The FIFA World Cup is without a doubt the grandest stage in world football, and it comes as no surprise that a strong showing at just one tournament could massively shape a player's career in the years to come. As such, here are a number of players that could possibly propel themselves into the spotlight when the tournament kicks off in just over two weeks' time.

Leading from the back or scoring memorable goals at the grandest of stages, these 5 players set the bar high for Asian players as five Asian countries head to Russia for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

With the 2018 FIFA World Cup just weeks away from kicking off in Russia, with Saudi Arabia playing the host nation in the opening match in Moscow on 14 June, we take a look at five iconic goals scored by Asian players in FIFA World Cup history.

"He is a good player," the then Tianjin coach told the Korean visitor about Kwon. "He is capable of playing in European leagues. It would be the national team's loss should he not be called up."

It is little known how much of his advice was taken into account. But sure enough, Kwon earned his first national team cap a couple of months later, debuting in a friendly against Russia during which he was on target.

Just last week, the Tianjin centre-back was named in Shin Tae-yong's 28-man provisional squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia, an interesting inclusion for a relatively new face who has just four international appearances to his name.

Chairman of Saudi Arabia's Sport Authority Turki Al-Sheikh, tweeted a photograph of the meeting on Wednesday.

"His Highness the Saudi Crown Prince receives players of the national team before their World Cup mission. God willing, they will fulfil our expectations," tweeted Al-Sheikh.

Saudi Arabia, who are in Group A, will have the honour of appearing in the tournament opener when they face hosts Russia on June 14. Also in the group are Egypt and Uruguay.

Saudi Arabia will be appearing in the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 2006.  

Photo: Turki Al-Sheikh

As the Socceroos continue their build-up for the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia next month, they're not content to just make up the numbers.

“We definitely want to keep implanting our impression in the world,” Melbourne Victory attacker James Troisi said after the squad completed a double session at Antalya's impressive Gloria Sports Arena in Turkey.

“We did that in Brazil and we want to do it again in Russia.

“We've taken small steps and obviously we're playing against some of the best players in the world.

“But every time we play these games, we want to stamp our flag in the world.”

After another day of double sessions at their pre-FIFA World Cup training camp in Turkey, Socceroos attacker Andrew Nabbout has spoken about the influence Bert van Marwijk and his coaching staff are having on the squad.

It’s not just the training intensity that has impressed the players, but the attention to detail the Dutchman is imposing on the squad in every session.