FIFA World Cup 2018: 5 Records that might be broken

The world will witness a football extravaganza from 14 June to 15 July at Russia. The defending champions Germany will leave no stone unturned to retain the FIFA World Cup. Whereas other heavyweights like Brazil, France, Spain, and Argentina will try their best that they fall short.

Do you know that Germany (3 times as West Germany, and 1 time as Germany) would tie Brazil's record of winning the World Cup for most number of times if they succeed in winning it this time? Do you know that no African nation has made it through to the Final 4 of the tournament since its inception? Well, these are just some of the records that could be broken this year.

But, what are some further records that might be broken? Read on to find out.

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#5 The oldest player in FIFA World Cup

Essam El-Hadary of Egypt could become the oldest footballer in a FIFA World Cup

On 24 June 2014, Faryd Mondragon wrote his name on the history books after coming on as an 85th-minute substitute in Colombia's match against Japan. He became the oldest player to play in a World Cup at the age of 43 years and 3 days old, surpassing Roger Milla's previous record.

This record might only be one edition old, but it seems set to be broken. And the one looking to break that record is none other than Egypt's Essam El-Hadary.

The Egyptian has already been named as a part of the preliminary 29-member squad and might make it through to the final squad given his vast experience. Moreover, he is one of the key Egyptians to look forward at the World Cup other than Mohammed Salah. The "High Dam" knows it better, and will be looking forward to captivating us with his performance.

#4 The most meetings between two teams

Germany had made a record when they faced Argentina at the final

Three pairs of teams hold the current record for the most meetings between two teams. They are Brazil and Sweden (1938, 1950, 1958, 1978, 1990 and twice in 1994), Germany and Yugoslavia/ Serbia (1954, 1958, 1962, 1974, 1990, 1998 and 2010), and Argentina and Germany (1958, 1966, 1986, 1990, 2006, 2010 and 2014). Moreover, the pair of Argentina and Germany hold the record for the most meetings between two teams in the final of FIFA World Cup.

This year, all the four teams have made it through to the World Cup. Now, if Germany finishes at the top of their group and Serbia finishes second, or vice-versa, they would meet each other at the Round of 16. The same scenario also holds if Brazil tops their group, and Sweden finishes second, or vice-versa. Meanwhile, if Argentina and Germany top their group and win the subsequent Round of 16 matches, they would meet each other at the quarter-final.

Like the previous record, there is a high chance that this record might also be broken.

#3 The first team to finish fourth consecutively two times

Brazil finished fourth after losing to the Netherlands last year

Unlike the previous records, no team will take pride in holding this record. As of now, no team has finished fourth consecutively, and Brazil might hold the record if they finish fourth.

2014 FIFA World Cup was a heartbreaking one for the Brazilians. Germany annihilated Brazil in the semi-final with a scoreline of 7-1. In the succeeding third-place playoff, Netherlands would defeat Brazil 3-0, and end their campaign in an enervated note.

Moreover, they would equal Uruguay's record of finishing fourth for the most number of times if they finish so. The Uruguayans finished fourth at 1954, 1970, and 2010 editions. The Brazilians finished so at 1974 and 2014 editions, and would not want to follow in the footsteps of their fellow South American neighbours.

#2 The longest gap between winning two World Cups

Uruguay won the Jules Rimet trophy at 1950 World Cup

Italy holds the present record for the longest gap between winning two World Cups. The Azzuris hold this record at a difference of 44 years, having won the 1938 and 1982 editions.

The contenders for this record are Uruguay and England. Uruguay hasn't won the Cup since the 1950 edition, and England since the 1966 edition. Moreover, none of them managed to reach the finals of the tournament since their last triumph.

Looking at the current England squad, none of the players have played more than 60 matches and scored more than 15 goals. Meanwhile, the Uruguay squad boasts four players with more than 100 appearances, and Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani has scored 50 and 47 goals respectively.

England doesn't seem to be a favourite to win this year's trophy but Uruguay could go home with the title. A lot of it would depend on Maxi Perreira, Diego Godin, Christian Rodriguez, Edinson Cavani, and Luis Suarez to make sure they do so regardless of the unusual record.

#1 Most penalty shootouts won

Argentina rejoice after defeating the Netherlands at the penalty shootout

Presently, Germany and Argentina are tied for the record of winning the most penalty shootouts. Germany won a penalty shootout in 1982, 1986, 1990 and 2006 edition. Meanwhile, Argentina won it twice in 1990 edition, and once each in 1998 and 2014 edition.

Germany has been a part of only four penalty shootouts and won each of them. On the other hand, Argentina also holds the record for participating in the most penalty shootouts. Ironically, their only loss came at the 2006 quarter-finals encounter to Germany.

Speaking of penalty records, England and Italy hold the disgraceful record for losing the most penalty shootouts. Italy has failed to qualify for this year's World Cup, but England can hold the record all alone if they lose another one this year.