FIFA WORLD CUP

Nestor Pitana is the referee of the Opening Match of 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia

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Nestor Pitana is the referee of the Opening Match of 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia The referee who will have the honor to judge on the Opening Match of the 2018 FIFA World Cup between Russia and Saudi Arabia on June 12th at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow is Nestor Pitana from Argentina. His compatriots Hernan Maidana and Juan Pablo Bellati will be assisting him together with Sandro Ricci from Brazil who has been designated as the fourth official. The referees of the Video Assistant Referee teams are Massimiliano Irrati from Italy (VAR), Mauro Vigliano from Argentina (AVAR1), Carlos Astroza from Chile (AVAR2) and Daniele Orsato from Italy (AVAR3). Nestor Pitana is one of the most experienced referees of South America. He is set to become the second referee coming from Argentina to participate in two World Cups after Norberto Coerezza. His debut was in back in 2007 in the Argentinean League and in 2010, Pitana officiated his first international match. At the previous World Cup in 2014, Brazil he oversaw four fixtures including France-Germany in the quarterfinals. He was the man in the middle for the semi-final between Germany and Nigeria in Brazil 2016 for the Olympic Football Tournament. Pitana was involved in another semi-final but this one a year later, in 2017. It was the semi-final in the FIFA Confederations Cup between Germany and Mexico. FIFA World Cup Russia

FIFA WORLD CUP Golden Boot betting

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FIFA WORLD CUP Golden Boot betting   FIFA World Cup golden boot: A history Favorites for the Golden Boot Outsiders who may offer value WC Golden Boot winners – A history The World Cup has taken an important place in football since its inauguration in 1930. FIFA began to award the top goal scorers at the World Cup in 1982. This award has been named Golden Shoe, and it was rechristened as the Golden Boot in 2010. No player has ever been the top goal scorer at a FIFA WC twice, since Uruguay in 1930. Still closest was Thomas Muller and Miroslav Klose who have both come first and second. Going deep in the competition and its importance cannot be understated. The winners of the Golden Boot out of the 10 countries that they played for, 7 of the players played the maximum number of games possible by making either to the final or third place playoff. Only one player can be a top goal scorer of a FIFA WC, of course not making it out of the group stage. The World Cup record has been set by Oleg Salenko by coring five goals in one game in Russia’s group stage encounter against Cameroon, 1994. He reached six goals in the tournament.     Favorites for the Golden Boot FIFA WORLD CUP Golden Boot betting   Lionel Messi Messi’s best years were supposedly behind him hitting his thirties this summer. But the Argentinian reminded the world why he is one of the best players by outperforming his expected goals in the last two seasons. One of the great reasons why he is the favorite in the World Cup Golden Boot odds. This may be his last chance, at 30 years old, something that many hold against him when comparing him with Maradona and Pele. He is one of the betting’s favorites with 9.770*in the WC top scorer betting. Neymar Messi’s shadow is Neymar with 9.400*. When it comes to his goal scoring exploits are nothing short of incredible. Even though the journey hasn’t been so easy for the young Brazilian with his injury. It’s not the ideal situation while preparing for such a major tournament, but still, his goal scoring exploits are about to be seen. Neymar will see the World Cup as an opportunity to win the Golden Boot so he can get the recognition he feels he deserves. Harry Kane Harry Kane has been discussed a lot whether his 25 goals in 28mpremier Leagues were just a fluke, and soon he will fade into mediocrity as so many had done before him. England’s marksman scored 29 goals in 29 Premier League games the next season. Also got his second Premier League Golden Boot award. He is the biggest England’s goalscoring threat undoubtedly. Harry Kane at 17.440*is one of the front-runners for the Golden Boot.   FIFA WORLD CUP Golden Boot betting Outsiders who may offer value Germany, yet like most years are looking to be one of the front-runners for the FIFA World Cup trophy.  Many of their attacking options could offer value in the World Cup top scorer betting. They call on their new talisman of a player – Timo Werner. The young forward scored 21 goals in just 28 Bundesliga games 2016/17 for RB Leipzig, drawing some admirers from some of the biggest clubs in Europe. In the three of the last tournaments a German has won the Golden Boot on the World Cup, and with Timo Werner’s odds for winning the Golden Boot which is 13.690*this could happen again. Uruguay has the luck of being drawn in an easier group which can change everything. With this in mind Edison Cavani’s World Cup Golden Boot odds as high as 16.980*. Cavani has scored over 20 goals in his second consecutive season and managed seven goals in just eight appearances in the Champions League. He finished World Cup internationally qualifying with 10 goals, topping the CONCACAF scoring charts and with three more goals than second place Lionel Messi, Gabriel Jesus, Alexis Sanchez, and Felipe Caicedo. Robert Lewandowski ( 16.439*), Eden Hazard (48.350*) and Isco Alarcon (55.070*). FIFA WORLD CUP Golden Boot betting

