With Russia all set to host the 21st FIFA World Cup, the pinnacle of soccer, between June 14 and July 15, it's time to take a closer look at the 32 teams who will fight it out for the ultimate prize in football.
Starting today, we will go through every group and let you know what to look for and what to expect from each participant before the tournament commences. A total of 64 matches will be played in 12 venues located in 11 cities. The opening match between Russia and Saudi Arabia and the final will be held at Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow.
Let’s begin with Group A, which features hosts Russia, African giants Egypt, Asian powerhouses Saudi Arabia and two-time champions Uruguay.
Egypt
FIFA ranking: 46
Head coach: Hector Cuper
Egypt's World Cup hopes hang on their star striker Mohamed Salah’s shoulder after he picked up a nasty injury in Liverpool's Champions League final defeat to Real Madrid on May 26. He is unlikely to feature in the Pharaohs’ opener against Uruguay on June 15, but is expected to be on the field for Egypt’s remaining group matches. Like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, 25-year-old Salah carries full burden of his country’s expectations, and without him Egypt's chances are almost non-existent.
Despite having the English Premier League’s top-scorer in his squad, Cuper sticks to a defensive strategy. This tactic had yielded results in the qualification rounds as Egypt lost only to Uganda in the third round of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) matches. However, thereafter they went on a downward spiral losing to Greece and Portugal in friendly ties.
Strengths: Solid defence. After Cuper took over in 2015, Egypt conceded more than one goal in only a single game. Their backline is marshalled by 27-year-old West Bromwich Albion central defender Ahmed Hegazi.
Weaknesses: The team's attack is mainly based on Salah and his absence would render their offence blunt and toothless. The other forwards Mahmoud Hassan, Abdallah El Said and Ramadan Sobhi are good players, but none of them are match for Salah.
Number to remember
Egypt will be participating in the World Cup after a gap of 28 years. Their last appearance was in the Italia 90 where they bowed out in the group stage itself.
Russia
FIFA ranking: 66
Head coach: Stanislav Salamovich Cherchesov
While all the other teams sealed their spot in the finals after a grueling qualification campaign, hosts Russia prepared for the tournament by playing friendly matches with teams from across the world. They have played as many as 15 friendlies in the last two years, winning four, losing six and drawing five. The only competitive tournament Russia partook in recent times was the Confederation Cup in their backyard where they crashed out in the first round. Russia would be looking to avoid an ignominious first-round exit in front of the home crowd.
Strengths: Russia have some prolific midfielders in their ranks. Twin brothers Anton and Alexei Miranchuk, 21-year-old sensation Aleksandr Golovin, and the experienced Alan Dzagoev play free and fluid soccer with a strong command in the midfield.
Weaknesses: The defence, said to be the weakest link in the team, might struggle against teams with great attacking prowess. They conceded three goals each in the friendly ties against Spain, Brazil and France and failed to return a clean sheet in matches played over the last eleven months.
Number to remember
In the recent friendlies and the Confederation Cup, Russia’s four goals came in the form of self-goals, which was more than the contribution from their own players.
Saudi Arabia
FIFA ranking: 67
Head coach: Juan Antonio Pizzi Torroja
Had they been drawn in any other group, a knockout berth would have been a distant dream for Saudi Arabia. But considering the strength of their opponents in Group A, Saudi would definitely be nursing hopes of going into the next stage. The Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) dumped two head coaches following the team’s World Cup qualification. Dutchman Bert van Marwijk, who guided the team to the finals, was sacked in September. Argentinian Edgardo Bauza, who replaced Marwijk, was axed after just five matches in charge.
Strengths: Saudi scored 17 goals in the qualification campaign and were the joint top-scorers along with Japan in the Asian qualifiers. Al-Hilal striker Nawaf Shaker Al Abed scored five goals to be the joint top-scorer of the qualification round as well.
Weaknesses: Vulnerable defence filled with ageing players. Their defense guided by 34-year-old Osama Hawsawi is expected to struggle against the likes of Salah, Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani.
Number to remember
Saudi’s 0-8 loss to Germany in the 2002 World Cup remains one of the worst defeats in World Cup history.
Uruguay
FIFA ranking: 17
Head coach: Oscar Tabarez
Uruguay are powered by two of the most prolific strikers in the world: Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani. They sealed a berth for the finals by finishing second behind Brazil in the South American qualification. It will be the third consecutive World Cup for 70-year-old Tabarez, who leads the team’s training sessions from a motorized wheelchair. Uruguay are huge favourites in this group and if they play to their potential without taking the relatively weaker opponents lightly, they will certainly sail into the next stage.
Strengths: The marauding Suarez-Cavani duo has the ability to make inroads into any defence. The backline led by Atletico Madrid’s Diego Godín and Jose María Gimenez too is solid.
Weaknesses: Uruguay do not have players who could maintain the fluidity in the midfield. They lost three friendly matches on the trot where their midfielders were seen giving away possession easily. In Russia, they will be looking to improve passing, support play and keeping possession as a team.
Number to remember
Cavani emerged the top-scorer in the south American qualification rounds by banging in 10 goals while Suarez netted five.