From a former Cambridge United boss leading Morocco to a dentist in charge of Iceland... meet the 32 managers in charge at the World Cup in Russia

  • There is an eclectic mix of managers on the sidelines at the World Cup in Russia
  • Iceland are being solely managed by former dentist Heimir Hallgrimsson
  • Ex-Cambridge United boss Herve Renard has hold of the reins with Morocco
  • Sportsmail charts the man tasked with leading each nation to World Cup glory 

While there are more than 700 players on show during the World Cup in Russia this summer, there are a number of characters pulling the strings from the sidelines.

From the dentist leading Iceland, the former social worker at Switzerland and the miracle worker at Panama to the German disciplinarian getting Nigeria into shape, it is an eclectic group of bosses.  

Sportsmail's KIERAN GILL charts the man tasked with leading each nation to World Cup glory.


 

GROUP A

Russia: Stanislav Cherchesov, age 54

After a few years of trying their luck with expensive foreign exports, such as Guus Hiddink and Fabio Capello, Russia turned to no-nonsense Stanislav Cherchesov. 

The former goalkeeper prioritises defence over attack and his win rate of 25 per cent shows why Russia are ranked so low for their own tournament.

A strict disciplinarian, he struggles to win much support from players or fans but he boasts potentially the best moustache at the entire tournament. Small victories.   

A strict disciplinarian, Stanislav Cherchesov's preference for defence over attack may backfire

A strict disciplinarian, Stanislav Cherchesov's preference for defence over attack may backfire

Clubs managed: Kufstein (2004), Wacker Tirol (2004-06), Spartak Moscow (2007-08), Zhemchuzhina Sochi (2010-11), Terek Grozny (2011-13), Amkar Perm (2013-14), Dynamo Moscow (2014-15), Legia Warsaw (2015-16), Russia (2016-PRESENT)

Saudi Arabia: Juan Antonio Pizzi, age 50

Pizzi's last job was in charge of Chile. He failed to secure them qualification for the World Cup and so resigned. Not to worry, though, because the Argentine will be there with Saudi Arabia anyway. 

His slicked back black hair gives the impression he has just emerged from a nearby swimming pool but he is rarely in a relaxed mood as he animatedly moves up and down his technical area. 

The youngest of the group's bosses, Pizzi will have the fire burning inside him that his Group A colleagues are unlikely to be able to match,. 

He is a former striker who scored 160 goals in 364 league games in a 15-year career. 

An animated Juan Antonio Pizzi can be expected on the touchline for Saudi Arabia in Russia

An animated Juan Antonio Pizzi can be expected on the touchline for Saudi Arabia in Russia

Clubs managed: Colon Santa Fe (2005), Universidad San Martin (2006), Santiago Morning (2009-10), Universidad Católica (2010-11), Rosario Central (2011-12), San Lorenzo (2012-13), Valencia (2013-14), Leon (2014-16), Chile (2016-17), Saudi Arabia (2017-PRESENT)

Egypt: Hector Cuper, age 62

A much-travelled Argentine manager, UEFA's coach of the year in 2000 and a Champions League finalist two seasons running with Valencia. 

Cuper prefers a conservative style of play, using Mohamed Salah in counter-attacks. 

It led to some criticism but got them the results they needed to secure a rare World Cup qualification.

The steely gaze sitting beneath his spectacles shows a man whose brain is constantly ticking over the fine details of the tactical plan. Players have had to be patient in understanding their boss but it looks like the penny dropped at the right moment.  

A studious character, the bespectacled Hector Cuper has a glittering CV to turn too in Russia 

A studious character, the bespectacled Hector Cuper has a glittering CV to turn too in Russia 

Clubs managed: Huracan (1993-95), Lanus (1995-97), Mallorca (1997-99), Valencia (1999-2001), Inter Milan (2001-03), Mallorca (2004-06), Real Betis (2007), Parma (2008), Georgia (2008-09), Aris Thessaloniki (2009-11), Racing Santander (2011), Orduspor (2011-13), Al Wasl (2013-14), Egypt (2015-PRESENT)

Uruguay: Oscar Tabarez, age 71

After an unassuming playing career and working as a primary school teacher, Oscar Tabarez got into coaching and never looked back. 