PERU PRELIMINARY SQUAD

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PERU PRELIMINARY SQUAD   Peru coach, Ricardo Gareca, has laid out the list of a 24-man provisional squad, ahead of their first World Cup appearance in 36 years. Goalkeepers:  Jose Carvallo (Universidad Tecnica de Cajamarca), Pedro Gallese and Carlos Caceda (both Veracruz, Mexico); Defenders: Luis Advíncula (BUAP, Mexico), Miguel Araujo (Alianza Lima), Luis Abram (Velez Sarsfield, Argentina), Anderson Santamaría (Puebla, Mexico), Miguel Trauco (Flamengo, Brazil), Nilson Loyola (Melgar), Christian Ramos (Veracruz, Mexico), Alberto Rodríguez (Junior, Colombia), Miguel Araujo (Alianza Lima), Aldo Corzo (Universitario de Deportes); Midfielders: Wilder Cartagena (Veracruz, Mexico), Andy Polo (Portland Timbers, USA), Renato Tapia (Feyenoord, Netherlands), Christian Cueva (Sao Paulo, Brazil), Edison Flores (AaB, Denmark), Pedro Aquino (BUAP, Mexico),  Paolo Hurtado (Vitoria de Guimaraes, Portugal), Sergio Pena (Granada, Spain), Yoshimar Yotun (Orlando City, USA). Forwards: Andre Carrillo (Watford, England), Jefferson Farfan (Lokomotiv Moscow), Raul Ruidiaz (Morelia, Mexico), PERU PRELIMINARY SQUAD

TUNISIA PRELIMINARY SQUAD

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TUNISIA PRELIMINARY SQUAD Nabil Maaloul, coach of Tunisia has given the list of the squad players for the FIFA World Cup Russia 2018, naming a 29-player preliminary squad. Goalkeepers: Ben Cherifia Moez (ES Tunis), Moez Hassen (LB Chateauroux, France),Ben Mustapha Farouk (Al Shabab, Saudi Arabia), Mathlouthi Aymen (Al Batin, Saudi Arabia); Defenders: Rami Bedoui (ES Setif), Yohan Ben Olouane (Leicester City, England), Hamdi Nagguez (Zamalek, Egypt), Oussama Haddai (Dijon, France), Siyam Ben Youssef (Kasimpasa, Turkey), Ali Maaloul (Al Ahly, Egypt), Dylan Bronn (Gent, Belgium), Bilel Mohsni (Dundee United, Scotland), Khalil Chammam (ES Tunis), Yessine Meriah (CS Sfaxien); Midfielders: Mohamed Amine Ben Amor (Al Ahly, Saudi Arabia), Ghaylene Chalali (ES Tunis),  Ferjani Sassi (Al Nassr, Saudi ArabiaMohamed Wael Arbi (Tours, France), Karim Laaribi (Cesena, Italy), ), Ahmed Khlil (Club Africain), Elyess Skhiri (Montpellier, France), Seifeddine Khaoui (Troyes, France); Forwards: Fakhreddine Ben Youssef (Al Ittifaq, Saudi Arabia), ), Bassem Srarfi (Nice, France), Sabeur Khlifa (Club Africain), Naim Sliti (Dijon, France), Ahmed Akaichi (Al Ittihad, Saudi Arabia), Wahbi Khazri (Rennes, France), Anice Badri (ES Tunis).

