Manager: Louis van Gaal

• Star Player: Arjen Robben
• Position: Inside Forward
• Age: 30
• Team: Bayern Munich
• Why? The star player with van Persie in this Dutch team. Robben has arguable had his best season yet in Munich scoring 20 goals as Bayern set a record, winning the Bundesliga after only 27 games. Netherlands manager van Gaal was responsible for taking Robben to Bayern Munich in 2009 for 25m euros, expect him to be the main man in Brazil. In previous years he was slightly infuriating with a habit of simulation and petulance. Recently however, his undoubted talent and technique is doing the talking on and off the pitch.

• One to Watch: Jasper Cillessen
• Position: Goalkeeper
• Age: 25
• Team: Ajax
• Why? When you can keep out the likes of Vorm, Krul and Stelkenburg, you know they are at the top of your game. Cillessen kept 14 clean sheets in 25 games for Ajax in their title winning season. Dubbed the new Edwin Van Der Sar, Jasper Cillessen has a world wide audience to prove he is worthy of the title.

• Wildcard: Bruno Martins Indi
• Position: Central Defender
• Age: 22
• Team: Feyenoord
• Why? A complete defender. Extremely strong, good with his head and pacey. Netherlands have been crying out for a classy defender for years and Martins Indi certainly has the potential to be that. His versatility could also prove vital as he can be also be deployed as a full-back. May need to have a stormer of a tournament if CB partner Ron Vlaar replicates some of his questionable performances for Aston Villa this season.

Goalkeepers: Jasper Cillessen (Ajax), Tim Krul (Newcastle), Michel Vorm (Swansea), Jeroen Zoet (PSV Eindhoven).

Defenders: Daley Blind, Joel Veltman (both Ajax), Stefan de Vrij, Daryl Janmaat, Terence Kongolo, Bruno Martins Indi, Tonny Vilhena (all Feyenoord), Karim Rekik (PSV Eindhoven, on loan from Manchester City), Patrick van Aanholt (Vitesse Arnhem, on loan from Chelsea), Paul Verhaegh (FC Augsburg), Ron Vlaar (Aston Villa).

Midfielders: Jordy Clasie (Feyenoord), Jonathan de Guzman (Swansea), Nigel de Jong (AC Milan), Leroy Fer (Norwich), Arjen Robben (Bayern Munich), Wesley Sneijder (Galatasaray), Rafael van der Vaart (Hamburg), Georginio Wijnaldum (PSV Eindhoven).

Forwards: Jean-Paul Boetius (Feyenoord), Memphis Depay (PSV Eindhoven), Klaas-Jan Huntelaar (Schalke 04), Dirk Kuyt (Fenerbahce), Jeremain Lens (Dynamo Kiev), Quincy Promes (Twente), Robin van Persie (Manchester United).

Fun Fact: Robin Van Persie's son is called Shaqueel.

Chile 

The Manager: Jorge Sampaoli

• Star Player: Arturo Vidal
• Position: Central Midfielder
• Age: 26
• Team: Juventus
• Why? Arguebly the most complete central midfielder in the world at this moment. Arturo Vidal is a vital player for this Chilean team, shared topscorer in the qualifications for Chile with Vargas (5 goals). Recently under went surgery, so his fitness could be in a bit of an issue come the start of The World Cup.

• One to Watch: Alexis Sanchez
• Position: Striker, Winger
• Age: 25
• Team: Barcelona
• Why? With Messi and Pedro's sporadic injury hit season, Sanchez has had a much more prominent 2013/14 season. His end product and crossing has been infinitely better along with a good understanding with Neymar. Deceptively good in the air and an explosive turn of pace, he'll no doubt thrive in the perfect conditions of South America.

• Wildcard: Jorge Valdivia
• Age: 30
• Position: Central Attacking Midfielder
• Team: Palmeiras
• Why? Whenever “El Mago” is fit and focused on his game then he is a class act to watch. A typical number 10, skillful, great vision with a fantastic shot. He might be a new name for some but is very well known in Brazil after spent a total of 6 years there. If Valdivia plays well, Chile plays well.

Goalkeepers: Claudio Bravo (Real Sociedad), Johnny Herrera (Universidad de Chile), Cristopher Toselli (Universidad Catolica), Paulo Garces (O'Higgins).

Defenders: Gary Medel (Cardiff City), Gonzalo Jara (Nottingham Forest), Marcos Gonzalez (Union Espanola), Enzo Andia (Universidad Catolica), Jose Rojas (Universidad de Chile), Eugenio Mena (Santos), Mauricio Isla (Juventus).

