NUMBER GAME

3

The number of World Cups in which Tim Cahill of Australia has scored a goal. If the striker succeeds in netting one in Russia, he will enter an elite club, as only Pele ( Brazil), Uwe Seeler and Miroslav Klose ( both Germans) have previously notched a goal in four different editions of the prestigious tournament.

7

The number of previous World Cup winners who made it through the qualifiers: Brazil, Germany, France, Spain, Uruguay, England and Argentina. The only one to miss out were four- time world champions Italy, who will be absent for the first time since the 1958 edition in Sweden, following their defeat to the Swedes in the European play- offs.

21

The number of World Cup finals Brazil will have contested. The first team to book their place for Russia 2018, the Brazilians are also the only nation never to have missed a single World Cup finals. Holders Germany are next on the list with 17 consecutive appearances.

36

The number of years since Peru played last at the World Cup, in Spain 1982. The other teams to return after long absences are Egypt, whose last appearance came at Italy 1990, and Morocco, who were last on the big stage at France 1998.

871

The total number of match es played in the 2018 World Cup qualifiers, a record. Some 208 teams started out, but only 31 made it to the end, joining hosts Russia. As many as 736 players will feature at the tournament.