The Nation Newspaper

Tag: ( Three Lions )

  • Lampard to Abraham: Playing for England not a walk in the park!

     

    Chelsea Coach Frank Lampard has told his Nigeria born goal scoring sensation Tammy Abraham that although playing for England is a good idea; he will need to remain in his killer form to compete in the Three Lions’ den.

    He made the submission on the heels of Abraham’s call up by England ahead of their upcoming Euro 2020 qualifiers against Czech Republic and Bulgaria on the 11th and 14th October respectively.

    The former Chelsea legend opined that the Three Lions boasts of very good strikers which imply that competition will be stiff.

    “Naturally when he goes to the England squad he has the attributes to go there and be successful. It is another step for him but I am sure that he has the attitude to take that challenge of being a goal scorer for England.

    “There is competition there. When he steps into the squad he will see there are great strikers there already around him so it is a good challenge for Tammy.” he said

    Tammy gets a pat from Lampard

    England Coach Gareth Southgate confirmed that the former Aston Villa loanee’s invitation on Thursday was based on merit.

    The 22 year old has netted eight goals in eight starts this season his latest being 22nd minute goal in the 2-1 defeat of Lille of France in the Champions league on Wednesday.

    Tammy who cannot be said to be completely new to the Three Lions having featured in a friendly match in 2017 against Germany will be hoping to continue his scoring mission when Chelsea visit Southampton on Sunday in the premier league.

    It has been three wins in three outings for the Stamford Bridge boys with the biggest win coming against Grimsby Town who were hammered 7-2 in the league cup.

     

     

     

  • Bring on Three Lions

    Wembley Stadium is a cathedral of sort for professional soccer players, with many eager to run onto the pitch to play a game. As the Super Eagles file out against their English counterparts today, what will be uppermost on the minds of the hosts is to beat the Nigerians to reassure their nationals that they are ready for the Russia 2018 World Cup. For this writer, today’s game is another testy tie for Eagles, especially as Coach Gernot Rohr will field a better set of players unlike what he paraded against DR Congo inside the Adokie Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt last Monday.

    On paper, the English team are a better side in terms of their personnel, playing style, culture and tradition for such high stake games. But that is where their advantage lies as they are in tandem with the Nigerians in physical play and direct approach to matches. What may count for Eagles today is the fact that most of our players have played at the top level in England. They also know the mentality of the English, which is all that the Nigerians need to create the upset that will be the talking point of the international friendly games ahead of the Russia 2018 World Cup which, begins on June 14.

    Indeed, the Three Lions and the Eagles will be at the Mundial with the youngest set of players, which presupposes that both nations are looking ahead of the biggest football festival in the world. They will be playing young boys who may be playing together for the first time. The question is, why did the English agree to play the Nigerians? Simple – they are pitched against Tunisians in the World Cup group. Any country desirous of doing very well against an African side should play against Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Egypt, Tunisia and Morocco. These countries have a rich history of the game even with their different playing styles. North Africans, including Tunisians, play more of the European fluid soccer. But, Nigeria, Cameroon, Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire spice theirs with gritty tackles, which is what the English really need to outmuscle the Tunisians when they meet.

    For Nigeria, the game against England is more for points to climb up FIFA’s ranking, which a win would guarantee. This mission looks far-fetched, given the fact that the Three Lions hardly get beaten  at Wembley. Eagles’ quartet of Victor Moses, Alex Iwobi, Kelechi Iheanacho and Wilfred Ndidi will provide the tips to unsettle the English in what is clearly a prestige game. John Mikel Obi played for Chelsea, ditto Kenneth Omeruo and Aina. Odion Ighalo played for Watford until he left for the Chinese League, like Mikel. Ahmed Musa, who is on the payroll of Leicester like Iheanacho and Ndidi. Almost all members of the squad have imbibed the English football philosophy. Gareth Southgate’s side will then move on to Elland Road in Leeds to take on Costa Rica on 7 June in the last of their warm-up friendlies. The Three Lions’ next match will be against Tunisia in the first of their World Cup match of Group G. They will thereafter face Panama and group favourites Belgium in a bid to reach the knock-out stages.

