FIFA World Cup 2018 : Preview( Group C & Group D)
- Arpan Bhattacharjee
- Jun 11, 2018
- 5 min read
With the FIFA World Cup around the corner, we here at FT have made sure that you guys have the utmost knowledge and insights of the proceedings in Russia. The FIFA World Cup brings together different nations with their supporters and features some of the best players of the game in action.
In a four part series, we’ve got your back as we preview each group and their chances this time around.
GROUP C
France: - France are the favourites to win their group and when you actually look at their squad, you realize why. Any nation that has the ability to leave the likes of Rabiot and Anthony Martial out must have immense squad. France has won the World Cup once with Didier Deschamps as their captain. Now manager, Deschamps has the responsibility to get the best out of this super talented squad. A lot has been made out of his slow and possession based style of play and him favouring some of the workmen like players over the flair ones. Although, with the new addition of Mbappe and Dembele in the side this French side could go all the way.
Most Valuable Player:- Paul Pogba
France has amazing strikers and wingers. They also have great defenders. In midfield, the only creative spark comes from the United midfielder, Paul Pogba. Deschamps played a midfield 3 of Pogba ,Matuidi and Sissoko in the EURO 2016 Final against Portugal. Although this time with the inclusion of N’golo Kante and Corentin Tolisso in the squad, France have a complete midfield to complement their attack and defence.
Peru:- Peru made their first appearance in the year 1982 and have somehow made it to the 2018 World Cup. Out of their 20 games, Peru has won 8 and drew 6 with the remaining games being losses. Manager Ricardo Gareca has got the Peruvians playing an exciting brand of football. Peru have scored the 3rd most number of goals in the qualifying stages from the South American Confederation. The average height of the team being 5 ft 8inches, Los Incas has a tendency in conceding set piece goals.
Most Valuable Player: - Paolo Guerrero
Peru captain Paolo Guerrero is back from the dead as his ban from the World Cup has been lifted. Guerrero was found with samples of cocaine in his blood but has stated that it was due to the consumption of tea that contained the drug. Guerrero, 34, plays from Brazilian Giants Flamengo and has scored 34 times in 88 games for Peru. Also, wide man Edison Flores has been crucial for Peruvians as well.
Denmark: - This is Denmark’s 5th World Cup qualification and they beat Ireland to get into the tournament in their last qualifying match. Currently managed by former Manchester City player Åge Hareide, Denmark has a strong and gritty defensive structure. Danish striker Nicklas Bendtner misses the World Cup through injury but Ajax forward Kasper Dolberg might have enough in him to replace the former Arsenal man.
Most Valuable Player: - Christian Eriksen
Hands down the best player in this team, Christian Eriksen scored 11 goals in 12 games to give Denmark their place in Russia. Manager Åge Hareide, believes the Tottenham man can work his magic on his own and has a structure with Eriksen devoid of all defensive responsibilities.
Australia:- Australia start their World Cup run this time against the mighty France and have a very competitive group to play in. Former Netherland and Borussia Dortmund manager Bert van Marwijk, likes 4-2-3-1 system for the Socceroos. Huddersfield star Aaron Mooy and captain Mile Jedinak add creativity and steel to that midfield. Australia’s best run in a World Cup ended in a Round of 16 tie in 2006 against Italy, who went on to lift the trophy.
Most Valuable Player: - Tim Cahill
Yes, he’s still there!! Tim Cahill at 38 is still Australia’s talisman and scored 10 goals during the qualifying stages to get the Socceroos to Russia. This is Cahill’s fourth World Cup and surely the last one.
GROUP D
Croatia: - Croatia made their debut in 1998 and have managed to hold on to that as they qualified for the 4th time in such a short span. The Croatians were unlucky as they were knocked out in the group stages in the 2014 World Cup in a tough group comprising of the likes of Brazil and Mexico. With players like Mario Manzukic and Kalinic up front and Perisic ,Rakitic, Brozovic and Kovavic in the middle, Croatia have an amazing opportunity in front of them . Mandukic has played mostly on the wings for Juventus in the past couple of seasons, but is no stranger to scoring goals.
Most Valuable Player: - Luka Modrich
Possibly best midfielder in the world right now, Luka Modrich joins the World Cup squad after winning his 4th Champions League in 5 years. With an amazing passing ability and brilliant ability to read the game, Croatia have a maestro in their midfield to dominate games of football.
Nigeria: - Nigeria has much more to their squad than just an amazing World Cup kit. With players like Victor Moses, Ahmed Musa, Kelechi Iheanacho and John Obi Mikel, Nigeria have solid squad and definitely have the firepower to cause an upset. Currently ranked 47, Nigeria beat the likes of Algeria and Zambia to themselves to Russia. Under Salisu Yusuf, the Super Falcons defeated an Argentina side 4-2 few months back, further showcasing their strength.
Most Valuable Player: - Alex Iwobi
Arsenal youngster Alex Iwobi is a star for Arsenal and the African side. Since his debut in 2015, Iwobi has featured 19 times for the Super Eagles scoring 5 goals. At Arsenal, Iwobi had a meagre 10 goal contribution in 39 games last season. With Arsene Wenger leaving, Iwobi has to impress his new manager Unai Emery. Good performances for Nigeria will definitely help his cause.
Argentina:- Argentina are favourites to win their group as the 2 time World Champions make the World Cup for the 17th time. Argentina have a very strong attack with the likes of Aguero, Dybala, Higuain, Di Maria. Argentina appointed former Sevilla manager Jorge Sampaoli who took over the charge from Alejandro Javier Sabella. Sampaoli made a huge call leaving Internazionale captian Maoro Icardi back home as his side is stacked with attacking talent. Problems for Argentina lie elsewhere. Midfield and defence is a big weakness for La Albiceleste. Players like Nicolas Otamendi and Marcos Rojo are not among the world elite and Argentina still rely on a 34-yr-old Javier Mascherano to screen their defence. Argentina scored a meagre amount of 19 goals in the qualifying stages most of which came from a little magician.
Most Valuable Player:- Lionel Messi
Possibly the most valuable football player in the world, Messi has carried Barcelona to a League and Cup double last season. With 45 goals in the previous campaign, the most by any player in Europe, Messi is in scintillating form. Messi scored 7 of Argentina’s 19 goals is a captain leading from the front. With every possible trophy in his bag at club level, a trophy with his national team is his priority. Possibly his last World Cup, Messi is determined to end on a high.
Iceland: - Everyone loves an underdog story and Iceland are definitely in that criteria. Making their debut in a FIFA tournament for the first time, Iceland are the ultimate underdogs for the World Cup. With their amazing run at the Euros, Strákarnir okkar would want to cause an upset this time around as well. Part-time dentist Heimir Hallgrímsson managed to get the best out of the team at the Euros and would like to do the same in Russia. With a meagre population of 348,580, Iceland have done brilliantly to get themselves to Russia.
Most valuable Player: - Gylfi Siggurdsson
Glyfi Siggurdsson cost $45miilion as Everton wanted to build a team around the creative midfielder. With amazing set piece ability and an eye for a goal, Siggurdsson has what it takes to carry this team on his shoulders. Siggurdsson started 39 matches scoring 6 goals nad assisting 5 times for the Merseyside club.
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