The draw for the World Cup has been made; each country now know their fate. Though with over six months to go for the biggest Mundial in football, some countries might have already been gauging expectations on how far they would go.
Most countries, immediately after the draw in Kremlin have started preparation for the Mundial; looking for suitable opponents to engage in friendlies to prepare their players, where to camp, modalities on players’ bonuses (conundrum in African football) and so on, we would ensure we don’t fail you in discharging one of our most sacrosanct duties; to inform you and feed you with some of the things to expect in 2018 World Cup.
Without much ado, we preview each of the 32 countries that will participate at the World Cup:
Note: the preview is done alphabetically.
Argentina (Albiceleste)
It took the Albiceleste three coaches and some magic from captain, Lionel Messi in the final qualifying game against Ecuador to book a place in Russia. Though they had a disastrous qualifying campaign, Argentina remains one of the most successful football teams in the world. Having won the World Cup in 1978 and 1986 and emerged as runners up on three occasions, including the last edition – the Albiceleste will be going into this competition as one of the favourites.
How will they fare? They’ve been grouped alongside Nigeria, Croatia and Iceland – ceteris paribus, they should come out top in this group, setting up a probable meeting in Last 16 with any other team in Group C aside France, who will be expected to top that group. Argentina should see off any of the team in Round of 16, but from the quarter final no one knows.
They are one of the favourites but the curse that South American teams don’t win the World Cup on European soil might be a big factor.
Key Player: Lionel Messi.
Manager: Jorge Sampaoli
Australia (Socceroos)
The Socceroos were the 31st team to qualify for the World Cup having had to defeat Honduras 3-1 in Sydney after they initially drew 0-0 away to their inter-confederation playoff counterpart.
Three goals from Jedinak saw the Australia qualified for their fourth World Cup – the third in a row.
How they will fare? After booking their place at the World Cup, coach, Ange Postecoglou stepped down for reasons best known to him. This might go a long way as the Socceroos now have less than seven months to find a new manager, who will definitely start afresh.
In Group C with France, Denmark and Peru, Australia, as always should be pleased with only group stage appearance as the other teams seem to be better off, although with veteran Tim Cahill in the side, they might fancy their chances.
Key player: Tim Cahill
Manager: —-
Belgium (Red Devils)
Belgium was one of the best teams during the qualifying series. They broke a couple of records in the qualifying stage – as they were unbeaten in all 10 games, they dropped just two out of 30 points and scored 43 goals in the process.
But with the unconvincing draws against Russia and Mexico and complaints by Kevin de Bruyne and Thibaut Courtois on the tactics of manager Roberto Martinez, much is left to be worried about the Belgians going to the World Cup. The Belgians always seem to walk on thin fence between class and capitulation.
How they will fare? The Red Devils lost in the quarter final of the last edition to eventual runners-up Argentina in the last edition but with permutations they should reach same stage or possibly matched their 1986 semi-final’s feat.
Whether they finish first or second in Group G; same group that houses England, Tunisia and Panama, they should easily dispatch any team that comes their way in Group H in Round 16.
Key Player: player for player, it’s only the French national team that seems better than Belgium – as this team is star studded. Tough call between Eden Hazard and Kevin De Bruyne but the latter edges the former based on his present stellar form.
Manager: Roberto Martinez.
Brazil (La Selecao)
La Selecao were unbeaten in all qualifying games under Tite, as they emerged as the winners of the CONMEBOL series. They didn’t only emerge as winners, they were the first nation to book a ticket for the World Cup in 2018 – qualifying with four games to spare.
How they will fare? You won’t have so many things as sacrilegious as Brazil going to the World Cup and not being considered as favourites. The most successful team in the history of this Mundial – winners in 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994 and 2002- will also have to deal with the curse of no South American World Cup winner on European soil.
You wonder no mention on their group? We don’t need to waste our time: we know what it’ll look like.
Key player: Neymar
Manager: Tite.
Colombia (Los Cafeteros)
Colombia emerged as the fourth best team in the CONMEBOL qualifying series – picking 27 points out of a possible 54. Their last game in the qualifying series left so many football fans with much to worry about match fixing in football.
Radamel Falcao was caught on camera whispering to Peru players’ in the latter stage of a match that was at a stalemate to slow down the tempo of the game, as the draw was likely see the two sides through, knocking out Chile in the process.
How will they fare? Colombia, who were knocked out in the quarter final of the last edition by Brazil should all things being equal progress in Group H; group that houses Poland, Senegal and Japan. But they haven’t quite hit the heights they did in Brazil, so the rest will more than fancy it against them.
