The 2018 FIFA World Cup draw is now complete, and the group stage is set for the grand affair in Russia next summer. While not all pools are created equally, is there a clear-cut Group of Death this time around?
It seemed Group B would earn that label as Spain and Portugal were quickly drawn together, but it was padded out with minnows Morocco and Iran. Group G developed in a similar manner, with Belgium and England squaring off but surely facing little competition from Panama or Tunisia.
Perhaps, then, Group D is the toughest test. Lionel Messi and his Argentina teammates have three decent matches to look forward to against new fan-favourite Iceland, European play-off survivor Croatia, and African powerhouse Nigeria. The latter finished top of their group in CAF qualifying with four wins and two draws, making them one of the best teams from Pot 4. Iceland and Croatia, drawn together in Group I of UEFA qualifying, reunite here – both sets of players proved they are …read more