Midfielders: Jorge Valdivia (Palmeiras), Felipe Gutierrez (Twente), Rodrigo Millar (Atlas), Jose Pedro Fuenzalida (Colo Colo), Pablo Hernandez (O'Higgins), Matias Fernandez (Fiorentina), Francisco Silva (Osasuna), Arturo Vidal (Juventus), Charles Aranguiz (Internacional), Marcelo Diaz (Basel), Carlos Carmona (Atalanta), Miiko Albornoz (Malmo).

Forwards: Alexis Sanchez (Barcelona), Esteban Paredes (Colo Colo), Eduardo Vargas (Valencia), Gustavo Canales (Union Espanola), Jean Beausejour (Wigan Athletic), Mauricio Pinilla (Cagliari), Fabian Orellana (Celta).

Fun Fact: In 1989, Chile were losing to Brazil 1-0 in their qualifying match for World Cup 1990 and on the verge of failing to qualify. A flare was thrown at goalkeeper Roberto Rojas by a female Brazilian fan and he was stretchered off and the game was deemed unsafe to continue with the potential of the match being nullified and Brazil disqualified. 

However, T.V cameras spotted that Rojas had hidden a razor blade in his glove and created a cut on his forehead (firework didn't touch him). It transpired that he had been ordered with the whole team's knowledge to take advantage of any 'foul play' by the Brazilians. Subsequently, Chile were banned from the 1990 and 1994 World Cups. Rojas, the Coach and the Team Doctor were banned for life.

The Guile music from Street Fighter makes this video even more laughable. Hadouken!

Australia 

The Manager: Ange Postecoglou

• Star Player: Tim Cahill
• Position: Forward
• Age: 34
• Team: New York Red Bulls
• Why? Australia’s all-time leading goalscorer, Cahill will be participating in probably his last world cup in Brazil. The former Everton favourite and corner flag boxer will hoping to get on the end of any set pieces. At 5ft10, Cahill punches way above his weight and can beat any defender in the air if given half a chance.

• One to Watch: Mile Jedinak
• Position: Midfielder
• Age: 29
• Team: Crystal Palace
• Why? Jedinak has been arguably the most underrated player in the Premier League this season. If Australia are to obtain any points in this group, he'll have to use his strength and composure in midfield to hold the Socceroos together. A classy and dominant force in the centre of the park is what is needed in this transitional period for Australia.

• Wildcard: Tom Rogic
• Position: Central Attacking Midfielder
• Age: 21
• Team: Celtic
• Why? An odd choice for viewers of the SPL. Rogic was loaned straight back to Melbourne Victory after a string of difficult showings off the bench for Celtic. He has got a decent touch and can beat a man. A total wildcard and in a group with so many world class opponents, he'll have to do something miraculous to stand out from the crowd.

Goalkeepers: Mark Birighitti (Newcastle Jets), Eugene Galekovic (Adelaide United), Mitchell Langerak (Borussia Dortmund), Mat Ryan (Club Brugge).

Defenders: Jason Davidson (Heracles Almelo), Ivan Franjic (Brisbane Roar), Curtis Good (Dundee United, on loan from Newcastle), Ryan McGowan (Shandong Luneng Taishan), Matthew Spiranovic (Western Sydney Wanderers), Alex Wilkinson (Jeonbuk Hyundai), Luke Wilkshire (Dinamo Moscow), Bailey Wright (Preston North End).

Midfielders: Oliver Bozanic (Luzern), Mark Bresciano (Al Gharafa), Joshua Brillante (Newcastle Jets), James Holland (Austria Vienna), Mile Jedinak (Crystal Palace), Massimo Luongo (Swindon Town), Matthew McKay (Brisbane Roar), Mark Milligan (Melbourne Victory), Tommy Oar (Utrecht), Tommy Rogic (Melbourne Victory), Adam Sarota (Utrecht), James Troisi (Melbourne Victory), Dario Vidosic (Sion).

Forwards: Tim Cahill (New York Red Bulls), Ben Halloran (Fortuna Dusseldorf), Josh Kennedy (Nagoya Grampus 8), Matthew Leckie (FSV Frankfurt 1899), Adam Taggart (Newcastle Jets).

Fun Fact: Tim Cahill's brother was jailed for 6 years for GBH in 2008. He now owns a Frozen Yoghurt shop.

Group C coming soon.

1st Test Pre-Roar Australia v Lions

BOD breaking the line against Australia in 2001. Can he do it again?

Saturday is the first test between Australia and The British & Irish Lions. I'm going to go through the Lions selection for this match and see what is what.

