[h=1]<yt-formatted-string class="style-scope ytd-video-primary-info-renderer" style="--yt-endpoint-color:hsl(206.1, 79.3%, 52.7%);">Paul Mariner gives his predictions for 2018 World Cup.</yt-formatted-string>[/h]
[h=1]<yt-formatted-string class="style-scope ytd-video-primary-info-renderer" style="--yt-endpoint-color:hsl(206.1, 79.3%, 52.7%);">Live It Up (Official Video) - Nicky Jam feat. Will Smith & Era Istrefi (2018 FIFA World Cup Russia)</yt-formatted-string>[/h]
I'll do a preview for every team.
Later on
Later on
Russia
<figure itemprop="associatedMedia image" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/ImageObject" data-component="image" class="element element-image img--landscape element--thumbnail fig--narrow-caption fig--has-shares " data-media-id="a6a47749ad96eb2822d3ba3aafc0709d3a24d6ee" id="img-2" style="margin: 0.375rem 1.25rem 0px -10rem; position: relative; float: left; clear: left; width: 8.75rem; color: rgb(18, 18, 18); font-family: "Guardian Text Egyptian Web", Georgia, serif; font-size: 17px; font-variant-ligatures: common-ligatures;"><source media="(min-width: 740px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 1.25), (min-width: 740px) and (min-resolution: 120dpi)" sizes="140px" srcset="https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/a6a47749ad96eb2822d3ba3aafc0709d3a24d6ee/787_311_2137_2137/master/2137.jpg?w=140&q=20&auto=format&usm=12&fit=max&dpr=2& 280w"><source media="(min-width: 740px)" sizes="140px" srcset="https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/a6a47749ad96eb2822d3ba3aafc0709d3a24d6ee/787_311_2137_2137/master/2137.jpg?w=140&q=55&auto=format&usm=12&fit=max& 140w"><source media="(min-width: 0px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 1.25), (min-width: 0px) and (min-resolution: 120dpi)" sizes="120px" srcset="https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/a6a47749ad96eb2822d3ba3aafc0709d3a24d6ee/787_311_2137_2137/master/2137.jpg?w=120&q=20&auto=format&usm=12&fit=max&dpr=2& 240w"><source media="(min-width: 0px)" sizes="120px" srcset="https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/a6a47749ad96eb2822d3ba3aafc0709d3a24d6ee/787_311_2137_2137/master/2137.jpg?w=120&q=55&auto=format&usm=12&fit=max& 120w">
<figcaption class="caption caption--img caption caption--img" itemprop="description" style="font-size: 0.75rem; line-height: 1rem; font-family: "Guardian Text Sans Web", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; color: rgb(118, 118, 118); padding-top: 0.5rem; min-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.375rem; max-width: 32.5rem;"><svg width="11" height="10" viewBox="0 0 11 10" class="inline-triangle__svg inline-icon__svg"></svg>
Ilya Sokolov</figcaption></figure>Moscow can... surprise you every day. It’s an ideal city for sports fans as it has 11 professional football teams and four in the Russian Premier League. Expectations are pretty low for the hosts. Fans don’t consider Stanislav Cherchesov a good coach and we are worried about Russia’s inexperienced defence.
Russia will... qualify from the group. But only if Cherchesov finds a way to get the best from a talented squad and understands how to defend without the retired Berezutski brothers. If Russia can avoid Spain in the first knockout match, there is a chance we can go even further.
Keep an eye out for... Alexey Miranchuk, an intelligent player who can create the moments that matter. Striker Fyodor Smolov could have a decent tournament too. He wants to leave Krasnodar and move abroad, so he needs good performances this summer.
<figure itemprop="associatedMedia image" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/ImageObject" data-component="image" class="element element-image img--landscape element--thumbnail fig--narrow-caption fig--has-shares " data-media-id="a6a47749ad96eb2822d3ba3aafc0709d3a24d6ee" id="img-2" style="margin: 0.375rem 1.25rem 0px -10rem; position: relative; float: left; clear: left; width: 8.75rem; color: rgb(18, 18, 18); font-family: "Guardian Text Egyptian Web", Georgia, serif; font-size: 17px; font-variant-ligatures: common-ligatures;"><source media="(min-width: 740px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 1.25), (min-width: 740px) and (min-resolution: 120dpi)" sizes="140px" srcset="https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/a6a47749ad96eb2822d3ba3aafc0709d3a24d6ee/787_311_2137_2137/master/2137.jpg?w=140&q=20&auto=format&usm=12&fit=max&dpr=2& 280w"><source media="(min-width: 740px)" sizes="140px" srcset="https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/a6a47749ad96eb2822d3ba3aafc0709d3a24d6ee/787_311_2137_2137/master/2137.jpg?w=140&q=55&auto=format&usm=12&fit=max& 140w"><source media="(min-width: 0px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 1.25), (min-width: 0px) and (min-resolution: 120dpi)" sizes="120px" srcset="https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/a6a47749ad96eb2822d3ba3aafc0709d3a24d6ee/787_311_2137_2137/master/2137.jpg?w=120&q=20&auto=format&usm=12&fit=max&dpr=2& 240w"><source media="(min-width: 0px)" sizes="120px" srcset="https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/a6a47749ad96eb2822d3ba3aafc0709d3a24d6ee/787_311_2137_2137/master/2137.jpg?w=120&q=55&auto=format&usm=12&fit=max& 120w">
<figcaption class="caption caption--img caption caption--img" itemprop="description" style="font-size: 0.75rem; line-height: 1rem; font-family: "Guardian Text Sans Web", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; color: rgb(118, 118, 118); padding-top: 0.5rem; min-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.375rem; max-width: 32.5rem;"><svg width="11" height="10" viewBox="0 0 11 10" class="inline-triangle__svg inline-icon__svg"></svg>Ilya Sokolov</figcaption></figure>Moscow can... surprise you every day. It’s an ideal city for sports fans as it has 11 professional football teams and four in the Russian Premier League. Expectations are pretty low for the hosts. Fans don’t consider Stanislav Cherchesov a good coach and we are worried about Russia’s inexperienced defence.
