A Possibly Accurate, Not Fact-Checked Guide to the World Cup: Group F

Every prediction contained in this preview is care of yours truly, somebody with an obsessive OCD-approach to World Cup qualifying who only watched non-US matches as five-minute highlights on double speed, muted, while listening to podcasts. They're probably still pretty good though, because I'm super smart and stuff.

Where are they from?: Germany (Pot 1); Mexico (Pot 2); Sweden (Pot 3); South Korea (Pot 4)

What to watch for?: The battle for second place. The Germans are the favorites to win the whole tournament, while South Korea is less of a live dog than in Cups past, having managed just 5 points over their last five matches of Asian qualifying, leaving Sweden and Mexico to duke it out. Making it out of groups is what Mexico does, but Sweden are more than capable themselves. They bested the Netherlands to claim second in their qualifying group behind France, before knocking off Italy in the playoffs to book a spot in Russia. 

Who to keep an eye on?: Oh, that this could be Zlatan. Alas, he's staying retired for Sweden which means a Zlatan-free World Cup. Instead, we turn to Mesut Özil. Although his struggles for Arsenal are, in my humble, often quite overplayed, playing for Germany offers more time for him to shine with the best supporting cast on offer in international football. Also, he did this at the World Cup once:

Why do you hate those guys? (Mexico): Because I don't hate the US Men's National Team, and rivalries are important. I mean, the two sides are clearly the two best in CONCACAF and the idea of another side besting either and threatening that would obviously be just totally laughable and never happen. So, you hate each other. It's fun. I sure do hope America performs better than Mexico at this World Cup.

100% Accurate Match Predictions

Germany vs. Mexico: Mexico are a perfectly competent international side, capable of giving the best sides in the world a rough time on their day. This isn't their day. Dir Mannschaft get their defense off on the right foot with a comfortable 3-1 win.

Sweden vs. South Korea: No Zlatan leaves the Swedish side less entertaining to watch, but not completely without attacking prowess. They scored more goals in qualifying than any other second-place side in Europe, as well as four group-winners including their own. South Korea manages to keep it interesting, but can't match the Swedes' firepower as they make it a European sweep with a 2-1 win.

South Korea vs. Mexico: Both sides come out defensive, knowing that a loss is as good as elimination following their opening match defeats. Ultimately it is Mexico who find the breakthrough they need to secure full points 1-0.

Germany vs. Sweden: Sweden are dangerous, but Germany are more so. Fearing what the holders can offer, Sweden play a more defensive style. It works for awhile, but eventually the dam breaks twice and the German's win 2-0.

South Korea vs. Germany | Mexico vs. Sweden: Germany round out a dominant group phase with a 3-0 shellacking. Mexico and Sweden trade chances all game long, leading to a 2-1 Sweden lead late. The Mexicans level in the dying minutes because getting out of groups is what El Tri do. With all measures level, tie-breaking comes down to fair play points and Mexico are eliminated, because shin-high tackles is also what they do.

Check back every day to suck all the fun out of the World Cup by knowing what is coming. For yesterday's post on Group E, click here. To carry on to Group G, click here.

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