MOSCOW, June 11, 2018 (News Wires) - The 2018 FIFA World Cup has a couple of uncertain groups and group A is definitely one of them. Group A has hosts Russia, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Uruguay. While hosts Russia will be looking to stay in the competition for the longest period possible, Mohamed Salah's Egypt will be in the spotlight. But what exactly makes this group a tough one to call? Russia Russia has been defeated in all the friendlies leading up to the World Cup. However, being the tournament hosts could play to their advantage as well as to their disadvantage. The pressure that comes with hosting could push them to display a good performance and at least make it to the knockout stage. Russia has its work cut out to avoid embarrassment on home soil and will be hoping to avoid the fate suffered by South Africa in 2010 who were the first hosts to miss the knockout stage. Equally, the same pressure could make them cave. The Russians have not been in impressive form leading to the World Cup and this might be a factor to consider when rooting for them. Russia is also the lowest ranked country in the tournament. Egypt Egypt will come in putting plenty of pressure on Salah's banged up shoulder. Salah scored 71% of the Pharaohs' goals during World Cup qualifying, and if their talisman striker's fitness will be in question, it will make the climb to the last 16 that much more difficult for a nation that hasn't played in a World Cup since 1990. Saudi Arabia The Saudis ended a 12-year absence from the World Cup with a spectacular goal by Fahad Al Muwallad against Japan. Saudi Arabia's hopes of getting out of the group stage figured to fall squarely on Mohammad Al-Sahlawi, a striker with plenty of pace and one who finished tied for the most goals in Asia's 2018 World Cup qualifying with 16. Its chances are hampered with the exclusion of the injured Nawaf Al-Abed. Uruguay Uruguay is the team that is most likely to top group A. With a good experience coupled up by a team made of world class players like Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani, this should be an easy stage for Uruguay. Players to Watch Mohamed Salah (Egypt): After a stellar performance this past season, Mohamed Salah was pitted to be the man to watch this World Cup. The UEFA Champions League final crushed many hearts as Real Madrid's Sergio Ramos tackled Salah rendering him useless for the game. What most feared, however, was whether the injury he sustained was enough to keep him out of the World Cup. Salah has been cleared to participate in the tournament and will possibly only miss the first game against Uruguay. Luis Suarez (Uruguay): He is one of the best strikers in the world and has regularly put his stamp on international play-whether infamously or otherwise. Cavani is incredibly fun to watch, and center back rock Diego Godin will be pivotal for Uruguay's chance's, but there's no one that turns a game on its head and creates headlines like Suarez Igor Akinfeev (Russia): The CSKA Moscow and Russian national team captain is the hosts' most important player. It's unlikely that Russia can score with teams like Uruguay or even Egypt, given some key injuries and a poor run of scoring form entering the tournament. But if Akinfeev has a blinder of a group stage and manages to keep Russia's opponents off the scoresheet, then the hosts might have a slight chance of advancing. Akinfeev has spent his entire career in Russia and will be more than comfortable in the surroundings. If he can organize and lead the Russians, then the hosts could make things interesting. Mohamad Al-Sahlawi (Saudi Arabia): The simple fact that Al-Sahlawi appears to be Saudi Arabia's best chance at scoring goals makes him the most pivotal player for Pizzi's team. Al-Sahlawi's qualifying scoring record, his pace and quick feet make him a threat for potentially weak defensive teams. Whether he can break down Egypt's defense or sneak a goal or two past Akinfeev is yet to be seen, but he will be the focus for the Saudi attack. Group Fixtures: Thursday, June 14: Russia vs. Saudi Arabia Friday, June 15: Egypt vs. Uruguay Tuesday, June 19: Russia vs. Egypt Wednesday, June 20: Uruguay vs. Saudi Arabia Monday, June 25: Saudi Arabia vs. Egypt Monday, June 25: Uruguay vs. Russia
