World Cup 2018: Group-by-Group Analysis
Who’s the star? Cristiano Ronaldo, obviously, and don’t you forget it.
What would success look like? After what happened at the Euros in France last year, Portugal’s durability should not be underestimated. They may not be pretty, but they can be very effective.
IscoCreditJuan Medina/ReutersSPAIN
Best World Cup Winner (2010)
How did they qualify? In some style: Spain’s 3-0 win against Italy in qualifying was probably the most instructive result any of the major contenders recorded on the way to Russia. Under Julen Lopetegui, Spain seems to have rediscovered the panache that made it the best team in the world between 2008 and 2012.
What can we expect? The same bewitching blend of incisive passing, controlled tempo and technical ability that made Spain a world champion eight years ago, all arraigned behind the battering ram of Diego Costa.
Who’s the star? The old guard of Gerard Piqué, Sergio Ramos and Sergio Busquets will be crucial, but success will depend on the creative spark of the likes of Isco, Marco Asensio and Saúl Ñíguez.
What would success look like? Spain has the talent to regain its world title, but the true tests will come outside this group.
Sardar AzmounCreditORG XMIT: 696415983IRAN
Best World Cup Group stage (1978, 1998, 2006, 2014)
How did they qualify? Efficiently. Under Carlos Queiroz, the Portuguese coach who was once in charge of Real Madrid, Iran played 10 games, scored 10 goals, did not concede any, and was one of the first nations to book its place in the finals.
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