News
MON 11.06.2018
The 2018 World Cup is about to kick off and it will feature a large contingent of LaLiga players. Eighty-one81 representatives from LaLiga Santander and LaLiga 1l2l3 will be in Russia gunning for glory, including some who are expected to be the tournament's protagonists.
Lionel Messi, who finished the 2017/18 season with 34 goals and the European Golden ShoeBoot to his name, has only one objective in his sights: winning his first World Cup with Argentina. After reaching the 2014 final and losing by such a small margin, the South Americans have a chance to make amends and FC Barcelona FC's number 10 is desperate to seize this opportunity with both hands.
Meanwhile, fellow superstar Cristiano Ronaldo will be making his fourth World Cup finals appearance with Portugal. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner is certain to play a key role in helping his country get as far as possible in the competition, and hopes to win the trophy for the first time in Portugal's history.
The French national team are in with a great shout of winning their second World Cup and if they are to do so then Antoine Griezmann is expected to have a prominent role. The Atletico Madrid forward is the leading light in the side and if he's on form, then the French may well end up heading home with the trophy in tow.
Spain have all it takes to win their second World Cup, but perhaps their most important figure is their captain Sergio Ramos. In what will be his fourth World Cup, the 32-year-old will be aiming to put his leadership skills and winning mentality to good use and help Julen Lopetegui's side lift the trophy. Fighting for the title alongside Ramos will be other Spanish LaLiga stars such as Andres Iniesta, Isco and Gerard Pique.
Uruguay's hopes of winning the World Cup rest on the shoulders of Luis Suarez. Fans will be hoping the striker can take his excellent LaLiga goalscoring form – he netted 25 times last season – into the national team. The South Americans have two World Cups to their name – the 1930 and 1950 editions.
Suarez's Barcelona teammate Philippe Coutinho has all it takes to shine for Brazil, who'll be aiming to claim their sixth World Cup. The 25-year-old is heading to Russia in a rich vein of form, after a half-season in LaLiga replete with assists and fantastic goals.
One of the masterminds behind Germany's 2014 World Cup triumph was midfielder Toni Kroos. With a player of his intelligence and class at their disposal, the Germans will be hoping that they'll equal Brazil's record of five World Cup victories this summer.
Luka Modric's experience will play a big role for Croatia this summer. The midfield maestro is the star of his side and will be taking part in his third World Cup, and hopes that this one will be his country's first international tournament victory.
There's no doubt that there will be goals and excitement by the bucketload, but which of these stars will shine the brightest in Russia?
© LALIGA - 2018