Football’s biggest competition, the World Cup is drawing closer to kick off. On June 14, the host nation Russia will commence the tournament when they welcome Saudi Arabia to the Luzhniki Stadium.
The previous winners Germany will be looking to defend their reign and make themselves the first nation to successfully retain the World Cup in back-to-back years since Brazil did so between 1958-1962.
The Usual Suspects
Germany
It wouldn’t be a World Cup without Germany being one of the bookmakers frontrunners. Their success in qualifying for the tournament is second to none and they notoriously boast a very talented squad. We will see experienced players such as Mats Hummels and Jerome Boateng who will provide Germany with a great defensive backbone. Then attacking flair in the ranks of Toni Kroos, Mesut Ozil and Leroy Sane will give any opposition a lot to worry about.
Young player to look out for – Leon Goretzka
How can you ever disregard this outfit? Year after year they develop some of the World’s brightest prospects, in all areas of the pitch. From the Goalkeeping heroics of David De Gea, the defensive wall of Gerard Pique, Sergio Ramos and Jordi Alba and the slick midfielde made up of David Silva, Andres Iniesta and Sergio Busquets will provide relentless chances for Spain’s forwards. It was only within the last 8 years that Spain won a consecutive World Cup in 2010 and Euro 2012.
Young player to look out for – Marco Asensio
Brazil
Most probably the fan favourites – who doesn’t enjoy witnessing their Sambra style? Although the Brazilians have not been at their very best in recent tournaments, they are nearly always irresistible to enjoy tuning into. Their last World Cup win came back in 2002 in South Korea, so they will feel they are very much due for a win, and they will want to make amends for the semi-final upset 7-1 to Germany in 2014 which saw them crash out of their host tournament. On the ball there is arguably no other better team, from back to top their list of individuals like Marcelo, Philippe Coutinho, Douglas Costa and Neymar, just to name a few, all possess such unique ability.
Young player to look out for – Gabriel Jesus
So who do you think will be victorious in Russia?
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