Not old news yet: the veterans of the World Cup

Essam El-Hadary Egypt, 45 years

Essam El-Hadary has been guarding the Egyptian gate since 1996 - the German music charts were dominated by “Macarena” and “Coco Jamboo” and “Braveheart” won the Oscar for best film. If the 45-year-old is deployed in Russia, he will replace the previous World Cup Methuselah Faryd Mondragon. The Colombian goalkeeper was 2014 years and three days old when he made his record appearance against Japan in 4 (1-43). At the same time, it would be El-Hadary's first ever World Cup appearance. However, in the Egyptians' opening game against Uruguay (0-1), Mohamed El-Shennawy, 16 years his junior, was used. Rafael marquez Mexico, 39 years old

While Essam El-Hadary is still chasing his record, Rafael Marquez has already achieved his record. In the 1-0 win against Germany, the Mexican came on as a substitute in the 74th minute and took over from Andres Guardado - making him the first player to do so five world championships stood on the field as captain. For a long time it was unclear whether Marquez, who is ending his career after the World Cup, would even go to Russia. There were doubts about his capabilities in Mexico, and he was also targeted by the judiciary because he was said to have served as a front man for a drug cartel. In substitute goalkeeper Jose Corona (37), the Latin Americans also have another player in the top 5 age group. Sergei Ignashevich Russia, 38 years old Didn't miss a beat in the opening game: Sergei Ignaschewitsch (right). © APA/afp / JUAN MABROMATA

With an average age of 28,8, the host team is one of the oldest in the entire tournament. Sergei Ignaschewitsch, who is almost ten years older, played a large part in this. In the opening game against Saudi Arabia, the oldie, as head of defense, ensured that the hosts remained unscathed in a 5-0 win. “He is our leader on and off the pitch,” said Russia coach Stanislav Cherchesov. Ignaschewitsch had ended his career in the national team two years ago, and his club career at CSKA Moscow was also set to end after the season. However, due to Ruslan Kambolow's injury, he was suddenly in demand again. Tim Cahill Australia, 38 years old

He is already Australia's record goalscorer; Tim Cahill also scored his country's first World Cup goal in 2006. Now the offensive player is contesting his fourth World Cup and could enter an elite circle. If Cahill scores in Russia, he would become the fifth player, after Pele, Miroslav Klose, Uwe Seeler and Cristiano Ronaldo, to score in four different finals. "Getting on this list would be priceless," said Cahill before the Socceroos' opening game against France (1:2) - but he was only on the bench against the title favorites. Felipe Baloy Panama, 37 years old Panama captain Felipe Baloy (pictured in focus). © APA/afp / ADRIAN DENNIS

World Cup newcomer Panama relies on experience - and the team's supporters have a whole truckload of it. Goalkeeper Jaime Penedo is 36 years old, striker Blas Perez is 37 years old, but they don't come close to captain Felipe Baloy either: the defense chief still has 17 days more than Perez under his belt. On average, the Central American players have a whopping 62 international matches - no other World Cup participant has as much experience in their squad. This is exactly what the “Canaleros” are supposed to do in Russia.

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Not old news yet: the veterans of the World Cup

Egypt keeper Essam El-Hadary, Mexico's Rafael Marquez or Tim Cahill from Australia: there are some veterans at the World Cup in Russia. Some with record status.

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