FIFA World Cup 2018: 3 teams that can spring a surprise

Football fans all over the world are patiently waiting for the biggest sport’s event. Every 4 years, the FIFA World Cup is held, causing a major frenzy and excitement among fans. This year, it is going to be held in Russia. Sadly, Italy and Netherlands didn’t make it to the upcoming event, but fans are hoping to see an outstanding and entertaining performance from the participants.

Here, we take a look at teams that have the potential to surprise the opponents and reach the latter stages of the tournament

3) COLOMBIA

Columbia along with Poland are the favourites to top group H. They finished third in the Copa America and reached the quarter-finals of the World Cup in Brazil.To be honest, they are not the same team as they were a few years back, but they’re certainly still good enough to make some noise in Russia.

James Rodriguez who won the Golden Boot scoring six goals in the last World Cup will be the key to Columbia's hopes. During the last World Cup, he was at the peak of his ability. At Real Madrid, he never really developed into the star everyone was hoping he would.

However, now that he’s at Bayern Munich one could argue he is their best player and the success of Colombia in this World Cup is completely on his shoulders. He will have help from Juan Cuadrado and Falcao. The team has a very balanced attack going forward although defence is a cause for concern. If they can keep clean sheets and continue to score goals they should have no issue getting through this group.

Manager: José Pékerman

Qualifying Place: 4th in CONMEBOL

Key Player: James Rodriguez, Bayern Munich

Last World Cup: 2014 Brazil, Quarterfinals

2) EGYPT

Mo Salah scored 5 goals in qualifying

Prior to this World Cup qualifying campaign, Egypt hadn’t been in the World Cup since Itaila 1990. They have made it back largely due to Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah.

In Egypt’s second to last game of qualifying, Salah gave the Egyptians the early lead before Congo scored a late equalizer. However, they would get their moment as a penalty was given in stoppage time and Salah, with the entire country counting on him, scored the penalty to send his team to their first World Cup since 1990. He also scored 5 out of their 8 goals in qualifying.

Egypt are having a good run in tournaments. They made the final of the African cup about a year ago. Despite losing, they have shown that they have what it takes. With Russia, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia in this group, I see no reason why Egypt cant win this group.

Manager: Hector Cúper

Qualifying Place: CAF Top of Group E

Key Player: Mohamed Salah, Liverpool

Last World Cup: 1990 Italy, Group Stage

1) Poland

Lewandowski will be key for Poland

The success of Poland in this World Cup will largely rest in the hands of Robert Lewandowski. The Polish striker is definitely among the best in world football. He’s a complete player and very efficient. He scored an astounding 20 goals in qualifying for this tournament which is more than any other- even more than Messi or Ronaldo.

Poland also has a great goalkeeper in Szczensy. He joined Juventus this summer to ultimately replace the great Buffon. He has not had many chances but has put in decent shifts when called upon.

While the Midfield and defence may not be at the highest level; if Lewandowski can score goals and the Szczęsny can keep them out I think Poland will have no problem getting through to the knockout rounds. Poland made the quarterfinals in Euro 2016 and it’s possible they could do it again here in Russia.

Manager: Adam Nawałka

Qualifying Place: Top of UEFA Group E

Key Player: Robert Lewandowski, Bayern Munich

Last World Cup: 2006 Germany, Group Stage