No ‘Group of Death’ for 2018 World Cup

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Football fans expecting fierce competition between the world's top teams might be disappointed, as the so-called “Group of Death” did not appear after the 2018 FIFA World Cup draw at the State Kremlin Palace in Moscow on Friday.

It was partly because of the new rankings-based format, none of the “bigger” teams face more than one tough-looking rival.

Group D, which draws together Argentina, Iceland, Croatia and Nigeria, is possibly the most competitive of all. Argentina just qualified in the last round of preliminaries.

/CGTN Photo‍

Both Croatia and Iceland reached the elimination stage of the 2016 European Football Championship. Iceland even entered the last eight. Nigeria are one of the toughest seeds in Pot Four.

Iceland, with a population of just 330,000, is the smallest nation to ever play at the World Cup and will face the two-time champions Argentina on June 16 at Spartak Stadium in Moscow.

Hosts Russia are expected to make it through playing against Uruguay, Egypt and Saudi Arabia in Group A, even though the team was the lowest-ranked of the 32 nations taking part. They will play Saudi Arabia in the tournament's opening match on June 14.

General view after the draw is completed /Reuters Photo‍

The coaches of Germany, Brazil, France, Argentina and Spain were likely to feel relaxed after Friday's draw as the World Cup favorites were given a fairly straightforward path to the last 16.

Reigning champions Germany will open their bid for a fifth title against dark horse Mexico, with Sweden, conquerors of Italy in last month's playoffs, and South Korea also in Group F.

Ever-present five-time champions Brazil, who will be playing in their 21st World Cup, have Switzerland, Costa Rica and Serbia for company in Group E.

The standout match in the opening group games will be European champions Portugal against 2010 world champions Spain, who will be anxious to make up for their flop in 2014.

Diego Maradona during the draw /Reuters Photo

Panama, the other nation preparing for a first World Cup adventure, were drawn in Group G with Belgium, England and Tunisia. England were drawn out by Argentina great Diego Mardaona, famous for his “Hand of God” goal against them.

France, winners in 1998, face Australia in their Group C opener, with Peru and Denmark making up a testing section.

The record five Asian teams may face total destruction after three group matches.

Argentinian soccer legend Diego Maradona shows "Croatia" during the Final Draw of the FIFA World Cup 2018. /Xinhua Photo

Just-qualified Australia will have to survive games against two European sides, France and Denmark. South Korea will face defending champions Germany and Sweden, which stopped four-time World Cup title owner Italy entering the 2018 campaign.

Japan might be kicked out by Poland's Robert Lewandowski and Colombia's James Rodriguez. The pride and confidence of Iran built during the Asia preliminaries might be smashed by the two blades of the scissors Portugal and Spain. As the lowest-ranked seed in the campaign, Saudi Arabia will struggle along with Egypt.

Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his welcome towards the guests and audience.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino gives a speech as Russian President Vladimir Putin listens during the Final Draw of the FIFA World Cup 2018. /Xinhua Photo

“Russia has a passion for football and have had many outstanding players over many generations,” he said. “The most coveted trophy will be won by the team showing the most resilience. I would like to wish success to all the teams and I call upon all loyal fans to come to Russia and enjoy the finals of 2018.”

"The world coming to Russia next year will find that Russia is a welcoming country, a warm country, that you can celebrate football with the Russian people," FIFA President Gianni Infantino said on the draw ceremony.

"I'm sure that the experience in all the 11 cities will be absolutely amazing for everyone who is coming here next summer," he added.

The 21st FIFA World Cup will be held from June 14 to July 15, 2018.

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Source(s): Reuters ,Xinhua News Agency