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

May 26, 2023 at 3:40 PM

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

Group B of FIFA World Cup 2018 is slightly unbalanced. It consists of the European giants, Spain and Portugal with Iran and Morocco.

The mouth-watering group game between the Iberian rivals Spain and Portugal is perhaps one of the most anticipated games of the group stages.

Portugal had major success at Euro 2016. But they were knocked out at the group stage in the previous World Cup. The Seleção will be hoping to fare better in Russia than they did in Brazil four years ago. They will also find the familiar face of Carlos Queiroz helming a pragmatic and defensively resolute Iran side.

Queiroz will find it difficult to navigate a group containing Spain and reigning European Champions Portugal but will be looking forward to the game against Morocco to pick up some points.

Morocco will need nothing short of a miracle to help them progress from this group.

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


4. Sardar Azmoun (Iran)

Iran were the third nation to qualify for FIFA World Cup 2018, only behind Russia and Brazil.

This is the fifth time Iran has qualified for the World Cup. But they have never managed to go beyond the group stages in their four previous attempts.

Carlos Queiroz usually sets up a defensively resolute side. But will also have quality in the final third in Sardar Azmoun. Azmoun can help Iran out with much-needed goals.

Azmoun with his balance and control can dribble at defenders with pace. He can cause all sorts of problems in the defensive line. His form has even attracted the likes of Liverpool who are looking on to see if he is worth the billing.

3. Hakim Ziyech (Morocco)

Herve Renard has managed to create an astutely defensive Moroccan side. He had helped them qualify to the World Cup for the first time in 20 years. To progress beyond the group, Hakim Ziyech will be the key man for Morocco.

Ziyech recently named the Ajax player of the year for his performances and skills.

He is blessed with balance and a wonderful first touch which allows him to slide past defenders easily. His passing range and dead ball skills are commendable as well.

Renard will be hoping that Ziyech and Sofiane Boufal can combine and provide efficiency in attack. They are expected to fetch much-needed goals against stronger oppositions in Russia.

2. Isco (Spain)

Iniesta had already announced this would be his last World Cup for Spain. But the Spaniards don’t have to worry too much about missing their midfield maestro.

Iniesta can hand over the baton to Isco. The young attacking midfielder will fit right into the Spanish midfield.

Isco is blessed with effortless dribbling ability and the vision to always find the perfect pass. His ankle-breaking dribbling ability combined with his eye for goal will make him Spain’s most creative outlet in the middle of the Park.

Russia will provide the perfect setting for Isco to come into his own and begin establishing a legacy for himself with the La Roja.

1. Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)

Cristiano Ronaldo had already achieved one major honour with Portugal. They are the reigning European Champions. The Portuguese forward will be searching for more records to break in Russia.

Ronaldo will be pivotal for Portugal in Russia, as his experience and capacity to lead from the front will give him the best chance of creating goal-scoring opportunities.

Equipped with a very strong right foot and an equally powerful left foot, Ronaldo will be a threat from every angle.

While the whole world expects and backs Messi and his Argentina to have a good showing in Russia, expect Santos and his pragmatic Portugal, led by Ronaldo, to stun the world again in Russia, as they did in France in 2016.

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