6. Home advantage?

In twenty World Cups, six hosts have been able to claim the much sought after titular trophy. Russia (since the separation of the Soviet Union) have never moved past the group stages in all their appearances.

7. The Originators

It may surprise many to know that the inaugural edition of the biggest event on the planet was held in Uruguay, a tournament only contested by a meagre 13 teams, of which the hosts came to be eventual winners! They followed up this triumph with another World Cup success in 1950.

8. Unfamiliar territory

Interestingly, none of Group A’s participating teams have ever faced each other at a World Cup before. Although, Uruguay faced the Soviet Union in the 1962 and 1970 iterations of the tournament.

Egyptian fans cheer for their national team

9. Domestic dominance, World Cup minnows

Group A’s African representatives Egypt hold seven African Cup of Nations titles, dominating especially between 2006 and 2010 where they won three iterations of the tournament. Despite their clear success on their own continent, Egypt have failed to ever win a match at the World Cup and have not appeared at the competition since 1990.

10. Five Star service

Russia hold the World Cup record of the most goals scored by an individual in a match. The honor was earned by Oleg Salenko, who smashed in five goals against Cameroon at the 1994 World Cup in the USA. Salenko finished the tournament with six goals in total, having his ally equaled by Bulgarian legend Hristo Stoichkov. On top of that, Russia earned the gong of being the only team with a Golden Boot winner to be eliminated in the group stages.