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WORLD
CUP2018 CONTENTS
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1966
Bobby Charlton parades the World Cup
around Wembley Stadium after England’s
4-2 victory over West Germany.
1986
Diego Maradona’s “Hand of God” goal helps
Argentina to beat England 2-1 in the
quarter-finals in Mexico.
1994
Roberto Baggio’s miss in the penalty
shoot-out hands Brazil a 3-2 victory in the
Final at Pasadena’s Rose Bowl in the USA.
2014
Andre Schurrle (left) celebrates scoring
Germany’s sixth goal in their 7-1 semi-final
thrashing of hosts Brazil.
Croatia
Russia Colombia
Japan
S
N...
T
T I
I
S
THIS JU
EW K
N N THE
O Here’s
our sel
ection
Sweden away
Spain
Saudi Arabia
BLOCK o r l d Cu
p strips
e st W
of the b
Brazil Germany
Is it easy being Lionel Messi? Struggle: Qualification for Russia was tough
“I’m a normal person who tries to have a
family life. Yes, it’s true that I’d like to go
unnoticed and have a normal life without
everyone watching me from time to time.”
Clinical: Scoring at
Wembley against Slovenia
HOME IMPROVEMENT
Throughout his career the striker has worked hard, on and off the pitch, to improve his game
Harry Kane is living proof that hard work he needed,” recalls Redknapp. “He has turned during the 2014-15 campaign, scoring 21
pays off. Injury permitting, he will be out really well. He’s not a ‘big-time Charlie’, he Premier League goals, only to be dismissed
England’s main hope for goals in Russia wants to works at his game, wants to practise Power: Getting as a one-season wonder. Yet he has shown
this summer in what will be the next and wants to be a proper player.” England’s fourth persistence and strength of character to
stage in a flourishing career that has seen Kane broke into the Tottenham first team goal against Malta become the competition’s outstanding
the 24-year-old striker defy his critics in striker for the past three seasons.
spectacular style. According to Tim Sherwood, the manager
As a skinny teenager in Tottenham who gave him his Premier League debut:
Hotspur’s youth ranks, many at the club “Harry has a strong mentality and I’ll take
doubted he could make it as a professional. that attitude over ability all day. He has had to
But after knuckling down and learning his be strong and had to fight. The fans haven’t
craft on loan at lower-league clubs Leyton always sung his name. He had to earn that.”
Orient, Millwall, Norwich City and Leicester In the calendar year of 2017, Kane scored
City, Kane returned to Spurs and edged aside 56 goals – more than Lionel Messi or
established centre-forwards Emmanuel Cristiano Ronaldo – which sparked genuine
Adebayor and Roberto Soldado. debate about his “world class” status and
Harry Redknapp was Spurs’ manager when prompted talk of a world-record transfer to
Kane was first sent out on loan rather than be Real Madrid in the future.
given a chance in the first team. “We had him Kane’s progress to the pinnacle of the world
as a youngster and let him go out on loan a game does not surprise former Tottenham
few times because we thought that was what striker Les Ferdinand. Having observed Kane
2
BOBBY CHARLTON defender before laying the ball into the path
July 26, 1966 of the on-running Charlton. His sweetly
London, England struck shot from the edge of the penalty
Semi-final v Portugal area flew home to put the home side two
ahead with 10 minutes remaining. Eusebio
Already leading through Charlton’s first-half later reduced the arrears from the penalty
goal, George Cohen picked out the run of spot, but England held on to book their
Geoff Hurst, who held off a Portuguese place in the Final.
1
BOBBY CHARLTON
July 16, 1966
London, England
Group A v Mexico
3
GEOFF HURST
July 30, 1966
London, England
Final v West Germany
4
BRYAN ROBSON
June 16, 1982
Bilbao, Spain
Group D v France
5
GARY LINEKER tournament exit – and within 15 minutes the
June 11, 1986 pair had combined to give England a 2-0
Monterrey, Mexico lead. The second goal came when Beardsley
Group F v Poland flicked on Kenny Sansom’s pass to Steve
Hodge, who crossed for Lineker to finish from
With Lineker and Peter Beardsley playing the edge of the six-yard area. Lineker went
together for the first time in the tournament, on to complete his hat-trick as England won
England needed to win to avoid an early 3-0 and progressed to the knockout stage.
8
MICHAEL OWEN
June 30, 1998
Saint-Etienne, France
Second round v Argentina
9
a pass into the path of Owen, who was just STEVEN GERRARD from Peter Crouch eventually broke the
inside the Argentinian half. Accelerating June 15, 2006 deadlock before, in the final minute, Gerrard
in breathtaking fashion, he held off Jose Nuremberg, Germany received a short pass from David Beckham
Chamot before body-swerving past Roberto Group B v Trinidad & Tobago just inside the right touchline. He proceeded
Ayala and hitting an unstoppable shot to wrong-foot Aurtis Whitley before making
across the goalkeeper, Carlos Roa. Argentina, England made hard work of beating World space to hit a powerful left-foot shot into the
however, would later equalise before going Cup debutants Trinidad & Tobago in their far top corner that gave goalkeeper Shaka
on to win on penalties. second group match. An 83rd-minute goal Hislop no chance.
10
JOE COLE
June 20, 2006
Cologne, Germany
Group B v Sweden
SIX APPEAL
The world’s most expensive player is hoping to lead Brazil to a record sixth World Cup
19 7 0 H E R O
PELE
“WE WERE
JUST TOO
GOOD”
Edison Arantes do Nascimento – or Pele
– played in four World Cups, winning the
famous trophy three times. Blessed with
a game devoid of any weaknesses, he is
widely regarded as the greatest
footballer of all time.
Central to this legendary status is the 1970
World Cup, the first to be broadcast in colour.
Pele and his Brazilian team-mates produced
near-perfect performances, littered with
moments of individual genius, allied to an
team ethic that swept all before them.
The Final against Italy saw a thrilling I started to prepare myself psychologically Header Opening the three players who would have walked into
encounter – and Pele was at the heart and physically. I think this was the principle scoring in the Final pretty much any Brazil side. We respected
of it. He opened the scoring with a header, reason why I became the one I was in 1970.” the English greatly but I did not fear them.
assisted for the third and, in a move that “We knew their defence would take some
included eight outfield players, provided the ON HIS SHOT FROM THE HALF-WAY LINE breaching and so it proved, especially with
ball for Carlos Alberto to secure a 4-1 victory. AGAINST CZECHOSLOVAKIA Banks’ save. It was phenomenal, the save
The Jules Rimet Trophy was now Brazil’s to “It was a long-range effort – a little piece of of this and any other tournament. Eventually
keep and Pele – in his final World Cup – saw audacity which would have been all the more we got to 1-0 through a lovely team goal.”
his legend guaranteed. Italy defender Tarcisio beautiful if the damn ball had gone in! I had
Burgnich, who had tried to mark him during noticed earlier that the Czech goalkeeper ON THE FINAL AGAINST ITALY
the Final, said: “I told myself before the tended to drift off his line so I took my shot “The side that would go on to be called the
game: ‘He’s made of skin and bones just from 65 yards out. Journalists after the ‘beautiful team’, the best that ever played the
like everyone else.’ But I was wrong.” match asked me if I made this effort just to game, was through to the World Cup Final to
prove I wasn’t short-sighted. It was nothing play Italy. The implacable force would meet
IN PELE’S OWN WORDS to do with that! Even though it didn’t go in, it the immovable object.
“I was injured in 1966 and I thought I would galvanized the team and from then on it was “We were favourites, but 100,000 people
not play in the World Cup again. But later on all Brazil.” in the Azteca Stadium and a TV audience of
I started thinking I would have the chance to one billion were fascinated to see how it
show to myself, to Brazil, and to the world ON BRAZIL’S MATCH AGAINST ENGLAND would turn out. Italy sat back and tried to
one more time – this will be the moment, my “They had a very good team and, in Bobby soak up the pressure but we created too
opportunity to be the best in the game. So, Moore, Bobby Charlton and Gordon Banks, much. Too many of us were on form that day,
me included – it was one of my best games
Intense: Lifting the in a Brazil shirt. We deserved the win and our
Jules Rimet Trophy last goal, with so many players involved,
showed perfectly what we were about.”
19 74 H E R O
JOHAN CRUYFF
“WE WERE MORE FAMOUS
FOR LOSING”
One instance of brilliance by Dutch star CRUYFF, SPEAKING IN 2010
Johan Cruyff in Germany at the 1974 “I am surprised that team is still regarded so
World Cup made everyone lucky enough highly. The World Cup in 1974 made Dutch
to witness it truly believe that the future football famous – and we lost! So losing the
was indeed orange. Final, is it so bad? We were more famous
Holland’s group game against Sweden than ever for losing because everyone said
will be forever remembered for Cruyff’s turn. we should have won.
Controversial: Hurst (on ground) Faking to cross with his right foot, Cruyff “Winning isn’t everything, it’s how you
watches his shot hit the bar
instead dragged the ball behind, turned 180 play. If you win 10 games and lose the 11th,
degrees and accelerated away from the Brilliant The Dutch so what? It doesn’t bother me that I never
Reunited With the ball from the Final utterly confounded full-back, Jan Olsson. legend passed away in became world champion. We made a great
The “Cruyff turn” had reached a worldwide 2016, aged 68 achievement.
audience; moreover, Holland’s much-vaunted “‘Total Football’ is to do with your way of
“Total Football” was indeed the real deal. thinking, character – everything is involved.
It was a fluid style of play that captivated The difference of what you do with your feet
the tournament and Cruyff was the catalyst is to do with your head. The Dutch team
for much of the team’s scintillating football. at that time was made up mostly from Ajax
All 15 of their goals in the tournament either players. We could change position easily, and
started or ended with the captain. that’s “Total Football”...the first defender was
Ultimately, Holland would lose 2-1 to the centre-forward, which was me.
Germany in the Final – a result that would “We had a change of mentality on the
Leader All 15 Holland
earn them the title of the “best team never field, where we thought we could achieve
goals in 1974 either
to have won the World Cup”. As for Cruyff, started or ended with anything. Football is about having the best
“Having listened to all the arguments he was named the tournament’s best player. their skipper offensive play possible. I always like to play
over the decades and watched the offensive football and nobody will convince
replay hundreds of times on TV, I have me otherwise.
to admit that it looks as though the ball “I always greatly admired [coach] Rinus
didn’t cross the line. Michels’ leadership. He was always very clear
“My abiding memory at the final in what he wanted, what he expected from
whistle was a sense of relief. Being you, and sometimes in order to achieve that
in the squad was a relief, being in the he overdid it a bit. Then when things started
team was a relief, and then having working, he would ease up and give you
scored the goals in the Final and to more freedom.
hear the whistle was an amazing sense “As a player and as a coach there is
of relief. nobody who taught me as much as him. He
“It was all a bit of a blur afterwards. put the Netherlands on the map in such a
But on the Monday afterwards I was way that almost everybody still benefits from
back home cutting the lawn and it. With him, as well as with me, results may
cleaning the car. It was back to earth have come first, but quality of soccer was
with a bump!” number one. Just winning is not enough.”
WORLD CUP 2018 35
WORLD CUP HEROES
19 8 6 H E R O
DIEGO MARADONA
“THE REFEREE TOOK THE BAIT”
The quarter-final between Argentina and
England in Mexico already had an added
edge, coming just four years after the
Falklands conflict. But the events at the
Estadio Azteca would elevate this match
to one of the most controversial seen at
an international tournament.
Argentina won 2-1 courtesy of two goals
from Diego Maradona: the first a notorious
hand ball, the second a glorious effort that
would later be voted FIFA’s Goal of the
Century. Argentina would go on to win the
World Cup, while England could only rue
both the deception and genius of the little
South American.
Afterwards he described his infamous first Glorious Scoring the bait – and he had! That was it.
goal as “a bit with the head of Maradona and second Argentina goal “I was waiting for my team-mates to
another bit with the hand of God”. embrace me and no one came. I told them,
‘come on, come on, hug me, let’s do it
IN MARADONA’S OWN WORDS properly, let’s go the whole way so the
“It seems to me that everyone was talking goal is allowed’. Thank God it was.
about the Falklands but we just wanted to “I don’t think it’s cheating, it’s cunning. Is
play a football game. You’re not going to it cheating to handle the ball? Oh no, no, no.
resolve anything by thinking about anything It’s not cheating. It’s a craftiness. Maybe we
other than winning – winning that game have a lot more of it in South America than
against England. in Europe, but it’s not cheating.
“Yes, it was my hand. This I have to admit. “I said it was the hand of God because
With this I don’t mean any disrespect for God gives us the hand. And because it’s very
English fans. It was just the way things difficult for it not to be seen by two people,
happened. I had scored many goals before the referee and the linesman.
in Argentina this way. I couldn’t reach the “The second goal was a dream. Footballers
ball, Shilton was already there but I couldn’t always dream of scoring the best goal in
get my head on it, so I went with my hand. history, we dream it and we have it in our
“The ball went in the net and as I was heads. To score that goal, for me, was
running away I could see that Shilton hadn’t fantastic, and in the World Cup, incredible.
realised what I’d done. It was the defender “It was an amazing game and one people
Terry Butcher who told him – and then the always talk to me about. I suppose if I could
complaints began. apologise and go back and change history I
“When I saw the linesman running [back would. But the goal is still a goal, Argentina
to the half-way line] I started shouting ‘goal, became world champions and I was the best
goal’. I looked to see if the referee took the Owning up In 2017 player in the world. This is the reality.” 2002 HERO
Hand ball: Keeper
Peter Shilton is beaten
RONALDO
“THE BEST
TEAM I EVER
PLAYED IN”
Brazil went to the 1998 World Cup
as keen favourites, but lost in the
Final to hosts France after star
striker Ronaldo suffered a
convulsive fit the night before the
game and played well below par.
Four years later, he was back.
In Japan and South Korea,
he was not only motivated by the
disappointment of France but also
keen to re-establish himself as the
foremost goal-getter on the planet.
The previous three years had been
36 WORLD CUP 2018
spent recovering from a serious knee injury, Opener Scoring when blood was pouring
which not only resulted in three operations against Germany from my knee, and tried
(above) and
and painful rehabilitation but also led many to take strength from that.
celebrating (inset)
to question whether he could recover the “My family,
form that had made him a double World physiotherapists and
Player of the Year. doctors all encouraged me
They needn’t have worried. Ronaldo to persevere – and it was
scored six goals on the way to the Final, worth it. The birth of my
registering against every opponent in the son, Ronald, also gave me
tournament, bar a nail-biting quarter-final extra strength to endure
against England. the endless torture.
The Final against Germany at the “I have very strong willpower. And my feeling actually to hold it in my hands and
International Stadium in Yokohama provided passion for football is insatiable. No effort is kiss it.
the perfect redemption. Two unanswered too great for me for this sport. I can suffer “We had a great team, the best I ever
Ronaldo goals cemented Brazil’s fifth World anything as long as I can play football again. played in. Rivaldo, Ronaldinho, Roberto
Cup win, making them the most successful I not only play football, I breathe football. Carlos, Cafu, me – it was a team where we
team in the competition’s history. “The goal was always to return as good as could find a goal in every minute in every
On a personal note, Ronaldo’s brace gave I ever was; to be the best striker in the world. way, and win every game. That’s why we won
him the Golden Boot and tied Pele’s Brazilian Also to banish the memories of the Final four all seven games and that’s why we were
record of 12 career World Cup goals – a years ago. world champions.
record he would break four years later. “I thought about winning the World Cup “People ask me about my favourite career
every day during the weeks and months goals but I can only pick two. My choice is
IN RONALDO’S OWN WORDS before the tournament. Every minute I used simple: the two goals I scored during this
“I had endured a lot of difficulties with to visualise the trophy in front of my eyes and Final. Not only because they were good but
my knee injury and several operations. In Zurich At the FIFA imagine what a wonderful feeling it must be especially for the value they had. It’s not
I remembered lying on my hospital bed, awards last year to hold it up in the air. It was a fabulous every day you win the World Cup.”
