As the world cup nears its second round of games, we take a look like 10 high profiled players who are set to influence the fate of world cup with their display of individual brilliance. The players having already shown a touch of individual and collective brilliance in their last club outings are tipped to influence their countries performance in the world cup.
The world cup already have been set to life by some players as their teams have already secured victories in the first round of games while others have been able to earn vital points from their team.
Cristiano Ronaldo have already set the world cup to live with his display against Spain in the opening game of the group B in the world cup. The Portuguese talisman took the lead in the goals chart as he grabbed a Hat trick in Portugal’s 3-3 draw with high profile La Roja side on Friday. Ronaldo needs no introduction as he remains one of the most renowned players of the modern era with host of collective and individual accolades to his name. The Portuguese skipper will be looking for the world cup as a prerequisite for his 6th Fifa footballer of the year award as well as his possible farewell to football on the national stage. Portugal is 20/1 to win the world cup with 10bet.
Lionel Messi, the name that is synonymous with goals will no doubt have a say in what could turn out to be his last football for the Argentine national side. The Argentine prodigy remains the one of the greatest players of all time in football despite lacking trophies at the national level. The Argentine talisman no doubt began his world cup on a low as he missed a spot kick against Iceland in the opening match of the group D for the Abiceleste team but will be expected to notch in some goals when the meet Croatia.
Neymer the most expensive footballer of all time comes in the list of high profiled players to impress in the world cup. The PSG playmaker will be expected to carry the Brazilian team to success in the competition with his touch of brilliance and class.
Antonio Griezmann comes into the list as the French playmaker is expected to reciprocate his club side performance at national level. Antonio Griezmann so far has not failed as he impressed in the Les Bleus 2-1 victory over Australia.
A look at the high profile players that operated in the midfield have drawn mixed reactions base on how their presence at the centre of the pack have impacted on their respective teams.
Luka Modric dazzled in his first game of the Russia 2018 world cup with strings of master-class displays from the Real Madrid player against Nigeria. The Croatian midfield needs no introduction as his wealth of experience and tactical brilliance gifted club side Real Madrid continental dominance. His influence was once again felt at the midfield against Nigeria as John Obi Mikel was snuffed off for longer periods of the game.
While Modric enjoyed his first game with Croatia not much could be said about Toni Kroos as he felt to inspire the German team against Mexico. Toni Kroos remains one of the most decorated players in football history with achievement in both club and national level. Toni Kroos being one of the pivot players of the Die Mannschaft team will be called upon as a source of strength when Germany plays their second round of games.
Andres Iniesta performance against Portugal was master-class as he coordinated the Spanish team. His eventual withdrawal from the game created a loophole that led to the equalizer. Iniesta remains one of the role models of modern day midfielder with his creative ability, experience as well magic feet. The world cup no doubt remains his last involvement with football at the biggest stage.
Sergio Ramos remains one of the most decorated footballers of his time with vast pools of technical and tactical experience in the art of defending. Ramos will be hoping to leave football on a high with Russia being his last involvement with La Roja in a competitive event.
Thiago Silva is another high profile players whose defensive capabilities might determines Brazil’s world cup dreams. The PSG central defender remains among the huge names in the modern game. Thiago Silva could not prevented Zuber from levelling for Switzerland but could still be called to action when Brazil reaches the knockout stage.
Matt Hummels remains a force to reckon with in defense as the German defender have established himself as a high profile defender with strings of performance. His partnership with Boateng at both club and country level have yielded significant result. Despite not preventing the defeat from Mexicoon Sunday still has a part to play in Germany’s world cup survival.