2. Tom Youngs-England-Hooker

Youngs is picked at hooker. For his dynamism at the breakdown, solid lineout throwing and scrummaging. The former centre could really show the rugby world what he has in the locker

1. Alex Corbisiero-England-Prop

3.Adam Jones-Wales-Prop

Jones is one of the strongest tightheads around and his consistency and experience had almost guaranteed test selection before the initial squad selection was announced.

Corbisiero is starting because he is a beast in the scrum. Personally, I don't think he has earned his jersey but Gatland (the ex-front row) thinks the test match will be won or lost in the scrummaging.

4. Alun Wyn Jones-Wales-Second Row

5. Paul O'Connell-Ireland-Second Row

Mr Consistent in Wyn Jones and Mr Experience in O'Connell. The Welsh lock has been one of the most underrated players in British rugby for years. He does the basics exceptionally well and makes playing second row look easy. O'Connell is one of the unofficial captains in this squad. British & Irish Lions experience and a gladiatorial presence about him, the 2009 Lions captain is powerful and inspirational in equal measures.

6. Sam Warburton-Wales-Captain-Blindside Flanker

7. Tom Croft-England-Openside Flanker

Warburton is the series captain and a turnover specialist. I'm still not sure if he is the best current back row number six, however the management have faith in his leadership and ability to disrupt the Australian's quick ball. Tom Croft has performed well on tour and his elusive running and speed around the pitch are qualities essential to the Lions game plan.

8. Jamie Heaslip-Ireland-Number 8

Heaslip on his day is a word class line breaking off-loader. I have had doubts over his form after his recent injuries, however he has the footballing ability on the rugby field to prove me wrong and dominate with ball in hand.

9 .Mike Phillips-Wales-Scrum-Half

10. Jonathan Sexton-Ireland-Stand Off

The scrum half position is where I genuinely believe the first test will be won. Phillips is the physical 'extra forward' scrum half, while Will Genia for Australia is a lightening quick passer and a spectacular broken field runner. It will be fascinating to witness the contrasting number 9's performances.
Sexton starts at much debated fly-half. Stronger all round game compared to Farrell, with more experience and defensively more effective too. His distribution is key and BOD will be combining with Sexton vocally to get the forwards running lines and creating holes on Saturday,

12. Jonathan Davies-Wales-Inside Centre

13. Brian O'Driscoll-Ireland-Outside Centre

Davies has shown world rugby that he has a brilliant all-round game. He can kick, pass and tackle with the best of them. But where his ultimate strength lies is his support running and off-loading. Alongside O'Driscoll, Davies could be remembered as a Lions great. BOD may not have the same pace any more, however he still has world class vision and skill to change a game in a split second.

11. Alex Cuthbert-Wales-Wing

14. George North-Wales-Wing

15. Leigh Halfpenny-Wales-Fullback

The Welsh back three trio of Cuthbert, North and Halfpenny ran riot at this year's Six Nations and this combination is proven at test level. Cuthbert has had an excellent try scoring tour and deservedly starts the first test match. Giant George North has only just overcome fitness fears and if he plays to his potential he could cause serious damage to the Australian's defensive line. A physical beast. Last but not least is Leigh Halfpenny. His metronomic style goal kicking is one thing, but he possesses world class tackling technique and razor sharp covering from deep. He'll be a match winner for the Lions if the first match is scrappy with penalties a plenty.

The Bench Warmers

Dan Cole

Richard Hibbard

Ben Youngs

Geoff Parling

Mako Vunipola

Owen Farrell

Sean Maitland

There is a pretty obvious selection policy from the Lions management. Big, strong, physical players. Combined with experience and proven ability at the very highest level. Hence why players like Toby Faletau, Stuart Hogg, Justin Tipuric and Richie Gray didn't make the squad. It is no coincidence that these players were given the most game time prior to this first test to prove themselves of a starting place. A few players were sold out in the last match (Hogg being played at 10 against International test standard players). The team selected had neither the structure or leadership to handle the step up against the high flying Brumbies.

As a Scotsman, one player on the bench is disappointing. But the management have their favoured players and those who they have trained and working with before. Which is no coincidence that there are no Scottish coaches on tour. The mind boggles...

I think the score will be tight and there will be single figure points in the 1st test...

Australia 24-18 British & Irish Lions

You are tolerating Pie Sports News

So here you are... Attempting to read the first installment of Pie Sports News. Fairly average blog name, however It will have a no frills style and tasty helping of piping hot opinions. Hopefully I can stir up a debate in relation to the current sporting issues. There we have it.

