July, 2014
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The World Cup of Electronics Manufacturing Continued from page 21
There are so many small teams I’ve really enjoyed watching
Poland recently and have probably attended more matches here than al- most anywhere else. They relish competition and have some talents that are a really difficult to compete against. They have the infrastruc- ture to support their game and play in a style that is within their capabil- ities. Yes, they’re ambitious, but they are also pragmatic, looking west to their neighbors, learning from them and sharing what they have learned on the largest stages in the world. Individually they are good, but as a team they are great. Summary: Very solid through-
out the team, not full of prima-donna millionaire superstars, but a group that puts joint success above the indi- vidual, a great team ethos!
New Challenger, Mexico Mexico has always been a good
team, but some challenges in the na- tional game have impacted on their in- ternational performance. With those issues seemingly resolved I expect a better than ever performance from this squad. In fact I’d be surprised not to see them in the last four, or even the final. They have been working hard on their game, learning from else- where, watching the world and export- ing their own style of play successful- ly. They are a fine group of individu- als and deserve success. Summary: Having cleaned up
the national game, international suc- cess awaits these talented individu- als. They are tenacious, steadfast and solid performers.
Carrying Africa’s Hopes, Nigeria We have been waiting for some
time for an African champion to come along and I suspect we’ll have to wait a lot longer. While others are tenta- tively investing in the game in Africa at a grass roots level, it seems unlike- ly that it will reap rewards anytime soon. Nigeria recently found its way onto a list of growth nations, referred to as MINT countries (Mexico, Indone- sia, Nigeria and Turkey) by the same journalist who coined the term BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India and China). I suspect, particularly in the electronics manufacturing sector, they will be the slowest of the group. But rest assured the region is one to watch, population growth and economy will dictate they participate eventually. Summary: One to watch for the
future, but not yet, or for some time… The Hosts, Brazil Brazil is definitely an exciting
prospect, lots of opportunity, natural talent and ability. But bureaucracy seems to have gotten in the way. Brazil wants to play its own game, but the game is global now and a level playing field is important to success nationally and internationally. When Brazil participates with the rest of the world openly and without its own agenda, it does better in international competition, failing that success may be limited to domestic titles. Summary: A great team and a
real prospect, expect plenty in the fu- ture. There is plenty of talent, verve and opportunity domestically that has yet to shine internationally.
Surprise Packages, Costa Rica, Romania, Ukraine and many more
that can bring up a surprise in inter- national competition. Take Costa Ri- ca, a modest Central American na- tion, but with the right investment and an overseas manager, from an ex- perienced nation like Germany, and suddenly you’ve got a real contender. Eastern European teams like Roma- nia and the Ukraine have potential too, sometimes hampered by them- selves, their politics or their history. I’d think an Eastern European team that played together could go head-to- head with any team in the world. Summary: Always look at the
smaller teams with the talent to suc- ceed beyond the odds; they are excit- ing to watch and can provide a good
outside bet. Did Not Qualify, India Another major competition
where India struggled to qualify… Basic infrastructure and the ability to put obstacles in their own way seem to be the norm here, which is a pity as the side has so much talent. They just don’t feel like a team that has the same goals and they continue to per- form below their potential and below everyone’s expectations. Perhaps the new man in charge can bring an im- provement in their fortunes. Summary: Under new manage-
ment, with great undelivered potential. And the football?
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I am not so patriotic, and my ex-
pectations for England are modest, perhaps getting out of the group stages. I do love football though, and actively support my club over coun- try. That club is Chelsea and there are a few Brazilian and Belgians that will hopefully leave their mark on the tournament. I’ll probably be cheering for them, along with any other Chelsea players on show. It’s always nice to see a host nation do well and the fans get behind them. Enjoy the tournament, I know I
will… Tweet me if you agree or dis- agree with my thoughts on the World Cup of Electronics Manufacturing. I’m @philipstoten and you can use the hastag #EMSworldcup. r
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