WORLD CUP 2018 37
WORLD CUP HEROES
MARIO GOTZE
“SOMEHOW THE BALL
WAS IN THE NET”
Few people thought Mario goal tally to 10 after adding
Super sub:
Gotze would end up being Low had to the five he hit at South
the hero of Germany’s confidence Africa 2010, but Gotze
2014 Final triumph in Gotze who struck the winner
over Argentina in Rio de as Germany became
Janeiro’s Maracana stadium. the first European team
But the striker seized his to win a World Cup in
moment after being handed South America.
the opportunity as a late
sub by coach Joachim Low. IN GOTZE’S OWN WORDS
Low explained: “I said to “It’s an unbelievable feeling.
Gotze: ‘OK, show the world You score the goal and you
you are better than Messi and don’t really know what’s
can decide the World Cup.’ happening.
“I told him that. I always had “It hadn’t been a simple
a good feeling about Gotze. tournament, or year, for me
Argentina were becoming and I owe a lot to my family
more and more tired, but we and my girlfriend who
had players who could make always believed in me.
a difference. “But a dream became
“Gotze is a miracle boy, a reality here.”
boy wonder. He can play any “Andre [Schurrle] put in
position up front. I know he’s a superb ball and I was able
always able to decide a match, to control it on my chest.
and it was a great winner he scored. But Then somehow the ball was in the net.”
in extra time we had the energy to move “You don’t really think very much when
forward. We didn’t want to go to penalties. you’re in a situation like that. Everything
We wanted the game decided before then happened so quickly but it was great to see
and we put them under more pressure.” how much of a release it gave the team and
Gotze had begun the tournament in how we still fought right until the very end.
Germany’s starting line-up. He started his “We thoroughly deserved to win it because
team’s first four matches, but was replaced we’re a great side. It’s an indescribable
Der Kaizer: holding
at half-time in the round of 16 match against moment. It’s difficult to put it into words.
aloft the trophy
Algeria. But he always remained a firm fixture I can’t describe what it’s like.
in Low’s plans, able to slot into a variety of “I think we played well as a team
the East Germany match and, of positions on the pitch. And when it mattered throughout the whole tournament and
course, about bonuses. There were most in the Final it was not Miroslav Klose, every one of us deserves this.
a lot of unpleasant scenes which I the World Cup’s all-time leading scorer, or Winner History made “It’s a great feeling for everyone in
hadn’t experienced in my two previous Thomas Muller, who took his tournament in South America Germany and for us as a team.”
World Cups.
“As regards the Final, after Muller
made it 2-1, I was relatively certain
we would protect our lead.
“Perhaps it was a good thing
Holland took the lead in the first
minute, perhaps they weren’t as
focused for the rest of the match as
they had been before. That gave us a
chance to come back into the match.
“It was a great psychological
advantage for us to take the lead. Then
Johan Cruyff was shown a yellow card
for dissent. Those were all signs that
made me think the Dutch were getting
nervous and that we’d survive the
second half.
“Paul Breitner reckons the Dutch
became arrogant after scoring the first
goal and fell victim to overconfidence.
I’m not sure. After taking that early lead
they may have thought things were
going to plan and that it was their day.
They weren’t as determined after that.”
WORLD CUP 2018 39
STAR PROFILE: ANTOINE GRIEZMANN
GRIEZ IS
THE WORD
Is France’s leading player on the cusp of greatness?
ONE OF
OUR OWN
The England boss has defied the critics throughout
his career as a player and a manager
that would be so important throughout Focused Words of 30-year-olds in the dressing room. How am
my career.” advice for Dele Alli I going to manage that? And what was their
Alan Smith first encountered Southgate view of it going to be?
as a 17-year-old trainee. He told him that he “I understood why Alan had chosen me.
needed to toughen up, otherwise he was He’d been my youth and reserve-team coach
more likely to be an estate agent than make and had made me captain both times. He
it as a professional footballer. knew he could trust me, that I respected him
Within five years, Smith had seen enough completely, would fight his corner and get his
to make Southgate his skipper. messages across.
“It was Alan Smith who first made me “I can’t say it was a comfortable
captain,” says Southgate. “I was 22 years experience, but when I think about it
old and we’d just been relegated from the now…well, how do we grow as people? Mentor Guiding
Premier League back into Division One. “You get put into positions where you Marcus Rashford
“We didn’t start the season well. And are out of your comfort zone and you
when we lost one of the more senior players have to adapt. You have to adjust and player, you probably become captain of your
to a long-term injury Alan called me into give it your best. school or Sunday team because you’re the
his office. He said he was going to make “I don’t think you’re born with the capacity best player. As you get a bit older, it’s because
me captain. I was thinking, I’ve got some to become a captain or leader. As a young you’re the most sensible, so you’re less likely
44 WORLD CUP 2018
Determined
The manager
has a tough streak
some mentorship to the players, and help Similar path With Joachim Low
them on their journey.”
As a young captain, Southgate also broke
the mould by writing a column for his local
newspaper, the Croydon Advertiser. But unlike
other players who allow their words to be
“ghosted” by another writer, Southgate
insisted on visiting the newspaper offices
and typing the words himself.
That strength of character was also
apparent at Euro 96, where Southgate
was taking part in his first international
tournament. The night before the semi-
finals against Germany, manager Terry
Venables asked for volunteers to take
penalties. Southgate put himself forward
while others, such as Paul Ince, declined.
That penalty miss would be the making
of Southgate as a player. He became an
established England international, winning
57 caps and playing at the 1998 World Cup
and Euro 2000. But when he left Aston Villa
in 2001 he moved not, as expected, to a
bigger club, but to Middlesbrough, where he
won the club’s first major trophy, the 2004
League Cup. tough decisions, dropping the likes of
His first managerial job came at the tender Jonjo Shelvey and Wilfried Zaha in order
age of 35, succeeding England-bound Steve to promote team spirit and successfully
McClaren at Boro. After initial success, led the team to the 2015 European
leading Boro to 12th place in the Premier Championship in Poland. His experience
League in his first season, he was sacked in there was not a successful one – England lost
October 2009 after relegation. to Portugal and Italy and finished bottom of
to do something ridiculous. His subsequent career moves, as a TV their group – but the tournament experience
“Then, slowly, you start to have some pundit and as the Football Association’s proved to be a valuable learning curve.
experiences of leading that give you head of elite development, confirmed that The likes of Harry Kane, Jesse Lingard,
something to draw on. Southgate was cut from a different cloth John Stones and Ruben Loftus-Cheek were
“People recognise that, actually, you’re to most former players. all members of that squad, and have followed
doing this quite well, so we’ll give you a bit As England under-21 coach he made their manager into the senior squad.
more responsibility in another area. And all As the current England boss, Southgate
these experiences move you forward. is a pioneer as the first manager to be
“So I’m not sure what other qualities I had promoted from within by the Football
outside of being a good player and being Association. He follows the likes of Germany’s
sensible when I was younger. But bits were Joachim Low, who was previously assistant
added on as I progressed through my career. to Jurgen Klinsmann, and Spain’s Julen
I came through the highs and the lows, Lopetegui, who was previously the Spanish
learned how to react to them in a way that under-21 coach.
made the most of my personal qualities. If England can come anywhere close
“These days I can look back on all these to matching Germany and Spain in future
early experiences and know that they’re a Miss Euro ’96 tournaments, Southgate will once again
real strength. That they enable me to give penalty shoot-out have proved the doubters wrong.
WORLD CUP 2018 45
WORLD CUP MASCOTS
Zabivaka, meaning “the one who scores”, is the official mascot for this year’s finals
Russia 2018:
Zabivaka
England 1966:
World Cup Willie
Germany 2006:
Goleo and Pille
USA 1994:
Striker
Mexico 1986:
Pique
Argentina 1978:
Gauchito
France 1998:
Footix
696)
rg Arena (35,
: Yekaterinbu
Yekaterinburg
Saransk:
a
Mordovia Aren
(44,442)
Moscow:
ium
Spartak Stad 0)
(45,36
Saint Petersburg:
Saint Petersburg
Stadium (68,134)
n:
Rostov-on-Do
Rostov Arena
(45,000)
Kaliningrad:
adium
Kaliningrad St 212)
(35,
THE WORLD CUP STADIUMS
Samara:
Samara Arena
(44,918)
Kazan:
Kazan Arena
(45,379)
Sochi:
Fisht Stadium
(47,659)
Volgogra
d
Volgogra :
d
(45,568 Arena
)
Moscow:
ium
Luzhniki Stad 0)
(81,00
od:
Nizhny Novgor od
Nizhny Novgor 9)
Stadium (44,89
STAR PROFILE: TONI KROOS
KROOS CONTROL
The Real Madrid midfielder is at the heart of Germany’s best moves
He may not be the most flamboyant of Leverkusen and Bayern Munich, and we spoke about it recently,” he says. “He
individuals, nor is he a prolific marksman. unhesitatingly places him among the has the capacity to run more both defensively
But as a director of operations, Toni top three midfielders in the world. and attacking. He has brilliant feet and can
Kroos is indisputably pure gold. German Bundestrainer Joachim Low is also a Unsure: As boss score from those kind of positions with his
of Bayern, Jurgen
Only the very best can hope to sit in the fan and says: “His consistency at the top level Klinsmann (right) powerful shot”
midfield driving seat at Real Madrid and the is remarkable. Week after week, game after was not convinced And Kroos is quick to give credit, admitting:
unassuming German certainly fits the bill. game, he performs to the highest standard in about Kroos “With Zidane I’m in a situation where I can
Never ruffled, he is always in total technical La Liga, the Champions raise again my level. I can
control and remains as reliable as a Swiss League and for our play better. And that is
watch in his precision passing, tempo-setting national team. largely to his credit. The
and set-piece delivery. “You can always rely on coach knows I can play
A player to co-ordinate, compliment and him to intelligently link deep in midfield or in
simplify, he combines skill, poise and vision the play. He puts a box-to-box role and
with a tremendous work ethic. A coach’s his stamp on the game: a little more advanced.”
dream, it speaks volumes that no one in the calmly, confidently Kroos may have been a
game ever seems to have a bad word to say and staying true to his World Cup winner in 2014,
about him – especially those who have had unbelievable football as well as a Champions
the pleasure of deploying his talents. and strategic qualities.” League victor with both
His first coach in Madrid, Carlo Ancelotti, paid Current Madrid boss Bayern and Real, but his
tribute to his authority and playmaking class Zinedine Zidane is also career has not been all
by dubbing him “The Professor”, while Jupp a huge fan. “Kroos likes garlands and trophies.
Heynckes, who was his boss at both Bayer to arrive late in the box In his early days at Bayern
of the bandy legs, or he’s too slow.” to be more serious, more dedicated, more
Isco himself has admitted “I’ve got twisted practical – and maybe still is at times.
feet”, while one of the scouts that first signed “He’s capable of doing things that very few
him describes him as “culón”. In other words, people can do,” says Real Madrid coach
he has a big arse. Zinedine Zidane – and if anyone knows a
Valencia were the first club to take a punt on thing or do about rare talent it is Zidane.
Isco, but he didn’t really fit their aggressive Under the Frenchman at Madrid, Isco has
approach and they feared the fantasy was thrived as a confident, more complete player.
offered up in lieu of fitness. But Malaga were “He knows that he is an important player,”
an attractive option: not only were they his says Zidane. “He plays as if he was in the
home-town team, they were building a side street and I like that because he doesn’t
to challenge Madrid and Barcelona. He joined worry when things don’t come off. He is
them at 19 and coach Manuel Pellegrini was very comfortable on the pitch. I’m pleased
so impressed that he later did all he could to that we’re seeing a better Isco every day.”
take Isco to Manchester City with him. His performances for the national team have
Although that Malaga side didn’t last long confirmed that. “His effort is clearer each day,”
– the team was soon torn down, the assets says Spain coach Julen Lopetegui says.
stripped and sold off – they did reach the “He’s no longer that kid that stands watching
Champions League semi-final. Playing with during games. His body and mind have
freedom just behind a centre-forward, Isco changed bit by bit.”
was superb. Malaga played with possession After scoring the first hat-trick of his career, in
and patience, accumulating men inside and a pre-World Cup warm-up against Argentina
then giving him the ball to feet. in March, Isco praise Lopetegui, saying: “Julen
That summer there were options. Isco was shows me confidence with minutes.”
a Barcelona fan as a kid and has a Labrador Against Italy in a crucial qualifying at Madrid’s
called “Messi”, but when Real Madrid came Bernabeu stadium, he ran the game, scoring
for him, his mind was made. twice. Then, when facing Costa Rica in his
When he was a kid, he took a ball everywhere home town of Malaga, the whole stadium was
with him and he claimed that his football chanting “Isco! Isco! Isco!” As one paper put
came from the streets, not so different as a it: “When Isco starts to play, football enters
Talent: the
professional as it had been when he was little. into a dimension where most of us mere
critics are
drooling “What I want is the ball,” he said. Which was mortals start drooling.”
sometimes a problem – coaches wanted him He will be Spain’s leader in Russia.
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A RG E N T I N A AU ST RA L I A B E LG I U M B RA Z I L
EGY P T E NG L A N D F RA NC E GERMANY
ICELAND I RA N JA PA N M E X I CO
PO L A N D PO RT U GA L RUSSIA SAU D I A RA B I A
S E N EGA L SERBIA S O U T H KO R E A S PA I N
SW E D E N SW I T Z E R L A N D TUNISIA U R U GUAY
84 118
82
64
126
70
ARGENTINA
THE SCHEDULE strike up any kind of relationship – in part, perhaps, THE COACH
GROUP D for psychological reasons but mainly for technical ● Jorge SAMPAOLI
June 16 v Iceland (Moscow Spartak) ones as both seek to operate in the same space. It The 58-year-old became Argentina’s
June 21 v Croatia (Nizhny Novgorod) is important that the coach finds a solution. third coach of the qualifying campaign
June 26 v Nigeria (Saint Petersburg) – following on from Gerardo Martino
Who is the centre-forward? and Edgardo Bauza – and took charge for the final
THE BETTING Sampaoli rejected Gonzalo Higuain and went with four games. His intense, high press, attacking game
9/1 to win the World Cup Mauro Icardi, who he then dropped him in favour of was a great success with Chile, and briefly in Spain
4/6 to win Group D Dario Benedetto. He could opt for Lautaro Martinez, with Sevilla, but does he have the players to make it
who has been a sensation for Racing in this year’s work with Argentina?
THE QUESTIONS Libertadores Cup.
Do they have the players to defend in the way THE KEY PLAYERS
that Jorge Sampaoli wants? Angel Di Maria was one of only two players – the
There appears to be a lack of defensive pace to push other was keeper Sergio Romero – to start in all 18
up and play a high line. Without good attacking full- qualifying games. Although not always convincing,
backs, Sampaoli has been using wingers instead Nicolas Otamendi will hope to take his improved
– but the problems with such a plan were clear form with Manchester City into the national team.
in November’s 4-2 loss to Nigeria and the 6-1
humiliation to Spain in March. THE ONES TO WATCH
Paulo Dybala has plenty of potential and has been
How can the team reduce their dependence in great form for Juventus in Serie A. Giovani Lo
on Lionel Messi? Celso has been the man Argentina turn to when
Argentina cannot simply just give the ball to Messi is not available.
their number 10 superstar and pray that he
does something special. Sampaoli must build
a side that gives Messi a structure to work in
– and one that gives the coach options if their
main man is injured or off form.
