beginner level fan

As someone planning to become a genuine soccer fan, you need to understand some key introductory knowledge about this World Cup!

Star Guide: Top 10 Stars of the 2018 World Cup

Maybe you know Beckham, maybe you know Ronaldo, maybe you know Fan Zhiyi and Zheng Zhi. However, the first two have retired, and the latter two not only retired but also came from the Chinese team...

In the 2018 World Cup, there are still some top stars worth paying attention to. Some are here to fulfill their dreams, some to prove themselves, and some to break records... Today, we will review the top 10 most anticipated stars of the 2018 World Cup.

1. Argentina: Messi

In the 2018 Russia World Cup, Messi has only one goal: to win the championship! "Never having won a major international trophy" is the biggest regret of Messi's career. The 2014 Brazil World Cup was the closest Messi came to his ultimate dream, but he narrowly missed out on the trophy, breaking countless fans' hearts. In 2018, Messi is 31 years old. Will this summer be the coronation of the king?

2. Portugal: Cristiano Ronaldo

When talking about Messi, one inevitably thinks of Cristiano Ronaldo. In the 2016 European Championship final in France, although Ronaldo left the field due to injury, he still lifted the trophy. Portugal's best result in the World Cup is third place. In 2018, the 33-year-old Ronaldo has gradually transitioned into a poacher-style striker. His goal-scoring instincts and exquisite footwork keep him at superstar level. This year might be his last chance to prove himself.

3. Brazil: Neymar

The 2014 Brazil World Cup was supposed to be Neymar's best chance to challenge for the trophy, but an injury against Colombia delayed that dream by four years. In the 2018 World Cup qualifiers, Neymar led the Samba team to qualify with four rounds to spare. However, Neymar suffered a severe injury months before the World Cup. Will he rise like a phoenix or falter? This will undoubtedly be a focal point.

4. Germany: Thomas Müller

Although Thomas Müller is not as famous as Messi or Ronaldo, his performance in the last two World Cups has been much better. The German forward has already scored 10 goals. Can he surpass Klose's record of 16 goals in this World Cup? As the defending champions, Germany's strength is undeniable. With strong teammates' support, breaking the record is not a pipe dream for Müller.

5. Uruguay: Suárez

Suárez has participated in two World Cups and has always been a controversial figure. In 2010, he saved a goal with his hands on the goal line, and in 2014, he was banned for biting an opponent. However, he is also the only player besides Messi and Ronaldo to win the European Golden Shoe in the past decade. If Suárez finds his form in the World Cup, Uruguay will be unstoppable. What will Suárez's performance be this time?

6. France: Griezmann

At 27, Griezmann will embark on his second World Cup journey. This summer will be his best chance to challenge for the World Cup. Two years ago, in the European Championship, Griezmann almost led France to the top of Europe but ultimately lost to Portugal. Now, the French team is stronger and hungrier for honors. As one of the favorites to win, can Griezmann fulfill his dream of lifting the trophy?

7. Belgium: Hazard

In the eyes of many, the third-best player after Messi and Ronaldo is not Neymar but Hazard. Although Chelsea's overall performance this season has been lackluster, affecting Hazard's reputation, De Bruyne's progress has also challenged Hazard's position as the best player in the team. However, from a team perspective, this is good news for Belgium. Better teammates can help Hazard perform better in matches.

8. England: Kane

Is England strong or not? This is an unsolved mystery for countless fans. With Rooney retiring from the national team, Kane has taken up the mantle for the Three Lions and will serve as the captain in this World Cup. The Tottenham striker has won the Premier League Golden Boot for two consecutive seasons, attracting Real Madrid's attention. If he performs well on the World Cup stage, it will undoubtedly stir the transfer market.

9. Colombia: James Rodríguez

In the 2014 World Cup, Colombia reached the quarter-finals, and James Rodríguez, the Golden Boot winner with five goals, played a crucial role. After experiencing ups and downs, James has been reborn at Bayern this season, declaring his return with exceptional poise. As Colombia's all-time top scorer in World Cup history, are you ready to witness James's spectacular goals again?