Russia will... qualify from the group. But only if Cherchesov finds a way to get the best from a talented squad and understands how to defend without the retired Berezutski brothers. If Russia can avoid Spain in the first knockout match, there is a chance we can go even further.
Keep an eye out for... Alexey Miranchuk, an intelligent player who can create the moments that matter. Striker Fyodor Smolov could have a decent tournament too. He wants to leave Krasnodar and move abroad, so he needs good performances this summer.
Egypt
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<figcaption class="caption caption--img caption caption--img" itemprop="description" style="font-size: 0.75rem; line-height: 1rem; font-family: "Guardian Text Sans Web", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; color: rgb(118, 118, 118); padding-top: 0.5rem; min-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.375rem; max-width: 32.5rem;"><svg width="11" height="10" viewBox="0 0 11 10" class="inline-triangle__svg inline-icon__svg"></svg>
Ahmed Aly</figcaption></figure>The general mood is... one of excitement. Egypt haven’t been at a World Cupsince 1990, so we seem to have forgotten how to celebrate qualification. The streets are draped in red, white and black, and everyone has now become a football analyst. We should just be happy we are at the party.
Egypt is... not Liverpool. Mo Salah reached the final of one major tournament this year, but no one seriously expects him to reach another. We just want to see our team play exciting football as representatives of Africa. I would be content if we can get out of the group.
Look out for... Ahmed Hegazi and Ramadan Sobhi. Relegated with West Brom and Stoke this season, they will be keen to redeem themselves on the international stage. Legendary 45-year-old goalkeeper Essam El Hadari will hopefully fulfil his dream of captaining Egypt in a World Cup.
<figure itemprop="associatedMedia image" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/ImageObject" data-component="image" class="element element-image img--landscape element--thumbnail fig--narrow-caption fig--has-shares " data-media-id="e87a03bfffa33b407af31cdc44455362dbf61c94" id="img-3" style="margin: 0.375rem 1.25rem 0px -10rem; position: relative; float: left; clear: left; width: 8.75rem; color: rgb(18, 18, 18); font-family: "Guardian Text Egyptian Web", Georgia, serif; font-size: 17px; font-variant-ligatures: common-ligatures;"><source media="(min-width: 740px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 1.25), (min-width: 740px) and (min-resolution: 120dpi)" sizes="140px" srcset="https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/e87a03bfffa33b407af31cdc44455362dbf61c94/48_140_872_872/master/872.png?w=140&q=20&auto=format&usm=12&fit=max&dpr=2& 280w"><source media="(min-width: 740px)" sizes="140px" srcset="https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/e87a03bfffa33b407af31cdc44455362dbf61c94/48_140_872_872/master/872.png?w=140&q=55&auto=format&usm=12&fit=max& 140w"><source media="(min-width: 0px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 1.25), (min-width: 0px) and (min-resolution: 120dpi)" sizes="120px" srcset="https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/e87a03bfffa33b407af31cdc44455362dbf61c94/48_140_872_872/master/872.png?w=120&q=20&auto=format&usm=12&fit=max&dpr=2& 240w"><source media="(min-width: 0px)" sizes="120px" srcset="https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/e87a03bfffa33b407af31cdc44455362dbf61c94/48_140_872_872/master/872.png?w=120&q=55&auto=format&usm=12&fit=max& 120w">
<figcaption class="caption caption--img caption caption--img" itemprop="description" style="font-size: 0.75rem; line-height: 1rem; font-family: "Guardian Text Sans Web", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; color: rgb(118, 118, 118); padding-top: 0.5rem; min-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.375rem; max-width: 32.5rem;"><svg width="11" height="10" viewBox="0 0 11 10" class="inline-triangle__svg inline-icon__svg"></svg>Ahmed Aly</figcaption></figure>The general mood is... one of excitement. Egypt haven’t been at a World Cupsince 1990, so we seem to have forgotten how to celebrate qualification. The streets are draped in red, white and black, and everyone has now become a football analyst. We should just be happy we are at the party.
Egypt is... not Liverpool. Mo Salah reached the final of one major tournament this year, but no one seriously expects him to reach another. We just want to see our team play exciting football as representatives of Africa. I would be content if we can get out of the group.
Look out for... Ahmed Hegazi and Ramadan Sobhi. Relegated with West Brom and Stoke this season, they will be keen to redeem themselves on the international stage. Legendary 45-year-old goalkeeper Essam El Hadari will hopefully fulfil his dream of captaining Egypt in a World Cup.
[h=2]Uruguay[/h]<figure itemprop="associatedMedia image" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/ImageObject" data-component="image" class="element element-image img--landscape element--thumbnail " data-media-id="9b7706f43beef006fa4655b57406ed34d2ca590d" style="margin: 0.375rem 1.25rem 0px -10rem; position: relative; float: left; clear: left; width: 8.75rem; color: rgb(18, 18, 18); font-family: "Guardian Text Egyptian Web", Georgia, serif; font-size: 17px; font-variant-ligatures: common-ligatures;">
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</picture>
<figcaption class="caption caption--img caption caption--img" itemprop="description" style="font-size: 0.75rem; line-height: 1rem; font-family: "Guardian Text Sans Web", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; color: rgb(118, 118, 118); padding-top: 0.5rem; min-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.375rem;"><svg width="11" height="10" viewBox="0 0 11 10" class="inline-triangle__svg inline-icon__svg">
</path></svg> Natalia, her son Mateo and Edinson Cavani.</figcaption></figure>[FONT="]The country’s emotional state is... euphoric and anxious. Great things are expected. Businesses around Montevideo have decorated their offices in light blue colours and there are World Cup sweepstakes taking place everywhere.
