Innholdsfortegnelse for Issue 100 i Soccer 360 Magazine

Neymar and Vinícius Júnior will team up majestically and fire Brazil to an unprecedented sixth World Cup triumph. Or Lionel Messi will round off an exceptional career by finally lifting the trophy for his beloved Argentina. Or maybe Kylian Mbappé will continue his journey to greatness and score the goals that hand France another World Cup. Those are the most common predictions offered when it comes to the most prestigious international football tournament taking place in Qatar this year. But maybe none of those things will happen. Maybe we should be keeping an eye on some other teams. It is true that the biggest nations - in footballing terms - have always won the World Cup. Italy beating France on penalties at Berlin’s famous Olympiastadion in 2006 is probably the…

WORLD CUP APPEARANCES: 3 • WORLD CUP CHAMPIONSHIPS: 0 FIFA RANKING: 44TH ECUADOR TO EMERGE? Ecuador battled through the notoriously difficult CONMEBOL qualifying section with a fourth-place finish, in behind Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay, as Colombia and Chile missed out. Helped by their notoriously strong home record in the Quito altitude, they were always just about able to keep their rivals at arm’s length. Indeed, the biggest question mark over their participation at this World Cup has come after qualifying ended, with the ongoing dispute over midfielder Byron Castillo’s eligibility. Coach Gustavo Alfaro switched between systems during World Cup qualification, but he looks to have settled on a 4-2-3-1 formation ahead of the tournament. Brighton & Hove Albion duo Pervis Estupinan and Moises Caicedo play a key role for Alfaro,…

WORLD CUP APPEARANCES: 9 • WORLD CUP CHAMPIONSHIPS: 0 FIFA RANKING: 16TH STARS AND STRIPES REVIVAL The United States return to the global stage - after a dismal failure to make it to Russia in 2018 - with an exciting group of mainly European based players. In doing so, they finished behind surprise winners Canada and Mexico in the third round of CONCACAF qualification following what was a mixed campaign even though their place in Qatar was rarely in too much doubt. While coach Gregg Berhalter can divide opinion with his tactics and selection there is enough talent to suggest the U.S. can qualify from an evenly matched Group B. England are clear favourites to progress, however second place is an attainable target in an opening section which includes Wales…

FIFA RANKING: 13TH WORLD CUP APPEARANCES: 16 • WORLD CUP CHAMPIONSHIPS: 0 WORLD CUP OVERALL GAMES RECORD PLD:57 W:16 D:14 L:27 KEY MAN: HIRVING LOZANO A player whose attacking quality and work rate fits perfectly with the image of the coach, Lozano is a huge threat on the left of Mexico’s front three. The Napoli star is a clinical finisher and will cause problems for most teams as he looks to add to the 16 goals he has for his country to date. He also scored the only goal when El Tri defeated reigning champions Germany in their opening match of the 2018 World Cup. THE COACH: GERARDO MARTINO A hugely experienced coach, Gerardo Martino is renowned for his attacking style and high pressing game, and his Mexico team certainly…

WORLD CUP APPEARANCES: 5 • WORLD CUP CHAMPIONSHIPS: 0 FIFA RANKING: 38TH SOCCEROOS TO SURPRISE? Australia were forced to run the intercontinental play-off gauntlet once again to secure a place in Qatar, as they edged out the United Arab Emirates and then Peru on penalties in two very tense encounters back in June, after finishing third in Group B in AFC qualifying. The Socceroos’ squad does not contain the eye-catching names of previous tournaments, but coach Graham Arnold has built a solid side, based on a rigid 4-1-4-1 tactical system, with players scattered across the globe with their club teams. The mix and match nature of Arnold’s available players has allowed previous logistical issues over getting squads together on a consistent basis, to resurface, but he should be at full…

WORLD CUP APPEARANCES: 6 • WORLD CUP CHAMPIONSHIPS: 0 FIFA RANKING: 24TH THE RISING BLUE Little ever seems to be expected of Japan whenever they head into a World Cup, but the Blue Samurai have regularly proven the doubters wrong, reaching the knockout stages in three of the past five instalments. On each of those occasions they’ve suffered agonisingly narrow defeats in the last 16, and with a bit more luck on their side they would have made it to at least one quarter-final by now. This time around, it’d rank as a fine achievement if Hajime Moriyasu’s team can make it beyond the group stage, simply given the fact they’re in a group alongside heavyweights Spain and Germany. That automatically makes them outsiders and as such, few will expect…

