The Russian Paradox

With 10 days remaining for World Cup opening match, the Russian national team's troubles are flowing. The hosting country's team is considered as one of the weakests in the tournament, with miles of potential being wasted and promising players who disappered throughout the years. Although it has been majorly talked about the lack of centre-backs in the hosts' squad after recent Berezutski brothers' retirement, lest it be forgotten that most of other positions are not much better.

A quick review of the squad reveals that only 3 out of 28 players play abroad – third-choice goalkeeper Vladimir Gabulov (Club Brugge), naturalized Roman Neustader (Fenerbahce) and Denis Cheryshev (Villarreal). A squad which is based on the local league players may definitely be an advantage, improving the players' comprehension, but not when the league is as weak as the Russian Premier League.

The truth is there are no Russian players who are good enough, physically and mentally, to play abroad. Anderi Arshavin and Roman Pavlyuchenko playing in the English Premier League are a distant memory, whilst players who were expected to lead the national team failed to do so. Alan Dzagoev, who was marked as a future star, spent all of his senior career at CSKA Moscow. Although he is one of the Armeitsy's best players, he could have played in a better league and become a better footballer. Artem Dzyuba was also marked as a possible key player but got loaned out from Zenit St. Petersburg to middle-table Arsenal Tula. These are just two examples of this disturbing phenomenon.

The main reason for that is the desprate will to make Russian Premier League more attractive by signing foreign players. Nowadays, the best way to convince a player to move to a non-top league is usually a high salary, and this is what the major Russian clubs did. The results were devastating. If Hulk, Axel Witsel and Willian raised the Russian League level, most of the foreigns fell short of expectations or simply were past their peak. For some reasons they were preferred over local players, who  stayed on bench and stopped improving. The few Russians who kept playing became indispensable for their clubs since they had no replacement, regardless of their performances' quality. Considering their astronomical salaries, moving abroad meant less money received and more efforts required. And so a Golden Cage was created.

Another aspect of the issue is the absence of a new generation of young players. Aging Berezutski brothers played alongside Arshavin and Aleksandr Kerzhakov, who quitted national team long ago. Instead of investing in young players promotion, Russia chose the easier way and used the old generation players as long as possible. Sadly for them, the they've lost their shaped in the worst timing.

As for today, only three youngsters could make an immediate impact – the Miranchuk twins, Aleksei and Anton, and Aleksandr Golovin, 22 and 20-years old respectively. The Miranchuk brothers took massive part in Lokomotiv Moscow's fantastic season, becoming unexpectedly champions, and Golovin helped CSKA to finish second. It is to be said that Anton Miranchuk started playing first team football only the past season, previously being plying his trade in the Estonian League. He took to chance and have produced high quality performances. Maybe now young players will get more chances, following his case.

Russia will start the tournament against Saudi Arabia, whom they can and ought to beat. At least one of the other teams - Uruguay and Egypt - will lose points, which may give the hosts an advantage before the next two games. Although stopping Luis Suarez and Mohamed Salah with no center-backs is not an easy task, a successful opening game along with massive support from the tribunes may help the locals in advancing to the next stage. With two brothers in squad again, this time attacking players, Russia might manage to avoid early exit from the tournament they are hosting. After all, the famous phrase says that the best defence is a good offense. The Russians will have to count on that. 

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World Cup Warm-up: Serbia v Chile

Who? Serbia - Chile
Where? Merkur Arena, Graz
When? June 4, 21:00 (CET local time)

Towards the end of the 2015 – 2016 season, Wigan Athletic fans dedicated a song to their prolific striker Will Grigg. To the tunes of “Freed from Desire” by Italian artist Gala, “Will Grigg’s on Fire” became a worldwide sensation during Euro 2016 as Grigg mostly sat on the Northern Irish bench. Unbeknownst to most, this song was originally sung to Aleksandar Mitrovic by Newcastle United supporters, who still claim “Mitro’s on Fire” was stolen by the Wigan faithful, and have always seen the Serbian as a cult hero in St James Park.

Regardless of this debate, there is one thing that is very clear - Just like the song states, defenses should be terrified of the Serbian forward. After falling down the pecking order in Tyneside, Mitrovic was offered a lifeline by compatriot Slavisa Jokanovic who brought him in January to high flying Fulham from the Championship. It was a match made in heaven: Mitro scored 12 goals in 20 games and played a vital part for the Cottagers as they finished the season strong and qualified to the Premier League through the grueling playoffs.

The Serbians are delighted to be back in the front stage, as they qualified for their first big tournament since the 2010 World Cup. Mitrovic has played a huge part in making that happen as well: 6 goals in 6 straight games, which made him the top scorer in a tough qualifying group that included Wales, Austria and Ireland. Additionally, he scored twice in a friendly win vs Nigeria in March. With that in mind, it is very likely Mitrovic will lead Mladen Krstajic’s attack in the tournament

It will be incredibly interesting to see how the emotional and passionate Smederevo born striker will perform, and whether he can “ignite” the Serbian team to glory this summer.

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World Cup Warm-up: Saudi Arabia v Peru

Who? Saudi Arabia - Peru
Where? Kybunpark, St. Gallen
When? June 3, 20:00 (CET local time)

Saudi Arabia (Uri Levy)

Saudi football will never forget the 2017/2018, and from different justified reasons. The country held its first football matches with female audience, 10 Saudi internationals has signed in Spanish teams in an outrageous deal and the national team managed to qualify for the World Cup with three coaches in one year. Wait, what? Yes.

The Saudis have started the World Cup Qualification with the Dutch Brett Van Marwijk, who got sacked and replaced by Edgardo Bauza. Bauza himself was sacked after only three months later and was replaced by Juan Antonio Pizzi, the current coach.

