In fewer than three months, the 2018 FIFA World Cup kicks off in Russia. Here are five teams that have a legitimate shot at taking the cake (in no particular order):
1. France
France has one of the strongest and deepest squads coming into the 2018 World Cup. However, the question is whether or not they can play to the best of their ability, which, for the past eight years, has been a problem. In 2010, France got knocked out in the group stage, finishing at the bottom of its group with one draw and two losses. In 2014, France got knocked out in the quarterfinal, losing to Germany 1-0. For a country with such rich history and exciting talent, France has been disappointing over the past two World Cups. Didier Deschamps will hope to change this over the summer.
In every position, France has the talent to win it all. Defensively, the French are well-run by Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, who looks to make his 100th appearance for France this summer. In the midfield, France is arguably the strongest in the tournament, sporting Manchester United star Paul Pogba and 2016-2017 Premier League Player of the Season N'Golo Kanté. Up top, France is also fast, talented, and strong.
France is in arguably the easiest group (Group C), which consists of Peru, Denmark, Australia, and them. Escaping Group C should be no problem, but how far they can go will be determined by whether or not they can score consistently. While their forwards are talented, they are all very young. If France starts the way I project them to, the average age of their front three players will be just over 21 years. While they are youthful, they are talented and certainly have the ability to win this year.
Projected lineup:
4-2-3-1
GK- Lloris (Tottenham)
LB- Mendy (Manchester City)
CB- Koscielny (Arsenal)
CB- Varane (Real Madrid)
RB- Digne (Barcelona)
CDM- Kanté (Chelsea)
CDM- Pogba (Manchester United)
CAM- Griezmann (Atlético Madrid)
LW- Dembélé (Barcelona)
RW- Mbappé (PSG)
ST- Lacazette (Arsenal)
2. Brazil
For years to come, Brazil will be mocked for its shocking 7-1 loss to Germany on home soil in the 2014 World Cup Semifinal. However, after a long four years, Brazil is ready to come out flying. They are young, athletic, skillful, and completely capable of winning the World Cup. Brazil is led by a future Ballon d'Or winner in Neymar, who is in second in goals in Ligue 1 with 19 and first in assists with 13. This Brazilian stud has proven that he can do it on an international stage, finishing 3rd in the Golden Boot race in the 2014 World Cup. While its defense has history of being leaky, Brazil will certainly make up for what it lacks in the back up top. Accompanying Neymar are players such as Philippe Coutinho, Gabriel Jesus, Roberto Firmino, Douglas Costa, and Willian. Will Brazil score goals? Yes. Will they be able to defend against some of the best? That remains to be seen and should be heavily addressed in the final months leading up to this year’s World Cup.
Projected lineup:
4-3-3
GK- Becker (AS Roma)
LB- Marcelo (Real Madrid)
CB- Miranda (Inter Milan)
CB- Marquinhos (PSG)
RB- Dani Alves (PSG)
CDM- Casemiro (Real Madrid)
CM- Paulinho (Barcelona)
CM- Fernandinho (Manchester City)
LW- Neymar (PSG)
RW- Coutinho (Barcelona)
ST- Gabriel Jesus (Manchester City)
3. Argentina
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When you think of Argentina, a picture of Lionel Messi should pop into your head. Why? Because he is the greatest soccer player to ever walk the planet. As an 8-time Liga BBVA Champion, 4-time UEFA Champions League Champion, and 5-time Ballon d'Or champion, Messi has only one thing left to win: the World Cup. Pelé has done it, Maradona has done it, and now it’s time for Messi. If you are looking for a fun team to follow this summer, chose Argentina. Why? Look at their attack! Jorge Sampaoli has many decisions to make, as Argentina has six or seven attackers that are all good enough to start. Sergio Aguero, Angel Di Maria, and Paulo Dybala are just a few of Sampaoli’s options. Argentina’s defense and midfield are not bad, either, as most of their options play on the biggest teams in Europe. Look for Argentina to enter this World Cup motivated, fast, and flying. Mess should lead the charge in hope of bringing the World Cup home to his country, an accomplishment that would cement his case as best player to ever live.
Projected lineup:
4-4-2
GK- Romero (Manchester United)
LB- Rojo (Manchester United)
CB- Otamendi (Manchester City)
CB- Funes Mori (Everton)
RB- Mercado (Sevilla)
CM- Mascherano (Hebei China Fortune)
CM- Banega (Sevilla)
LM- Dybala (Juventus)
RM- Di María (PSG)
ST- Aguero (Manchester City)
ST- Lionel Messi (Barcelona)
4. Belgium
Without a doubt, Belgium has one of the most exciting teams in the tournament. Four years ago, the Red Devils made it to the World Cup quarterfinal, but their squad was too young and inexperienced to advance any further. However, this argument is no longer applicable, as most of Belgium's top guns are right in their primes. Eden Hazard is 27, Romelu Lukaku is 24, and Kevin De Bruyne is 26. The only question surrounding Belgium’s potential is their chemistry, which appeared to lack during the last World Cup. However, this shortcoming is not entirely their fault. Look at Germany, for example, who illustrate why chemistry matters. In the 2014 World Cup Final, five out of the eleven starters for Germany played for the same team (Bayern Munich). This is a huge edge that Belgium unfortunately lacks. In 2014, the Belgium roster of 23 players consisted of 19 different club teams. However, don't think that this bump is something that the Red Devils won’t be able to handle. If new manager Roberto Martinez does his job right, there is no doubt that the boys will enter the tournament unified. If Belgium ever had a year to win, it would be this year. Watch out.
Projected lineup:
4-2-3-1
GK- Courtois (Chelsea)
LB- Vertonghen (Tottenham)
CB- Vermaelen (Barcelona)
CB- Alderweireld (Tottenham)
RB- Meunier (PSG)
CDM- Dembele (Tottenham)
CDM- Nainggolan (AS Roma)
CAM- de Bruyne (Manchester City)
LW- Hazard (Chelsea)
RW- Mertens (Napoli)
ST- Lukaku (Manchester City)
5. Germany
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They did it in 2014; they can do it again. Vegas has its money on Germany, and so should you. On paper, Germany has one of the strongest sides, but everyone knows how hard it is to repeat a championship. Not only this, but Joachim Löw, who led Germany to its victory four years ago, will be stuck in his office with many decisions to make. Marco Reus is one popular topic of discussion, an exciting German winger who is finally returning to fitness after being out due to injury for the past few years. Other questions revolve around Germany's youth and whether or not Löw will decide to utilize it rather than stick with experienced players. Without a doubt, whichever path Löw chooses, Germany will step on Russian soil with the talent that can win a World Cup. Will they be crowned champions again?
Projected lineup:
4-2-3-1
GK- Neuer (Bayern Munich)
LB- Hector (FC Köln)
CB- Hummels (Bayern Munich)
CB- Boateng (Bayern Munich)
RB- Kimmich (Bayern Munich)
CDM- Kroos (Real Madrid)
CDM- Khedira (Juventus)
CAM- Özil (Arsenal)
LW- Reus (Borussia Dortmund)
RW- Sane (Manchester City)
ST- Werner (RB Leipzig)
Written by Blaise Siefer, Concord MA
(Stats and lineup info via ESPN, Ligue 1, and The Guardian)
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