    The outcome of the game isn’t as important as how key players blend with the new lads to increase their confidence ahead of the country’s opening game against Croatia on June 16. We need to see how Rohr will re-organise the defence to play better than what we saw against DR Congo. The Congolese ran our defenders ragged and showed that they were not sprinters culminating in the penalty which Chelsea’s loanee Ola Aina gave, although the blame ought to have gone to Oghenkaro Etebo who didn’t know what to do with the ball until it was taken off him for the goal-bound move.

    Eagles’ flank defenders will continue to be a problem because our big men upfront don’t fall back to mark when they lose the ball. In fact, the midfielders are worse as they walk sluggishly like Etebo did on Monday in Port Harcourt. Only Ogenyi Onazi remembers to fight for the ball when he loses it. I hope that Rohr can get the boys to mark as soon as they lose the ball. A team’s goalkeeper is as good as its defence. Only the ball goes into the net, making it imperative for the players to strive to keep it and utilise it to our advantage.

    Eagles couldn’t match the Congolese in ball possession, although a few would argue that they were playing safe to avoid injuries. Eagles’ attack lacked the spark until Ahmed Musa and Iwobi were introduced. Musa gave the Congolese problems. Nigeria could only have scored a winner through Musa’s direct approach which could make the visitors commit errors. Otherwise, Eagles played as if nothing was at stake. They were poor against the Congolese. Simy Nwankwo flapped to deceive, especially in the second half as he barely troubled the Congolese, except for the header from a long throw by Aina in the second half.

    Eagles’ midfield was awful all through the 90 minutes. The midfielders barely strung passes together for their mates to score goals. The only goal came from an intelligent free-kick which caught the Congolese off guard. The trio of Onazi, Joel Obi and Etebo were anonymous. Onazi’s weight didn’t allow him to rove in the midfield. Rohr, the tactician kept Etebo on the pitch for 90 minutes, which counted for nothing in terms of his contributions to the team beyond his aimless kicks.

    Eagles missed Mikel’s steel in the midfield. The team wobbled without Victor Moses. Ndidi’s absence was felt as he does the dirty jobs (marking dangerous players and covering the two central defenders) in the midfield. Little wonder Leon Balogun got tired so easily, necessitating his substitution (rightly so) in the second half.

    Back to the England game, which is perhaps the Eagles’s biggest. It should further expose the players’ weaknesses for the coaches to correct. This is the essence of playing such matches, although with an eye for victory. It was good the players visited President Muhammadu Buhari, whose words would have lifted their spirits.

    Buhari told the boys on Wednesday: “You are going to represent us in Russia. You must bear in mind that you are not just going for a tournament. With each game you must remember that you are carrying the passions, emotions and feelings of over 180 million people. Play fair and clean but demonstrate the gallant spirit which Nigerians are known for.

    “Nothing unites Nigerians more than football and nothing will gladden the people of Nigeria than for you to acquit yourself honourably by winning in Russia. You are the youngest team in the tournament which means you are likely the most inexperienced team, a fact that will not be lost on your opponents. But it is also something that you can use to your advantage.

    “You have the full support and the blessings of all Nigerians who will look up to you for as long as the tournament  last. This is our time, we look up to you to make us proud. All Nigerians join me in saying to you, best of luck. Thank you and God be with you all.”

    England has three new goalkeepers going to the Mundial – Jack Butland, Jordan Pickford and Nick Pope. This has thrown into the trash bin fears in Nigeria about the propriety of fielding Francis Uzoho for the Eagles, ahead of experienced goalkeepers, such as Vincent Enyeama, who sadly isn’t playing regularly in Europe, Austin Ejide and Dele Aiyenugba, who both play in the Israeli league.