The man behind everything is one of the strongest figures in Middle Eastern football - Turki Al-Shekih, the Saudi Football Association President, and the brain behind the Spanish deal. He hoped for different results. Besides numerous minutes of Fahd Al-Muwallad and Salem Al-Dawsri at Levante and Villareal, none of the players involved in the deal gained the opportunity to get playing time in a European level.

This fact turned out to be a bit problematic, as a few of the national team’s most promising stars are arriving the World Cup after four months where they played only few minutes of pro football.

Meanwhile, the betting agencies positioned Saudi Arabia as one of the two worst teams in the World Cup. Though, in the past week against Italy, the Saudis produced a great second half, pressured the Italians to their own goal and even scored in a counter attack all made by their ‘Ex-Spanish’ players. Al-Muwallad pressed, Al-Dawsri stole the ball and founded Yahya Al-Shehri who played for Las Palmas, which went through Donnarumma and sent it in. 2-1 for the Italians at full time.

Against Peru, the Saudis will look to prepare themselves for Uruguay, and this is exactly why they brought a Copa America winner as Pizzi as coach. He knows what it takes to win a South American team.

Peru (Omri Tancman)

Two weeks before the World Cup and it seems that finally Peru can concentrate in creating stories on the field instead outside of it. To name some of the controversies that followed the Peruvian team on its way to Russia this summer, Peru lost to Bolivia 2-0 in September 2016 during the qualifications. However, in August 2017 a victory awarded for this game, after it was found that Nelson Cabrera, one of Bolivia’s players was ineligible to play.

Later, in the last game of the qualifications Peru and Colombia played each other. Both teams could benefit from a draw which would send Colombia to Russia and Peru to the playoffs instead of Chile. The match ended 1-1 with a bizarre own goal by Colombia’s goalkeeper, Ospina. Chilean press accused both teams for fixing the match, a claim that was boosted after Falcao was caught talking to some of Peru’s players, including Captain Paolo Guerrero, in order to calm down the game, according to Chilean accusations.

Finally, Guerrero himself was in the midst of another scandal when several weeks after qualification, he failed a drug test and was tested positive for cocaine. Guerrero was banned for 14 months and was supposed to be ruled out for the upcoming World Cup. In a dramatic fashion, on May 31st, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas) decided to accept Guerrero’s appeal. The decision holds great importance for Peru who will now receive its captain and all-time top goal scorer back to the squad.

The game against Saudi Arabia will be a first test for the Peruvians to prove that they can create stories related only to football, although this might be somewhat boring, no?

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World Cup Warm-up: Brazil v Croatia

Who? Brazil - Croatia
Where? Anfield, Liverpool
When? June 3, 1600 (CET local time)

Brazil (Vitor Buratini Mendes)

In 2014, Brazil hosted the World Cup. The expectations were huge. Many believed that it would be the year that the “Seleção canarinho” will win its sixth title of the biggest soccer tournament in the world. However, the first minutes of the Brazil national team were not the best: in the 11th minute, Marcelo scored an own goal and began the scoring for the Croatian team. Brazil managed to win the game, however, this could already be a sign for the future in this tournament, that will be end with one of the biggest humiliations in football history.

Marcelo scored the only own goal of Brazil in the history of the World Cup. A terrible achievement that affect a player and even finish his part in national team. Coach Dunga, who came after Felipão's resignation, did not call up Marcelo. Furthermore, he was left out of the 2016 Copa América squad. After Dunga's failure, Tite was hired as the new coach to save the team and make it to the World Cup. One of his first steps was to get Marcelo back to the team.

Four years later, Marcelo has evolved a lot. At that time, he was already one of the best left backs of the world and today he may be considered as one of the best in history. He was very important this season, including two assists at the Champions League final and scoring important goals throughout the knockout stage against Bayern, Juventus and PSG.

Brazil's journey begins today in the friendly against Croatia. After all, it's the time to see whether Marcelo let behind the ghost of the own goal from 2014. Who know, maybe this time he would not score for Brazil?

Croatia (Eden Roitfarb)

Since becoming an independent country, the Croatian national team has qualified to 10 out of 12 possible major tournaments. Despite being a small and a relatively young country, Croatia are a very experienced and dangerous side. More than half of the Croatian squad from 2014 has been named in the preliminary squad for the 2018 World Cup - that includes include Champions League winners Luka Modrić and Mateo Kovačić, alongside runner up Dejan Lovren and other household names such as Ivan Rakitić and Mario Mandžukić.

Having been drawn in Group D alongside Argentina, Nigeria and Iceland - undoubtedly a top candidate for the “Group of Death” this tournament, Zlatko Dalic’s men would need to step up their game in order to advance through, in contrast to the big disappointment from the 2014 World Cup where the Balkan side failed to advance from the group stage.

Speaking of which, there is a familiar opponent ahead. Croatia will face Brazil on Sunday, in a rematch of the opening game from 4 years ago. The Seleção, won 3-1 that day in São Paulo, but the Croatians still feel injustice was done due to some questionable officiating. The game in Anfield might be less meaningful and fiery but serves as an important preparation for both teams. The Vatreni view Brazil as an opponent that most resemble South American powerhouse Argentina. Likewise, their next friendly will be against Senegal, who will take the role of fellow Africans Nigeria. And what about Iceland? Well, these two sides are familiar enough with each other after facing off twice in the qualifiers.

As Lovren will be able to testify, Anfield is one of the most unique stadiums in the world - and with all the big names both sides have to offer, we can expect a great afternoon of football.

