Undoubtedly, the upcoming World Cup should please all fans of this sport. What teams are considered the main contenders for the victory in the 2018 World Cup in football?
10. Sweden
The Swedish national team is the dark horse of this mundial. “Blue-yellow” greatly surprised the entire world football community when they defeated the Italian team. “Squadra Azzurra” was not able to defeat unyielding Swedes in butt matches. Despite the great pressure from the Italians, the national team of Sweden did not miss a single goal. At the moment, the team takes 24th place in the FIFA ranking. After the departure of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, the team has no world-class stars, but this does not interfere with the successful performance of “blue-yellow” in various tournaments. “Gulo Gulo” is highly disciplined in defense. Of the players it is worth highlighting Andreas Granqvist, who stands for “Krasnodar”. The highest achievement of the Swedes at the World Cup is 2nd place in 1958.
9. Argentina
The Argentine national team will come to Russia in the most military personnel. Many experts believe that in such a composition the team deserves to reach the finals. “Blue and White” 15 times participated in the final parts of the World Cup in football and managed to win the World Cup twice. It was in 1978 and 1986. Currently, Argentina takes 5th place in the FIFA ranking. Wards Jorge Sampaoli passed the qualifying tournament at the 2018 World Cup, taking third place. Of course, not the highest rate for the Argentine national team. The national team is played by really highly professional and talented players. Key players include Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero, Angel Di Maria and Gonzalo Higuain. “Blue and white” used to attack and control the ball.
8. Germany
The German national team will be on the World Cup in the status of a clear favorite. “Eagles” played 18 times at the World Cup. Four times the Germans tried on the gold medals of the World Cup. It was in 1954, 1974, 1990 and 2014. At the moment, “Mannschaft” is in 1st place in the FIFA ranking. Joachim Lev’s team easily passed the qualifying group, gaining maximum points. The team plays a lot of strong players. These are mainly players from Bavaria and top clubs in Europe. The German team knows how to defend correctly and play in attack. Undoubtedly, the reigning world champion will try to get the coveted trophy again.
7. Spain
The Spanish national team is always a welcome guest at the World Cup. “Red Fury” played 14 times in the final stages of the World Cup. The Spaniards won the World Cup once in 2010. In the FIFA ranking, “La Furia Roja” takes 10th place. Agree that for this national team this is not the highest result. The Spaniards are led in the past by the famous player Fernando Hierro. In the qualifying group at the World Cup, the team won first place. With regard to the composition, the team plays a significant part of the players from “Barcelona” and “Real”. Spaniards play attacking football. It is safe to say that it will be difficult for any team to defeat Red Fury.
6. Brazil
It is hard to imagine a World Cup without Brazil. “Yellow-green” participated in the world championship 20 times. Brazilians have won the World Cup 5 times. The last time Pentacampees won the tournament in 2002. Of course, the Brazilian national team is eager to win the World Cup 6 times. “Favorites” are in second place in the FIFA ranking. The wards of an experienced coach Tite easily passed their qualifying group. In 18 games, Pentacampees lost only once. The team has a large number of good football players who are able to work wonders on the field. In many ways, the game of the Brazilian national team will depend on Neymar, who is the leader of “Seleo”.
5. England
England may not be the most powerful team that will be in Russia, but still, the founders of football can give a surprise at the world Cup. “Three Lions” participated 14 times at the World Cup. The British won the World Cup back in 1966. Now in the FIFA ranking, the team takes a modest 12th place. Gareth Southgate team in the qualifying round was able to win first place. The team in their group conceded only 3 goals. In the England national team there are practically no players who play in other championships. Among the players it is worth highlighting the striker of the Tottenham Hotspur football club Harry Kane. This player is able to single-handedly decide the outcome of the match.
4. Portugal
The Portuguese national team will be at the 2018 World Cup, along with the magnificent and technical Cristiano Ronaldo. Unfortunately, the Portuguese can not boast of great achievements in the world Cup. “Seleco das Quinas” reached the 3rd place in 1996. At present, the national team of Portugal takes 4th place in the FIFA ranking. The Portuguese are trained by a very experienced specialist Fernando Santos. The “Selected Team” in the qualifying group until the last fought for reaching the final of the World Cup with the Swiss. As a result, the Portuguese took first place and got to the mundial. Of course, Cristiano Ronaldo and the company will have to make every effort to win the World Cup.
3. Croatia
The Croatian national team often plays at the World Cups, given the age of the state. The Croats took part in the final parts of the World Cup 4 times. The best achievement of the “Drafts” is the third place in 1998. Now the Croatian national team is being trained by Zlatko Dalic. “Flaming” are on the 20th place in the FIFA ranking. It is worth noting that the Croats had to not only pass the qualifying group at the 2018 World Cup, but also play in butt games with the Greeks. “Drafts” confidently outplayed the Greek team in the sum of two meetings with a score of 4-1. The Croatian national team has high level football players. First of all, this is Luka Modric, Ivan Rakitić and Mario Mandzhukich. Croats may well compete for the World Cup gold medals.
2. France
The French national team can qualify for the gold awards of the 2018 World Cup in football. “Tricolor” has participated in this tournament 14 times since 1930. The French won the World Cup in 1998. “Les Bleus” are on the 7th place in the FIFA ranking. Didier Deschamps wards in the qualifying group took first place. “Three-color” lost only once in a match with the Swedes. Then, on the road, the French lost with a score of 1-2. In fact, the French national team has the potential to fight for the World Cup. French football players play in the leading European championships. The main bet will be placed on midfielders and defenders. Key players include Antoine Griezmann, Kilian Mbappe, Usman Dembele and Paul Pogbu. These players will be able to bring many benefits to their team.
1. Belgium
The Belgian national team is one of the most promising national teams that will be in Russia at the 2018 World Cup. “Red Devils” took part in the final stages of the World Cup 13 times. The best achievement is 4th place in 1986. To date, the Belgian team takes 3rd place in the FIFA ranking. “Rode Duivels” is coached by Spanish specialist Roberto Martinez. Under the clear guidance of this coach, the Belgian national team passed its qualifying group without any difficulties. The team won first place with 28 points. In addition, the “Red Devils” scored 43 goals in 10 matches. The Belgian national team has an impressive number of star football players. It is worth highlighting the midfielder of the English club “Chelsea” Eden Azar. This football player is now at the peak of form. You can also note Romelu Lucaco, Kevin de Bruyne and Maruan Fellaini. Of course, with such players you can hope to win the World Cup.