Key player: James Rodriguez
Manager: Jose Pekerman
Costa Rica (La Sele)
La Sele qualified with two games to spare and came second in the CONCACAF qualifying series – five points behind Mexico. They’ve been a sensation and a joy to watch since the awesome performance in the last World Cup in which it took Netherland’s Tim Krul brilliances to keep them from reaching the semi-finals.
How will they fare? In a group that comprises Brazil, Switzerland and Serbia, La Sele will be fighting not for the presumed heir to the top of the group but find a way to wrestle both Serbia and Switzerland for the second spot. Then again, they were written off four years. Remember how that turned out?
Key Player: Keylor Navas
Manager: Oscar Ramirez
Croatia (The Blazers)
Croatia was second to Group D opponents, Iceland during the qualifiers but dispatched Greece in the play-off to book their way to Russia. Though they struggled at the initial stage of the qualifiers, a new manager looks to have brought some form of light to the team.
How will they fare?: In the same Group with Iceland, Nigeria and Argentina, they might find it tough to progress as Argentina are favourites to top the group and they were bested by Iceland qualifying. Their star-studded midfield has always underperformed in tournaments, and this might be their last.
Key player: Luka Modric
Manager: Zlatko Dalic
Denmark (Danish Dynamite)
Denmark came second to Poland in the European qualifying series but went on to play off to annihilate Republic of Ireland – thanks to star man, Christian Eriksen who was awesome in the two-legged affair.
With a fifth World Cup appearance, Denmark will be looking at the 2018 World Cup to match or better their record at the Mundial – a quarter final appearance at France 1998.
How will they fare? In Group C with France, Australia and Peru, the Danish Dynamite should be looking at the second spot in the group – setting up a possible second round meeting with Argentina– we probably know the end of the story.
Key player: Christian Eriksen
Manager: Age Hareide
Egypt (The Pharaohs)
The Pharaohs, who last qualified for a FIFA World Cup in 1990, toppled the Black Stars of Ghana in the qualifying series. Though a household name when it comes to the Nations Cup, not many fancied them qualifying for the World Cup.
Going to the World Cup, the Pharaohs defensive solidity in conjunction with the greatness of speedster, Mohammed Salah, might see them go far.
NOTE: Legendary goalkeeper, Essam El-Hadary is set to become the oldest player at the World Cup at 45 – usurping that set by Colombian goalkeeper, El Mondragon, 43, at the 2014 World Cup
How will they fare? In Group A, with Russia, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay, Egypt should fancy their chances against these teams. But either they come first or second in the group, they will most likely meet their waterloo in Round 16.
Key player: Mohammed Salah
Manager: Hector Cuper
England (Three Lions)
Always one of the top performers at any qualifying series, the Three Lions kept the record of not losing any qualifying matches since 2009 intact – as they go through the 2018 World Cup qualifying phase without losing a game. Performing at major competition, they were always shambolic, appalling, devastating …. Maybe we stop at that and look at how they will fare at 2018 World Cup.
They were winners of European Group F ahead of Slovakia and will be the only country representing Great Britain at the World Cup.
How will they fare? Based on precedence, maybe another shambolic performance. But with the hype always around the team before any competition, we should assume for now that they will go pass the group stage. And whether they come first or second, they should be able to beat any team that comes their way in Group H in Round 16. Then again, it’s England…
Key player: Harry Kane
Manager: Gareth Southgate
France (Les Blues)
The star-studded French team will be going into the World Cup as one of the favourites to win it. The strength and capability of the Les Blues was shown at EUROS 2016, where they unluckily lost out to Portugal in the final.
With even their third line-up, France should still be up to compete with the very best at this Mundial.
The winners at the 1998 edition won their group during the qualifying stages ahead of Sweden.
How will they fare? With the likes of Paul Pogba, Kylian Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann, Ngolo Kante and the likes at Didier Deschamps’ disposal, no need to discuss about their group matches. And if the unlikely doesn’t happen and they avoid Argentina in the last 16, they should be at least in the semi-finals.
Key Player: Paul Pogba
Manager: Didier Deschamps
Germany (Die Mannschaft)
The defending champions remain one of the biggest favourites to win the World Cup. History wise, Germany will always be a team to beat at the World Cup – the last time they failed to reach the quarter final of the World Cup was in 1938, and since 2002, they’ve always been at the semi-finals. They emerged second in 2002, third in 2006, second in 2010 and won the last edition.
Having top their group in the qualifying series as expected, the biggest worry for the Die Mannshaft as winning this competition is that no country that emerged as winner of the Confederations Cup has been able to win the World Cup.