[/FONT]
[FONT="]Uruguay has... A good chance. There’s a healthy mix of experienced professionals and promising young talents. Luis Suárez and Edinson Cavani carry most of the weight of expectation but we have a very united team and the country has a lot of faith in them.
When I was younger... I promised myself that if I ever had a daughter, I would name her Celeste in honour of the national team. Last year Micaela Celeste was born.[/FONT]
<source media="(min-width: 740px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 1.25), (min-width: 740px) and (min-resolution: 120dpi)" sizes="140px" srcset="https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/9b7706f43beef006fa4655b57406ed34d2ca590d/99_0_480_480/master/480.jpg?w=140&q=20&auto=format&usm=12&fit=max&dpr=2& 280w"><source media="(min-width: 740px)" sizes="140px" srcset="https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/9b7706f43beef006fa4655b57406ed34d2ca590d/99_0_480_480/master/480.jpg?w=140&q=55&auto=format&usm=12&fit=max& 140w"><source media="(min-width: 0px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 1.25), (min-width: 0px) and (min-resolution: 120dpi)" sizes="120px" srcset="https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/9b7706f43beef006fa4655b57406ed34d2ca590d/99_0_480_480/master/480.jpg?w=120&q=20&auto=format&usm=12&fit=max&dpr=2& 240w"><source media="(min-width: 0px)" sizes="120px" srcset="https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/9b7706f43beef006fa4655b57406ed34d2ca590d/99_0_480_480/master/480.jpg?w=120&q=55&auto=format&usm=12&fit=max& 120w">
<figcaption class="caption caption--img caption caption--img" itemprop="description" style="font-size: 0.75rem; line-height: 1rem; font-family: "Guardian Text Sans Web", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; color: rgb(118, 118, 118); padding-top: 0.5rem; min-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.375rem;"><svg width="11" height="10" viewBox="0 0 11 10" class="inline-triangle__svg inline-icon__svg">
</path></svg> Natalia, her son Mateo and Edinson Cavani.</figcaption></figure>[FONT="]The country’s emotional state is... euphoric and anxious. Great things are expected. Businesses around Montevideo have decorated their offices in light blue colours and there are World Cup sweepstakes taking place everywhere.
[/FONT]
[FONT="]Uruguay has... A good chance. There’s a healthy mix of experienced professionals and promising young talents. Luis Suárez and Edinson Cavani carry most of the weight of expectation but we have a very united team and the country has a lot of faith in them.
When I was younger... I promised myself that if I ever had a daughter, I would name her Celeste in honour of the national team. Last year Micaela Celeste was born.[/FONT]
Saudi Arabia
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<source media="(min-width: 740px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 1.25), (min-width: 740px) and (min-resolution: 120dpi)" sizes="140px" srcset="https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/d2fd10eaab579885a0fedd34f61c2b1d87c9b45e/162_0_588_588/master/588.jpg?w=140&q=20&auto=format&usm=12&fit=max&dpr=2& 280w"><source media="(min-width: 740px)" sizes="140px" srcset="https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/d2fd10eaab579885a0fedd34f61c2b1d87c9b45e/162_0_588_588/master/588.jpg?w=140&q=55&auto=format&usm=12&fit=max& 140w"><source media="(min-width: 0px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 1.25), (min-width: 0px) and (min-resolution: 120dpi)" sizes="120px" srcset="https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/d2fd10eaab579885a0fedd34f61c2b1d87c9b45e/162_0_588_588/master/588.jpg?w=120&q=20&auto=format&usm=12&fit=max&dpr=2& 240w"><source media="(min-width: 0px)" sizes="120px" srcset="https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/d2fd10eaab579885a0fedd34f61c2b1d87c9b45e/162_0_588_588/master/588.jpg?w=120&q=55&auto=format&usm=12&fit=max& 120w">
<figcaption class="caption caption--img caption caption--img" itemprop="description" style="font-size: 0.75rem; line-height: 1rem; font-family: "Guardian Text Sans Web", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; color: rgb(118, 118, 118); padding-top: 0.5rem; min-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.375rem;"><svg width="11" height="10" viewBox="0 0 11 10" class="inline-triangle__svg inline-icon__svg"></svg>
Sarah Algashgari Photograph: Sarah Algashgari/Twitter</figcaption></figure>Allowing us to watch football was... about women finally achieving one of their demands. Next up we’ll be able to drive. It’s so amazing to finally see all this empowerment for girls in Saudi Arabia.
The country is... very excited about taking part in the World Cup again. Twelve years is a long time to wait for another chance.
The Saudi player I’m most excited by is... all of them. We don’t have any star players and go into the tournament with a group mentality. This unity will be the key if we are to go through.
Saudi Arabia should be targeting... the heroics of USA 94. Reaching the second round in our first World Cup was incredible. The three group-stage exits that followed were so disappointing in comparison.