STAR MAN
● Lionel MESSI In the 10 in which he played,
Can Paulo Dybala play in the same side In the eight games of the they managed 21. Seldom has
as Messi? qualifying campaign that a team been so dependent
Sampaoli quickly had to abandon his initial attacking he missed, Argentina on one player as Argentina
trident because Messi and Dybala were unable to accumulated just seven points. are on Lionel Messi.
60 WORLD CUP 2018
1930 Runners-up 1958 First Round 1978 WINNERS 1998 Quarter-finals
1934 First Round 1962 (did not qualify) 1982 Second round 2002 First round
1938 First Round 1966 Quarter-finals 1986 WINNERS 2006 Quarter-finals
WORLD CUP 1950 (did not qualify) 1970 (did not qualify) 1990 Semi-finals 2010 Quarter-finals
FINALS HISTORY 1954 (did not qualify) 1974 Second round 1994 Second round 2014 Runners-up
THE SQUAD
● Tagliafico ● Di Maria
● Mascherano
● Romero ● Banega ● Aguero
● Otamendi ● Messi
● Biglia
● Bustos ● Lo Celso
THE SCHEDULE Will Tom Rogic be able to live up to his THE COACH
GROUP C reputation in Russia? ● Bert VAN MARWIJK
June 16 v France (Kazan) Alongside Aaron Mooy, Rogic is Australia’s most gifted The 65-year-old steered Saudi Arabia
June 21 v Denmark (Samara) performer, but he has been inconsistent. through the World Cup qualifiers but
June 26 v Peru (Sochi) then quit and took charge of Australia.
Is Russia this generation’s golden chance? The former Borussia Dortmund and Feyenoord boss
THE BETTING The average age of the starting XI against Honduras led Holland to the 2010 World Cup Final.
500/1 to win the World Cup in the qualifying play-offs was 28. In four years time,
20/1 to win Group C they may be past their peak, so this is their World THE KEY PLAYERS
Cup. But can they emulate the 2006 team and get Aaron Mooy and Mile Jedinak will anchor the
THE QUESTIONS past the group stage? midfield with Tom Rogic as the likely playmaker,
Can the new coach impose his ideas in time? although Massimo Luongo performed well in the
Bert Van Marwijk took over from the attack-minded March friendlies and could provide Van Marwijk
Ange Postecoglou in January and has only had two with a selection headache. Tim Cahill, now back at
friendlies in March. Championship club Millwall, is preparing to play in a
fourth consecutive World Cup. Even at 38, he is still
Who will score the goals? a vital cog. Defender Matthew Jurman impressed
Australia create a lot of chances but don’t convert when he made his senior bow in the qualifiers.
enough. Tomi Juric has done a reasonable job,
veteran striker Tim Cahill is back in contention after THE ONES TO WATCH
his switch to England, but the promising Jamie Attacker Andrew Nabbout was one of the stars of
Maclaren looks to be out of contention. the A-League before a recent move to Japan. He was
given a debut by Van Marwijk in March.
Will Postecoglou’s back three be discarded?
Under their previous coach, Australia adopted a
three-man defensive system during the qualifiers.
They leaked goals initially, but the return of Mile
Jedinak helped provide more security. It worked
STAR MAN
best in the Confederations Cup against the South ● Aaron MOOY out with the previous coach
American champions, Chile, but in March’s friendly The 27-year-old Huddersfield after being left on the bench
games, against Norway and Colombia, new boss Town midfielder is regarded during the qualifiers but now
Van Marwijk reverted back to a back four in a more as the best of Australia’s new looks to be back in favour
conservative formation. generation. He had a big fall- under Van Marwijk.
62 WORLD CUP 2018
1974 First round 1990 (did not qualify)
1978 (did not qualify) 1994 (did not qualify) 2006 Second round
WORLD CUP 1982 (did not qualify) 1998 (did not qualify) 2010 First round
FINALS HISTORY 1986 (did not qualify) 2002 (did not qualify) 2014 First round
THE SQUAD
● Behich ● Luongo
● Jurman ● Jedinak
● Ryan ● Juric
● Rogic
● Milligan
● Mooy
● Risdon
● Leckie
THE SCHEDULE he is needed. He played the last half hour of the THE COACH
GROUP G March friendly against Saudi Arabia but that may ● Roberto MARTINEZ
June 18 v Panama (Sochi) not be enough to convince Martinez. The 44-year-old Spaniard was
June 23 v Tunisia (Moscow Spartak) something of a surprise choice when
June 28 v England (Kaliningrad) Will Kevin De Bruyne shine on the world stage? he was appointed in August 2016.
De Bruyne has openly criticised Martinez’s tactics However, he has extensive knowledge of the Premier
THE BETTING – which is probably a sign of his frustration at the fact League, which is home to half of the Belgian squad.
11/1 to win the World Cup that he has rarely looked happy on the international
5/6 to win Group G stage. He thrives on responsibility and it could be that THE KEY PLAYERS
this has been in short supply when he has worn a Eden Hazard and Kevin De Bruyne are the top
THE QUESTIONS Belgium shirt. dogs, but De Bruyne has rarely reproduced his club
What is their Plan B? form and remains an international enigma. Romelu
By switching to a 3-4-2-1 set-up, Roberto Martinez Lukaku scored regularly throughout the campaign.
has shown an element of tactical flexibility that Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen are the
predecessor Marc Wilmots lacked. But while this linchpins of the defence, in front of keeper Thibaut
covers the paucity of quality full-backs, it also reveals Courtois. Axel Witsel offers stability in front of a
a lack of a back-up – which could be essential if back thee. Captain Vincent Kompany missed most
Belgium find themselves being overrun in midfield of the qualifying campaign through injury.
against some of the tournament favourites.
ONE TO WATCH
Can Vincent Kompany and Thomas Vermaelen Promising Club Brugge midfielder Anthony
be relied upon in Russia? Limbombe made his debut in the March friendly
The success of Martinez’s back three depends on against Saudi Arabia.
the form and fitness of Kompany or, as back-up,
Vermaelen. Other candidates, such as Laurent Ciman
and Dedryck Boyata, are short of international quality.
THE SQUAD
● Carrasco
● Vertonghen ● Mertens
● De Bruyne
● Courtois
● Kompany ● Lukaku
● Witsel
● E Hazard
● Alderweireld
● Meunier
THE SCHEDULE season in the Premier League? Many in Brazil do not THE COACH
GROUP E see Roberto Firmino as a convincing replacement. ● TITE
June 17 v Switzerland (Rostov) The 56-year-old, who was appointed
June 23 v Costa Rica (Saint Petersburg) Can the team – and especially the star man in June 2016, is an intelligent and
June 27 v Serbia (Moscow Spartak) – stay in control of the emotional tone? charismatic figure who won domestic,
At home to Ecuador, they played a poor first half. continental and world titles with Corinthians before
THE BETTING Neymar was over concerned with drawing fouls and taking time off to carry out an in-depth study of
9/2 to win the World Cup a routine game turned into a tense occasion. Neymar top-class European football.
2/9 to win Group E lost control and picked up a yellow card for a crude
foul – and he missed four games through suspension. THE KEY PLAYERS
THE QUESTIONS Will he or others explode under pressure? Gabriel Jesus was by far the most significant
Have they been truly tested yet? debutant in the qualifiers for Brazil – a teenage
Tite’s team were magnificent against a disappointing gamble who immediately solved Brazil’s centre-
crop of South American rivals but stiffer tests lie forward problem. He was the team’s top scorer in
ahead. That point was illustrated by the collapse of qualification with seven goals – and he only started
Argentina’s defence against Nigeria on the same day half the games. Midfielder Paulinho was an inspired
Brazil were held by an inexperienced England side. selection by Tite, while centre-back Marquinhos
has quietly established himself as a vital ingredient
Would the side benefit from appointing a in the team.
permanent captain?
Without a natural candidate for the role of on-field ONE TO WATCH
leader, Tite has chosen a different skipper for every Real Socieded striker Willian Jose was called up for
match. Brazil sides have often been at their best with the March friendlies against Russia and Germany.
a vocal leader.
THE SQUAD
● Marcelo
● Paulinho
● Marquinhos
● Alisson ● Fernandinho ● Neymar
● Miranda ● Jesus
● Augusto
● Willian
● Dani Alves
PROFILE: PAULINHO
● MIRANDA
Internazionale (Ita) Goals in qualifiers 1
Age 33 (07.09.84) ● Gabriel JESUS
Apps in qualifiers 17 Manchester City (Eng)
Goals in qualifiers 1 Paulinho is living proof of the changing nature of Corinthians, where the pair won the Libertadores
Age 21 (03.04.97)
● THIAGO SILVA the global game. Dismissed as a has-been after he Cup and Club World Cup. Paulinho was a roaring
Paris Saint-Germain (Fra) Apps in qualifiers 10
was sold by Tottenham to Guangzhou Evergrande in success in the World Cup qualifiers, scoring six
Age 33 (22.09.84) Goals in qualifiers 7
2015, the central midfielder was determined to use goals, providing a dynamic presence in midfield and
Apps in qualifiers 5 ● NEYMAR
Goals in qualifiers 0 his time in the Chinese Super League to press his earning a transfer to Barcelona last summer.
Paris Saint-Germain (Fra) case for a Brazil recall. “Paulinho is evolving and he is raising his level,”
MIDFIELDERS Age 26 (05.02.92) China may be seen by many as a graveyard for Tite said last autumn as Brazil prepared to play their
● Renato AUGUSTO Apps in qualifiers 14 famous players but Paulinho was a great success, final World Cup qualifiers. “From my point of view,
Beijing Guoan (Chn) Goals in qualifiers 6 winning the domestic title and Asian Champions the reason for that is he’s playing in Barcelona’s
Age 30 (08.02.88) ● TAISON League with Guangzhou. His performances caught system of support and collaboration.
Apps in qualifiers 16
Shakhtar Donetsk (Ukr) the eye of Brazil boss Tite, who invited him back to “He is a box-to-box player, but he has good
Goals in qualifiers 3
Age 30 (13.01.88) the national team. intuition and perception of play, which are among
● CASEMIRO
Real Madrid (Spa) Apps in qualifiers 0 It was a controversial recall but Tite is well the best features of his game, so he will do very
Age 26 (23.02.92) Goals in qualifiers 0 aware of his virtues from their time together at well for Barcelona.”
WORLD CUP 2018 67
COLOMBIA
THE SCHEDULE amount for a team that did not change coach – and THE COACH
GROUP H during the campaign there were doubts over whether ● Jose PEKERMAN
June 19 v Japan (Saransk) Pekerman was really sure about his line-up or tactics. Made his name as a highly successful
June 24 v Poland (Kazan) coach of the under-20s in his native
June 28 v Senegal (Samara) Can a promising generation make the step up? Argentina at the turn of the century,
Yerry Mina and fellow centre-back Davinson and took the senior side to the 2006 World Cup.
THE BETTING Sanchez, defensive midfielder Wilmar Barrios and Appointed to the Colombia post at the start of 2012.
33/1 to win the World Cup attacking midfielder Edwin Cardona are just some of
15/8 to reach the quarter-finals the promising members of Pekerman’s squad. But THE KEY PLAYERS
there is a giant step between promise and reality, Defensive midfielder Carlos Sanchez is a man-
THE QUESTIONS which many bright Colombians have failed to bridge. marking specialist whose positional sense and timing
Can they trust David Ospina? in the tackle balance out the side. Striker Radamel
With the exception of a meaningless Copa Centenario Falcao reclaimed his place at centre-forward after
group game, it is more than six years since anyone injury. Gifted but wayward attacking midfielder Edwin
but Ospina has started a competitive match in goal Cardona was the most important of the post-2014
for Colombia. However, inactivity at Arsenal may have intake, along with Yerry Mina, the giant centre-half
taken its toll. who is quick on the ground, dominant in the air and
came into the side for the second half of the
How will Radamel Falcao be used? qualifying campaign.
Jose Pekerman has rarely trusted Falcao to play up
front on his own, with Duvan Zapata playing alongside ONE TO WATCH
him in the final qualifier. If they are to play two up Attacker Duvan Zapata has been in great form for
front, a creative midfielder will be sacrificed. Sampdoria in Serie A this season.
THE SQUAD
● Fabra ● Muriel
● Mina ● Falcao
● C Sanchez
● Ospina ● Rodriguez
● Aguilar
● D Sanchez
● Cardona
● Arias
THE SCHEDULE friendly defeats against Spain (5-0) and Hungary THE COACH
GROUP E (1-0) are worrying. March’s victory in Scotland (1-0) ● Oscar RAMIREZ
June 17 v Serbia (Samara) was followed by defeat to Tunisia (1-0). The 52-year-old was appointed in
June 22 v Brazil (Saint Petersburg) 2015 after Paulo Wanchope resigned.
June 27 v Switzerland (Nizhny Novgorod) Is Oscar Ramirez a good coach? “El Machillo” (the blonde) was a
Those friendly defeats have intensified the doubts standout midfielder and part of the Costa Rica
THE BETTING regarding Ramirez. A good part of the press and side that took part in the 1990 World Cup. After his
300/1 to win the World Cup many fans blame him for being too defensive and retirement he was technical assistant at Saprissa and
16/1 to reach quarter-finals not being able to make the right adjustments during the national team, and coach of Santos de Guapiles
games. His position does not seem in danger but he and Alajuelense, with whom he won five league titles.
THE QUESTIONS is far from a unifying figure.
Will the stars be back in time? THE KEY PLAYERS
Joel Campbell and Bryan Ruiz were both going Of their three stars in Europe – Keylor Navas,
through rough patches of form before getting injuries. Bryan Ruiz and Joel Campbell – only Navas is
The pair have been instrumental for Costa Rica in a starter in an elite team. Many of the players who
recent years. surprised the world in Brazil have kept a place in the
squad. Giancarlo Gonzalez, Oscar Duarte, Celso
Where is the generational change? Borges, Yeltsin Tejeda, Christian Bolanos and
It was hoped that players such as Jimmy Marin, Marco Urena form a experienced backbone.
Randall Leal and Gerson Torres, all aged 20, would
make the step up to the senior team, but they ONES TO WATCH
do not appear to be remotely close to doing so. This is a team with lots of experience and therefore
Kevin Briceno, Yendrick Ruiz, Josue Mitchell, no newcomers of note.
Wilmer Azofeifa, Ian Smith and Ulises Segura were
called up for the March friendlies against Scotland.
THE SQUAD
● Gamboa
● Wallace
● Gonzalez
● Navas ● Guzman
● Urena
● Duarte
● Borges
● Acosta
● Ruiz
● Oviedo
THE SCHEDULE Which areas of the pitch should concern coach THE COACH
GROUP D Zlatko Dalic the most? ● Zlatko DALIC
June 16 v Nigeria (Kaliningrad) Ivan Perisic is the squad’s only classic winger. Centre- Appointed caretaker boss in October
June 21 v Argentina (Nizhny Novgorod) forward Andrej Kramaric can do a job on the right, 2017, he was given the national job on
June 26 v Iceland (Rostov-on-Don) where Mario Mandzukic also plays, but both are a permanent basis in November 2017.
much more of a threat through the middle. Prior to that he spent five years – from 2006 to
THE BETTING 2011 – on the under-21 back-room staff under
28/1 to win the World Cup Which uncapped players have a chance of going Drazen Ladic. As head coach in his own right, he has
7/4 to win Group D to the World Cup? been in charge of Croat outfits Varteks Varazdin,
Defenders Antonio Milic and Duje Caleta-Car are in Rijeka and Slaven Belupo, plus clubs in Albania
THE QUESTIONS with a shout. (Dinamo Tirana) and the Gulf (Al Faisaly Harmah,
Could Luka Modric be affected by his loss of Al Hilal and Al Ain).
popularity back home?
Many Croat fans were unimpressed when he THE KEY PLAYERS
sensationally retracted his original testimony at the The incomparable Luka Modric took over as
corruption trial of one-time Dinamo Zagreb chief skipper from Darijo Srna at the start of last season.