Nicknamed El Maestro (The Teacher), this will be his fourth World Cup with Uruguay. 

Tabarez, the oldest coach at this year's World Cup, uses a walking stick and occasionally a mobility scooter since being diagnosed with Guillain-Barre syndrome in 2016. 

Aided by a walking stick, Oscar Tabarez will impart his wisdom more subtly than his rivals

Aided by a walking stick, Oscar Tabarez will impart his wisdom more subtly than his rivals

Clubs managed: Bella Vista (1980-83), Uruguay U20 (1983), Danubio (1984), Montevideo Wanderers (1985-86), Penarol (1987), Uruguay U20 (1987), Deportivo Cali (1988), Uruguay (1988-90), Boca Juniors (1991-93), Cagliari (1994-96), AC Milan (1996), Oviedo (1997-98), Cagliari (1998-99), Velez Sarsfield (2001), Boca Juniors (2002), Uruguay (2006-PRESENT)

 

GROUP B

Portugal: Fernando Santos, age 63

Santos has jokingly been described as an 'exotic Tony Pulis' because his well-drilled defensive football sees his teams get the job done - although he is unlikely to be sporting a Pulis-esque cap in his technical area. 

His tactical nous led Portugal to Euro 2016 glory and he will be looking for more of the same on the biggest stage. 

Also managed Greece at the 2014 World Cup when they reached the knockout stage for the first time in their history.

Seen as an 'exotic Tony Pulis', Fernando Santos has been tasked with building on Euro 2016

Seen as an 'exotic Tony Pulis', Fernando Santos has been tasked with building on Euro 2016

Clubs managed: Estoril (1988-94), Estrela Amadora (1994-98), Porto (1998-2001), AEK Athens (2001-02), Panathinaikos (2002), Sporting Lisbon (2003-04), AEK Athens (2004-06), Benfica (2006-07), PAOK (2007-10), Greece (2010-14), Portugal (2014-PRESENT)

Spain: Fernando Hierro, age 50

It was Julen Lopetegui, who was announced as Zinedine Zidane's successor at Real Madrid this week. 

As it turns out, the Spanish Football Association had no idea about that appointment, and they were only informed five minutes before the press release was put out by Real. 

As a result, they sacked Lopetegui, who was unbeaten as Spain boss, and turned to Football Director Fernando Hierro.

A last minute addition to the party, Fernando Hierro will look to build on his predecessor's work

A last minute addition to the party, Fernando Hierro will look to build on his predecessor's work

Clubs managed: Real Oviedo (2016-17), Spain (2018-PRESENT)

Morocco: Herve Renard, age 49

A former Cambridge United manager who was sacked with the club languishing towards the bottom of League Two. 

The Frenchman has had success with African teams though. 

Renard won the African Cup of Nations with Zambia in 2012 then again with the Ivory Coast in 2015. This is Morocco's first World Cup since 1998.

Herve Renard has gone from Cambridge United in League Two to the World Cup with Morocco

Herve Renard has gone from Cambridge United in League Two to the World Cup with Morocco

Clubs managed: SC Draguignan (1999-2001), Cambridge United (2004), Song Da Nom Dinh (2004), AS Cherbourg (2005-07), Zambia (2008-10), Angola (2010), USM Alger (2011), Zambia (2011-13), Sochaux (2013-14), Ivory Coast (2014-15), Lille (2015), Morocco (2016-PRESENT)

Iran: Carlos Queiroz, age 65

Former Manchester United assistant and Real Madrid manager who is a fan of counter-attack football. 

Veteran Portuguese boss has vowed Iran will 'not go to Russia as tourists' as they target the knockout stages. Also led the Iranians at the 2014 World Cup but they failed to win a game.

Often sporting a furrowed brow in frustration, only time will tell if Queiroz will have a happier time of things this time round.

