FIFA World Cup 2018: Top 4 Crucial Players in Group A

May 26, 2023 at 3:40 PM

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FIFA World Cup 2018: Top 4 Crucial Players in Group A

Hosts Russia will play the curtain-raiser in FIFA World Cup 2018 against Saudi Arabia on 14th June. The Group A consists of hosts Russia, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Uruguay.

Saudi Arabia might be underdogs, but their attack is spear-headed by Mohammed Al-Sahlawi. He scored a record 16 goals during qualification.

Egypt and Uruguay are the other two teams. Egypt takes with them an in-form Mohamed Salah, to Russia. Uruguay will have to rely on the attacking talents of Cavani and Suarez.

Here we take a look at the top 4 crucial players in Group A who can make a big difference for their respective nation at the FIFA World Cup 2018.

4. Igor Akinfeev (Russia)

Hosts Russia no longer look like the side that went to the semi-finals in 2008 Euro Cup. Igor Akinfeev is the only remaining member of that squad that lost out to eventual winners, Spain.

Akinfeev is capable of producing moments of magic, but can also add to the bloopers-reel in the same game. But his experience and quality have to shine through for the hosts to last in FIFA World Cup 2018.

3. Mohammad Al-Sahlawi (Saudi Arabia)

Mohammed Al-Sahlawi is a prolific and experienced goalscorer. He had an impressive record in the World Cup qualifying campaign. He scored 16 goals, a feat matched by only one other player, Robert Lewandowski.

Saudi Arabia has always had the problem of their players not having enough European experience, as they mostly decide to ply their trade in their domestic league.

Saudi Arabia has attempted to resolve this issue by sending a majority of their players to Spain on loan for the latter half of this season.

Pizzi will be hoping that Al-Sahlawi can carry his form into the tournament and help his side out massively in Russia.

2. Luis Suarez (Uruguay)

Luis Suarez delivers what he promises, goals. He is a very consistent player with a very consistent goalscoring record.

Though he had an off time in Barcelona this season, he is still expected to spark in the World Cup.

Uruguay will be hoping that Suárez can avoid any controversy at the World Cup, which has become a recurrent theme, as Cavani alongside Suárez will be a duo capable of unlocking any defence in Russia.

1. Mohammad Salah (Egypt)

Mohamed Salah has elevated his game for Liverpool this season. He joins an elite class of players such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Luis Suarez to have won both the FWA and PFA football player of the year in a single season. He is also the first African to win the FWA award.

Salah’s pace, trickery and goal-scoring prowess will be very important for Egypt to have a successful campaign in Russia.

After the scintillating season, he had for Liverpool, expect the winger to rise to the occasion at the FIFA World Cup 2018.

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