Salah will need Egypt to come to the big party ...
WITH EXACTLY one week to go to the start of the 2018 Fifa World Cup in Russia, we run the rule over Groups A and B. Group A: Russia Football in the host country has been on the decline over the last decade, but there is some optimism that things are starting to turn for the better, especially with a host of talented emerging players on the rise. The issue in Russia is, much like South Africa, a case of insulation: because of the high salaries paid in the league, players don’t see the need to seek to improve their game in the bigger, tougher European leagues; they are safe, comfortable and happy at home. This, as a result, has weakened the national team. After a disappointing Euro 2016 campaign, Stanislav Cherchesov was appointed as head coach, and he immediately set about animating the squad with younger, more mobile footballers. However, if Russia are to qualify for the next round, they’ll have to be at their very best. Saudi Arabia Likely to be the whipping boys in this group, Saudi Arabia are now coached by Juan Antonio Pizzi, the Spaniard who failed to qualify Chile for World Cup 2018. For the Saudis, the best motivation would be to remember the 2002 edition of the event, when they were hammered 8-0 by Germany; it’s surely an embarrassment they wouldn’t want to repeat. Squad wise, names to watch out for are prolific scorer Mohammad Al-Sahlawi and speedy winger Yahya Al-Shehri. Egypt With star man Mohamed Salah expected to recover from the injury he sustained in the Champions League final, Egypt have a player with the ability and charisma to see them through to the next round. It’s the first time in 28 years the north Africans have qualified for the World Cup, and they’ll be energised to give it a full go. Coach Hector Cuper has, however, made an important point in reminding his squad that they shouldn’t rely too heavily on Salah; football is a team game and he needs every individual in the squad to come to the party. Of further interest in Egypt’s participation is to see whether 45-year-old goalkeeper Essam El-Hadary gets a game, to become the oldest player to compete at a World Cup. Uruguay The favourites of the group, Uruguay have a slick squad, laced with youth and experience. If you’re a betting man and looking for an outsider to go far in the tournament, then put your money on the South American team. The experience is provided by skipper and central defender Diego Godin, the attacking flair by ace goal-poaching duo Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani, while manager Oscar Tabarez has introduced the youthful talents of Rodrigo Bentancur, Nahitan Nandez and Matias Vecino.
Who will go through to the next round? Uruguay and Egypt Group B: Portugal As usual, Portugal’s chances of success hinge on the incomparable Cristiano Ronaldo. The Real Madrid man comes off yet another stellar season: who can forget that unbelievable overhead kick against Juventus in the Champions League? For Ronaldo, this will, of course, be an important World Cup, in that it is likely to be his last chance to win the coveted trophy. Importantly, though, the Portuguese have savoured the taste of victory, after winning Euro 2016, and they’ll be in buoyant mood. More than that, they don’t only have to rely on Ronaldo because Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva is developing into a superb individual talent too. If there’s a weakness in this Portugal team, it could be at the back, where defenders Bruno Alves, Pepe and Jose Fonte are not getting any younger and could struggle for pace. Spain Having under-achieved at Euro 2016, Spain installed a new coach in Julen Lopetegui and introduced a raft of newer, hungrier players like Isco, Koke and Marco Asensio. The basic style, though, remains the same, with veterans Andres Iniesta and David Silva setting the platform for their famed, metronomic passing game. In goalkeeper David de Gea, they have, on form, the best number one in the world, while the oft-maligned Sergio Ramos leads the defence with an aggression that many believe is contrary to the rule and spirit of the sport. But, whatever your opinion may be, there is no doubt that Ramos is crucial for Spain – and they will again be one of the tournament favourites. Morocco The north Africans are in a really tough group – but, with their solid defence and structured style of play, they are certainly going to give Portugal and Spain a bit of cheek. Coach Herve Renard has vast experience, captain Mehdi Benatia is one of the finest central defenders in Europe and, in Hakim Ziyech, Morocco have a midfielder who is rapidly catching the eye. Iran Coached by Carlos Queiroz, the man who was once the top contender for the Bafana Bafana job, Iran are on a hiding to nothing in this group. Having won just one World Cup game in their history, back in 1998, it’s unlikely they’ll be able to make it two.
Who will go through to the next round? Spain and Portugal