Group A Briefing
Russia
Qualified from the UEFA as the host nation.
It will be Russia’s 11th participation in the World Cup. Their last appearance in the competition was in the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, which they failed to win a single match and were eliminated at the ‘group stage’.
As the host nation, fans of Russian football will be expecting at the very least a victorious match in the 2018 World Cup. Home advantage (and the luck of the draw) has given the Russians a major boost and an opportunity to get into the ‘knockout round’ for the first time since their days in the tournament as the ‘Soviet Union’.
Saudi Arabia
Qualified directly from the AFC – 2nd place finish ‘Group B’
This will be Saudi Arabia’s 5th participation in the FIFA World Cup. Their last appearance was in the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany.
Saudi Arabia will return to the tournament after missing out on two consecutive FIFA World Cup tournaments. Their most recent three showings in the tournament have ended at the preliminary stage. There is room for improvement and an opportunity for Saudi Arabia to give the football world a real surprise.
Egypt
Qualified directly from the CAF – ‘Group E’ winner
This will be Egypt’s 3rd participation in the World Cup. Their last appearance was in the 1990 FIFA World Cup in Italy.
The World Cup drought is over for Egypt. Despite being the first team from Africa to play in the World Cup, and recent continental dominance in the AFCON, Egypt has been unable to secure a place in the FIFA World Cup for almost 28 years. How is Egypt going to re-introduce themselves?
Uruguay
Qualified directly from the CONMEBOL – 2nd place finish
Winners in 1930 and 1950
This will be Uruguay’s 13th participation in the World Cup. Their last appearance was in the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
A small nation with a big presence in international football. A nation that finds itself among the elite nations to have lifted the World Cup. With a little luck on their side, Uruguay has what it takes to go all the way to the final and to the cup.