A product of the Sir Alex Ferguson school of education, Carlos Queiroz will lead out Iran

A product of the Sir Alex Ferguson school of education, Carlos Queiroz will lead out Iran

Clubs managed: Portugal U20 (1989-91), Portugal (1991-93), Sporting Lisbon (1994-96), NY/NJ MetroStars (1996), Nagoya Grampus Eight (1996-97), United Arab Emirates (1998-99), South Africa (2000-02), Manchester United assistant (2002-03), Real Madrid (2003-04), Manchester United assistant (2004-08), Portugal (2008-10), Iran (2011-PRESENT)

 

GROUP C

France: Didier Deschamps, age 49

Nicknamed 'the water-carrier' by ex-France team-mate Eric Cantona because he was formerly a defensive midfielder who did all the leg work. 

Deschamps has a young squad packed with talent to pick from. 

Lost the 2006 World Cup to Italy and should be targeting another final appearance.

The 'water carrier' as he is known by Eric Cantona is looking to take Les Blues to the title

The 'water carrier' as he is known by Eric Cantona is looking to take Les Blues to the title

Clubs managed: Monaco (2001-05), Juventus (2006-07), Marseille (2009-12), France (2012-PRESENT)

Australia: Bert van Marwijk, age 66

Only appointed in January after Ange Postecoglou quit as coach – a week after Australia secured their spot in Russia. 

Postecoglou said the intense pressure of international football was too much. 

Van Marwijk, the father-in-law of Mark van Bommel, has experience at international level, having also led Holland and Saudi Arabia.

As experienced as they come, Bert van Marwijk will believe he can get Australia out the group

As experienced as they come, Bert van Marwijk will believe he can get Australia out the group

Clubs managed: Fortuna Sittard (1998-2000), Feyenoord (2000-04), Borussia Dortmund (2004-06), Feyenoord (2007-08), Holland (2008-12), Hamburg (2013-14), Saudi Arabia (2015-17), Australia (2018-PRESENT)

Peru: Ricardo Gareca, age 60

Once scored a late goal that saw Argentina take an automatic qualifying spot for Mexico 1986 at Peru's expense. 

Now, Gareca is adored by the country that once loathed him. This will be Peru's first World Cup since 1982. 

Gareca likes short passes and possession, and so do the supporters.

Mick Jagger-esque in appearance, Ricardo Gareca is now adored by a nation who hated him

Mick Jagger-esque in appearance, Ricardo Gareca is now adored by a nation who hated him

Clubs managed: Talleres (1996-97), Independiente (1997), Talleres (1997-2000), Colon (2000), Talleres (2001), Quilmes (2002), Argentinos Juniors (2003), America de Cali (2005), Santa Fe (2006), Talleres (2006), Universitario (2007-08), Velez Sarsfield (2009-13), Palmeiras (2014), Peru (2015-PRESENT)

Denmark: Age Hareide, age 64

The Norwegian who played for Manchester City and Norwich in the Eighties. 

Spectators can expect a direct style of play from Hareide, who has won league titles in all of the Scandinavian countries. 

He also spent five years in charge of Norway, a country who he represented 50 times as a defender.

Denmark's Age Hareide will go direct in Russia as he looks to escape along with France

Denmark's Age Hareide will go direct in Russia as he looks to escape along with France

Clubs managed: Molde (1985-91), Molde (1993-97), Helsingborgs IF (1998-99), Brondy (2000-02), Rosenborg (2003), Norway (2003-08), Orgryte IS (2009), Viking (2009-12), Helsingborgs IF (2012), Malmo (2014-15), Denmark (2016-PRESENT)

 

GROUP D

Argentina: Jorge Sampaoli, age 58

Jorge Sampaoli masterminded Chile's Copa America win over Argentina in 2015 but began to heal the damage he helped to cause by taking over his own nation from Gerardo Martino a year later.

A pocket rocket standing at just five foot, five inches, fans can expect fireworks from Sampaoli on the sidelines. Known for his attacking style of play, there should also be fireworks on the pitch, too.

This will likely be the last chance for Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero and Angel Di Maria, among others, to win a World Cup. Now or never.

