World Cup fever, Group F: It's not a "group of death", but it's the closest thing to that concept

Group F at the 23rd World Cup brings an interesting blend of European tradition, Asian organization, and African tenacity.

The Netherlands enters as the top favorite, Japan wants to confirm its status as one of the most disciplined and dangerous teams from the backline, Sweden returns to the big stage with strong attacking potential, while Tunisia is looking for a chance to make history and skip the group stage for the first time.

With the expansion of the World Cup to 48 teams, the "groups of death" in the draw have also disappeared, but if any must be labeled as such - Group F definitely came closest to that concept.

NETHERLANDS

The Netherlands is a team that has been living between the top and the disappointment for decades - grandiose stories and sad defeats. Three lost World Cup finals and a reputation as a team that always "can, but doesn't have to" have created enormous pressure on each new generation.

Under command Ronald Koeman, the “tulips” again seem serious and stable. Virgil van Dyck is still a pillar of defense and a leader in every sense, Cody Gakpo brings speed and finish, while Tiana Reynders increasingly taking on the role of a player who connects the lines and dictates the pace.

This time too, the Netherlands is not among the main favorites to win the championship, but a team that has played in the final three times, most recently in 2010, that was bronze in 2014, and that four years ago in Qatar was only eliminated in the quarterfinals by future champion Argentina on penalties, can never be written off.

However, it is clear that many incredible things would have to come together for the "tulips" to win the world title. One of them - football analysts from the land of clogs and windmills agree - is the lack of a world-class striker who could make the difference in crucial matches.

In this context, the performance of the Brian BrobyThe powerful Ajax striker could play an important role in the national team, which is still looking for the ideal solution at the top of the attack.

The Dutch's realistic goal is the round of 16 or quarterfinals, but you never know - things may go beyond expectations from the first game against Japan, on June 14th in Dallas.

JAPAN

The "Samurai" have long since stopped being likeable outsiders and have become a team that regularly causes problems for the big teams. Eight consecutive appearances at the World Cups and four places in the round of 16 in the last four attempts speak volumes about their continuity.

Perhaps it's time for the Japanese to do something more, given how they were eliminated in the round of 16 at the two previous championships - in 2018 in Russia, leading 2:0 against Belgium (losing 3:2), and in 2022 in Qatar on penalties against Croatia, when they also had the lead during regular time.

Selector Hajime Morijasu he built a system in which discipline and organization come first. Liverpool's Wataru Endo keeps balance in midfield, Daichi Kamada from Crystal Palace brings both stability and creativity, while Ueda's agent from Feyenoord represents the most dangerous weapon in attack.

Japan's goal is no longer just to get through the group - ambitions have been raised and the quarter-finals are openly mentioned as a realistic dream, not a distant wish.

The first game at the World Cup is also the toughest: against the Netherlands.

Four years ago in Qatar, the Japanese defeated Germany in the opening match after a 2:1 comeback, perhaps that fact says something, or hints at something...

SWEDEN

Sweden returns to the World Cup after missing the tournament in Qatar and comes with a team that may not be among the favorites on paper, but in terms of individual quality, it can certainly cause problems for anyone.

The "Triple Crown" team played in the quarterfinals in Russia eight years ago (eliminated by England), but they come to the North American continent as a team that can do something from the second or third plan, not the first plan.

Selector Graham Potter, the Englishman, one of four former Chelsea coaches who were sacked at this World Cup (along with Ancelotti on the bench for Brazil, Tuchel on the bench for England and Pochettino on the bench for America) has the luxury of counting on in attack Viktor Djokeres i Alexander Isaac, a tandem that is among the most dangerous in the entire tournament.

Isak missed a good part of the season due to injury, but that is also an opportunity - he arrives at the tournament recovered, rested and fresh.

Djokereš and Isak can decide the game on their own, which makes Sweden an extremely difficult opponent in any situation. The key issue will be balance - if the Swedes find stability in defense, they can easily attack the first place in the group, or at least a sure ticket to the knockout stage.

This is a team with a World Cup tradition - in 1958 they were second, losing the final to Brazil on the day the famous football player Pele was born, and in 1994, in America, they were bronze.

TUNIS

The “Eagles of Carthage” are regular participants in world championships, but still without a place in the knockout stage. Each new tournament brings the same story - solid play, fighting spirit and the hope that something more could happen this time.

They first appeared at the World Cup in 1978, when they achieved the first victory by an African team in that competition.

The national team is known for its disciplined and solid defense, often relying on team spirit and organization, rather than individual stars, which are nonexistent.

Eljes Škiri from Eintracht is the leader and driving force of the team, Anis Ben Slimane from Norwich brings energy from the background, while the young The Life of the Rajan represents potential and an unknown that could surprise opponents. The most expensive player is Burnley midfielder Hannibal Mayberry, who is worth 16 million euros according to Transfermarkt.

Tunisia is an outsider, but also a "mine" in the group - it is seeking eventual further qualification as one of the eight best third-placed teams from 12 groups.