*Blind Hammer compares Premier League and National teams *
England’s defeat against Belgium was perhaps a timely reality check. Given that both sides did not field their first 11, it was a game allegedly neither was keen to win; Belgium nevertheless demonstrated greater squad depth and skill.
Despite entering this World Cup with more realistic expectations, excitement had grown after England’s initial victories. The record breaking score against a poor Panama side, in particular, awakened optimism that this side could unexpectedly advance.
The defeat against Belgium suggested that the new dawn may not be as bright as some hope. Russia’s performances against relatively poor sides also came to a grinding halt when they came up against Uruguay.
As West ham supporters we are all used to managing expectations in the Premier League. In an idle moment it started me thinking of possible equivalence between competing National sides and teams in the Premier League. Such an equivalence could guide realistic expectations.
The point is that we all know that West Ham can beat Chelsea, Manchester United or Manchester city on their day. However we have realistic expectations of the chances of this happening.
So can we draw some equivalence between the status and expected performance of national sides and PL clubs? It may stretch a point but I would offer the following for discussion.
Brazil -Manchester City
As clear competition favourites Brazil have the match winning combination of stars which can blow away any side in the world .
Like Manchester City they start favourites against any team they face. Like City they are not invincible. Despite dominating large parts of a game they can have periods of defensive vulnerability.
*Belgium – *Liverpool
Belgium, as the new kids on the block, are providing the match winning performers to break the traditional mould of the World’s elite sides. This is much the same as for Liverpool who are now gate crashing the PL’s traditional top four. Both sides rely on attacking flair rather than defensive solidity.
Spain – Manchester United
Like Manchester United Spain have immense tradition and resources to draw upon. Barcelona and Real Madrid provide access to a powerful pool of football talent. Like Manchester United Spain are not the power that they once were. Despite their tradition it is not clear that they are delivering the success that their followers expect.
Argentina – Arsenal
Like Arsenal in the PL Argentina are not irrelevant to the World cup. However both are definitely a faded force. Their supporters look back to days of past glory rather than any prospects of new achievements. Both sides need serious rebuilding if they are to re-emerge at the top table.
Uruguay – Tottenham
Uruguay most resembles the Tottenham of the pack of competing Nations at the World cup. They are the outsiders unexpectedly poking their noses and elbows in at the top table. Despite the flair of Tottenham, compared to the solidity of Uruguay, they most resemble each other as the once outsiders now intruding.
France – Chelsea
In the same way it is not impossible to imagine Chelsea winning the Premier League next season it would not be a complete shock if France departed Russia with the trophy. However both sides are also in the process of starting to to rebuild. The situation is not as serious as for France and Argentina but it does take the gloss of considering either of them as the finished article at the moment.
England – Everton
England is are definitely outsiders for this competition. Nobody expects them to win it. Yet Leicester won the Premier League against expectations. Despite this I think England is higher than Leicester in terms of normal expectations. . England most resembles Everton in terms of expected performance. There is a level of consistency which always gets them out of the qualifying groups but we have rarely looked like achieving any serious hope of landing silver ware in the business end of competitions.
And finally
Colombia – West Ham
It feels most disloyal to equate West ham with Colombia on one level but this is the most likely equivalence I can find. In Rodriguez Colombia have a match winner who can perform against any competition. On their day Colombia could possibly beat any team in the World, despite this they would rarely expect to do so. Sounds familiar to me.
Of course this is all for discussion only and not for serous argument!
COYI
David Griffith