4 players to watch at the World Cup in Russia

With few hours to Thursday’s World Cup curtain-raiser between Russia and Saudi Arabia,here are some of theĀ  players to watch in Russia.

Lionel Messi (Argentina)

He goes into the tournament in outstanding form after another brilliant domestic campaign in which he dragged Barcelona to a La Liga and Copa del Rey double, but can he reproduce his club performances on the international stage? The pressure is on.

Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)

From winning the Euros with Portugal in 2016 to lifting a third consecutive Champions League trophy with Real Madrid last month, Ronaldo is enjoying the most successful period of his glittering career. He scored 44 goals in 44 games for Madrid last season and he is sure to be a central figure for his country at the World Cup.

Mohamed Salah (Egypt)

Salah’s World Cup hopes looked bleak when he went off in tears in the Champions League final, but he has been named in Egypt’s squad and it seems he is recovering quicker than expected. After a dazzling debut season with Liverpool, the 25-year-old’s fitness and form is likely to be decisive for his country.

Eden Hazard (Belgium)

Chelsea may have struggled last season but Hazard goes into the World Cup in good shape after another impressive individual campaign. Belgium have no shortage of star quality, but few players can make the difference like an in-form Hazard, who scored 17 goals for Chelsea last season. Roberto Martinez will need him at his best.

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