Ultimate Guide World Cup 2018

Ultimate Guide

WORLD CUP

2018 RUSSIA

WORLD CUP 2018

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The Best Of The Best The best national teams in the world of football face off in the planet’s biggest sporting event: the 2018 FIFA World Cup, to be held this time in Russia. Staged every four years, this tournament was last won by Germany in 2014, while this year’s World Cup is set to offer hundreds of millions of viewers something very different from all other football tournaments

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his year’s 2018 FIFA World Cup is set to feature more of the world’s best players, coaches and matches than any other tournament. Games will be played in the host cities of Kaliningrad, Kazan, Krasnodar, Moscow, Nizhny Novgorod, Rostov-on-Don, Saint Petersburg, Samara, Saransk, Sochi, Volgograd, Yaroslavl and Yekaterinburg.

There may be no such thing as a guaranteed World Cup prediction, but here we will help you to feel confident in your picks, with all the right intel – in the form of an overview of every team in the 2018 World Cup: who they are, how they qualified, squad details and a “ones to watch” section for each team. Check out our previews and get ready for the greatest show on Earth! ■ JUNE

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GROUP A:

RUSSIA

RUSSIA, SAUDI ARABIA, EGYPT & URUGUAY

The host nations of major tournaments often struggle to handle the pressure of expectation.

There can be success stories, such as that of South Korea in the 2002 World Cup, though hosts can share the fate of South Africa in 2010, or Poland & Ukraine in the 2012 European Championships, when these three countries failed to survive the group stage as host nations. It remains to be seen what the Russia team can produce, carrying the weight of expectation of the home nation on its shoulders.

Player to watch: FYODOR SMOLOV Coach: STANISLAV CHERCHESOV

SAUDI ARABIA Former Argentina and UAE coach, Edgardo Bauza, has been in charge of the Saudi national team since September 2017, so it is still not known how Saudi Arabia will look under his leadership.

The squad has a lot of international experience, not least in the form of defender Osama Hawsawi, who has made almost 130 appearances, and midfielder Taisir Al-Jassim, who has also played for the national team around 130 times. With the squad lacking in terms of youth, look out for veteran captain Osama Hawsawi (33) in defence and how he stands up against top-quality opposition.

Player to watch: TAISIR AL-JASSIM Coach: EDGARDO BAUZA

EGYPT There are good reasons for Egypt’s fans to be optimistic, with progression beyond the group stage wide open in a group that also includes Russia, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia. Mohammed Salah probably already deserves a monument to be erected in his honour, in recognition of his performances for Liverpool, but he is just as important for the national team, and is undoubtedly already a national hero.

Player to watch: MOHAMMED SALAH Coach: HÉCTOR CÚPER

URUGUAY Uruguay has a new generation in midfield that features some youngsters who have made a genuine impact at their clubs, not least Rodrigo Betancur at Juventus and Gastón Pereiro at PSV. Ahead of its new look talented midfield, the star power of Edinson Cavani and Luis Suarez will always provide Uruguay with a chance to win. In the group stage, they will have the privilege of facing the host nation, Russia, as well as Egypt and Saudi Arabia.

Player to watch: LUIS SUAREZ Coach: ÓSCAR TABÁREZ 4 |

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GROUP B:

PORTUGAL

PORTUGAL, SPAIN, MOROCCO & IRAN

The Portuguese first conquered Europe, and now they are looking to make a statement on the world’s greatest stage. However, their previous World Cup appearance proved disappointing, with the team failing to progress beyond the group stage following dismal performances against Germany and the United States. The Portugal squad has since matured and started playing at a higher level that better reflects the talent at its disposal. Cristiano Ronaldo’s determination will also play a decisive role in the performances of this Portuguese team.

