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After 868 games between 209 teams that spanned more than two years, the 32 titans are ready and waiting to make their mark at the FIFA World Cup 2018, to be held in Russia. With just seven days left for the footballing extravaganza, the excitement levels are increasing exponentially. Thanks to a new pre-draw distribution of teams, the 2018 tournament will be without the long-standing World Cup culture - the 'Group of Death'
In the previous tournaments, qualified teams were divided into four pots, with Pot A holding the top seven teams in the FIFA rankings and the host, and the other three pots divided by federation. That led to the formation of groups that contained two to three powerhouses, like the last time, when three former World Cup champions, England, Italy, and Uruguay, were all drawn into the same group. Of course, it was Costa Rica who managed to best the three in the last edition.
While the new system may mean the draws are fairer than in previous tournaments, it also means not as much group-stage excitement. Yet, there are a few games that one should keep an eye out for, which might turn out to be World Cup classics.
Spain vs. Portugal - June 15
Dubbed as the Iberian derby, this is one of the most fiercely contested games on the international stage. The last time these two sides met in an international tournament was 6 years ago, when Spain beat Portugal, 4-2 on penalties, in the semifinals of Euro 2012 which they went on to win. One of the most eagerly awaited clashes of the tournament is when the reigning Euro 2016 champions take on the former world champions and favorites, Spain on June 15.
While Spain are hailed as favourites, it would be foolish to write off Portugal, who showed the world what they could do in Euro 2016. Limping into the knockouts of the competition, Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal ripped through the knockout-stages, eventually beating the hosts France in the finals to record a memorable triumph.
Egypt vs. Uruguay - June 15
The Pharaohs take on the Uruguayans in their opening match of the tournament. Much of the pre-tournament buzz has been about Salah, who is racing against time to be fit for the World Cup opener, as he recovers from a dislocated shoulder he suffered in the UEFA Champions League final, which Real Madrid won 3-1.
Uruguay, on the other hand, will be at full strength, hoping to make a mark after their bitter elimination in the 2014 World Cup. They will be spearheaded by PSG's Cavani and Barcelona's Suarez, along with the likes of Godin and Jimenez who form a solid defense.
The Egyptians meet Oscar Tabarez’s Uruguay on June 15 at the Ekaterinburg Arena, before games against other Group A teams, Russia and Saudi Arabia.
Argentina vs. Iceland - June 16
This is one of the most intriguing matches in the group stages, as the smallest nation in World Cup 2018 goes up against one of the biggest teams, presenting a 'David vs.Goliath' clash.
Iceland won the hearts of thousands of fans after its Cinderella run to the quarterfinals at the 2016 Euros.
Going up against one of the best attacking teams and the best player in the world, Iceland are the underdogs. But with this Iceland team, anything can happen - just ask England, who were knocked out by the tiny nation in the Euros.
This is football and anything can happen. After all, it was David who came out on top against Goliath.
Argentina vs. Croatia - June 21
Argentina, Croatia, Iceland and Nigeria make up the four teams in Group D, which is expected to be the toughest in the tournament. While on paper Argentina and Croatia look like favourites to clinch the 2 qualifying spots, they will have tough challenges with the other two 'minnows' making it a tightly-contested affair. That is why one of the most crucial games in the tournament is when Argentina take on Croatia.
While Argentina is envied for its attacking prowess, the same can be said about the midfield of Croatia, containing the Real Madrid duo of Luka Modric and Kovacic, and Barcelona's Ivan Rakitic.
Croatia will rely on Mandzukic for some attacking inspiration, while Argentina will hope that Messi can weave his magic yet again. This is a mouth-watering clash that is too close to call.
Belgium vs. England - June 28
The most exciting clash of the group stages of the 2018 FIFA World cup is definitely this one as two dark-horses take on one another to possibly determine the winner of the group. Both the teams boast young, dynamic talents, who will surely grab headlines in the grandest stage of them all.
England will be led by Tottenham's hitman Harry Kane, who is riding on the back of yet another successful domestic season, while Belgium will depend upon the experience of Kompany to take them over the line.
The player battles in this clash are mouth-watering for the fans, as Harry Kane, Sterling and Vardy will go up against Courtois, Kompany and Alderweireld. At the other end, John Stones and Gary Cahill must be on their toes the entire time, as the front line of Hazard, Lukaku and Mertens can punish any team in the world.
