PREVIEW: Germany’s Flick feels confident despite admiration for Japan
The player exchange between Japan and Germany has reversed in recent years and skipper Maya Yoshida
GHANA – looking to advance further than the 2010 World Cup
Ghana had won the Africa Cup of Nations title four times before finally qualifying for the World Cup
FRANCE – More questions for the defending champions
France have appeared in 15 World Cups, including the last six. They won their first title in 1998,
TUNISIA – Tunisia rely on familiar venues and fans in bid to reach second round
Tunisia will rely on familiar stadiums and their passionate fans in Qatar to achieve what has eluded
I speak when I want: Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo believes his explosive interview, in which the Manchester United forward said he
ARGENTINA – Argentina eyeing World cup glory
Argentina have appeared at 17 different World Cups, winning the tournament twice (1978 and 1986) and
AUSTRALIA – No great expectations for the side lacking X-factor
Australia made their debut in 1974 and have appeared in five World Cups in total, including the last
QATAR – A biggest test for the host nation
Qatar have never before qualified for a World Cup. Their only major title is the 2019 Asian Cup when
POLAND – Poland hoping to reach the knockout stages in Qatar
Poland have appeared in eight World Cups, including the last one in Russia, but failed to qualify in
DENMARK – Danes can point to history and dream of World Cup glory
Many teams head for the World Cup more in hope than expectation but Denmark can point to previous
JAPAN – Samurai Blue seek quarter-final spot after ‘Agony of Doha’
Japan will remember with anguish a World Cup qualifier 28 years ago in Qatar when they were within
SERBIA – revived Serbia aiming high under Stojkovic
Serbia have appeared in 2 World Cup tournaments plus one as Serbia & Montenegro and nine as part of
CANADA – CANADA look to build foundation with World Cup appearance in Qatar
After a 36-year drought, Canada reached the World Cup for the second time with an emphatic 4-0 win
COSTA RICA – Costa Rica hoping for a better tournament than they had in Russia
Costa Rica were the last team to qualify for the World Cup but the Central American side will travel
SAUDI ARABIA – Saudi Arabia still face uphill battle
Saudi Arabia return for a second consecutive appearance at the World Cup and their sixth in total,
SENEGAL – Lions of Teranga carry Africa’s hopes to Qatar
African champions Senegal carry the continent’s best prospect of breaking barriers at the World Cup
World Cup poorer without Mane: Van Dijk
Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk says the World Cup will be poorer without his former club mate
World Cup a good moment to bring Brazilians together again: Raphinha
Brazil’s Barcelona winger Raphinha said the World Cup is a good moment to bring out the feeling of
Mane named in Senegal squad for World Cup
Sadio Mane has been named in Senegal’s squad for the World Cup in Qatar despite suffering an injury
Rigobert Song
He played for clubs such as Metz, Liverpool, West Ham United, Lens, Galatasaray, 1 Fc Koln and