    The lesson from England’s choice of goalkeepers is that they were picked on club performance, which is what Rohr used in selecting Uzoho, Ikechukwu Ezenwa and Daniel Akpeyi. Nigerians should learn how to project into the future, which is one of the hallmarks of competent but ambitious foreign coaches. We should stop our fixations about how the Eagles should look. Otherwise, the young ones at the grassroots won’t find places in our national teams. Is this not why most young Nigerians change nationality?

    England chose defenders Danny Ross, Gary Cahill, Phil Jones, who sadly is out of today’s game due to injury, John Stones, Ashley Young, Kyle Walker, Kevin Tripier, Harry Maguire and Jordan Henderson. Others include Eric Dier, Loftus-Cheek, Fabien Delph, Dele Alli, Raheem Sterling,  Jese Lingard, Danny Welbeck, Jamie Vardy, Marcus Rashford and Harry Kane.

    Can Eagles beat the Three Lions? Yes, but it isn’t the reason for today’s game. It will pay the Eagles more if the English expose their flaws. The coaches need to have a well knit side to confront the Croatians on June 16. So, what if England beat Nigeria?

  • GARETH SOUTHGATE: Why we’re playing Nigeria at Wembley

    England manager, Gareth Southgate, speaks on the forthcoming duel between the Three Lions and Super Eagles at Wembley and his fond love for Nigerian legends, Nwankwo Kanu and Austin Jay Jay Okocha in an interview with MORAKINYO ABODUNRIN.

    England manager, Gareth Southgate, has spoken exclusively to The Nation about the choice of the Super Eagles for the prestige pre-FIFA World Cup Russia 2018 friendly against the Three Lions, to be played at Wembley Stadium in London on Saturday, 2nd June 2018.

    The match will be only the third international match between both countries at senior level since Nigeria and England first clashed in a post -USA’94 World Cup game at the old Wembley Stadium on 16th November 1994. Former England captain David Platt scored the only goal of the game off a late first half header.

    Both teams met again at the Nagai Stadium in Osaka, Japan on 12th June 2002 in a keenly-contested goalless encounter that saw the Super Eagles being eliminated at the group stage of the Korea/ Japan 2002 World Cup.

    “We didn’t choose Nigeria (for the June 2 friendly match)  just because we had an African team in our group at the World Cup finals (England are drawn against Tunisia, Panama and Belgium in Group G at Russia 2018),” the 47-year old Southgate told The Nation. “But the truth is that we don’t often have the opportunity of playing teams outside Europe and we thought it was a great opportunity playing against Nigeria.”

    Such has been Southgate’s familiarity with Nigerian football and her footballers after watching some of the country’s best exports to the English Premier League (EPL) over the years.

    He offered: “I was in the squad when we played them (Nigeria) in 2002 and there have been a lot of Nigerian players that have been successful in the Premier League. Like (Nwankwo) Kanu and (Austin) Jay Jay Okocha; both of them really made a great impact in our league and they are my favourite Nigerian players.”

    Southgate is one of the few relatively young managers heading  to Russia 2018 World Cup  but he  reckons the wisdom of coaching  at the international level has nothing to do with ‘the age of Methuselah,’ insisting all that is required  for such a high profile job as England manager is resilience.

    “I’ve gone through the baptism that I could go through and you must be resilient to be involved in the game for 37 years as a player and manager,” said the England manager who starred for Crystal Palace, Aston Villa and Middlesbrough in a career spanning almost two decades.

    A holder of the UEFA Pro Licence, Southgate has been in coaching since 2006 from Middlesbrough to the England U-21, to the Three Lions. He had a rough and tumble period at Middlesbrough where he was eased out in 2009. He was in-charge of the England Under-21 team and qualified the lads for the European Under-21 Championship in 2015 – where they were knocked out in the group stages after finishing last in their group. Southgate was put in temporary charge of the senior England team in 2016 when Sam Allardyce resigned after one game due to a ‘transfer bung’ scandal.

