As the frenzy over the 2018 World Cup heats up, SR takes a look at the star attractions to look out for in each of the 32 teams set to light up in Russia.
FRANCE
Les Blues are parading a star-studded team at the mundial but there is one player that is key to the team’s aspirations in Russia. He is Antoine Griezman. The Athletico Madrid striker is one of the best currently in the world and times and time again, he keeps churning out stellar performances for both club and country.
Griezmann who held the World spell bound when France hosted the European Championships in 2016, is set to light up the world stage as the Didier Deschamps tutored side look to put behind the final loss to Portugal in Europe and challenge for the title. The French are one of the favourites for the title and with players like Paul Pogba, Kyllian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele for comapny, Griezman seem in good company to ensure the team live up to pre-tournament expectations
DENMARK
Christian Eriksen is the star of this fast improving Denmark side that has been unbeaten in any competitive game since 2016. The Tottenham creative midfielder was only 18 when he played in his first World cup back in 2010 and after missing out in Brazil, he leads his team to Russia as one of the star players in this year’s tournament. Eriksen has been instrumental to Tottenham’s wonderful performances in the past three seasons and his goals and all round ability has brought Denmark thus far.
He will be the one the Danes look up to if they are going to beat their best performance yet at the big stage which was a quearter final back in France 98.
AUSTRALIA
Many would be surprised to know Tim Cahill is still part of this team. The ageless striker is still the go to man for the Socceroos as they aim to put up a show in Russia.
The 38 year old who now plies his trade in the lower tier in England with Milwall will be relying on the Huddersfield’s Aaron Mooy, Celtic’s Tim Rogic and Hertha Berlin forward Matthew Leckie for support. He will be aiming to become only the fifth player in history to score at 4 different World cup tournaments.
Coachless Australia have been a regular feature at the World Cup and will be hoping to better their Second-round performance in 2006.
PERU
One of the greatest things to happen to Peru ahead of their return to the World cup was having their talismanic striker Paolo Guerrero back in the team after FIFA had lifted his ban for a drug related offence.
The 33 year old striker played a heroic part in returning Peru to the world cup since 1982 and the South Americans will turn to him in the hunt for glory in Russia. He has Jefferson Farfan and Edison Flores with him while he leads the charge.
ARGENTINA
Argentina are the favourites in Groud D and this is a tournament where star player Lionel Messi will be hoping to end his national team woes after hard luck in recent years. The Barcelona legend was left blue faced after Mario Gotze scored the extra time winner to give Germany the victory in Brazil and he now has a big chance to right the wrongs of the last world cup. Many have said he needs to win the World Cup before he can be placed in the realm of legends that ever played the game.
Messi has always been a top performer, one for the big stage and he is one of the star attractions of this World Cup.
CROATIA
Croatia have not been able to replicate their third place finish in their debut tournament in France 98. It has been a story of first round exit ever since and now in Russia, the team has the chance to do that. Tireless midfielder, Luka Modric is the most experienced player in the team and perhaps most successful. The diminutive midfielder is part of the spectacular Real Madrid side that has won four out of the last five UEFA Champions league.
The midfielder will provide the creative force in midfield for the Croats and assisted by Ivan Rakitic of Barcelona, as well as Madrid teammate, Matteo Kovacic, they will be hoping to show the rest of the world what they are capable of.
ICELAND
Iceland are making their debut at the World Cup, all thanks to the efforts of the team and also star player, Gyifi Sigurdsson. The Everton midfielder was part of the team that shook the world at the European Championships in 2016 and since then, the team has never looked back. With a collection of energetic and ambitious squad, led by Sigurdsson, they have been able to make history and will also be hoping to put up an historic performance in Russia.
Sigurdsson endured a torrid season after his big money move from Swansea to Everton. He has not lived up to expectation but in the World cup, he perhaps will be able to show the rest of the world, he still has more in store for the football world.
NIGERIA
Nigerian football has been in the doldrums after the last tournament in Brazil, asides missing out on two African nations cup tournament, the team also had key players retiring amidst several coaching disasters. But things seemed to look up for the team and after conquering a very tough group to make it to Russia, the team is expected to shoot for greatness.
Alex Iwobi it was who scored the goal that qualified Nigeria for the world cup and he seemed not to look back ever since. The Arsenal youngster has continued to churn out stellar performances in Eagles shirt and he is one of the shining lights of the new look Super Eagles under Coach Gernat Rohr. Iwobi also has a reputation as a cousin to Austin Okocha and he has engrained himself in the hearts of Nigerians as a worthy replacement. This is also an opportunity for Iwobi to show new Arsenal boss Unal Emery what he has in store, as well as the rest of the world.
…to be continued.