FIFA World Cup 2018: A way too early in-depth preview

With two calendar seasons still to go, Elite Sports NY brings the fans a way too early in-depth preview of the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

While a ball won’t be kicked off in the 2018 World Cup until Jun. 14, Friday, the second day of December, marked a significant day for the tournament. The World Cup draw took place at the Kremlin in Moscow, an event that saw the 32 teams participating in this summer’s tournament found out what groups they would participate in.

Here are the results:

Now that the group stage has officially been set, we can begin to look forward to this summer’s contest which will take place in Russia for the very first time.

Here is a way-too-early preview featuring group by group previews, a look at contenders and dark horses, and some of the key players. The best month in football is rapidly approaching, so without further adieu, let’s take a look at the groups.

Group A: Russia, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Uruguay

One of the Groups of Life. The tournament kicks off with the two lowest ranked teams according to FIFA’s coefficients, hosts Russia and Saudi Arabia. Uruguay must be prohibitive favorites in this group given their tournament pedigree and the stars they boast (Luis Suarez, Edinson Cavani, Diego Godin), but the real race should be for second place. High flying Egypt, led by Liverpool’s Mohammed Salah, will be confident of their chances of advancing in their first ever World Cup, but don’t discount the host’s chances of slipping through.

Predictions:
1. Uruguay
2. Egypt
3. Russia
4. Saudi Arabia

Group B: Portugal, Spain, Morocco, Iran

The most exciting fixture of the group stage figures to be Portugal and Spain, as the nations that share the Iberian Peninsula do battle on Matchday 1. You’d figure the winner of that match will go on to win the group, and the loser will finish second; despite a strong qualifying campaign by Morocco and a resilient performance by Iran in 2014, Portugal and Spain enter as overwhelming favorites to advance. There are certainly question marks about each side—how will Portugal play after winning the European Championships 2 years ago, and how will Spain bounce back after a very disappointing 2014 campaign? The first match will be enticing; the outcome of the group shouldn’t be.

Predictions:
1. Spain
2. Portugal
3. Morocco
4. Iran

Group C: France, Australia, Peru, Denmark

What a dream draw for Didier Deschamps and France, who should be aiming for nine points out of nine in the Group stage. France are a trendy pick to win it all, with a young, exciting attacking outfit led by Antoine Greizmann and Kylian Mpappe. Second place should be Denmark’s; Christian Eriksen and Co. certainly have enough firepower to get by Australia and Peru, although the Socceroo’s World Cup experience shouldn’t be overlooked. Peru, surprise entrants after beating Chile to the finish line, will also be an interesting watch. This group, however, is quite clearly France’s to lose.

Predictions:
1. France
2. Denmark
3. Australia
4. Peru

Group D: Argentina, Iceland, Croatia, Nigeria

Argentina won’t be too thrilled about this draw— there are no clear-cut wins in this group, and although the 2014 runners-up will be expected to win their group, it certainly won’t be as easy as they would have liked. Iceland were the surprise package of the Euro’s in 2016, and have a cohesive nature that will be hard to break down. Croatia have tremendous individual talent, highlighted by a strong midfield of Ivan Rakitic, Luka Modric, and Mateo Kovacic, while Nigeria boast several impressive attacking players, including Arsenal’s Alex Iwobi. Argentina should emerge victorious, and Croatia appear to be favorites to advance, especially after a disappointing 2014 campaign.

Predictions:
1. Argentina
2. Croatia
3. Nigeria
4. Iceland

Group E: Brazil, Switzerland, Costa Rica, Serbia

Brazil will also be slightly annoyed by the difficulty of their draw. While they are also overwhelming favorites to advance, there are no easy games in this group. Switzerland are always a tough side to break down, and have steel in the midfield and defense; however, their lack of attacking options limits their upside. Costa Rica were the surprise package of 2014, coming within a penalty shootout of the semi-finals, but they won’t sneak up on anyone like they did in Brazil. Serbia make their return after a one-Cup hiatus, and also pose a chance at advancing. Brazil will win the group, but it should be quite the shootout for second.

