Russia 2018 Preview: who makes it to the Round of 16

NEWS DIGEST – As the dust settles on the various club competitions around the world of football, attention swifty turns to the biggest football competition on the planet- the World Cup. Russia 2018 is the 21st edition of the FIFA World Cup which is scheduled to take place between june 14 and july 15 2018.

Theoretically, each of the 32 teams can lift the vaunted trophy but realistically, we have the genuine contenders, the dark horses and the pretenders.

As we gear up for the hugely anticipated event, the draws can be broken down and analytical guesses can be made to which teams will advance to the Round of 16.

Russia isn’t close to having the talent of a semi-final team, but at home, the hosts are always dangerous. Nobody thought South Korea would make the semis in 2002. While Russia is more likely to go out in the group stage than make, say the quarterfinals, never underestimate the power of being the host.

Saudi Arabia made every World Cup from 1994 to 2006, and in the last three of those, the team never finished higher than 28th. They arrive Russia with the oldest team on paper as their average squad age is just below 29 years. They are in Russia to enjoy the views alone.

Egypt is the most successful national team on the African continent, having won the Africa Cup of Nations seven times. It’s the third time the North African country will participate in the World Cup (1934, 1989, 2018). With Mohamed Salah a doubt for the event, the Pharoah’s chances are close to non-existent. Only a miracle can take them past the group stage.

Uruguay was the second best team in South America during World Cup qualifying stage. The South Americans boast of star power in Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani in attack; Jose Gimenez and Diego Godin both belonging to Atletico Madrid, make for a solid consistent center back pair and it is a new generation in the midfield with some youngsters who have really made an impact at their clubs, not least Rodrigo Betancur in Juventus and Gastón Pereiro in PSV. Expect Uruguay to make noise in Russia

Portugal conquered Europe and are now  looking to make a statement on World’s biggest scene. In their previous World Cup appearance, they failed to progress from the group after miserable matches against Germany and the United States. However, they matured and started to play at a higher level more accurate to their material available. Their European qualifiers campaign was excellent  and even surpassed brilliant Switzerland, which shows this team’s character. And then there is Cristiano Ronaldo. His determination will play a huge part in the performance of the Portuguese.

Spain is back after that horrific display in Brazil. Julen Lopetegui is still undefeated as manager, with a row of impressive results (12 victories out of his first 16 games in charge). The team is stacked offensively, in the midfield, and boast of arguably the best goalkeeper in the world. Spain looks like a team poised to go all the way.

Morocco went through the African qualifiers without conceding a single goal with the impressive goal difference of 11-0. Mehdi Benatia is the captain of the side, flanked  by Nabil Dirar on the right, both representing big clubs in Juventus and Fenerbache respectively. That said, there’s not a lot to be excited for the North African Country having been pitted against big guns. No chance!

Iran has made back-to-back World Cups for the first time ever. Only once, out of 12 matches, in four different  tournaments have they ever recorded a victory (against the U.S. in 1998). They went undefeated through the Asian qualifiers with 6 victories, 4 draws and only conceded two goals. That is the bright side. However, the thought of facing Portugal and Spain is enough to make Iran surrender even before a ball is kicked. If they can win a game, it would represent a decent tournament.

France is a team enviably stacked in all positions. Spoilt with multi-talented players, Didier Deschamps had no space to accommodate players like Alexandre Lacazette, Anthony Martial, Kinsley Coman, Adrien Rabiot. These are players who would arguably walk into the starting 11 of most European top clubs. Scoring goals shouldn’t be a problem for France and if the defense can find consistency, there is no reason why they shouldn’t be heavily involved in the trophy negotiation.

Australia is a team with players past their prime. Mile Jedinak (33), Mark Milligan (32), James Troisi (29) and Robbie Kruse (29) are possibly making their last major appearances in this tournament. Australians are just happy to be there. Four straight World Cups is a tremendous accomplishment. However there is no strong reason to believe they are not in Russia as tourists.

Peru is the least fancied of the South American teams represented in Russia. Back in the World Cup for the first time in 36 years, the Peruvians shouldn’t  be upset to see this team out in the group stage. They are just happy to be back- something many Peruvians probably thought they would never see again.

