FIFA World Cup 2018: Group H Preview

Last but definitely not the least we have arrived at the final group of the FIFA World Cup 2018 in Russia. Group H is not only the eighth group of the tournament but also the ‘Group of Death’.

Group of Death is a group where every single team is going to find it difficult to get out of. Which is going to be the case in Group H.

It comprises of Colombia, Poland, Japan and Senegal.

For one final time, let’s take look at the teams.

Colombia:

The South American nation had an exceptional FIFA World Cup last time out in Brazil. James Rodriguez was the star and the golden boot winner with six goals.

Even though they lost quarter-final to hosts Brazil, they still had a decent outing.

Argentine Jose Pekerman is still the head coach of the team he has had more time to mould the team around his ideology.

Radamel Falcao, Juan Cuadrado, Carlos Bacca are some of the attacking options that will support James Rodriguez up front.

Oscar Murillo, Davinson Sanchez will form a formidable partnership at the back. David Ospina has a safe pair of hands to guard the goal.

Key Players: James Rodriguez, Juan Cuadrado, David Ospina

Verdict: Round of 16

Poland:

The European nation is also one of those few teams who will be making their comeback to the FIFA World Cup after 12 years of absence.

After a successful UEFA Euro 2016 where they finished fifth, Poland is becoming a force to reckoned with.

Their captain is also their star striker Robert Lewandowski. The Bayern Munich forward has been in red-hot form the past three years and is getting better with age. He will be looking at this tournament to make a statement about his ability and talent.

Azkadiusz Milik has stepped up and supported his captain to share attacking duties.

Jakub Blaszczykowski has been a regular for the Polish side. Grzegorz Krychowiak and Kamil Grosicki will be responsible to maintain the balance of attack and defence.

Coach Adam Nawalka has been with the team for five years and has done a commendable job to steady the ship. His job to restore the confidence of players will always be a working progress.

Key Players: Robert Lewandowski, Azkadiusz Milik, Grzegorz Krychowiak

Verdict: Round of 16

Japan:

The final Asian side will be making their sixth consecutive appearance at the FIFA World Cup.

Japan has had a turbulent time at the international football recently. The team has changed their coach by bringing Akira Nishino.

The team has notable names in Shinji Kagawa, Keisuke Honda, Shinji Okazaki and Maya Yoshida.

They have a task cut out for themselves one more time in this tournament.

Being drawn in the Group of Death, the team has a slight chance of making it past the group-stage.

Key Players: Shinji Kagawa, Keisuke Honda, Maya Yoshida

Verdict: Group-Stage

Senegal:

The last and the fifth African nation is making its second appearance at the World Cup.

Senegal’s maiden World Cup campaign saw them cause upsets along the way and enter the quarter-finals in 2002.

One of the integral members of that squad was Aliou Cisse and he is currently the coach of the side.

With the likes of superstar firepower in Sadio Mane, the team has blistering pace and fiery attack upfront to trouble any defence in the world.

Cheikhou Kouyate and Idrissa Gueuye have a decent experience of playing the Premier League and handling pressure.

Meanwhile, Kalidou Koulibaly is one of the most sought after defenders in the world.

But, the team has very limited international experience and might stutter when it is required for them to push through.

They are very well capable of mounting the same charge that they did in 2002, the question is if they will be able to not let the pressure get the better of them.

Key Players: Sadio Mane, Cheikhou Kouyate, Kalidou Koulibaly

Verdict: Group-Stage