With the qualifying rounds and the draws behind us, I think it’s safe to say ‘Let the Countdown Begin’.
The 2018 FIFA World Cup tournament will kick off on Thursday, 14th of June, with World Cup hosts, Russia, taking the centre stage against Saudi Arabia.
In the last two World Cups, the reigning champions have been knocked out at the group stage. Will Germany break this jinx or will we see a fierce Germany peer their way into the finals?
Let’s take a look at the groups and the favourites to progress into the rounds of 16.
Group A: Russia, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Uruguay
This is, inarguably, the easiest group after Group H, with world cup Hosts, Russia ranked 65th in FIFA world ranking on Saudi Arabia in 63rd place, in the first match of the tournament. Russia can’t afford to be knocked out of this group, but the other countries in this group would definitely pose a threat to poorly skilled Russia.
Uruguay will be favourites to top this group with Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani, the duo will be a fearsome attack against any opponent. However, Egypt has Liverpool’s forward Mohamed Salah, so the Africans cannot be taken lightly.
Group B: Portugal, Spain, Morocco, Iran
Definitely, one of the toughest groups to be in, especially for Morocco and Iran.
Both European Champions shouldn’t find it hard to move past Morocco, who only just qualified for the first time since 1998, and Iran who will definitely put up a fight.
2010 World Cup winners, Spain, will want to make up for their 2013 flop, where they were drummed out of the tournament in the group stage.
Group C: France, Australia, Peru, Denmark
If France can get their act together before the start of the tournament, this group should be a piece of cake for them.
Following them would be Denmark, who have been on a row for a while now with their new form.
Australia should be expected to try to match up, while Peru who qualified for the first time in 36 years should also not be underestimated.
Group D: Argentina, Iceland, Croatia, Nigeria
This group is one of the toughest groups, with every team here looking to prove themselves in the tournament next year.
Argentina’s Messi, who single-handedly took them into the finals with a hat-trick, is the man to be wary of in this group.
Nigeria is next with an inarguably strong and resilient squad. Former Chelsea midfielder, Mikel Obi, Arsenal forward, A. Iwobi, Chelsea forward, Moses and Ighalo, will definitely shine in next year’s tournament for Nigeria.
Nevertheless, the remaining two countries cannot be underestimated, Iceland is the smallest country to qualify for the World Cup and they’ve proven themselves to be fierce and ready for anyone.
Croatia boasts of creative talents such as Real Madrid’s Luka Modric and Barcelona’s Ivan Rakitic.
Group E: Brazil, Switzerland, Costa Rica, Serbia
After their 2014 humiliation, Brazil’s recovery has been impressive enough for many people to make them favourites to move into the finals with reigning champions Germany.
Serbia are in form, and don’t forget Costa Rica were quarter-finalists four years ago.
Group F: Germany, Mexico, Sweden, South Korea
Definitely, Germany first. The others are all contenders for the remaining spot but the favourite is Mexico, who have successfully reached the rounds of 16 in the last six editions of the World Cup.
Group G: Belgium, Panama, Tunisia, England
Belgium are the highest ranked team in the group that also features England, Tunisia and Panama.
England, who failed to get out of their group in 2014, will definitely want to make a statement next year.
Panama should rather not be underrated with colleagues, Tunisia, who in 1978 became the first African team to ever win a World Cup match.
Group H: Poland, Senegal, Colombia, Japan
Here we have the easiest of all eight groups.
Poland and Bayern Munich striker, Robert Lewandowski, is the man to look out for in the tournament.
Next on our list is Columbia, who will definitely stun us with a performance next year.
Let’s not forget about Senegal just yet. African teams are known to be very resourceful, when they are backed into a corner, so we expect Senegal to pull a stunt and possibly progress to the next round. Not much can be said about Japan, other than it will take a miracle for the Asians to move past their contenders.
Featured Image Credit: FIFA.com
