European favourites: Germany, Spain and France

Germany: With 10 wins in 10 games, Germany set a perfect record in World Cup qualifiers. They now look hot favourites to defend their title under coach Joachim Low. Their key player is Toni Kroos, who inspires his team-mates from the midfield with his intelligence, precision and composition to go forward. Timo Werner is another player who possesses fascinating finishing skills and has guided Germany to Confederations Cup victory last year. Other than them, Low has an unrivalled depth of talent to choose from.

Spain: The managerial change from Vicente del Bosque to Julen Lopetegui has reinvigorated the Spanish side that was in clear decline after failing to defend their World title in 2014 and European crown in 2016. With goalkeeper David De Gea, Sergio Ramos, Gerard Pique, Alvaro Morata, Andres Iniesta, Marco Asensio and Isco at their disposal,Spain remains one of the most fearsome teams in the world who can turn the tables on any opponent.

France: France are among the favourites to win the competition 20 years after their first and only triumph. Coach Didier Deschamps has impressive players to select from, which include the likes of Paul Pogba, Antoine Griezmann, Ousmane Dembélé and Kylian Mbappé.

South American contenders: Brazil and Argentina

Brazil: Brazil look revitalised under coach Tite and were the first team to qualify for Russia. Neymar, Gabriel Jesus, Casemiro, Philippe Coutinho and Paulinho are capable of snatching victory from the jaws of defeat. Jesus took Manchester City to English Premier League victory this year and is considered to be the best rising talent in the world.

Argentina: A team featuring Lionel Messi can never be ignored. Argentina will be relying heavily on its left-footed magical forward to turn things in its favour. Football pundits believe Messi has to win a World Cup to go down in history as the best player of his era, if not of all time.

Other than Messi, the spotlight will be on Paolo Dybala who took Juventus to the quarter-finals of the Champions League this year where they lost to Real Madrid. He is often compared to Messi owing to his dribbling, passing and shooting technique.

Italy, Netherlands and Chile to be missed

The biggest shock of the current edition is the absence of four-time former world champion Italy. The Azzurri, which is the nickname for the Italy’s national football team, failed to catch the Russia-bound bus after losing the World Cup qualifying match 0-1 against Sweden. This is the third occasion that the World Cup will be played without the Azzurri. Earlier, they were not there when they refused to play the inaugural tournament in 1930 and failed to qualify in 1958.

Two other soccer powerhouses which will not be seen in Russia after failing to win their qualifiers are Netherlands and Chile.

Mohamed Salah

With 32 English Premier League goals and 11 UEFA Champions League goals in the 2017-2018 season under his belt, all eyes were expected to be on the Egyptian player Mohamed Salah.

The 25-year-old suffered ligament damage to his shoulder after a fall while tackling Sergio Ramos during Liverpool’s 3-1 defeat to Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League final in Kiev on May 26.

After getting injured, Salah posted a Twitter message saying: “It was a very tough night, but I’m a fighter. Despite the odds, I’m confident that I’ll be in Russia to make you all proud. Your love and support will give me the strength I need.”

The Egyptian football association on the other hand has confirmed that Salah will be in the World Cup and will not be absent for more than three weeks.

Messi, Neymar and Ronaldo

The three giants have so far not been instrumental in leading their respective countries Argentina, Brazil and Portugal to glory. They have claimed almost all major trophies in their careers while playing for major clubs like FC Barcelona, Manchester United and Real Madrid, but what they miss is a World Cup trophy. Only Messi was able to take Argentina to the final of the 2014 edition where they lost to Germany.

Awards

There are going to be many awards presented in the tournament.

Golden Ball: It is given to the best player of the tournament. The FIFA technical committee shortlists the players and the representatives of the media vote for the best player. Lionel Messi of Argentina won the award in 2014.

Golden Boot:

This is presented to the top goal scorer. James Rodriguez of Colombia claimed it at the last edition.

Golden Glove:

The best goalkeeper is recognised by the FIFA Technical Study Group with this. Manuel Neuer of Germany won it in Brazil.

Best Young Player: This award is given to the player below 21 years of age, based on online voting. Paul Pogba of France grabbed it on the previous occasion.

The FIFA Fair Play Trophy: is offered to one of the teams reaching the second round. Colombia is its current holder.

Man of the Match: At the conclusion of every match, a player is selected for this on the basis of an online poll on FIFA’s website. Messi won four of these awards at the Brazil World Cup.

Published in Dawn, Young World, June 9th, 2018