"Let's be 'avin you! Come on!"

(Delia Smith CBE 28-2-05)

The British & Irish Lions are going to eat your Wallabies

On Tuesday past, the British and Irish Lions touring squad to Australia was announced at 11am. Thus sparking the inevitable hysteria of: who wasn't picked? 

Most of the immediate headlines were Jonny Wilkinson based, due to his failure to make the squad. However it should really have been about the achievement of  the youngest ever captain Sam Warburton or the 'wildcard' selection of Matt Stevens who was previously banned for recreational drugs (cocaine). After the coverage of the each player who made the 37, Wilkinson released a statement basically saying that due to Toulon commitments in their bid for a Heineken Cup and Top 14 double and his physical condition he may not be able to handle a hectic tour to Australia he opted out of selection. This could be the case, but In my opinion it was badly timed. Surely a clear statement before the Lions selection would have been more creditable and not a cover up that he was not going to be in the squad or guaranteed game time by Warren Gatland...

Anyway, I digress. As a proud Scotsman, the inclusion of only 3 players in Stuart Hogg (Glasgow Warriors), Sean Maitland (Glasgow Warriors) and Richie Gray (Sale Sharks- just signed for Castres) was disappointing but not unexpected. On pure rugby ability alone, I don't think many can argue that the other possible Scotland Internationals should make the Lions squad on merit. That is just the sad realism of the matter. Regardless of the much Improved Six Nations Championship, Scotland are still seen as the weakest of the home nations. So the selection of 15 Welsh, 10 English, 9 Irish and 3 Scots is not the start of a bad joke but a fair distribution of players from the 6 Nations and recent International success for these countries.

The 3 Scotsmen picked have a genuine chance to become (World Class) big players off the back of this tour. Maitland's try scoring ability is exceptional and his proven Super 14/ Canterbury Crusaders strike rate and New Zealand pedigree is a huge positive for a wing slot in the 1st XV against the Aussies. Not to mention being picked previously by Gatland for Waikato. Richie Gray has struggled in recent months playing with a poor Sale Sharks team and having just recovered from a serious injury, however his form prior to this was exemplary for Glasgow Warriors and Scotland in the 2012 Six Nations. His lineout prowess and ball carrying skills in the contact area are very strong. But Gray is deceptively mobile and allusive at 6ft10 and 20st2lb, which adds to his chances of making the first test. Finally, Stuart Hogg is the shining light of Scottish rugby right now at the tender age of 20. A portfolio of scintillating individual tries has propelled the Hawk lad into the rugby world's spotlight. The rare natural talent of acceleration, pace and agility are enough for most rugby players to feel blessed by. However Hogg has a fantastic boot and the ability to find and create space coming from 15. He is my shout for the player that will put his hand up and create a legend for himself, purely because of his untapped versatility in the back line.

There is no doubt that Gatland, Howley, Jenkins, Farrel and Rowntree have picked the very best players available. A blend of previous Lions experience and new recruits will hopefully result in the most successful Lions tour of modern times. For Brian O'Driscall, Paul O'Connell, Gethin Jenkins and Mike Phillips this will be their last Lions tour and these four are all leaders, communicators and key cogs in the Lions machine. To match the Australians the British & Irish Lions will have to be physically competitive in all aspects of their game, especially in the forwards. The call up of Dan Lydiate from a recent injury is a gamble, but arguably has the possibly the most effective tackling in the Northern Hemisphere. His player of the tournament for the 2012 Six Nations was partly down to his ability to tackle and secure turnover ball in almost a single motion. Which against Australia is essential to provide the platform for North, Bowe, Maitland and Cuthbert to name just the wingers.

Here is my Lions XV that I would pick if the first test match was tomorrow:

 Australia are very strong in all departments especially in the form of Scott Higginbotham the rampaging skillful beast of a flanker/8 and Will Genia as the world's best scrum half and sniping linebreaker, also Digby Ioane the break-dancing wing, lethal in open play. Arguably the key man is Michael Hooper, the young pretender to the injured David Pocock. Hooper is in the frighteningly similar mold to the 'human bridge' turnover king Pocock and at the age of just 21 his potential is truly frightening.

Last but not least, there would have been numerous disappointed International players kicking TVs, throwing phones at the wall and uttering: "he's shite, I'm way better than him", when the 37 Lions were announced on Tuesday. But the inevitable injuries that players pick up at the end of a season mean for a lucky few they may get that phone call to come on tour. So here is my standby Lions XV for you to rate and tut at:

That's it ladies, the end of my first Lions post and hopefully it has been insightful and if not... Just get out.