Zdravko Mamic. The latter is very much a hate figure As headstrong as he is talented, Mario Mandzukic
in the country and, with Modric appearing to side is an all-day headache for defenders. Ivan Rakitic
with him, abuse of the Real Madrid midfielder has is an industrious, creative midfielder.
been considerable.
ONE TO WATCH
After creating havoc at Euro 2016, have the Schalke’s Marko Pjaca has impressed in the
Croatia fans calmed down? Bundesliga this season.
Far from it. Their hardcore supporters remain fiercely
opposed to the powers-that-be at the football
federation and are adamant that president Davor
Suker – once a prolific international striker – and
his cohorts are corrupt.
STAR MAN
● Luka MODRIC Madrid since moving from
Who is the side’s unsung hero? Arguably the world’s best Tottenham in 2010. A brilliant
Defensive midfielder Milan Badelj is the one who midfielder, having won three schemer who can also play in
takes care of the dirty work and allows the likes of Champions League titles in a deeper, more defensive role
Modric and Ivan Rakitic to play. the four years with Real when required.
72 WORLD CUP 2018
1930-1990
Part of Yugoslavia
1994 (did not enter) 2006 Group stage
WORLD CUP 1998 Third place 2010 (did not qualify)
FINALS HISTORY 2002 Group stage 2014 Group stage
THE SQUAD
● Strinic
● Perisic
● Corluka ● Rakitic
● Subasic ● Kalinic
● Modric
● Badelj
● Lovren
● Mandzukic
● Vrsaljko
THE SCHEDULE Who will score the goals if Eriksen is absent THE COACH
GROUP C through injury? ● Age HAREIDE
June 16 v Peru (Saransk) The obvious weakness is a lack of goals and the The 64-year-old was a surprise choice
June 21 v Australia (Samara) over-reliance on Eriksen, who contributed crucial to replace long-serving Morten Olsen
June 26 v France (Moscow Luzhniki) goals in qualifying, including the winner in the 1-0 in March 2016, not only because he is
away victory in Montenegro and a spectacular Norwegian but also given his relative lack of success
THE BETTING hat-trick against Republic of Ireland in the play-offs. as coach of his homeland a decade ago. Widespread
100/1 to win the World Cup Yussuf Poulsen is one player who needs to become scepticism among the army of high-profile Danish
6/1 to win Group C more prolific, while Cornelius missed a number of pundits from the “Dynamite” years has been washed
chances in March’s goalless friendly against Chile away by a superb run of results in 2017, culminating
THE QUESTIONS in Aalborg. in qualification. Nobody doubts now that he is worth
Which system will get the best out of star man his contract until July 2020.
Christian Eriksen?
Age Hareide prefers a 4-3-3 formation that allows THE KEY PLAYERS
Eriksen the space to operate behind a main striker Christian Eriksen is now happy and able to accept
and two wide men. However, it’s a different system to the responsibility of inspiring the team. Keeper
the 4-2-3-1 formation at Tottenham, where Eriksen Kasper Schmeichel is following in the footsteps of
has thrived this season. his famous father, Peter, while midfielder William
Kvist remains a valuable operator.
Can defender Andreas Christensen become
a regular starter at Chelsea? THE ONES TO WATCH
If so he will surely become one of the central Strapping centre-forward Nicolai Jorgensen has
defenders for Denmark in Russia, rather than filling been in brilliant form for Dutch side Feyenoord.
in at right-back. So far this season Christensen has
benefited from injuries to David Luiz and the poor
form of Gary Cahill.
THE SQUAD
● Boilesen ● Sisto
● Kvist
● Christensen
● Schmeichel ● Eriksen ● N Jorgensen
● Kjaer
● Delaney ● Poulsen
● Larsen
THE SCHEDULE Why have Egypt failed to turn dominance THE COACH
GROUP A of the African game into regular World Cup ● Hector CUPER
June 15 v Uruguay (Yekaterinburg) qualification? The 61-year-old Argentinian, who was
June 19 v Russia (Saint Petersburg) Egypt last participated at the World Cup in 1990 and once coach of Georgia’s national team,
June 25 v Saudi Arabia (Volgograd) – although they won four African Nations Cups in was appointed by Egypt in March 2015
that time – have suffered the agony of several close on a three-year contract. His past successes include
THE BETTING misses, including a rare play-off game after finishing taking Mallorca to the European Cup-winners Cup
150/1 to win the World Cup tied with Algeria in the 2010 preliminaries. Over the Final and Valencia to two successive Champions
11/2 to win Group A years they have employed a myriad of coaches to League Finals. Voted the Confederation of African
take them to the promised land, including Ruud Krol, Football’s coach of the year in January.
THE QUESTIONS Marco Tardelli and Bob Bradley.
What targets will Egypt be setting themselves THE KEY PLAYERS
this summer? Mohamed Salah is very much the talisman of the
Hector Cuper says a place in the last 16 is the team. Keeper Essam El Hadary, who turned 45 in
ambition, but a lack of experience may count against January, could become the oldest player ever at the
his side. Egypt, however, will point to the fact that World Cup. Ahmed Fathy has won more than 120
they reached the Final of last year’s Nations Cup caps for his country.
after missing three successive African championships.
ONE TO WATCH
Can Mohamed Salah rise to the challenge on the Amr Marey, a striker who plays for Etoile Sahel in
world stage? Tunisia, received his first call-up last year. Mercurial
Since he joined Liverpool, Salah has become a major midfield talent Shikabala recently returned to the
star, not only in Africa but worldwide. These days he national set-up after a three-year absence.
is under immense pressure to deliver every time he
plays for Egypt and he might find the pressure too
much to deliver consistently in the finals.
THE SQUAD
● Abdelshafi ● Hamed ● Trezeguet
● Gabr
● El Hadary ● Kouka
● Elneny
● Hegazi
● Salah
● Fathy ● Said
THE SCHEDULE Can Jack Wilshere provide the midfield THE COACH
GROUP G FIXTURES creativity that appears to be lacking? ● Gareth SOUTHGATE
June 18 v Tunisia (Volgograd) England lacked spark in the qualifiers and Wilshere Gareth Southgate stepped up from the
June 24 v Panama (Nizhny Novgorod) has played himself back into contention with some under-21s following Sam Allardyce’s
June 28 v Belgium (Kaliningrad) strong performances for Arsenal. surprise exit in September 2016. The
47-year-old played in the 1998 World Cup finals as a
THE BETTING Will Southgate opt for a back three? centre-back and missed a crucial penalty in England’s
16/1 to win the World Cup When he became England manager Southgate Euro ’96 semi-final penalties defeat to Germany.
8/11 to reach quarter-finals encouraged all England teams, from under-17s
upwards, to play 4-2-3-1 but he has recently THE KEY PLAYERS
THE QUESTIONS experimented with a 3-4-3. Tottenham Hotspur’s Dele Alli makes clever runs
Who will score the necessary goals if Harry from midfield, while Jordan Henderson of Liverpool
Kane is injured? was Southgate’s preferred choice to anchor the
Kane was top scorer in the qualifiers, while Jamie midfield, with Alli’s club-mate Eric Dier. Manchester
Vardy has struggled for Leicester City at times this City’s Kyle Walker is a vibrant attacking right-back.
season and record scorer Wayne Rooney has retired. Striker Marcus Rashford of Manchester United as
been used as a wide attacker or from the bench.
Who will be first-choice keeper?
Joe Hart was criticised for conceding two free-kicks ONES TO WATCH
against Scotland in the qualifiers and has lost his Manchester United attacker Jesse Lingard has been
place at West Ham United. Jordan Pickford of in fine form for his club. Centre-back Harry Maguire
Everton, Stoke City’s Jack Butland and Burnley pair and right-back Kieran Trippier made their debuts
Tom Heaton and Nick Pope are all exciting long-term during qualifying.
prospects but lack big-match experience.
THE TEAM
● Rose
● Maguire ● Alli
● Dier
● Butland ● Stones ● Kane
● Henderson
● Jones
● Sterling
● Walker
THE SCHEDULE Aymeric Laporte, midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko, and THE COACH
GROUP C attackers Kingsley Coman and Moussa Dembele are ● Didier DESCHAMPS
June 16 v Australia (Kazan) among those pushing for a place. The 49-year-old former France
June 21 v Peru (Yekaterinburg) captain won the 1998 World Cup and
June 26 v Denmark (Moscow Luzniki) Is today’s France side better than the team that Euro 2000 as a player before taking
made it to the Final of Euro 2016? over as the country’s coach in 2012. Known for his
THE BETTING Quite possibly, plus they have more athletic full-backs no-nonsense style, his mistrust of the press and an
11/2 to win the World Cup to call on and some audacious youngsters emerging ability to make tough decisions, he signed a contract
1/5 to win Group C up front. Deschamps has tons of talent at his disposal extension that will keep him in charge until 2020.
but needs to make the team gel sufficiently to go all
THE QUESTIONS the way. THE KEY PLAYERS
Will Didier Deschamps stick to his preferred Antoine Griezmann is one of the most coveted
4-3-3 system? attackers in the game. Teen striker Kylian Mbappe
Having dabbled with 4-4-2, will he be daring and is being hailed as one of the world’s most exciting
flexible enough to employ other systems? With the talents. Goalkeeper and captain Hugo Lloris is fast
defensive talent at his disposal, three at the back closing in on a century of appearances. Rafael
isn’t unimaginable. Les Bleus played 4-4-2 in a 3-2 Varane brings calm and authority to the centre of
friendly defeat to Colombia in Paris in March. defence, while Blaise Matuidi remains a Deschamps
favourite in midfield.
Can Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante establish
himself as a world star? ONE TO WATCH
Acknowledged as the Premier League’s best In-form Sevilla striker Wissam Ben Yedder was
midfielder last season, the 27-year-old now needs a surprise call-up for the March friendlies.
to make his mark at international level.
THE SQUAD
● Mendy
● Matuidi ● Griezmann
● Umtiti
● Lloris ● Kante ● Mbappe
● Varane
● Pogba
● Sidibe ● Dembele
THE SCHEDULE – who has been troubled by an ankle problem this THE COACH
GROUP F season – has his limitations. RB Leipzig’s Marcel ● Joachim LOW
June 17 v Mexico (Moscow Luzhniki) Halstenberg, who made his debut against England at The 58-year-old was appointed
June 23 v Sweden (Sochi) Wembley in November, has been ruled out for the in July 2006, is under contract
June 27 v South Korea (Kazan) rest of the season after damaging knee ligaments. until 2020 and is currently Europe’s
longest-serving national coach. “Jogi” has done a
THE BETTING False nine or target man? remarkable job as Bundestrainer, steering his side to
9/2 to win the World Cup Low has options, with either Sandro Wagner or Mario the world title in 2014 and countless near-misses in
3/10 to win Group F Gomez as a traditional centre-forward, or Timo other tournaments.
Werner, Lars Stindl or Mario Gotze as the crafty
THE QUESTIONS freewheeler. Nor is a strike duo out of the question. THE KEY PLAYERS
How predictable will Germany’s squad be? MIdfield ace Toni Kroos sets the strategic tone, while
Anything but. Joachim Low has never had a deeper centre-back Mats Hummels provides immaculate
pool of talent at his disposal and hard choices will leadership. Joshua Kimmich was Germany’s only
have to be made. He used 37 players in qualifying ever present on the road to Russia. Keeper Manuel
– and in the wake of recent German triumphs at the Neuer sat out the bulk of the campaign with a
Confederations Cup and Euro Under-21s he has even broken foot but should be back in time.
more candidates to sift through.
ONES TO WATCH
Who could pay the price for a lack of playing Germany have discovered yet another ace schemer
time at club level? in Leon Goretzka. Striker Timo Werner made an
Low has to be concerned that a number of his squad immediate impact on the side, netting three goals in
are either bench fodder or struggling with injuries, just two starts in qualifying.
not least keeper Kevin Trapp and midfielder Julian
Draxler at PSG, Dortmund wide-man Andre Schurrle
and Juventus’ Benedikt Howedes. Dortmund winger
Marco Reus has only just returned from a cruciate
knee ligament injury .
STAR MAN
● Toni KROOS operator who coaches can
Does Low have a full-back problem? With his 20/20 vision, always rely upon. After four
There is no real alternative to Joshua Kimmich at exceptional distribution and icy seasons in Madrid, Kroos is
right-back and there is cause for concern on the composure, the Real Madrid rumoured to be considering
other flank too as the usual incumbent, Jonas Hector midfielder is the dependable offers to leave Spain.
82 WORLD CUP 2018
1930 (did not enter) 1962 Quarter-finals 1982 Runners-up
1934 Third place 1966 Runners-up 1986 Runners-up 2002 Runners-up
1938 First round 1970 Third place 1990 WINNERS 2006 Third place
WORLD CUP 1954 WINNERS 1974 WINNERS 1994 Quarter-finals 2010 Third place
FINALS HISTORY 1958 Fourth place 1978 Second round 1998 Quarter-finals 2014 WINNERS
THE SQUAD
● Hector
● Sane
● Hummels
● Werner
● Neuer ● Kroos
● Ozil
● Boateng
● Gundogan
● Kimmich ● Muller
THE SCHEDULE suggest that, at this moment in time, others are not THE COACH
GROUP D ready to step up. ● Heimir HALLGRIMSSON
June 16 v Argentina (Moscow Spartak) A qualified dentist who still runs a
June 22 v Nigeria (Volgograd Will Heimir Hallgrimsson stick to his tried and clinic in his native Westmann Islands,
June 26 v Croatia (Rostov-on-Don) tested 4-4-2 formation? he was appointed assistant to Lars
Iceland usually play 4-4-2 but during the qualifiers Lagerback, when the Icelandic Football Federation
THE BETTING they sometimes used a 4-5-1 set-up, with Gylfi hired the Swede as national coach in 2011. Shortly
250/1 to win the World Cup Sigurdsson in the hole behind a lone striker. In a after failing to qualify for the 2014 World Cup,
14/1 to win Group D friendly last autumn they even experimented with Hallgrimsson and Lagerback signed contracts as joint
three centre-backs in a five-man defensive line. managers, and when his co-coach called it a day
THE QUESTIONS That could possibly be used in the summer. after Euro 2016, Hallgrimsson became the sole boss.
How can such a small nation qualify for the
World Cup? THE KEY PLAYERS
The recent generation of players is strong, both Captain Aron Gunnarsson is the heart of the team,
physically and mentally, with all of them playing with Gylfi Sigurdsson the brains. Centre-backs
professionally abroad – although few are with big Ragnar Sigurdsson and Kari Arnason are an
teams in strong leagues. important pairing. keeper Hannes Halldorsson
is another essential piece in the puzzle.
How have Iceland climbed the FIFA ranking list
so quickly? ONE TO WATCH
The transition can be traced back 15 years, to when PSV winger Albert Gudmundsson, the son of
the country started building indoor football arenas. Iceland’s world-famous commentator Gudmundur
Before then, adverse weather conditions meant Benediktsson, made his senior debut last year.
players could not train properly during the winter.
Another reason is a high standard of coaches.