All fingers crossed till they upset and unseat the status quo.
How will they fare? Grouping Germany in the same group with teams like Mexico, Sweden is almost demeaning to the strength of the Die Mannschaft. Anything less than reaching the semi-finals will always be a failure for Germany.
Key Player: Toni Kroos
Manager: Joachim Low
Iceland (Strakarnir Okar)
The meteoric rise of Iceland’s football is one of the biggest stories of this century. Whatever one has read or heard about how they rose, it’s still quite a miracle for a country with that kind of population. After an exhilarating performance at their first major competition; EURO 2016, which saw them dispatched England in the second round they refused to stop there as the Strakarnir Okar became the smallest nation ever to qualify for the World Cup, topping fellow group D opponent Croatia.
How will they fare? Topping the group isn’t realistic (or isn’t it?), but they should stand their ground to compete with Croatia and Nigeria for second spot.
Key Player: Gyfli Sigurdsson
Manager: Heimir Hallgrimsson
Iran (Team Melli)
Iran are ranked 24th in the World and are one of the most successful football teams in Asia. They’ve qualified for the World Cup on five occasions but have failed to make it past the group stage on the all five – with their only win in the competition was against the United States in 1998.
Team Melli was the first Asian team to qualify for the World Cup and did so with 12 consecutive clean sheets.
How will they fare? In the same group with Portugal, Spain and Morocco, let’s hope they record their second win at the World Cup against the African side.
Key player: Sardar Azmoun.
Manager: Carlos Queiroz
Japan (Samurai Blue)
Co-host of the 2002 World Cup, Japan have been mainstays in the competition since 1998. The Samurai Blue, who are famously known for their counter attacking style of play, emerged as winners of the Asian Group B ahead of Saudi Arabia in the qualifying series.
How will they fare? Samurai Blue have reached the round of 16 on two occasions, but will find it hard to qualify ahead of Poland and Colombia, who are Group H favourites. And if they find their way past the group stage, most likely, the status quo of not getting beyond the last 16 is unlikely to change – as they will most likely face England or Belgium.
Key Player: With the likes of Shinji Okazaki, Shinji Kagawa and Keisuke Honda, finding it to hold a starting berth under the new system of coach, Vahid Halilhodzic, the key player for the Samurai Blue for the World Cup, should be Southampton defender, Maya Yoshida.
Manager: Vahid Halilhodzic
Korea Republic (The Reds)
Historically, The Reds are the most successful football team from Asia and up till today they are the only team from Asia to have reached the semi-finals of the World Cup; a feat achieved when they co-hosted with Japan in 2002.
Having qualified for their 10th World Cup – the highest of any Asian team, The Reds will be looking forward to making a statement.
How will they fare? Making a statement by topping Germany is most likely out of hand for The Reds – they will be looking at cementing a second spot ahead of Mexico and Sweden.
Key player: Heung-min Son
Manager: Shin Tae-Yong
Mexico (El Tri)
El Tri had no problem qualifying for the World Cup but their performances at the Confederations Cup and Copa America Centenario have left people with worries as to what they will bring to the table in Russia.
The Mexicans were the winners of the CONCACAF qualifying series ahead of Costa Rica and Panama.
How will they fare? Mexico have reached the knock out stage in each of the past six World Cups and matching that record is a mountain that shouldn’t be too high this time around as well.
The highest they have gone in the World Cup was a quarter final appearance in 1986, but that looks unachievable as they will most likely finish second, setting up a probable meeting with Brazil, who, all things being equal, should top Group E.
Key Player: Javier Hernandez
Manager: Juan Carlos Osorio
Morocco (Atlas Lions)
The Atlas Lions are first African team to win a group at the World Cup, a feat they achieved in 1986 – finishing ahead of England, Portugal and Poland. That year they also became the first African country to reach the knockout stage. Like their moniker ‘the Atlas Lions,’ Morocco have been roaring and ready to prey any team that comes their way. Their ability to not concede in the qualifying series is a testament on the preparedness of the Atlas Lions to devour any team that comes their way.
How will they fare? In the same group with Spain and Portugal, Morocco will have to summon the spirit of ’86 once again.
They unfortunately failed to reach the knockout stage in France 1998 but in Russia 2018, all things being equal they should successfully fail to break through pass the group stage as Spain and Portugal look like the outright favourites.
Key Player: Hakim Ziyech
Manager: Herve Renard
Nigeria (Super Eagles)
The three time African champions were placed in the toughest group in the African qualifying series but against all odds were able to book their sixth appearance at the World Cup with ease.