An animated Jorge Sampaoli knows it's now or never for star man Lionel Messi to win the Cup

An animated Jorge Sampaoli knows it's now or never for star man Lionel Messi to win the Cup

Clubs managed: Juan Aurich (2002), Sport Boys (2003), Coronel Bolognesi (2004-06), Sporting Cristal (2007), O'Higgins (2008-09), Emelec (2010), Universidad de Chile (2010-12), Chile (2012-16), Sevilla (2016-17), Argentina (2017-PRESENT)

Iceland: Heimir Hallgrimsson, age 51

Iceland's population: 330,000. Moscow's: 12million. 

The minnows are managed by Hallgrimsson and face Argentina in their first group game in the Russian capital. 

The 51-year-old, along with co-coach Lars Lagerback, led Iceland at Euro 2016 when they made history, including by humiliating England. 

Throughout his playing career, he also served as the local dentist in his village. He remained part-time in that profession until taking sole reign over the Icelandic national team after Euro 2016. 

From picking at teeth to rivals defences, former dentist Heimir Hallgrimsson leads Iceland

From picking at teeth to rivals defences, former dentist Heimir Hallgrimsson leads Iceland

Clubs managed: Hottur women (1993), IBV women (1999-2001), IBV (2002), IBV women (2003-04), IBV (2006-11), Iceland assistant (2011-13), Iceland (2013-PRESENT)

Croatia: Zlatko Dalic, age 51

Dalic was appointed two days before Croatia's final and crucial group game of qualifying but beat Ukraine, then saw off Greece in the play-offs. 

Prior to that, he had spent seven years hopping clubs in Saudi Arabia of all places and his appointment came as quiet a surprise to the country's football fans. 

On paper, Croatia have a talented side. Dalic has Luka Modric, Mario Mandzukic, Ivan Rakitic and Ivan Perisic, among others, at his disposal.

Zlatko Dalic has not been in the job long but can become a legend with a solid campaign

Zlatko Dalic has not been in the job long but can become a legend with a solid campaign

Clubs managed: Varteks (2005-07), Croatia U21 assistant (2006-11), Rijeka (2007-08), Dinamo Tirana (2008-09), Slaven Belupo (2009-10), Al-Faisaly (2010-12), Al-Hilal B (2012-13), Al-Hilal (2013), Al-Ain (2014-17), Croatia (2017-PRESENT)

Nigeria: Gernot Rohr, age 64

A German disciplinarian who has instilled a sense of organisation into the Nigerian camp after a difficult few years.

The Super Eagles have had a knack for changing their manager but now want stability

Rohr radically changed the squad, bringing in new faces and adding youth, with Arsenal's Alex Iwobi among their talents.

Gernot Rohr rarely suffers fools and his no-nonsense approach has shook Nigeria into shape

Gernot Rohr rarely suffers fools and his no-nonsense approach has shook Nigeria into shape

Club managed Bordeaux (1990), Bordeaux (1991-92), Bordeaux (1996), Creteil (1999-2000), Nice (2002-05), Young Boys (2005-06), Ajaccio (2007-08), Etoile Sahel (2008-09), Nantes (2009), Gabon (2010-12), Niger (2012-14), Burkina Faso (2015), Nigeria (2016-PRESENT)

 

GROUP E

Brazil: Tite, age 57 

The 57-year-old had next to no career as a player, but has been the orchestrator of an astonishing transformation during his two years in charge of Brazil.

When he took over, they were a wreck, still feeling the humiliation of their 7-1 loss to Germany at the 2014 World Cup on home soil. 

Now, their record under Tite reads: 21 games played, 17 wins, three draws, one defeat, 47 goals scored, five goals conceded. With Neymar and Co, Brazil should fancy their chances.

Tite took over a sinking ship but he's transformed them into one of the tournament favourites

Tite took over a sinking ship but he's transformed them into one of the tournament favourites

Clubs managed: Gremio Atletico Guarany (1990-91), Caxias (1991-92), Veranopolis (1992-95), Ypiranga de Erechim (1996-97), Juventude (1997-98), Caxias (1999-2000), Gremio (2001-03), Sao Caetano (2003-04), Atletico Mineiro (2005), Palmeiras (2006), Al Ain (2007), Internacional (2008-09), Al Wahda (2010), Corinthians (2010-13), Corinthians (2015-16), Brazil (2016-PRESENT)

Switzerland: Vladimir Petkovic, age 54

Petkovic is the charitable social worker who used to spend his days assisting the unemployed before then using his evenings to make his mark in the Swiss lower leagues. 