WORLD CUP APPEARANCES: 21 • WORLD CUP CHAMPIONSHIPS: 5 FIFA RANKING: 1ST SELECAO SUCCESS? It’s been two decades since the exceptional trio of Rivaldo, Ronaldinho and Ronaldo led Brazil to a record breaking fifth World Cup in South Korea and Japan. For a nation with such a formidable record in the competition they will feel it’s about time they ruled again, and this time all the evidence points to them having every chance of success. While the Seleção don’t possess the kind of world beaters who swept all before them in the glory years they have a deep, balanced pool of multi-skilled players who are more than capable of claiming the ultimate prize. No longer so reliant on the mercurial genius of Neymar, it’s emerging stars like speedy Real Madrid…

FIFA RANKING: 15TH WORLD CUP APPEARANCES: 11 • WORLD CUP CHAMPIONSHIPS: 0 WORLD CUP OVERALL GAMES RECORD PLD:37 W:12 D:8 L:17 KEY MAN: BREEL EMBOLO Monaco forward Breel Embolo has been a key player for the Swiss national side for what feels like an age, but he is still only 25 and showing signs that he is about to reach his peak. No longer the rough diamond of a few years ago, he is a huge threat with his pace and is capable of playing either on the left of the front three or through the middle. The only thing he needs to deliver for Switzerland is more goals, and in Xherdan Shaqiri and Granit Xhaka, he has the quality around him to fashion the chances. THE COACH: MURAT YAKIN…

WORLD CUP APPEARANCES: 10 • WORLD CUP CHAMPIONSHIPS: 0 FIFA RANKING: 28TH POWERED BY SON In World Cup terms, South Korea will always be remembered for their unlikely run to the semi-finals as co-hosts back in 2002, having previously never won a single match at the finals. As they prepare for their latest campaign, there is virtually no chance of repeating the achievements of two decades ago, but the Taegeuk Warriors do at least seem better equipped to potentially reach the knockout stages after largely poor showings in 2014 and 2018. Of course it will be very tough for them to advance from a group which contains the likes of Portugal and Uruguay, but they shouldn’t be completely be written off. Their counter-attacking style will cause problems for their more…

‘I WILL DO EVERYTHING THAT I CAN FOR BRAZIL TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN QATAR’ YOU HAVE SAID PREVIOUSLY YOU EXPECT 2022 TO BE YOUR LAST WORLD CUP. IS THAT STILL THE CASE? For now The World Cup is so close - that I am just focussed on being prepared. After the tournament will be the chance to think and to make decisions. For now we are all focussed on success and bringing The World Cup home. IS THIS WORLD CUP AS SPECIAL AS YOUR FIRST ONE? Of course, to get to put on the jersey of Brazil in a World Cup is always special - that is never a feeling that will not be special. We all know what it means to the people of Brazil and it is a…

With the 2022 World Cup taking place six months later than tradition dictates there has been plenty of time to dissect the tournament ahead of kick-off on November 20th. The word unprecedented has become part of everyone’s vocabulary over the past few years, however this tournament in Qatar appears to have taken it on as its unofficial motto. Not content with modifying the date of the competition to take into account the extreme heat of the country, the organisers of the competition decided in August to bring the start forward by one day. This decision was taken in order to allow the hosts to open the tournament, as is convention, yet means that Ecuador must now bring their plans forward by a few days. Originally, the encounter between Senegal and…

FIFA RANKING: 8TH WORLD CUP APPEARANCES: 10 • WORLD CUP CHAMPIONSHIPS: 0 WORLD CUP OVERALL GAMES RECORD PLD:50 W:27 D:12 L:11 KEY MAN: DENZEL DUMFRIES In this era of attacking wing-backs, no player arguably epitomises that role more than Dumfries, whose electric pace and energy is a prominent feature of the Netherlands’ performances. The Inter star covers an incredible amount of ground in every match and often finds himself in goalscoring positions, netting five goals for his country to date. Outstanding at Euro 2020, he’ll be a major attacking threat again at the World Cup. THE COACH: LOUIS VAN GAAL A long and distinguished coaching career looked to be over for Louis van Gaal until he agreed to return as national team boss in August 2021, and the results he’s…