THE SQUAD
● Magnusson ● B Bjarnason
● R Sigurdsson ● Bodvarsson
● Halldorsson ● Gunnarsson
● G Sigurdsson
● Arnason ● Finnbogason
● Saevarsson ● J B Gudmundsson
THE SCHEDULE when it comes to organising a team and coming up THE COACH
GROUP B with the right tactics. However, he will be pitting his ● Carlos QUEIROZ
June 15 v Morocco (Saint Petersburg) wits against a higher class of coach and opposition The 65-year-old Portuguese veteran
June 20 v Spain (Kazan) in Russia. has been in place for six years and has
June 25 v Portugal (Saransk) used his vast experience to get the
Will expectations be a problem? team where it is today. Has qualified three different
THE BETTING Iran have had talented teams before, such as in nations for four World Cups: South Africa, Portugal
500/1 to win the World Cup 2006, but this is the first time they are widely and now Iran, where he is beloved by fans. This
25/1 to win Group B accepted as Asia’s best and first time that there summer could be his biggest test.
are genuine expectations that they can get to the
THE QUESTIONS knockout stage. It could have an unpredictable effect. THE KEY PLAYERS
Will Iran be able to score goals? Sardar Azmoun can lay claim to be the best striker
Despite having such a talented attacker such as in Asia at the moment, while Reza Ghoochannejhad
Sardar Azmoun, goals did not exactly flow freely has been scoring goals for fun in Holland. Striker
in qualification. To get out of the group he is going Mehdi Taremi has his critics at home but often pops
to need support. up with a goal when needed, and veteran defender
Jalal Hosseini has over a century of appearances
Who will step up when the pressure is on? and is still going strong.
Iran has long had powerful midfielders, both
physically and mentally, but the present crop is ONES TO WATCH
younger and more technical. With the team’s stroll Just 21, Saeid Ezatolahi is being called “the Persian
to the World Cup it remains to be seen who will Pogba” and the Russian-based midfielder has all the
emerge as a leader when the pressure is really on. attributes to become a real star.
THE SQUAD
● Shojaei
● Hajsafi
● Taremi
● J Hosseini
● Ansarifard
● Beiranvand
● Azmoun
● Ezatolahi
● Montazeri
● Jahanbakhsh
● Ghafouri
THE SQUAD
● Nagatomo ● Okazaki
● Makino ● Hasebe
● Kawashima ● Osako
● Ideguchi
● Yoshida ● Yamaguchi
● Kubo
● H Sakai
THE SCHEDULE Can Mexico compete with the big boys? THE COACH
GROUP F Despite his great results in the qualifiers, Osorio is ● Juan Carlos OSORIO
June 17 v Germany (Moscow Luzhniki) far from generating unanimity in Mexico. The main The 56-year-old, who was appointed
June 23 v South Korea (Rostov) reason is related to two defeats suffered in the in October 2015, was assistant to
June 27 v Sweden (Yekaterinburg) knockout rounds of major tournaments against Stuart Pearce at Manchester City
high-quality rivals: 7-0 against Chile in the Copa before starting a coaching career in his native
THE BETTING America and 4-1 against Germany in the Colombia and then moving on to Mexico, Brazil and
100/1 to win the World Cup Confederations Cup. Two good results in away the United States. He won the Colombian league title
11/2 to win Group F friendlies at Belgium (3-3) and Poland (1-0) have when in charge of Once Caldas and three more with
reassured public opinion a little, but doubts about Atletico Nacional.
THE QUESTIONS the team in important matches persist.
Where does the team’s biggest weakness lie? THE KEY PLAYERS
When analysing Mexico’s squad you can find an Captain Andres Guardado provides calm leadership
abundance of riches in attack, but they remain in midfield. The same can also be said of Hector
vulnerable at the back. El Tri like to keep possession Moreno at the back. Hector Herrera, Jesus Corona
and dictate the rhythm of games, but they suffer and Miguel Layun have been regulars in recent
when put under pressure and attacked. Coach Juan years, as has keeper Guillermo Ochoa. Russia 2018
Carlos Osorio must find a way to balance the team. will be a first World Cup for winger Hirving Lozano
who is an exciting new talent.
How good is Hirving Lozano?
The PSV winger has had a brilliant start in the Dutch ONE TO WATCH
Eredivisie, distributing goals and assists equally, and American-born midfield talent Jonathan Gonzalez
Mexican fans will expect him to be the player who recently opted to play for Mexico ahead of the USA.
makes a difference in Russia. However, at 22 years
of age, that is a big ask.
THE SQUAD
● Layun ● Lozano
● Reyes ● Herrera
● Ochoa ● Hernandez
● Salcedo ● Corona
THE SCHEDULE target man. He has now lost his starting place – and THE COACH
GROUP B ever since then Morocco have had little physical ● Herve RENARD
June 15 v Iran (Saint Petersburg) presence in attack. After a limited playing career, the 49-
June 20 v Portugal (Moscow Luzhniki) year-old got his break as Claude Le
June 25 v Spain (Kaliningrad) Will Renard make more changes to keep the Roy’s assistant with Ghana in 2008
regulars on their toes? and went on to win African Nations Cup titles with
THE BETTING As a man who likes to have an edgy camp, and a Zambia (2012) and Ivory Coast (2015).
300/1 to win the World Cup coach who tries to keep his players on their toes,
16/1 to win Group B he often springs a surprise with some his selections THE KEY PLAYERS
and handed Amiens defender Oualid El Hajjam a first Juventus defender Mehdi Benatia enjoys the
THE QUESTIONS cap against Uzbekistan in March. highest profile of the Moroccan exports, while the
Will Morocco manage to retain their new-found midfield duo of Mbark Boussoufa and Younes
unity this summer? Belhanda have a star quality that energises the
There are many disparate elements in a squad that team. Dutch-born Karim El Ahmadi is the anchor
has a French-born contingent, a Dutch-born colony of the side. Sofiane Boufal has established himself
and a few from Morocco itself. It has not always been as a key player and Hakim Ziyech on the wing is a
harmonious, but a return to the World Cup has been creative force. Feyenoord’s Sofyan Amrabat has
built on team spirit. chosen to play for Morocco over Holland, just as
Ziyech did two years earlier.
Is Karim El Ahmadi past his sell-by date at
international level? ONE TO WATCH
The former Aston Villa midfielder, who is now 33, Ayoub El Kaabi was the star of Morocco’s win in the
played a major role in the qualifying campaign and African Nations Championship for homegrown players.
was also integral to Feyenoord winning the Dutch
Eredivisie title last season. However, his legs look
to be growing a little weary and he could struggle
next summer. STAR MAN
Could Herve Renard’s side be a little lightweight ● Mehdi BENATIA won league titles in Germany
in attack? Morocco’s French-born (with Bayern Munich) and
At the 2017 African Nations Cup in January, the captain is one of the most Italy (with Juventus). A highly
gangly Aziz Bouhaddouz – who plays for St Pauli successful African players in accomplished defender who
in the German second division – was the team’s European club football, having leads by example.
92 WORLD CUP 2018
1930 (did not enter) 1958 (did not enter) 1978 (did not qualify) 1998 Group stage
1934 (did not enter) 1962 (did not qualify) 1982 (did not qualify) 2002 (did not qualify)
1938 (did not enter) 1966 (did not enter) 1986 Second round 2006 (did not qualify)
WORLD CUP 1950 (did not enter) 1970 Group stage 1990 (did not qualify) 2010 (did not qualify)
FINALS HISTORY 1934 (did not enter) 1974 (did not qualify) 1994 Group stage 2014 (did not qualify)
THE SQUAD
● Mendyl ● Ziyech
● Benatia
● Mohamedi ● Boussoufa ● Boutaib
● Belhanda
● Saiss
● El Ahmadi
● Dirar ● N Amrabat
THE SCHEDULE CAF to postpone their 2019 African Nations Cup THE COACH
GROUP D qualifier in the Seychelles in March so that they could ● Gernot ROHR
June 16 v Croatia (Nizhny Novgorod) get themselves some more testing preparation before Appointed in August 2016 on a two-
June 22 v Iceland (Volgograd) their campaign gets under way. year contract, the 64-year-old began
June 26 v Argentina (Saint Petersburg) his African coaching career at Etoile
Who could make a late push for inclusion for Sahel and led the national teams of Gabon, Niger
THE BETTING this summer’s squad? and Burkina Faso before his appointment by Nigeria.
150/1 to win the World Cup Strikers Emmanuel Dennis of Club Brugge and
9/1 to win Group D Midtjylland’s Paul Onuachu are among the top THE KEY PLAYERS
scorers in the league in Belgium and Denmark John Obi Mikel is still the orchestrator in midfield,
THE QUESTIONS this season. playing a more advanced midfield role than he did at
Could Nigeria go further than any other African club level. Leon Balogun has not been around long
country and reach the semi-finals? but he already captains the side and is the defensive
No African team has made the last four at a World bulwark in a relatively inexperienced back four.
Cup and it has always been supposed that Nigeria, Former Lazio midfielder Ogenyi Onazi sits in front of
with its population of some 190million, would be the back four.
strong contenders to be the first. This squad,
however, will probably not be the one to do so. ONES TO WATCH
Exciting young English-based players Kelechi
Will Nigeria change their goalkeeper before the Iheanacho and Alex Iwobi are yet to deliver on the
World Cup? impact that has been expected of them, although
Carl Ikeme’s absence after being diagnosed with Iwobi did get the goal that ensured qualification as
acute leukemia left a void which Ikechuku Ezenwa they beat Zambia.
did not look capable of filling in the later stages
of qualifying. This could see a return for Vincent
Enyeama, who retired from the national team after
a spat with previous coach Sunday Oliseh. STAR MAN
Will the team be properly prepared? ● Victor MOSES now employed as a wing-
For the first time at a World Cup finals, Nigeria look After three seasons out on back. He proved during the
to have a proactive administration. They have already loan, the one-time winger has qualifying campaign that
had a friendly game in Russia, where they beat successfully re-established Nigeria are a level up on
Argentina, and they also managed to persuade himself at Chelsea and is their ability when he plays.
94 WORLD CUP 2018
1930 (did not enter) 1958 (did not enter) 1978 (did not qualify) 1998 Second round
1934 (did not enter) 1962 (did not qualify) 1982 (did not qualify) 2002 Group stage
1938 (did not enter) 1966 (did not qualify) 1986 (did not qualify) 2006 (did not qualify)
WORLD CUP 1950 (did not enter) 1970 (did not qualify) 1990 (did not qualify) 2010 Group stage
FINALS HISTORY 1954 (did not enter) 1974 (did not qualify) 1994 Second round 2014 Second round
THE SQUAD
● Aina
● Iwobi
● Troost-Ekong
● Ezenwa ● Onazi ● Ighalo
● Mikel
● Balogun ● Ndidi
● Moses
● Abdullahi
THE SCHEDULE the team have done the hard part. The hope now is THE COACH
GROUP G that they arrive in Russia with sufficient motivation to ● Hernan Dario GOMEZ
June 18 v Belgium (Sochi) pull off an upset like Costa Rica did four years ago. Appointed in February 2014, the
June 24 v England (Nizhny Novgorod) 62-year-old Colombian has become
June 28 v Tunisia (Saransk) Who will stand out from the new generation? an expert in South American and
If Gomez feels that he needs to make a change, the CONCACAF qualification, having previously booked
THE BETTING younger talents of the team must take a step forward. a ticket with Colombia in 1998 and Ecuador in 2002.
1,000/1 to win the World Cup While there are several promising newcomers in and His record in the tournament is less successful,
20/1 to win Group G around the squad, 23-year-old defender Escobar, having been twice eliminated in the first round.
who started against Costa Rica, is the only one close
THE QUESTIONS to breaking into the starting XI. THE KEY PLAYERS
Will the coach, Hernan Dario Gomez, dare to The base of the Panamanian team has been the
make changes? same for at least eight years. Goalkeeper Jaime
Of the team that started the decisive match Penedo, defender Felipe Baloy, midfielders Gabriel
against Costa Rica, only three – Fidel Escobar, Gomez and Armando Cooper, and strikers Blas
Edgar Barcenas and Anibal Godoy – were under Perez and Luis Tejada form the backbone of a team
29. But while the coach’s commitment to experience that knows each other by heart.
may have paid off against regional opponents, a
lack of pace could be a handicap against more ONES TO WATCH
powerful opposition. A 20-year-old striker with Deportivo Fabril, who are
Deportivo La Caruna’s reserve side, Ismael Diaz
What to do with Felipe Baloy? could make the squad, along with 21-year-old
For years he has undoubtedly been the best player midfielder Ricardo Avila of Gent.
in the team and a rock at the heart of the defence.
However, in the last qualifying matches he seemed
to have lost his way a bit, and he had a strong verbal
confrontation with the press after the defeat against
the USA. Relegated to the bench for the Costa Rica
STAR MAN
game, it is pertinent to ask whether, at 37, he can ● Roman TORRES that resembles a wrestler
still contribute. Panama’s captain scored the more than a footballer, he
goal that qualified the team embodies the team virtues of
Will the team be able to compete in Russia? for the finals. Nicknamed determination and discipline
After booking their ticket, the prevalent feeling is that “Mazinger” because of a body rather than skill.
96 WORLD CUP 2018
1930 (did not enter) 1958 (did not enter) 1978 (did not qualify) 1998 (did not qualify)
1934 (did not enter) 1962 (did not enter) 1982 (did not qualify) 2002 (did not qualify)
1938 (did not enter) 1966 (did not enter) 1986 (did not qualify) 2006 (did not qualify)
WORLD CUP 1950 (did not enter) 1970 (did not enter) 1990 (did not qualify) 2010 (did not qualify)
FINALS HISTORY 1954 (did not enter) 1974 (did not enter) 1994 (did not qualify) 2014 (did not qualify)
THE SQUAD
● Davis
● Cooper
● Escobar
● Gomez
● Penedo
● Perez
● R Torres ● Godoy
● Machado
● Tejada
● Murillo
THE SQUAD
● Trauco
● Flores
● Rodriguez
● Gallese ● Yotun
● Cueva
● Guerrero
● Tapia
● Ramos
● Carillo
● Advincula
THE SCHEDULE Are there likely to be any late additions to the THE COACH
GROUP H squad for Russia? ● Adam NAWALKA
June 19 v Senegal (Moscow Spartak) After the last qualifying game, against Macedonia, Appointed in October 2013 and on
June 24 v Colombia (Kazan) Lewandowski said “the team needs new blood”. But, a contract until the end of the finals.
June 28 v Japan (Volgograd) despite the coaching staff regularly monitoring a few Leo Beenhakker’s assistant for a year
dozen potential candidates, there is a big problem when the national team qualified for Euro 2008, his
THE BETTING with finding real replacements who are ready to biggest solo successes have been winning the Polish
50/1 to win the World Cup play at international level. One of the stars of the title with Wisla Krakow and guiding the national side
6/4 to win Group H domestic league, Taras Romanczuk impressed on to the knockout stage of Euro 2016. A former
his debut in March but the squad’s lack of depth midfielder, he played for Poland at the 1978 finals.
THE QUESTIONS may be the team’s biggest problem.
Who replaces Robert Lewandowski if he gets THE KEY PLAYERS
injured during the finals? Poland are heavily reliant on Robert Lewandowski
Quite simply, there is no such player. The Bayern for goals. Kamil Glik a rock at the heart of the
Munich striker was out with a muscle injury in defence, while right-back Lukasz Piszczek showed
October but this was later found to be due to his potential in attack by scoring the winner against
exhaustion. Poland will need him fully fit in Montenegro in March 2017. Playmaker Piotr
Russia after he scored 16 goals in qualifying. Zielinski has become a key performer for the team.
THE SQUAD
● Bereszynski
● Grosicki
● Glik
● Szczesny ● Maczynski ● Lewandowski
● Zielinski
● Pazdan ● Krychowiak
● Blaszczykowski
● Piszczek
THE SCHEDULE struggled to get the best out of him. Wide right THE COACH
GROUP B in a flat and narrow 4-4-2 is his usual position, but ● Fernando SANTOS
June 15 v Spain (Sochi) many are calling for the coach to implement a Having replaced Paulo Bento, it is now
June 20 v Morocco (Moscow Luzhniki) diamond formation with Silva at the attacking tip. three years at the helm for a man who
June 25 v Iran (Saransk) can rightly be considered as the best
Can Goncalo Guedes force his way into the side? coach in Portugal’s history. His current contract runs
THE BETTING The 21-year-old has been sensational form on loan until 2020. He previously steered Greece to Euro
25/1 to win the World Cup at Valencia this season after failing to make an 2012 and the 2014 World Cup.
