By Uzor Odigbo
On Friday December 1, the attention of the footballing world will be focused on the Russian capital of Moscow as the Final Draw for the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia will be decided.
Three of world football’s biggest stars – Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Neymer were asked how they feel about the upcoming world cup draw in Russia.
Ronaldo was the first to respond: “I’m relaxed because, although some teams are stronger than others, all the groups will be balanced. I’m calm because I know that, when the time comes, the team will be ready.
“Whoever we’re (Portugal) drawn against, we have to win, no matter what.”
Next was Messi, “I’ll be following it, so long as we don’t have training or a match,” confirmed Lionel Messi, who also confessed that he was already imagining who Argentina’s potential opponents might be.
Like Ronaldo, Neymar was in relaxed mood. “I believe that we’re ready to take on anyone.”
But the Brazilian also admitted that this Friday would not be just another day, and that he already had plans for the draw. “We’re going to put some popcorn in the microwave, and call family and friends. Everyone will have a keen eye on the television.”
According to FIFA.com, exclusive interviews with stars, coaches and other participants, some background and behind-the-scenes coverage from the draw will be provided.
Live reporting gets underway at 10:00 local time (08:00 CET) on Friday with a live blog bringing you statistics, news, images and exclusive videos from Moscow.
Former England international striker and Mexico 1986 adidas Golden Boot winner, Gary Lineker will host the Final Draw ceremony in the concert hall at the State Kremlin Palace.
He will be joined by Russian sports journalist Maria Komandnaya, while eight legends of the beautiful game will act as draw assistants: France’s Laurent Blanc, England goalkeeping great Gordon Banks, Cafu of Brazil, Italy’s Fabio Cannavaro, Uruguayan Diego Forlan, Argentina legend Diego Maradona, Spain’s Carles Puyol and Nikita Simonya of Russia.
FIFA will also provide an overview of all the groups while the individual teams are being drawn. Once the event has drawn to a close, analysis of all eight groups and reactions from all 32 national coaches will follow.
