By Danielle Lazarus
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Brazil is the heavy favorite to come out on top of Group E, due to their high FIFA world ranking (#7), past World Cup experience, and solid lineup of veteran talent peaking at the right time. For the second spot out of the group, it will be a tossup between Spain and South Korea, #18 and #14 in the world, respectively. However, South Korea will eke out a win over Spain based on goal differential, thanks to its international tournament experience. Despite Spain’s recent hot streak of success, the lights of the World Cup will be too bring to advance past the group stage in their first appearance. Meanwhile, Costa Rica’s average team age of 21 and lack of experience will render them winless in their first World Cup appearance; however, it will be key preparation for the future, and the Ticas will be back with a vengence in 2019.
Below are my predictions for the games:
Spain 2–1 Costa Rica
Brazil 3–2 South Korea
Brazil 2–1 Spain
South Korea 4–1 Costa Rica
Costa Rica 0–5 Brazil
South Korea 1–1 Spain
1. Brazil 9 points (+10 goal differential)
2. South Korea 4 points (+2 goal differential)
3. Spain 4 points (0 goal differential)
4. Costa Rica 0 points (-10 goal differential)
How to cite this article: “Group E Prediction” Written by Danielle Lazarus (2015), World Cup 2015, Soccer Politics Blog, Duke University, http://sites.duke.edu/wcwp/world-cup-guides/world-cup-2015-guide/players-to-watch-at-the-2015-womens-world-cup/group-e-prediction/ (accessed on (date)).
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