By : Walter Diaz
The 2018 World Cup is only a little more than six months away. With the draw having been made, it can feel even closer, as fans and writers around the world have begun to pick apart the potential matchups and make predictions. Without focusing specifically on predictions or odds, here are five general takeaways from the draw.
- Russia Got Off Easy
The host nation of course receives an automatic bid to the World Cup, and often appears to have one advantage or another. This year, however, it doesn’t just seem like Russia might have a home edge. Quick analysis of the draw reveals that they have an advantage in the most literal sense. Russia was, quite simply, placed in a remarkably easy World Cup draw featuring Uruguay (which isn’t as good as it has been in recent Cups), Egypt, and Saudi Arabia. One statistical analysis site even determined that the numbers indicate this is perhaps the easiest draw in modern history. So, with no disrespect to the other teams in Group A, it’s clear Russia got off easy.
- The Top Teams Should All Advance
This is a broad statement, and in ways a bold one. There are always teams that don’t perform as they should, and it’s impossible to say this early that every favored team will meet expectations. However, there seems to be broad consensus that there is no so-called “Group of Death” in this draw, which means top teams have it a little easier. The Group of Death is usually one in which there are three or four very good teams, instead of one or two plus a few underdogs. Without such a group, it looks more like the top teams are spread out, and thus more likely to advance.
- France Is Back In Contention
There have been rumblings for a few years now that France could be back in contention at the 2018 World Cup. Following the draw, there seems to be an even stronger case for the French as one of the teams with a chance to make a deep run. France was drawn into Group C alongside Peru, Denmark, and Australia – a group that as one early analysis put it should be a cakewalk for France. Armed with one of the best goalkeepers in the world in Hugo Lloris, an outstanding midfield highlighted by Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kante, and a mix of veteran (Olivier Giroud) and young (Alexandre Lacazette, Giroud’s Arsenal teammate) forwards, this team has strength at every position. A fairly easy looking group should only catapult them to a nice position to start the knockout rounds.
- African Teams Are In Good Shape
If there’s one entire continent most pleased with the draw, it has to be Africa. African nations are spread out, and though none are among the true favorites for the tournament, many have a legitimate chance to advance past the group stage. Egypt has a goal scoring star in Mohammed Salah who will at least give them a chance to advance alongside Russia in Group A. Morocco is being written up as a potential spoiler for either Spain or Portugal in Group B. Nigeria could well be favored to advance in Group D. Tunisia has a rough outlook in Group G, but Senegal is perfectly capable of advancing out of Group H against Poland, Colombia, and Japan. It could be a very successful Cup for African teams.
- England Has A Difficult Road Ahead
England actually got a very favorable draw for the group stage, and should advance. This has likely thrilled a lot of English supporters, but former striker Robbie Fowler has pointed out that it gets difficult further on, with Brazil or Germany waiting in the quarters. That means that even if England plays very well in the early stage against soft opponents, the road forward is difficult. The team would almost certainly have to face Germany or Brazil – possibly the two overall favorites for the Cup – before even reaching the semifinals.