Player to watch: CRISTIANO RONALDO Coach: FERNANDO SANTOS

SPAIN Spain is stacked with attacking talent, and the typical Spanish style of play is tough to defend against for 90 minutes. On paper, the team certainly appears to be one that should be able to go all the way, alongside Germany, Belgium and Brazil. It is a boring “prediction” to make, but one that’s difficult to deny. Spain will have the fun task of trying to unlock the rock-solid defences of Iran and Morocco if it wants to make a smooth progression out of the group stage.

Player to watch: MARCO ASENSIO Coach: JULEN LOPETEGUI

MOROCCO Head coach Hervé Renard has worked wonders with very talented players, comprising defensive leaders and individual skill in the final third of the pitch. Mehdi Benatia leads the team as captain from the position of centre back, alongside Nabil Dirar on the right flank. Both of these players represent big clubs, in Juventus and Fenerbahçe respectively. This team gets interesting in the final third, where Ajax’s Hakim Ziyech is a wonderful passer of the ball and Southampton’s Sofiane Boufal can prove to be an x-factor. Morocco is probably the most underrated team in the World Cup, considering the potential of its squad and its very competent coach.

Player to watch: HAKIM ZIYECH Coach: HERVÉ RENARD

IRAN Iran is on the rise as it makes its fifth World Cup appearance. Under the management of Carlos Queiroz, Iran has proven solid and difficult to beat. He has led the team since 2011 and suffered only eight losses in 69 matches. The team went undefeated throughout the Asian qualifiers, with six victories and four draws, conceding only two goals along the way. Iran could prove to be an unpleasant surprise for Spain and Portugal. The team is able to stay in games thanks to its stellar defence and on-field organisation.

Player to watch: SARDAR AZMOUN Coach: CARLOS QUEIROZ JUNE

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GROUP C:

FRANCE

FRANCE, AUSTRALIA, PERU & DENMARK

France managed to top its qualification group, but it did produce some questionable performances along the way. This leaves one unsure of what can actually be expected from France in Russia this summer. Under the leadership of coach Didier Deschamps since 2012, the highlight for the team in recent years was the final of the European Championships, despite defeat to Portugal on home soil. However, in a group that also features Denmark, Peru and Australia, France should qualify for the knockout stages without much trouble.

Player to watch: ANTOINE GRIEZMANN Coach: DIDIER DESCHAMPS

AUSTRALIA Australia has been drawn in Group C, alongside France, Peru and Denmark. Although this can’t be described as a “Group of Death”, like in 2014, team Australia will again have its back to the wall, with all three of its group stage opponents ranking in the world’s top 12 teams. The Aussies may have better luck against Peru (ranked 11th in the world) and Denmark (ranked 12th), especially given that the latter struggled to reach Russia – only finishing second to Poland in its qualifying group.

Should Australia replicate its best ever World Cup result — from 2006 — and reach the knockout stage, it will potentially face Argentina, Iceland, Croatia or Nigeria.

Player to watch: MATHEW LECKIE Coach: BERT VAN MARWIJK

PERU Peru is ranked 10th in the world according to the FIFA rankings. This might not mean a lot, but nor should it be disregarded – given that it reflects the team’s gradual progression towards success in recent years. Nevertheless, many of Peru’s key players are approaching the twilight of their careers, which means that for many of them this will be their last chance in a major tournament.

When it comes to fixtures against France, Denmark and Australia, Peru has a decent chance to trouble Denmark and Australia in particular, while France will prove the ultimate test.

Player to watch: JEFFERSON FARFÁN Coach: RICARDO GARECA

DENMARK Of the Nordic teams competing in this years’ World Cup, Denmark certainly appears to have the most complete team, with more tools in its box than its neighbours. Åge Hareide took over the reins of the Danish national team, but he couldn’t have suspected that he would manage to secure the team’s qualification for Russia, nor could he have had any inkling that he would remain undefeated since taking charge of the squad. Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Christian Eriksen is emerging as one of Europe’s top midfield practitioners.