WORLD CUP APPEARANCES: 3 • WORLD CUP CHAMPIONSHIPS: 1 FIFA RANKING: 5TH CRUNCH TIME This is meant to be when everything comes together for England, who have re-established themselves as a major force in international football over the past few years and were only a penalty shootout away from winning Euro 2020. They’re a team ranked among the favourites to lift the World Cup and one that boasts arguably the finest crop of individual attacking talent of all the sides competing in Qatar, so in theory the 1966 winners are well equipped to go all the way and end their famously long major tournament drought. However, since dropping only four points in qualifying, optimism has been checked considerably in the build-up by a succession of disappointing results in the UEFA…

FIFA RANKING: 19TH WORLD CUP APPEARANCES: 1 • WORLD CUP CHAMPIONSHIPS: 0 WORLD CUP OVERALL GAMES RECORD PLD:5 W:1 D:3 L:1 KEY MAN: GARETH BALE It is a hard to think of another current player who puts his national team first in the same way as Gareth Bale. He is simply synonymous with Wales and has cemented his status as a national hero many times over, with his latest inspiring displays leading to him realising the ambition of finally playing at a World Cup. He began his international career at 16 and is the Dragons’ record scorer with 40 goals in 108 caps. While still capable of magic from open play, if he’s presented with a free-kick opportunity in Qatar, opponents will be fearing the worst. THE COACH: ROBERT PAGE…

WORLD CUP APPEARANCES: 8 • WORLD CUP CHAMPIONSHIPS: 0 FIFA RANKING: 26 TH HOPING FOR BETTER Despite having Robert Lewandowski in their ranks and all the attention that brings, Poland have developed an unwelcome habit of failing to live up to expectations at major tournaments in recent times. Only a run to the quarter-finals of Euro 2016 has broken the trend amid a succession of group stage exits where they’ve failed to make a lasting impression, so it is high time for what is undoubtedly a talented side to have a long-awaited impact. The minimum aim will be to reach the knockout stages, and it feels likely that their opening match against Mexico will go a long way towards deciding their fate, ahead of meetings with outsiders Saudi Arabia and group…

WORLD CUP APPEARANCES: 5 • WORLD CUP CHAMPIONSHIPS: 0 FIFA RANKING: 31ST AN UPHILL BATLLE Costa Rica’s hopes of qualifying for a fifth World Cup out of six seemed to be fading away, only for Luis Fernando Suarez’ side to rediscover their form late on to finish fourth in the CONCACAF section, just behind United States in the final automatic spot. However, they were not to be denied at the intercontinental play-off stage, as Joel Campbell’s early goal saw them past New Zealand in June. Suarez was hit by constant injury problems ahead of their final friendlies before the World Cup, but the bulk of his key names are expected to travel to Qatar, with a well drilled 4-4-2 in place for them. Pragmatism is a key feature of what…

FIFA RANKING: 7TH WORLD CUP APPEARANCES: 15 • WORLD CUP CHAMPIONSHIPS: 1 WORLD CUP OVERALL GAMES RECORD PLD:63 W:30 D:15 L:18 KEY MAN: FERRAN TORRES A lot of attention will be on the blossoming talents of Pedri and Gavi in the centre of the pitch, but their Barcelona teammate Ferran Torres has an outstanding record for Spain and will likely be their biggest goal threat. The 22-year-old already has 13 international goals to his name and has brilliant all-round ability, capable of playing anywhere across the front three. Of the forward options Luis Enrique has available, he is the most indispensable. THE COACH: LUIS ENRIQUE Initially appointed in the wake of the managerial chaos that engulfed Spain during the 2018 World Cup, Luis Enrique resigned in July 2019 before returning…

WORLD CUP APPEARANCES: 5 • WORLD CUP CHAMPIONSHIPS: 0 FIFA RANKING: 12TH ON THE CHARGE Croatia topped a challenging European qualifying group ahead of Russia, Slovakia and Slovenia with their men in the middle the main orchestrators among a formidable band of veterans and youngsters. The ageless Luka Modrić saunters through games like a carefree conductor who even at 37 remains one of the finest midfielders in the world, and the Real Madrid playmaker cannot let his incredibly high standards drop if Croatia are to progress to the latter stages. Emulating their phenomenal run to the World Cup final in Russia four years ago is a big ask although coach Zlatko Dalić will be expected to guide his county to the round of 16 at the very least, with his…

