FIFA World Cup Russia 2018 Draw

Surprise!  With the FIFA World Cup Russia 2018 Draw having commenced yesterday morning, I thought I’d provide a snapshot of the 32 team field.  I’ve broken it down into the newly released groups of eight, whilst providing an interesting snippet or two from each group.  Enjoy the read and the matches to come in the summer of 2018!

Group A: Russia, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Uruguay

On The Volley: Thanks to drawing two of the three worst ranked teams, Saudi Arabia and Egypt, in the tournament, host Russia (the worst ranked qualifying team overall) now has a real shot of advancing to the knockouts.  Conspiracy at the Kremlin? 

Group B: Portugal, Spain, Morocco, Iran

On The Volley: On opening weekend, we have a mouthwatering fixture between Iberian rivals Portugal and Spain in Group B! The winner of the match will assuredly finish first in the group.  Additionally, soon to be 5-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo will square off against teammates Sergio Ramos, Dani Carvajal, and Marco Asensio, as well as El Clasico rivals Andres Iniesta, Gerard Pique, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba.

Group C: France, Australia, Peru, Denmark

 On The Volley: After a 36 year hiatus, the iconic red sash will shine in the World Cup spotlight once again as Peru finished 5th, ahead of Copa America Champions Chile, in the CONMEBOL qualifying table and defeating New Zealand in the World Cup Play-off.  Now that Los Incas are in, don’t be surprised if they finish second in Group C and advancing to the knockouts. 

Group D: Argentina, Iceland, Croatia, Nigeria

On The Volley: Congrats to Iceland for earning its first ever World Cup berth.  Now best of luck to the Icelanders as they have the pleasure of playing against the World’s greatest-ever player in Lionel Messi.  Meanwhile, the Super Eagles must be shaking their heads in disbelief and disgust as Nigeria has now drawn Argentina for a fourth consecutive World Cup.

Group E: Brazil, Switzerland, Costa Rica, Serbia

On The Volley: In terms of quality, Group E is perhaps the deepest group of the eight.  Fifa ranked #1 Brazil will assuredly top the group, but between the Swiss, Ticos, and Eagles, not much separates the three.  However, I’m agreement with Craig Burley as I tabbing Serbia from Pot 4 to in fact finish second and go through to the knockouts.

Group F: Germany, Mexico, Sweden, South Korea

On the Volley: El Tri and its supporters must be feeling dejected right now as Mexico has drawn against the defending World Cup Winners and last year’s Confederations Cup Champions in Germany.  In addition, if El Tri is able to finish second, ahead of a Swedish side that knocked out four-time World Cup winners Italy in the UEFA Play-offs, then Mexico will have to face Brazil in the knockouts.  Thus, expect a seventh consecutive World Cup Round of 16 loss for El Tri.

Group G: Belgium, Panama, Tunisia, England

On The Volley: A round of applause for the Panama as they’ll be participating in their first World Cup!  Other than that, there’s not much to get excited about in Group G, especially since both Belgium and England will have clinched first and second before the two countries square off in Game 3.

Group H: Poland, Senegal, Colombia, Japan

On The Volley: Pot 1 Poland steamrolled through qualification thanks to none other than team captain Robert Lewandowski!  The Polish striker finished first in goals scored in UEFA’s qualifying campaign.  At the age of 30, expect Lewnadowski to seize his opportunities in front goal with his usual world class finishing skills in what could be Robert’s first and last World Cup.  I think a Golden Boot is in his future!