Player to watch: CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN Coach: ÅGE HAREIDE 6 |

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GROUP D:

ARGENTINA

ARGENTINA, ICELAND, CROATIA & NIGERIA

Argentina may look good in the rankings, but it only finished third in the South American World Cup qualifiers, behind Uruguay and Brazil. Competition for top spot in the group will be tough, with Argentina, Croatia, Nigeria and Iceland all capable of snatching points from each other. Watch out for the Argentine attack! Despite its famous names, here I will single out an outsider – Emiliano Rigoni, who has been playing very well for Zenit St Petersburg and has scored plenty of goals in UEFA’s Europa League. Provided he is given enough game time, he could shine in Russia.

Player to watch: LIONEL MESSI Coach: JORGE SAMPAOLI

ICELAND Iceland has done it again – after topping the qualifying group that also comprised Turkey, Croatia and Ukraine, Iceland will participate in its first ever World Cup in Russia. Coach Heimir Hallgrimsson has done a great job in maintaining the typical Icelandic style of play, with an enormous work ethic and excellent set pieces and counter-attacks. Iceland has the third oldest average age in the tournament – the squad boasts many experienced players, but none of them have previously played in a World Cup.

Player to watch: GYLFI SIGURDSSON Coach: HEIMIR HALLGRIMSSON

CROATIA Croatia has had quite a turbulent time in footballing terms, with internal battles in the football association, supporter problems and coaching issues. It would be easy to suggest that Croatia’s squad has not been provided with optimal conditions to make the best of its quality, but perhaps Zlatko Dalić can give this nation a lift. With Ivan Rakitić, Luka Modrić and Mateo Kovačić in midfield, we can rest assured that Croatia has a chance to stand tall against any national team in the world.

Player to watch: LUKA MODRIĆ Coach: ZLATKO DALIĆ

NIGERIA Nigeria is particularly talented up front, with English Premier League playing trio Alex Iwobi, Kelechi Iheanacho and Ahmed Musa, while the midfield is strengthened with John Obi Mikel in the defensive midfield role. One interesting fact worth noting is that Nigeria has the youngest team competing in this year’s World Cup, so the team should be exciting to watch with all that youth, while its players are also physically strong and possess plenty of pace. This World Cup is perhaps arriving too soon for them, but with another four years, under solid management, this could become an incredibly charming Nigeria team to watch. Despite the team’s abundance of youth, experienced forward partners Iwobi and Iheanacho have been lethal together and it will be exciting to see how they cope with experienced opposition.

Player to watch: ALEX IWOBI Coach: GERNOT ROHR JUNE

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GROUP E:

BRAZIL

BRAZIL, SWITZERLAND, COSTA RICA & SERBIA

Brazil will be hoping to restore its footballing reputation in Russia. This country never seems to run out of sources of talent, and it makes perfect sense that Brazil is among the favourites to lift the trophy. This country has won five World Cup titles, seven Copa America trophies and four Confederations Cup titles. Winning isn't a choice - it is at the core of Brazil when it comes to football.

The squad has too many players to watch out for, but there is a question over how the newcomers, such as striker Gabriel Jesus, will handle their first appearance at a major tournament. Brazil has a lot of outstanding talent, but can they show it on the world’s biggest stage?

Player to watch: NEYMAR DA SILVA SANTOS JÚNIOR Coach: ADENOR LEONARDO BACCHI, AKA ‘TITE’

SWITZERLAND Coach Vladimir Petković plays a controlled, possession-based style of football. With a talented young defence and a sharp offense that boasts both flair and talent, Switzerland has an interesting team that looks solid all over the pitch. The country is ranked 11th in the world by FIFA, which reflects its successful recent campaigns. They have good physicality for a European side, with the likes of Granit Xhaka, Blerim Dzemaili, Stephan Lichtsteiner and Fabian Schär in the squad. This very tough group also includes Brazil, Serbia and Costa Rica, but the Swiss have good chances of earning points in all three group stage matches.