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World Cup Warm-up: Mexico v Scotland

Who? Mexico - Scotland
Where? Estadio Azteca, Mexico City
When? June 3, 02:00 (CET local time)

August 11th, 2012, Wembley Stadium. Oribe Peralta just became a national hero in Mexico after scoring twice against Neymar & Brazil and led Mexico to the gold medal. Two years later, he was Mexico's starting XI striker at the World Cup, ahead of Chicharito. Rafa Marquez is a Legend and trying to find a highlight point in his career with Mexico will be a debatable topic that can take for the whole World Cup. Alongside to Peralta and Marquez, there is another veteran player, the goalkeeper Jose de Jesus Corona.

What is the common between these players? They will all retire from the national team at the end of the World Cup. For Rafa Marquez it will be also a retirements from football. The two others two will probably play one or two more years before the end of their career.

Before they will retire and pass on the team to the next Generation, they have one last objective: to lead Mexico to a successful tournament in Russia and to show for the youngsters in the team that they can achieve things against all the odds. Mexico is about to change and this World Cup will probably be the last one for a some of the players in the current roster. Several veteran players like Guardado, Ochoa and more might play at the next Copa America or Gold Cup tournament, but it is unlikely that they will “survive” until Qatar 2022. On the other hand, several youngsters are already an integral part of the team such as Hirving Lozano, Jesus Gallardo, Erick Gutiérrez and Edson Alvarez.

Back to Marquez, Peralta & Corona. In contrary to Carlos Vela’s story, they will have one last time to show their ability after a long service to their country. Tonight, Mexico will host Scotland in front of a sold-out Estadio Azteca. It will be a farewell match from the fans in Mexico before departing to Europe. For these three players, it will be also a farewell from the Mexican fans.

Those legends might retire from the pitch, but a successful World Cup in Russia will keep them in the Mexican hearts forever.

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World Cup Warm-up: Egypt v Colombia

Who? Egypt - Colombia
Where? Stadio Atleti Azzurri d'Italia, Bergamo
When? June 1, 21:15 (CET local time)

Egypt (Uri Levy)

Less than a year back, very few has believed that Egypt will qualify to the 2018 World Cup. When the Pharaohs promised their ticket to Russia against Congo Brazzaville, even fewer had believed that they’ll arrive to the World Cup with one of the top three footballers worldwide - Mohamed Salah. Everything seemed ready for Egypt’s comeback to the world stage, but Sergio Ramos had different plans.

On Saturday night, after a rough tackle from the Spanish defender in the European Champions League final, Salah has suffered a dislocated shoulder. For now he is likely to be sidelined between three or four weeks, until the group stage matches against Russia or Saudi Arabia. The reactions in Egypt and the Arab World to the injury included tears, sadness and a grieved atmosphere. This fact is changing the whole perception of the World Cup in Egypt.

Since that famous match against Congo, Egypt haven’t won a single match in 4 chances. In March, they dominated Portugal 1-0 and looked good, but after Salah was subbed, conceded two goals and lost. On Friday night, without Salah who was with Liverpool, Egypt trailed behind Kuwait in a friendly, only to finish in a 1-1 draw.

It’s no secret that despite having names like Essam Al-Hadary, Mahmoud Trezegut, Ramadan Sobhi, Shikabala & Abdallah Said, without Salah, Héector Cúper and Egypt tournament will be much harder.

Meanwhile, against Colombia, the Pharaohs will try to test their defence against a high quality South American side, in order to prepare well for June 15th; Their match against Uruguay on Salah’s 26th birthday. After this season, and the way it ended, his teammates definitely owe him a small present.

Colombia (Idan Segev)

Colombia will face Egypt in what should be their last preparation match before the world cup, although the president of the Colombian association is still trying to find another opponent which may be Greece. To the national team camp in Italy joined the new staff member, former Argentine international and Inter Milan player, Esteban Cambiasso, who will assist coach Pekerman in Russia.

The biggest surprise regarding the Colombian squad was the removal of talented Boca Juniors midfielder, Edwin Cardona. He was a major factor during the qualifiers but his well-known discipline problems left him once again without a World Cup appearance. Cardona still have some hope, as Abel Aguilar injured and he is considered as reserve player.

The good news for the Colombians is the fact that striker Radamel Falcao will make his world cup debut. After he had to miss the tournament 4 years ago due to a serious injury, he is ready to take his last chance with both hands. ‘El Tigre’ scored 54 goals in 79 matches for Monaco in the last two years, and proved that he can still contribute in the highest levels.

The main figure of the national team will be, of course, James Rodriguez. The 2014 world cup Golden Boot winner managed to overcome his difficult time in Real Madrid and had a great season with Bayern Munich. Along with Juventus winger, Juan Guillermo Cuadrado, Colombia’s trio is ready to attack.

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The Lions of Taranga Roar Once Again

In modern football, there are a lot of golden generations of players. To mention a few, the Dutch national team of the 70’s, the Brazilian national team of 1982 and the French national team of 1998-2000 touched many supporters and were remembered long after their last match was played. In Senegal, the national team of 2002 is remembered as such.

The national team of 2002 is considered as the greatest in the history of Senegal. Its importance is marked by its achievements but nonetheless due to one remarkable game. This team managed to qualify to the quarter finals of the 2002 World Cup but its most memorable moment happened in the opening match of the tournament, which was also the debut match ever of Senegal in the World Cup.

Senegal played against France The French team, the reigning World Champions and European ChampionS at that time was a clear favorite against the unexperienced Senegalese squad. The inferiority of Senegal was a reminder to more than 250 years of French colonialism and subordination over Senegal.

Therefore, the surprising victory of Senegal, 1-0, was not only a simple victory of one team over the other. This victory was a symbol to the liberation of Senegal from French colonialism. For many people in Senegal winning this game was an opportunity to definitively overcome French colonialism and to revenge it. With this victory, many Senegalese saw themselves equal to French. One of the best illustrations to the importance this game had can be found in the words of the Senegalese President in 2002, Abdoulaye Wade, who said that “this day is a special day in the life of a nation.”

