2018 World Cup: Five Outsiders Worth Backing in Russia

2018 World Cup: Five Outsiders Worth Backing in Russia

A major football competition rarely goes by without a so-called underdog making a name for themselves on the biggest stage, with the likes of North Korea, Ghana and Costa Rica having all made it further than expected at recent World Cup Finals. Giants such as Germany, Brazil and Spain are expected to battle it out for the title in Russia this summer, however there are undoubtedly some teams who are in with a chance of upsetting the apple cart, even if they do not go all the way. Let’s take a closer look at some of those nations who just might cause a surprise or two in the coming weeks.

Nigeria

NigeriaHaving made it through to the Round of 16 in Brazil four years ago, the Super Eagles will be looking to match this achievement at the least. Nigeria may come into the tournament off the back of friendly defeats against both England and the Czech Republic, however their playing squad is full of talent, including the likes of Alex Iwobi, Victor Moses and Wilfried Ndidi, who all currently play in the English Premier League. Despite being ranked 48th in the FIFA world rankings, the African giants are certainly capable of beating anyone on their day, as demonstrated by a famous victory over Argentina at the end of 2017. Although in a tough group alongside the South American’s, as well as Croatia and Iceland, manager Gernot Rohr will be quietly confident of his team making it through to the knockout stage of the competition.

  • Goalkeepers: Francis Uzoho, Ikechukwu Ezenwa, Daniel Akpeyi
  • Defenders: William Troost-Ekong, Abdullahi Shehu, Tyronne Ebuehi, Elderson Echiejile, Bryan Idowu, Chidozie Awaziem, Leon Balogun, Kenneth Omeruo
  • Midfielders: John Obi Mikel, Wilfred Ndidi, Ogenyi Onazi, Oghenekaro Etebo, John Ogu, Joel Obi
  • Forwards: Ahmed Musa, Kelechi Iheanacho, Victor Moses, Alex Iwobi, Odion Ighalo, Simeon Nwankwo

Sweden

swedenSweden beat Italy over two legs in order to confirm their place in Russia this summer, with the international retirement of Zlatan Ibrahimovic having seemingly given freedom to those who were formally in his shadow. Despite not having any world beaters to speak of, the Scandinavian’s can call upon RB Leipzig’s Emil Forsberg and Manchester United defender Victor Lindelof, with Sweden having become a notoriously difficult team to beat due to their physicality and tactical awareness. However, Sweden are without a win in their last three matches, meaning that they must quickly rediscover their winning formula.

  • Goalkeepers: Robin Olsen, Karl-Johan Johnsson, Kristoffer Nordfeldt
  • Defenders: Mikael Lustig, Victor Lindelof, Andreas Granqvist, Martin Olsson, Ludwig Augustinsson, Filip Helander, Emil Krafth, Pontus Jansson
  • Midfielders: Sebastian Larsson, Albin Ekdal, Emil Forsberg, Gustav Svensson, Oscar Hiljemark, Viktor Claesson, Marcus Rohden, Jimmy Durmaz
  • Forwards: Marcus Berg, John Guidetti, Ola Toivonen, Isaac Kiese Thelin

Peru

PeruRanked 11th in the FIFA world rankings, Peru are currently on an unbeaten run which stretches ten matches. As well as this, the return of inspirational captain Paolo Guerrero from a drugs ban has seemingly rejuvenated the squad, with the veteran striker having scored in twice in their recent friendly win over Saudi Arabia. Elsewhere, the likes of Jefferson Farfan and André Carrillo provide both pace and skill in the final third for the South American’s, who are playing in their first World Cup since 1982.

  • Goalkeepers: Pedro Gallese, Carlos Caceda, Jose Carvallo
  • Defenders: Luis Advincula, Aldo Corzo, Miguel Araujo, Christian Ramos, Anderson Santamaria, Alberto Rodriguez, Nilson Loyola, Miguel Trauco
  • Midfielders: Pedro Aquino, Renato Tapia, Paolo Hurtado, Yoshimar Yotun, Christian Cueva, Edison Flores, Wilder Cartagena, Andy Polo
  • Forwards: Paolo Guerrero, Jefferson Farfan, Andre Carrillo, Raul Ruidiaz

Senegal

senegalHaving been drawn in what is perhaps the most competitive group of the tournament, Senegal know that they must get off to a fast start in Russia. However, the African side have a host of talented players in their squad, including Liverpool flyer Sadio Mane and Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly, who is a hugely intimidating figure at the back. Senegal reached the quarter finals of the 2002 finals in South Korea and Japan, however they failed to qualify in 2006, 2010 and 2014. They look to have the tools to reach the knockout phase this year though.

  • Goalkeepers: Khadim Ndiaye, Abdoulaye Diallo, Alfred Gomis
  • Defenders: Kara Mbodji, Kalidou Koulibaly, Moussa Wague, Saliou Ciss, Youssouf Sabaly, Lamine Gassama, Armand Traore, Salif Sane
  • Midfielders: Pape Alioune Ndiaye, Idrissa Gueye, Cheikhou Kouyate, Cheikh N’Doye
  • Forwards: Sadio Mane, Diao Balde Keita, Ismaila Sarr, Diafra Sakho, Moussa Konate, Mame Biram Diouf, Mbaye Niang

Egypt

EgyptThe third African side to feature is Egypt, who will feature in the World Cup for the first time since 1990. The Pharaohs are led by the hugely experienced manager Héctor Cúper, while should he be fit, Mohamed Salah has demonstrated that he is capable of winning matches on his own in both the Premier League and Champions League this season for Liverpool. Egypt are ranked 45th in the world rankings leading into the tournament this summer.

  • Goalkeepers: Essam El Hadary, Mohamed El-Shennawy, Sherif Ekramy
  • Defenders: Ahmed Fathi, Saad Samir, Ayman Ashraf, Mahmoud Hamdy, Mohamed Abdel-Shafy, Ahmed Hegazi, Ali Gabr, Ahmed Elmohamady, Omar Gaber
  • Midfielders: Mohamed Elneny, Tarek Hamed, Abdallah Said, Shikabala, Sam Morsy, Mahmoud Kahraba, Mahmoud Hassan, Ramadan Sobhi, Amr Warda
  • Forwards: Mohamed Salah, Marwan Mohsen