5 World Cup risks that had to be taken

Success in sport is all about making the most of o

FootballZz
5 World Cup risks that had to be taken

Success in sport is all about making the most of opportunities when they come along and ensuring that all of the pieces of an intricate puzzle are slotted together in the right place. As is often the case when it comes to pursuits of skill and endurance, timing is everything.

Occasionally, though, best-laid plans can be thrown up into the air by events that lie outside of the control of those calling the shots. Intangibles such as form and fitness cannot be predetermined and collective fingers often have to be crossed when preparing to compete for the most prestigious of prizes.

Victorious

In football circles, the greatest show on turf is upon us once more, with the likes of 7/2 favourites Brazil, 7/1 defending champions France and 9/1 shots England all figuring prominently in odds on the World Cup winner in 2022. Fate will need to smile on them in order to emerge victorious, with some big calls having been made by various nations before a competitive ball is kicked in anger on Qatari soil.

Here are five of the biggest gambles taken by those hoping to come up with a winning formula.

Romelu Lukaku

Belgium have seen a so-called golden generation go empty-handed through several major tournaments, with potential yet to be turned into silverware. National team coach Roberto Martinez is prepared to roll the dice on Romelu Lukaku in the hope that he, as a proven goalscorer at the very highest level, can help to fire the Red Devils to global glory despite nursing a thigh complaint.

Son Heung-min

A fracture around his left eye was far from ideal pre-World Cup preparation for Son as he suffered an unfortunate setback while turning out at club level for Tottenham. He has undergone surgery, and has the option of wearing a protective mask when representing his country, with South Korea still hopeful that a national icon will be more than a bit-part figure for them.

Memphis Depay

Dutch forward Depay has not seen any game time at club level with Barcelona since the middle of September, with a hamstring problem holding him at Camp Nou. He does, however, boast an impressive strike rate for the Netherlands and tends to save his best for the big occasion.

Kyle Walker

Another of those to have gone under the knife in a bid to be ready for major tournament action, with Walker undergoing a groin operation. He will miss England’s opening game against Iran, but his pace – which is such an important asset to Gareth Southgate – means that the Manchester City defender was still awarded a place in the Three Lions’ squad.

Paulo Dybala

Argentina are hardly short on attacking options, with the Albiceleste ranks loaded with match-altering talent in the final third of the field. Dybala does, however, boast a wand of a left foot to rival that of Lionel Messi and was always going to be selected despite picking up a slight knock at Roma.

Decisions

Some serious risks are being taken by national team coaches who know their decisions could easily backfire but, with so much at stake and it set to be another four years before the World Cup comes along again, they clearly feel as though they were left with little choice.