One of the most important figures of that team was Aliou Cisse. Cisse was the captain of the golden team but nowadays his importance is even bigger. Cisse is the current head coach of the Senegalese national football team. However, it seems that his role is not limited to team selection and tactical instructions. It is much more than that. In many ways, his role is to be the link between the current squad and Senegal’s golden generation, and with that link to establish solid foundations for Senegalese football for years to come.

Interestingly, the 2002 team is seen very much as a group and in many ways operates like one. For example, in 2012 when Cisse’s appointment to the national team was considered, El-Hadji Diouf, former star of the national team, stated that “the Senegalese football federation should begin to have confidence in its local resources like France has done with Didier Deschamps and Laurent Blanc.”

Cisse was eventually appointed as head coach. His appointment, combined with the talent of the current squad that qualified to the 2018 World Cup created constant comparisons between the current squad and the 2002 squad. There is also an interesting link and unique relationships between both generations.

The current squad offers several talents including world-class players such as winger Sadio Mane and central defender Kalidou Koulibali. Mane, who was the runner-up African player of the year in 2017, is described by many as the heir of El-Hadji Diouf, who won this title in 2001 and 2002. The connection between both players doesn’t stop here. Diouf himself has stated that Mane is his successor, and Mane named El-Hadji Diuof as his Premier League hero. The main reason, according to Mane, is the contribution Diouf had to the Senegalese football and especially his contribution to the campaign of Senegal in 2002, which inspired Mane as a kid.

The connection between generations is not limited only to Mane and Diouf. The staff itself is consisted of many former players from 2002, alongside with Cisse. Instead of relying on foreigners to share their wisdom with the local players, Cisse has chosen to surround himself with national football legends from Senegal’s golden era. Tony Silva, the starting goalkeeper of Senegal in 2002, is the current goalkeeping coach. Omar Daf, who was the starting defender, is the current assistant coach. Lamine Diatta, another pillar of that team, is the current team’s coordinator.

The presence of players from the golden generation is highly important, not only for their professional attributes but also since they can inspire the young generation with stories from the good old days. One example can be found in the fact that a day after the team has qualified to the World Cup, Ferdinand Colly, another great player from the golden generation, was invited to have a dinner with the squad and share his experience. Moreover, when interviewed after the qualification to the World Cup in Russia, Khalilou Fadiga, former attacking midfielder of Senegal in 2002 said in a very open fashion: “I am in contact constantly with Kalidou Koulibali and with Cheikhou (Kouyate) that calls me all the time, Keita Balde and Mbaye Niang. There is a lot of respect between both generations and the main reason Cisse is there is to help them over-achieve our accomplishments.”

These connections and special relationship between the current squad and the golden generation players seem like part of a larger plan that is meant to elevate Senegalese football. One of the main errors that the Senegalese association admits today is that it did not use the momentum and the funds entered after the success in 2002 to create solid foundations of football in Senegal. These foundations for the future are created in many cases by creating a link with the past and being inspired by it. The voices heard in Senegal, to encourage local football knowledge and not to rely on foreign wisdom can serve also as a lesson to other African teams. It should not be surprising that this voice comes from Senegalese football. After all, its greatest moment was a symbol for the final liberation of the country from foreign sovereignty in it. 

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World Cup Warm-up: Japan v Ghana

Who? Japan – Ghana
Where? International Stadium, Yokohama
When? May 30, 12:45 (CET local time)

Japan

Tons of tension in the Japanese national team. It will be their last match in front of their local fans before they will take the flight to Europe. This match will be also part of the Kirin Challenge Cup, which once upon a time used to be a tournament, but nowadays it became a series of friendly matches.

Unfortunately, the main person in the Japanese team will be the coach, Akira Nishino. Even after a successful qualifying campaign, the JFA President decided to sack the former coach, Vahid Halilhodžić, and the veteran local manager has been appointed. It will be Nishino's debut match as the national coach.

There are many doubts about which player will be the x-factor of the team. Some will say it can be Takuma Asano. The 23 years old striker is on loan from Arsenal to Stuttgart and he is one out of eight players that plays in Germany, the most represented foreign league in the squad.

Japan will try to learn a lot from this game. Ghana will be a simulation for playing against an African team that prefers to attack. For the Blue Samurais it may be a preparation for their game at the group stage against Senegal.

Ghana

After three consecutive World Cups, Ghana will miss the tournament in Russia. The national coach, Kwesi Appiah, decided to use the friendly matches in order to give more players an international experience.

Many players will have a chance to prove to Appiah that they are good enough to be part of this team. Two forwards from the Chinese Super League will be in the front, Franck Acheampong and Richmond Boakye, both made 13 caps in the national team.

The player that will try to make the biggest impact is the midfielder Wakaso Mubarak. He is the oldest player in the squad and he will use his experience to lead his friends during the match.

The next mission of Ghana will be the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers and in September they will play against Kenya.

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World Cup Warm-up: Mexico v Wales

Who? Mexico - Wales
When? May 29, 03:00 (CET local time)
Where? Rose Bowl, Pasadena, CA

Mexican fans must be frustrated with Carlos Vela. Vela was one of the biggest stars of the historic U-17 team of Mexico, who won the first U-17 World Cup for Mexico in 2005. After becoming the top goal scorer of the tournament, Arsenal came with an open wallet and purchased the young Chivas striker.

Considered as one of the most talented players, Vela has one big disadvantage: he doesn’t like to work hard and really like to enjoy life. Not that enjoying life is a terrible thing, but Vela doesn’t have the balance, and it literally damaged his career.

