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World Cup 2018: Group E Preview
Published in The Egyptian Gazette on 12 - 06 - 2018

MOSCOW, June 12, 2018 (News Wires) - The 2018 FIFA World Cup has a couple of uncertain groups and group E is definitely one of them. Group E has Brazil, Switzerland, Costa Rica, and Serbia.
Brazil
All eyes are on Brazil, not because they might falter and fail to make it out of the group, but just to watch how much exciting football the South Americans will put up in Russia.
The World's most expensive player Neymar leads the lines for a star-studded Brazilian outfit that has among others, Barca hotshot Coutinho, Liverpool's Firmino and Manchester City's Gabriel Jesus.
Brazil topped their qualification group, 10 points clear of Uruguay and with 41 goals to show for it.
From the goalkeeping top the attack, Brazil is at full strength, one of the few sides in Russia with total potential in all areas. Even while they take on their group opposition, the focus for Brazil is a top pace on the podium on July 15.
Switzerland
The Swiss are not a thoroughly convincing side but have a couple of excellent players among them Arsenal's Granit Xhaka, Stoke City's Xherdan Shaqiri and Haris Seferovi? of Benfica.
The Swiss' strength lies in the midfield where Shaqiri is a pacy and skillful ball player and will be playing alongside Granit Xhaka who plays at number 10. For his country.
In the last edition of the Euros, they looked promising but bowed out to Poland on post-match penalties and will be looking to head into the last 16 in Russia, which a possible mission.
Costa Rica
This is Costa Rica's 5th time at the World Cup, and while many could not give them a chance, the could pull a surprise as they did in the last edition in Brazil. They have a couple of good players among them Marco Ure?a who plays in the MLS, Joel Campbell and Real Madrid shot-stopper Keylor Navas who could help them out of the group.
Serbia
This is the 12th World Cup for the Serbs. While they have not made it past the groups since 1998, there is little to suggest that things will change.
Coached by 43-year old Malden Krstaji?, Serbia looks very good at the back, but not entirely convincing up front. However, with experienced players like Ivanovic, Kolarov and Nemanja Matic, they could be a side worth watching out for.
Players to Watch
Neymar (Brazil): One of the world's top 3 players, Neymar has been phenomenal over the years and will be a key player to watch thanks to his amazing skills and wonder goals. He lit up Brazil in the last edition but was derailed by injuries. Should he be 100% fit, he is unstoppable.
Coutinho (Brazil): How delicious can freekicks be? The swirling curve and pacey Coutinho free kicks will leave you demanding for more. Signed by Barcelona from Liverpool, Coutinho is an amazing player who will form a deadly attacking opposition with Neymar.
Xherdan Shaqiri: A Champions League winner with Bayern Munich, the diminutive player is such a candy to watch, thanks to his skills, pace and wonder goals. Although he is signed to relegated Stoke City his talent speaks otherwise, and Russia will be a good place for him to display his skills and earn a new club.
Group Fixtures
Sunday, 17 June: Costa Rica vs Serbia
Sunday, 17 June: Brazil vs Switzerland
Friday, 22 June: Brazil vs Costa Rica
Friday, 22 June: Serbia vs Switzerland
Wednesday, 27 June: Serbia vs Brazil
Wednesday, 27 June: Switzerland vs Costa Rica


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