In this Russia World Cup, several big teams meet at the group stage. Spain meets Portugal at Group B, England meets Belgium at Group G. Iceland, the country with the smallest population of the 32 World Cup teams, was drawn with Argentina, Croatia, and Nigeria in Group D. Another the newcomer, Panama, will take on England, Tunisia and Belgium in Group G. Peru, the last of the 32 teams to qualify for Russia, is in Group C with 1998 champion France, Australia and Denmark. The only group without a former World Cup champion is Group H, which is made up of Poland, Senegal, Colombia, and Japan. Russia meets Egypt, Uruguay, and Saudi Arabia at Group A, and the first match will be played at Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow on June 14, between Russia and Saudi Arabia.

▲ Group stage in Russia World Cup

In Group F, Korea is the weakest team among the four. Germany is expected to pass the group stage easily, and Sweden and Mexico are expected to fight for the second ticket to the knockout stage. The South Korean side collected one win and two losses against Germany. Mexico succeeds to go to the knockout stage for six years in a row. South Korea holds a head-to-head record of four wins, two draws and six losses against Mexico. Sweden is also a good team. They beat Italy at play-off. The South Korean side remains winless against Sweden, with two draws and two losses.

▲ South Korea in same group with Germany, Mexico and Sweden.

Every match is expected to be hard to South Korea. However, Shin Tae Yong, manager of South Korea said in the interview that Korea has a chance to reach the knockout stage. According to Shin, it is true that Germany is the toughest opponent as it is No. 1 in the rankings, but for Mexico and Sweden, I think we do have a chance. He added that their chances are not big, but if they prepare well, I think they can make it.

▲ Who will take this trophy next year?

December 9, 2017
By Seungwon Shin