2/1 to win Group B impact at Paris Saint-German. He adds interesting
options for Santos, either as a left-sided attacking THE KEY PLAYERS
THE QUESTIONS midfielder, a winger or centrally as a support striker. Andre Silva announced himself in style, scoring nine
Have enough of the side had sufficient playing goals in qualifying and forming a lethal partnership
time this term? with Cristiano Ronaldo. Pepe remains the bedrock
While the current crop of young Portuguese talent of Portugal’s defence, while Ricardo Quaresma and
has undoubtedly got potential, few can be considered Joao Moutinho continue to make key contributions.
regular starters for their club sides. What will time For all three, Russia will be their final chance of
spent on the bench do for the match fitness and World Cup glory.
confidence levels of Andre Silva (Milan), Joao Mario
(on loan at West Ham from Internazionale) and ONE TO WATCH
Bernardo Silva (Manchester City)? Napoli full-back Mario Rui made his debut in a
March friendly against Holland. Portugal lost 3-0
Will a lethal strike force take its qualifying form but the 26-year-old was one of the few who made
to Russia? a positive impression and could sneak into the squad.
For years Portugal struggled to find a reliable
goalscoring centre-forward, but that search looks to
be over as Andre Silva has started his international
career in spectacular fashion. He also has great
chemistry with Cristano Ronaldo, with the pair
STAR MAN
sharing 24 goals in qualifying. ● Cristiano RONALDO conserving his energy this
Now 33, Russia 2018 is his season, starring in the
How will Fernando Santos use Bernardo Silva? last realistic chance of World Champions League
Silva is widely acknowledged as the biggest talent to Cup glory. Portugal’s top but limiting his league
come out of Portugal since Ronaldo, but Santos has scorer in qualifying has been appearances for Real Madrid.
102 WORLD CUP 2018
1930 (did not enter) 1958 (did not qualify) 1978 (did not qualify) 1998 (did not qualify)
1934 (did not qualify) 1962 (did not qualify) 1982 (did not qualify) 2002 Group stage
1938 (did not qualify) 1966 Third place 1986 Group stage 2006 Fourth place
WORLD CUP 1950 (did not qualify) 1970 (did not qualify) 1990 (did not qualify) 2010 Second round
FINALS HISTORY 1954 (did not qualify) 1974 (did not qualify) 1994 (did not qualify) 2014 Group stage
THE SQUAD
● Guerreiro
● Joao Mario
● Ronaldo
● Pepe ● Carvalho
● Patricio
● Moutinho
● Rolando ● Andre Silva
● Soares ● B Silva
THE SCHEDULE the defensive midfielder which led to Denisov being THE COACH
GROUP A banished to the reserves. Since becoming coach of ● Stanislav CHERCHESOV
June 14 v Saudi Arabia (Moscow Luzhniki) the national side, Cherchesov has not considered Appointed in August 2016 on a two-
June 19 v Egypt (Saint Petersburg) calling up Denisov. year contract, the former USSR and
June 25 v Uruguay (Samara) Russia goalkeeper is a four-time
Can the domestic league’s top strikers take their winner of the national championship as a player.
THE BETTING chances in top international games? He coached Moscow sides Spartak and Dynamo
50/1 to win the World Cup With Kokorin injured, the pressure is on the Premier before moving to Poland in 2015 and leading Legia
7/4 to win Group A League’s top scorer in 2016, Fedor Smolov of Warsaw to the double.
Krasnodar, to lead the line this summer. But he
THE QUESTIONS has not shone at international level. THE KEY PLAYERS
Will injuries derail Russia’s World Cup? Igor Akinfeev remains the first-choice keeper while
Key defender Victor Vasin and first-choice striker the experienced Alan Dzagoev is also a key figure.
Alexander Kokorin, last season’s top scorer in the Fedor Smolov is likely to take an important role as
Russian league, recently suffered serious knee the lone striker.
injuries, and another important defender Georgi
Dzhikiya faces a race to fit in time for the finals. ONES TO WATCH
Born in Russia, Konstantin Rausch emigrated to
Can the new defence cope? Germany as a boy but after caps at under-21 level
Since Euro 2016, veteran defenders Sergei for his adopted homeland the winger opted to play
Ignashevich, along with Vasili and Alexei Berezutskiy, for Russia. Identical twins Aleksei and Anton
have quit international football, forcing coach Miranchuk, both of Lokomotiv Moscow, could
Stanislav Cherchesov to totally replace his back feature this summer.
three. Injuries to Vasin and possibly Dzhikiya have
added to his problems.
THE SQUAD
● Zhirkov
● Golovin
● Kudryashov
● Akinfeev ● Smolov
● Granat ● Glushakov
● Aleksei
● Rausch Miranchuk
● Dzagoev
● Smolnikov
GOALKEEPERS MIDFIELDERS
● Igor AKINFEEV ● Alan DZAGOEV
CSKA Moscow CSKA Moscow
Age 32 Age 27
(08.04.86)
(17.06.90)
● Vladimir GABULOV
● Denis GLUSHAKOV
Club Brugge (Blg)
Spartak Moscow
Age 34
Age 31
(19.10.83)
(27.01.87)
● Andrey LUNYOV
Zenit ● Aleksandr GOLOVIN
Age 26 CSKA Moscow
(13.11.91) Age 21
(30.05.96)
DEFENDERS ● Daler KUZYAYEV
● Georgi DZHIKIYA Zenit
Spartak Moscow Age 25
Age 24
(15.01.93)
(21.11.93)
● Aleksei
● Mario FERNANDES
MIRANCHUK
CSKA Moscow
Lokomotiv Moscow
Age 27
(19.09.90) Age 22
THE SCHEDULE better playmakers in the whole of Asia. If he can take JUAN COACH
GROUP A his Asian form on the global stage this could be a ● Juan Antonio PIZZI
June 14 v Russia (Moscow Luzhniki) good tournament for him. The former Spain striker was the
June 20 v Uruguay (Rostov) choice of the Saudi federation to
June 25 v Egypt (Volgograd) What about international exposure? replace Argentina’s Edgardo Bauza in
Traditionally, the biggest problem facing the Saudis November’s latest round of musical chairs. Bauza had
THE BETTING has been that they all play at home. In an attempt to only been in charge for a few months when he was
1,000/1 to win the World Cup tackle this problem, the Saudi federation agreed a sacked. The 40-year-old Pizza was in charge of Chile
20/1 to win Group A deal with La Liga to loan players, including Fahad Al at last year’s Confederations Cup.
Muwallad, to Spanish clubs for the second half of the
THE QUESTIONS European season. THE KEY PLAYERS
What effect will the change of coaches have? Nawaf Al Abed was cool and composed throughout
Losing the experienced Dutchman Bert Van Marwijk, the final stage and he scores as well as creates.
who took his homeland to the 2010 Final and has When given the opportunity Fahad Al Muwallad is
since been appointed as coach of Australia, was exciting. Osama Hawsawi has been in the centre of
huge. Not only did he know the players, they knew the defence for a long time – although some feel for
him and his system. Edgardo Bauza, the Argentinian too long. Striker Mohammad Al Sahlawi was the
who replaced Van Marwijk, barely had time to get to top scorer in qualifying.
know the squad, but friendly performances against
Portugal and Bulgaria ended with much criticism and THE ONES TO WATCH
his departure proved that there are few seats as hot Winger Yahia Al Shehri was one of the players sent
as that of Saudi Arabia’s coach. on loan to Spain in the spring, although he had yet to
appear for La Liga side Leganes.
Is Osama Hawsawi up to the job?
At 34, the centre-back and captain came into the
team just after the 2006 World Cup, but his ageing
legs have been showing a little of late and there are
concerns as to whether he can last the pace in
STAR MAN
Russia this summer. ● Nawaf AL ABED round, scoring five goals,
Al Hilal’s skilful attacking including four penalties. His
Can Nawaf Al Abed show his potential? schemer stepped up when it calmness under pressure
The Al Hilal man came into his own during mattered most in the final earned him the nickname
qualification and, at the moment, there are few, if any, Asian World Cup qualifying “The Brave One”.
106 WORLD CUP 2018
1958 (did not enter) 1978 (did not qualify) 1998 Group stage
1962 (did not enter) 1982 (did not qualify) 2002 Group stage
1966 (did not enter) 1986 (did not qualify) 2006 Group stage
WORLD CUP 1970 (did not enter) 1990 (did not qualify) 2010 (did not qualify)
FINALS HISTORY 1974 (did not enter) 1994 Second round 2014 (did not qualify)
THE SQUAD
● Al Harbi
● Al Abed
● Al Mogahwi
● Osama Hawsawi
● Abdullah
● Al Faraj ● Al Sahlawi
● M Hawsawi
● Al Jassim
● Al Shahrani ● Al Muwallad
THE SQUAD
● Sabaly ● Mane
● Gueye
● Koulibaly
● Diallo ● Sakho
● Kouyate
● Sane
● Niang
● N’doye
● Wague
THE SCHEDULE Can Serbia overcome the mental blocks of their THE COACH
GROUP E teams in the past? ● Mladen KRSTAJIC
June 17 v Costa Rica (Samara) The fear is that the big stage will prove too much for Assistant coach who was promoted to
June 22 v Switzerland (Kaliningrad) Serbia once again this summer. If they want to enjoy caretaker following Muslin’s dismissal
June 27 v Brazil (Moscow Spartak) a good World Cup they must avoid freezing when it last autumn, the 44-year-old former
matters most. centre-back played for Serbia & Montenegro at the
THE BETTING 2006 World Cup.
150/1 to win the World Cup Is Krstajic the right man for the job?
9/1 to win Group E Serbia’s recently appointed boss was assistant to THE KEY PLAYERS
former national coach Slavoljub Muslin but has no The goals of Dusan Tadic and Aleksandar Mitrovic
THE QUESTIONS previous experience as a top-level manager. and the ability of goalkeeper Vladimir Stojkovic
Who will score the goals if Aleksandar Mitrovic were vital in qualifying. Skipper Branislav Ivanovic
is injured? showed true leadership despite some ups and downs
Serbia’s first-choice striker moved to Championship in his performances. Nemanja Matic is the central
club Fulham on loan from Newcastle United in figure in midfield.
January in a bid to be ready in time for the World
Cup. Aleksandar Prijovic scored the winning goal ONES TO WATCH
against Georgia but he is still a newcomer in this Talented midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, who
team, while Andrija Pavlovic would probably be has been starring for Lazio in Serie A, was ignored by
punching above his weight. previous coach Muslin, who claimed he didn’t fit into
his 3-4-3 system. Former Tottenham youngster
Can the defence become more solid? Milos Veljkovic is a highly-rated centre-back or
Ignoring the games against an inferior Moldova side, defensive midfielder.
Serbia conceded 10 goals in eight games – almost all
of which came after defensive errors.
Is there a plan B?
Far too often Serbia seem over reliant on Dusan Tadic
STAR MAN
and they can look clueless when opponents manage ● Dusan TADIC remained key for the national
to shackle him. Coach Mladen Krstajic has given Although his form dropped side and made a crucial
creative players Adem Ljajic and Sergej Milinkovic- in the second part of the contribution by scoring the
Savic their chance and their inclusion could resolve qualifying campaign, the winner in the vital 3-2 victory
this problem. Southampton midfielder over Austria.
110 WORLD CUP 2018
As Yugoslavia 1958 Quarter-finals 1982 Group stage 2002 (did not qualify)
1930 Fourth place 1962 Fourth place 1986 (did not qualify) 2006 Group stage
1934-38 (did not qualify) 1966-70 (did not qualify) 1990 Quarter-finals As Serbia
WORLD CUP 1950 Group stage 1974 Second round As Serbia & Montenegro 2010 Group stage
FINALS HISTORY 1954 Quarter-finals 1978 (did not qualify) 1998 Second round 2014 (did not qualify)
THE SQUAD
● Kolarov
● Kostic
● Ivanovic
● Matic
● Stojkovic ● Ljajic ● Mitrovic
● Milivojevic
● Nastasic
● Tadic
● Rukavina
GOALKEEPERS MIDFIELDERS
● Marko DMITROVIC ● Marko GRUJIC
Eibar (Spa) Liverpool (Eng)
Age 26 (24.02.92) Age 22 (13.04.96)
Apps in qualifiers 0 Apps in qualifiers 0
● Predrag RAJKOVIC Goals in qualifiers 0
Maccabi Tel Aviv (Isr) ● Filip KOSTIC
Age 22 (31.10.95) Hamburg (Ger)
Apps in qualifiers 2 Age 25 (01.11.92)
● Vladimir Apps in qualifiers 9
STOJKOVIC Goals in qualifiers 2
Partizan ● Adem LJAJIC
Age 34 (28.07.83) Torino (Ita)
Apps in qualifiers 8 Age 26 (29.09.91)
Apps in qualifiers 3
DEFENDERS Goals in qualifiers 0
● Dusan BASTA ● Nemanja
Lazio (Ita) MAKSIMOVIC
Age 33 (18.08.84) Valencia (Spa)
Apps in qualifiers 0 Age 23 (26.01.95)
Goals in qualifiers 0 Apps in qualifiers 6
● Branislav IVANOVIC Goals in qualifiers 0
Zenit (Rus)
● Nemanja MATIC
Age 34 (22.02.84)
Manchester United (Eng)
Apps in qualifiers 10
Age 29 (01.08.88)
Goals in qualifiers 1
Apps in qualifiers 7
● Aleksandar Goals in qualifiers 1
KOLAROV
● Luka MILIVOJEVIC
Roma (Ita)
Crystal Palace (Eng)
Age 32 (10.11.85)
Age 27 (07.04.91)
Apps in qualifiers 8
Apps in qualifiers 9
Goals in qualifiers 2
Goals in qualifiers 0
● Nikola
MAKSIMOVIC ● Sergej MILINKOVIC-
Napoli (Ita) SAVIC
Age 26 (25.11.91) Lazio (Ita)
Apps in qualifiers 0 Age 23 (27.02.95)
Goals in qualifiers 0 Apps in qualifiers 0
Goals in qualifiers 0
● Matija NASTASIC
Schalke (Ger) ● Dusan TADIC
Age 25 (28.03.93) Southampton (Eng)
Apps in qualifiers 7 Age 29 (20.11.88)
Goals in qualifiers 0 Apps in qualifiers 10
● Ivan OBRADOVIC Goals in qualifiers 4
Anderlecht (Blg)
Age 29 (25.07.88)
Apps in qualifiers 2
● Andrija ZIVKOVIC
Benfica (Por)
Age 21 (11.07.96)
PROFILE: ALEKSANDAR MITROVIC
Goals in qualifiers 0 Apps in qualifiers 0
Goals in qualifiers 0 Few players can have been as successful for 23-year-old who joined Newcastle from Anderlecht
● Antonio RUKAVINA
Villarreal (Spa)
their country while not playing for their club as in July 2015 for £13million. Playing for a fellow
Age 34 (26.01.84) FORWARDS Aleksandar Mitrovic. The striker was only a reserve countryman in manager Slavisa Jokanovic, Mitrovic
Apps in qualifiers 9 ● Aleksandar at Newcastle United, but in the World Cup qualifiers has been firing on all cylinders. He scored eight
Goals in qualifiers 0 MITROVIC he scored six times, including two crucial equalisers goals in his first 11 matches for the second-tier
● Dusko TOSIC Newcastle United (Eng) in the two draws with Wales that proved vital in side, earning rave reviews for his performances.