<figure itemprop="associatedMedia image" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/ImageObject" data-component="image" class="element element-image img--landscape element--thumbnail " data-media-id="d2fd10eaab579885a0fedd34f61c2b1d87c9b45e" style="margin: 0.375rem 1.25rem 0px -10rem; position: relative; float: left; clear: left; width: 8.75rem; color: rgb(18, 18, 18); font-family: "Guardian Text Egyptian Web", Georgia, serif; font-size: 17px; font-variant-ligatures: common-ligatures;">
<source media="(min-width: 740px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 1.25), (min-width: 740px) and (min-resolution: 120dpi)" sizes="140px" srcset="https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/d2fd10eaab579885a0fedd34f61c2b1d87c9b45e/162_0_588_588/master/588.jpg?w=140&q=20&auto=format&usm=12&fit=max&dpr=2& 280w"><source media="(min-width: 740px)" sizes="140px" srcset="https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/d2fd10eaab579885a0fedd34f61c2b1d87c9b45e/162_0_588_588/master/588.jpg?w=140&q=55&auto=format&usm=12&fit=max& 140w"><source media="(min-width: 0px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 1.25), (min-width: 0px) and (min-resolution: 120dpi)" sizes="120px" srcset="https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/d2fd10eaab579885a0fedd34f61c2b1d87c9b45e/162_0_588_588/master/588.jpg?w=120&q=20&auto=format&usm=12&fit=max&dpr=2& 240w"><source media="(min-width: 0px)" sizes="120px" srcset="https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/d2fd10eaab579885a0fedd34f61c2b1d87c9b45e/162_0_588_588/master/588.jpg?w=120&q=55&auto=format&usm=12&fit=max& 120w">
<figcaption class="caption caption--img caption caption--img" itemprop="description" style="font-size: 0.75rem; line-height: 1rem; font-family: "Guardian Text Sans Web", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; color: rgb(118, 118, 118); padding-top: 0.5rem; min-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.375rem;"><svg width="11" height="10" viewBox="0 0 11 10" class="inline-triangle__svg inline-icon__svg"></svg>
Sarah Algashgari Photograph: Sarah Algashgari/Twitter</figcaption></figure>Allowing us to watch football was... about women finally achieving one of their demands. Next up we’ll be able to drive. It’s so amazing to finally see all this empowerment for girls in Saudi Arabia.
The country is... very excited about taking part in the World Cup again. Twelve years is a long time to wait for another chance.
The Saudi player I’m most excited by is... all of them. We don’t have any star players and go into the tournament with a group mentality. This unity will be the key if we are to go through.
Saudi Arabia should be targeting... the heroics of USA 94. Reaching the second round in our first World Cup was incredible. The three group-stage exits that followed were so disappointing in comparison.
Iran
<figure itemprop="associatedMedia image" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/ImageObject" data-component="image" class="element element-image img--landscape element--thumbnail fig--narrow-caption fig--has-shares " data-media-id="380dfcb858a18fa67cdfee5e9ebc2b53336b79af" id="img-4" style="margin: 0.375rem 1.25rem 0px -10rem; position: relative; float: left; clear: left; width: 8.75rem; color: rgb(18, 18, 18); font-family: "Guardian Text Egyptian Web", Georgia, serif; font-size: 17px; font-variant-ligatures: common-ligatures;"><source media="(min-width: 740px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 1.25), (min-width: 740px) and (min-resolution: 120dpi)" sizes="140px" srcset="https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/380dfcb858a18fa67cdfee5e9ebc2b53336b79af/0_352_1200_1200/master/1200.jpg?w=140&q=20&auto=format&usm=12&fit=max&dpr=2& 280w"><source media="(min-width: 740px)" sizes="140px" srcset="https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/380dfcb858a18fa67cdfee5e9ebc2b53336b79af/0_352_1200_1200/master/1200.jpg?w=140&q=55&auto=format&usm=12&fit=max& 140w"><source media="(min-width: 0px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 1.25), (min-width: 0px) and (min-resolution: 120dpi)" sizes="120px" srcset="https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/380dfcb858a18fa67cdfee5e9ebc2b53336b79af/0_352_1200_1200/master/1200.jpg?w=120&q=20&auto=format&usm=12&fit=max&dpr=2& 240w"><source media="(min-width: 0px)" sizes="120px" srcset="https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/380dfcb858a18fa67cdfee5e9ebc2b53336b79af/0_352_1200_1200/master/1200.jpg?w=120&q=55&auto=format&usm=12&fit=max& 120w">
<figcaption class="caption caption--img caption caption--img" itemprop="description" style="font-size: 0.75rem; line-height: 1rem; font-family: "Guardian Text Sans Web", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; color: rgb(118, 118, 118); padding-top: 0.5rem; min-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.375rem; max-width: 32.5rem;"><svg width="11" height="10" viewBox="0 0 11 10" class="inline-triangle__svg inline-icon__svg"></svg>
Payam Kalantar</figcaption></figure>The World Cup... means a lot to us. We have a large population with a strong sense of identity and history, but as a footballing nation we are still relatively inexperienced. Young Iranians feel oppressed and isolated at home, while also constantly misunderstood and stereotyped around the world. Cheering on “Team Melli” is an opportunity to express ourselves.
We will... go past our group for the first time. The superb talents of Sardar Azmoun, Alireza Jahanbakhsh, Saman Ghoddos and Masoud Shojaei should give us a chance. It’s hard to look beyond the 2-1 win over USA at France 98 as my favourite World Cup memory. There aren’t that many to choose from.
