World Cup 2018: Russia, Spain, England, Iran and Croatia among winners and losers from draw

THE Socceroos could feel content with their draw, but the same couldn’t be said for Iran and Costa Rica. On the other hand Spain and England will feel pretty happy.

England coach Gareth Southgate and Belgium’s Roberto Martinezx will lock horns.

THERE were a lot of even groups to come out of Saturday morning’s World Cup draw in Moscow.

But there are always some nations that have fared better than others and some that have fared much, much worse.

Matt Windley goes over the winners and losers from the draw.

WINNERS

Russia

Stood a huge chance of being embarrassed on home soil if things went the wrong way for them in the draw. But Saudi Arabia in the tournament opener should be a winnable assignment for the Russians, while the presence of Egypt in the group ensures that the Sbornaya will be favoured to advance to the round of 16.

Spain

Was the dangerous floater that nobody wanted to draw from Pot 2, but on the flip side, things could have panned out disastrously for Spain, too. There are now no such concerns. The “derby” against local rivals Portugal will be a must-watch game, but Morocco and Iran will hold no concerns for the 2010 champions. And then the crossover group of Uruguay, Russia, Saudi Arabia and Egypt for the round of 16 presents a wonderful opportunity for the Spaniards to go deep.

Argentina

Was a chance of not even even making this going into the final day of South American qualifying, now La Albiceleste has been dealt a draw that it should be able to negotiate with ease. None of Croatia, Iceland or Nigeria will hold too many fears for Lionel Messi’s men, while - assuming the Argentines and France both top their groups - a potential round of 16 clash with Peru, Denmark or Australia is also more than managable.

England

Fair to say there’s still not a lot of optimism about this England team, despite the youngsters coming through the system. But after disastrous 2014 World Cup and Euro 2016 campaigns, this draw will give The Three Lions hope. Gareth Southgate’s side should be able to negotiate a Group G also containing Belgium, Panama and Tunisia, while the round of 16 crossover with Poland, Senegal, Colombia or Japan isn’t intimidating either.

Japan

There’s a case to say Saudi Arabia has the best draw of any of the Asian sides, but Japan has also fared well. The Samurai Blue are in Group H along with Poland, Senegal and Colombia and would have to be considered a chance of making the round of 16 for just the third time in what is a very even pool.

2018 World Cup draw

Group A

Russia, Uruguay, Egypt, Saudi Arabia

Group B

Portugal, Spain, Iran, Morocco

Group C

France, Peru, Australia, Denmark

Group D

Argentina, Croatia, Iceland, Nigeria

Group E

Brazil, Switzerland, Costa Rica, Serbia

Group F

Germany, Mexico, Sweden, South Korea

Group G

Belguim, England, Tunisia, Panama

Group H

Poland, Colombia, Senegal, Japan

LOSERS

Iran and Morocco

Spain and Portugal in your group. Good luck with that.

Costa Rica

They were the giant killers of 2014, topping a group consisting of England, Italy and Uruguay. But Los Ticos are going to have to do that all over again in Russia after being plonked in Group E along with Brazil, Switzerland and Serbia. A tough ask.

Mexico

The Mexicans are a consistent World Cup performer, but Group F is stacked with well-credentialled sides. Taking on Germany in their opening game is a daunting assignment, while Sweden will be tough to toss and South Korea is no pushover either. Has made the round of 16 in the past six tournaments, but they will do well to keep that streak alive here.

Croatia

Knocking off Argentina would be a tough ask in Group D, but Nigeria should hold no fears. So then it comes down to a battle with the team they drew from Pot 3. But of course, that’s Iceland - again. The same Iceland that they drew in qualification and then finished behind, which condemned Zlatko Dalic’s men to the playoffs.

A LITTLE BIT OF COLUMN A, A LITTLE BIT OF COLUMN B

Uruguay

In terms of their group, Luis Suarez and co will be laughing all the way to the bank getting to play against Russia, Egypt and Saudi Arabia. But then the round of 16 crossover is a tough one with Spain or Portugal likely lying in wait.

Australia

Definitely could have been better for the Socceroos, but France, Peru and Denmark in Group C is by no means the Group of Death we faced in Brazil four years ago.

Guide to Australia's opponents

France

Game

Australia v France, Kazan, June 16, 8pm

Coach

Didier Deschamps

Captain

Hugo Lloris

Stars

Raphael Varane, Paul Pogba, Antoine Griezmann

World ranking

9

World Cup record

Champions as hosts in 1998. 15-time qualifiers.

Qualification

Topped their group ahead of Sweden, the Netherlands and Bulgaria with seven wins from 10 matches.

Record v Australia

Four meetings - Australia one win, France two wins, one draw.

Last meeting

France 6 Australia 0, Paris, October 2013

Denmark

Coach

Age Hareide

Captain

Simon Kjaer

Stars

Christian Eriksen, Kasper Schmeichel

World ranking

12

World Cup record

First appearance since 2010. Four-time qualifiers. Reached the last eight in 1998.

Qualification

Finished second in their group behind Poland, defeating Ireland 5-1 in a play-off.

Record v Australia

Three meetings - Australia one win, Denmark two wins.

Last meeting

Denmark 2 Australia 0, Copenhagen, June 2012

Peru

Coach

Ricardo Gareca

Captain

Alberto Rodriguez

Stars

Jefferson Farfan, Paolo Guerrero

World ranking

11

World Cup record

Back for the first time since 1982. Four-time qualifiers. Reached the last eight in 1970.

Qualification

Surprise fifth-placed finishers in South America ahead of Chile and others. Defeated New Zealand 2-0 in a play-off.

Last meeting

The two sides have never met