Besiktas (Tur) Age 23 (16.09.94) securing a place in Russia. “Mitrovic is good player,” says Jokanovic. “He’s
Age 33 (19.01.85) Apps in qualifiers 9 There were plenty of concerns throughout Serbia made a great job for us, I repeat many times:
Apps in qualifiers 0 Goals in qualifiers 6
when Mitrovic joined Championship side Fulham he’s an important signing for us and worked
Goals in qualifiers 0 ● Aleksandar on loan in January – the move would give the fiery in the offensive and defensive set pieces.
● Milos VELJKOVIC PRIJOVIC
centre-forward the chance to stay in shape ahead “He can hold the ball, he made important things.
Werder Bremen (Ger) PAOK (Gre)
Age 22 (26.09.95) Age 27 (21.07.90) of the World Cup, but would he be ready to face And at the end what is important is we start our
Apps in qualifiers 0 Apps in qualifiers 4 the world’s best this summer? striker and he scores the goals.”
Goals in qualifiers 0 Goals in qualifiers 1 It’s been so far, so good at Fulham for the Everybody in Serbia will agree with that.
WORLD CUP 2018 111
SOUTH KOREA
THE SCHEDULE foreign knowhow, former Spain and Real Madrid THE COACH
GROUP F number two Grande was appointed as assistant in ● SHIN Tae-yong
June 18 v Sweden (Nizhny Novgorad) November. And he has much work to do. A tough-tackling midfielder who led
June 23 v Mexico (Rostov-on-Don) Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma to victory
June 27 v Germany (Kazan) Who will be in charge? in the 2010 Asian Champions League
Ever since qualification was achieved there have been after retiring. Was in charge of South Korea’s team at
THE BETTING rumours of Guus Hiddink making a return – and they the 2016 Olympics and the 2017 Under-20 World
300/1 to win the World Cup have been favourably received by most of the public. Cup – tournaments that started well before ending in
16/1 to win Group F However, while the Dutchman is highly unlikely to disappointment. The 49-year-old replaced German
return, but Shin Tae-yong will be under pressure if coach Uli Stielike, who was fired following a defeat to
THE QUESTIONS poor results continue. Qatar during the qualifying campaign that left South
Can the team reverse poor results? Korea in danger of missing out on Russia
Just one victory and a lack of good performances in
2017 has drained confidence in the team. Before the THE KEY PLAYERS
World Cup gets too close, the players need to get a Star Son Heung-min is the focus of the team’s
win or two – otherwise the build-up is going to be full attacking efforts. Approaching 100 caps, midfielder
of dread rather than excitement. Ki Sung-yueng is a calming influence. Koo Ja-cheol
offers aggression and goals from midfield when fit.
Can Son score the goals?
South Korea gets excited watching Son Heung-min’s THE ONES TO WATCH
exploits in England but he has not always had the There are high hopes for busy striker Hwang
same success with the national team. Too much Hee-chan who has settled into life in Europe with
pressure and not enough supply has sometimes Red Bull Salzburg.
been the problem.
THE SQUAD
● Son
● Kim J-s
● Koo
● Jang
● Lee J-s
● Kim S-g ● Hwang
● Ki
● Hong
● Lee K-h
● Choi
GOALKEEPERS ● KI Sung-yueng
● CHO Hyun-woo Swansea City (Eng)
Daegu Age 29 (24.01.89)
Age 26 (25.09.91) Apps in qualifiers 14
Apps in qualifiers 0 Goals in qualifiers 4
● KIM Jin-hyeon ● KOO Ja-cheol
Cerezo Osaka (Jap)
Augsburg (Ger)
Age 30 (06.07.87)
Age 29 (27.02.89)
Apps in qualifiers 1
Apps in qualifiers 13
● KIM Seung-gyu
Vissel Kobe (Jap) Goals in qualifiers 4
Age 27 (30.09.90) ● KWON Chang-hoon
Apps in qualifiers 9 Dijon (Fra)
Age 23 (30.06.94)
DEFENDERS Apps in qualifiers 6
● CHOI Chul-soon Goals in qualifiers 3
Jeonbuk Motors ● LEE Chang-min
Age 31 (18.02.87)
Jeju United
Apps in qualifiers 3
Age 24 (20.01.94)
Goals in qualifiers 0
Apps in qualifiers 0
● HONG Jeong-ho
Goals in qualifiers 0
Jiangsu Suning (Chn)
Age 28 (12.08.89) ● LEE Jae-sung
Apps in qualifiers 5 Jeonbuk Motors
Goals in qualifiers 0 Age 25 (10.08.92)
● JANG Hyun-soo Apps in qualifiers 0
Tokyo (Jap) Goals in qualifiers 0
Age 26 (28.09.91) ● PARK Joo-ho
Apps in qualifiers 16 Ulsan
Goals in qualifiers 2
Age 31 (16.01.87)
● KIM Jin-su Apps in qualifiers 3
Jeonbuk Motors
Goals in qualifiers 0
Age 25 (13.06.92)
Apps in qualifiers 9 ● YEOM Ki-hun
Goals in qualifiers 2 Suwon Bluewings
● KIM Min-jae Age 35 (30.03.83)
Jeonbuk Motors Apps in qualifiers 2
Age 21 (15.11.96) Goals in qualifiers 0
Apps in qualifiers 1
Goals in qualifiers 0 FORWARDS
● KIM Min-woo ● HWANG Hee-chan
Suwon Bluewings Red Bull Salzburg (Aut)
Age 28 (25.02.90)
Age 22 (26.01.96)
Apps in qualifiers 1
Goals in qualifiers 0
● LEE Yong
Apps in qualifiers 7
Goals in qualifiers 1 PROFILE: KI SUNG-YUENG
Jeonbuk Motors ● KIM Shin-wook
Age 31 (24.12.86) Jeonbuk Motors Midfielder Ki Sung-yueng has not had an easy time in the World Cup qualifiers against Iran and
Apps in qualifiers 2 Age 30 (14.04.88) at club level recently. Swansea City have been Uzbekistan, Shin insisted on Ki captaining the
Goals in qualifiers 0 Apps in qualifiers 4 embroiled in a relegation battle for the past few team from the sidelines.
● YUN Young-sun Goals in qualifiers 0 seasons, with managers coming and going on a “I want to give Ki the captain’s armband even if
Seongnam ● LEE Keun-ho regular basis. Yet despite these problems, Ki has he can’t play,” Shin said.
Age 29 (04.10.88) Gangwon been a regular for the South Korean national side, “Ki has been serving a central role well in the
Apps in qualifiers 0 Age 33 (11.04.85) providing both midfield creativity and leadership. national team.”
Goals in qualifiers 0 Ki is South Korea’s most experienced player; he South Korea had a terrible first half of the
Apps in qualifiers 2
Goals in qualifiers 0 currently has 99 caps and will most likely reach qualifying campaign, culminating in Stielike’s
MIDFIELDERS
● SON Heung-min 100 caps on the eve of the World Cup. departure and his replacement by local man Shin.
● JUNG Woo-young
Tottenham Hotspur (Eng) Koo Ja-cheol was captain at the 2014 World Cup Team spirit had plummeted under the German
Vissel Kobe (Jap)
Age 28 (14.12.89) Age 25 (08.07.92) but Ki was given the armband by new coach Shin and the appointment of Shin, who had previously
Apps in qualifiers 8 Apps in qualifiers 12 Tae-yong when he replaced Uli Stielike last year. been the assistant coach, was designed to turn
Goals in qualifiers 0 Goals in qualifiers 7 Even when a knee injury prevented Ki from playing things around.
WORLD CUP 2018 113
SPAIN
THE SCHEDULE has also been willing to look beyond those. Even THE COACH
GROUP B David Villa got a recall. ● Julen LOPETEGUI
June 15 v Portugal (Sochi) Appointed after the last World
June 20 v Iran (Kazan) One midfield “pivot” or two? Cup, the former under-21 coach
June 25 v Morocco (Kaliningrad) While the essence of the team’s approach remains has quietly made changes to the
the same, Lopetegui made tactical tweaks throughout national team and introduced new variants while
BETTING qualification. Usually, Barcelona’s Sergio Busquets has reinforcing its essence. He has demonstrated a
6/1 to win the World Cup played alongside another midfielder – usually Koke, willingness to open his mind to alternatives and
4/9 to win Group B sometimes Saul, occasionally Thiago Alcantara – but bring in unexpected players, both young and old,
at times Busquets plays alone with two “interiors” and has so far sidestepped the inevitable and often
THE QUESTIONS ahead of him to either side. affected “controversies”.
Can they keep up their current form?
After a friendly last autumn, in which Spain had won THE KEY PLAYERS
5-0, Costa Rica’s coach said of Spain: “They move Isco has been outstanding this year and will be the
the ball with one touch and at devilish speed.” That creative heart of the side in Russia. David Silva has
will be the key to their game next summer – if they always been there, even if he perhaps didn’t get the
can maintain that speed of circulation at the end of recognition he deserved. And Jordi Alba is still
a long season. around as well, flying up and down the wing, head
back and legs whirring.
Who starts up front?
The short answer is, of course, Alvaro Morata. But ONE TO WATCH
Diego Costa is back in contention after his return Right-back Alvaro Odriozola is rumoured to be on
to Atletico Madrid. And then there’s Rodrigo, who is Real Madrid’s wanted list.
scoring goals for Valencia and Spain. Against Italy,
they played without a fixed striker – something that
even Morata, the “victim” of the tactic, said was a
good idea. STAR MAN
Is there room for someone new? ● ISCO and then glide around in
Julen Lopetegui has been very open minded about Watching the Real Madrid Malaga in Spain’s penultimate
bringing players in, some call-ups coming seemingly midfielder take Italy apart in game of 2017, it’s incredible to
out of the blue. And while the coach has been swift the crucial qualifier – which think that he didn’t make the
to call on those he worked with at under-21 level, he Spain won 3-0 in Madrid – squad in 2014 or 2016.
114 WORLD CUP 2018
1930 (did not enter) 1958 (did not qualify) 1978 Group stage 1998 Group stage
1934 Quarter-finals 1962 Group stage 1982 Second round 2002 Quarter-finals
1938 (did not enter) 1966 Group stage 1986 Quarter-finals 2006 Second round
WORLD CUP 1950 Fourth place 1970 (did not qualify) 1990 Second round 2010 WINNERS
FINALS HISTORY 1954 (did not qualify) 1974 (did not qualify) 1994 Quarter-finals 2014 Group stage
THE SQUAD
● Alba ● Aspas
● Isco
● Ramos
● De Gea
● Busquets ● Morata
● Pique
● Koke
● Silva
● Carvajal
THE SQUAD
● Olsson
● Forsberg
● Lindelof ● Toivonen
● Seb Larsson
● Nordfeldt
● Svensson
● Berg
● Granqvist
● Claesson
● Lustig
THE SQUAD
● Rodriguez ● Zuber
● Akanji
● Xhaka ● Seferovic
● Sommer
● Dzemaili
● Schar ● Behrami
● Lichtsteiner ● Shaqiri
THE SQUAD
● Maaloul ● Msakni
● Benalouane
● Mathlouthi ● Sliti
● Badri ● Khenissi
● Sassi
● Bronn
● Khazri
● Nagguez
THE SCHEDULE coach ditch the idea of playing Sebastian Coates THE COACH
GROUP A alongside Diego Godin, while he also dropped ● Oscar TABAREZ
June 15 v Egypt (Yakaterinburg) holding midfielder Egidio Arevalo Rios. Appointed for a second spell in charge
June 20 v Saudi Arabia (Rostov) in March 2006 and, aged 71, he is
June 25 v Russia (Samara) Can Suarez get through a World Cup without approaching the end of what will
picking up a suspension? surely be the last job of his career. Has put Uruguay
THE BETTING In 2010 he missed the semi-finals after being sent back on the map, with his greatest achievement
25/1 to win the World Cup off for handball against Ghana. Four years later probably overseeing an enormously successful
5/6 to win Group A he rushed back from injury to help Uruguay into under-20 project.
the knockout stage but was thrown out of the
THE QUESTIONS competition for biting. THE KEY PLAYERS
Are the newcomers ready? Edinson Cavani was South America’s top scorer in
Over the last few months Uruguay have changed qualification, leading the attacking line when Luis
the balance of their midfield, looking for controlled Suarez was missing or playing alongside him and
possession from the likes of Federico Valverde dropping deeper. Captain Diego Godin is the
and Rodrigo Bentancur, from this year’s under-20 organiser of the defensive line who, although he
side, and Nahitan Nandez, a 2015 graduate. The may be losing a little pace, remains a vital figure.
transformation has been striking, and the promise
undeniable – but are these players ready to protect ONES TO WATCH
the defence, keep the ball and support the strikers Midfielder Federico Valverde was promoted from
on the global stage? the under-20 side, bringing quality and controlled
possession. Along with Rodrigo Bentancur, he
Who will supply the strike force of Luis Suarez represents the start of a generational change.
and Edinson Cavani?
Oscar Tabarez finally seems to have given up on
Gaston Ramirez as the side’s playmaker so it could
fall to current favourite Giorgian De Arrascaeta to
open up opposing defences.
STAR MAN
● Luis SUAREZ glory. The country’s all-time
Does the defensive unit lack pace? Skilful, dynamic and often top goalscorer is preparing for
There is certainly a fear that if Tabarez’s team push controversial, Suarez is the his third World Cup – and the
up then the defence can be bypassed all too easily. A team’s main attacking weapon last that he will play close to
4-1 home defeat by Brazil in March last year saw the and their biggest hope of his peak years.