In 2010, Vela got suspended from the National team for 6 months after partying all night long with several team mates. Vela was upset that he (alongside Efrain Juarez) was the only one that has been suspended, and 6 months of suspension became to a 4 years of absence from the national team, missing the World cup in Brazil in 2014.

Vela had eventually a good club career, mainly with Real Sociedad, but there is always a “What if?” question above his head. Lately, Vela opened a new chapter in his life. He is a young father and moved in January to the newest addition of the MLS, LAFC, as the biggest star of the club and one of the biggest names of the League.

In his new place, Vela quickly became the player he once was supposed to be, showing a great attitude and impressive performance on the pitch. Now Vela has a new challenge: to leave off his previous World Cup miss and help Mexico make a successful tournament. The first step will take place tonight in the warm-up match against Wales in his new hometown, Los Angeles.

Who knows, maybe at last Vela will fulfil his potential and party again. This time with Mexico on the pitch.

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World Cup Warm-up: Turkey v Iran

Who? Turkey - Iran
When? May 28, 20:15 (CET local time)
Where? Başakşehir Fatih Terim Stadium, Istanbul

Iran (Uri Levy)

Iran will face Turkey as a preparation for their 2018 World Cup group B clashes with Spain, Portugal & Morocco.

After their friendly against Uzbekistan, who they won 1-0, coach Carlos Queiroz has made few changes in the provisional squad he began the preparations for the tournament with.

These aroused huge questions among the Iranian fans. The main omission was one of Iran’s best defenders ever - Esteghlal’ Seyed Jalal Hosseini. Hosseini, 36, a key member in Team Melli for years, but now young Ali Gholizadeh will attain more responsibility in the World Cup.

Another crucial cut was Charleroi’s striker, Kaveh Rezaei, who scored 16 goals in his debut season in Belgium. Having a variety of options up front, Iran had to release one forward of their loaded front line. Versus Turkey it is likely that Iran’s attack will be led by AZ Alkmaar’s Alireza Jahanbakhsh, who finished the season as the top scorer in the Netherlands & Sardar Azmoun, who is expected to be a key figure in the squad after another impressive year with Rubin Kazan.

Iran’s captains are two players involved in a controversy - Masoud Shojaei and Ehsan Hajsafi. The two have been a target for Iranian politicians and media,  after they played with their Greek ex-club, Panionios, against Israeli Maccabi Tel Aviv. Many called for their ban, but the ones who did supported them were the Iranian fans who made #NoBanForOurPlayers one of Twitter’s most trending topics in 2017. While the Political storm raved, Shojaei end up winning the league with AEK Athens, while Hajsafi became an indispensable part of Olympiakos. The two experienced and talented figures will lead the way for Team Melli against Turkey, and in Russia.

Meanwhile, Queiroz was quoted that he will leave Iran after the World Cup. Yet, it seems unlikely that Portuguese will drop such a significant project, as Iran will play the Asian Cup in January 2019 in the UAE, and the process he started in the country is still ongoing.

Turkey (Yossi Medina)

The Turkish national team failed once again to qualify for the World Cup. Their next mission is to prepare for the UEFA Nations League, in order to make an important step for Euro 2020. Turkey has been drawn to a tough group alongside with two teams that will take part in the World Cup: Russia and Sweden.

The coach, Mircea Lucescu, preferred to call up a lot of unexperienced player and there is only one play in the squad that have more than 50 caps, Mehmet Topal. Yet, Lucescu has few of the best Turkish players nowadays, including Everton striker, Cenk Tosun, and Roma young midfielder, Cengiz Ünder.

The biggest surprise in the squad is the absence of Galatasaray players. The Turkish champions had three representatives in the national team squad during the last year, Selçuk İnan, Serdar Aziz and Tolga Ciğerci, but none of them got a chance in this international break.

It will be the first match of the national team that will be played in Istanbul since November 2015. Back then, Turkey hosted Greece at the same stadium, Başakşehir Fatih Terim Stadium. The venue is expected to be full with excited local fans.

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World Cup Nostalgics: 5 Latin Vibes Matches

Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay won a combined number of 9 World Cups. Beside of these teams, we saw a lot of Latin American passion at the history of the tournament and here are few of these moments.

1970, Peru – Bulgaria 3:2
A new name began to shine at this day, Teófilo Cubillas. At the 49th minute Bulgaria led 2:0 and it seems that they are on the way for an easy win. A minute later, the Peruvian started to score and it took only six minute to equalize the score. At the 73rd minute Cubillas scored his debut World Cup goal, a goal that gave Peru their first ever World Cup win.

1990, Colombia – West Germany 1:1
In 1990, after almost 30 years of absence, Colombia made a comeback to the World Cup with one of the most impressive squads the team ever had. Two minutes before the additional time, the Germans scored, but in the 93rd minute it was Freddy Rincón to score the equalizer. This goal was enough for Colombia to qualify for the knockout stage for the first time.

2010, Paraguay – Japan 0:0 (5:3 after PSO)
Paraguay had a team of fighters in 2010. They qualified for the knockout stage after a draw against Italy and win against Slovakia, all the way to the first place of the group. 120 minutes of goalless draw against Japan at the round of 16 ended with a perfect shootouts, when all the five Paraguayan shoots were scored. This win made Paraguay to reach the quarterfinals for the first time.

2014, Costa Rica – Uruguay 3:1
Before the World Cup, Costa Rica considered as minnows at the group of death. At the first match, Los Ticos showed that everyone can dream. A successful penalty of Edinson Cavani wasn't even a clue for the next minutes, while Joel Campbell, Óscar Duarte and Marco Ureña led Costa Rica to a sensational win. Later on, Costa Rica defeated also Italy and had a long journey ended at the quarterfinals only by penalty shootouts against Netherlands.

