Hispanophones v Francophones (well the western part of Switzerland at least). This is the story of Group E - a fairly straightforward group you'd think but potentially could be quite open.
Switzerland
Squad -
GK - Diego Benaglio, Yann Sommer, Roman Burki
DF - Stephen Lichtsteiner, Reto Ziegler, Philippe Senderos, Steve von Bergen, Michael Lang, Ricardo Rodriguez, Johan Djourou, Fabian Schar
MF - Tranquillo Barnetta, Gokhan Inler, Granit Xhaka, Valon Behrami, Valentin Stocker, Blerim Dzemaili, Gelson Fernandes, Xherdan Shaqiri
FW - Haris Seferovic, Mario Gavranovic, Admir Mehmedi, Josip Drmic,
Star Player - Xherdan Shaqiri - an unheralded member of Pep Guardiola's all-conquering Bayern Munich team, Shaqiri was Switzerland's top scorer in their qualification campaign. Still in his early 20s, Shaqiri is a player that will play a part for club and country for years to come.
Prognosis - Well organized and efficient under former Bayern and Dortmund manager, Ottmar Hitzfeld, Switzerland should make the next round and as they showed against Spain 4 years ago, are capable of a huge upset early on. Don't expect them to go beyond the quarterfinals though against more seasoned and quality opposition.
France
Squad -
GK - Hugo Lloris, Mikael Landreau, Stephane Ruffier
DF - Patrice Evra, Bacary Sagna, Mathieu Debuchy, Mamadou Sakho, Laurent Koscielny, Raphael Varane, Lucas Digne, Eliaquim Mangala
MF - Mathieu Valbuena, Yohan Cabaye, Blaise Matuidi, Moussa Sissoko, Rio Mavuba, Paul Pogba, Antoine Griezmann, Morgan Schneiderlin, Remy Cabella
FW - Karim Benzema, Olivier Giroud, Loic Remy
(updated 7 June 2014)
Star Player - Paul Pogba - one of the rising stars of world football, Pogba has emerged as one of the best defensive midfielders at Juventus after being rejected by Manchester United. A more talented version of Claude Makelele, Pogba will be a foil for the likes of Franck Ribery and Mathieu Valbuena to push forward.
Prognosis - A highly talented but frustrating side to watch, you just feel that Les Bleus are one performance away from being world beaters. Egos and temperament have been their downfall since their one World Cup triumph in 1998 and Didier Deschamps has worked hard to create a cohesive team. Win the group and they could go far. Finishing 2nd could mean a tough challenge in Messi's Argentina in the next round.
Ecuador
Squad -
GK - Maximo Banguera, Alexander Dominguez, Adrian Bone
DF - Walter Ayovi, Jorge Guagua, Juan Carlos Paredes, Frickson Erazo, Gabriel Achilier, Oscar Bagui, Cristian Ramirez, John Narvaez
MF - Edison Mendez, Segundo Castilo, Antonio Valencia, Luis Saritama, Christian Noboa, Jefferson Montero, Joao Rojas, Michael Arroyo, Oswaldo Minda, Renato Ibarra, Pedro Quinonez, Fidel Martinez, Carlos Gruezo, Angel Mena, Cristian Penilla
FW - Felipe Caicedo, Jaime Ayovi, Enner Valencia, Armando Wila
Star Player - Renato Ibarra - a skillful winger with Vitesse Arnhem, Ibarra will provide the danger out wide with experienced captain, Antonio Valencia likely to play a more central role. Could find himself at a Leicester or Swansea in the summer particularly if he performs well here in Brazil.
Prognosis - A good chance of making the 2nd round and motivated to play for fallen comrade, Cristian Benitez. They could come up short against the organized Swiss and French if both sides fire - if not, certain 2nd round participants.
Honduras
Squad -
GK - Noel Valladares, Donis Escober, Luis Lopez
DF - Maynor Figueroa, Victor Bernardezz, Emilio Izaguirre, Osman Chavez, Juan Carlos Garcia, Brayan Beckeles, Juan Pablo Montes
MF - Wilson Palacios, Oscae Garcia, Jorge Claros, Marvin Chavez, Roger Espinoza, Mario Martinez, Arnold Peralta, Luis Garrido, Andy Najar
FW - Carlo Costly, Jerry Bengston, Jerry Palacios, Rony Martinez
Star Player - Maynor Figueroa - A versatile defender whom Steve Bruce swears by, Figueroa has been vital in helping Hull City return to the top flight and establishing them there in their first season back - and getting them to the FA Cup in an added bonus. Figueroa will be a leader at the back for a Honduras side that many expect to struggle in Brazil.
Prognosis - A lot of old heads from 2010, Honduras will again find the going tough on the big stage especially against superior opposition than the likes of Canada and Jamaica.
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