A Bayern Munich fans’ guide to round one of the World Cup
The World Cup officially kicked off today! Here’s what to watch for a Bayern Munich fan in round one of the World Cup.
Bayern Munich are one of the most well represented clubs at this summer’s World Cup. The Bavarians have 11 players (12 if you count Leon Goretzka, who officially joins the club July 1st) featuring for 5 different nations. Want to keep up with all the action for Bayern’s stars? We’ve got you covered. Here’s a Bayern Munich fans’ guide to round one of the World Cup.
Germany
The bulk of Die Roten’s World Cup representatives feature for defending champions Germany. Captain Manuel Neuer, Thomas Muller, Mats Hummels, Jerome Boateng and Joshua Kimmich are all basically guaranteed starters for Joachim Low.
Niklas Sule, Sebastian Rudy and Leon Goretzka, meanwhile, all stand a good chance to have an impact from the bench, particularly Goretzka.
Die Mannschaft kick off their World Cup campaign against Mexico on Sunday, June 17th, at 11 am EST. The Mexicans are perhaps Germany’s toughest opposition in Group F, and starting the tournament with a win would be huge for the four-time world champions.
This is the must-watch game of round one for any Bayern Munich fans.
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Colombia
Los Cafeteros were the most exciting team for neutrals in 2014, led by breakout star James Rodriguez. After making a big-money move to Real Madrid and eventually falling out of favor with Los Blancos, James came to Bayern Munich and reestablished himself as a world-class midfielder.
He’s still undoubtedly the main man for his national side and heads into this tournament in great form. The Colombians, however, have lost the element of surprise that helped them so much four years ago. They’re now one of the dark horse teams that no nation will underestimate.
Grouped with Poland, Senegal and Japan, their World Cup campaign starts on Tuesday, June 19th, at 8 am EST, when they face the easiest nation in the group, Japan. James Rodriguez and Co. should have no problems defeating the Japanese, putting themselves in a good position to win group H.
Poland
Speaking of Group H, Robert Lewandowski-led Poland are another team looking to qualify from one of the more competitive groups in the tournament. Bayern Munich’s talented striker is the undisputed star of his national side. Poland’s fate in the tournament depends almost entirely on how Lewandowski performs. No pressure, right?
The Poles begin their World Cup with a tough match against Senegal on Tuesday, June 19th, at 11 am EST. It’s a game they could certainly win, but it won’t be a walk in the park by any means. How they handle the Lions of Teranga will give a good indication of just how prepared this Poland team is to perform on the world’s biggest stage.
Spain
Thanks to former Spain manager Julen Lopetegui’s decision to snub Javi Martinez, Thiago Alcantara is Bayern’s lone representative for La Furia Roja. Although he could just miss out on the starting XI, Thiago should be a mainstay in Fernando Hierro’s lineup.
Like Germany, Spain start their World Cup campaign against the next best team in their group. Friday, June 15th, at 2 pm EST, the Spaniards will square off against Euro 2016 winners Portugal. Spain are definitely the favorites to walk away victorious, but Portugal’s defensive style could prove difficult to break down. In attack, a certain Cristiano Ronaldo means the Portuguese are not to be taken lightly. This should be a great match.
France
Kingsley Coman’s injury earlier this year kept him from getting called up to the French squad for the World Cup, despite his good displays with Les Bleus in the past. Nevertheless, Bayern Munich are still represented by midfielder Corentin Tolisso.
The Frenchman has previously been used to great effect by his national team manager, and there’s a good chance he starts a few matches for France at this tournament. Their first match is Saturday, June 16th, at 6 am, against Australia. The Socceroos should be manageable, but a victory for the French isn’t a given.
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Les Bleus are the favorites for many to win the whole thing, but they’ve got some things to figure out before they can truly be considered with the best. Anything less than a convincing win against the Aussies would be disappointing and could potentially damage France’s confidence.