'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
We are just one month away from the grandest and biggest football show on Earth, FIFA World Cup. As the quadrennial event kicks-off on June 14th, the entire world will shift their focus to Russia.
The bragging rights are at stakes. Teams will try to hoist their national flag proud and high. New heroes will emerge, and old stars will fade away. This year's FIFA World Cup will be no different from that.
The 21st edition of FIFA World Cup will witness intense battles between countries. Some try to take the ultimate revenge, while others vie to keep their dominance intact.
Many World-Class players have graced this pitch and have sent the fans into fairylands with their mesmerising spell of magic.
But, for a few players, they are going to play in their last World Cup. Without further ado, let's take at who they are.
#10 Diego Godin
The no-nonsense central defender has featured for the Uruguayan national team in the FIFA World Cup 2010 and 2014. He has been playing for the La Celeste since 2005 and has already featured in 116 games.
He played a pivotal role for Uruguay in the FIFA World Cup 2010, where they finished fourth. Godin played five matches for Uruguay and guarded their defense. In 2014, he captained Uruguay in three matches, but the team ended up losing in the Round of 16.
Uruguay is clubbed with Egypt, Russia and Saudi Arabia in Group A. They are the favourites to top the group, and they could certainly do it with a decent performance. Godin is already 32 and this could be his last World Cup.
Uruguayan team will try to send their captain with a memorable performance in the World Cup.
The team needs Godin to secure their defense from the vulnerabilities. The immense experience Godin has will help Uruguay to a certain extent. He is still one of the vital cogs in their arsenal and hence, the team wants him to rise to the occasion.
Godin is just eight games away from equalling Maxi Pereira's record of most caps for the national team, and he could certainly break it before the end of World Cup, given they get three or more friendlies.
#9 Tim Cahill
Australia's legend. Is there a more precise word to describe him? Certainly, No.
The former Everton attacker is set to play in his last World Cup. Cahill is already 38, and strong criticisms have already arisen for including him in the World Cup squad (Provisional Squad)
He is currently playing for Millwall.F.C in the English Football's second-tier league. Australia are clubbed with Denmark, France and Peru in Group C.
Australia are the underdogs in their group, hence it needs complete dedication and experience. Cahill boasts immense experience and it will surely benefit the Australians in the World Cup.
His inclusion into the World Cup will make Australia look lethal in the air, as well as in the box. Cahill's aerial ability is world-class. His presence will also make them dangerous in set-pieces.
He's already made 105 appearances for Australian National Team and has scored 50 times.
#8 Pepe
The reigning champions of Europe, Portugal are all set to clinch the FIFA World Cup this time.
The team displayed a splendid show in Euro 2016, where they were crowned as the champions of Europe. Santos and Co. hope they could replicate that show in Russia.
Their Achilles Heel is their defence and Netherlands exposed it in a recent friendly. Portugal would want Pepe to be present in their defence and prevent opposition attacks.
Portugal's defence relies much on Pepe. Their defence is an ageing one. The former Real Madrid defender is the most experienced and vital figure in their defence.
Portugal are blessed with tremendous attackers. So, to keep the momentum going, they want to reinforce their defence and Pepe could be the man for it.
Pepe was the 'Man of the Match' in the Euro 2016 final against France and Portugal hope he could replicate that performance once they set their foot on the pitch in the renovated stadiums in Russia.
Pepe has already made 91 appearances for Portugal national team and is 35-years-old. And, obviously, FIFA World Cup Russia is going to be his final World Cup.
Portugal want their loyal defender to stop the opponents with his toughness and compactness, once more, for one last time in Russia.
#7 Javier Mascherano
The former Barcelona defender is one of the vital cogs in Argentina's defence. The Riverplate academy product is a reliable option at the back for Argentina. His experience will help Argentina keep defensive steadiness in the upcoming Russian World Cup.
Mascherano is 33 and is never going to make a cut in any of Argentina's future World Cup squads after this quadrennial event. Mascherano has already made 142 appearances for Argentina.
Argentina have got a relatively easier group and could easily advance to the knock-out rounds if they move cautiously and Mascherano has a bigger part to play there.
Their team is star-studded. With the likes of players like Messi, Aguero, Higuain etc to don their colours, they're one of the favourites to clinch the cup.
But, their defence is a bit weaker. The Spanish troop exposed it in their recent thrashing, where Argentina lost 6-0. Things need to get rectified and bolstered before the World Cup.
A determined performance from Mascherano could help them overcome this crisis. Masche's last-ditch tackles are world-class.
His commanding presence at the back is must for Argentina, if they're aiming one step ahead in this World Cup.
#6 Vincent Kompany
Belgium are the dark horses in this World Cup and are among the strong contenders to clinch it.
Blessed with talent everywhere, from Thibaut Courtois between the sticks to Eden Hazard up front, Belgium have got a herd of players of great calibre.
With Lukaku, Hazard and Batshuayi in the arsenal to unleash the attacks, with De Bruyne, Fellaini in the midfield to command the game and with Vincent Kompany, Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld at the defense, Belgium are all set to make sure they leave no stones unturned.
Of all the aforementioned, Kompany will likely be playing in his last World Cup. The defender is already 32-years-old and have tough competitions from his teammates for the starting position.
The Manchester City defender has had a quite fantastic journey with Manchester City (though he was benched for the most part of the season in 2017-18 ) and will aim to continue it with Belgium.
Kompany is adept at dismantling his opposition. The Belgian defender is a robust presence at the back.
He is dominant in the air and his aerial prowess is second to none. He is also a good distributor and he will have a role to play in Belgium's buildup.
