Greatest show kicks off in Russia today …the wait is over, time for history
The long and much awaited kick-off to the 21st edition of the ‘Greatest Show on Earth’ has finally arrived and despite the many changes the ‘Beautiful Game’ has endured, on and off the pitch since the last World Cup finals played in Brazil, the incomparable Global passions and interests remain fever-pitch high on Planet Earth as the battle for the most coveted trophy in Sports will move into motion today in Moscow City, Russia.
This is the period that every four years become the primary focus of the majority of the world, greatly anticipating and expecting and then celebrating or moaning, as the 64 matches unfold over a month’s time. Only eight nations have lifted the prestigious trophy and twelve have played in the Championship match from among the 77 nations to have graced the ‘Promised Land’ of football in the 20 editions thus far, and it would take a herculean effort for a new Champion to be crowned when the final whistle is blown on July 15th.
The World Cup has always generated passionate arguments, before, during and after, as to who are the real contenders, who are the pretenders, who could spring a surprise and who could have won, whenever discussions and debates are fused anywhere on the Planet. In its unending innovations of the game FIFA will introduce, Russia’s men’s team will be hoping to turn the home advantage into a winning start when they oppose Saudi Arabia today in the opening fixture of the 2018 FIFA World Cup competition. (Photo courtesy of FIFA.com) for the first time at a World Cup, the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) so all those doubtful calls, by referees in the past, which would have brought joy to some and sadness to others can no longer determine the outcome of matches. The VAR will be linked directly to the officiating referee
The defending Champions, Germany and the most successful country, Brazil remain the top contenders, though there are also claims in some parts of the globe that brings, France, Spain and the last losing finalist, Argentina into the picture. And in the distance, echoing a claim as well, are Belgium, Portugal and England.
Despite the multiplicity of talents who will be on show from the over 700 players the eyes of the world will be closely following the exploits of the two most talked about, loved and known faces in present day football, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Both are in their 30s and while, between them, they have won all the Ballon D’Or awards since 2008 the Big Prize has eluded them both. Messi will once again lead the Argentines with the intention of bettering his last effort that ended as runners-up and Golden Ball winner, while his opposite and Pride of Portugal must bring his European dominance to the pitch at the Big Dance, something he has failed to do in his three previous appearances. These two proven match winners, more than the rest of the players, are under more pressure to perform since it could very well be their last chance to win a World Cup. Messi and his cast surprised all in 2014 and had it not been for missed opportunities in the first half of the final the La Albiceleste would have won their 3rd title, four years on and they have a bit of history on their side to give them hope. On both occasions the Argentines captured the Cup, in 1978 at home and 1986 in Mexico, the USA failed to qualify for the finals like they have done now in 2018.
There is one other player who is expected to light up the Tournament like no
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