They did not only see off the likes of Algeria, Cameroon (African champion), and Zambia, they became the first African country to qualify for the World Cup. The Super Eagles qualified with a game to spare and without losing a game in the qualifying series.
How will they fare? After qualifying in style, many Nigerians have been dreaming and predicting that the team will go as far as reaching the semi-finals.
Reality check, the Super Eagles will need to first battle for a second spot in Group D with Croatia and Iceland, and if they eventually make it through, a repeat of 2014’s round of 16 encounter with France is possible.
France? Nigerians should be looking at going past the group stage first.
Key player: Victor Moses
Manager: Gernot Rohr
Panama (La Marea Roja)
La Marea Roja came third in the CONCACAF qualifying rounds, behind Mexico and Costa Rica, to qualify for their first ever World Cup.
Just like Costa Rica in 2014, Panama will be heading to Russia with the hopes of pulling some surprises.
How will they fare? Even if am to play a devils’ advocate, it will be on Tunisia. A group stage appearance should be well enough for Panama as they were handed a group that has England and Belgium
Key player: Gabriel Gomez
Manager: Hernan Dario Gomez
Peru (La Blanquirroja)
After a fifth place finish in their region’s qualifying series, Peru were able to book a play-off meeting with New Zealand whom they beat 2-0 in a two legged affair.
Peru, who last played at the World Cup in 1982, emerged as the last nation to qualify for the 2018 edition.
How will they fare? Grouped alongside France, Denmark and Australia, the Peruvians stand a very good chance of making it to the round of 16.
And from there? Ceteris paribus, they should be on their way home.
Key player: Jefferson Farfan
Manager: Ricardo Gareca
Poland (Bialo-Czerwoni)
Having last qualified for the World Cup in 2006, the Poles will be making their seventh World Cup appearance – thanks to Captain, Robert Lewandowski, who netted a record 16 goals in the qualifying series.
This present crop of Polish players is considered to be the best since the renowned set of 1970 – early 1980, and they are being rooted to go far in Russia. Their defence line could be the standing blocks to achieving this.
How will they fare? : In a group considered the most balanced, Poland, with Lewandowski, should book a place in last 16. What happens if he does not come to the party? Maybe a group stage exit.
On the other hand, the Polish team may look like a one-man team, but they fared well when Lewy floundered in France two years ago.
Key Player: Robert Lewandowski
Manager: Adam Nawalka
Portugal (A Selecao)
With their EURO 2016 triumph, Portugal will be going to the 2018 World Cup full of confidence and hoping to pull some surprises at the biggest stage. According to their coach, they are not part of the favourites to lift the World Cup – he considered his team as part of the second class teams, who only wanted to go far in the Mundial.
They unsurprisingly won their group ahead of Switzerland in the qualifying series and will be hoping they make it pass the group stage this time around – having failed to break through the group stage in 2014.
How will they fare? All things being equal, they should qualify alongside Spain in Group B – and whether they top or second the group, Portugal should conveniently dispatch with any team that comes their way from Group A in round 16.
Key player: Cristiano Ronaldo
Manager: Fernando Santos
Russia (The National team)
Having qualified for the World Cup on ten occasions, Russia will be making their eleventh appearance as the host.
How will they fare? Even with the home backings, Russia will hardly go past the round 16 stage. Their appalling display at the Confederations cup is an indication of what one should most likely expect next year.
Key Player: Aleksandr Kokorin
Manager: Stanislav Cherchesov
Senegal (Teranga Lions)
2018 World Cup will be the Teranga Lions’ second appearance at the Mundial. In their first, in 2002, they shocked the World, defeating World and European champions France 1-0 in the tournament’s opening game. They also reached the quarter final of the 2002 World Cup – making them one of the three African countries to have gone that far.
Under the leadership of Aliou Cisse, who was the captain of the 2002 World Cup team, Senegal trumped the likes of South Africa, Burkina Faso and Cape Verde to book their spot in Russia.
How will they fare? In a group considered as the most balanced that features the likes of Japan, Poland and Colombia, Senegal are not one of the two favourites to go through, but the upsets they caused in 2002, will surely be on the minds of their group opponents.
Key Player: Sadio Mane
Manager: Aliou Cisse
Serbia (The Orlovi)
Considered by both UEFA and FIFA as the sole and direct successor of the Yugoslavia and Serbia and Montenegro teams, Russia 2018 will be the 12th appearance of Serbia at the FIFA World Cup.
