For four weeks, football will have the world’s attention

SOCCER will have Planet Earth spellbound for the next four weeks.

The Fifa 2018 World Cup kicks off in Russia today – and, as happens every four years with this global spectacle, an audience of billions will be bewitched by every touch and pass, and seduced by the intensity of the emotions emanating from the unfolding drama.

Hosts Russia get the tournament under way in a Group A clash against minnows Saudi Arabia today (kickoff 5pm) – and, by the time the event finishes, we will have been through 64 games, with 32 teams in action, in 12 stadiums across Russia.

And just for last-minute extra spice, Spain, one of the hot favourites, yesterday sacked coach Julen Lopetegui, just two days before their mouthwatering game against Portugal tomorrow.

The allure of the World Cup, and the reason why it captures the imagination, has its roots in football’s simplicity, in its appeal to the common man. There’s football on every patch of grass, sand or tar. In every little corner of the world, they’re playing this sport that’s well known for the enduring sobriquet of “the beautiful game”.

Defending champions Germany will, once again, be the leading candidate to hold the trophy aloft in a month’s time. They have four World Cup titles (1954, 1974, 1990 and 2014) – and, looking at the aweinspiring squad, a heady blend of youth and experience, it’s easy to understand why the Germans are favourites.

But Brazil, Spain, France and Argentina are primed to give Germany a run for their money. Brazil undoubtedly look far, far better than they did at the 2014 event when they crashed 7-1 to Germany. Defensively, the South Americans are more organised and structured – and, as the only country to have won the World Cup on five occasions (1958, 1962, 1970, 1994 and 2002), they will be keen to add another. The squad is a veritable feast of talent, including master magician Neymar, the brilliant Coutinho and the tricky Willian.

The world’s best player, Lionel Messi, carries on his slight shoulders the hopes of Argentina. The Barcelona star hasn’t always reproduced his club form at international level – but this is his last chance to chisel his name among the greats who have won football’s most coveted trophy.

France have probably the most gifted squad this year, while Spain will be keen to emulate their World Cup success of 2010. Of the others, Belgium, Colombia and Uruguay have to be mentioned as possible upsets, while perennial under-achievers England are likely to be found wanting again.

The African challenge will come from Egypt, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal and Tunisia. The continent, despite its wealth of talent, has never managed to qualify a team beyond the quarter-finals. The three countries to have sneaked into the last eight are Cameroon (1990), Senegal (2002) and Ghana (2010). This time, Egypt, with the inspirational Mohamed Salah leading the attack, and a talented Senegal, with Liverpool’s Sadio Mané and Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly, probably have the best chance of getting out of the group stages.