FIFA RANKING: 43RD WORLD CUP APPEARANCES: 7 • WORLD CUP CHAMPIONSHIPS: 0 WORLD CUP OVERALL GAMES RECORD PLD:23 W:4 D:7 L:12 KEY MAN: KARL TOKO EKAMBI In a frontline which also includes the powerful Vincent Aboubakar and recent addition Bryan Mbeumo, Lyon striker Karl Toko Ekambi has shone for Cameroon throughout 2022. He has recently reinvented himself in a No.10 role and scored five times in the Africa Cup of Nations at the start of the year before sealing their place at the World Cup with the extra time winner in Algiers. He’s matched those achievements with an impressive goals return in Ligue 1. THE COACH: RIGOBERT SONG The most capped player in Cameroon’s history with 137 caps over a 17-year period, Rigobert Song was named coach in controversial circumstances…

WORLD CUP APPEARANCES: 3 • WORLD CUP CHAMPIONSHIPS: 0 FIFA RANKING: 61ST BATTLING THE ODDS The Black Stars qualified for their fourth World Cup somewhat unexpectedly, eliminating South Africa with the help of a hotly disputed penalty in the group stages and then overcoming favourites Nigeria on away goals in a tense play-off. The gruelling African qualification process was tough but the prospect of Portugal, Uruguay and South Korea in international football’s most prestigious competition is something else entirely. Coach Otto Addo has a squad predominantly based in Europe and received a boost when Brighton & Hove Albion’s Tariq Lamptey, Southampton defender Mohammed Salisu and Iñaki Williams of Athletic Bilbao, all switched allegiance to the West African country before the World Cup. Addo must decide whether to put the trio…

FIFA RANKING: 14TH WORLD CUP APPEARANCES: 13 • WORLD CUP CHAMPIONSHIPS: 2 WORLD CUP OVERALL GAMES RECORD PLD:56 W:24 D:12 L:20 KEY MAN: FEDERICO VALVERDE No player in the Uruguay side is better suited to Diego Alonso’s energetic, high-pressing game than Federico Valverde, who possesses great quality both on and off the ball. A vital part of a Real Madrid side in which others tend to steal the headlines, the 24-year-old could turn out to be one of the stars of the tournament, while his game is the ideal complement to the creativity and poise of central midfield partner Rodrigo Bentancur. THE COACH: DIEGO ALONSO The pressure was on for Uruguay when Diego Alonso took over in December 2021, but he couldn’t have made a better impact as La Celeste…

After all these years, Major League Soccer and the World Cup are still tied to one another. Dating back to the 1994 World Cup in the United States which helped spark the second American Soccer Revolution and the founding of MLS, the two have always been closely linked. While these links were mostly commercial, in recent years that has expanded to play on the pitch. MLS has always had their talent represented by a variety of countries (Carlos Valderrama and Colombia), but the league now more than ever seems to be a source for all national teams. Who are some of the top MLS talents heading to Qatar? Soccer 360 Magazine’s Sean Maslin has the top starting XI of current MLS players to keep an eye on at this year’s…

After all the bitterness, bribes and barbaric working conditions that have plagued this World Cup since it was awarded to Qatar, a football tournament will eventually break out on November 20. There are always strong favourites, lesser-fancied nations, dark horses and plucky underdogs at the World Cup. The cream will usually rise to the top in terms of which countries make it to the latter stages, but once there, the knockout rounds often serve up plenty of surprises. Here we take a look at five of the favourites heading into this year’s showpiece in Qatar, asking whether the strengths of each country can overcome the weaknesses as each side strives for glory. ARGENTINA So here it is. Last chance saloon. The man who many consider to be the greatest player…

FIFA RANKING: 20TH WORLD CUP APPEARANCES: 5 • WORLD CUP CHAMPIONSHIPS: 0 WORLD CUP OVERALL GAMES RECORD PLD:15 W:2 D:4 L:9 KEY MAN: SARDAR AZMOUN Throughout his career so far, Sardar Azmoun has proven himself to be a total goal machine, and his current record for Iran reads an astonishing 41 goals in 65 international caps. Noted for his pace and finishing, the Bayer Leverkusen star’s link play with fellow forwards Mehdi Taremi and Alireza Jahanbakhsh will cause problems for most teams, while his presence gives Team Melli the upper hand on Group B rivals United States and Wales in terms of firepower. THE COACH: CARLOS QUEIROZ AVeteran coach Carlos Queiroz is leading Iran at a third successive World Cup, having returned to the role as recently as September. His…