Predictions:
1. Brazil
2. Switzerland
3. Costa Rica
4. Serbia

Group F: Germany, Mexico, Sweden, Korea Republic

The Germans, like Brazil and Argentina, have a difficult draw, but considering how difficult their group was in 2014, this shouldn’t cause the defending champions any troubles. Germany are young, deep, and will likely return the majority of their 2014 World Cup winning squad. Mexico look primed to finish second, but their run of being eliminated in the Round of 16 looks likely to continue, as they would likely meet Brazil in the round of 16. Sweden did well to defeat Italy to qualify, and Korea Republic do have some quality (particularly Tottenham’s Heung-Min Son), but Mexico do appear favorites to advance.

Predictions:
1. Germany
2. Mexico
3. Sweden
4. Korea Republic

Group G: Belgium, Panama, Tunisia, England

What a dream draw for England— following a very tough 2014 draw, England have matches against Panama and Tunisia before playing Belgium in the final match of the group. While England are perpetual underperformers at major tournaments, Panama and Tunisia should pose little threat. Belgium are also beatable— Roberto Martinez has not received many plaudits for his management of the team, and Belgium have struggled to impress at their last two major tournaments, despite reaching the quarterfinals twice. The final match of the group stage should decide who is first and who is second, and Belgium’s added boost in quality (particularly, Eden Hazard and Kevin De Bruyne) have the Red Devils in prime position to win the group.

Predictions:
1. England
2. Belgium
3. Panama
4. Tunisia

Group H: Poland, Senegal, Colombia, Japan

Another wide open group. Colombia were ever-so-impressive in Brazil, and Radamel Falcao’s return to form is very encouraging for Los Cafeteros. Poland are the weakest top seed other than Russia, but should have enough firepower to advance. Senegal will be exciting to watch, particularly with Sadio Mane, and Japan are always an interesting side, but it should be Poland and Colombia jostling for top spot.

Predictions:
1. Colombia
2. Poland
3. Senegal
4. Japan

Contenders

Germany: The defending World Champions enter the 2018 tournament as prohibitive favorites. It’s been nearly four years since Mario Gotze scored the Cup-winning goal against Argentina in Rio de Janeiro, and it seems the Germans have only gotten stronger.

Germany’s defense is as solid as ever; Keeper Manuel Neuer is the best at the world at what he does, center backs Jerome Boateng and Mats Hummels are a terrific partnership for club and country, and young defender Joshua Kimmich was among Die Mannschaft’s best performers at Euro 2016.

The midfield is still full of experienced players, such as Toni Kroos and Mesut Ozil, but it’s the attack that really makes Germany dangerous. Young stars like Leroy Sane and Timo Werner combine with established hands such as Thomas Muller and Marco Reus to form one of the most complete attacks around.

Muller, in particular, is a player to watch– he is tied for eighth all-time in career World Cup goals, with ten, despite only featuring at two World Cups. The Bayern Munich forward tallied five times at South Africa 2010 and Brazil 2014.

Overall, this side has no weaknesses and is perfectly mixed with young superstars, and the experienced core that won it all four years ago.

• Best Case Scenario: Champions
• Worst Case: Quarterfinalists
• Players to Watch: Thomas Muller, Toni Kroos, Manuel Neuer
• Breakout Candidates: Leroy Sane, Timo Werner, Leon Goretzka

Brazil: Brazil’s dreams of winning their own World Cup in 2014 were crushed with a 7-1 semi-final defeat to eventual champions Germany, in one of the most terrible sporting days in the nation’s history.

However, four years later, Brazil appear primed for another go at things. Once again, Neymar is central to their hopes and dreams. The world’s most expensive footballer is four years more mature and has a new string of trophies and awards under his belt since the last tournament. He joins Manchester City’s Gabriel Jesus and Liverpool’s Phillipe Coutinho in one of the tournament’s most exciting attacks.

The midfield will benefit greatly from the emergence of Real Madrid iron man Casemiro, while the defense has a good mix of youth and experience, highlighted by Manchester City shot-stopper Ederson.

