Scouting The Group Stages – Group C

The  latest in my group-by-group World Cup analysis focuses on Group C, which is full of individuals that on paper may not be first choice on Fantasy managers’ teamsheets but can offer us some interesting options. In this group, which contains Greece, Colombia, Japan, and the Ivory Coast, we have a strong mix of young starlets and hardened international veterans alike.

The Defence

Greece

As mentioned in the Scout’s own article, the Greek’s defence looks like a much more viable option for Fantasy football managers all round. Conceding four times on the way to the World Cup play-offs, the back-line is resilient and will wait for opponents to come to them, in a defensive style of play (as also mentioned in Christina’s article). Jose Holebas’ left-flank delivery will be key to the counter-attack, as will Vasilis Torosidis, who despite playing very few minutes, is the only solid option at right-back. Centrally, Sokratis Papastathopoulos (Sokratis for short) has had a successful season at Dortmund, and is the safest route into the centre-half role.

The Midfield

Colombia

Colombia’s midfield is of much interest in this competition, offering several in-form prospects, although a likely 4-2-2-2 leaves us with limited options going forward. James Rodriguez of Monaco will be keenly watched after his impressive first season, finishing with nine goals and 12 assists for the French side. His ability to play in any attacking position, be it the left, right, or behind the striker, will be key. Juan Cuadrado played a key part of Fiorentina’s campaign, his club tally last season of 11 goals and five assists could see him start out wide for Colombia.

Japan

Three protagonists are in line for our interests from Japan. Premier league misfit Shinji Kagawa plays in the same position he does for Manchester United, on the left of a 4-2-3-1, although he does appear to be in contention, along with Honda, for spot-kicks. Honda is the star man of the team, with five goals in qualifiers, along with his own penalty duties, and is also first choice for set-pieces and direct free-kicks, despite an indifferent campaign with Milan since his January move. As shown in last year’s Confederation Cup, he also has a taste for the international stage. Shinji Ozazaki owns the right of the midfield, and with three goals in qualifying, could be an interesting prospect to choose from, though his listing as a forward may see him ruled out of many sides.

The Forwards

Columbia

This side blessed with plenty of attacking intent will have to make do without Rademel Falcao, who has pulled out of the competition through injury. Teofilo Gutierrez was partnered with Falcao during qualifying, and should retain a role up front having scored six times in 10 games. In Falcao’s absence Columbia can call upon Jackson Martinez of Porto, whose power in the air and finishing helped him score 20 goals this season. Luis Muriel (Udinese) will likely only see game time as a substitute, but his raw pace could see some interesting results.

The Ivory Coast

A front-line bursting with options, the Ivory Coast perhaps hold some of the best attacking assets in the competition. Didier Drogba holds the centre-forward role, and appears to be first in line for penalties. His experience should seem him retain his starting position, although the form of Wilfried Bony could see him challenged. Bony’s 17 goals in his debut for Swansea highlight his ability, but may not equate to game time. On the wings, Gervinho and Solamon Kalou line up on the left- and right-hand sides, and carry both club and international form into the competition. Gervinho scored nine and assisted 10 for Roma whilst Kalou scored 16 for Lille and five for the Ivory Coast during qualifiers. It appears that the Ivory Coast hold a significant amount of attacking threat, something to bear in mind if choosing defenders from this group.

The Differentials

Yaya Toure (Ivory Coast) – Having produced a monster of a season with City, Yaya’s distribution and penchant for a longshot will be key, along with holding the midfield to his own. However, it is worth noting that he appears to be second choice for penalties, and may not garner the returns his domestic campaign suggests.

Kostas Mitroglou (Greece) – Despite negligible game time for out-of-form Fulham, Mitroglou still fired 16 goals for Olympiakos before his January move. Providing he can prove his fitness, any goals that come for the Greeks are likely to have his influence.

Serge Aurier (Ivory Coast) – The highly rated young wing-back from Toulouse produced four goals and four assists in his domestic campaign. It should be noted, however, that he played on the right of a back-five, and had more licence to attack, rather than the expected conventional full-back role he will take on for the Ivorians.