WORLD CUP APPEARANCES: 17 • WORLD CUP CHAMPIONSHIPS: 2 FIFA RANKING: 3RD MESSI’S MOMENT? From his first appearance at a World Cup as a teenager in 2006 to losing in the final in 2014, Lionel Messi is still yet to lift international football’s biggest prize of all, and this will almost certainly be his last chance. The seven time Ballon d’Or winner has often failed to reproduce his scintillating club form at international level but is back to his thrilling best for Paris Saint-Germain this year and will be more determined than ever to claim that missing piece in his glittering career. Despite the magical playmaker’s irrefutable brilliance La Albiceleste have never been a one-man team. Under coach Lionel Scaloni the two-time world champions claimed a first Copa América in…

WORLD CUP APPEARANCES: 15 • WORLD CUP CHAMPIONSHIPS: 2 FIFA RANKING: 4TH AIMING TO RETAIN France impressed during qualification, with eight games unbeaten, as they finished top of Group D ahead of Ukraine. However, their form since the start of 2022 has raised concerns over their all-conquering ability heading into their bid to retain the World Cup, with just one win from six UEFA Nations League games. Kylian Mbappe’s stand-off with the French Football Federation has caused friction, with fitness issues over key midfielders Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kante also causing concern despite the outstanding recent rise of Real Madrid duo Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga. The main tactical conundrum for coach Didier Deschamps since their success in Russia four years ago is how to find the right combination in…

FIFA RANKING: 11TH WORLD CUP APPEARANCES: 19 • WORLD CUP CHAMPIONSHIPS: 4 WORLD CUP OVERALL GAMES RECORD PLD:109 W:67 D:20 L:22 KEY MAN: KAI HAVERTZ There is a lot of talent that makes up Germany’s frontline, but Kai Havertz has a crucial role in the false nine position. He has the ability to produce excellent link-up play and quality finishing, as he showcased with his two goals against England in September. Having previously scored winners in the final of the Champions League and the Club World Cup, the Chelsea man has a taste for the big occasion which could serve his national team very well in Qatar. THE COACH: HANSI FLICK Assistant to Joachim Low when Germany last lifted the World Cup in 2014, Hansi Flick eventually succeeded his former…

WORLD CUP APPEARANCES: 13 • WORLD CUP CHAMPIONSHIPS: 0 FIFA RANKING: 2ND LAST CHANCE SALOON Belgium have consistently flattered to deceive at major tournaments in the last decade despite fielding sides filled with some of the best players in world football. The Red Devils have reached just one semi-final since 2000 and coach Roberto Martinez will roll the dice once again with his experienced stars. They cruised through qualification with an unbeaten streak as group winners ahead of Wales, but the real test will come in Qatar. Martinez’s squad features some stellar names but the challenge of converting their club glory onto the international stage has proven to be beyond the former Everton boss so far, along with his predecessor Marc Wilmots. Former Tottenham duo Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen…

FIFA RANKING: 22ND WORLD CUP APPEARANCES: 5 • WORLD CUP CHAMPIONSHIPS: 0 WORLD CUP OVERALL GAMES RECORD PLD:16 W:2 D:5 L:9 KEY MAN: ACHRAF HAKIMI A flying full-back who by the age of 24 has already represented four of Europe’s most prestigious clubs, Achraf Hakimi is a world class operator in his position; good defensively but also a major attacking weapon. With the quality of opposition in Group F, he must show all those attributes here. His overlapping runs are likely to be a feature of Morocco’s play, and don’t be surprised if he finds himself in goalscoring positions too, having found the net eight times already in his international career. THE COACH: WALID REGRAGUI Despite guiding the Atlas Lions to the World Cup in comfortable fashion, there was an…

WORLD CUP APPEARANCES: 2 FIFA RANKING: 21ST ATTACK VERSUS DEFENCE Few international sides can call on the offensive quartet of in-form striker Aleksandar Mitrović, Juventus forward Dušan Vlahović and the superb creative talents of Dušan Tadić Ajax and Sergej Milinković-Savić. The foursome have flourished under the ultra-attacking strategy of coach Dragan Stojković, who insists on playing aesthetically pleasing football. Fulham’s Mitrović transforms into a superhero for Serbia and has already registered an astounding 50 goals for his country, including a memorable stoppage time winner in Lisbon to secure automatic qualification ahead of Portugal. The only real concern on the way to securing their place in Qatar was in defence, as they only registered one clean sheet in eight matches. Despite the leadership of Fiorentina central defender Nikola Milenković the tendency…

