World Cup 2018: 5 big-name players who need to step up for their nation

The World Cup has thrown quite a few surprises already and tonight could be another landmark day as last edition's finalists, Argentina, are struggling to make it out of their group.

While some nations like England, Belgium, France, Spain and Brazil have sealed qualification to the knockout rounds of the footballing extravaganza with fabulous exhibitions of class, nations like Germany and Argentina look unsettled with dismal performances and will be battling for their lives to avoid a shocking exit in the group stages of the tournament. The emergence of various underdogs in the form of Portugal, Switzerland and hosts Russia have made the tournament exciting.

We have witnessed one of the most competitive tournaments in history so far as it looks like the gap of class between the clear favourites and the rest has been vastly reduced.

With top spot still up for grabs for various nations in their respective groups and others fighting for survival in the tournament, let's take a look at 5 key players who need to step up for their sides in the FIFA World Cup 2018 if they are to advance to the final stages of the tournament.

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#5 Antoine Griezmann (France)

Antoine Griezmann needs to step up for France and lead the young French side to World Cup glory

Antoine Griezmann has consistently scored goals for Atletico Madrid in La Liga and providing valuable assists to his strike partner too. With experience on his side, the forward is one of the more experienced players in what is a young French attack French attack at the World Cup. In the 2016 Euros, he scored 6 goals in 7 matches as France lost in the finals against Portugal.

France boast of a star-studded squad with some of the best players in the world in each position. They have, however, had a disappointing start to the World Cup by scrapping their way through Australia and Denmark.

Griezmann hasn't been as involved in the attack as many would've expected. With just one goal through a penalty in two games, Griezmann needs to step up for Les Blues if they are to have a serious shot at winning the World Cup.

#4 Timo Werner (Germany)

Timo Werner was the top-scorer of the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup

The 22-year old forward, Timo Werner was one of the breakthrough stars in the Bundesliga with 42 goals in 77 appearances over 2 seasons for club side RB Leipzig. He secured his place as Germany's main striker at the World Cup after winning the Golden Boot at the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup with 3 goals.

The prolific goalscorer hasn't contributed much to Germany's cause at the World Cup drawing a blank in both their games. He has been dispossessed quite a few times and hasn't really had a shot on goal. The German midfielders need to find their speedy forward more if they are to get the best out of him.

Germany began their World Cup campaign in the worst possible way with a 1-0 loss to Mexico but bounced back in their next game with a last-minute Toni Kroos strike helping the Germans to a 2-1 victory against Sweden. Germany coach Joachim Loew has entrusted Werner with a lot of responsibility and it's time for the forward to pay his manager's faith back with top class performances as every game from now on is a must-win.

#3 Gabriel Jesus (Brazil)

Gabriel Jesus was one of the breakthrough stars of the Premier League last season

The 21-year-old forward, Gabriel Jesus has become one of Brazil's breakout stars in recent years with his brilliant finishing and versatility up front. In just 19 appearances for Manchester City last season, he netted 13 times providing 3 assists in the process. Facing fierce competition for the starting spot from Liverpool star Roberto Firmino, Jesus became Brazil's first choice after scoring 7 goals and providing 5 assists for the Selecaos in just 10 qualifying matches.

The Brazilians hoped Jesus would carry his qualifying form into the World Cup but with just 1 assist in the first 2 games, he has looked wasteful and below-par in front of goal. The Brazilian will need to improve his performances and start scoring soon if he is to cement a starting spot in the attack over Firmino.

All eyes will be on the Brazilian poster boy as the Seleção will look to finish as group leaders and enter the knockout stage. Jesus will hope to rise up to expectations and become one of the key players to guide Brazil to World Cup glory.

#2 Raheem Sterling (England)

England's number 10 Raheem Sterling will need to perform on the world's biggest stage if he is to be regarded as one of the greats

Raheem Sterling took the 2017-18 Premier League season by storm after scoring a career-high 23 goals also bagging 13 assists for Manchester City. He gathered a lot of praise from manager Pep Guardiola throughout the season as he formed a key component of the side that broke records with ease last season.

England have got off to a flyer in this edition of the World Cup ripping their opponents apart ruthlessly. Sterling, however, has managed just 1 assist in 2 starts for the Three Lions and has faced much criticism from the fans for his subdued performances in the international outfit.

His last goal for England came in 2015 and if England are to mount a serious challenge at the World Cup, the goal-shy English attacker has to find the form that saw him reignite his career under Guardiola. His finishing, in particular, needs to improve.

England face Belgium next in their last match of the World Cup group stages which could be a pretty interesting and end to end clash. Their real test begins from here as the knockout rounds of the tournament are soon approaching and if Sterling is to be regarded as one of the greats, he will need to perform for the Three Lions like he did for the blue half of Manchester last season.

#1 Lionel Messi (Argentina)

Lionel Messi has had a disappointing start to his 2018 World Cup campaign

Argentina endured a dismal start to their World Cup campaign after a 1-1 draw against Iceland which also saw a missed penalty from the Argentine phenomenon, Lionel Messi. The 31-year-old forward has regularly scored 30+ goals every season for club side Barcelona in La Liga. On the international stage, his career seems to be cursed after losses in the FIFA World Cup 2014 and the Copa America finals.

The Argentine sensation for over a decade who has revolutionised football for years to come with his skill and ability has faced criticism on the international stage repeatedly. With regards to Argentina, many believe Messi feels pressure and stress to carry the team in moments of need like he has for the past decade at Barcelona.

The disappointment after their Copa America final defeat to Chile in 2016 led him to retire from the Argentina Football team. He decided to reverse his decision 2 months after due to never-ending requests from his beloved fans.

Following their humiliating start to the 2018 World Cup campaign where they drew 1-1 against Iceland and faced a crushing 3-0 defeat against Croatia, the Albiceletes are now facing a do-or-die situation in their final group match against Nigeria.

All hopes will be on the Argentine maestro to save his nation from a heart-breaking early exit from the World Cup. Single-handedly or with significant contribution from his team-mates, Messi will need to rise to expectations and turn around his poor form in Russia if he is to silence his critics.