<figure itemprop="associatedMedia image" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/ImageObject" data-component="image" class="element element-image img--landscape element--thumbnail fig--narrow-caption fig--has-shares " data-media-id="380dfcb858a18fa67cdfee5e9ebc2b53336b79af" id="img-4" style="margin: 0.375rem 1.25rem 0px -10rem; position: relative; float: left; clear: left; width: 8.75rem; color: rgb(18, 18, 18); font-family: "Guardian Text Egyptian Web", Georgia, serif; font-size: 17px; font-variant-ligatures: common-ligatures;"><source media="(min-width: 740px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 1.25), (min-width: 740px) and (min-resolution: 120dpi)" sizes="140px" srcset="https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/380dfcb858a18fa67cdfee5e9ebc2b53336b79af/0_352_1200_1200/master/1200.jpg?w=140&q=20&auto=format&usm=12&fit=max&dpr=2& 280w"><source media="(min-width: 740px)" sizes="140px" srcset="https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/380dfcb858a18fa67cdfee5e9ebc2b53336b79af/0_352_1200_1200/master/1200.jpg?w=140&q=55&auto=format&usm=12&fit=max& 140w"><source media="(min-width: 0px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 1.25), (min-width: 0px) and (min-resolution: 120dpi)" sizes="120px" srcset="https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/380dfcb858a18fa67cdfee5e9ebc2b53336b79af/0_352_1200_1200/master/1200.jpg?w=120&q=20&auto=format&usm=12&fit=max&dpr=2& 240w"><source media="(min-width: 0px)" sizes="120px" srcset="https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/380dfcb858a18fa67cdfee5e9ebc2b53336b79af/0_352_1200_1200/master/1200.jpg?w=120&q=55&auto=format&usm=12&fit=max& 120w">
<figcaption class="caption caption--img caption caption--img" itemprop="description" style="font-size: 0.75rem; line-height: 1rem; font-family: "Guardian Text Sans Web", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; color: rgb(118, 118, 118); padding-top: 0.5rem; min-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.375rem; max-width: 32.5rem;"><svg width="11" height="10" viewBox="0 0 11 10" class="inline-triangle__svg inline-icon__svg"></svg>Payam Kalantar</figcaption></figure>The World Cup... means a lot to us. We have a large population with a strong sense of identity and history, but as a footballing nation we are still relatively inexperienced. Young Iranians feel oppressed and isolated at home, while also constantly misunderstood and stereotyped around the world. Cheering on “Team Melli” is an opportunity to express ourselves.
We will... go past our group for the first time. The superb talents of Sardar Azmoun, Alireza Jahanbakhsh, Saman Ghoddos and Masoud Shojaei should give us a chance. It’s hard to look beyond the 2-1 win over USA at France 98 as my favourite World Cup memory. There aren’t that many to choose from.
Morocco
<aside class="element element-rich-link element-rich-link--tag element--thumbnail element-rich-link--upgraded" data-component="rich-link-tag" data-link-name="rich-link-tag" style="float: left; margin: 0.3125rem 1.25rem 0.75rem -15rem; clear: both; width: 13.75rem; color: rgb(18, 18, 18); font-family: "Guardian Text Egyptian Web", Georgia, serif; font-size: 17px; font-variant-ligatures: common-ligatures;">
World Cup 2018: complete guide to all 736 players
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</aside>The last time we qualified... I was 10 years old. Back in 1998 we were so close to progressing to the last 16, but Brazil somehow lost to Norway.
I fancy our chances... against Portugal and Iran but Spain will be on their own planet. Making it out of the group would be a huge success, but not much of a surprise.
Our key player will be... Hakim Ziyech, an attacking midfielder who plays for Ajax.
<aside class="element element-rich-link element-rich-link--tag element--thumbnail element-rich-link--upgraded" data-component="rich-link-tag" data-link-name="rich-link-tag" style="float: left; margin: 0.3125rem 1.25rem 0.75rem -15rem; clear: both; width: 13.75rem; color: rgb(18, 18, 18); font-family: "Guardian Text Egyptian Web", Georgia, serif; font-size: 17px; font-variant-ligatures: common-ligatures;">
World Cup 2018: complete guide to all 736 players
<svg width="24" height="24" viewBox="0 0 24 24" class="inline-arrow-in-circle__svg inline-icon__svg"></svg>
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</aside>The last time we qualified... I was 10 years old. Back in 1998 we were so close to progressing to the last 16, but Brazil somehow lost to Norway.
I fancy our chances... against Portugal and Iran but Spain will be on their own planet. Making it out of the group would be a huge success, but not much of a surprise.
Our key player will be... Hakim Ziyech, an attacking midfielder who plays for Ajax.
Portugal
The mood is... uncertain. The joy of winning Euro 2016 is still there, giving us hope, but the fact that we just aren’t very good still doesn’t sit very well with many.
The minimum expectation is... quarter-finals. Getting out of the group with Spain should be a given but I expect the team to buckle against Argentina or France, the most likely opponents in the quarter-finals.
Our creative force in the national team should be... Bernardo Silva. Portugal have lacked a proper attacking playmaker since Deco retired. Ronaldo should play a massive part too, unless he’s fatigued after another long season.
The mood is... uncertain. The joy of winning Euro 2016 is still there, giving us hope, but the fact that we just aren’t very good still doesn’t sit very well with many.
The minimum expectation is... quarter-finals. Getting out of the group with Spain should be a given but I expect the team to buckle against Argentina or France, the most likely opponents in the quarter-finals.
Our creative force in the national team should be... Bernardo Silva. Portugal have lacked a proper attacking playmaker since Deco retired. Ronaldo should play a massive part too, unless he’s fatigued after another long season.
