World Cup 2018: Top 5 Group Games to Watch

On paper, the group stage of the 2018 FIFA World Cup may seem like an exercise in futility. Every edition has a 'Group of Death' where heavyweights face off but this edition has seen a more balanced draw.

Nevertheless, with 48 group stage fixtures to play, there are a number of games that will not only decide who tops the group (and gets a relatively easier draw in the knockout stages) but also have the capacity to entertain fans and neutrals alike.

Here are five group stage fixtures that any football fan cannot miss when the World Cup kicks off in Russia.

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#5 Egypt vs Uruguay (15 June)

Egypt and Uruguay face off in the second match of the World Cup and it promises to get the tournament off to a flying start. The two sides are in the same group along with hosts Russia and Saudi Arabia but are favourites to qualify for the Round of 16.

However, the result from this game could set the tone and early pressure to qualify for the knockout stages. And the hopes of the African country now rest on one man to return to action as soon as possible.

Egyptian hero and Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah played only 30 minutes of the Champions League final before he was substituted after injuring his shoulder when battling for the ball with Real Madrid skipper Sergio Ramos.

Salah's diagnosis is that he could make a return to the field before the World Cup. Even Uruguay striker Luis Suarez hoped he would be available having gone through the same with a knee injury prior to the 2014 World Cup.

"Regarding Salah, the reality is that no one is happy when a colleague suffers an injury, even more so when that happens in a match as it did, just before a World Cup," Suarez said at a press conference.

Will Suarez and Cavani lead Uruguay to the top of the group?

"He is in a difficult situation, but I've consistently said I always want to play against the best to demonstrate that Uruguay are better. I would love him to have a good recovery and enjoy the World Cup. He is in the same situation as me four years ago and I don't wish this on anyone."

With veteran coach Oscar Tabarez managing the likes of Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani, they will be up against players such as Salah in attack and the sprightly Mohamed Elneny in midfield, not to mention goalkeeper Mohamed Elneny - the oldest player in World Cup history at 45.

For Uruguay, it could be a warm-up tie for things to come. For Egypt, it is a chance at redemption after qualifying for their first World Cup since 1990 and a chance to put their violent football past behind them.

#4 Poland vs Colombia (24 June)

Can Robert Lewandowski lead Poland to the knockout stages?

Riding on the James Rodriguez wave, Colombia went far in the 2014 World Cup. The midfielder's Golden-Boot-winning heroics saw the South American side breeze through the group stages before falling to Brazil in the quarter-finals.

Poland, on the other hand, are now riding the Robert Lewandowski wave. Having top scored with 16 goals in the World Cup qualifiers, Poland topped their group with 8 wins and only a single defeat.

Having been knocked out of Euro 2016 by eventual champions Portugal only on penalties, the Poles have a point to prove. Lewandowski is not their only threat, though. They are not a one-man team.

With Wojciech Szczesny in goal, defenders Kamil Glik and Lukasz Piszczek, and midfielder Grzegorz Krychowiak, Poland have quite a capable spine.

James Rodriguez and Radamel Falcao will be key to Colombia's chances

However, Colombia have a number of stars to watch out for too. James Rodriguez is undoubtedly still their biggest but bring the likes of forwards Radamel Falcao and Carlos Bacca, defenders Davinson Sanchez and Yerry Mina, and winger Juan Cuadrado into the mix and you get quite a formidable unit.

Both teams will be playing each other in the second fixture so it could well decide who tops the group eventually. Japan and Senegal are no pushovers so this match could be key.

#3 England vs Belgium (18 June)

Harry Kane will be captaining England at the World Cup

With Tunisia and Panama in their group, Belgium and England will be keeping an eye on each other's results in the group stage. And the two sides will meet on the final day of the group stage - quite possibly to see who tops the group.

That is quite crucial for this group as the team that finishes second could face Colombia in the Round of 16. Therefore, both the Red Devils and the Three Lions will go all out for the win.

England have failed in recent World Cups, spectacularly on some occasions. They finished dead last in 2014 in a group with Costa Rica, Uruguay, and Italy while Euro 2016 saw them suffer a humiliating exit at the hands of minnows Iceland.

Belgium will want to improve on a quarter-final finish in the 2014 World Cup and Euro 2016

However, Gareth Southgate has a very capable squad this time and, on paper, they look like a potentially good side that can compete even in the knockout stages. With Harry Kane captaining the squad, the team has a rich mix of youth and experience with the best of the Premier League sides selected.

Belgium, on the other hand, will be looking to improve on their quarter-final finish from 2014. Roberto Martinez has an unbelievable squad from Thibaut Courtois at the back, Jan Vertonghen in defence, Kevin De Bruyne in midfield, and Eden Hazard and Romelu Lukaku in attack.

It promises to be a humdinger of a game.

#2 Argentina vs Croatia (21 June)

Argentina vs Croatia could decide who tops the group

Argentina and Croatia are in a tough group themselves, what with Iceland and Nigeria joining them in Group D. The Nigerian side topped their qualifying group which had African champions Cameroon and a highly-fancied Alegria while Iceland have shown what they are capable of at Euro 2016 and topping their group which had Croatia.

But this Croatian side are a talented bunch. The likes of Luka Modric, Ivan Perisic, Mario Mandzukic and Ivan Rakitic will be leading the charge for the Vatreni. Croatia had beaten Spain to top their group in Euro 2016 before they were knocked out by Portugal.

Argentina may have reached the 2014 final but that may be a step too far this time. The squad is very top heavy with world-class players leading the line - Lionel Messi, Paulo Dybala, Gonzalo Higuain, and Angel Di Maria to name a few.

However, Argentina are weak at the back and were dealt a cruel blow when Sergio Romero was ruled out of the World Cup with a knee injury.

Nevertheless, this is a contest where anything could happen and that is why it is more than just a clash of heavyweights. The result could potentially decide who tops the group as the runners-up may end up facing Spain in the Round of 16.

#1 Portugal vs Spain (15 June)

Portugal vs Spain is the biggest game in the group stage

Day 1 of the World Cup always sees the hosts play the first fixture but Day 2 is arguably the biggest day of the group stage. Apart from Egypt vs Uruguay, we will also see two Iberian sides battle it out in what is the biggest game of the group stage.

Portugal vs Spain is more than just a match. It is a clash of identities - a 'local rivalry' that will now be watched by billions around the globe.

For the two sides, this World Cup means a lot. Spain are trying to recapture their lost glory under new coach Julen Lopetegui while Portugal are looking to use their Euro 2016 triumph to make a case to win the big one.

The fact that they face each other as soon as the tournament kicks off will make this all the more important as they might not get a second chance to top the group. Both teams are expected to beat Iran and Morocco so this fixture will decide who tops the group to avoid a potential Round of 16 clash with Uruguay.

Will Cristiano Ronaldo be able to get the better of the combined forces of his La Liga counterparts Sergio Ramos and Gerard Pique?