THEY FINISHED 6TH: SWEDEN

Winning their group in somewhat fortuitous circumstances (the rest of the teams just flopped) helped Sweden secure an eminently winnable Round go 16 tie against Switzerland, whom they dispatched. But England proved stiffer opposition, and a nation that gels well as a team but lacks the quality in every department, finally went home from a competition having, like a boring fart who parks themselves in the comfiest armchair at a house party - perhaps overstayed their welcome.

World Cup Quarter Final: England 2-0 Sweden

Never has The Armchair felt so relaxed about a vital England game as this one. Yes, Sweden had a couple of great chances and Pickford pulled off some quality saves, but for a QF team, Sweden had precious little to recommend them. Get Zlat Back! England seemed in control and not overly concerned. Maguire was majestic. But Sterling still stuffed up his chances in front of goal. Kane had a quiet game but who cares, it’s like 1990 all over again. England are in the World Cup semi-finals. Unbelievably, but not undeservedly.

ROUND OF 16: Sweden 1-0 Switzerland

The Armchair is no fan of either of these teams and is wondering what the hell they are doing still in the competition. They reek of average. A good team spirit, maybe, but without the Zlat, Sweden has nothing to recommend them. Shaqiri has his moments, but whether he had any here, who knows. Certainly not the Armchair who didn’t watch this, but did see the goal that settled it. An own goal. Nuff said.

World Cup Group F FINAL GAMES: Mexico 0-3 Sweden; Germany 0-2 South Korea

What the! Eh! That simply doesn’t make sense. No, no, not Germany going out to South Korea, but the fact that Group F finished up before Group E. What happened there alphabetically? It was all going so well. Such things get The Armchair twitching on his cushion. Now what about these two results. Maximum pointed Mexico going down to Sweden and then the holders, the invincible Germans who always make it through the Group Stage being turned over by South Korea. No one expected that, and it’s this kind of thing that’s helping make Russia’s World Cup a real classic.

World Cup 2018: Germany 2-1 Sweden

The champions looked gone, trailing Sweden at half time. Disjointed, disenchanted. Dishearted. 

But an early one in the second half set the tone, sowed the seed of the comeback which they left until late. Very late. 

But what a krakker from Kroos. A well worked free kick slotted home. 

Cue the frantic celebrations and a touchline fracas between the management. 

Now the Germans will dispatch the Koreans and send the Swedes home. You heard it here first.

The Armchair Predicted

Germany 2-1 Sweden

19 and 10

World Cup 2018: Sweden 1-0 South Korea

The Armchair must work to earn a crust and keep the upholstery trim, so missed most of this game, catching bits on the mobile. Was settled by a stunning free kick. But neither of these sides impressed in the bits The Armchair saw.

The Armchair Predicted:

Sweden 1-1 South Korea 

6 and 6

Who Will Win World Cup 2018 Group F?

World Cup Group F Teams

GERMANY

MEXICO

SOUTH KOREA

SWEDEN

Here’s where you’ll find the 2014 World Champions. But DON’T bet on them to retain their title. It’s only happened twice in World Cup history (Italy 1934 and 1938, and Brazil 1958 and 1962).

But DO bet on Germany to win this group. Even average German teams win their World Cup Group, and this German team is still above average, despite all time top scorer in World Cups Klose closing the final chapter on his World Cup career in 2014.

There’s still plenty to recommend this German team. Muller. Werner. Can. Sane. Ozil. They will be too strong for the rest in the group.

I like MEXICO for finishing runners up. They can beat South Korea and Sweden, and qualified impressively.

SWEDEN needed a play off win against Italy to book their place, and narrowly edged out Holland in their qualifying group. Having stopped two big international teams making the tournament, you would think confidence is high. But this is not a vintage Sweden team. Star names are thin on the ground, and so will wins be in this World Cup group.

South Korea finished a distant 2nd to IRAN in qualification. They’d take 2nd in this group, but I can’t see it happening.

World Cup Group F Betting

World Cup Group F Predictions

1: GERMANY

2: MEXICO

3: South Korea

4: Sweden