Player to watch: BREEL EMBOLO Coach: VLADIMIR PETKOVIĆ

COSTA RICA Costa Rica arrives in Russia with a different status to last time, when its national team was more of an unknown entity. It today has one of the world’s best goalkeepers, in Keylor Navas, and has gained valuable experience from major tournaments. The lack of youth is obvious, with Costa Rica boasting one of the oldest squads in the tournament, just behind Saudi Arabia in that category.

Coach Oscar Ramirez will try to recreate the team’s best successes, but that will certainly be a difficult task in a tricky group that also includes Brazil, Switzerland and Serbia. Costa Rica’s chances are slim, but it can definitely strike from the position of underdog.

Player to watch: KEYLOR NAVAS Coach: OSCAR RAMIREZ

SERBIA After securing its place in Russia, Serbia sacked coach Slavoljub Muslin, who faced criticism for his team selection and defensive tactics. Mladen Krstajić is currently in charge, but the coaching carousel might not be finished just yet. The Serbs will face massive tests in a group that also comprises Brazil, Switzerland and Costa Rica, representing a generally even group with strong outsiders. Like many other Balkan teams, Serbia has a high level of technical proficiency and an equally high defensive work rate. Provided the team comes together properly as a unit, and has a stable coach on the sidelines, Serbia is a team that can progress.

Player to watch: NEMANJA MATIĆ Coach: MLADEN KRSTAJIĆ 8 |

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GROUP F:

GERMANY

GERMANY, MEXICO, SOUTH KOREA & SWEDEN

Officially the second most successful team in the world, with four World Cup titles, Germany is also the current title holder, after victory in the 2014 World Cup. As such, the team is under pressure to defend its title and is favoured to do so by many. Coach Joachim Löw is still in charge and has amassed an impressive record leading this German team, which has scored an average of 2.49 goals per game under his time in charge, while conceding as few as 0.95. With such figures, any team is likely to progress a long way in most tournament, and this summer’s World Cup is no exception. Germany remains one of the favourites to lift the title, and rightfully so.

Player to watch: TONI KROOS Coach: JOACHIM LÖW

MEXICO The Mexicans topped their qualifying group confidently, ending with a winning margin of five points, thus solidifying their place in the World Cup. Mexico has many high-quality players who have previously performed in the World Cup and on various big stages (Carlos Vela, Andrés Guardado, Oribe Peralta, Giovanni dos Santos, to name but a few). Mexico’s team certainly feels like a mature one, though without a clear superstar. Nevertheless, it can never be written-off in its matches.

On the other hand, Mexico is likely to be one of the tournament’s most unpredictable teams.

Player to watch: HIRVING LOZANO Coach: JUAN CARLOS OSORIO

SOUTH KOREA South Korea has traditionally always possessed a great work ethic, though it has lacked the overall “killer instinct” in front of goal. Newly appointed coach Tae-Yong Shin has been in charge since the summer of 2017 and was previously at the helm of the national youth teams of South Korea.

He is yet to earn a win in competitive matches as the coach and a question mark remains over his team.

In a tough qualifying campaign that included Iran in the same group, South Korea finished runners-up in Group A of the Asian qualifiers.

Player to watch: HEUNG-MIN SON Coach: TAE-YONG SHIN

SWEDEN Having beaten France in the qualifiers, this Sweden team has shown that it can stand tall against the very best on its day. The lack of individual quality is evident, but the team is more of a unit than a one-man band. Coach Janne Andersson received a lot of credit for managing to earn qualification, thus quenching the Swedish nation’s thirst to see their team compete in a World Cup again for the first time since Germany in 2006. Zlatan Ibrahimović, the former Manchester United striker, is not part of Andersson’s plans for Russia, despite claims that he will appear in the tournament.

