Belgium
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Head coach: Roberto Martinez
Prior WC appearances: 12 (1930, 1934, 1938, 1954, 1970, 1982, 1986, 1990, 1994, 1998, 2002, 2014)
Best finish: Fourth place, 1986
Belgium has risen to a world-class status in recent years and, clearly, the European nation isn’t aiming to downgrade its status anytime soon. The Red Devils enter the upcoming World Cup with perhaps their best ever team, often dubbed as the Golden Generation.
Boasting the likes of Kelvin De Bruyne, Eden Hazard, Romelu Lukaku, Dries Mertens, among others, a goal scoring feat could be on the cards for Roberto Martinez’s side. With Jan Vertonghen, Toby Alderweireld and Vincent Kompany also serving as the defensive backbone, one could only expect an almost impenetrable and compact setup.
Belgium’s elimination at the quarterfinal stage of the competition by Argentina in the 2014 FIFA World only proved that talent alone is not enough. As such, the Red Devils are expected to go an extra mile to play as a unit this time around.
The have been tipped to stroll past the likes of Panama and Tunisia, although their final group game against England isn’t expected to be an easy ride.
England
Head coach: Gareth Southgate
Prior WC appearances: 14 (1950, 1954, 1958, 1962, 1966, 1970, 1982, 1986, 1990, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014)
Best finish: Winners, 1996
The 1966 World Cup winners, just like every other year, will approach the upcoming tournament with a hoard of talent capable of getting the country its first World Cup trophy in 52 years. England will be featuring in its sixth successive World Cup when they make their bow at Russia and will aim at getting past the Round of 16 stage for the first time in 12 years.
With the country’s all-time top scorer Wayne Rooney retiring from international football, the lot has fallen on the prolific Harry Kane to lead the line in attack for the Three Lions. Other key players for the side include Man City’s Raheem Sterling, who enjoyed his best-ever scoring campaign in the just ended season, as well as Tottenham pair Dele Alli and Eric Dier.
With regards to the man who will safeguard the goalpost for England, the decision lies in the hands of Gareth Southgate to pick one from among Joe Hart, Jordan Pickford, Jack Butland and Nick Pope. Just like Belgium, the Three Lions are expected to enjoy a smooth sail into the last 16 stage with their toughest test in Group G coming against the Red Devils in the last game.
Panama
Head coach: Hernan Dario Gomez
Prior WC appearances: N/A
Best finish: N/A
Panama’s appearance in the 2018 FIFA World Cup is the first in the country’s football history. With no prior experience in the competition, a lot cannot be said of their prowess although the fact that they qualified ahead of the Honduras and USA is nothing short of admirable.
Guided by Hernan Dario Gomez, La Marea Rojas do not have many big names in their ranks although a host of their squad feature in the MLS. Nonetheless, the 2009 Copa Centoramerica Champions still have the potential to make life uncomfortable for the top guns in the group.
Veteran goalkeeper Jaime Penedo of Dinamo București, Román Torres of Seattle Sounders and Gabriel Torres of Huachipato can be earmarked as the standout performers of the side ahead of the summer’s tournament.
Tunisia
Head coach: Nabil Maaloul
Prior WC appearances: 1978, 1998, 2002 and 2006
Best finish: Group stage, 1978, 1998, 2002 and 2006
After failing to represent in the last three editions, Tunisia returns to the World Cup yet again. The 2004 African Cup of Nations winners, however, will find it very difficult to progress out of the group stage for the first time in their history considering the company they find themselves in.
Still, a surprise package could be in store with Nabil Maaloul aiming to put in a fight against Belgium and England with the likes of Wahbi Khazri, Aymen Abdennour, and Youssef Msakni. The latter is Tunisia’s current top scorer with 14 goals having enjoyed an impressive stint in the qualification phases.
Who is the favorite to top Group G?
Belgium’s incredible talent and squad-depth places them slightly ahead of England although the final Group H showdown promises to be the decider. Tunisia has the potential to spoil the plans of both parties although, on paper, it is hard to see them sailing through. For debutant Panama, very little can be said about their chances.