Denmark will hope star player christian Eriksen is at his best in Russia just as he was in the play-offs. Apart from the Spurs talisman, an eye should be kept on Pione Sisto who is entertaining to watch with his agile body movement and quick turns and also links up well with Eriksen. They both held key roles in Denmark’s road to the World Cup. Also, Kasper Schmeichel in goal will keep them in matches though there’s a lot more to be desired.

Argentina has as much talent as any other genuine contender. We wont mention Lionel Messi. Oh we already did. However there are problems at the back and the goalkeeping department looks suspect. Argentina finished third place behind Uruguay and Brazil in the South American World Cup qualifiers. However, the truth behind that position is 4 losses and 7 draws, which is not too impressive if you wear the Argentinian jersey. They are grade 2 contenders.

Iceland won the group consisting of Turkey, Croatia and Ukraine, and will participate in their first ever World Cup in Russia. The Icelanders  surpassed expectations in EURO 2016 having tied with Portugal in the group and dumped out England.This team isn’t super skilled by any stretch of the imagination but are a proof that passion and determination can take you farther than you ever imagined. Don’t be surprised to see Iceland in the knockout stage.

Croatia will once again decorate the stadiums in Russia with the colours of their fantastic jersey. Croatia has been a quite turbulent football nation with internal battles in the football association, supporter problems, and coach issues. However with players like Luka Modric, Ivan Rakitic, Mateo Kovacic and Mario Mandzukic, they have what it takes to smuggle a ticket to the Round of 16.

Nigeria is undoubtedly blessed with talent, as well as a good number of players bringing European exposure to the table. However the goalkeeping department is very weak. To enjoy a good run in the tournament, the defenders must be at their absolute best to mask the shortcomings of the glovesmen.

Brazil was arguably the best team in the World Cup qualifying stage having dominated the most challenging region. Brutally slaughtered 7-1 by Germany in the semi final of the 2014 World Cup right in their backyard, the feared Americans arrive Russia with a point to prove. Also, they dont seem to run out of talents. It makes perfect sense that Brazil is one of the favourites to lift the coveted trophy.

Switzerland is ranked 6th by FIFA. Ignore that. We all know the formula FIFA uses is not an accurate representation of which are the best teams in the world. The Swiss almost missed out on the tournament after they were ousted by Portugal and needed to negotiate a hard-fought play-off against Northern Ireland to squeeze a ticket into Russia. On the bright side, they have sparks of quality in their squad and good physicality in Granit Xhaka, Brelim Dzemaili, Stephan Lichsteiner and Fabian schar. With the first ticket to the Round of 16 already bequeathed to Brazil, Switzerland can claim the second.

Costa Rica clinched a spot in Russia after securing second place in the qualifiers, with Mexico finishing top. The lack of youth is obvious, as Costa Rica has one of the oldest squads on paper, just behind Saudi Arabia in that category. They have a safe pair of hands in Keylor Navas but with no obvious star-man in the final third, Oscar Ramirez’ men have an uphill task in maneuvering the group stage.

Serbia’s confident qualification – in which they only lost once – makes the team with Nemanja Matic in central midfield a potential threat. They have a solid base of players and offensively Dusan Tadic, Adem Ljajic, and Filip Kostic make for a technically gifted trio. Similarly to many Balkan teams, the technical level of Serbia is high and the defensive work rate likewise. Serbia will be brutally tested in Russia however progression is not out of the cards.

Germany is Germany. They’ve made the quarterfinals every year since the 1982 World Cup, making at least the semis in the last four, finishing second in 2002, third in 2006 and 2010 and winning the 2014 edition. With four World Cup trophies, they are the second most successful team in the tournament. In the European qualifiers, Germany was the only team to win all matches, with an astonishing goal difference of +39. As the current title holders, there is pressure and a favorable reputation on the Germans to defend their title. It is historically very difficult to do so- the last time that happened was in 1958 and 1962 when Brazil won twice in a row. The squad is as always very talented and anything less than a semifinal would be regarded as a disappointment.