2014, Chile – Spain 2:0
Chile always has some tough time at the World Cup, until Jorge Sampaoli led the team to a magnificent run in 2014. Chile played against Spain at the Maracanã for a game that was a do or die for the reigning champions. Eduardo Vargas and Charles Aránguiz scored, Chile won and qualified for the next stage and made an early elimination for Spain.

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The Iranian "Lethal Weapon"

This has been a landmark week for Asian and Middle Eastern football in Europe. While the whole world focused on the US pulling out of the Iran nuclear deal, in Holland, another Iranian "lethal weapon" was making headlines.

On Sunday, Alireza Jahanbakhsh - the Iranian winger of AZ Alkmaar - scored a hat-trick in his team's 6-0 victory over FC Zwolle on the final matchday of the Dutch Eredivise season. 

Aside the fact that it was Jahanbakhsh's second hat-trick in his past three matches, these three goals left him as the top goal-scorer in Holland. 

The 24-year-old has scored 21 goals, made 12 assists, completed 78 key passes and 111 successful dribbles in 2017/2018 - in what has arguably been the best ever season for an Iranian footballer in Europe. Jahanbakhsh becomes the first Asian player to become top scorer in a major European league.


No other famous Iranian footballer - including Ali Daei, Mehdi Mahadivikia or Ali Karimi - had such a statistical feat in one European season, hinting that the young Jirandeh-born striker might be on his way to becoming one of the greatest Iranian footballers of all time.

Carlos Queiroz and his Iranian national team will now get a top forward in top form for the World Cup, and Jahanbakhsh has been linked with few notable clubs in Europe - with Italian side Napoli reported to be the favourite to add the young starlet to their squad.

Jahanbakhsh is part of a wider range of talented Iranian prospects that have made their mark in European teams in the past season. 

Karim Ansarifard of Olympiakos in Greece notched up 17 goals this season; Heerenveen's Reza Ghoochannejhad scored 10 for the Dutch club; Kaveh Rezaei contributed 16 goals for Charleroi in Belgium; and Saman Ghoddos - who was a key figure in Ostersunds' Europa League run - finished with nine goals and five assists for the Swedish side.

With the return of Masoud Shojaei to the Iran squad, even if not in an active role on the pitch, and Sardar Azmoun - who will play at his club town of Kazan against Spain - the Iranians have a few fantastic reasons to be optimistic for the forthcoming summer in Russia.
 

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Salah Records: All the Awards of Egypt's star

Liverpool Egyptian star, Mohamed Salah, has broken the Premier League record for goals scored in a 38-game season. 

The ‘Pharaoh’ now has 32 goals in 36 games with his strike against Brighton on the last matchday breaking the record set by Alan Shearer in 1995-96 and matched by Cristiano Ronaldo in 2007-08 and Luis Suarez in 2013-14. Andy Cole and Shearer scored 34 goals each, in 1993-94 and 1994-95 respectively, when the Premier League season was 42 games long, before the deduction to 38 games for a campaign. 

Earlier this season, Salah have succeeded Didier Drogba as the best African scorer in English Premier League history, as well as already been named as the top Arab scorer ever to play in England. 

With this goal, Salah ended Harry Kane's two-season run as the Premier League's top scorer. Kane was aiming to become the second player, after Alan Shearer, to win the prize three seasons in a row, but a young winger from Nagrig, Egypt has spoiled his wish. 

Salah returned the English football last summer in a deal worth around £37million, having been sold by Chelsea 12 months previous after 19 underwhelming games and two successful loans spells with Fiorentina and Roma. At his arrival, many commentators underrated him as ‘not prepared for the Premier League’, or ‘too expensive for not a top class player’. He proved all of them wrong, while winning multiple individual awards and helping Liverpool to qualify for the Champions League final for the first time after more than a decade. The prizes’ list Salah has won this season is unbelievable:

Liverpool Player of the Month (7 times)
Premier League Player of the Month (3) 
Players' Association Player of the Month (4)
Champions League Player of the Week (3)
The Players' Player of the Year
Football Writers' Player of the Year
Liverpool’s Player of the Year
Liverpool Players’ Player of the Year
Arab player of the year
CAF Player of the Year
Selected for CAF Team of the Year
BBC’s African Player of the Year
Premier League Top Scorer
Premier League Player of the Season

All in all, the Egyptian exploded this season with direct involvement in 59 goals, and won  29 personal titles. These are numbers who are familiar with the biggest names in world football: Lionel Messi & Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Egyptian now has 45 goals across all competitions this season, following short of Ian Rush's record return of 47 - in 65 games - set in 1983-84. Salah has 1 game left to try and break the record in this historical and mind-blowing season - the Champions League that will take place in Kyiv on May 26th. Can the Nile Magician set yet another benchmark for Liverpool football club? 

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World Cup Nostalgics: 5 Best Asian Teams' Matches

The Asian teams have long history of great World Cup games. Even when the teams didn't made it through the next stages, the Asian football always provides us great football memories. Here are the best five games of Asian teams at the World Cup.

1966, North Korea – Italy 1:0
One of the first Asian sensations was the North Korea team of 1966. At their last group stage match, surprised Italy by winning 1:0. The goal of Pak Doo-Ik was enough for the Koreans to qualify for the quarterfinals. North Korea almost made another sensation at the next stage against Portugal, but lost 3:1 lead at the half time all the way to 3:5 defeat.

1994, Saudi Arabia – Belgium 1:0
At their World Cup debut, Saudi Arabia stunned the world. Only a late winning goal of Netherland avoided a win at their first match, but they manage to win against European team at their last match. The goal of Saeed Al-Owairan is considered as one of the best goals at the history of the tournament.

