Group A is described by many as the easiest in the 2018 World Cup. Be that as it may, it’s still going to be a fun group to follow with Uruguay under pressure each game not to stumble against an overmatched opponent. Here’s our preview for Uruguay and for the other three teams in Group A.
This squad can’t be talked about without mentioned the name of Luis Suarez, the team’s most talented player and deadliest scorer. Suarez will feed off the system put in place by manager Oscar Tabarez. Tabarez’s approach has never been a secret, so expect for Uruguay to continue making it hard for opponents to execute on offense or get any rhythm on the attack as his team will clog the midfield with defenders who will stay there as long as necessary and will only push the ball when it is clearly needed. The defensive combo of Diego Godín and José María Giménez is expected to do wonders in the backline for the Uruguay, and the chemistry they have developed playing for Atletico Madrid should definitely be a plus for the team. Apart from Suarez, Uruguay also features another deadly forward in the form of Edinson Cavani. Uruguay is the favorite to top Group A with odds of -125 to finish first there.
What LeBron James is to the Cleveland Cavaliers, that’s what Mohammed Salah is to Egypt. Without Salah, Team Egypt is nothing but a pack of nobodies on the field. With Salah, they have identity and someone who strikes fear down their opponents’ spines. To underscore how important Salah to the squad, consider that he was responsible for 71 percent of Egypt’s goals during the qualifiers. The problem for Egypt is that Salah remains questionable to play in his team’s opener in the World Cup after injuring his shoulder in the Champions League final. It’s being reported that it would take 3-4 weeks for him to fully heal. Salah’s presence isn’t a guarantee that Egypt would survive in Group A, where they are priced +600 to top.
Thanks to being the host of the 2018 World Cup, Russia have guaranteed themselves of a slot in the tournament. The Russians are only 66th in FIFA rankings but that’s partly because they have spent more time than others playing friendlies since they’ve already secured a spot in the World Cup as hosts. Despite being the lowest-ranked team in the tournament, the Russians are, according to FiveThirtyEight, playing in the weakest group in the World Cup – ever. That’s a plus for Russia, who +175 to reign supreme in Group A. Forming the backbone of Russia is winger Denis Cheryshev, goalie Igor Akinfeev, and striker Fyodor Smolov. Cheryshev has trouble staying 100 percent healthy with Villareal, but when he’s body is in top shape, he’s a valuable weapon on offense for Russia. Akinfeev will be the man between the sticks and even if he’s been shaky at his job, he’ll have to step up big time playing at home. As for Smolov, his scoring is going to be valuable for his squad.
Saudi Arabia (-300 to finish last in Group A) have not won a World Cup game since 1994. The expectations aren’t high for this team, but they cold be a fun team to watch because a lot of their players are 28 or older. This means that most of them are playing in their last major tournament representing their country, so watch out for Saudi Arabia to play with a lose-nothing mentality and play relentless football. The team might also be underprepared as they fired Edgardo Bauza just a little over a week before the draw. Juan Antonio Pizzi was named as Bauza’s replacement, but has he been with the team long enough to have his fingerprints on the squad’ system?
Key Game – Russia vs. Uruguay (June 25)
It’s the group favorite against the home team, a perfect combination for a blockbuster match. That’s not to mention that these two sides are expected to finish first and second in the group.
Writer’s Prediction
This group is for Uruguay to lose. Suarez and company will breeze through undefeated in Group A, while Russia finishes second.
