The World Cup begins in a few days time kicking off with host Russia taking on Saudi Arabia on Thursday.
A month from now, the champion of the 2018 World Cup in Russia will be known.
Although there are many contenders, this report takes a look at the top five favourites for the 2018 FIFA world cup.
Brazil
Brazil were hammered 7-1 by Germany in the last World Cup which they hosted in 2014. Today, bookies are tipping them as favourites based on their current form.
They were the first team to qualify for the 2018 World Cup. There were fears that their best player, Neymar da Silva Santos, may not make it but that is not the case today as their campaign got a boost with Neymar’s return.
In their last friendly match against Austria away from home they won 3-0 with Neymar putting on a very good show.
He scored the second goal of the game which was a solo effort.
With Neymar fully fit without any future injuries, those who say Brazil are favourites to win the World Cup may not be wrong.
Germany
Germany is the second team on the pundits’ list as favourites to win the World Cup in Russia. Apart from Manuel Nuer, the number one goalkeeper, every other player from the 2014 World Cup is fit.
Germany has won four World Cups and just behind only Brazil with five trophies. A win in Russia would see them level with Brazil. No one can deny that they are a force in world football. They are not always the number one favourties but end up disappointing the book makers as the competition goes on.
They have retained their coach, Joachim Low, who won them the trophy in 2014 after two campaigns where they finished in the semi-final. Any team that underrates Germany does so at its own peril.
The fear of Germany in the World Sup is the beginning of wisdom.
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Spain
Spain were the winners of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, which was the first to be held on African soil. With their fine form in Europe, they will surely be favorites in Russia.
In the last three four years, only Spanish football clubs have won the UEFA Champions League with Real Madrid wining three and Barcelona winning one. As for Europa League, another Spanish club, Atletico Madrid won. The Spanish national team comprises of players from the top three Spanish clubs that are dominant in Europe. Spain like Germany is difficult to single out one player. They play as a team without really depending on any player to carry the team.
With their free flowing football and experienced players, Spain may just be the team of this year’s tournament.
France
France is a complete team with quality players in every department of the field. From the defenders to the attackers, they are all very good players. France has won the World Cup once. It was the one they hosted in 1998.
No player from that era is in this team but they are not lacking quality.
The midfield will be the envy of every team in the World Cup. France boasts of a midfield of Paul Pogba, Ngolo Kante and Steven Nzonzi, Tiemoue Bakayoko.
In attack, they have Kylian Mbappe and Antoine Griezmann. The defense is also rock solid. They have what it takes to win it.
Argentina
Argentina are wounded lions. They have played four World Cup finals and lost two. The last time Argentina won the World Cup was in Mexico in 1986. That team was captained by arguably the greatest player in the history of the game, Diego Armando Maradona. They got to the final again in 1990 but lost to Germany in a controversial manner.
24 years later, Lionel Messi led Argentina to the final and lost yet again to a strong German team. With an ageing squad full of quality, this may just be the time for Argentina.
Messi who has won everything there is to win in club football has not won any trophy with the Argentine national team. For Messi who will be 31 in July, this may be his last World Cup. Winning the biggest football showpiece in the world will be the best way to end his illustrious career. Messi is not alone. His teammates like Sergio Aguero, Javier Mascherano and Gonzalo Higuian may also be playing in their last World Cup and will be hoping to win.