[h=2]Spain[/h]<figure itemprop="associatedMedia image" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/ImageObject" data-component="image" class="element element-image img--landscape element--thumbnail fig--narrow-caption fig--has-shares " data-media-id="eecc245ac339762644699a20c76aa16deac5e192" id="img-6" style="margin: 0.375rem 1.25rem 0px -10rem; position: relative; float: left; clear: left; width: 8.75rem; color: rgb(18, 18, 18); font-family: "Guardian Text Egyptian Web", Georgia, serif; font-size: 17px; font-variant-ligatures: common-ligatures;"><source media="(min-width: 740px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 1.25), (min-width: 740px) and (min-resolution: 120dpi)" sizes="140px" srcset="https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/eecc245ac339762644699a20c76aa16deac5e192/162_0_899_899/master/899.jpg?w=140&q=20&auto=format&usm=12&fit=max&dpr=2& 280w"><source media="(min-width: 740px)" sizes="140px" srcset="https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/eecc245ac339762644699a20c76aa16deac5e192/162_0_899_899/master/899.jpg?w=140&q=55&auto=format&usm=12&fit=max& 140w"><source media="(min-width: 0px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 1.25), (min-width: 0px) and (min-resolution: 120dpi)" sizes="120px" srcset="https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/eecc245ac339762644699a20c76aa16deac5e192/162_0_899_899/master/899.jpg?w=120&q=20&auto=format&usm=12&fit=max&dpr=2& 240w"><source media="(min-width: 0px)" sizes="120px" srcset="https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/eecc245ac339762644699a20c76aa16deac5e192/162_0_899_899/master/899.jpg?w=120&q=55&auto=format&usm=12&fit=max& 120w">
<figcaption class="caption caption--img caption caption--img" itemprop="description" style="font-size: 0.75rem; line-height: 1rem; font-family: "Guardian Text Sans Web", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; color: rgb(118, 118, 118); padding-top: 0.5rem; min-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.375rem; max-width: 32.5rem;"><svg width="11" height="10" viewBox="0 0 11 10" class="inline-triangle__svg inline-icon__svg">
</path></svg> Javier Perez</figcaption></figure>[FONT="]Brazil 2014 was... very disappointing. We’ve only just recovered but, if we start well this summer, the belief is La Roja will soon be back.
[/FONT]
[FONT="]It’s difficult to say... where Spain will end up in the World Cup. There are many wonderful teams and they all want their hands on the trophy. If players such as David Silva, Andrés Iniesta and Isco start on the front foot, we won’t be too far away. [/FONT]
<figcaption class="caption caption--img caption caption--img" itemprop="description" style="font-size: 0.75rem; line-height: 1rem; font-family: "Guardian Text Sans Web", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; color: rgb(118, 118, 118); padding-top: 0.5rem; min-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.375rem; max-width: 32.5rem;"><svg width="11" height="10" viewBox="0 0 11 10" class="inline-triangle__svg inline-icon__svg"></path></svg> Javier Perez</figcaption></figure>[FONT="]Brazil 2014 was... very disappointing. We’ve only just recovered but, if we start well this summer, the belief is La Roja will soon be back.
[/FONT]
[FONT="]It’s difficult to say... where Spain will end up in the World Cup. There are many wonderful teams and they all want their hands on the trophy. If players such as David Silva, Andrés Iniesta and Isco start on the front foot, we won’t be too far away. [/FONT]
Australia
Australia will... never again reach the heights of the performance in 2006, when we were spectacular in Germany. The aim this summer is to get through the group. If the team give their all we shouldn’t be too far away. France are the only team that look unbeatable.
The beating heart of our midfield is... Aaron Mooy. His tactical and physical approach shouldn’t be underestimated. He is one of the main reasons Huddersfield remain a Premier League side. His craftsmanship in midfield won’t go unnoticed.
Australia will... never again reach the heights of the performance in 2006, when we were spectacular in Germany. The aim this summer is to get through the group. If the team give their all we shouldn’t be too far away. France are the only team that look unbeatable.
The beating heart of our midfield is... Aaron Mooy. His tactical and physical approach shouldn’t be underestimated. He is one of the main reasons Huddersfield remain a Premier League side. His craftsmanship in midfield won’t go unnoticed.
Denmark
Qualifying was... a relief as it is never guaranteed. Our goal is to do better than last time. South Africa in 2010 was a real disappointment but we can definitely make the knockout stages this summer. Then we will probably be destroyed by Argentina.
The man with the X-factor is... Christian Eriksen. He’s been on fire for our national team during qualification and inspires younger players such as Pione Sisto, Thomas Delaney and Andreas Christensen. Our team is based around these youngsters.
The man with the X-factor is... Christian Eriksen. He’s been on fire for our national team during qualification and inspires younger players such as Pione Sisto, Thomas Delaney and Andreas Christensen. Our team is based around these youngsters.
France
The only thing that can stop us is... overconfidence. We have huge talents but a lack of cohesion. The national team has not evolved as much as we should have since Euro 2016. Didier Deschamps did a very average job with our young players. There’s no real back up for Olivier Giroud; our full-backs are not so good; and we rely on individual talents to win us games. I’m not sure if that’s enough to win the World Cup.
I would be happy to reach... the semi-finals. Spain, Germany, Belgium and even Brazil look more organised than us.
The player who excites me most is... Kylian Mbappé. He already has so much experience and can do a lot of damage with Ousmane Dembélé up front. Antoine Griezmann will be his usual threat.
The only thing that can stop us is... overconfidence. We have huge talents but a lack of cohesion. The national team has not evolved as much as we should have since Euro 2016. Didier Deschamps did a very average job with our young players. There’s no real back up for Olivier Giroud; our full-backs are not so good; and we rely on individual talents to win us games. I’m not sure if that’s enough to win the World Cup.
I would be happy to reach... the semi-finals. Spain, Germany, Belgium and even Brazil look more organised than us.
The player who excites me most is... Kylian Mbappé. He already has so much experience and can do a lot of damage with Ousmane Dembélé up front. Antoine Griezmann will be his usual threat.
