Four players to watch in World Cup Group H

Sport360 staff 16:57 10/06/2014
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  • Russian roulette: Alexander Kerzhakov will be tasked with the job of leading his country’s forward line.

    The wily Fabio Capello must outfox the explosive talent of Eden Hazard if Russia are to beat Belgium to top spot in World Cup Group H.

    Algeria and South Korea can only hope for a shock win over either of the favourites to open up Group H.

    Here are four key players of this group.

    Alexander Kerzhakov – Russia

    Born: 27/11/1982, 81 caps

    Alexander Kerzhakov is the only member of Russia's squad with experience of the World Cup finals.

    He made made one appearance as a substitute in 2002, the last time Russia qualified.

    This time, Russia will really need the goals of the 31-year-old all-time leading scorer for Zenit St Petersburg who has scored well over 200 goals in all competitions.

    Coach Fabio Capello made him Russia's number one striker when he took over and dropped Andrei Arshavin and Roman Pavyluchenko.

    Eden Hazard – Belgium

    Born: 7/1/1991, 44 caps

    One of the most brilliant wingers in European football, and sometimes one of the laziest, according to critics, it is time for Eden Hazard to show his worth on the international stage.

    Hazard, who comes from a footballing family, is known for his fearlessness in attacking opposing defences and the speed with which he can control the ball.

    He made his debut for Belgium at the age of 17 and moved to Chelsea in the English Premier League in 2012 for a reported 32 million pounds ($54 million) after inspiring Lille to the 2011 French title.

    There is much talk of a move to Paris St Germain if he can inspire Belgium to greater things at the World Cup.

    Islam Slimani – Algeria

    Born: 18/6/1988, 20 caps

    The Sporting Lisbon striker is one of the Algerians being keenly watched at the World Cup and one of the reasons noone is taking the Desert Foxes for granted now.

    The 25-year-old number nine was bought for less than 15,000 euros when he moved from Algerian third division side Cheraga to first division Belouizdad in 2009.

    After becoming Sporting Lisbon's number one striker, there is now talk of a 10 million euro transfer.

    A regular in the Algerian side for two years, he is known for his power and occasional hot-headed outbursts that coach Vahid Halihodzic has tried to curtail.

    Son Heung-Min – South Korea 

    Born 8/7/1992, 24 caps

    Son Heung-Min of German side Bayer Leverkusen is one of a new generation that South Korea's 2002 World Cup hero Hong Myong-Bo can bring a new era of glory to the Asian side.

    Leverkusen paid a reported club record 10 million euros to bring the 21-year-old forward from Hamburg a year ago.

    His goals, including a hat-trick against Hamburg, have helped them to qualify for the 2014-15 Champions League.

    Son's father also played for the national team and he has started as a ball boy at FC Seoul.

    He dropped out of school to join Hamburg's academy and turned down a chance to play for South Korea at the London Olympics so he could concentrate on his Bundesliga career.

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