After their last qualifying for a major tournament in 2010, Serbia qualified for Russia 2018 by pipping both Wales and Republic of Ireland to first place in the qualifying phase, although their decision to part company with Slavojab Muslin is still a mystery.
How will they fare? With Germany, Mexico and Sweden in their group, Serbia will surely be vying for the second spot at least, or at best. Orlovi’s greatest achievement so far was defeating Germany 1-0 at the World cup in 2010 but that was not even enough to see them progress to the next stage.
Key player: Branislav Ivanovic
Manager: Mladen Krsajic (caretaker)
Spain (La Furia Roja)
The La Furia Roja will be looking at Russia 2018 to redeem their image as one of the super powers in football after shambolic performances at the last FIFA World Cup and EURO 2016. Though, on paper, the 2010 World Champion have been considered as one of the top sides for the World Cup but one cannot dispatch the ongoing Catalonia crisis. How well the squad manages this will go a long way in determining what they will bring to the table.
They won their qualifying group over the Italians, who knocked them out at EURO 2016.
How will they fare? Spain should progress through the group and should rise above any of the teams that comes their way in Round of 16. With the quality of players they have and their records in major tournament in the last 10 years, anything less than a semi-final appearance for the La Furia Roja would be considered a failure.
Key Player: Isco
Manager: Julen Lopetegui
Switzerland (Rossocrociati)
Switzerland national football over the years has been one that has always been knocking at the door – qualifying for tournaments is not a big deal but over the years, football fans have been longing for that tournament where they will make a statement.
According to manager Vladimir Petkovic, they would be going to Russia hoping to at least reach the second round of the competition.
How will they fare? Petkovic wasn’t dreaming too much when he said they would be looking at reaching the second stage of Russia 2018 – this looks realistic as the Swiss team stand a good chance to book the second spot ahead of both Costa Rica and Serbia – with Brazil destined for the number one spot.
Key Player: Skodran Shaqiri
Manager: Vladmir Petkovic
Sweden (Blaguit)
The Blaguit caused one of the biggest upsets in football’s history when they defeated four-time World champion Italy 1-0 en route to booking their eleventh World Cup appearance.
Undeterred by their greatest footballer of all time and maybe the most popular man in the history of Sweden, Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s retirement after EURO 2016, Sweden were able to cement a place in Russia against all odds.
How will they fare? With Mexico, Korea Republic and Germany in their group, Sweden should give a good fight for at least second spot.
Key Player: And if Ibrahimovic decides not to call off his international retirement, how well RB Leipzig forward, Emil Forsberg, does will go a long way in deciding how Sweden will fair at the World Cup.
Manager: Janne Andersson
Tunisia (Carthage Eagles)
After a below-par outings at the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations, the 2004 AFCON champions had to introduce a new manager who championed the campaign that saw the Carthage Eagles book a place in Russia for their fourth World Cup appearance.
How will they fare? : With Belgium, Panama and England in their group, as an African, I shall celebrate their group stage appearance.
On the flip side, England could come doing what they know how to do best; disappoint. If this happens, they might find their way to the Round of 16 ahead of Panama.
Key player: Aymen Abdenour
Manager: Nabil Maaloul
Uruguay (La Celeste)
Uruguay, the winners of the first World Cup in 1930 and champions again in 1950, came second behind Brazil in the CONMEBOL qualifying series.
In the last two editions of the World Cup, Uruguay have been one of the most talk about teams – will anyone forget the Uruguay-Ghana drama of 2010?
How will they fare? : La Caleste are the favourites in Group A ahead of Russia, Saudi Arabia and Egypt.
And if they qualify for the second round a big match awaits them as they would most likely meet either Spain or Portugal.
Key player: Luis Suarez
Manager: Oscar Tabarez.
Edited by Olakunle Ajao and Noah Honawon
FT: Those that thought that the World Cup may have already peaked before this – think again! We have witnessed a quite breath-taking football match with twists, turns and world-class goals. France will play either Uruguay or Portgual in the last eight.
Mbappe stole the show with two goals and he also won the opening penalty that Griezmann stuck away. However, Argentina were 2-1 up at one stage with goals from Di Maria (a thunderbolt) and Mercado.
Then France came to the party with a stunning strike from Pavard and Mbappe’s double. Aguero set up a grandstand finish but Argentina and Messi could not find a late equaliser. Good job, too, I would have had fainted. Stunning game.
HT: Wonderful game. France looked in control from the moment Griezmann netted from the spot after a mesmerising run from Mbappe. However, out of nothing, Di Maria scored a magical equaliser from 30 yards. Pure theatre, this. See you in 15.