Last update 9 August, 2024 by Alberto Llopis
Much is written and spoken selections candidates to win the next World Russia but little is talking about less common selections and, in theory, with fewer options to achieve important things in the finals. We analyze some of them:
PANAMA
Panamanians were able to make history by achieving first qualifying for the finals of a World Cup after beating 2-1 to Costa Rica with a goal from Román Torres failing 2 minutes left of the game. The country went crazy and now have the opportunity to play against the best teams in the world without any pressure.
The star of the team is Román Torres, Captain and author of the historic goal. It acts as a central player in MLS Seattle Sounders. Another key is selected Panamanian coach. Colombian Hernan Dario Gomez has been able to classify three teams for World Cup (before he got to Colombia in France 98 and Ecuador in Korea and Japan 2002).
Panama has been drawn in Group G with Belgium, Tunisia and England and will try to spring a surprise in any of the parties.
IRAN
Combined with the Asian eye because it is not as weak as it may sound selection. The selection directed by Carlos Queiroz (who has been in office since 2011) go for the first time ever two consecutive FIFA World Cups. The Portuguese coach is doing a great job and won the World Cup qualifiers taking a real walk, being the second team to qualify after Brazil. The strength of the Iranian team is its strong defense, It will not be easy to defeat.
Sardar Azmoun, which many called Messi Irani, It is their best player. Very fast and very goal, acts in the Russian Rubin Kazan.
The Asian team has been drawn in Group B with Spain, Portugal and Morocco, so it will be very difficult to achieve qualify but certainly gives a lot of war.
SAUDI ARABIA
The Saudis return to a World Cup after 12 year absence. Since Australia began competing in the Asian region, Saudi Arabia had failed to qualify for the finals, but this year has finally broken the curse.
His star is Mohammad Al Sahlawi, who has managed to score 16 goals in qualifying but one of the national heroes is Fahad Al Muwallad, Currently in the Levant thanks to an agreement between the Saudi football federation and Laliga, who scored the goal that qualified Arabia against Japan.
This is a selection players with very little experience at the highest level, something must acknowledge in Russia. Juan Antonio Pizzi will try to achieve a victory that would be celebrated as something historic nationwide.
Arabia is drawn in Group A alongside the host, Russia as well as Egypt and Uruguay.