World Cup Preview Group A
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The 2018 FIFA World Cup is just around the corner. After a great display at the 2014 rendition, the
Group A - Russia, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Uruguay
Russia
Odds to win: 30-1
Finish in 2014 WC: 3rd in Group H
Most Important Player: Captain Keeper Igor Akinfeev will have the opportunity to make a difference for the squad. In a group with such attacking options (Salah, Suarez, Cavani), keeping clean sheets will be a MUST. However, I think their most important player will be Aleksandr Kokorin. They 26 year-old Zenit striker leads their attacking line. With 48 international appearances at such a young age, #9 will have to be on his game and firing on all cylinders to keep his country on the front foot. He currently has 10 goals in 20 appearances in the Russian League, tied atop the leaderboard.
Why they have a chance to win: Home court advantage. Playing a World Cup at home is unlike any other experience. Just ask the previous 10 hosts. Only one host has failed to make it out of the group stage, (South Africa), but let’s be honest Tshabalala’s goal should have been enough to win that group. Of the others, 6(!!!) have finished in the medal round. With the crowd being behind the team in every game, I give Russia a good chance to at least make it out of the group stage. Once they advance past the group, anything can happen.
Why they don’t have a chance to advance past the group stage: The vast majority of the Russian squad plays in the Russian League. Not known for their fantastic quality, these players could struggle coming up against some really good sides. The roster is also full of relatively new players. Only 1 defender has more than 20 caps, and such inexperience could be their downfall. Did I mention no one on the roster has more than 12 goals for their country?
Saudi Arabia
Odds to win: 1000-1 (Tied for lowest odds)
Finish in 2014 WC: Have not qualified since 2006
Most Important Player: I have to be honest, I don’t know a lot about this Saudi Arabian team. Having this be their first chance back at the World Cup in 12 years...and to be placed into this group? Not a great setup for them to get very far. I am going to go with Mohammad Al-Sahlawi. The 31 year-old striker is scoring just under 1 goal/game for his country, and already has a century of goals for his current club Al-Nassr. Look for him to be the focal point of the team going forward.
Why they have a chance to win: There is an element of surprise with this KSA team, mainly because no one has any clue how they qualified. A last ditch win versus group leader Japan, as well as a better goal differential than the Aussies secured Saudi Arabia a place in the World Cup. They are unknown and could surprise a few teams.
Why they don’t have a chance to advance past the group stage: Three losses in qualifying doesn’t look great, especially one coming against the United Arab Emirates (FIFA ranked 78). They have one of the weakest domestic leagues, as well as a few rostered players that currently do not have clubs. I think they will be the punching bag for the other three teams in the group, and an easy three points.
Egypt
Odds to win: 150-1
Finish in 2014 WC: Have not qualified since 1990
Most Important Player: Mohamed Salah. The dude has the second most goals in the Premier League for Liverpool, lead his country to the African Cup of Nations final. The #10 has the pace and finesse to weave in and out defenders, and until recently was seen mainly as a bust. This breakout season for Liverpool has cemented the Egyptian as one of the best attackers in the league. Look for him to take games over and probably lead his team in goals.
Why they have a chance to win: Mo Salah is good enough to take this team through to the Knockout round. He bullies some of the best defences in the Premier League, no reason he couldn’t do the same thing against teams like Russia and Saudi Arabia. If the rest of the team starts to click, and feeds off of their energy from the qualifying rounds, this team could be a surprise someone in the Round of 16!
Why they don’t have a chance to advance past the group stage: Even after Salah led his team to the African Cup of Nations, they fell short to a Cameroon side that only had two, real quality players in Nkoulou and Vincent Aboubakar (they both scored) ((Also the Aboubakar 88’ winner was WILD)). This team is one important injury from crashing and burning out of the group stage.
Uruguay
Odds to win: 25-1
Finish in 2014 WC: Round of 16
Most Important Player: Most people would agree that Luis Suarez is the star of the this squad. Proven winner, on the *arguably* best club team in the world, scores goals for fun. However, I think for Uruguay to make a real run in this summer’s tournament, his compatriot Edinson Cavani, needs to step his international game up. Currently En Feugo, Cavani has 26 goals in 28 appearances across all competitions for PSG. Which is even crazier when you think about who else is doing the goal-scoring on that team (Neymar, Mbappe,Di Maria). If he can have a better World Cup than in 2014, when he finished with 1 goal and 1 assist, Uruguay could go deep this summer.
Why they have a chance to win: Finishing second in CONMEBOL qualifying is no small feat. With Argentina, Colombia, Peru, and Chile all finishing within 5 points of La Celeste, it was a battle until the last matchday. The veteran attacking duo of Cavani and Suarez, who are both set to eclipse 100 caps this year, will look to push their country to a better finish than in 2014, when they were knocked out by dark horse and continental rival, Colombia.
Why they don’t have a chance to advance past the group stage: This attacking powerhouse nation struggles in their midfield and backline. In their last big CONMEBOL qualifying matchup against Paraguay, they fielded 8 players over the age of 30. Their age could slow down their chances, especially if those tired legs begin to log minutes.
Group A:
Group A:
4TR Sports Predicts
2. Egypt
3. Russia
4. Saudi Arabia
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