This summer, the most popular sport in the world will begin a new chapter in Russia. While many fans have the luxury of supporting their home country, others are not quite as lucky (looking at you fellow U.S. fans). Whether you are already an avid football fanatic or new to the game, this guide will help you pick a new team to cheer on.
1. Croatia
Boasting one of the best midfields in the world, Croatia is a leading dark horse heading into Russia. With the likes of Luka Modric, Ivan Rakitic, and Mateo Kovacic in the middle of the pitch, Croatia has the ability of compete with any team. Coming off a career season with Real Madrid in 2017, Modric is widely viewed as maybe the top central midfielder in the world. Now in the midst of a lackluster 2018 campaign, Modric and his club-mate Kovacic will be aiming to remind everyone just how elite they are.
Croatia's firepower does not end there. Mario Mandzukic and Ivan Perisic are two world class forwards that are proven scorers at the club and international level. At Euro 2016, Perisic lit up the competition with 2 goals and 1 assist in the four games Croatia played. While Perisic plays out on the wing, Croatia's attack goes through the big man: Mario Mandzukic. Although not the force he once was, Mandzukic can never be counted out and still is one of the world's best. This being quite possibly his final World Cup appearance, he will be ready to go out with a bang.
However, Croatia's downfall could come from their lack in defensive weapons. Featuring Dejan Lovren (sorry Liverpool fans) and possibly without longtime captain Darijo Srna, they could find themselves picking the ball out of the net often. If they can control possession in the midfield and avoid silly mistakes in the back, Croatia will make a run in the tournament. Their group is a particularly interesting one, featuring Argentina, Nigeria, and Iceland. Having the most skill in the group outside of Argentina, Croatia will be need a full 6 points from the other two games. The game against the South American giants on June 21st will surely decide the winner of the group.
Why support Croatia during the World Cup? Their star-studded midfield and attack make them truly fun to watch, and you won't be guilty of supporting a powerhouse country. Best of all are their unique red and white checkered kits, but don't expect to see those anywhere near the final. Although packed with talent, Croatia always seems to find a way to waste it all away. This could be the last competition for Modric, Rakitic, Perisic, and Mandzukic, making the stakes even higher.
2. Senegal
Back after 16 years for their second World Cup appearance, the Lions of Senegal will be one of the five teams representing the continent of Africa. Those who watch the Premier League will be very familiar with some of their top players, including the electric Sadio Mane, Idrissa Gueye of Everton, and Cheikhou Kouyate of West Ham. Leading the pride will be Mane, who will be a menace for every defense that he faces. If he is able to catch fire and bag a few goals in, Senegal has a real chance of advancing out of the group.
Gueye will also be crucial to their success, as he is the type of central midfielder few other African teams have had in the past. With a certain finesse and versatility which allows him to make a crucial interception in the midfield and then deliver a defense-splitting pass in one swoop, he is a rare talent. Not since Yaya Toure and Michael Essien have we seen a midfielder out of Africa such as Gueye who can control the middle of the park.
Another rarity for many African teams are dominant center-backs that can take on even the best of forwards. In the heart of Senegal's defense is Kalidou Koulibaly, the fast and powerful CB from Napoli. He is special, and he is going to have to be going up against Poland's Lewandowski and Colombia's James Rodriguez in Group H. The combination of Mane, Gueye, and Koulibaly makes Senegal one of the most complete African teams in years.
There is always something special about the African teams in the World Cup, primarily due to the energy and passion their fans bring to each game. Because of this, Senegal will be fantastic team to follow during the summer. With a high-energy playing style, and fueled with passion, Senegal offers viewers a chance to witness what soccer is all about. Although, stuck in the middle of a tough group with Poland, Colombia, and Japan, their odds of advancement are slim. Enjoy them while you can, because who knows when we will see them here again.
3. Iceland
Sometimes less is more. The smallest nation to ever appear at the World Cup, Iceland first made themselves known at Euro 2016. By drawing eventual winners Portugal and defeating the mighty England, the boys from Iceland showed the world that they don't play small. This time around they will not be surprising anyone. Lead by the creative Everton midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson, who scored 4 goals and tallied 4 assists on the road to Russia, the Icelanders are planning on making another tourney run.
After winning their group in the UEFA World Cup Qualifications, they are in superb form. They will face Croatia, Nigeria, and the Messi-led Argentinians in Group D, giving them the opportunity to be giant-killers again in their first ever World Cup. They will rely heavily on the leadership of Sigurdsson and captain Aron Gunnarsson to solidify the midfield and create chances going forward. Outside of Sigurdsson and Gunnarsson, Iceland lacks well-known names on the pitch. However, this may be not be a detriment due to their style of play. The Iceland team is not a collection of individual players, but rather a unit that knows their job and does it to perfection. They will stay compact and take their chances when they can get them, a formula that has proven to be deadly.
Outside of their fantastic play in the last two years, there are other reasons why you should consider making Iceland your team in Russia. Just smaller than the state of Kentucky, there should be a picture of the Iceland national team next to the word "underdog" in the dictionary. With almost all of the odds against them, rooting for them would be especially fun if they make it out of the group. Also, their fans are known for their enthusiasm and chants. Most notable is the Viking Chant, during which all the fans and players clap in unison after a win. If you watched the Minnesota Vikings defeat the Saints in dramatic fashion, you have seen this chant before (where do you think they got it?). Jump on the bandwagon while you can and join the Icelanders in their quest to surprise again!