Player to watch: EMIL FORSBERG Coach: JANNE ANDERSSON JUNE

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GROUP G:

ENGLAND

ENGLAND, BELGIUM, PANAMA & TUNISIA

England has tried to become more modern in recent years, implementing a possession-based approach. However, it lacks the real creativity needed in the final third of the pitch to unlock defences in various ways. However, the English people have high expectations and that leads to a lot of pressure and, in essence, cramped-looking performances when it matters the most. Group G shouldn’t prove too difficult for England, but Panama and Tunisia are no push-overs and if the England team is short on respect for them, it might find itself heading home after a short World Cup again.

Player to watch: ASHLEY YOUNG Coach: GARETH SOUTHGATE

BELGIUM Belgium is currently ranked third in the world according to FIFA’s rankings. Its strength is that it has talent evenly spread throughout the team, with three potential top players to choose from for every position on the pitch. Another Belgian strength is an abundance of strike options.

Alongside Romelu Lukaku, Belgium’s other outstanding strikers include Michy Batshuayi, Divock Origi and Christian Benteke. Belgium is certainly a team to watch and will be among many peoples’ dark horse contenders in Russia. With the quality of players at its disposal, this squad should easily achieve a top-eight finish. With such a number of high profile players in its squad, Belgium is expected to dominate the group.

Player to watch: ROMELU LUKAKA Coach: ROBERTO MARTINEZ

PANAMA According to transfer values, Panama arrives at the World Cup with the cheapest squad among all competing nations, which is not very surprising given that it is making its first-ever appearance.

Coach Hernan Gomez has been in charge since 2014, but he probably didn’t even believe the team would be among the participants in the World Cup. With a tight-knit group of players, Panama’s squad should not be underestimated. Its chances of progression appear slim – not necessarily because Panama is weak, but rather because the group also includes the experienced squads of England and Belgium.

Player to watch: RICARDO AVILA Coach: HERNAN GOMEZ

TUNISIA Tunisia is set to participate in the World Cup again for the first time since 2006. The fact that it is the highest ranked African team shows that its performances have been consistent for a long period of time. A team without a shining star, it does have a strong unit at its disposal. Tunisia went undefeated throughout its qualifying campaign, which doesn’t necessarily mean a lot, but does show that Tunisia is a team that’s accustomed to winning. Under such circumstances, where every game matters, veterans play a significant role. As such, Wahbi Khazri is the man who will be tasked with carrying this Tunisian side to glory.

Player to watch: WAHBI KHAZRI Coach: NABIL MAALOUL 10 |

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GROUP H:

POLAND

POLAND, SENEGAL, COLOMBIA & JAPAN

When it comes to Poland’s team, the real question is whether it can find more creative attacking solutions, because opponents are aware that Robert Lewandowski will receive plenty of ball and will generally cope well with this threat. That said, Poland’s success will not be dependent on one striker alone, but rather on the entire team’s flexibility. Versatility will be needed in an extremely even group that also includes the technically competent Colombia, the quick and physical Senegal and the experienced Japan. Poland will face three very different opponents and will need to abandon its safeplay style in order to get the required results.

Player to watch: ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI Coach: ADAM NAWALKA

SENEGAL Senegal has good chances to earn points and finish among the top two teams in this most evenly-matched group, which also contains Poland, Colombia and Japan. A promising defence is boosted by the presence of Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly, while the midfield boasts Premier League calibre in Cheikh Kouyate and Idrissa Gueye – both rock solid physical defensive midfielders. Provided Senegal plays to its strengths of physicality and pace, the team can progress beyond the group stage.

Player to watch: KEITA BALDE Coach: ALIOU CISSE

COLOMBIA The Colombians finished fourth in the South American qualifiers, earning its place in Russia with particularly good defensive performances. The team has been led by the very experienced Jose Nestor Pekerman since 2012, and under his leadership has always proved to be hard working and well organised. It is difficult to break down this Colombian team, which has good physicality and size, combined with technical proficiency. Colombia’s very versatile squad will serve it well in a group that also contains Poland, Senegal and Japan – three very different teams.

