What will Suarez be up to?

After a handball on the goal line in the quarter-finals of 2010 and a bite on Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini in 2014, Luis Suarez will be the favourite to supply the controversy quotient yet again. Uruguay supporters, however, would have us believe otherwise. Since joining Barcelona in 2014, the striker has rectified his disciplinary issues, all the while increasing his potency in front of goal. If Uruguay are to get anywhere near a first world title since 1950, El Pistolero will have to make the headlines for the right reasons.

Will Neymar secure redemption for Brazil?

Out of commission due to injury, he could only watch from the sidelines as Germany humiliated Brazil by thrashing them 7-1 on home soil four years ago. This summer, however, a rejuvenated Neymar is poised to exorcise the trauma of 2014 by securing an unprecedented sixth world title for the Selecao. With the likes of Philippe Coutinho, Marcelo and Roberto Firmino making up a stellar supporting cast, Brazil will start as one of the favourites in Russia. Under coach Tite, the Brazilians have got back their mojo, and if they can strike the right balance between flair and efficiency, redemption will be there for the taking for Neymar and co. 

Can Messi finally match Maradona?

Lionel Messi has done it all on the football pitch, except lift its greatest prize, the World Cup. An unused substitute in Argentina’s quarter-final exit of 2006, Messi cut a forlorn figure in another quarter-final loss in 2010, before failing to inspire the Albiceleste in the 2014 final. Leo is now in Russia as captain of an underwhelming Argentine side, coming into the tournament with a fragile defence, an uninspiring midfield, and an uncoordinated attack. Yet, the Barcelona magician has what it takes to light up the World Cup and finally emulate, if not eclipse, Diego Maradona’s heroics from 1986.

Will Salah’s Egypt be this edition’s giant killers?

Every World Cup produces that one team that exceeds all expectations, claiming some famous scalps along the way. Cameroon in 1990, South Korea in 2002, Costa Rica in 2014. In spite of an opening loss to Uruguay, Egypt could still emerge as the most successful underdog in Russia. Their remaining two group games should be relatively easier, especially with the likelihood of a returning Mohamed Salah spearheading their attack. Should they make it to the knockouts, the heavyweights had better watch out.

Can Portugal emerge as the dark horse?

Despite being European champions, nobody seemed to be giving Portugal much of a chance at causing ripples in Russia. But with skipper Cristiano Ronaldo leading from the front, this team has time and again risen to the occasion in the recent past. With Pepe and Jose Fonte providing a solid backbone in defence, and the likes of Bernardo Silva and William Carvalho pulling the strings in midfield, the team should function well as a collective unit and manager Fernando Santos might just have enough firepower to propel Portugal to the latter stages of the World Cup. 

Can England’s young brigade prove their critics wrong?

For years, England have banked on experience to guide them to glory in big tournaments; but Russia 2018 marks a distinct shift in strategy. With an average age of 25, the Three Lions are relying on youth to break a string of dismal runs in major competitions. At 19, Trent Alexander-Arnold is the youngest Englishman in the squad, while Ashley Young, one of only three players in the thirties, is the oldest. Speed and dynamism should be England’s strength and manager Gareth Southgate will hope that his vibrant midfielders can create enough chances for goalscoring machine Harry Kane to steer the English to a respectable finish in Russia. 

Can Belgium’s golden generation live up to the hype?

Russia 2018 will most certainly be a litmus test for a group brimming with talent and largely considered to be the most gifted in the history of Belgian football. The likes of Eden Hazard and Kevin De Bruyne will headline a long list of established names. With the insight of 1998 World Cup winner Thierry Henry to call upon among the coaching staff, Hazard’s men are primed to repeat the success of 1986, which saw the country famous for its chocolates earn global renown by making it to the semi-finals.

Will Germany make it nine in a row?

The Germans have made it to at least the semi-final stage in their last eight major tournaments, with Euro 2004 being the last time they were knocked out before the last four. In the World Cup, they have made four consecutive semi-final appearances, and are, of course, the defending champions. No team has played more World Cup matches or scored more World Cup goals than the Germans — Thomas Mueller alone has 10 — and given their depth and experience, it will take a brave heart to bet against Germany. 

Who will be this year’s sharpshooter?

Rising stars like Thomas Mueller and James Rodriguez have claimed the Golden Boot in the last two editions of the World Cup. Messi, Ronaldo and Neymar start as early challengers this time around. 2010 winner Mueller, who netted five times each in the last two editions, is once again a leading contender. Should the German forward eventually claim the prize, he could also stand to surpass his retired compatriot, Miroslav Klose, who has 16 World Cup goals, as the leading marksman in the history of the tournament.

Which superpower will head home early?

France in 2002, Italy in 2010, Spain in 2014 are just a few examples of big names packing their bags way too soon in the World Cup. Among the candidates in 2018 are South American powerhouses Uruguay and Colombia. 

Which coach will make the most decisive move?

Call it pure luck or the hunch of a genius, but the best coaches have a knack for pulling out an unlikely ace at the most crucial junctures. Remember Vicente del Bosque’s substitutions in the 2010 final where both Fernando Torres and Cesc Fabregas came off the bench to play a part in the winning goal? Or Louis van Gaal’s ploy to bring on Tim Krul solely for the penalty shootout in the Netherlands’ quarter-final against Costa Rica in 2014? The jury is out on this one for 2018. 

How will the Video Assistant Referee impact the tournament? 

The FIFA World Cup is no stranger to ghost goals, dubious decisions and refereeing howlers. To make the game more transparent, on-field officials in Russia will be guided by a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) on questions of goals (including violation in the build-up), penalties, red cards (but not second yellow cards), and the issue of mistaken identity while booking players. VAR must detect “a clear and obvious error” in order to overturn the original on-field decision. Multiple replays, different camera angles, and slow motion will be at the disposal of the VAR to take the right call. Though on paper it seems like a step in the right direction, expect this latest technology to stir up some confusion and provide plenty of stoppages in play over the next month.

Will the World Cup final go into extra time, again?

Brace yourselves for a late night on July 15, the date which marks the occasion for the 64th match of the tournament — the World Cup final. If recent history is anything to go by, this contest should be set for an extra 30 minutes of action. Each of the last three World Cup finals has gone into extra time and the 2018 showpiece at the Luzhniki Stadium could very well keep up that trend. While the 2006 final culminated in penalties and an Italian triumph, Andres Iniesta and Mario Gotze fired Spain and Germany to glory, respectively, in the next two editions. More excitement, more tension, and more heroes await us in 2018.

Can Achilles foretell the football war?

Following in the footsteps of Paul, the octopus, from 2010, Russia’s wonder cat, Achilles, is set to predict the results of the biggest matches of the 2018 World Cup. Achilles has already had a test run of forecasting during last year’s Confederations Cup, and will be provided with bowls marked with the flags of the competing teams in the World Cup. Will feline instincts trump critical analyses, or will the world find out this soothsayer’s Achilles heel?