Current World Cup holders Germany are the big attraction in Group F, the latest focus in our tournament previews.
What a squad, what talent, what depth…and that’s just the players Germany didn’t call up to Russia 2018.
They’ll take some stopping, and reaching the last four of any competition seems to come as standard for Die Mannschaft.
Alongside them, Mexico will hope to finally end their absurd run of six consecutive World Cup exits at the round of 16 stage, with Sweden and South Korea the lesser-fancied members of the group.
Group Insight
Fixtures & UK TV Info
- Germany vs. Mexico – Luzhniki Stadium – 4pm, June 17 – BBC One
- Sweden vs. South Korea – Nizhny Novgorod Stadium – 1pm, June 18 – ITV 1
- South Korea vs. Mexico – Rostov Arena – 4pm, June 23 – ITV 1
- Germany vs. Sweden – Fisht Olympic Stadium – 7pm, June 23 – ITV 1
- South Korea vs. Germany – Kazan Arena – 3pm, June 27 – BBC One
- Mexico vs. Sweden – Ekaterinburg Arena – 3pm, June 27 – BBC Two
Red Focus
- A group of players the Reds have scouted, rather than signed
- Hirving Lozano of Mexico has been linked with Anfield
- Sweden’s Emil Forsberg was heavily linked in 2017
- Timo Werner, Julian Draxler & Jonas Hector all hold or held interest
It might be easier to list the Germans Liverpool haven’t been linked with, at this point.
Werner at least has been oft-mentioned with a move to the Reds, but it doesn’t appear hugely likely this summer, at least.
One goal will be enough to restart the #SignReus petitions, while doubtless someone will mention that Leon Goretzka is on a free and the Reds should sign him. You can then point out to them that he’s already joining Bayern Munich.
Oh, and Roy Hodgson tried to sign Ola Toivonen once upon a time.
Ones to Watch
The best player in the group might be right-back Joshua Kimmich, he is just unbelievably talented.
Obviously, keep an eye on Werner too, particularly if you’ve tipped him for the Golden Boot—good choice, if so. Draxler needs a big tournament, too.
Lozano is one though, a real difference-maker for Mexico (and PSV) and he could be 2018’s James Rodriguez, earning a big move thanks to his goals and involvement in the final third.
Kim Young-gwon is a very capable centre-back for South Korea: good on the ball, very experienced.
Who Goes Through?
Fall to the floor in shock as we predict Germany to progress, with a 100 percent record no less.
Alongside them it’s got to be Mexico: experienced, lots of No. 9 options, Lozano and the goalkeeping heroics of Guillermo Ochoa. And Rafa Marquez, who must be nearly 50 by now.
Sweden just aren’t going to be enough fun to watch for us to predict them to progress with any real conviction, and South Korea have been a bit of a shambles in the buildup, including changing manager just before the end of the qualifiers.
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