1998, Iran – USA 2:1
Iran never managed to reach the knockout stage and they have only one win out of their 12 World Cup matches. Yet, the win against USA was part of a complete political event while the two rivals played each other in Lyon. The handshakes and flowers before the match became an iconic image, as well as the celebration in Tehran after Mehdi Mahdavikia's goal.

2002, South Korea – Portugal 1:0
Even though many believe that the games against Italy and Spain were suspicious, South Korea made a tremendous way in this World Cup. The group stage concluded with a match between Portugal and South Korea in order to decide who will qualify for the next stage. The legendary Park Ji-Sung did it on the 70th minute and clinched the first ever knockout spot for South Korea.

2006, Australia – Japan 3:1
In Australia's last campaign in Oceania, they have been draw in the same group with Japan. Australia made their come back for the World Cup after 32 years of absence but their opening was a bit shocking with a Japanese goal by Shunsuke Nakamura. The last 10 minutes were all by the Socceroos with a brace of Tim Cahill in the 84th and 89th minute and an additional time goal by John Aloisi.

 

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World Cup Nostalgics: 8 Unforgettable Arab Teams

The forthcoming World Cup in Russia will be the most Arab world Cup ever with a record number of four teams representing Arab countries - Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Tunisia & Morocco. Before one of these will make history in the 2018 edition of the football world most prestigious competition, Baba has gathered for you eight Arab teams that every football fan must know, or, will never forget.  

EGYPT 1934
The second ever World Cup took place in Italy, but most importantly hosted the first African & the first Arab team to participate in World Cups - Egypt. The Egyptian took over the British Mandatory Palestine team in a qualifications double header, after big victories in Cairo & Tel Aviv. In Italy, the Egyptians faced Hungary, who back was one of the world's leading teams. Despite two goals by Abdulrahman Fawzi, the Hungarians were with four goals, which terminated Egypt's journey in the tournament. Despite the early exit - you can't forget the first ever. 

KUWAIT 1982
Kuwait is a unique member on this list. Not because for their results on the pitch, but due to one of the World Cups most bizarre stories. Kuwait played the group stage with Czechoslovakia, France & England. After managing a 1-1 draw in their match against Czechoslovakia, Kuwait faced France and found themselves in a 4-1 down situation.  After hearing a whistle from the stands, the Kuwaiti players stopped playing as they thought that was the official. As a result, Sheikh Fahad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, (then-president of the Kuwaiti Football Association), went down to the field and pulled all of the players from the pitch. In order to cool the situation, Ukrainian referee, Miroslav Stupar, decided to disallow the goal, marking the first and only time a person from the stands changed the result of an official World Cup matches. France won eventually 4-1, as the Kuwaitis were eliminated, leaving a legacy of one of the World Cups biggest controversies ever.

ALGERIA 1982
On the same tournament, Algeria have made its World Cup debut, prevailing to the World the great talent of Rabah Madjer, and one of the best kits ever to be worn in a World Cup. The Algerians have beaten Germany 2-1 in their debut match, gaining first ever African team victory over a European one in the World Cup history. “We played a different style of football, a style that no one has ever seen before - it is a mixture of German, Italian and Latin American football", said
Ali Fergani, Algeria skipper after the historical night. Les Fennecs have later on were a victim of the old group stage method, losing their next match 2-0 against Austria before going on to win 3-2 against Chile, while West Germany thrashed Chile 4-1 and grabbed a vital 1-0 victory over neighbours Austria. In the other group game Austria had run out 1-0 winners over Chile, which meant that both West Germany and Austria are the qualified ahead of Algeria, due to superior goal difference. Yet, Algeria '82 was one of the greatest Arab teams to appear in the World Cups. Oh, and what a kit.

IRAQ 1986
The 1980's were the Golden Era of the Iraqi national team. The Lions of Mesopotamia have grabbed gold medals in the 1982 Asian Games, 1984 Arabian gulf Cup, 1985 Arab Nations Cup, and their participation in Mexico 1986 was the cherry on the top. The country was in the middle of the famous Iran-Iraq war, and few years before the Gulf War with Saddam Hussein as president, and his son, Uday, as the main figure in local football. They have beaten almost every country in the Middle East on its way to, as it is up to date, the country’s first & only World Cup. In the tournament itself, Iraq lost its three matches, scored one goal by Ahmed Radhi, and came back home to a different reality of war and shifts in the regime, and the football leadership too. Uday Hussein took charge, and few years later have implement his infamous torturing methods, that enclave a huge tragedy for Iraqi football. 

MOROCCO 1986
Morocco have arrived in Mexico, when only few giving them a chance for a knockout qualification, in a mighty group F with England, Poland & Portugal. Two 0-0 results against the English & Polish teams, and then the came the outburst. Morocco hammered Portugal 3-1, with goals by the legendary Krimau (Abdelkrim Merry) and Abderrazak Khairi. The Atlas' Lions stunned the world with that victory that sent them to the next stage as the group winners. In the Round of 16  Morocco produced an intense battle for West Germany, only to loose 0-1, due to an 88th minute goal by no other than Lothar Matthäus. The dissapointment was imminent, but regarding the expectations before the tournament, the Moroccans simply brought joy to their people, and also made history. Morocco is the first North African team to go through the group stage in World Cups, as well as the first Arab team to do so. A historical achievement all accounts.

