Following the draw for the 2010 World Cup, the first to be staged on African soil next summer, soccer pundits around the world have been scratching their heads looking into the history books and making analysis on what to expect in the tournament while millions of fans cannot just wait for that moment of euphoria when the world’s biggest sporting extravaganza kicks off. Ib’s Blog World Cup Special looks at the Group C.
England has been drawn in Group C alongside the USA, Algeria and Slovenia. Bill Beswick, who has worked as England National Team Psychologist and also on the staff of Manchester United, believes his country has what it takes to win the World Cup.
“I think it’s a draw that helps England enormously,” Beswick told Ib’s Blog in a telephone interview, adding that it’s a good way for them to open up the tournament and come through with players rested into the final stages.
But what are their chances against the USA? Beswick, regarded as the world’s leading sports psychologist for soccer, is confident his team will do well.
“All games in the World Cup are difficult and the U.S. game will be particularly difficult,” Beswick said. “But there is no reason why England should not win those three games and go on in a good shape on to the latter stages.”
Beswick described Wayne Rooney, Frank Lampard, and Steven Gerard as “world-class players” and said they will make an impression in the World Cup adding that he believes John Terry will do an “excellent job” in defense.
“I think they’ve got a very good chance in this World Cup and they’ve got a very good chance of winning because the climate and the time zone are in England’s favor. We have a very good group of players at the moment and we have a very good coach,” said Beswick, who once served as Head Coach to England Men’s Basketball Team and led them to winning the 1982 Commonwealth Gold Medal.
England will also face The Dessert Foxes of Algeria, who will return to the world stage after more than two decades in absence. While Beswick is not underrating the Africans, he believes team cohesion and better preparation is a key.
“Any game is winnable or losable, but the difference is the better players and preparation makes it more probable you will win and England should win that game,” Beswick said.
General Reaction to the Draw
“I think the group that Brazil is in is tough and I think they will have to work very hard,” Beswick said, adding that France is also drawn in a very tough group.
“You know when you get to the World Cup you’ve got to be willing to play and beat everybody. All games are capable of a surprise in the World Cup. Some teams—even the smaller teams—raise their performance because it is the World Cup and you must always be careful,” said Beswick, who was appointed as assistant manager for Middlesbrough Football Club in 2001 by then manager, Steve McClaren.
For more information about Bill, visit his website www.billbeswick.com
World Cup Groups
Group A
South Africa, Mexico, Uruguay, France
Group B
Argentina, Nigeria, South Korea, Greece
Group C
ENGLAND, United States, Algeria, Slovenia
Group D
Germany, Australia, Serbia, Ghana
Group E
Netherlands, Denmark, Japan, Cameroon
Group F
Italy, Paraguay, New Zealand, Slovakia
Group G
Brazil, North Korea, Ivory Coast, Portugal
Group H
Spain, Switzerland, Honduras, Chile
Also see:
· Exclusive Interview: Obi Mikel Eyes Champions League and Premiership
· Exclusive Interview: Salomon Kalou Anticipates A Great Season
· About Ib’s Blog – The Official Web site Blog
· Exclusive: “Success In The City” Hosts Successful Networking Event; CEO Cynthia de Lorenzi Tells Ib’s Blog How It All Started
· Ibrahim Dabo Inspires Lehigh University Students To Become Agents Of Change
· Exclusive Interview: Attorney, CPA, Model, & Writer Miatta Dabo Optimizes Her Talents To Inspire And Serve
> Click Here to return to IB’s Blog Home Page
> Click Here to return to Ibdabo.com Home Page
Solid blog. I got a lot of effective information. I’ve been watching this technology for awhile. It’s intriguing how it keeps shifting, yet some of the core elements remain the same. Have you seen much change since Google made their latest acquisition in the field?