10. Poland: Lewandowski

When someone mentions Polish football, everyone immediately thinks of Lewandowski. Poland's all-time top scorer and seven-time Polish Footballer of the Year, this 184cm tall, handsome all-around striker has become a symbol of Polish football. At 29, Lewandowski is in his prime. In the Russia World Cup, we have every reason to expect that this Polish football icon will bring us plenty of surprises.

Team Guide: Top 8 Teams of the 2018 World Cup

After looking at those world-class stars, let's talk about the most exciting top teams of the 2018 World Cup. These teams have a high overlap with the countries of the stars mentioned above, as there is a significant symbiotic relationship between stars and teams.

According to the 2018 World Cup odds, the top eight teams are all traditional powerhouses. Let's take a look at what makes these eight teams so interesting!

1. Five-time champions Brazil

If there's one word to describe the current Brazilian team, it's 'resurgence.' Four years ago, Brazil was humiliatingly eliminated by Germany on home soil, breaking many fans' hearts. Now, this Brazilian team has rekindled hope, and many expect that the well-equipped Brazilian team can challenge for the championship.

2. Defending champions Germany

As the defending World Cup champions, Germany's overall strength is undoubtedly top-notch, making them one of the favorites to win. Key points to watch for Germany in this World Cup: 1. Can Germany create a miracle and defend their World Cup title? 2. On the World Cup all-time top scorers list, Müller has scored 10 goals. Can he surpass Klose's record of 16 goals?

3. Les Bleus France

France is a traditional European powerhouse with a glorious past, but their recent performances in major tournaments have been average. However, this year, expectations are high, as the team boasts a roster of outstanding players comparable to the 1998 World Cup-winning squad. However, the team lacks a true leader like Zidane or Deschamps. Can these young talents handle adversity in major tournaments?

4. La Roja Spain

In the 2014 World Cup, Spain was eliminated early after losing 2-0 to Chile. This time, Spain is determined to make a comeback. After years of transition, Spain has added more fast-paced elements to their possession-based style. This revamped Spanish team is a strong contender for a spot in the final four.

5. La Albiceleste Argentina

When talking about Argentina, one naturally thinks of Messi. In the last World Cup, Messi led Argentina to the final but narrowly missed out on the trophy. This World Cup, Messi will be 31 years old, and it might be his last chance to prove himself in his prime. Can Argentina rely on Messi's brilliance to go further?

6. The Red Devils Belgium

Never underestimate the Red Devils of Belgium. With a roster full of Premier League stars, it wouldn't be surprising if they won the championship. However, their main issue is unity. In past tournaments, internal conflicts have prevented them from performing to their full potential. This World Cup, they still face many off-field issues that will be crucial to their success.

7. The Three Lions England

Even if you don't watch football, you probably know Beckham. Although England's recent performances have not been great, they are still well-known. With the end of the Gerrard-Lampard era and Rooney's retirement from the national team, the Three Lions have entered a new era. Like France, England lacks a true core player. What will their performance be this year? Let's wait and see.

8. Portugal

In the past, Portugal was considered a strong team but not a top-tier one. However, winning the 2016 European Championship changed that perception, raising expectations. This season, Ronaldo has maintained his hot form. Can a healthy Ronaldo achieve great things in the World Cup?

Beginner's Guide: How Much Do You Know About Football?

After getting to know the popular players and teams this year, it's time to learn about the World Cup and basic football knowledge. After all, to understand a World Cup match, you need to know the basics of football.

1. The 2018 World Cup will be the 21st in history, 88 years after the first World Cup in 1930 in Uruguay. It is also the first time it will be held in Eastern Europe, in Russia.

2. The World Cup trophy is called the FIFA World Cup Trophy. However, from 1930 to 1970, the first nine World Cup champions received the trophy later known as the Jules Rimet Trophy.

3. The 2018 World Cup will feature 32 countries. Iceland and Panama will make their World Cup debuts. The last team to advance from the group stage in their first World Cup was Slovakia in 2010.