122 WORLD CUP 2018
1930 WINNERS 1958 (did not qualify) 1978 (did not qualify) 1998 (did not qualify)
1934 (did not enter) 1962 Group stage 1982 (did not qualify) 2002 Group stage
1938 (did not enter) 1966 Quarter-finals 1986 Second round 2006 (did not qualify)
WORLD CUP 1950 WINNERS 1970 Fourth place 1990 Second round 2010 Fourth place
FINALS HISTORY 1954 Fourth place 1974 Group stage 1994 (did not qualify) 2014 Second round
THE SQUAD
● Laxalt ● Bentancur
● Gimenez ● Cavani
● Muslera ● De Arrascaeta
● Godin
● Suarez
● Vecino
● Varela ● Sanchez
IRAN
2nd Rd, Group D P W D L F A Pts
Iran 8 6 2 0 26 3 20
Oman 8 4 2 2 11 7 14
Turkmenistan 8 4 1 3 10 11 13
DENMARK Guam 8 2 1 5 3 16 7
Group E P W D L F A Pts India 8 1 0 7 5 18 3
Poland 10 8 1 1 28 14 25
Denmark 10 6 2 2 20 8 20 16.06.15 Turkmenistan 1 1 Iran
Montenegro 10 5 1 4 20 12 16 03.09.15 Iran 6 0 Guam
Strong: 08.09.15 India 0 3 Iran
Romania 10 3 4 3 12 10 13 Oliver
Armenia 10 2 1 7 10 26 7 08.10.15 Oman 1 1 Iran
Giroud of 12.11.15 Iran 3 1 Turkmenistan
Kazakhstan 10 0 3 7 6 26 3
France (right) 17.11.15 Guam 0 6 Iran
04.09.16 Denmark 1 0 Armenia 24.03.16 Iran 4 0 India
08.10.16 Poland 3 2 Denmark 29.03.16 Iran 2 0 Oman
11.10.16
11.11.16
Denmark 0 1 Montenegro
Denmark 4 1 Kazakhstan
GERMANY 3rd Rd, Group A P W D L F A Pts
26.03.17 Romania 0 0 Denmark Germany 10 10 0 0 43 4 30 Iran 10 6 4 0 10 2 22
10.06.17 Kazakhstan 1 3 Denmark N Ireland 10 6 1 3 17 6 19 South Korea 10 4 3 3 11 10 15
01.09.17 Denmark 4 0 Poland Czech Rep 10 4 3 3 17 10 15 Syria 10 3 4 3 9 8 13
04.09.17 Armenia 1 4 Denmark Norway 10 4 1 5 17 16 13 Uzbekistan 10 4 1 5 6 7 13
05.10.17 Montenegro 0 1 Denmark Azerbaijan 10 3 1 6 10 19 10 China 10 3 3 4 8 10 12
11.10.17 Denmark 1 1 Romania San Marino 10 0 0 10 2 51 0 Qatar 10 2 1 7 8 15 7
PLAY-OFFS
11.11.17 Denmark 0 0 Rep Ireland 04.09.16 Norway 0 3 Germany 01.09.16 Iran 2 0 Qatar
14.11.17 Rep Ireland 1 5 Denmark 08.10.16 Germany 3 0 Czech Rep 06.09.16 China 0 0 Iran
11.10.16 Germany 2 0 N Ireland 06.10.16 Uzbekistan 0 1 Iran
11.11.16 San Marino 0 8 Germany 11.11.16 Iran 1 0 South Korea
EGYPT 26.03.17
10.06.17
Azerbaijan 1
Germany 7
4 Germany
0 San Marino
15.11.16
23.03.17
Syria 0
Qatar 0
0 Iran
1 Iran
PRELIMINARY ROUND 01.09.17 Czech Rep 1 2 Germany 28.03.17 Iran 1 0 China
14.11.15 Chad 1 0 Egypt 04.09.17 Germany 6 0 Norway 12.06.17 Iran 2 0 Uzbekistan
17.11.15 Egypt 4 0 Chad 05.10.17 N Ireland 1 3 Germany 31.08.17 South Korea 0 0 Iran
08.10.17 Germany 5 1 Azerbaijan 05.09.17 Iran 2 2 Syria
Group E P W D L F A Pts
Egypt 6 4 1 1 8 4 13
Uganda 6 2 3 1 3 2 9
Ghana 6 1 4 1 7 5 7
Race: South Korea’s Lee Jae-sung
Congo 6 0 2 4 5 12 2 (left) and Milad Mohammadi of Iran
ENGLAND
Group F P W D L F A Pts
England 10 8 2 0 18 3 26
Slovakia 10 6 0 4 17 7 18
Scotland 10 5 3 2 17 12 18
Slovenia 10 4 3 3 12 7 15
Lithuania 10 1 3 6 7 20 6
Malta 10 0 1 9 3 25 1
JAPAN MOROCCO
2nd Rd: Group E P W D L F A Pts ROUND 2
Japan 8 7 1 0 27 0 22 12.11.15 Morocco 2 0 Equatorial Guinea
Syria 8 6 0 2 26 11 18 15.11.15 Equatorial Guinea 1 1 Morocco
Singapore 8 3 1 4 9 9 10
Afghanistan 8 3 0 5 8 24 9 Group C P W D L F A Pts
Cambodia 8 0 0 8 1 27 0 Morocco 6 3 3 0 11 0 12
Ivory Coast 6 2 2 2 7 5 8
16.06.15 Japan 0 0 Singapore Gabon 6 1 3 2 2 7 6
03.09.15 Japan 3 0 Cambodia Mali 6 0 4 2 1 9 4 Joy: Peru
08.09.15 Afghanistan 0 6 Japan
08.10.15 Syria 0 3 Japan 08.10.16 Gabon 0 0 Morocco
12.11.15
17.11.15
Singapore 0
Cambodia 0
3 Japan
2 Japan
12.11.16
01.09.17
Morocco 0
Morocco 6
0 Ivory Coast
0 Mali
PERU
24.03.16 Japan 5 0 Afghanistan 05.09.17 Mali 0 0 Morocco Group P W D L F A Pts
29.03.16 Japan 5 0 Syria 07.10.17 Morocco 3 0 Gabon Brazil 18 12 5 1 41 11 41
11.11.17 Ivory Coast 0 2 Morocco Uruguay 18 9 4 5 32 20 31
3rd Rd: Group B P W D L F A Pts Argentina 18 7 7 4 19 16 28
Japan 10 6 2 2 17 7 20 Colombia 18 7 6 5 21 19 27
Saudi Arabia
Australia
10
10
6
5
1
4
3
1
17
16
10
11
19
19
NIGERIA Peru
Chile
18
18
7
8
5 6 27 26
2 8 26 27
26
26
UAE 10 4 1 5 10 13 13 SECOND ROUND Paraguay 18 7 3 8 19 25 24
Iraq 10 3 2 5 11 12 11 13.11.15 Swaziland 0 0 Nigeria Ecuador 18 6 2 10 26 29 20
Thailand 10 0 2 8 6 24 2 17.11.15 Nigeria 2 0 Swaziland Bolivia 18 4 2 12 16 38 14
Venezuela 18 2 6 10 19 35 12
01.09.16 Japan 1 2 UAE 3rd rd, Group B P W D L F A Pts
06.09.16 Thailand 0 2 Japan Nigeria 6 4 2 0 12 4 14 08.10.15 Colombia 2 0 Peru
06.10.16 Japan 2 1 Iraq Zambia 6 2 2 2 8 7 8 13.10.15 Peru 3 4 Chile
11.10.16 Australia 1 1 Japan Cameroon 6 1 4 1 7 9 7 13.11.15 Peru 1 0 Paraguay
15.11.16 Japan 2 1 Saudi Arabia Algeria 6 0 2 4 4 11 2 17.11.15 Brazil 3 0 Peru
23.03.17 UAE 0 2 Japan 24.03.16 Peru 2 2 Venezuela
28.03.17 Japan 4 0 Thailand 09.10.16 Zambia 1 2 Nigeria 29.03.16 Uruguay 1 0 Peru
13.06.17 Iraq 1 1 Japan 12.11.16 Nigeria 3 1 Algeria 01.09.16 Bolivia 0 3 Peru
31.08.17 Japan 2 0 Australia 01.09.17 Nigeria 4 0 Cameroon 06.09.16 Peru 2 1 Ecuador
05.09.11 Saudi Arabia 1 0 Japan 04.09.17 Cameroon 1 1 Nigeria 06.10.16 Peru 2 2 Argentina
07.10.17 Nigeria 1 0 Zambia 11.10.16 Chile 2 1 Peru
10.11.17 Algeria 1 1 Nigeria 10.11.16 Paraguay 1 4 Peru
Close: Iraq 15.11.16 Peru 0 2 Brazil
and Japan PANAMA 23.03.17
28.03.17
Venezuela 2
Peru 2
2 Peru
1 Uruguay
4th rd, Group B P W D L F A Pts 31.08.17 Peru 2 1 Bolivia
Costa Rica 6 5 1 0 11 3 16 05.09.17 Ecuador 1 2 Peru
Panama 6 3 1 2 7 5 10 05.10.17 Argentina 0 0 Peru
Haiti 6 1 1 4 2 4 4 10.10.17 Peru 1 1 Colombia
Jamaica 6 1 1 4 2 10 4 PLAY-OFFS
11.11.17 New Zealand 0 0 Peru
13.11.15 Jamaica 0 2 Panama 15.11.17 Peru 2 0 New Zealand
17.11.15 Panama 1 2 Costa Rica
25.03.16
29.03.16
Haiti 0
Panama 1
0 Panama
0 Haiti POLAND
02.09.16 Panama 2 0 Jamaica Group E P W D L F A Pts
06.09.16 Costa Rica 3 1 Panama Poland 10 8 1 1 28 14 25
Denmark 10 6 2 2 20 8 20
5th Round P W D L F A Pts Montenegro 10 5 1 4 20 12 16
Mexico 10 6 3 1 16 7 21 Romania 10 3 4 3 12 10 13
Costa Rica 10 4 4 2 14 8 16 Armenia 10 2 1 7 10 26 7
Panama 10 3 4 3 9 10 13 Kazakhstan 10 0 3 7 6 26 3
MEXICO Honduras
USA
10
10
3
3
4
3
3
4
13
17
19
13
13
12 04.09.16 Kazakhstan 2 2 Poland
4th Rd Group A P W D L F A Pts
Trinidad & T 10 2 0 8 7 19 6 08.10.16 Poland 3 2 Denmark
Mexico 6 5 1 0 13 1 16
Honduras 6 2 2 2 6 6 8 11.10.16 Poland 2 1 Armenia
11.11.16 Honduras 0 1 Panama 11.11.16 Romania 0 3 Poland
Canada 6 2 1 3 5 8 7
15.11.16 Panama 2 0 Mexico 26.03.17 Montenegro 1 2 Poland
El Salvador 6 0 2 4 4 13 2
24.03.17 Trinidad & T 1 0 Panama 10.06.17 Poland 3 1 Romania
28.03.17 Panama 2 1 USA 01.09.17 Denmark 4 0 Poland
13.11.15 Mexico 3 0 El Salvador
08.06.17 Costa Rica 0 0 Panama 04.09.17 Poland 3 0 Kazakhstan
17.11.15 Honduras 0 2 Mexico
13.06.17 Panama 2 2 Honduras 05.10.17 Armenia 1 6 Poland
25.03.16 Canada 0 3 Mexico
01.09.17 Mexico 1 0 Panama 08.10.17 Poland 4 2 Montenegro
29.03.16 Mexico 2 0 Canada
05.09.17 Panama 3 0 Trinidad & T
02.09.16 El Salvador 1 3 Mexico
06.10.17 USA 4 0 Panama
06.09.16 Mexico 0 0 Honduras
10.10.17 Panama 2 1 Costa Rica PORTUGAL
Fifth Round P W D L F A Pts Group B P W D L F A Pts
Mexico 10 6 3 1 16 7 21 Portugal 10 9 0 1 32 4 27
Costa Rica 10 4 4 2 14 8 16 In front: Panama’s Switzerland 10 9 0 1 23 7 27
Panama 10 3 4 3 9 10 13 Luis Tejada (right) Hungary 10 4 1 5 14 14 13
Honduras 10 3 4 3 13 19 13 Faroe Islands 10 2 3 5 4 16 9
USA 10 3 3 4 17 13 12 Latvia 10 2 1 7 7 18 7
Trinidad & Tobago 10 2 0 8 7 19 6 Andorra 10 1 1 8 2 23 4
Group D P W D L F A Pts
SPAIN
Senegal 6 4 2 0 10 3 14 Group G P W D L F A Pts
Burkina Faso 6 2 3 1 10 6 9 Spain 10 9 1 0 36 3 28
Cape Verde 6 2 0 4 4 12 6 Italy 10 7 2 1 21 8 23
South Africa 6 1 1 4 7 10 4 Albania 10 4 1 5 10 13 13
Israel 10 4 0 6 10 15 12
08.10.16 Senegal 2 0 Cape Verde Macedonia 10 3 2 5 15 15 11
02.09.17 Senegal 0 0 Burkina Faso
Liechtenstein 10 0 0 10 1 39 0
05.09.17 Burkina Faso 2 2 Senegal
07.10.17 Cape Verde 0 2 Senegal
11.11.17 South Africa 0 2 Senegal 05.09.16 Spain 8 0 Liechtenstein
14.11.17 Senegal 2 1 South Africa 06.10.16 Italy 1 1 Spain Handful: Yassine
09.10.16 Albania 0 2 Spain Chikhaoui of Tunisia
12.11.16 Spain 4 0 Macedonia
SERBIA 24.03.17 Spain 4 1 Israel
Group D
Serbia
P
10
W
6
D
3
L
1
F
20
A
10
Pts
21
11.06.17
02.09.17
Macedonia 1
Spain 3
2 Spain
0 Italy
URUGUAY
05.09.17 Liechtenstein 0 8 Spain Group P W D L F A Pts
Rep Ireland 10 5 4 1 12 6 19 Brazil 18 12 5 1 41 11 41
Wales 10 4 5 1 13 6 17 06.10.17 Spain 3 0 Albania
Uruguay 18 9 4 5 32 20 31
Austria 10 4 3 3 14 12 15 09.10.17 Israel 0 1 Spain
Argentina 18 7 7 4 19 16 28
Georgia 10 0 5 5 8 14 5 Colombia 18 7 6 5 21 19 27
Moldova 10 0 2 8 4 23 2
G RO U P G RO U P G RO U P G RO U P
AEGYPT
BIRAN
C
AUSTRALIA
D
ARGENTINA
RUSSIA MOROCCO DENMARK CROATIA
SAUDI ARABIA PORTUGAL FRANCE ICELAND
URUGUAY SPAIN PERU NIGERIA
J U N E 14 J U N E 15 J U N E 16 J U N E 16
Russia v Saudi Arabia Morocco v Iran France v Australia Argentina v Iceland
(Moscow Luzhniki, 7.45pm) (Saint Petersburg, 4pm) (Kazan, 11am) (Moscow Spartak, 2pm)
J U N E 15 J U N E 15 J U N E 16 J U N E 16
Egypt v Uruguay Portugal v Spain Peru v Denmark Croatia v Nigeria
(Yekaterinburg, 1pm) (Sochi, 7pm) (Saransk, 5pm) (Kaliningrad, 8pm)
J U N E 19 JUNE 20 J U N E 21 J U N E 21
Russia v Egypt Portugal v Morocco France v Peru Argentina v Croatia
(Saint Petersburg, 7pm) (Moscow Luzhniki, 1pm) (Yekaterinburg, 1pm) (Nizhny Novgorod, 7pm)
JUNE 20 JUNE 20 J U N E 21 JU N E 22
Uruguay v Saudi Arabia Iran v Spain Denmark v Australia Nigeria v Iceland
(Rostov-on-Don, 4pm) (Kazan, 7pm) (Samara, 4pm) (Volgograd, 4pm)
G RO U P G RO U P G RO U P G RO U P
E
BRAZIL
F
GERMANY
G
BELGIUM
H
COLOMBIA
COSTA RICA MEXICO ENGLAND JAPAN
SERBIA SOUTH KORES PANAMA POLAND
SWITZERLAND SWEDEN TUNISIA SENEGAL
J U N E 17 J U N E 17 J U N E 18 J U N E 19
Costa Rica v Serbia Germany v Mexico Belgium v Panama Poland v Senegal
(Samara, 1pm) (Moscow Luzhniki, 4pm) (Sochi, 4pm) (Moscow Spartak, 1pm)
J U N E 17 J U N E 18 J U N E 18 J U N E 19
Brazil v Switzerland Sweden v South Korea Tunisia v England Colombia v Japan
(Rostov-on-Don, 7pm) (Nizhny Novgorod, 1pm) (Volgograd, 7pm) (Saransk, 4p,)
JUNE 30
A1 v B2 (Sochi, 7pm) (2)
J U LY 1
B1 v A2 (Moscow Luzhniki, 3pm) (3)
J U LY 1
D1 v C2 (Nizhny Novgorod, 7pm) (4)
J U LY 2
E1 v F2 (Samara, 3pm) (5)
J U LY 2
G1 v H2 (Rostov, 7pm) (6)
J U LY 3
F1 v E2 (Saint Petersburg, 3pm) (7)
J U LY 3
H1 v G2 (Moscow Spartak, 7pm) (8)
Q UA RT E R- F I N A L S
J U LY 6
Winner 6 v Winner 2 (Nizhny Novgorod, 3pm) (1)
J U LY 6
Winner 5 v Winner 6 (Kazan, 7pm) (2)
J U LY 7
Winner 7 v Winner 8 (Samara, 1pm) (3)
J U LY 7
Winner 3 v Winner 4 (Sochi, 7pm) (4)
SEMI-FINALS
The prize J U LY 1 0
Winner QF1 v Winner QF 2 (Saint Petersburg, 7pm)
Final venue J U LY 11
Winner QF3 v Winner QF 4 (Moscow Luzhniki, 7pm)
T H I R D - P L AC E
P L AY- O F F
J U LY 14
Saint Petersburg, 3pm
FINAL J U LY 15
Moscow Luzhniki, 4pm