SAUDI ARABIA 1994
The Saudis have made their debut appearance in the World Cup in 1994, and boy, that was an impressive one. A respectable 2-1 loss to Holland on the first match, a 2-1 victory over Morocco in New York and a prestigious triumph against Belgium have sent the Saudis to the next stage - the first West Asian Arabic national team to do so. In the knockout they lost to Sweden who continued to a successful campaign until the semis, but it did not harm the impressive achievement the Green Falcones have gained in the USA World Cup. This team exposed the world names like Saeed Al-Owairan, Majed Abdallah, Abdeljawad and Sami Al-Jaber. Some heavy legends there. 

MOROCCO 1998
The Moroccans who drew Brazil, Norway and Scotland, did not go through, but changed the perception of many about North African & Arab teams in this World Cup. A 2-2 draw with Norway, an expected loss to Brazil and a magical 3-0 victory over Scotland, what could have been their ticket to the knockouts, but somehow, the Brazilians managed to lose 1-2 to Norway, and Morocco took the first plane to Casablanca. It was the team of legendary Mustafa Hadji and his exciting teammates Youssef Chippo and Nouredine Naybet, the team that made European football appreciate the Berber and Arab talent.

ALGERIA 2014
The Brazilian summer of Algeria was by far one of the most exciting runs of any Arab, North African and Middle Eastern team in the World Cup history. The Algerians have listed a rarely talented squad for the competition, including only two players that have been born in Algeria - the rest were all born in France! Les Fennecs have started with a respectable loss to Belgium after they lead for the majority of the match; continued with a celebration over the South Koreans and concluded the group stage with a 1-1 draw with Russia, what sent them to the Round of 16 to face no other than Germany. 0-0 in 90 minutes, but Schurrle gave the Germans the advantage. Djabou ontched one for the Algerians, who were much better throughout the extra time, but Mesut Ozil scored Germany's winner on the 120th, and sent Algeria home. Who knows what would have happen if Algeria took this match to penalties, kicking Germany out. The world was a different place wouldn't it?  

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World Cup Nostalgics: 5 Most Memorable African Teams

The 2018 World Cup in Russia will host five African teams - Nigeria, Senegal, Morocco, Tunisia & Egypt. Up to day, no African team have ever went through the quarter finals. While all of the five has tough draws in order to progress and produce a sensation, BabaGol decided to look back on the most memorable African teams in the history of the World Cups, and feel the emotions again. 

ZAIRE 1974
The first member in the list is Zaire, participated in the 1974 World Cup in West Germany.  Zaire did not manage to score any goals and lost all of its games, but earned the audience respect for their performances against Scotland and Brazil. However, their 9–0 loss against Yugoslavia remains one of the worst World Cup defeats. A bizarre moment came in the match against Brazil. While they were facing a free-kick 25 yards out, defender Mwepu Ilunga, upon hearing the referee blow his whistle, ran out of the Zaire wall and kicked the ball upfield. 
He received a yellow card. This part was voted many times as one of the greatest World Cup moment in various of listings, though many commentators held it to be an example of African football's "naïvety and indiscipline", and years later erupted a discussion on racial & social perceptions while commentating a football match. However, Ilunga has claimed that he was quite aware of the rules and was hoping to convince the referee to send him off. The intended red card would have been a protest against his country's authorities, who were alleged to be depriving the players of their earnings. Just watch it for yourself.

CAMEROON 1990
Cameroon opened the Italy World cup in storm with a lucrative 1-0 victory over Argentina. Another win over Romania (2-1) guaranteed their spot in the next round, and despite losing to Russia, The Indomitable Lions have continued to the next stage. A stylish victory over Colombia with a brace (out of 4 goals along the tournament) by one of the oldest players to ever play in the World Cup - Roger Milla - have sent Cameroon to the next around. A heartbreaking loss to England, thanks to a penalty of no other than Gary Lineker.

NIGERIA 1994-1998
It was a tough decision to pick one Nigerian team for this article, so we've picked two of them. Along the 90's, Nigeria was the striking force of African football, with an inspirational golden generation. It took them to the knockout stage in 1994, won them the Olympic gold in 1996, and rocked the world with an impressive victory over Spain in France 1998. No doubt that Bigeria has sparked the potential African football is enclaving in a way no other national team has ever done. 

SENEGAL 2002
These are the names: Tony Sylva, Ferdinand Coly, Habib Beye, Papa Sarr, Aliou Cisse, Papa Bouba Diop, Omar Daf, Salif Diao, Moussa N'diaye Soulmanye Camara, Herny Camara, Khalilou Fadiga, El-Hdaji Diouf. Senegal national team was a group of no-names before the tournament in Japan & South Korea, but after it - the whole world knew almost the whole squad. It was the match that opened the first ever World Cup in Asia, and gathered a clash the world & European champions France, with its ex-colonial little sister in West Africa - Senegal. The Lions have won 1-0 and left the French in a shock, that cost them the whole tournament. Draws with Denmark and Uruguay took the Senegalese team to the next round, where they kicked off Sweden - and became the 2nd African country to go through the Round of 16. On the quarterfinals they met Turkey, and a 94th minute winner by Ilhan Mansiz have put an end to the Cinderella of the tournament. 

GHANA 2010
The Black Stars were the pride of Africa in the the 2010 edition of the tournament. Victories over Serbia, Australia and the United States have made the whole world believe that Ghana would be the first African to go through the quarter finals. The fact that tournament was held in Africa made it a desired goal in the whole continent. After the hosts South Africa fell out in the group stage, the Ghanaians have became the fans favourite, the Pride of Africa. They had put up a great  squad with Kevin Prince Boateng, Asamoah Gyan and Sulley Muntari, all in a monster shape. Only if Suarez wasn't playing dirty., and Gyan was kicking this penalty better... we would have seen a first African team in the semifinal. Baba's heart is still beating like crazy from the finish of this game, and the dramatic penalty shootouts. Goosebumbs!

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