World Cup 2018: Everything you need to know about all 32 teams competing for the biggest prize in football
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World Cup season is upon us.
As 32 countries head to Russia to compete for the biggest prize in international football, the world waits to watch the show unfold.
If you're looking for a team to cheer for or are attempting to scout out potential opponents of your favorite squad, below we go group by group to give you the odds to win, the players to watch, and the best and worst case scenario for every team competing.
Group A: Russia, Uruguay, Egypt, Saudi Arabia
Russia
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World rank: No. 66
Odds to win group: 2/1
Odds to win World Cup: 50/1
Key players: Fyodor Smolov, Anton Miranchuk, Aleksei Miranchuk
Best case scenario: The host country upsets Uruguay to win the group and make a surprising run to the quarterfinals. The Miranchuk twins become the feel-good story of the tournament after an impressive performance in the group stage.
Worst case scenario: Saudi Arabia spoils the party to upset Russia in the opening game of the tournament, leaving the team scrambling to escape the group.
Uruguay
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World rank: No. 14
Odds to win group: 2/3
Odds to win World Cup: 30/1
Key players: Luis Suarez, Diego Godin
Best case scenario: Uruguay runs through Russia and the rest of its group to snag a cushy spot in the elimination bracket, then pulls an upset or two to reach the semifinal.
Worst case scenario: After falling to Russia's home field advantage and a Ballon d'Or worthy performance from Mohamed Salah for Egypt, Uruguay fails to escape the surprisingly winnable group.
See the rest of the story at Business Insider
See Also:
- The one player you need to know from every country competing in the 2018 FIFA World Cup
- 8 teams to root for in the World Cup if your favorite country went bust in qualifying
- The new World Cup uniforms for every country
SEE ALSO: The 2018 World Cup is only 2 weeks away — here's who has won every tournament since 1930