FIFA World Cup Finals 2018

  • June 13th, 2018
  • Charlie Bull

Fans around the world rejoice and come together for a festival of football. There'll be ups and downs, elation and devastation. The coming month will be an emotional rollercoaster for the players and supporters of all 32 participating countries.

Introduction


The 21st installment of the FIFA World Cup gets underway on Thursday 14th June with perhaps one of the lesser mouth-watering ties of the group stage - Russia v Saudi Arabia. The World Cup hosts didn't have to qualify and were disappointing in the Confederations Cup a year ago. That won't phase them though, more often than not the blessing of being the home nation brings the best in the players with the incredible support behind them. Memories of South Africa's opening game eight years ago ring true when Shabalala fired home that left-foot rocket. Well known Russian players include Zhirkov (ex Chelsea), Dzagoev and Cheryshev.

Tournament Favourites


Brazil


Despite that humbling 7-1 defeat to Germany in the semi-final in Rio four years ago, the Brazilians are back and back fighting. They only lost one match in qualifying for the tournament and with a plethora of stars headed by Neymar, are surely a team to fear. Aiming for their sixth trophy, can Brazil turn back time and win the World Cup for the first time since 2002?

France


France are on fire at the moment and their squad is quite frankly ridiculous. You may have seen when the squad was announced, the names that were left out. It just goes to show the depth that Didier Deschamps has on offer. Griezmann, Mbappe and Dembele lead the line with the machine that is N'Golo Kante sitting deep in midfield. The disappointment of the Euro final will only add flames to the French fire.

Germany


The current holders will be looking to retain the crown, no doubt. Germany face off in a group of Sweden, Mexico and Korea Republica. Three teams that could cause some difficulty on their day, but you still expect the well-oiled machine to top the group. Joachim Low has left Leroy Sane out of the 23-man squad, a shock omission. They shouldn't be short of goals, with Thomas Muller in their ranks (10 in World Cup Finals).

Belgium


Could this finally be the year for the golden generation in Belgium? The way things are playing out it certainly could be. All of their stars are coming into their prime and have been in scintillating form this season. Captain Eden Hazard and Kevin De Bruyne are sure to light up the Russian pitches this summer. A must-watch game is England v Belgium on Thursday 28th June. Teammates and rivals coming face to face once more.

Argentina


Beaten finalists four years ago in Brazil, a Mario Goetze extra-time goal sealed their runner-up fate. Lionel Messi consequently retired from international football, but shortly after reversed that decision. This is probably the Argentines' last chance, with big attacking players 30+ years of age (Messi, Aguero, Higuain, Di Maria) apart from young superstar Dybala. Is now the time for Messi to cement himself in World Cup history?

Spain


Los Espanoles. This national side from south-west Europe just continue to churn out world class talent. Many thought that after the triple successes between 2008 and 2012, that the team were aging. Between the posts they have arguably the best 'keeper in the world in David De Gea. The midfield options are relentless: Busquets, Iniesta, Silva, Thiago, Isco, Koke, Saul, Asensio. Their encounter with Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo in the group stage (Friday 15th) is not to be missed.

Summary


There has been a lot of talk in the last four years building up to the tournament about whether the stadia would be ready. It appears that Russia is ready to go and we just hope that the football does all the talking and any controversy is forgotten. It usually is when these big tournaments come around. Who will take home the coveted, glorious gold trophy? Who will be the underdog that shocks the world to reach the quarter-finals? A whole month of international tournament football awaits. The FIFA World Cup final takes place in the 80,000 seater Luzhniki Stadium on Sunday 15th July.