4. As a Chinese fan, you must know that there is no Chinese team in this World Cup.

5. Brazil has won the World Cup the most times, claiming 25% of the titles (5 out of 20). Brazil is also the only team to have participated in every tournament.

6. If Germany wins this World Cup, they will become the first team since Brazil in 1958 and 1962 to win consecutive World Cups, tying Brazil's total of four titles.

7. Italy will miss the World Cup finals for the first time since 1958, making them the only one of the eight former champions not to participate in this tournament.

8. The mascot for the Russia World Cup is 'Zabivaka,' a cartoon representation of a Siberian wolf, meaning 'goal scorer.' It is a wolf, not a husky.

9. The official match ball for this tournament is called 'Telstar,' but it is not sponsored by a TV station.

10. England is very particular about its identity, so it is the England team, not the UK team. England does not have Bale and Ramsey.

11. Ronaldo, Beckham, Kaka... none of those players are participating in this World Cup.

12. Each match lasts 90 minutes, divided into two halves of 45 minutes each, with possible injury time added. If the score is tied after 90 minutes, there will be 30 minutes of extra time. If still tied, a penalty shootout will decide the winner.

13. Each team fields 11 players, including one goalkeeper, and can make three substitutions during the match.

14. Players' positions are generally divided into defenders, midfielders, and forwards. Formations like 4-4-2, 4-3-3, and 4-2-3-1 do not include the goalkeeper.

15. When the ball goes out of the sideline, a throw-in is used. When it goes out of the end line, a corner kick is taken.

In the next month or so, remember the above content, and you won't be at a loss in World Cup conversations.

Gear Guide: Evolution of World Cup Jerseys

The World Cup is not only a gathering of elite players from various countries but also a collection of classic jerseys.

The World Cup is the ultimate belief for every football player. Wearing the national team jersey is the highest honor for every player. As a fan, wearing your team's jersey to the stadium and cheering for your favorite players is basic fan behavior.

A jersey is not just a piece of clothing.

A jersey is a team's symbol and soul. A team's jersey during its peak period often symbolizes its golden era. This year's World Cup jersey design concept is retro, with traditional powerhouses recreating their classic jersey styles.

Germany:

In 1988, West Germany hosted the European Championship for the first time. They abandoned their previous black-and-white kit and wore a new jersey featuring the black, red, and yellow colors of the national flag. Two years later, in the Italy World Cup, West Germany wore this jersey to defeat Argentina in the final, winning their third World Cup. After the reunification of East and West Germany, the national team wore this jersey in their first match, giving it immense significance.

Brazil:

The football kingdom of Brazil is represented by the colors yellow, green, blue, and white. The green on the Brazilian flag symbolizes the fertile land and forests, the yellow represents the country's natural wealth, and the blue represents the vast night sky over Brazil. From Pelé and Zico to Ronaldo and Neymar, generations of football geniuses have showcased Brazil's charm to the world in their yellow jerseys.

England:

England's white home kit and red away kit look harmonious on the players. The red away kit became truly historic in 1966 when the Three Lions won their first and only World Cup. They wore red jerseys when they defeated West Germany 4-2 in the final. This year, traditional elements reappear, and the Three Lions hope to recreate the glory of 52 years ago.

Croatia:

When talking about the checkered team, Croatia is the first that comes to mind for fans. The team is famous for its unique red-and-white checkered jerseys, which are unforgettable. The most famous version is from the 1998 World Cup. That year, Croatia reached the semi-finals in their first World Cup appearance, with Davor Šuker scoring six goals in seven matches and winning the Golden Boot.

Spain:

Spain's new jersey is inspired by the 1994 World Cup in the USA, where the team wore a red home kit with vertical stripes in navy blue and yellow. Although Spain's performance in that tournament was not great, the jersey's unique design left a lasting impression on fans. This year's jersey incorporates red elements and seamlessly connects the three-color stripes, creating a visual illusion where the navy blue appears to turn purple, making it stand out.

After reading the above content, congratulations, you have successfully entered the world of World Cup fans!

Now, start happily enjoying your World Cup journey.

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