1. The boy with the golden boot

Colombian James Rodriguez’s impressive World Cup debut saw him take out the 2014 Golden Boot Award with a six goal haul.

2.Captain turns coach

This will be Senegal’s second World Cup after debuting in 2002 and making it to the quarter finals. Aliou Cissé was captain of that side and now returns to World Cup football as the coach of his national team.

Senegal coach Aliou Cissé attends the Team Seminar prior to the 2018 World Cup Draw

3. Europe’s top scorer

Netting 16 goals in 10 games saw Robert Lewandowski finish as Europe’s top scorer in qualifiers.

4. The People’s coach

Argentinian born coach, José Pékerman, is so popular in Colombia he was awarded citizenship by country’s President Juan Manuel Santos.

Star power: Fans mob Colombia's coach Jose Pekerman at the Nicolas Leoz stadium in Asuncion

5. Consistency is key

Russia marks the 6th consecutive World Cup appearance for Japan, who will be looking to use this experience to progress past the Group Stage.