There are several questions regarding this team: will they be able to erase their demons from four years ago? What formation will they play? Is the defense that allowed a record amount of goals in 2014 really solidified?

Brazil are not as much of a safe bet as they once were due to their recent history, but they are among the most talented teams in the tournament, and it would not be at all surprising to see them lift a record sixth World Cup at summers end.

• Best Case Scenario: Champions
• Worst Case: Quarterfinalists
• Players to Watch: Neymar, Gabriel Jesus, Phillipe Coutinho
• Breakout Candidates: Casemiro, Marquinhos, Ederson

Spain: The 2010 World Champions ignominiously exited the 2014 competition in the Group Stage after back to back opening defeats to the Netherlands and Chile. Both of those sides failed to qualify this time around, and Spain have returned to the top of the footballing mountain.

For the first time in quite some time, Vincente Del Bosque, who led Spain to major tournament victories in 2008, 2010, and 2012, will not be at the helm. New manager Julen Lopetegui has an embarrassment of riches at his disposal, however, as Spain look among the nations most likely to win the World Cup this summer.

Some of the core of the 2010 team is still intact: Sergio Ramos, Andres Iniesta, Gerard Pique, and Sergio Busquets still represent the national team, but a new wave of dynamic world class players have instilled themselves within the squad, such as Isco, David de Gea, and Thiago Alcantara.

One of Spain’s biggest apparent issues is their width, as only one established winger, Pedro, has gotten consistent caps for his country of late. However, Spain’s abundance of central midfielders allow them to maintain control of the ball and set up strikers Alvaro Morata and Diego Costa.

Spain lack the dynamism that Brazil and Germany have, but their technical ability and intelligence is second to none. It would be foolish to ignore Spain’s chances at winning their second World Cup this summer.

• Best Case Scenario: Champions
• Worst Case: Quarterfinalists
• Players to Watch: Andres Iniesta, Isco, David de Gea
• Breakout Candidates: Marco Asensio, Alvaro Morata, Thiago Alcantara

France: France came agonizingly close to winning Euro 2016 on home soil before losing to Portugal in extra time. A silver lining of that defeat, however, was the affirmation that France had returned to a footballing superpower.

No team, not even Germany, possesses the sheer talent and depth that the French are blessed with. They can go two to three deep at nearly every position and have superstars across the entire pitch.

The defense is anchored by the steady hands of Tottenham’s Hugo Lloris, and center backs Raphael Varane and Samuel Umtiti make up a partnership that is as good passing the ball as they are defending it.

The midfield is solidified by two of the world’s best, Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kante, and the attacking power of the French is frightening. Antoine Greizmann, Kylian Mbappe, Anthony Martial, and Ousmane Dembele are just a few of France’s attacking options, and Martial may not even make the 23 man squad. That’s how deep this team is.

The French will have a tough road, no doubt, but they have now played two strong tournaments in a row under Didier Deschamps, and appear primed for another run at glory.

• Best Case Scenario: Champions
• Worst Case: Quarterfinalists
• Players to Watch: Antoine Greizmann, Paul Pogba, N’Golo Kante
• Breakout Candidates: Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, Samuel Umtiti

Argentina: The Argentinians were losing finalists in 2014, as their dreams of winning the World Cup on their archrival Brazil’s soil fell agonizingly short. Four years later, they return much of the core that brought them to the Final, for better or for worse.

This might be Lionel Messi’s last chance to win a World Cup at his peak, something that would likely solidify his legacy as the world’s best ever footballer. He is joined by a prolific attack, with an abundance of world class strikers. The midfield will likely be anchored once again by Barcelona man Javier Mascherano. The defense appears mildly suspect, although Nicholas Otamendi will likely play a big part in the unit’s success.

The worrying thing with Argentina is that, with the exception of Paolo Dybala, there hasn’t been much turnover from a personnel standpoint. While Germany, Brazil, France, and Spain have an influx of new talent, Argentina largely remain the same.

They still have Lionel Messi, however, and that might be all they need to taste World Cup glory after bowing out to Germany three World Cups in a row.

