World Cup Preview: Group A
SteemSports Presenter:@thesportsguy
SteemSports Editor:@scottybuckets
At long last, the 2018 edition of the World Cup is nearly upon us, and with it, comes the hopes and dreams of several nations, as they will soon begin their quest for unmatched glory. There are some notable omissions from this year’s tournament, as the likes of Italy, the Netherlands, Ghana, and the United States will be watching the action from home. On the other end of the spectrum, new-comers Iceland and Panama, along with African nations Morocco and Egypt return after long hiatuses and all will be hoping to surprise and advance. We start our World Cup preview, right at the top with Group A, so without further ado, let’s get to it:
RUSSIA
Appearances: 11th
World Cup History: 1958, 1962, 1966, 1970, 1982, 1986, 1990 (as the Soviet Union)
1994, 2002, 2014
Best Finish: 4th (1966)
World Cup Record: 17-8-15 (W-D-L)
Current World Ranking: (66)
The hosts once had high-expectations of a Quarter-finals or even Semifinals appearance, but those conjectures have tempered a bit heading into the Tournament. Manager Stanislav Cherchesov was appointed head coach in August 2016 with the final target being the Semifinals. He was a former goalkeeper for the USSR, and favors a defensive-minded strategy. There have been many rumors surrounding the team, including in-fighting, but I expect the club to be ready when they kick off the action against Saudi Arabia. With a ranking of just 66, they are one of the lowest-ranked nations in this year’s edition, however, a favorable draw (only 1 nation ranked inside the top 20 is in the group, and none in the top 15), have set the hosts up for a good shot at once-again getting to the knockout stage, a feat they have not accomplished since 1986.
URUGUAY
Appearances: 13th
World Cup History: 1930, 1950, 1954, 1962, 1966, 1970, 1974, 1986, 1990, 2002, 2010, 2014
Best Finish: Champions (1930, 1950)
World Cup Record: 20-12-19 (W-D-L)
Current World Ranking: (17)
The favorites to win Group A, Uruguay has a long and distinguished World Cup history. The Champions of the first World Cup in 1930, enjoyed much success in the early years of the tournament, but have not been able to duplicate those heights as of late. A surprise 4th-place finish in South Africa 2010 marks the only time they have advanced past the Round of 16 since 1970. This year’s squad is led by a balance of older talents (Luis Suarez of course) and a new younger-generation of talent that is blossoming at the right time. If the youngsters can shine and not be intimidated by the limelight, this club could once again make headway in the knockout stages. Semifinals seems a bit much, but not unreasonable, as a Quarter-finals appearance is looking like a realistic goal. This will be squad to keep an eye on, as they are the only squad currently-ranked in the top 45 in group A.
EGYPT
Appearances: 3rd
World Cup History: 1934, 1990
Best Finish: Group Stage
World Cup Record: 0-2-2 (W-D-L)
Current World Ranking: (46)
The Pharaohs are back in the World Cup for the first time in 28 years, and for just the third time ever. They have consistently been one of the top nations in African soccer for decades, but it hasn’t transferred to much World Cup success. Egypt will be looking for their first-ever win in the Tournament as they drew twice in 1990, before losing their final match 1-0, needed only another draw to advance in that year’s edition. Qualifying wasn’t a breeze, but none-the-less, saw them win 4 of 6 third-round qualifying matches to finish well ahead of Uganda and disappointing Ghana, who only mustered 1 win in the third round. The group is set-up nicely for Egypt, but an opening match with Uruguay is a tough way to start. The match with the hosts may decide who advances to the knockout stage. A scenario similar to 1990 could await, where 3 draws may be just enough to advance.
SAUDI ARABIA
Appearances: 5th
World Cup History: 1994, 1998, 2002, 2006
Best Finish: Round of 16 (1994)
World Cup Record: 2-2-9 (W-D-L)
Current World Ranking: (67)
Saudi Arabia are back in the World Cup for the first time in 12 years, when they advanced to four consecutive World Cups from 1994-2006. Mohammad Al-Sahlawi was joint top-goal scorer during Asian Qualification with 16 goals and will be called upon in the World Cup to provide much of the offensive spark for Al-Suqour. They won 6 of their 10 third round qualifying matches to finish 1 point behind Japan in Group B and punch their ticket to the Tournament. Defense will be a bit of a question-mark, and they received no favors in drawing the hosts in the opening match to kick things off. However, an upset of Russia would do wonders for their prospects of advancing to the knockout stages for just the second time. The pressure will be entirely on the hosts to get a result, and that could play into their favor.
PREDICTION: Uruguay, Egypt advance
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It is hard to believe that Russia wont male it in the knockout stage. I think it will be them together with Egypy to go through.
Yea it is difficult to envision the hosts not moving through to the knockout stage, I really went back and forth with my prediction for them, but in the end, they've just been in such awful form of late, and Egypt and Uruguay have both looked good, I ultimately picked those two to go through.
Well analysed, no doubt they will strive
Thank you, appreciate you checking out the preview.
I think russia and Uruguay will qualify..
Fair enough, based on the odds, those two are def the favorites to advance out of the group. I think Egypt is tricky good, but it will be tough for them to get past the hosts in Russia. I think that match is going to decide who the second country is to advance with Uruguay.
From the current ranking and analysis no doubt they will emerge from the group stage.