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2018 FIFA World Cup: Group A Preview

The First in a Series of Group Previews for the 2018 World Cup

By Patrick HollisPublished 6 years ago 3 min read
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This summer’s World Cup is just days away and to get set for the most highly anticipated football tournament on the planet, I’ve previewed each group to assess who will make it to the knockout stages.

Logically, first up is group A. The opening day of the tournament will see two of these sides going head to head, including the hosts. Russia takes on Saudi Arabia in the first match in a fairly even looking group. Neither of these sides will be going into the tournament in great form, but both will be keen to put on a show for different reasons.

Even the most optimistic of Russians won’t be confident of getting much further than the group stage, but they’ll still be a tough outfit to tackle. Much of the build-up has been focused on politics and other off-field issues but regardless of the current global climate, the Russian side will still be keen to make their vast nation proud. It was a disappointing Euro 2016, picking up just one point as they exited at the group stage. They’ll struggle to do much better this summer, but their best chance of three points will be in the opening match of the tournament. Hence why the curtain raiser in Moscow will be a huge match for both sides.

As for Saudi Arabia, this is their first world cup appearance since Germany in 2006. They mustered just the one point in a draw with Tunisia and any improvement on this tally in Russia will be a success. They have some experienced players in their squad and the likes of Osama Hawsawi and Taiseer Aljassam will need to use their combined 265 appearances to give Saudi Arabia any chance of reaching the knockout stages, something they haven’t done since their World Cup debut at USA 1994. With the greatest of respect, they won’t be the most feared side at the tournament. Like with Russia, it will be unlikely that Saudi Arabia gets past the groups but as they don’t qualify for a great deal of tournaments, they will be going all out to impress on the biggest stage.

Egypt is next up in the group and it’s fair to say all eyes will be on Mohammed Salah. The striker had a phenomenal season with Liverpool and his international record may not be too familiar to many people, but even that is fairly impressive. Thirty-three goals in 57 matches is not a bad record and despite being under the spotlight, I predict him to carry on his good form into the summer. he will undoubtedly be feeling the pressure in Russia. Egypt’s chances of qualifying have a lot to do with Salah’s goals. They should qualify without an issue and perhaps they could be one of the dark horses at the tournament, any side will be tested against the African side.

The last of the group A lineup is Uruguay. Their side is impressive looking, to say the least. Diego Godin at the back with Luiz Suarez and Edison Cavani up top is a spine of a side which is destined to top the group. They will have plenty of goals in them and barring some disastrous performances, they shouldn’t concede too many. Uruguay is always a side to look out for at the World Cup, their quarter-final victory over Ghana in 2010, for example, is a match which won’t be forgotten any time soon. A classy outfit, and one which won't fear anyone.

Uruguay will be the side to beat in Group A, but no team will relish facing the hosts in the early stages. South Africa proved to be a stubborn and proud opposition in 2010 and Russia will be no different. However, it will be surprising if they do make it through. The South American and the Africans will be the happiest fans when this group concludes.

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Patrick Hollis

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