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Real Madrid players to feature in the 2018 World Cup

By Aakanksha Sharma

MADRID, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 02: Spain's midfielder Isco (C) celebrates with Sergio Ramos and Marco Asensio after scoring the his second goal during the FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifier between Spain and Italy at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on September 2, 2017 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)
MADRID, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 02: Spain's midfielder Isco (C) celebrates with Sergio Ramos and Marco Asensio after scoring the his second goal during the FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifier between Spain and Italy at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on September 2, 2017 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images) /
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Those with a fighting chance

(Photo by VI Images via Getty Images)
(Photo by VI Images via Getty Images) /

Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic – Croatia

Group I which features Croatia is a tough one to call. Iceland, the tiny nation which mesmerized the world in Euro 2016 with their passion and perseverance, is somehow at the top of this group again.

Croatia are tied with Ukraine on 17 points and their last match is against each other. Depending on how the last match-day goes, Croatia may also automatically qualify over Iceland on account of superior goal difference.

Both Modric and Kovavic are key players for the national team. Kovacic is being increasingly seen as Modric’s successor, both in the national team and at Real Madrid.

Gareth Bale – Wales

Having qualified for the Euro in 2016 after decades, Wales have somehow managed to still be in the running for a spot at the World Cup. Even without their talisman who is out injured, again.

This is again a tough one to call. Wales sit 2nd in their group, a point behind Serbia and a point ahead of Ireland. They go up against Ireland in their last match. A victory will assure the 2nd spot, but that does not guarantee an advancement to the playoff round. If Serbia draws/lose and Wales win, or if Serbia loses and Wales draw with a better goal margin than Serbia, they can become the automatic qualifier from their group.

Whatever happens, the fact that they are still in the running should, in itself, be an achievement for this nation of 3 million people.

They will be without Bale for their last qualifier. But if they manage to get through, they will be hoping for their Galactico to lead them ahead in the competition, like he did in Euro 2016.

Conclusion

Overall, Madrid fans are going to have a busy summer in 2018. Most players are either through or in with a good chance. Florentino Perez and company are sure to take a lot of pride in that as well. Who knows, he might call another press conference to parade his world cup superstars.

Next: Thibaut Courtois trying to force move to Madrid

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