In just under two months, the eyes of the world will converge upon the greatest sporting spectacle there is: The FIFA World Cup.
This iteration of the World Cup — the 21st in history — kicks off on June 14, when the host nation, Russia, takes on Saudi Arabia at Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow. Twelve venues will hold 32 teams over 64 matches. The final will be played on July 15 at the Luzhniki Stadium.
Despite final squads not being selected yet – which happens on June 4 – there are already discussions and debates about the play on the field and the tournament’s setting.
While watching the World Cup this summer, fans should look out for team contenders, players to watch and concerns with the host nation.
Contenders:
When discussing contenders, we should start with the reigning World Cup champions, Germany. Germany breezed through World Cup qualification without a loss and a goal differential of plus 39; 43 goals scored to just four conceded.
If there is one concern for “Die Mannschaft,” it is the health of goalkeeper Manuel Neuer. The 32-year-old team captain has missed several months this season due to foot injuries. If Neuer can’t go to Russia, expect Marc-André ter Stegen to take his place in net.
The injury bug has also hit another big favorite: Brazil.
Brazilian star Neymar da Silva Santos Jr. has been sidelined for the last two months after having surgery on a broken foot. The 26-year-old forward is optimistic about his chances of playing in Russia. In an interview with the magazine FourFourTwo, Neymar said, “From the moment I can resume training, I’ll dedicate myself even more because the dream is closer, the World Cup. I waited four years for this opportunity and now it’s closer.”
If Neymar is healthy, he completes a formidable attack with the likes of Gabriel Jesus, Coutinho and Roberto Firmino.
It may be difficult for some to expect Brazil to win because the memory of the infamous 7-1 defeat to Germany at the last World Cup may still weigh on the mind. This, however, is a different Brazilian team with very high aspirations for the summer.
France and Spain, also strong favorites, each possess well-known names and youthful talent. Both teams will also be looking to better their 2014 World Cup performances, as Spain was humiliated in the group stage and France fell to Germany in the Round of 16.
And, of course, there is Lionel Messi and Argentina. Will this be the tournament where Messi can finally silence the critics that constantly mention his lack of international trophies?
As of now, it does not look so good for “La Albiceleste.” The team was recently thumped by Spain 6-1. Argentina’s head coach, Jorge Sampaoli, has stated many times the team will revolve around Messi. Looking at Argentina’s loss to Spain, this change becomes clear because Messi didn’t play then.
Messi, who turns 31 years old in July, has hinted at retiring – again – from international soccer if Argentina fails to win this World Cup. So, if Messi wants to reach the one pinnacle of the sport he has not reached, it needs to be now.
Player to watch: Mohamad Salah
The 25-year-old Egyptian has enjoyed his best -ever season, scoring over 40 goals for Liverpool. Back in October, Salah scored a last-minute penalty against Republic of Congo to send Egypt to its first World Cup since 1990. With Egypt being drawn in a favorable group, fans shouldn’t be surprised if Salah — whose birthday falls on the same day as Egypt’s first match — excels this summer.
Concerns around host nation:
For all the fun and excitement that the World Cup brings, there are concerns surrounding this year’s competition because of the host country. Russia and the Russian soccer culture are, to put it lightly, not the most accepting.
According to an article on the Huffington Post, LGBTQ+ fans have been warned not to hold hands or show public affection at the tournament. There are also concerns regarding racism from Russian fans. FIFA has recently investigated Russian fans about racist chants aimed toward members of the French national team. Zenit St. Petersburg, arguably the biggest club team in Russia, has had soccer fans demand black and gay soccer players be banned from the club.
Although these issues are extremely important to learn about, discuss and condemn, fans shouldn’t let this turn them off from watching the World Cup.
The World Cup is truly the greatest sporting event. For great games and entertianment, turn to Fox and Fox Sports 1 throughout the months of June and July this summer.
Photo courtesy of fifa.com