5 records that might be broken at FIFA World Cup 2018 in Russia

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FIFA World Cup Do you know that if Germany succeeds to win again this year would tie Brazil’s record of winning the World Cup for most numbers of times? Also, no African nation has made it through to the Final 4. Did you know that? These are just a couple of the records that might be broken this year. But let’s see what other records might break too.   #5 The most meetings between two teams The current records for the most meetings between two teams are holding three pairs of teams. Germany and Yugoslavia/Serbia – 1954, 1958, 1962, 1974, 1990, 1998 and 2010 Sweden and Brazil – 1938, 1950, 1958, 1978, 1990 and twice in 1994 Germany and Argentina – 1958, 1966, 1986, 1990, 2006 and 2014 All the four teams have made it through to World Cup this year too. So if Serbia finishes second, and Germany finishes at the top of their group, or vice-versa this meeting might happen all over again between the teams. The same happens if Sweden finishes second and Brazil is on the top of their group, or vice-versa. And if Germany and Argentina meet at the quarter-final after topping their groups and win the 16 matches, it would bring the same scenario. Let’s see if the records get broken because there is a high chance of it.   #4 The first team to finish fourth consecutively two times Brazil might hold the record if they finish fourth, as of now no team has ever finished fourth consecutively. And no one wants to hold this record actually, no pride into this one. Brazil would equal Uruguay’s record of finishing fourth at 1964, 1970 and 2010 editions. 1974 and 2014 have been marked by the Brazilians, and they wouldn’t want definitely to follow the steps of their fellow South American neighbors.   #3 The oldest player in FIFA World Cup Faryd Mondragon from Colombia became the oldest player to play in a World Cup at the age of 43. He has surpassed Roger Milla’s record. The one to be breaking this record is Essam El-Hadary from Egypt. He might make it through to the final squad with his outstanding experience.  This record is only one edition old but already seems set to be broken.   #2 The longest gap between winning two World Cups England and Uruguay are the contenders for this record, while Italy holds the present record for the longest gap between winning two World Cups. England hasn’t won the Cup since 1966 edition, and if looking at the current English team none of the players haven’t scored more than 15 goals or played more than 60 matches. Meanwhile, Uruguay hasn’t won the Cup since the 1950 edition, but their squad contains four players with more than 100 appearances, meeting goal-scorers Edinson Cavani and Luis Suarez with 50-47 goals scored respectively. You think Uruguay could go home with the title and breaking the record too? Let’s see.   #1 Most penalty shootouts won Argentina and Germany are presently tied for the record of winning the most penalty shootouts. Both of the teams are holding the record for participating in the most penalty shootouts. Argentina won once each in 1998 and 2014 and won it twice in 1990 edition. Meanwhile, Germany won a penalty shootout in 1982, 1986, 1990 and 2014 edition.  