Now, he is under pressure to get the country to the knockout stages of this World Cup. There are high expectations in his homeland.

As far as man-managers go, few can compete with former social worker Vladimir Petkovic

As far as man-managers go, few can compete with former social worker Vladimir Petkovic

Clubs managed: Bellinzona (1997-98), Malcantone Agno (1999-2004), Lugano (2004-05), Bellinzona (2005-08), Young Boys (2008-11), Samsunspor (2011-12), Sion (2012), Lazio (2012-14), Switzerland (2014-PRESENT)

Costa Rica: Oscar Ramirez, age 53

With his blue cap, short stature and manicured mustache, Ramirez bears a striking resemblance to a certain super hero.

After Costa Rica lost 4-1 to Belgium in their friendly, Ramirez said: 'The 10 did us a lot of damage... I don't know his name.' It was Eden Hazard. 

Ramirez took over in 2015 from Paulo Wanchope, who resigned following footage of him in a punch-up. They were 2014 World Cup quarter-finalists.

Oscar Ramirez is one of a kind in every aspect for Costa Rica: facial hair, fashion and tactics

Oscar Ramirez is one of a kind in every aspect for Costa Rica: facial hair, fashion and tactics

Clubs managed: Belen (2002), Saprissa assistant (2003-06), Costa Rica assistant (2006-08), Santos de Guapiles (2008-10), Alajuelense (2010-12), Alajuelense (2013-15), Costa Rica (2015-PRESENT)

Serbia: Mladen Krstajic, age 44

A debutant. 

Despite a successful qualification campaign, Slavoljub Muslin lost his job amid disputes with the Serbian Football Association over his style and squad selection. 

Krstajic succeeded Muslin as coach, initially as a caretaker. He then got the gig full-time and is now heading to the World Cup.

A managerial debutant, Mladen Krstajic is the unknown quantity on the touchline in Russia

A managerial debutant, Mladen Krstajic is the unknown quantity on the touchline in Russia

Clubs managed: Serbia (2017-PRESENT)

 

GROUP F

Germany: Joachim Low, age 58

The 2014 World Cup winner and joint-longest serving manager alongside Uruguay's Tabarez.

Low bounced back from a disappointing semi-final defeat by France at Euro 2016 to navigate Germany through qualification for Russia, winning 10 games out of 10. 

Just remember, Joachim, the cameras are always rolling so try not to get caught picking your nose again... or worse.

Been there, done it and got the t-shirt, Joachim Low dropped Leroy Sane for his title defence

Been there, done it and got the t-shirt, Joachim Low dropped Leroy Sane for his title defence

Clubs managed: FC Frauenfeld (1994-95), VfB Stuttgart (1996-98), Fenerbahce (1998-99), Karlsruher SC (1999-2000), Adanaspor (2000-01), Tirol Innsbruck (2001-02), Austria Wien (2003-04), Germany (2006-PRESENT)

Mexico: Juan Carlos Osorio, age 57

While studying to become a coach, Osorio wanted to observe training in action, so he moved to Liverpool. 

The Reds were not welcoming, however, so he rented a room at a house on Crown Road that overlooked Liverpool's Melwood training ground. 

Sometimes, he would use a step-ladder to look over the fence. Yes, really.

Juan Carlos Osorio once spied on Liverpool training to aid his early managerial education

Juan Carlos Osorio once spied on Liverpool training to aid his early managerial education

Clubs managed: MetroStars assistant (2000-01), Manchester City assistant (2001-05), Millonarios (2006-07), Chicago Fire (2007), New York Red Bulls (2007-09), Once Caldas (2010-11), Puebla (2011-12), Atletico Nacional (2012-15), Sao Paulo (2015), Mexico (2015-PRESENT)

Sweden: Janne Andersson, age 55

No Zlatan Ibrahimovic, so how will they do without their confident talisman? That will be Andersson's challenge at this World Cup. 