    After some impressive results including a 2–0 win against Malta, goalless draw with Slovenia; 3-0 thrashing of  Scotland 3–0 and a  2-2 draw against Spain; he was appointed substantive England manager on a four-year contract on 30 November 2016.

    “I have devoted over 30 years to the game; though I’m one of the young managers on the international scene, but all the same I don’t think being 47 years of age is a big thing. It’s not about your age but your experience and resilience,” he noted in the interview with The Nation.

    Meanwhile, Southgate has defended his 23-man England squad for the Russia 2018 World Cup following its announcement during the week.

    On the list were EPL players popular with Nigerian football fans like Harry Kane, Raheem Sterling, Dele Alli and Ruben Loftus-Cheek, amongst others.

    “I believe this is a squad which we can be excited about,” Southgate said. “We have a lot of energy and athleticism in the team, but players that are equally comfortable in possession of the ball and I think people can see the style of play we’ve been looking to develop.

    “It is a young group, but with some really important senior players so I feel the balance of the squad is good, both in terms of its experience, its character and also the positional balance.”

    He added: “The selection process has been over months really, it’s not just been the last few weeks. We feel the team are improving and we want to continue that momentum.

    “The first call up for Trent Alexander-Arnold is well deserved. When we pick young players, it’s not just because they are young, it’s because their performances deserve it.”

    The quality of some of these players Southgate says would be well tested come June 2 at Wembley.

    “We know that they (Nigeria) have great fantastic support in England and that would be a  fantastic atmosphere; and a good test for us  ahead of the World Cup finals.”

     

    Your transition from being a footballer to a manager has been so smooth. What premonition did you have about your current job as England manager?

    I don’t think it has been very smooth (general laughter); it has been a very complicated change because you are learning a whole new set of different skills. In terms of being a manager, it has  been interesting by first taking on the  England U-21 team and it’s a great grounding before becoming the manager; because most of the problem you  face (as England manager) are similar to that of the U-21 team. Of course, the profile (of the England national team) is higher; taking up the junior team was a good preparation to be England manager.

    Exactly, 20 years ago you featured for England at France’98. What are your memories of the tournament?

    In general terms it was brilliant. It was a great experience to be involved as a kid because you want to play for your country in the World Cup and I still have the memory of running out for warm up for the first game. But then I got a bit of personal disappointment because I got injured after the first match; having started the first match. After that I didn’t get to start in the team and only came on a substitute against Argentina; but looking back that was an incredible game to be involved in as well. In the end, it was a bit disappointing that we couldn’t go as far as we probably thought we could. We lost to Romania in the group game and that meant it was going to be a difficult route to the final because we had to meet Argentina in the second round stage, which we could have avoided if we hadn’t lost in the group.

    You will be one of the young managers at Russia 2018. How psychologically prepared are you for your World Cup baptism?

    I’ve gone through a lot of baptism that I could go through and to be in the game for37 years as a player and manager, you must be resilient. I have devoted over 30 years to the game; though I’m one of the young managers on the international scene, but all the same I don’t think being 47 years of age is a big thing. It’s not about your age but your experience and resilience.

    Neutrals believe England is in a fairly decent group along with Belgium, Panama and Tunisia, and should easily progress to the second round. What are your thoughts about your Group G rivals?

    Well, in terms of FIFA World Ranking, we have three teams that are ranked third (Belgium); 13th (England) and 14th (Tunisia) and that means it’s actually one of the most difficult groups at this World Cup.  Our first opponent is Tunisia and we shouldn’t look further than that. I’ve been very impressed with their style based on the games I’ve watched them play, and that is a tough opening game for us. We know that Panama has achieved an incredible result by qualifying for the World Cup for the first time; and they have a lot of pride and passion. We also know the quality that Belgium possess after seeing some of their players in our league (English Premier League).  It is not a straight forward Group, but that is what it should be in a World Cup final tournament.

