FIFA World Cup 2018: 7 group stage matches to watch out for
- Shrey Mehta
- Jun 14, 2018
- 3 min read
With just one day to go, football fans all over the world are waiting with bated breath for the FIFA World Cup 2018 to get underway. While it’s safe to say the World Cup is the pinnacle for all footballers, not all matches are actually worth watching. At times, the quality on display fails to enthuse viewers.
No offence to the likes of Russia and Saudi Arabia but that’s hardly the ideal game to kick-off the World Cup. The group stage matches are bound to throw some drab affairs but there are some eye-catching fixtures as well.
Here we list out 7 group stages matches which you shouldn’t miss:
Egypt vs Uruguay (June 15, 17:30)
In Mo Salah, Egypt has one of the most exciting players in the world. Salah, who suffered a late injury but has recovered for the World Cup, will be eager to make his mark on the biggest stage. And his first test will come against South American heavyweight Uruguay who too has their own superstars in Edinson Cavani and Luis Suarez. It’s a straight shootout between Uruguay’s strikers and Mo Salah which is what makes this match one to watch out for.
Portugal vs Spain (June 15, 23:30)
Quite possibly the tastiest matchup in the group stages. Both teams have stars all over the pitch including Cristiano Ronaldo, Andres Iniesta, among others. The winner of this match will make their life easier in qualifying for the next stage. No one wants to lose their first match of the World Cup and certainly not when the opponents are your Iberian rivals.
Germany vs Mexico (June 17, 20:30)
While on paper this looks like an easy game for Germany but it has the potential to be a banana skin. Mexico certainly won’t be pushovers for a talented Germany squad as they have players who can trouble their opponents. Add to it that the World Cup has a history of defending champions not doing well in their opening matches, it will be interesting to see how Germany open their defense of the trophy.
Argentina vs Croatia (June 21, 23:30)
Another game to watch out for as Croatia are a team that can go far in the tournament. Argentina certainly won’t find it easy against the midfield maestros of Croatia – Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic – and will need to be on top of their game to emerge victoriously. The Messi factor could be critical for Argentina – not just in this game though – and how the Argentine wizard performs might just influence the result of this match.
Germany vs Sweden (June 23, 23:30)
Come to think of it, Germany has landed themselves in a really tough group. Apart from Mexico, they have South Korea and Sweden. While the Swedes will be without their talisman Zlatan Ibrahimovic, they still have a certain pedigree and are known to cause an upset or two in the World Cup.
Serbia vs Brazil (June 27, 23:30)
The Serbs for sure aren’t there to be tourists and have some really experienced players in their squad. Nemanja Matic, Alexander Kolarov, Dusan Tadic add steel and trickery to the Serbian team and Brazil won’t be taking them lightly at all. It could be the perfect game for the attack vs defense and the Serbs are known to have a mean defense while Brazil has the likes of Neymar, Gabriel Jesus, and Philippe Coutinho.
England vs Belgium (June 28, 23:30)
Is this the battle of perennial underachievers? Both teams – England more so – have often flattered to deceive but boast of household names all over the pitch. Belgium has talent scattered all over their squad while England might lack star names but boast of some quality players in Harry Kane, Dele Alli, and Raheem Sterling. It has all the ingredients for a World Cup classic.
Source : timesofindia.indiatimes.com
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