Group H, Poland, Colombia, Japan, Senegal , and an instant review of England's performance

Before we get to the preview, I have to strike while the irons are still hot. This is what I wrote about Tunisia in the preview for England's group, "They are exactly the type of team that England will struggle to beat". However I have just finished watching England, who for once remarkably snatched a victory in the dying seconds of the game.

The adrenaline was pumping as my WhatsApp feed was filled with various audio recordings of delirious England fans signing Vindaloo, where ever they were watching the game.

England failed to win a single game in 2014 making this their first win since 2010 in world cups and then they only managed one in four games. This is the first time since 2006 that they have scored two goals in a world cup game let alone by the same player, so it is understandable that the fans are euphoric at the moment.

The thing now for England is not to let this victory go to their heads, they did not play well especially in the second half and missed so many chances we lost count. They need to regroup and beat Panama in their next game to ensure they move on, taking all the pressure out of the Belgian game and then it will be time for that famous football chant, Que Sara Sara, whatever will be will be... etc.

On to Group H the last to begin, this is an intriguing group, very difficult to predict and especially interesting as England, should they qualify, will be playing against the team who finishes either first or second here.
I would consider this as the other contender for the group of death, the only reason not, being that all four teams are good but none of them really part of the big name teams.

We will begin with Poland, they undoubtedly have a star player in Robert Lewandowski, this is a man who scores goals in his sleep, Poland are very reliant on him but they have a system which works and they should not be counted out. They have not had far to travel and this is something which should be taken into account. They also of course do not like Russia for many reasons which we can get to later in the tournament and will be hoping to at least outdo the Russians in how far they advance.

Scores goals for fun

Next up are Colombia, a team full of all the things we expect from South American teams but also one that has never reached the heights. Of course in James Rodriguez they have a player who scored probably the best goal in 2014 and also this year they have Falcao, another prolific striker, who missed 2014 due to injury. Colombia are a colourful team who bring life to any tournament. Who can forget Rene Higuita, El Loco, the Colombia goalie who did this.

Higuita unorthodox save

Or Carlos Valderrama he of the silky skills and crazy hair (Higuita's Barnett isn't bad)

Imagine washing that

Let's hope Colombia provide more memorable moments

James in 2014

Japan are probably the best of the Asian teams, they have a very good domestic set up, their leading players have been snapped up by top clubs in Europe but like South Korea with whom they co-hosted in 2002, the next generation has yet to really come through. One thing you can be sure of with Japan is that they will never give up because that would be a severe loss of face.

The last of the 32 teams to feature in the previews is Senegal, They have some good players especially Mane who plays for Liverpool are a very physical team who will be able to run and run and on their day they could beat anyone.
A group like this with sides from four different continents with four contrasting styles of play is always interesting and unpredictable.

Well that is it for the previews. We all need a rest, for those of you who actually watch the football, sit back and enjoy and for those whose world cup is lived through this blog, we will return on Monday with the beginning of the deciding games in the group stages as things start to warm up and really get interesting, with such questions as will any of the big names got knocked out already and similar burning issues.