• Best Case Scenario: Champions
• Worst Case: Quarterfinalists
• Players to Watch: Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero, Javier Mascherano
• Breakout Candidates: Paolo Dybala, Leandro Paredes, Erik Lamela

Dark Horses

Belgium: The Red Devils are loaded with talent, but their lack of international success in years past and their shaky defense make them a dark horse.

• Best Case Scenario: Semifinalists
• Worst Case: Round of 16
• Players to Watch: Eden Hazard, Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku
• Breakout Candidate: Yannick Carrasco

England: The Three Lions got a great draw in the group stage, but a quarterfinal date with either Germany or Brazil would likely spell the end to their World Cup aspirations.

• Best Case Scenario: Quarterfinalists
• Worst Case: Round of 16
• Players to Watch: Harry Kane, Raheem Sterling, Dele Alli
• Breakout Candidate: Marcus Rashford

Portugal: The reigning European champions surprised the footballing world once, and could do it again; however, with the introduction of South American giants Brazil and Argentina, it seems unlikely.

• Best Case Scenario: Champions
• Worst Case: Round of 16
• Players to Watch: Cristiano Ronaldo, Pepe, Joao Mario
• Breakout Candidate: Bernardo Silva

Colombia: The breakout side of Brazil 2014, Colombia remain a dangerous attacking unit, but their defense and lack of world class players outside of James and Falcao (and their status as world-class is also questionable) make them firm dark horses.

• Best Case Scenario: Semifinalists
• Worst Case: Round of 16
• Players to Watch: James Rodriguez, Radamel Falcao, Juan Cuadrado
• Breakout Candidate: Edwin Cardona

Uruguay: Luis Suarez and co. were semifinalists in 2010, but a round of 16 date with either Spain or Portugal would be tough to overcome. Additionally, the dynamism of Mo Salah and Russia’s status as hosts suggest that a group stage exit for Uruguay could be in the cards, however unlikely that may be.

• Best Case Scenario: Quarterfinalists
• Worst Case: Group Stage
• Players to Watch: Edinson Cavani, Luis Suarez, Diego Godin
• Breakout Candidates: Jose Giminez

Worth a Watch

Nigeria: An exciting, free-flowing, attacking side that got drawn in a rather difficult group.

• Key Player: Alex Iwobi

Egypt: This African nation’s hopes rest on talisman Mo Salah’s shoulders, but an easy draw could see them advance in their first ever World Cup.

• Key Player: Mo Salah

Mexico: El Tri are always a threat to advance to the Round of 16, but a matchup with Brazil at that interval may prove too difficult a test.

• Key Player: Javier Hernandez

Costa Rica: As previously stated, Costa Rica were a penalty shootout away from the semifinals in Brazil, and the group they conquered in 2014 was far more daunting than the one they face this year.

• Key Player: Joel Campbell

Poland: With the best pure number 9 in World Football and a relatively light group, Poland could make it as far as the quarterfinals if they play their cards right.

• Key Player: Robert Lewandowski

Russia: The hosts got pretty lucky with their draw, and yet are still underdogs to advance to the Round of 16. However, with their nation behind them, advancing out of the group stage remains a possibility. Advancing past Portugal or Spain, however? Not so much.

• Key Player: Aleksandr Kokorin

Predictions

Round of 16:

• Portugal over Uruguay
• Spain over Egypt
• France over Croatia
• Argentina over Denmark
• Brazil over Mexico
• Germany over Switzerland
• England over Poland
• Belgium over Colombia

Quarterfinals:

• France over Portugal
• Brazil over England
• Spain over Argentina
• Germany over Belgium

Semifinals:

• Brazil over France
• Spain over Germany

3rd Place:

• Germany over France

Final:

• Brazil over Spain
• Champions: Brazil
• Golden Ball: Neymar
• Golden Boot: Gabriel Jesus
• Golden Glove: David de Gea
• Best Young Player: Gabriel Jesus

That’s all for now. I’m sure that things will change as we approach June, but for now, all we can do is sit back, enjoy the remainder of the domestic season, and gear up for what should be a thrilling tournament.