4. France
If you need a bit of flair in your team, look no further. Ever since Zidane's head connected with Materazzi's chest in the 2006 World Cup, the French national team has been plagued by blunders and drama. Now with a new generation of stars that have reinvigorated the team with a certain swag, Les Blues are a powerhouse once more. We got a sneak peak at Euro 2016 of just how good this young French team could be, and have been waiting patiently to see them in a major tournament again.
France is a complete team from top to bottom and do not lack in world-class talent or entertainment. Antoine Griezmann, Kylian Mbappe, and Alexander Lacazette lead the attack going forward, and are all deadly finishers with blistering speed. Griezmann in particular has become a well-recognized pop culture icon, hanging out with NBA players and celebrating each goal with his rendition of Drake's "Hotline Bling." Flying down the field with his flashy blonde (or whatever color he decides to dye it this time) hair, he is just a fun guy.
In the midfield, Paul Pogba holds down the fort along with 2x Premier League Champ and human steam engine Ngolo Kante. Pogba shares Griezmann's fashion sense and colorful nature, both in personality and appearance. Always with a different hairstyle featuring words, colors, and even pictures shaved into his head, Pogba is one of a kind. Known for his dabbing celebration, he has become very popular with younger fans around the world. However, he is not all show. The man is an absolute beast both defensively and in the attack, and his 6'3 stature does not hurt. Now the best player on a crowded Manchester United team, Pogba is hitting the peak of his career just in time for the World Cup.
France's success in the Cup will fall on the shoulders of the high-profile players if they do not perform well. Though the team does not have the luxury of a multitude of world-class defenders, there is enough talent in the back to keep up with nearly anyone. If Les Blues struggle, the media will surely make it known, handing most of the blame to Pogba, Griezmann, and co. Although, even with the plethora of stars in the France squad, do not be surprised if some of the lesser known players announce themselves. Nabil Fekir has lit up the Ligue 1 in France for years, and is in particularly good form at the moment (search his goal vs. PSG recently..whew). If he can break into the starting 11 he could make noise. Now a regular starter for Real Madrid, Raphael Varane has long been tagged as the future for France at center-back, and now has the opportunity to confirm his skills. The fast and skillful defender will be an important piece heading to Russia.
Though France and its stars will adhere more to younger fans, anyone with an eye for the eccentric should tune in to watch their games. Their recent struggles in the World Cup do not exactly make them an underdog, but not winning the tournament since 1998 and not featuring in the final since 2006 makes their cup run especially interesting. There will be massive amounts of pressure. If you are looking for a powerhouse soccer nation to support this summer, go with France - I promise you will not regret it.
5. England
Those who keep up with soccer on a regular basis may be rolling their eyes at this one, but hear me out. England's World Cup mishaps are well documented, including Robert Green's howler against the United States in South Africa and Wayne Rooney's stamp on Cristiano Ronaldo in Germany. Not since 1966 have they won the coveted Cup, and they know it. Even with the talented squads they have brought to the competition in the past, England always seems to fall on their face. Yet, this year could be different.
Out with the old, in with the new. That is exactly what has occurred in the past few years for the Three Lions. Now with a new generation of young stars, it is time to write a fresh story for England. Harry Kane, Dele Alli, Marcus Rashford, Eric Dier, Raheem Sterling, John Stones, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain lead the new-look Lions. Top dog is Kane, who has established himself as one of the best goal scorers not only in the UK, but in all of world football. He has power, speed, technical skills, and finishing abilities - all of which has helped him become the top scorer in the Premier League this season. With 21 goals already, he is averaging a goal every 93 minutes according to BBC Sport. Yes. You read that correctly. If Kane continues this kind of form in the World Cup he will easily win the Golden Boot and propel England into the knockout rounds.
Second fiddle to Kane will be the speedster Raheem Sterling. Going into this Premier League season with a metaphorical question mark over his head, Sterling has been crucial to Man City's record season. With 14 goals and 4 assists, Raheem has been on fire, and looks to be the player many saw at Liverpool in his youth. England has not been known to feature very flashy players in the past, making Sterling's presence a breath of fresh air. His ability to connect with the likes of Alli and Kane will be important to watch, and may determine how well he performs in Russia.
We now come back to the England's skeleton in the closet: goalkeeper. Surely Joe Hart will not find a spot in the team again, as it is clear that he just is not a great fit. Outside of Hart there are a number of potential candidates, including Jordan Pickford, Jack Butland, Tom Heaton, and Fraser Forster. Of these, Pickford is the most likely first-choice, due to the fact that Everton are having a decent season compared to Butland's Stoke (yikes) and Forster's Southhampton. On the fringe is another Burnley goalkeeper Nick Pope, who has the most clean sheets of England players in the Premier League with nine. Who knows who manager Gareth Southgate will chose to go between the pipes, but it will be a crucial and potentially World Cup-deciding choice.
Supporting the England national team can often be a struggle, however it encapsulates all that is fun about watching soccer: the unexpected. Often regarded as a 'blue chip' footballing nation, the Three Lions certainly haven't performed like it in years. With high expectations from their home fans every World Cup, this time around feels a little different. The game against Belgium in the group will be a solid litmus test on how good this team really is. No one knows what to expect from this young team, making them a dangerous dark horse. If you chose to cheer on the Lions at the World Cup, you could witness history.
Others to keep an eye on: Belgium, Egypt, Argentina, Denmark, and South Korea
Comments