International friendly games before world cup are not a sole criterion to decide about a squad fate. But, warm-up games give us some clues about preparion, team cohesion and its form.
Ex.
“I will consider our campaign successful if we reach quarterfinals.” – Gerhard Mayer, President of Germany FA. But, Germany crushed Israel in a warm-up game (7-1). It is a signal. Germany reached finals in 2002 world cup. Miroslav Klose scored hat-trick in that game (his first game for Germany). He won Golden ball in 2006 and second behind Ronaldo in 2002. We get such cues from warm-up games.
Warm-up games review:
1. Brazil: It crushed weak opponents in friendlies. Robinho form is an encouraging sign.
2. Spain: Spain is poor in warm-up games and strugged to defeat weak times like Saudi Arabia and South Korea. But, Spain regained form by crushing Poland – one of the best performances before warm-up games.
3. Argentina: Demolished Canada and is injury free. Argentina has chance to reach semi-finals/finals.
4. Holland: Wonderful form and can even defeat Brazil in quarter-final if Robben plays. Without Robben, Holland will be defeated by Brazil in quarters. Best performer in warm-up games.
5. Germany: Despite loss of many stars, Germany is still a favourite. But, Germany needs to defeat Argentina in quarter-finals. Young squad is in terrific form in warm-up games.
6. England: No chance after Ferdinand injury. Defence is looking weak. It first needs to defeat in-form USA in group C. Poor performance in warm-up games. If it tops Group C, some what easy draw till semi-finals.
7. Italy: Lost to Mexico and drew with Switzerland. They are jaded. No chance of reaching even semi-finals. It may struggle even to top group F. If Italy fails to top Group F, it may lose to Holland in second round. Pirlo injury is a big blow.
8. France: It is down and out if warm-up game form is a criterion. It drew with Tunisia and lost China. Difficult to digest for fans. South Africa/Mexico/Uruguay have improved their chances.
9. Portugal: Tough draw but chances improved after Drogba injury. It needs to defeat Spain in second round. It is peaking at right time but Nani injury is a big blow.
10. Mexico: Regaining form in recent days. Mexico has potential to top group A.
11. Chile: If Suazo plays, it can even defeat Spain on current form. Most dangerous side aong with USA among second rung teams.
12. Paraguay: Poor form of Italy raised hopes of Paraguay.
13. USA: Most dangerous side and has potential to defeat even England.
14. Denmark: Form is inconsistent and tough fight with Cameroon for second spot.
15. Ivory Coast: Drogba injury collapsed hopes of fans. Still, a good side.
16. Serbia: Good side but lost to New Zealand. Like Mexico, it is regaining form.
17. New Zealand: Defeated Serbia but has no chance at world cup.
18. Greece: Not in best form but injury to John Obi Mikel raised hopes of Greece along with sinking fortunes of Nigeria.
19. North korea: Unknown side but in a very tough group.
20. South Korea: Incosistent but dangerous.
21. Cameroon: May utilise African conditions to reach second round.
22. Switzerland: Tough squad but difficult to beat teams like Spain and Chile.
23. Honduras: Poor form. No chance.
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