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World Cup: 100 things I can’t wait to see!

By Orri Benatar

MOSCOW, RUSSIA - DECEMBER 01: A general view during the Final Draw for the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia at the State Kremlin Palace on December 1, 2017 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
MOSCOW, RUSSIA - DECEMBER 01: A general view during the Final Draw for the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia at the State Kremlin Palace on December 1, 2017 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) /
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FORTALEZA, BRAZIL – JULY 04: James Rodriguez of Colombia shoots and scores his team’s first goal on a penalty kick during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Quarter Final match between Brazil and Colombia at Castelao on July 4, 2014, in Fortaleza, Brazil. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)
FORTALEZA, BRAZIL – JULY 04: James Rodriguez of Colombia shoots and scores his team’s first goal on a penalty kick during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Quarter Final match between Brazil and Colombia at Castelao on July 4, 2014, in Fortaleza, Brazil. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images) /

61. Ronaldo can have his best World Cup

After Portugal play Spain, Ronaldo and the European champions will face Morocco and Iran. Cristiano Ronaldo has only scored three goals in the three World Cups he has played in. He could triple that goalscoring mark this tournament if Portugal can go far. He should be able to score three in those last two group games.

62. The thought of a Ronaldo vs. Messi quarterfinal

The earliest Ronaldo and Messi could square off this tournament is in the quarterfinals. This could be the last World Cup for both of these legends in their prime. Please let this match happen.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 18: Lionel Messi of Argentina shakes hands with Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal prior to the International Friendly match between Argentina and Portugal at Old Trafford on November 18, 2014, in Manchester, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 18: Lionel Messi of Argentina shakes hands with Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal prior to the International Friendly match between Argentina and Portugal at Old Trafford on November 18, 2014, in Manchester, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images) /

63. Neymar proving he could be the best in the world right now

Brazil has a better chance of winning the World Cup than Portugal or Argentina. Neymar got Brazil the Olympic gold medal they craved, now he can bring them a sixth world title. If Brazil lifts the trophy, Neymar might surpass Ronaldo and his former Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi as the best player on the planet.

64. Mo Salah showing he is no fluke

Egypt’s chances of progressing are all on Mohamed Salah’s shoulders. The hero of Liverpool will go to Russia after the best season of his career. Egypt is in an easy group with Russia, Saudi Arabia, and Uruguay. Salah can carry them to the knockout round, maybe even a quarterfinal place.

65. The hairstyles

The World Cup might be the biggest hair exhibition on the planet. Every footballer brings a new style to the table and I can’t wait to see what new hair-doos will be revealed.

66. Harry Kane not taking set-pieces

Gareth Southgate is a smart enough manager not to put Harry Kane on set-pieces. We never have to see this again.

67. People realizing that Xherdan Shaqiri is too good to be playing for Stoke

Xherdan Shaqiri played for Bayern Munich for three years. He is now the best player on a relegation team in Stoke City. Shaqiri has dazzled in his two major tournament appearances. He scored a hat-trick at the last World Cup against Honduras and scored a bicycle kick at Euro 2016. Those two accomplishments don’t belong in the EFL Championship.

68. The rising stars

2014, it was James Rodriguez. 2010, it was Thomas Muller. In 2018, it will be…

69. A team imploding

In 2014, it was Spain. 2010, France. 2018, it will be England? Or Argentina? Someone will collapse.

70. The biggest question mark team – Japan

Japan is the ultimate wild card team this summer. They aren’t being talked about a lot and aren’t identified as either a favorite or a bad team. The Samurais will surprise us, no matter how well or poorly they play.

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