Peru
<figure itemprop="associatedMedia image" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/ImageObject" data-component="image" class="element element-image img--landscape element--thumbnail " data-media-id="8dfd49a869b7b392aaa763cf1b4a63e393bce9d9" style="margin: 0.375rem 1.25rem 0px -10rem; position: relative; float: left; clear: left; width: 8.75rem; color: rgb(18, 18, 18); font-family: "Guardian Text Egyptian Web", Georgia, serif; font-size: 17px; font-variant-ligatures: common-ligatures;">
<source media="(min-width: 740px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 1.25), (min-width: 740px) and (min-resolution: 120dpi)" sizes="140px" srcset="https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/8dfd49a869b7b392aaa763cf1b4a63e393bce9d9/0_59_512_512/master/512.jpg?w=140&q=20&auto=format&usm=12&fit=max&dpr=2& 280w"><source media="(min-width: 740px)" sizes="140px" srcset="https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/8dfd49a869b7b392aaa763cf1b4a63e393bce9d9/0_59_512_512/master/512.jpg?w=140&q=55&auto=format&usm=12&fit=max& 140w"><source media="(min-width: 0px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 1.25), (min-width: 0px) and (min-resolution: 120dpi)" sizes="120px" srcset="https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/8dfd49a869b7b392aaa763cf1b4a63e393bce9d9/0_59_512_512/master/512.jpg?w=120&q=20&auto=format&usm=12&fit=max&dpr=2& 240w"><source media="(min-width: 0px)" sizes="120px" srcset="https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/8dfd49a869b7b392aaa763cf1b4a63e393bce9d9/0_59_512_512/master/512.jpg?w=120&q=55&auto=format&usm=12&fit=max& 120w">
<figcaption class="caption caption--img caption caption--img" itemprop="description" style="font-size: 0.75rem; line-height: 1rem; font-family: "Guardian Text Sans Web", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; color: rgb(118, 118, 118); padding-top: 0.5rem; min-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.375rem;"><svg width="11" height="10" viewBox="0 0 11 10" class="inline-triangle__svg inline-icon__svg"></svg>
Miguel Payet</figcaption></figure>The country is... feverish with anticipation. We’re ecstatic about our first World Cup appearance since 1982. The results are almost inconsequential. I just hope we avoid any embarrassments.
Peruvians... Don’t follow rules easily. We work hard and never give up. We’re eternally optimistic.
Our national side is... a scrappy team. There are no outstanding players, but Ricardo Gareca has moulded them into a tight, disciplined unit. We go into the tournament hoping for results against Australia and Denmark. France will prove too talented.
Our strikers are... near the end of their careers. Paolo Guerrero and Jefferson Farfán can be a potent strike force if they click. Farfan has had a great season in Russia, while Guerrero needs to prove that he still has it after his recent suspension. At the back we rely a lot on centre-back Alberto “el mudo” Rodríguez.
<figure itemprop="associatedMedia image" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/ImageObject" data-component="image" class="element element-image img--landscape element--thumbnail " data-media-id="8dfd49a869b7b392aaa763cf1b4a63e393bce9d9" style="margin: 0.375rem 1.25rem 0px -10rem; position: relative; float: left; clear: left; width: 8.75rem; color: rgb(18, 18, 18); font-family: "Guardian Text Egyptian Web", Georgia, serif; font-size: 17px; font-variant-ligatures: common-ligatures;">
<source media="(min-width: 740px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 1.25), (min-width: 740px) and (min-resolution: 120dpi)" sizes="140px" srcset="https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/8dfd49a869b7b392aaa763cf1b4a63e393bce9d9/0_59_512_512/master/512.jpg?w=140&q=20&auto=format&usm=12&fit=max&dpr=2& 280w"><source media="(min-width: 740px)" sizes="140px" srcset="https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/8dfd49a869b7b392aaa763cf1b4a63e393bce9d9/0_59_512_512/master/512.jpg?w=140&q=55&auto=format&usm=12&fit=max& 140w"><source media="(min-width: 0px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 1.25), (min-width: 0px) and (min-resolution: 120dpi)" sizes="120px" srcset="https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/8dfd49a869b7b392aaa763cf1b4a63e393bce9d9/0_59_512_512/master/512.jpg?w=120&q=20&auto=format&usm=12&fit=max&dpr=2& 240w"><source media="(min-width: 0px)" sizes="120px" srcset="https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/8dfd49a869b7b392aaa763cf1b4a63e393bce9d9/0_59_512_512/master/512.jpg?w=120&q=55&auto=format&usm=12&fit=max& 120w">
<figcaption class="caption caption--img caption caption--img" itemprop="description" style="font-size: 0.75rem; line-height: 1rem; font-family: "Guardian Text Sans Web", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; color: rgb(118, 118, 118); padding-top: 0.5rem; min-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.375rem;"><svg width="11" height="10" viewBox="0 0 11 10" class="inline-triangle__svg inline-icon__svg"></svg>
Miguel Payet</figcaption></figure>The country is... feverish with anticipation. We’re ecstatic about our first World Cup appearance since 1982. The results are almost inconsequential. I just hope we avoid any embarrassments.
Peruvians... Don’t follow rules easily. We work hard and never give up. We’re eternally optimistic.
Our national side is... a scrappy team. There are no outstanding players, but Ricardo Gareca has moulded them into a tight, disciplined unit. We go into the tournament hoping for results against Australia and Denmark. France will prove too talented.
Our strikers are... near the end of their careers. Paolo Guerrero and Jefferson Farfán can be a potent strike force if they click. Farfan has had a great season in Russia, while Guerrero needs to prove that he still has it after his recent suspension. At the back we rely a lot on centre-back Alberto “el mudo” Rodríguez.