Player to watch: DAVIDSON SANCHEZ Coach: JOSE NESTOR PEKERMAN

JAPAN Japan is certainly among the best teams in Asia, thanks largely to its very loyal, consistent and experienced team. Defenders Sakai, Nagatomo and Yoshida have combined experience of more than 220 international matches. Moreover, the team’s attack is led by Okazak, who has over 100 international caps, while Kagawa, Honda and Konno have also played nearly a hundred matches each for the national team. Japan might be among the most internationally experienced squads, while the experience of Bosnian coach Vahid Halilhodžić, who led Algeria from 2011 to 2014, ensures a solid leadership base for the team. When it comes to spotting talent, keep an extra eye on forwards Asano and Kubo, born 1994 and 1993 respectively.

Player to watch: TAKUMA ASANO Coach: VAHID HALILHODŽIĆ JUNE

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Guide To Stadiums In Russia

WORLD CUP 2018 VENUES

EKATERINBURG 15/6 Egypt v Uruguay 21/6 France v Peru 24/6 Japan v Senegal 27/6 Mexico v Sweden

The 2018 World Cup will be held in Russia, with 12 stadiums hosting 64 games throughout the tournament. Russia has spent more than $10 billion building stadiums and infrastructure for the 2018 World Cup, which will be the first time football's showpiece tournament has been played in Eastern Europe

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ussia selected 11 host cities (12 stadiums) to be the venues for the matches of the 2018 World Cup and they are Moscow, St. Petersburg, Sochi, Kazan, Saransk, Kaliningrad, 12 |

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KAZAN 16/6 France v Australia 20/6 Iran v Spain

24/6 Poland v Colombia 27/6 South Korea v Germany

Volgograd, Rostov-on-Don, Nizhny Novgorod, Yekaterinburg and Samara.

There will be 32 teams, 12 playing venues, and 65 matches. Both opening and final matches will be at Luzhniki Stadium

Average venue capacity: 49,300 seats;Largest venue: Luzhniki Stadium (81,000 seats); Smallest venue: Kaliningrad Stadium (35,212 seats); Average no. of matches per venue: 5.33 â–

MOSCOW/SPARTAK STADIUM 16/6 Argentina v Iceland 19/6 Poland v Senegal

23/6 Belgium v Tunisia 27/6 Brazil v Serbia

MOSCOW/LUZHNIKI STADIUM 14/6 Russia v Saudi Arabia 26/6 Denmark v France 17/6 Germany v Mexico 11/07 Semi-final 20/6 Portugal v Morocco 15/07 Final

SOCHI/FISHT STADIUM 15/6 Portugal v Spain 18/6 Belgium v Panama 23/6 Germany v Sweden 26/6 Australia v Peru

KALININGRAD 16/6 Croatia v Nigeria 22/6 Serbia v Switzerland 25/6 Spain v Morocco 28/6 England v Belgium

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NIZHNY NOVGOROD 18/6 Sweden v South Korea 21/6 Argentina v Croatia

24/6 England v Panama 27/6 Switzerland v Costa Rica 06/7 Quarter-final

SAINT PETERSBURG 15/6 Morocco v Iran 19/6 Russia v Egypt 22/6 Brazil v Costa Rica SARANSK MORDOVIA ARENA 16/6 Peru v Denmark 25/6 Iran v Portugal 19/6 Colombia v Japan 28/6 Panama v Tunisia

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26/6 Nigeria v Argentina 10/7 Semi-final 14/7 Third place play-off

VOLGOGRAD 18/6 Tunisia v England 22/6 Nigeria v Iceland

25/6 Saudi Arabia v Egypt 28/6 Japan v Poland

ROSTOV 17/6 Brazil v Switzerland 20/6 Uruguay v Saudi Arabia

23/6 South Korea v Mexico 26/6 Iceland v Croatia

SAMARA 17/6 Costa Rica v Serbia 21/6 Denmark v Australia 25/6 Uruguay v Russia 28/6 Senegal v Colombia 07/7 Quarter-final

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