World Cup: 100 things I can’t wait to see!
By Orri Benatar
51. Which European team steps up for Italy and the Netherlands
No Azzuri or Oranje this time. Sides like Serbia, Sweden, and Poland return to the World Cup after some missed tournaments. Europe will have maybe four teams going in that could win the tournament.
52. Which South American team steps up for Chile
Chile did not qualify for the World Cup. This was shocking. La Roja won two straight Copa Americas and made the Confederations Cup final last summer. Peru is stepping in alongside the usual suspects – Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and Colombia. South America hasn’t lifted the trophy since 2002. With no Chile, chances of a trophy tour in South America are slimmer.
53. V.A.R.
Video Assistant Referee makes its “heroic” return to the world stage. If you don’t remember what V.A.R. is and what it is used for, here is a quick reminder.
54. Germany vs. Mexico
The defending world champions begin their title defense against a Mexican side looking for redemption. These two faced off just last summer in the Confederations Cup semifinals. Germany’s B team handled El Tri with a 4-1 victory. Joachim Low will try and lead Germany to back-to-back World Cup titles, something that has only happened twice (Italy 1934 & 1938, Brazil 1958 & 1962).
55. Camera catching Joachim Low doing something naughty
No need for a video or a tweet here. Just go look it up at your own peril. You have been warned.
56. The potential of Switzerland
This might be the best Swiss team ever. Switzerland was exceptional in the last two major tournaments. They were knocked out in the Round of 16 in the last World Cup and Euros in extra time. Players like Xherdan Shaqiri, Granit Xhaka, and Ricardo Rodriguez are part of a collective group that could spell a deep run for Switzerland.
57. The youth of Nigeria
The Super Eagles will return to the World Cup with the youngest squad with an average age of 24.9 (via CIES Football Observatory). The notable stars include Kelechi Iheancho (Age 21), Alex Iwobi (21), and Victor Moses (27). Nigeria is always a fun team to observe and they enter as the only African side that was in the World Cup in 2014.
58. The Flags!!!
They are so cool!!
https://twitter.com/FIFAWorldCup/status/968112478591881216
59. The emotional national anthems
No Italy definitely sucks when it comes to emotional national anthems. They anthems will still be awesome as we hear the upbeat rhythms of South America, the orchestral, slower anthems of Europe, and more. Watching footballers sing is a fun time.
60. Especially the Russian anthem
The “State Anthem of the Russian Federation” as it is called will be played at least three times in this summers World Cup. It’s not as upbeat or uplifting as the Brazilian anthem, but the crowd will show the most emotion when it rings around the stadiums.