Group A of the FIFA World Cup 2018 in Russia has host nation Russia, Egypt, Uruguay and the Saudi Arabia with probably Uruguay as the side that has quality in every department while the rest are bound to fight for the scraps. Russia playing at home will get the fans excited, and they have the potential to be their 12th man as the group games progress. 2018 FIFA World Cup timetable has first match scheduled between Russia and Saudi Arabia on June 14. A total of six matches will be played in Group A of the football world cup in Russia. Here’s everything to know about Group A preview including all fixtures, dates, kick-off times and venues. FIFA World Cup 2018 Schedule in IST for PDF Download: Fixtures, Groups, Time Table with Match Timings & Venue Details of Football WC in Russia.

The Russians faced group stage elimination last time round in Brazil and will surely look to avoid another one in this edition. Uruguay and Egypt combining have the best three strikers of the world arguably in Mohamed Salah, Edinson Cavani and Luis Suarez and if they bring their A game in Russia, expect goals in this group.

The Saudis might turn out to be the weeping boys of the Group and could be ripped apart by a team such as Uruguay who are always known to play good attacking football. Nawaf Al-Abed, a player who got five goals in the qualifiers, will have the task to find the back of the net for this Asian nation, and his conversion rate should be bang on with chances few and far coming his way. The Saudis will be looking for the safe long ball strategy, and if they grab a point in this group, the calculations for other teams will surely change. 2018 FIFA World Cup 23-Man Squad of All the 32 Participating Teams Announced: Check Complete Lineup of Sides in Football WC Russia.

Egypt will be hoping star man and heartthrob of a million Egyptians, Mo Salah recovers in time for the second game against Russia with him certain to miss the opener owing to a shoulder injury sustained in the Champions League final. There is an emotional aspect which Mo Salah brings to the game, and surely the footballing gods will do all they can to get him match fit. This is Egypt’s first World Cup in 28 years despite being one of the top sides in Africa, winning the African Cup of Nations seven times which shows what grave injustice they have done to their qualities. Uruguay under Oscar Tabarez is looking good, and it will be a major disappointment for them if they do not win the group.

Group A of 2018 FIFA World Cup Timetable: List of Matches With Kick-off Times

Sr. No. Date Matches Kick-Off Times Venue
1. June 14 Russia vs Saudi Arabia 8.30 pm IST Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow
2. June 15 Egypt vs Uruguay 5.30 pm IST Ekaterinburg Arena,

Ekaterinburg
3. June 19 Russia vs Egypt 11.30 pm IST Saint Petersburg Stadium,

Saint Petersburg
4. June 20 Uruguay vs Saudi Arabia 8.30 pm IST Rostov Arena,

Rostov-On-Don
5. June 25 Uruguay vs Russia 7.30 pm IST Samara Arena,

Samara
6. June 25 Saudi Arabia vs Egypt 7.30 pm IST Volgograd Arena,

Volgograd

Group A Prediction

Uruguay will win all its three games while it will be quite close for the runner-up position with both Russia and Egypt having a real go at each other. The game between the two will ultimately decide who qualifies, but home support favours Russia. Saudi Arabia will battle hard, but it is highly unlikely they will finish with even a point. Teams that progress from the Group - Uruguay and Russia.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 08, 2018 02:14 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).