Mexico confidently won their qualifying group with a 5-point margin which solidified their place in the World Cup. Mexico certainly feels like a mature team but without clear superstars. Regardless, they cant be disregarded. El Tri should be one of the most unpredictable teams in the competition.

Sweden will miss the presence of enigmatic forward- Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Life after Ibrahimovic is clearly bright after all. Sweden qualified to World Cup through the playoffs, where they beat Italy 1-0 on aggregate. Having also beaten France in the qualification phase, there are tons of momentum in the Swedish camp and the Swedes can stand up tall against the very best on a good day. The lack of individual quality is evident, but they are more of a unit than a one-man team.

South Korea has traditionally always possessed great work ethics, but lacking the overall killer instinct in front of goal. They do have a new poster boy after icon Ji Sung Park retired. Nowadays the people of South Korea have their hopes on Tottenham’s Heung-Min Son. Also, Ki Sung-yeung holds down the midfield well. With coach Tae Yong Shin yet to win a competitive fixture since his appointment in the summer of 2017, he remains a huge question mark in this team and how he sorts his personal woes will determine how far the Asians will go.

Belgium are their own enemy. With one of the most talented squads in Europe, there is no reason why the Red Devils shouldn’t be slugging it out with the big guns in Russia. Roberto Martinez and his team will be intensely under the microscope in the tournament. Kevin De Bruyne recently questioned his tactics. Also, the former Everton boss surprisingly  left buccaneering all-action midfielder – Radja Nainggolan out of the World Cup squad. Belgium will hope to make the headlines for the right reasons in Russia.

Panama arrives at the World Cup with the cheapest squad out of all teams, which is not very surprising as they make their first-ever appearance. The most optimistic fan wouldn’t back them to claim more than a point. They are just happy to be here. The Panamanians are in Russia to enjoy the weather and exposure. That’s all.

Tunisia is yet to survive the group stage, in spite of participating in five World Cups. The Carthage Eagles qualified without losing a single game. But their opponents – the Democratic Republic of Congo, Libya and Guinea – were not the strongest competition. Defeating Belgium and England will be more difficult.

England claims to have the best league in the world but that’s a matter for another day. However, when the time comes where the country has to go toe-to-toe with other national teams, the perennial underachievers hide under the category of dark horses. They were disgracefully farmed out of EURO 2016 by Iceland- their second worst humiliation in history since they were knocked out of the 1950 World Cup by USA in Brazil. Don’t be surprised if The Three Lions lose sanity again.

Poland arrives Russia as one of the most predictable teams in the tournament. It is not a secret that Robert Lewandowski is the face of the Polish national team. The real question is whether Poland can find more creative solutions when going forward because opponents have understood that many balls will go to Lewandowski and will generally cope well with this being figured out. Versatility will be needed in an extremely even group with technical Colombia, quick and physical Senegal and experienced Japan in the mix.

Senegal return to the World Cup after a 16-year exile. Their last appearance came in  South Korea/Japan 2002, where they beat Sweden with the golden goal to progress. Coach Aliou Cisse was part of the team back in 2002, and now he has guided his nation back to the World Cup. With nearly twice as many points as the runners-up in the qualifiers, Senegal certainly stormed their way into World Cup with convincing performances. The team around star player Sadio Mane, has a good chance of reaching the next stage.

Colombia finished 4th in the South American qualifiers, showing good defensive performances especially. This is a squad with a fantastic coach in Jose Pekerman, who got them to the quarterfinals of the last World Cup. Radamel Falcao is back in fine form, Juan Cuadrado continues to shine at Juventus and the defense has young, hungry talent in the likes of Yerry Mina and Davinson Sanchez. And of course there is James Rodriguez. Los Cafeteros shouldn’t have trouble getting out of this group.

Japan have experience both on the pitch and the touchline. Defenders Sakai, Nagatomo, and Yoshida have over 220 international appearances combined. Also, the attack is led by Okazaki with over 100 international appearances, as well as Kagawa, Honda, and Konno with nearly hundred each. Led by experienced Bosnian coach Vahid Halilhodzic, there is a solid base of leadership in the team. It would be interesting to see the teams that make it out of this group which happens to be the most balanced of all.

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