Group B is tough to score but if you’ve followed any soccer this year it’s obvious which team will finish first. Belgium is the early favourite but when we see Russia in a group like this we have to assume they won’t make it easy on anyone. Finland and Denmark are great countries to visit but they might be enjoying the off season as soon as the group stages are done.
1st place – Belgium (9 points)
What can we say about this roster other than they have every tool to clean up this division and head straight for the Finals. Courtois between the pipes, led by Hazard, De Bruyne, Benteke and Lukaku… how can you not look at this squad and not get excited. Look for Belgium for most goals in the group stages on a bet.
2nd Place – Russia (6 points)
Russia is as tough as ever. Their players aren’t household names other than star midfielder for A.S Monaco Aleksandr Golovin, but they are organized and relentless. We have never seen a Russian team give up easily and this division should be smooth sailing to the elimination round.
3rd Place – Denmark (3 points)
Leicester goalie and son of legendary keeper Peter Schmeichel, Kasper Schmeichel leads the Danes to a situation that may allow them to squeak through to the 2nd round. With talent like Andreas Christensen, Inter Milan’s star Christian Eriksen and Tottenham stud Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg it’s so hard to leave them out but it’s hard to see them beating both Russia and Belgium to secure the second spot of the group.
4th Place – Finland (0 points)
No matter how much you want to root for Finland, unfortunately they aren’t at the same level as the rest of the competition. Qualifying was a struggle for the Fins, and came down to the last games when Greece was mathematically eliminated, but they made it to the dance. Goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky and Rangers Midfielder Glen Kamara are the only names that you would recognize if you were a casual like me.