18 Yard Box analysis how teams of Group A fair, which teams are
expected to make the cut and which are expected to bite the dust as Europe’s
Elite compete against each other in yet another season of the Champions League
Now that the Russian and Turkish Transfer Window are reaching its closing stages, we now have a clearer picture of where teams stand as we are set to analyse the groups drawn by UEFA. We now turn our attentions to the group containing the reigning Portugese Champions, FC Porto, French bigiwgs Paris St-Germain, current Croatian Champions Dinamo Zagreb and Ukranian outfit Dynamo Kiev.
18 Yard Box's Aman analyses the group and gives his final verdict as to who will qualify for the Round of 16.
Group A
A. FC Porto
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B. Paris St. Germain
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C. Dinamo Zagreb
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D. Dynamo Kiev
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FC Porto
An easy group to look from the outset, it could be one of
the most closely fought group in recent memory. A straight forward progress of
FC Porto and PSG (considering the amount of cash they have splashed in the
summer) could be easy to predict but then Dynamo Kiev and Dinamo Zagreb are no
minnows considering their recent achievements. FC Porto are certainly on a low
having just lost their star striker Hulk to Russian giants Zenit. Although they
received a reported 39 Million Pounds for him, the closure of their transfer
window prevents them from buying a suitable replacement and thus making them
short of cover in this department. This certainly means this could be a
breakthrough season for players like Silvestre Varela (who shined in bits and
parts in Euro 12) and Kleber who have lived in Hulk’s shadow till now. The burden of scoring goals certainly
lies on these young shoulders although much more important parts will be played
by Joao Moutinho, James Rodriguez, Steven Defour.
The trio will from the backbone of Porto’s midfield this season and will
certainly have to step up if they are to meet the fans’ expectations. A first
place finish with a strong performance in the group stage led by the dynamic
Moutinho will be my best bet.
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| Will Porto miss their incredible Hulk? |
Paris St. Germain
Bank rolled by their new owners, Paris St-Germain are certainly threatening Europe’s best with their astonishing spending throughout the summer. The purchases of Thiago Silva and Van der Wiel have made them a certain rock solid side at the back. With Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Lucas Moura, they have one of the most lethal attack in world football currently, not to forget the tremendous ability of Argentine Javier Pastore. But having seen them draw the first three fixtures of the season in the French League, doubts have been raised about the settling and gelling of the expensively assembled side. A gaffer in the form of the ever reliable Carlo Ancellotti, PSG have made sure they will be a force to reckon with for a couple of seasons. But, currently, their squad might just not be able to handle a return to the European fold just yet. Inconsistent performances will be the expectations but their passage to the next round should be made safe by match winners such as Ibrahimovic.
Dinamo Zagreb
The Final Verdict
FC Porto have enough fire power to finish first in this group although they might be overwhelmed by the main opposition the face (PSG). PSG on the other hand will be disappointed if they don’t qualify for the knock out stages and thus a reasonable second place finish is expected. Dinamo Zagreb should compete in the Europa League via third spot while they could have had a different story had the group been slightly different. Yet another disappointing campaign for the Dynamo Kiev fans in Europe will be expected with their team having to face three of potential league champions across Europe in 2013.
Bank rolled by their new owners, Paris St-Germain are certainly threatening Europe’s best with their astonishing spending throughout the summer. The purchases of Thiago Silva and Van der Wiel have made them a certain rock solid side at the back. With Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Lucas Moura, they have one of the most lethal attack in world football currently, not to forget the tremendous ability of Argentine Javier Pastore. But having seen them draw the first three fixtures of the season in the French League, doubts have been raised about the settling and gelling of the expensively assembled side. A gaffer in the form of the ever reliable Carlo Ancellotti, PSG have made sure they will be a force to reckon with for a couple of seasons. But, currently, their squad might just not be able to handle a return to the European fold just yet. Inconsistent performances will be the expectations but their passage to the next round should be made safe by match winners such as Ibrahimovic.
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| Now its PSG's turn to witness the 'Ibra Kadabra' magic |
Dinamo Zagreb
Croatian Champions Dinamo Zagreb
who have won the title 7 times in a row now have little hope for progression to
the next round. Having been regular qualifiers for the group stage for past
three seasons now, their performances haven’t been impressive as their status
would suggest. With few visits to both France and Portugal in their recent
history, experience of the venues is one thing they won’t count on. A third
place finish would be likely but will depend on Dynamo Kiev’s games as well. The
Europa League spot could vey well be decided among these two teams with their
fixtures (when these two face off) counting the most.
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| Can Dinamo create an upset? |
Dynamo Kiev
With their last Ukrainian League title win in 2009, Dynamo Kiev haven’t been in tremendous domestic form over the last three years having being taken over by Shakhtar Donetsk in their league title chase. European campaigns haven’t been entirely encouraging as well, having not reached the quarter final stage since the 1997-1998 season. Though they have been partly successful in the UEFA Cup and Europa League over recent season reaching the semi final and quarter final in 2009 and 2011 respectively, their Champions League story has not been so rosy. A group stage exit will be the expectation considering their experience and competition in the group stage unless the players have a little magic to show against the powerhouses they face this time around.
With their last Ukrainian League title win in 2009, Dynamo Kiev haven’t been in tremendous domestic form over the last three years having being taken over by Shakhtar Donetsk in their league title chase. European campaigns haven’t been entirely encouraging as well, having not reached the quarter final stage since the 1997-1998 season. Though they have been partly successful in the UEFA Cup and Europa League over recent season reaching the semi final and quarter final in 2009 and 2011 respectively, their Champions League story has not been so rosy. A group stage exit will be the expectation considering their experience and competition in the group stage unless the players have a little magic to show against the powerhouses they face this time around.
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| Shevchenko's retirement has caused a big hole at Kiev |
The Final Verdict
FC Porto have enough fire power to finish first in this group although they might be overwhelmed by the main opposition the face (PSG). PSG on the other hand will be disappointed if they don’t qualify for the knock out stages and thus a reasonable second place finish is expected. Dinamo Zagreb should compete in the Europa League via third spot while they could have had a different story had the group been slightly different. Yet another disappointing campaign for the Dynamo Kiev fans in Europe will be expected with their team having to face three of potential league champions across Europe in 2013.
Written By,
Aman Arora
Aman is a contributor for Sportskeeda and an Editor and writer for 18 Yard Box
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