FIFA WORLD CUP RUSSIA 2018 Group H: Most Important Players

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FIFA WORLD CUP RUSSIA 2018 Group H: Most Important Players   The highest ranked amongst the national teams of Colombia, Poland, Senegal, and Japan in Group H is Poland. The club teammates, representatives of Colombia and Poland, Robert Lewandowski and James Rodriguez are now playing against each other. Senegal has a strong, consistent and well-drilled side, yet Japan has some quality that it’s impossible not to be recognized. The quality of the players in this group is making this one very intriguing to watch in Russia.   #1 Poland – Robert Lewandowski   Finishing the top of the scoring with 16 goals scored, Lewandowski is the greatest ever goalscorer. He is the all-time leading goal scorer and Poland’s captain. Lewandowski will be vital for Poland in this Cup with his capacity to score from everywhere, his strength and high prolific goal-scoring prowess. He is the most important and valuable player that Poland has in Russia.   #2 Colombia – James Rodriguez Because of his comfortable play in the middle of the park and his strong left foot James is considered the special player of Colombia’s team. His versatility and technical quality on the ball makes him the biggest threat that Colombia has on their side. James is one of the fastest players on the field with an electric pace, with an outstanding shoot and accurate pass. Expect for James to reproduce and even show some more quality play during the Cup in Russia.   #3 Japan – Shinji Kagawa The creativity and the energy that Kagawa has may be crucial for team Japan. His unparalleled vision along with his playmaking abilities make him vital for team play. Balancing the game with Akira, one of his teammates makes him chase the ball 50-50. Kagawa is the natural fan favorite. He is the mercurial central attacking midfielder. Even better play is expected, after his great season in Dortmund filled with passing and creativity in his play.   #4 Senegal – Sadio Mane The Lions of Teranga has a good mix of players, such as Keita Balde and Cheikhou Kouyate. Sadio mane is the vital force this Cup to bring Senegal success on the field. Expecting him to repeat the feats from 2002 will help Senegal for sure in Russia, along with his pace, strength and goalscoring ability. Sadio Mane is the talisman of Senegal. FIFA WORLD CUP RUSSIA 2018 Group H: Most Important Players world cup predictions

FIFA WORLD CUP RUSSIA 2018 Group E: Most Important Players

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FIFA WORLD CUP RUSSIA 2018 Group E:  Most Important Players Group E is a very interesting group starting by Serbia and Brazil being drawn together with Costa Rica and Switzerland. The Canary of Brazil and the Eagles of Serbia will give their best to go further and make progress. And the game between Switzerland and Brazil will be the standout fixture. Brazil is a five-time World Champions, the consistency and the experience of the Swiss squad may be quite surprising. This game between Brazil and Switzerland will dictate the shape of this group.   #1 Brazil – Marcelo Vieira Marcelo is the tone of the best full-backs in the world. Also his attacking and defensive rates are unparalleled. His game makes him unplayable when we think about his ability to cut inside and create space for wingers and his skills for dribbling on the field. Marcelo’s greatest wish is to win the World cup with Brazil. So expect Marcelo to do his best for Brazil so that result of 7-1 on their homeland to be soon forgotten or become just a very distant memory.   #2 Costa Rica – Keylor Navas   Keylor’s performances earned him a place four years ago when he joined the club of Real Madrid. He had an outstanding season, winning the Spanish Cups. Keylor Navas has numerous occasions when he gave his best to keep clean sheets. Expect Navaz to take his form to Russia and to be the best chance that Costa Rica has on the World Cup 2018.   #3 Serbia – Nemanja Matić This will be second time playing in the World Cup for Serbia. They have very recognizable names from their national team, but the pivotal for them is Nemanja Matić. Matić’s powerful shots that score and his ability to break the opponent’s play will be on the top. His passing abilities are making him the lynchpin for the Orlovi. Matić will create a chance to help navigate this group by working in tandem with the best players that Serbia has, Branislav Ivanović and Aleksandar Kolarov.   #4 Switzerland – Granit Xhaka Xhaka provides vital assists and more frequent ones so he would be the vital cog for Switzerland. His ability to read the game and to sit up back and break up play has improved.  By contributing with decisive goals he surpassed Shakiri making him not so easy pick anymore. Xhaka will play the pivotal role for the Swiss team by having his great techniques of play that will be in his use at matches with rivals like Costa Rika and Brazil. So let’s see will Swiss make it out of this group in Russia. FIFA WORLD CUP RUSSIA 2018 Group E: Most Important Players