2005 Champions Zrinski Chicago were hit with a huge blow earlier this month when three key players received suspensions that could prevent them from playing. At press time, the team was appealing the verdict but their participation could play a large factor in determining just how far Zrinski will go. Even with the losses, Zrinski is still the favourite here and should make it to the final 8. The main competition will be from red-hot Velebit-Karlovac who have been punishing teams in the OSL. St. Catherine’s has added some new additions for 2007 and could make some noise in this group. Norval has had a season to forget so they will be hoping to salvage their 2007 with a strong performance in Windsor. Polet was unable to get a single goal in their rookie campaign last year. I think they’ll be able to at least muster a point this year and possibly even a surprise win (or at least a goal).

~ GROUP WINNER: Zrinski Chicago; WILD-CARD: Velebit-Karlovac

HammerHeadz were delighted when the saw the results of this draw. Not only do they get to cheer for four group games, but also are heavy favourites to make the final 8. Anything less than a quarterfinal appearance would be a huge disappointment. The main challengers will be Sault Ste. Marie and Florida. SSM is hot off win in a tournament in Sudbury a few weeks ago which included a victory over OSL side Inter Oshawa in the final. Sault is also 2-0 against tournament teams scoring impressive wins over Adria Sudbury and Velebit-Karlovac during their Ontario Cup run. Rumour is they’ve lost some players to University but I still expect a decent showing from them. Florida made the semi-finals last year but I think the long journey north will leave many key players behind. Dragovoljac and Dalmacija have never been serious contenders and I do not foresee that changing.

~ GROUP WINNER: Croatia Hamilton

Hrvatski Orlovi is the oldest Croatian team in North America but last year was their first appearance in the final. They look to get back there this year and should once again be the favourites to advance from the group stage. The main competition should come from Croatia Windsor who currently sits in second place in the WDSL. Livno Oakville made the quarterfinals last year via some forfeits but will be hard pressed to get back there this year. The team has been on a massive slide in league play this year, culminating with a 6-2 drubbing from Zagreb on Tuesday night. They could however cause problems for the top two, which could result in only the group winner getting through. Croatia New York is back in the Savez once again after a long absence but will be lucky to come away with a point.

~ GROUP WINNER: Hrvatski Orlovi Milwaukee

I guess D stands for Death. Group D was the group of death in 2005 and 2006, and holds that title again in 2007. 2006 Champions Toronto Croatia are undefeated in 2007 with a 7-0-7 record and are fresh off a victory in World Croatian Soccer Tournament. Anything less than a repeat championship will be a disappointment. They however will have two formidable challengers in Hrvat Chicago and Croatia Cleveland. Both are legitimate tournament contenders and could very well knock the defending champions out. The games between these three teams will be ones to circle. Adria sits near the top of their league but will be the whipping boys in this group. They could however play a role, as goal differential could be a huge factor.

~ GROUP WINNER: Croatia Toronto; WILD-CARD: Cleveland Croatia

Here’s a tip for rookie predictors. Find Chicago CBP and mark them to advance to the knockout stage. This is always a given so use a Sharpie. Once you do that, sort out the rest of the group. Zagreb Toronto has excellent momentum going into this tournament including victories over Velebit-Karlovac and Livno over the last 10 days. They added some new players in the last month or so that should make them legitimate contenders to appear on Sunday. If they can take care of business against Kitchener & London, they should be able to grab a wild card. That is easier said than done however as both of those two teams are very capable of pulling off an upset or two. Mississauga is once again re-building with a young squad but I’m sure they’ll have a great time partying in Windsor.

~ GROUP WINNER: CBP Jadran Chicago; WILD-CARD: Zagreb Toronto

Therefore your quarterfinalists are:

Zrinski Chicago, Velebit-Karlovac Milton, Croatia Hamilton, Hrvatski Orlovi Milwaukee, Croatia Toronto, Croatia Cleveland, CBP Jadran Chicago, Zagreb Toronto

~ And winner will be...

Cleveland Croatia – Over the last month I was wavering on who my predicted winner will be. I was going to go with Toronto Croatia or CBP Jadran Chicago but that’s too easy. Last year I picked Cleveland and they didn’t get out of the group. This year however I think will be different. There is a ton of talent on this team including 18-year-old phenom Kenny Walker. The group is brutal but if they can get out (and that’s a big “if”), they’ll be poised to make a run and cap off their 50th anniversary with a 4th Tournament title.

~ Dark Horse...

Croatia Hamilton – Hamilton is also celebrating their 50th anniversary and the fans would love nothing more than for the team to win their first tournament in 39 years. The competition will be tough but the easy group schedule all but assures Hamilton a spot in the knockout stage. From there the team will have to play hard but if their recent Ontario Cup run is any indication, this team is a very legitimate contender to be playing on Sunday and possibly even in the final.

That’s it for my 2007 predictions. See you this weekend.