He seems confident of doing well without the veteran striker, saying recently:  'If you rejected the team [in 2016], I do not think you should come back. I respect what he said and those who said "yes".

'[Ibrahimovic] has not called me, but he's definitely not included in the plans for the World Cup.'

The Swede has not done too badly in getting on with the job at hand since Ibrahimovic called time on his international career. He has turned Sweden into a team.

Janne Andersson is not scared to make tough calls, as shown by omitting Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Janne Andersson is not scared to make tough calls, as shown by omitting Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Clubs managed: Alets IK (1988-89), Halmstads BK assistant (1990-92), Laholms FK (1993-98), Halmstads BK assistant (2000-03), Halmstads BK (2004-09), Orgryte IS (2010), IFK Norrkoping (2011-16), Sweden (2016-PRESENT)

South Korea: Shin Tae-yong, age 49

Shin, who was previously the manager of the Under-23s then Under-20s, is not said to be a super tactician but he is a good motivator of the players. 

South Korea came close to missing out on the World Cup but sneaked in under the largely-inexperienced Shin.

His tactics are said to be nothing special but as far as motivation, Shin Tae-yong is the man

His tactics are said to be nothing special but as far as motivation, Shin Tae-yong is the man

Clubs managed: Queensland Roar assistant (2005-08), Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma caretaker (2009), Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma (2010-12), South Korea caretaker (2014), South Korea assistant (2014-17), South Korea U23 (2016-17), South Korea U20 (2017), South Korea (2017-PRESENT)

 

GROUP G

Belgium: Roberto Martinez, age 44

Former Everton manager Martinez, who was appointed in 2016, was said to be a cheap option for the Belgians to select as their new head coach. 

But he has since proved an astute and domineering figure, bravely leaving out the popular Radja Nainggolan from his World Cup squad as he pursues a pure form of attacking football. 

They qualified with ease. The talent Martinez has at his disposal is exciting, with Eden Hazard and Kevin De Bruyne among their superstars.

Ex-Everton boss Roberto Martinez knows anything less than the trophy is a disappointment

Ex-Everton boss Roberto Martinez knows anything less than the trophy is a disappointment

Clubs managed: Swansea (2007-09), Wigan (2009-13), Everton (2013-16), Belgium (2016-PRESENT)

Panama: Hernan Dario Gomez, age 62

Gomez is considered a miracle worker, having led Panama to their first-ever qualification for a World Cup and sparking crazy scenes throughout the country. 

To date, he is one of only four bosses to have taken at least three different national teams to this tournament, after Colombia in 1998 and Ecuador in 2002.

Hernan Dario Gomez is viewed at home as a miracle worker - he cannot lose whatever happens

Hernan Dario Gomez is viewed at home as a miracle worker - he cannot lose whatever happens

Clubs managed: Atletico Nacional (1991-93), Colombia (1995-98), Ecuador (1999-2004), Guatemala (2006-08), Santa Fe (2008-09), Colombia (2010-11), Independiente Medellin (2012-13), Panama (2014-PRESENT)

Tunisia: Nabil Maaloul, age 55

Maaloul took over from Henri Kasperczak two games into Tunisia's World Cup qualifying campaign but steadied the ship. 

They had not made it to a finals since 2006 and have never made it out of the group. 

Maaloul likes attacking football, but England's scouts will have sussed that during their spying sessions.

Nabil Maaloul will showcase an attacking brand of football - he will not fear England one bit

Nabil Maaloul will showcase an attacking brand of football - he will not fear England one bit

Clubs managed: Olympique du Ref (1997-98), Tunisia assistant (2002-04), Tunisia Olympic (2003-04), Club Africain (2004-05), CA Bizertin (2005-06), Tunisia assistant (2006-08), ES Tunis (2010-12), ES Tunis (2012-13), Tunisia (2013), El Jaish (2014), Kuwait (2014-17), Tunisia (2017-PRESENT)

England: Gareth Southgate, age 47

When Southgate took over from Sam Allardyce, sacked for his indiscretions, some found it uninspiring. Yet his openness and bravery in making bold calls has left the nation impressed and hopeful.

Missing that penalty in the Euro 1996 semi-final, Southgate's experience at major tournaments will be comforting to a young England squad looking to defy low expectations.