FIFA RANKING: 9TH WORLD CUP APPEARANCES: 7 • WORLD CUP CHAMPIONSHIPS: 0 WORLD CUP OVERALL GAMES RECORD PLD:30 W:14 D:6 L:10 KEY MAN: CRISTIANO RONALDO This is a star-studded Portugal side, but everything still seems to revolve around Cristiano Ronaldo. The leading international goalscorer of all time in men’s football, CR7 will be extra motivated to propel his side to success in Qatar after enduring an incredibly frustrating time at Manchester United. In addition to that, this could well be his final World Cup, and despite the ongoing debate over whether he is a help or a hindrance to his teammates, his effectiveness will likely decide A Selecao’s fate. THE COACH: FERNANDO SANTOS In charge since 2014, Fernando Santos will always have the distinction of being the first person to…

KYLIAN MBAPPE FRANCE In 2018, Mbappé made his World Cup debut, and notably grabbed four goals and one assist as Les Bleus ended their two-decade long wait for the title. That included a brilliant 25-yard strike during France’s triumph over surprise finalists Croatia, making Mbappé, then 19, only the second teenager after Pelé to score in a World Cup final. Having racked up a whopping 39 goals and 22 assists for Paris Saint-Germain last term, it is easy to see why many expect him to be one of the strong candidates for the Golden Ball at this year’s highly anticipated tournament. ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI POLAND The Polish ace recently secured a move to Barcelona after nearly a decade in Germany, and so far, appears to be settling in well in La…

Every four years, each national coach has a chance to create history, to mark their name in annals of sporting time for all to marvel over and perhaps more importantly to them, to enhance their reputations to the point in which the job offers come landing at their door. However, there is a flip side too and underperformance will see a coach’s reputation in tatters with a trip to the unemployment office a likely scenario. One coach who has enjoyed both success and disappointment in almost equal measure on the global scale is the Netherlands’ head coach Louis van Gaal. One of the most high-profile managers heading to Qatar, van Gaal is no stranger to the Netherlands hotseat - occupying the position for a third time after taking over from…

The 2026 World Cup will be the first one to feature 48 teams, as well as, be contested in three different countries. While the expansion of the World Cup is definitely exciting, is it beneficial to the tournament? Fans across North America certainly seem to think so and the continent is certainly prepared to open its doors to the world. Canada, Mexico and the United States of America are preparing to host the most prestigious sporting event on the planet in four years’ time and fans of the beautiful game couldn’t be more thrilled. While the games being split across three different countries will mean fewer individual games for each nation, it also allows them all the opportunity to showcase what they can offer while ensuring they won’t need to…

POSITIVE VIBES Ledley King has talked up England’s chances of winning the World Cup this summer despite a dreadful run of results during 2022. The Three Lions have enjoyed excellent runs at their previous two major tournaments, reaching the World Cup semi-finals in 2018 before suffering a narrow penalty shootout defeat at the hands of Italy in the final of Euro 2020 last year. But Gareth Southgate’s side have suffered a collapse in form since, having not won a competitive game this year and enduring the humiliation of being relegated from the Nations League, having not won any of their six group matches against Italy, Germany or Hungary. Pressure has since piled on manager Gareth Southgate ahead of the tournament. Still, King, who played for England at the 2010 World…

Dusan Tadic (November 20) 34 Ajax Amsterdam, Serbia. Tadic was one of Serbia’s most influential players during the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifications, scoring four goals and helping them win their group. In June 2018 he was selected in the 23-man squad for the final tournament, playing all three group stage matches. He could not make any goal contributions in the World Cup finals as Serbia got knocked out of the group stages. The Ajax forward was a pivotal figure in Serbia’s successful 2022 World Cup qualification campaign as well. Tadic contributed two goals and six assists in eight matches. Denis Zakaria (November 20) 26 Chelsea, Switzerland. Denis Zakaria has been a part of The Schweizer Nati since the Euro 2016. He was a part of the Swiss World Cup squad that…