Argentina
<figure itemprop="associatedMedia image" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/ImageObject" data-component="image" class="element element-image img--portrait element--thumbnail fig--narrow-caption fig--has-shares " data-media-id="d553278c07d35211ad347a16a5e23a92e6c88f7c" id="img-9" style="margin: 0.375rem 1.25rem 0px -10rem; position: relative; float: left; clear: left; width: 8.75rem; color: rgb(18, 18, 18); font-family: "Guardian Text Egyptian Web", Georgia, serif; font-size: 17px; font-variant-ligatures: common-ligatures;"><source media="(min-width: 740px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 1.25), (min-width: 740px) and (min-resolution: 120dpi)" sizes="140px" srcset="https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/d553278c07d35211ad347a16a5e23a92e6c88f7c/405_189_2802_2803/master/2802.jpg?w=140&q=20&auto=format&usm=12&fit=max&dpr=2& 280w"><source media="(min-width: 740px)" sizes="140px" srcset="https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/d553278c07d35211ad347a16a5e23a92e6c88f7c/405_189_2802_2803/master/2802.jpg?w=140&q=55&auto=format&usm=12&fit=max& 140w"><source media="(min-width: 0px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 1.25), (min-width: 0px) and (min-resolution: 120dpi)" sizes="120px" srcset="https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/d553278c07d35211ad347a16a5e23a92e6c88f7c/405_189_2802_2803/master/2802.jpg?w=120&q=20&auto=format&usm=12&fit=max&dpr=2& 240w"><source media="(min-width: 0px)" sizes="120px" srcset="https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/d553278c07d35211ad347a16a5e23a92e6c88f7c/405_189_2802_2803/master/2802.jpg?w=120&q=55&auto=format&usm=12&fit=max& 120w">
<figcaption class="caption caption--img caption caption--img" itemprop="description" style="font-size: 0.75rem; line-height: 1rem; font-family: "Guardian Text Sans Web", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; color: rgb(118, 118, 118); padding-top: 0.5rem; min-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.375rem; max-width: 32.5rem;"><svg width="11" height="10" viewBox="0 0 11 10" class="inline-triangle__svg inline-icon__svg"></svg>
Maria</figcaption></figure>The mood is... cautiously optimistic, but I don’t think anyone is very reassured by how Argentina have been playing lately.
My favourite thing about Argentinian football is... the fans. When I go to see La Albiceleste play, there are always a huge number of enthusiastic and friendly supporters.
The most negative thing about the national team is... the high turnover of players and managers. José Pékerman was given far too little time. He would have developed a consistent and mature style of play eventually.
I’ve never cheered so loudly as when... Argentina knocked England out on penalties in 1998 – although beating the Netherlands in the 2014 semi-finals came close.
If we don’t win the tournament... I hope we bow out gracefully after some memorable performances.
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<figcaption class="caption caption--img caption caption--img" itemprop="description" style="font-size: 0.75rem; line-height: 1rem; font-family: "Guardian Text Sans Web", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; color: rgb(118, 118, 118); padding-top: 0.5rem; min-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.375rem; max-width: 32.5rem;"><svg width="11" height="10" viewBox="0 0 11 10" class="inline-triangle__svg inline-icon__svg"></svg>Maria</figcaption></figure>The mood is... cautiously optimistic, but I don’t think anyone is very reassured by how Argentina have been playing lately.
My favourite thing about Argentinian football is... the fans. When I go to see La Albiceleste play, there are always a huge number of enthusiastic and friendly supporters.
The most negative thing about the national team is... the high turnover of players and managers. José Pékerman was given far too little time. He would have developed a consistent and mature style of play eventually.
I’ve never cheered so loudly as when... Argentina knocked England out on penalties in 1998 – although beating the Netherlands in the 2014 semi-finals came close.
If we don’t win the tournament... I hope we bow out gracefully after some memorable performances.
Croatia
My first World Cup memory... is also my favourite one. Our brave team that lit up France 98 will always be the benchmark for any Croatia team. That was a big thing for an eight-year-old boy. Will we ever finish third again?
We should aim for... the semi-finals. There is talent all over the squad, with Luka Modric, Ivan Rakitic, Dejan Lovren and Mario Mandzukic the big stars. If they stay fit, another World Cup adventure is very much on.
My first World Cup memory... is also my favourite one. Our brave team that lit up France 98 will always be the benchmark for any Croatia team. That was a big thing for an eight-year-old boy. Will we ever finish third again?
We should aim for... the semi-finals. There is talent all over the squad, with Luka Modric, Ivan Rakitic, Dejan Lovren and Mario Mandzukic the big stars. If they stay fit, another World Cup adventure is very much on.
Iceland
If we can get a result against Argentina... you never know what will happen! We are typically optimistic. Iceland doesn’t do national pessimism.
Keeping an eye on... Albert Gudmundsson. The winger hasn’t featured much for PSV this season, but he’s our only real alternative to Gylfi Sigurdsson.
If we can get a result against Argentina... you never know what will happen! We are typically optimistic. Iceland doesn’t do national pessimism.
Keeping an eye on... Albert Gudmundsson. The winger hasn’t featured much for PSV this season, but he’s our only real alternative to Gylfi Sigurdsson.
Nigeria
The mood is... the usual clash of overblown optimism and deep pessimism. Some always choose to believe we are due an adventurous tournament, while others expect us to crash and burn. I fear it might be the latter.
I’d be surprised... if we make the second round. We look unlikely to match Argentina and Croatia for quality, while Iceland’s resolve seems to surpass our own.
Our key player is... Wilfred Ndidi. He is an efficient, unfussy footballer. If fully fit, he might earn himself a big move this summer.
The mood is... the usual clash of overblown optimism and deep pessimism. Some always choose to believe we are due an adventurous tournament, while others expect us to crash and burn. I fear it might be the latter.
I’d be surprised... if we make the second round. We look unlikely to match Argentina and Croatia for quality, while Iceland’s resolve seems to surpass our own.
Our key player is... Wilfred Ndidi. He is an efficient, unfussy footballer. If fully fit, he might earn himself a big move this summer.
