Group Stage Predictions for the 2018 World Cup
Group by group break down.
The 2018 FIFA World Cup, being held this summer in Russia, is right around the corner. After an emotional and remarkable 2014 World Cup where Germany’s Mario Götze delivered a stunning goal in extra time against Argentina’s Sergio Romero to clinch the Cup. The emotion filled train that went by last tournament seems to be ready as international powers like Italy, Chile, Netherlands, USA, Ivory Coast and Cameroon failed to qualify for the tournament. In the other hand many underdogs like Egypt, Serbia, Panama, and Senegal shocked the world en route to qualifying for the cup.
Group A: Russia, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Uruguay
Russia and Saudi Arabia open the tournament in what can arguably be the worst opening match in World Cup history while also being in the easiest group in the tournament. As many people believe this group was a “fix”. Nevertheless we can expect a great match up between Egypt and Uruguay, who have enough world-class talent between them to make it interesting. Egypt — who qualified for the first time in almost 30 years on a penalty from Mo Salah —has everyone’s eyes on them, as people want to see Mo Salah after a season in fantastic form for Liverpool. Uruguay has the talent to get passed Egypt with the great duo of Barcelona’s Luis Suarez and PSG’s Edison Cavani being a threat to any team they face.
Prediction: Uruguay’s star studded duo should lead them to the top spot against Egypt because Mo Salah can’t do everything himself. Following right behind Egypt will be Russia in the third spot, putting Saudi Arabia in last.
Group B: Portugal, Spain, Morocco, Iran
In my opinion this is the most spiced up Group of teams in the group stages. With the 2010 World Cup winners, Spain, head on against Cristiano Ronaldo and the European reigning champs, Portugal. This will be a great match to keep an eye out for with Ronaldo facing his Club team captain, Sergio Ramos. We can’t dismiss Morocco who can make a difference if they face Portugal on a bad day.
Prediction: Spain has too many stars to count placing them in first, Ronaldo plays like the great that his but finishes second, putting Morocco third and Iran fourth.
Group C: France, Australia, Peru, Denmark
History repeats itself as France manages to get another dream draw. The real competition here is for the second spot between Peru and Denmark, who both have some world-class talent. Denmark will have to pick up after a rocky qualification to be able to beat Peru, who is a spot ahead of them on the rankings at the moment. The pressure lies on Christian Eriksen’s shoulders, when he plays on form the rest of the team follows suit.
Prediction: France should easily be able to take the first spot. Denmark sliding into second, likely decided by goal difference. Peru in third, and Australia in fourth as they still have a lot to prove.
Group D: Argentina, Iceland, Croatia, Nigeria
With the way Argentina is playing after barely even making the World Cup, Iceland and Croatia competing, and the talent and determination Nigeria has, this group can be the “Group of Death” as anyone can make it through. Iceland has taken everyone hearts by storm as they have become one of the biggest stories of the World Cup after their stunning run in the European Championship. Croatia and Nigeria on the other hand both have known World-class players.
Predictions: “La Pulga” (Lionel Messi) will take the Argentinian team on his shoulders and fight his way through to first, Iceland will follow in second keeping their momentum going, Croatia into third thanks to Lucas Modric and Ivan Rakitic, leaving Nigeria in fourth.
Group E: Brazil, Switzerland, Costa Rica, Serbia
Brazil without a doubt should fly through the group with no fear, same as they did in the qualifiers. A great match up between Costa Rica and Switzerland should be expected, with Switzerland winning its first nine qualifiers and Costa Rica remembered for its 2014 World Cup upsets.
Predictions: Brazil takes first without any trouble. Costa Rica will live up to their fame as underdogs, beating Switzerland to second. Serbia drops to fourth.
Group F: Germany, Mexico, Sweden, South Korea
Current top-ranked and defending champions, Germany, should have an easy ride through the group stage but can’t get cocky, evenwith what looks to be a favorable draw. As Mexico qualified comfortably, and Sweden has shown it’s potential. While South Korea isn’t the it once was.
Predictions: Germany should be able to easily make their way into first, as the real competition here will be for the second spot between Sweden and Mexico where I believe Sweden come out on top, leaving Mexico in third and South Korea in fourth.
Group G: Belgium, Panama, Tunisia, England
This Group along side Group A is one of the worst groups this year. As it has the second lowest cumulative FIFA world ranking, with an average of 26. The real competition here is between star studded teams, Belgium and England, forming up to be a Premier League clash including players like: Harry Kane, Raheem Sterling, Dele Alli, Gary Cahill, Joe Hart, and Jamie Vardy, Eden Hazard, Romelu Lukaku, and Thibaut Courtois. Both Panama and Tunisia have no great talent that can truly do anything for them leaving them both for last.
Predictions: England should be able to edge a win against Belgium for first leaving Belgium close in second. Panama to then edge a win against Tunisia for third leaving Tunisia in fourth.
Group H: Poland, Senegal, Colombia, Japan
This being one of the most balanced and continental spread teams, having a team from South America, Europe, Africa, and Asia should ensure some great matches. Although, Poland is one of the top-ranked FIFA teams and Robert Lewandowski set the European record for most qualifying goals scored (16), they are one of the worst top-seeded teams. Senegal made a great run to the cup thanks to the skills of Sade Mane. Colombia returning back with their secret weapon, James Rodriguez, and Japan being one of Asia’s best and most experienced teams.
Predictions: Colombia to top the group, with Poland taking second behind them, leaving Sade Mane’s Senegal in third and Japan in fourth.
