The Road to Russia

The Spanish National Team has put their dismal 2014 title defence behind them and vow Russia will be different. Kasper Schmeichel wants to drag Denmark beyond the quarterfinal result father Peter achieved 20 years prior. And if Leon Goretzka breathes new life into Germany’s midfield, Paolo Guerrero is back for Peru after a dubious drug ban.

For the Russian National Team to be successful in 2018, they need to focus on what’s happen-ing on the pitch and block out the noise that comes with being the host nation off it. Ivan Rakitic brings consistency to Croatia’s midfield, Mats Hummels provides solidity as Germany’s go-to centre-back, and Brazil’s biggest goal scoring sensation is the young Gabriel Jesus.

The Australia National team is hedging their bets in Russia on their familiar faces and a new head coach. Jordi Alba brings pace to Spain’s back line, France’s Blaise Matuidi adds tough tackling to their midfield, and if Neymar can stay on his feet, he brings a skill set to Brazil not seen since the days of the legendary Pelé.

The Portugal National team arrives in Russia the reigning European Champions. And with their captain Cristiano Ronaldo leading the way, they hope to add their first ever World Cup to the trophy case, too. Belgium’s Eden Hazard hopes to make the most of the Red Devils’ golden football generation, Denmark’s Andreas Christensen is set to make an impressive World Cup debut.

The Egypt National team returns to the World Cup after a 28 year absence. It’s only their third appearance in the tournament, but with 2017 African Footballer of the Year, Mohamed Salah leading the way, it promises to be their best. Carlo Vela hopes he’s put enough good vibes out to earn a spot in Mexico’s World Cup squad, Luka Modric is committed to captaining Croatia beyond the group stage.

The Colombian National team will look to build on their 2014 Brazilian adventure in Russia with more experience under their belt and the return of their Tiger, Radamel Falcao. South Korea will look to their captain, Ki Sung-Yueng, to help guide them beyond the group stage.

The Senegal National Team is back for only its second World Cup appearances: with a speedy Sadio Mané and smooth but hulking Kalidou Koulibaly, these Lions of Teranga are ready to roar in Russia. Croatia’s Mario Mandzukic is his nation’s versatile unsung hero, David de Gea is the rightful heir to Saint Iker for Spain, and Bryan Ruiz is ready to captain Costa Rica at a World Cup one final time

The Moroccan National Team returns to the World Cup with the least perforated defence out of every team qualified: with Cristiano Ronaldo and Spain as opponents, their defence will need to be laser sharp. Brazil’s feel good story may be midfielder Paulinho who went from considering leaving football altogether, to packing his bags for Russia.

The Nigerian National Team returns to the World Cup with renewed hope thanks to captain John Obi Mikel and a crop of talented attack minded youngsters. Egypt’s Mohamed Salah might not win the World Cup, but he’s got what it takes to take home the Golden Boot. And while England’s Eric Dier can command a variety of positions, the heart of Argentina’s defence is where Nicolas Otamendi calls home.

Denmark is back with a balanced lineup that could mirror the unexpected successes of Euro ‘92. Radamel Falcao is desperate to put the ghosts of 2014 behind him, Olivier Giroud is out to prove he belongs on the bench no more, and Serbia’s captain Branislav Ivanovic has to answer to nobody: he’s a beast on defence with the knack for the attack.

Uruguay returns to the World Cup with a formidable blend of young guns and elite veterans, united on ending their 68 year World Cup title drought. There’s no drought for Poland’s Robert Lewandowski who goes to Russia a record breaking goal scoring machine. And while Sadio Mane will count on his speed to keep Senegal in contention, John Stones has become a rock in England’s World Cup defence.

Croatia counted on the likes of Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic to push through the UEFA Second Round playoff, but can they continue their winning ways in 2018? If Samuel Umtiti is France’s silent leader of the defence, Belgium’s Thibaut Courtois has turned into a loud, formidable force in net.

With rising social unrest, the World Cup comes as a breath of fresh air for Tunisia. Breel Embolo is Switzerland’s fresh young face in their forward line, Spain’s Thiago Alcantara could be if he can stay healthy, while Harry Kane is a goal scoring force of nature and leader of the Three Lions heading to Russia.

In this episode of The Road to Russia, Costa Rica stumbles to the World Cup with the hopes of picking up where they left off at Brazil in 2014, Paulo Dybala arrives in Russia intent on giving his mentor Messi a celebratory send off, while 2014 winner Julian Draxler has what it takes to help his homeland take consecutive World Cup titles.

In this episode of The Road to Russia, the Serbian National Team returns to the World Cup with uncertainty at the helm. Brazil is known for their attacking flair, leaving Casemiro with the task of keeping the midfield tight. And if France captain Hugo Lloris is a familiar face, Colombia’s youthful centre back Davinson Sanchez hopes to become one in Russia.

In this episode of The Road to Russia, Panama is set to make its World Cup debut with plenty of fanfare but few expectations - unlike Portugal’s André Silva and Spain’s Isco, who’ll make their tournament debut with the hopes of winning it all. While big centre back Kalidou Koulibaly wants to prove France’s loss is Senegal’s gain.

In this episode of The Road to Russia, the Poland National Team returns to the World Cup intent on reliving the glory years of the 70’s and 80’s, Andres Iniesta leads Spain’s next golden era as the team’s inspirational leader, while Gylfi Sigurdsson embarks on his and his nation’s first World Cup adventure.

In this episode of The Road to Russia, Alvaro Morata wants to be more than Spain’s super sub, Portugal’s Pepe plans to leave his last World Cup an historic champion, Uruguay’s Rodrigo Bentancur is determined to leave Russia it’s best young player, and Saudi Arabia is out to prove their more than just a tournament passenger.

In this episode of The Road to Russia, we feature the Korea Republic National Team. Plus, Toni Kroos is Germany’s silent superstar and statistical giant, Diego Godin wears Uruguay’s captain’s armband with pride, and Thomas Meunier could be Belgium’s secret goal scoring weapon in defence.

In this episode of The Road to Russia, we profile the Mexican National Team. Plus France’s Paul Pogba left the last World Cup a kid, but returns to Russia his nation’s number one man, Dani Alves is the veteran star of the Selecao, and Aleksandr Golovin goes from growing up in Siberia to sergeant of the Russian football midfield

In this episode of The Road to Russia, we feature the Japanese National Team. Plus we profile Germany captain and goalkeeping pioneer, Manuel Neuer, Spain superstar in the making Marco Asensio, and Argentina’s tiny goal scoring giant, Sergio Agüero.

In this episode of The Road to Russia: can Germany become repeat champions for the first time since Pelé’s great 1962 squad? Luis Suarez looks to be on his best behaviour in Russia, while Raphael Varane is comfortable letting his play do the talking for Les Bleus. And captain Osama Hawsawi hopes divine intervention can make miracles happen for the Saudi Arabian Team.

In this episode of The Road to Russia, we feature a potential dark horse: Switzerland. Alexis Sanchez will do whatever it takes to catapult Chile beyond the disappointment of 2014. Leonardo Bonucci, is set to have a starring role in Italy’s starting 11, while Nigeria’s captain John Obi Mikel has family to play for in Russia, and Japan’s Takuma Asano promises to be their youthful secret weapon.

In this episode we feature the 2018 World Cup's first qualifying team - Brazil. Romelu Lukaku looks to become a permanent fixture in Belgium's starting lineup, Adam Lallana is desperate to put his injuries behind him, Spain's captain Sergio Ramos wants to relish possibly his final World Cup, and Iran coach Carlos Queiroz is focusing on the little things for a big result on the Road to Russia.