The Football Association have tasked Southgate with getting England to the World Cup quarter-finals, then go from there. The Three Lions qualified in style, so fingers are crossed.

Gareth Southgate has been bold and courageous in some calls and has his players believing

Gareth Southgate has been bold and courageous in some calls and has his players believing

Clubs managed: Middlesbrough (2006-09), England U21 (2013-16), England (2016-PRESENT)

 

GROUP H

Poland: Adam Nawalka, age 60

You may not have heard of too many of Nawalka's former clubs. Nevertheless, his Poland side qualified with ease, winning eight of their 10 games and moving to an astonishing eighth in the FIFA world rankings. 

The hero's jaw, sharp suits and designer glasses means Nawalka will certainly look the part as he goes about justifying their position in the top seedings group.

Star striker Robert Lewandowski should help him achieve that, though this could be the captain's last World Cup. 

Poland like to keep possession under their experienced manager who took them to the Euro 2016 quarter-finals.

Groomed like a film star, Adam Nawalka will want a flawless early set of games to set the tone

Groomed like a film star, Adam Nawalka will want a flawless early set of games to set the tone

Clubs managed: Swit Krzeszowice (1996-98), Wisla Krakow (2000), Wisla Krakow (2001), Zaglebie Lubin (2002), Sandecja Nowy Sacz (2003-04), Jagiellonia Bialystok (2004-06), Wisla Krakow (2006-07), Poland assistant (2007-08), GKS Katowice (2008-09), Kornik Zabrze (2010-13), Poland (2013-PRESENT)

Senegal: Aliou Cisse, age 42

The youngest coach at this summer's World Cup, Cisse was captaining Senegal at the tournament as recently as 2002 as he led them to the quarter-finals of the World Cup, defeating holders France along the way. 

But that was their last appearance at the tournament and a whole generation of talent went by without knowing what playing at a World Cup felt like. Now, they are back and once again it is Cisse's influence that has guided them there.

He will likely play 4-3-3, with Liverpool's Sadio Mane part of that front three.

Attack is the best form of defence for Senegal and boss Aliou Cisse in Russia this summer

Attack is the best form of defence for Senegal and boss Aliou Cisse in Russia this summer

Clubs managed: Senegal U23 assistant (2012-13), Senegal U23 (2013-15), Senegal (2015-PRESENT)

Colombia: Jose Pekerman, age 68

Jose Pekerman's has been in charge of Colombia since 2012, making him one of the longest-serving managers at this summer's tournament. 

Under his guidance, Colombia reached the quarter-finals at the 2014 World Cup and were widely heralded as the most exciting team to watch. That is despite them having been absent at this tournament for 16 years previously. 

The Colombians are effective when counter-attacking. Pekerman, not afraid to drop big names, has been known to select some intriguing line-ups that he feels fit his tactics.

Jose Peckerman does not suffer fools and has shown in the past he will drop his big players

Jose Peckerman does not suffer fools and has shown in the past he will drop his big players

Clubs managed: Chacarita Juniors youth (1981-82), Argentinos Juniors youth (1982-92), Colo-Colo youth (1992-94), Argentina U20 (1994-2001), Argentina (2004-06), Toluca (2007-08), Tigres UANL (2009), Colombia (2012-PRESENT)

Japan: Akira Nishino, age 63

Nishino was in charge of Japan for the 'Miracle of Miami' at the 1996 Olympics, when the Japanese beat a Brazil team that included Ronaldo, Rivaldo and Roberto Carlos 1-0. 

He was only appointed in charge of the national side in April 2018, however, after tactician Vahid Halilhodzic was sacked for poor performances.

The man behind the 1996 'Miracle of Miami', Akira Nishino is back to test out the World Cup

The man behind the 1996 'Miracle of Miami', Akira Nishino is back to test out the World Cup

Clubs managed: Japan U20 (1991-92), Japan U23 (1994-96), Kashiwa Reysol (1998-2001), Gamba Osaka (2002-2011), Vissel Kobe (2012), Nagoya Grampus (2014-15), Japan (2018-PRESENT) 

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