Group G Here we go (again) Belgium, England, Tunisia, Panama

Before, we preview this group, I have to comment on what has been so far. Yes, there have been a number of surprising results although in my previews I did explain, how hard it is for the reigning champions to repeat, the way to stop Brazil and that Argentina are not that good.

Despite the results, I would just like to point out that having one poor result in the group stages is sometimes a good thing for a team. Italy were always the prime example of this, they would struggle to make the next round and then mature like a Gorgonzola as the tournament progressed.

The true test now for Argentina, Brazil and Germany is how they respond to the setbacks they have suffered and that's what make this the greatest tournament in the world.

One other thing in case you have not heard. Sweden sent scouts to spy on South Korea's preparations for their game. So the South Korean coach, cunningly made the players change shirts as he later explained at his pregame press conference. All Asians look the same to Europeans, so we thought we would confuse them.  The very political correct Swedes have of course apologized but I think the plan was worthy of Baldric from Blackadder at his best.

Group G contains Belgium, Panama, Tunisia and of course England. It is now fifty two years since England last won the world cup, that was also the last time they reached the final. I know this well as I am happy to call myself a "boy of 66" as that is the year I was born.

I have lived more years outside of the shores of Blighty than within them, but in sports, England, be it in football, cricket , rugby or tiddlywinks, is still my team for my sins. It helps that the country I reside in is so rubbish at sport, unless you consider wind surfing a sport, that a conflict of interest has never arisen.

The English nation as a whole is used to the cycle (providing they actually qualified) that every four years a swell of unfounded optimism will flood the country, that being, "this is it, this time they are going to do well', until in a display of crushing ineptitude which is often hard to believe to be possible, the illusions come crashing down around them.

This time it is different, nobody expects England to win the world cup, if they reach the Quarter finals they would have done well. (Although with the Brazil and Germany results, the delusions will be growing)  The team is young and led by a relatively inexperienced manager, who in his playing days epitomized the English malaise at this level.

Below you can watch the whole penalty shoot out from the Euro 96 semi final against Germany, just one example of how England always succeed in disappointing. The excitement builds until the inevitable conclusion and the villain of the piece is the current England manager.

Gareth Southgate against Ze Shermans

Belgium are a team awash with stars, many, household names in the English Premier League, but as with so many teams with a plethora of gifted players, they have never successfully gelled into the collective whole able to fulfill the undoubted potential within them. In Kevin de Bruyne and Eden Hazard, there is no doubt that they have two of the most exciting players in the tournament.

Hazard cheeky imp

de Bruyne Baby Faced Assassin

Both Belgium and England will be hoping that by the time they meet, they would have both already qualified for the next stage and will be playing for first place in the group.

Next up we have Tunisia, I will be honest, I do not know much about them, most of their squad play in the Arab leagues, some in lesser teams in France and one is in the Premier league but I have never heard of him. They are exactly the type of team that England will struggle to beat, probably very tenacious with players knowing that a good showing could get them a lucrative contract at an English Premier League side, as they would probably be a cheap option for those said sides.

Panama are the Cinderella at this years ball, they are happy to be there, will enjoy the occasion and will make an early exit to avoid turning into pumpkins. They qualified thanks to a last minute goal against Costa Rica and the stunning loss by the USA to Trinidad and Tobago.

Check back tomorrow for the last of the group previews. Feel free to comment and remember to share with your friends.