    England will host Nigeria at Wembley Stadium. Why the choice of Nigeria knowing you have a North African, and not a West African side, in your Russia 2018 World Cup Group?

    We didn’t choose Nigeria just because we had an African team in our Group at the World Cup finals. The truth is that we don’t often have the opportunity of playing teams outside Europe. So, we thought it was a great opportunity playing against Nigeria and we know that they (Nigeria) have great fantastic support in England and that would be a fantastic atmosphere. It is a good test for us ahead of the World Cup finals.

    Which Nigerian players have impressed you over the years? What is your impression of the current team going to Russia 2018?

    I was in the squad when we played them in 2002 and there have been a lot of Nigerian players that have been successful in the Premier League.  Like (Nwankwo) Kanu and (Austin) Jay Jay Okocha; both of them really made a great impact in our league and they are my favourite Nigerian players.

    What will be a good tournament for England in Russia against the background that England are world champions at the U20 and U17 levels?

    Obviously, it has been a great 18 months for our junior teams. But that is a long progress for our junior teams because these players are not ready for the World Cup yet. It would be difficult for them to compete for places now because we have an exciting squad of young players in this current England national team. The victories of the junior national teams have given us a lot of enthusiasm but we shall see how far the senior team can go at the World Cup.

    What makes you happy as a person and manager?

    As a manager, winning makes me happy; really seeing the way   and style I want the team plays; being disciplined and seeing that everybody is involved. I enjoy working with all the players. As a person, taking time away from football to be with my family is very important.

    What’s your definition of fashion and what would be your lucky attire in Russia?

    I have no issue about what to put on in Russia. We have a team suit and track suits and I’m pretty comfortable with that, but by and large, everybody has their own style.

    Which player would be the star of Russia 2018? Which country would win the trophy?

    It is always difficult to say which player would be the star of the tournament because we have a lot of stars coming. Certainly, it’s a tournament that is difficult to predict the winner though we know that Brazil and Germany are the huge favourites because of their past record, coupled with the form of their current teams.  There are teams that could cause a lot of problems for everybody and we hope (England) would be one of them.

    What would be your parting message to your family before travelling to Russia 2918 World Cup?

    I want my family to enjoy the World Cup as well; we are going to do the work as best as we can. Everybody has to embrace the World Cup and the spectacle that it is; and I hope my family can embrace that as well.

  • Grandfather hits N8.7million 4 years after betting

     

    Grandfather of debutant England international Lewis Cook, Trevor Burlingham smiled to the bank Tuesday after a bet he placed four years ago yielded a whooping N8.7million about £17,000.

    Burlingham had in 2014 placed a £500 bet that his grandson Lewis Cook will earn a senior Three Lions cap before turning 26.  Many had forgotten the bet but it came to pass as 21 year old Cook made earned his debut as England took on Italy in an international friendly that ended in a 1-1 draw.

    Cooks made it happen just few months after leading the young Lions to Under-20s World Cup glory, the Bournemouth midfielder was drafted into the senior squad for the first time last November.

    The Bournemouth midfielder was drafted into the senior squad for the first time last November

    Cook did not make an appearance then, but won his first senior cap for England against Italy in the final friendly before Gareth Southgate names his provisional World Cup squad.

    That bet at 33-1 with William Hill earned Cook’s grandfather £17,000 – a good figure but small fry compared with the £125,000 won by Peter Edwards after grandson Harry Wilson made his Wales debut in 2013.

    Cook signed for Premier League club Bournemouth on a four-year contract for an undisclosed fee in July 2016,

    He made his debut when starting in a 3–1 defeat at home to Manchester United in their first match of the 2016–17 Premier League.

    He made two further appearances in the League Cup before being sidelined until 2017 by a persistent ankle problem but bounced back to the first team on 15 April 2017, coming on as a 56th-minute substitute in a 4–0 away defeat to Tottenham Hotspur.

     

     

  • World Cup 2018: team-by-team guide

    World Cup 2018: team-by-team guide

    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