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Every time at the World Cup, there are a few surprise packages who step up on the grand stage and take the world by storm. A combination of team spirit, talismanic players and low expectations could propel certain underdogs to a respectable position at the World Cup. We saw the likes of Costa Rica and Colombia surprising many people last time out, with the former winning a group featuring Italy, England and Uruguay. That was some feat.
Teams like Senegal, South Korea, Ukraine and Uruguay have also stepped up in recent years. There will be a few teams who will want to take advantage of fewer eyes on them to really flourish on the global stage. When the entire squad of players is focused on the prize, their hunger and desire could cause problems to many teams in the tournament.
There are so many fantastic players scattered in different teams, strong or weak. Some of them may not be able to lift a nation on their shoulders, while others might. The supporting cast can be as important as the stars after all.
On that note, here are three teams you should watch out for in the World Cup:
#3 Egypt
There is one obvious reason why Egypt could be considered a potential threat in the World Cup in Russia. A national hero and footballing icon has the chance to enter a state of immortality. Although Mohamed Salah injured his shoulder in the Champions League final, he has been included in the Pharaohs’ 23-man squad. The Liverpool superstar will miss Egypt's opening group game against Uruguay, but will likely play a part in the games against Russia and Saudi Arabia.
This is a similar situation to Luis Suarez in 2014. After an excellent season for Liverpool, he suffered an injury which looked like it would ruin his World Cup ambitions. Suarez missed Uruguay's first game in Brazil against Costa Rica but returned with a bang, scoring a brace against England to save his country from certain elimination. Salah could make a similar impact for Egypt when he returns for the last two games. His brilliance helped to propel Liverpool to the Champions League final and with the expectations of an entire nation on his shoulders, he is sure to relish the pressure.
Egypt last qualified for the World Cup in 1990, so this group of players will want to make the most of this opportunity as it may or may not happen again for a while. Their captain is the 45-year-old goalkeeper, Essam El-Hadary. He could set a record for the oldest ever player to play at the World Cup, and this will be his first one. If Egypt’s supporting cast can manage to rise to the astonishingly high-level Salah has been playing at this season, they could possibly surprise a few people. However, it is a tough ask as they will likely have to fight the hosts, Russia, for a place in the knockouts
#2 Poland
Similar to Egypt, there is one obvious star player who will be the key to Poland's chances of success at the World Cup. However, they have more than a capable supporting clan for Robert Lewandowski. The Poles are currently the eighth best national team in the world. They also found it relatively easy to reach the World Cup finals. Poland will fancy their chances in Russia.
They will face Colombia, Japan and Senegal in what should be a straightforward passage to the second round. After that, they might have a spring in their step and produce a surprise or two. If Lewandowski is in the mood for some goals, Poland could be on their way to a great World Cup run.
Exciting young central midfielder Piotr Zielinski could be another integral figure for the Poles in Russia. He is supremely talented and has a bright future, the World Cup could help make it brighter. This side have a lot of goals in them. Therefore if Lewandowski and Zielinski show up all guns blazing in Russia, there is no reason why they cannot go all the way.
#1 Croatia
Croatia have blown hot and cold in recent major tournaments, starting off brightly enough before fizzling away. But now their squad has taken shape in a bigger and better way. Despite losing their captain Darijo Srna to retirement after Euro 2016, the Croats have bounced back well. They have a well-rounded squad with a perfect blend of talent and experience.
Luka Modric is probably the most talented player in his country's history and now he has the experience to make it count as captain of Croatia. He played a big part in winning three consecutive Champions League finals with Real Madrid. His club-mate Mateo Kovacic will join him in midfield, along with the ever consistent Ivan Rakitic. This is an extremely talented pool of Croatian midfielders that have played at the highest level in club football.
Ivan Perisic and Mario Mandzukic will be itching to take the field in Russia as they will want to hit the ground running for their country. Grouped with Argentina, Nigeria and Iceland, Croatia have an opportunity to upset a giant like they did against Spain at Euro 2016 before getting dumped out by Portugal. They could surprise many teams, starting with Leo Messi and co.
Who do you feel are the real dark horses this World Cup? Sound off in the comments section.
