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The most awaited footballing event is just days away from commencing. While the whole world would be looking out for youngsters like Gabriel Jesus, Kylian Mbappe, Paulo Dybala etc, and their spectacular performances to light up the stage, there are other players you should also keep an out for.
This World Cup will feature some of the oldest players to play in the tournament. Do not make the mistake of writing them off yet as their experience could be the turning point for most of the clubs this summer.
The song "Strong Will Continue" perfectly sums up this article.
P.S. This list consists of players who will play in Russia. There are other players who are doubtful to feature and are hence not mentioned in the list.
#8 Willy Caballero (36) - Argentina
Manchester United's number 2 and Argentina's number 1, Sergio Romero has picked up an injury and it mostly seems that he would miss the ticket to Russia this year.
That being said, it seems more and more likely that Chelsea's number 2, Caballero is set to be in the starting 11, who has only played twice for Argentina. He might have never been regarded as a world class keeper, but has shown time and again that he can be a counted upon.
A decent shot-stopper and very good in penalties, Argentina could benefit from him.
#7 Bruno Alves (36) - Portugal
The 36-year-old defender will head into this World Cup as one of Portugal's most experienced players. With 95 caps under his belt, the European Champion would love to cross the 100-mark and it is now or never for him.
Currently playing in the Scottish Premier League for Rangers, Alves has always been a solid defender for his country. The backline of Portugal consists of older players like Pepe (35) and Jose Fonte (34) and their coach, Fernando Santos would be hoping their experience could lead to Portugal having a great run at the tournament or even pulling off another miracle like they did in Euro 2016.
#6 Blas Perez (37) - Panama
One of the most capped players for Panama, the 37-year-old has scored 43 goals in his 116 appearances. His professional career started back in 1998 and has Panama's biggest goal-scoring threat.
This World Cup is probably the last for the forward who has played over a dozen clubs in North and South America in his footballing career.
Panama would be counting on him to score a few goals and get some points in the bag for the first time qualifying Panama.
#5 Felipe Baloy (37) - Panama
Another Panama player to feature in the list is Felipe Baloy. His international career started back in 2001 and just recently crossed the 100-caps mark, currently on 101.
A dependable and a versatile defender who is capable of keeping things under control at the back, Panama would be relying a lot on his experience to try and contain the likes of Harry Kane, Eden Hazard, Romelu Lukaku, etc (easier said than done).
He might not have the pace of an average footballer but he is still a threat when it comes to aerial duels. With Panama making their first-ever World Cup appearance this summer, Baloy would want to make it count and retire on a high.
#4 Tim Cahill (38) - Australia
The Australian football legend, Tim Cahill is set to represent his country at the grand stage for one last time, most likely, this year in Russia.
Cahill has 105 caps under his belt and has scored 50 times, including at the 2006, 2010 and 2014 World Cup.
A phenomenal servant to his country, Cahill may not be the same old player like he back in his prime, but he has kept his fitness level up to the mark and the 38-year-old would fancy his chances of making it to at least the knockout stages this year after being in the group with the likes of France, Denmark, and Peru.
#3 Sergei Ignashevich (38) - Russia
Having spent all his footballing career in Russia, Ignashevich will feel right at home once the tournament kicks off. The defender had announced his retirement from the international team, however, an injured Ruslan Kambolov meant that Ignashevich was called back for one last time, I guess...just never know these days.
He is one of the most experienced defender's Russia has and with 102 caps under his belt, he is also Russia's most capped player of all time.
Though it's highly unlikely, the central defender would love to reach the finals (15th July) a day after he turns 39. Who doesn't like a fairytale?
#2 Rafael Marquez (39) - Mexico
After having retired from club football at the end of the latest season, Marquez plans to retire from international football after this World Cup.
The midfielder's international career began over two decades ago and since then he has earned 143 caps so far. Mexico's greatest-all time footballer, the midfielder has spent several years playing for clubs like Monaco and Barcelona.
The 39-year-old has participated in the 2002, 2006, 2010 and 2014 World Cup and has captained in each of those editions. With this edition being his last, it will surely be an emotional moment for the fans as the player will look to begin a second chapter of his life after this summer.
#1 Essam El-Hadary (45) - Egypt
Yes, you read that right. Essam El-Hadary is set to be the oldest footballer to play at the World Cup ever. The keeper first played for Egypt back in 1996 and since then has been the country's number one for over two decades.
One of the most capped international footballers of all time, the 45-year-old is not known to people outside of Africa. But this summer may change things for him. A tad bit late but "it's never too late" as the saying goes.
His opponents shouldn't be relaxed seeing him in between the sticks as the 45-year-old is still very talented and an exceptionally skilled goalkeeper. No doubt Salah will play a big role this summer, but El-Hadary's influence will also be equally important at Russia.