#5 Gonzalo Higuain
The former Real Madrid player has been performing with consistency for Juventus this season, but have faced the wrath of Argentina fans many times.
However, Higuain has got a unique opportunity to prove them all wrong with a spectacular show in the upcoming World Cup.
Higuain has made 70 appearances for Argentina and has bagged 31 goals to his name. However, Sampaoli has chosen a strong squad for the World Cup and Higuain will certainly have to face tough competitions from the teammates to ensure a place in the starting eleven.
Higuain is one of the best strikers in the world and has lots of things to do for Argentina in this World Cup.
He is a prolific goalscorer and is a real threat during counter-attacks. He has a strong physique and is good at aerial battles.
His presence in vital for Argentina. As Messi doesn't have incredible abilities in the air and is weaker in physique, Argentina will want Higuain to do that work for the nation.
For Higuain, the man who has done so much for Real Madrid and Juventus, it is a "do or die" situation. If he survives, he will be heralded as a hero, else as a villain.
#4 Luka Modric
Much of Croatia's expectations are on Real Madrid's midfield engine, Luka Modric. Croatia have only missed one World Cup since their debut in the 1998 FIFA World Cup, where they finished third.
Modric has featured in the FIFA World Cup for Croatia in 2006 and 2014, but he couldn't help them qualify to the knock-out stages, but as the ball rolls in Russia, Croatia and Modric are determined to dazzle the audience.
The 32-year-old has played a massive 104 times for the Croatian Senior team and has netted eight goals.
With Ivan Rakitic up in the midfield to help him, Modric will be planning to form a dominant midfield force that could give life to Croatia's hopes.
He will also have to do the defensive duties for Croatia. Modric is known as an excellent tackler and an accurate passer.
Croatia are given a tough nut to crack in the upcoming World Cup. Grouped with Argentina, Iceland and Nigeria, they will have to work harder to achieve their dream and hence, Modric has a more crucial role to play.
As aforesaid, he's 32 now. So, chances for Modric playing in another World Cup are bleak. So, this could be his last World Cup.
#3 Thiago Silva
After clinching the FIFA World Cup in 2002, the five-time World Cup winners have never been able to repeat that feat.
Brazil hosted the recent World Cup and had a smooth journey until Germany ripped them apart in the semi-finals.
That memory still haunts Brazil. And they'll be looking to forget that by clinching it this term, and by taking a revenge against Germany if a possible tie comes up.
Thiago Silva was not available for selection against Germany in the semi-final four years ago. The Paris Saint Germain captain will take the centre-back role to protect Brazil from the opponents in Russia.
Since experienced teammates like Dani Alves and David Luiz are out of their squad for the World Cup, Silva has a more important role in the defence and team.
Silva is one among the only six players from the FIFA World Cup 2014 squad to have made the cut into their new squad for the upcoming world cup. So, the responsibilities, he has, are enormous.
Brazil wants him to exert confidence among his peers and to act as a leader on and off the pitch. Brazil wants him to guard their defence and as well as to motivate the teammates.
The vast experience the PSG captain has is sure a positive note for Brazil. This is the stage where players will feel intense pressure and Brazil hopes Silva could deliver the performance in the biggest stage.
Silva has already made 68 appearances for Brazil. He's 33-years-old and finding a spot in the squad after this World Cup will be difficult for Silva.
#2 Andres Iniesta
The magician. The loyal servant of beautiful football. Football will forever remember Iniesta's that goal which helped Spain conquer the World of football, for the first time.
One of the greatest products La Masia have had, Andres Iniesta is player a who has bedazed us with his talent.
Iniesta is all set to parcel his bags from the Camp Nou and is planning to spend the rest of his career in Asian leagues.
As Spain look to reclaim their lost glory in the International stages, Iniesta and Co. will give everything that would help them reestablish.
Spain have a stern challenge from Portugal in the Group B. The European neighbours will go head-to-head and will rekindle the fierce rivalry.
Iniesta has a massive role in this team too. The Magician will have to orchestrate the play for Spain in this World Cup too.
Iniesta still has, the ability to dictate the games, left in him. If Iniesta could thread passes to the attackers and command the play, Spain's dream of reclaiming the lost throne won't be a dream.
Moreover, Spain will be urged to give Iniesta and many others a befitting farewell for the service they provided throughout their career.
Iniesta has made 125 appearances for Spain and has scored 13 goals.
#1 Sergio Ramos
Another no-nonsense defender in the list. Sergio Ramos is arguably the best defender of this time.
Ramos has played three World Cups for Spain and was really impressive in the 2010 World Cup, which they won. Ramos' solidity at the back helped Spain keep five clean sheets.
He was also in the squad that won the Euro Cup in 2008 and 2012. Since the retirement of Michel Salgado, he has been Spain's first choice Centre-back and has been doing that job with perfection.
In this Russian World, he will have the duty to protect Spain's defence along with FC Barcelona defender Gerrard Pique.
Ramos has been impressive for Real Madrid this season. Even though the Madrid endured a tough campaign in the La Liga, Ramos was one of their key players and was a star performer.
As Spain plans to conquer the World once again, Ramos will take a leading role. The versatile defender has to protect Spain's defence from destructions and will have to contribute a little to their attack, like those bullet headers.
He also needs to act as a commanding leader for the Spanish crew and his experience will surely serve the purpose. A replica of his best performances is enough to take Spain back to the ultimate glory.
This will likely be his last World Cup for Spain, given he is 32-years-old, just like Iniesta. He has worn the Spanish jersey for 151 times and has scored 13 goals. Yes, he is a goal-scoring defender.
