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Millions of football fanatics and admirers of the beautiful game will flock to Russia come June to witness the spectacle that is the FIFA World Cup. As the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow comes to life, the 21st quadrennial tournament would be open for grabs as 32 strong teams battle in a total of 64 matches spread over a month of footballing action in Russia.
However, the team tournament has a history of being a little too over-dependent on individual miracles. While 1986 was Diego Maradona's World Cup and 1974 was owned by Johan Cruyff's intelligence, the upcoming Cup in Russia could possibly a stepping-stone for promising youngsters of today to write their names in the history books forever.
Following a hard-fought qualification campaign, 32 teams would kick off the World Cup in Moscow on 14 June 2018 and the final would be contested at the same venue on 15 July 2018.
Let's have a look at five promising players who will be key in Russia for their respective teams:
#1 Neymar Jr (Forward; Brazil)
As the Brazilian's Paris dream faced a disappointing end, Neymar would be gunning to aim for glory in the upcoming World Cup. Missing out the semifinals at home against Germany in 2014, Neymar made amends by scoring the winning penalty against the Germans in the Olympic Games in Brazil and would be eyeing to continue his stellar run of form with the Seleção.
Brazil is the strongest contender, alongside Germany, to lift the trophy in the Luzhniki Stadium and Neymar couldn't ask for a better setting to take revenge against the Germans.
The former Barcelona forward moved to Paris in the summer of 2017 as he reportedly ventured on a path to individual glory and a World Cup success under his belt would resurrect Neymar's name among the top players in Modern Football.
Brazil have a highly talented and strong squad and under Tite, the Selecao have been virtually unbeatable. Losing just one match in their Qualification campaign, the Yellows easily made it to Russia and shall be ready to do the dirty and difficult task in the main event.
Brazil's team chemistry and attacking prowess would be highly significant in their bid for glory. Can Neymar achieve greatness in Moscow?
#2: Samuel Umtiti (Defender; France)
The French are undoubtedly among the favourites to lift the Jules Rimet Trophy. With a prolific attacking lineup consisting of Antoine Griezmann, Dembele, Kylian Mbappe, Olivier Giroud and Kingsley Coman, the French are sure to rally up a gigantic pile of goals at the main event in Russia but their defensive weakness and a lack of experience could prove to be costly as the competition progress.
However, the runner-ups of the Euro 2016 have a solution in the face of the Blaugrana central defender, Samuel Umtiti. After making a breakthrough during the European championships at home soil in 2016, Umtiti quickly rose up the ranks at the Nou Camp, moving past experienced defenders like Javier Mascherano and Thomas Vermaelen.
Forming half of the defensive duo with Gerard Pique, Umtiti has been central to Barcelona's defensive solidarity under Ernesto Valverde.
A strong contender to be included in this season's best XI, Samuel Umtiti is France's best chance to aim for World Cup success in Russia as they are often troubled by a lack of defensive strength. Teaming up with Varane, Umtiti could possibly be a humongous reason behind France's potential success in Moscow. Can Umtiti continue his stellar run of form?
#3 Mohamed Salah (Forward; Egypt)
Nothing seems easy when you are competing with Leo Messi for the title of being the top scorer in the top European leagues, but the Egyptian forward has managed to hold his own and rack up a massive tally of goals to compete with his Argentine counterpart. Drawing up comparisons to Messi, the 25-year-old's stature has risen rapidly in the 2017-2018 season.
Although Egypt, as a team, comes to Russia with considerably low chances of lifting the World Cup, Salah comes high on confidence as an individual. Backed by the support of millions of fans, the Egyptians are highly dependent on Mo Salah for any hopes of lifting the Rimet in Moscow.
Anfield has been a spectator of Salah's genius and talents in the current season, and Jurgen Klopp would back the claim that the forward in truly one of the breakthrough performers of this season, and could possibly take his form to Russia. Egypt starts their World Cup campaign against Uruguay on 15 June at the Central Stadium in Yekaterinburg.
#4 Cristiano Ronaldo (Forward; Portugal)
Cristiano Ronaldo has cemented his name as arguably the greatest finisher in the history of the sport. A fox-in-the-box, Ronaldo is as lethal as it gets in front of the goal. Defending champions of the European Cup, a Ronaldo-led Portugal would be playing in Russia as the underdogs.
With a lack of big names in the Portuguese roster, it is down to the determination of the players and Ronnie's abilities to triumph in Russia.
Ronaldo's exponential revival of form in the 2018 calendar year stands as good news for the hopes of the Portuguese. The forward's talents propelled Real Madrid to the quarterfinals of the UEFA Champions League after a highly talked about tie against Paris was largely judged by Ronaldo's finishing abilities.
Los Blancos might not be at their best to earn bragging rights for collective trophies as a team, however, Ronaldo, tenacious as ever, is always eyeing for ways to improve himself as a goal-scorer.
A show of strength in Russia could reignite Cristiano's claim of being among the greatest players to ever touch a ball in the modern era. Can Portugal continue their dream run and count upon their European success on the global stage? Only time and Cristiano Ronaldo can tell.
#5 Lionel Messi (Forward; Argentina)
When a man who is arguably the greatest footballer to ever grace the pitch with his presence certifies the claim that the upcoming World Cup could possibly his last attempt to clinch major silverware for his national side, fans know for sure that they are in for a treat.
Leo Messi has clinched every possible trophy there is with Barcelona in European football and has etched his name on top of the football hall of fame, but luck has played a major role in denying La Pulga a major international breakthrough.
Sucumbbing in four finals, three of which were in a row, Messi gave up any chances of lifting an international trophy until Argentina as a whole pleaded him to represent their colours in Russia.
After pulling off a magisterial performance against Ecuador in Argentina's final qualification match, the Messiah drove the White and Blues to Russia when they were on the brink of not even making it to the big stage.
Playing football at a level that has been incredible even by his high standards, Messi has been really firing this season with Barcelona. As Barcelona sit comfortably on top of the Spanish League and are favourites for the Champions League, Messi is already eyeing for the Summer Festival in Russia.
Messi's road to glory starts on June 16 against debutants Iceland in Moscow, a city he dreams to lift the coveted trophy in.
"I visualise being in Moscow on July 15, playing in the final, winning it and raising the trophy." - Leo Messi
Top scorer of the Spanish League, Leo Messi has been instrumental as ever for the Blaugrana and asserts a rightful claim to clinch another Player of the Year award for his heroics.
After ending his curse of not scoring against Chelsea, Argentine fans could rightly expect the Messiah to break his curse of not winning a major trophy for the national team. As Del Potro rightly said, Football needs Lionel Messi to win the World Cup.
