Who Will Win The World Cup?

The 2018 World Cup will definitely be one of the closest, most competitive tournaments in recent history. It is more than possible to make a case for any of the 32 teams in attendance to win the trophy.

This is a bold statement. Let’s analyze it a little closer. Clearly, the big nations all will be favorites for victory. Brazil will want to avenge for the last tournament’s failures, and Germany will want to retain the title. France and Spain have improved greatly over the past few years, and have incredibly deep player pools. Argentina and Portugal have talent in abundance, and both will be led by stars who will want to earn a World Cup winners medal as they come towards the later years in their professional careers. European giants England and Belgium, both with massive amounts of talent, are more than capable of besting everyone, assuming that they can get the balance of defense and attack, and youth and experience, correct. They, along with South American counterparts Uruguay and Colombia, will want to make up for decades of no trophies. These are arguably the most likely teams for success in Russia. The top 10. However, this is not to say that the other 22 teams are simply making up the numbers. Here is a quick run down of the other teams, and why any one of them could make it into the latter stages of the competition, potentially shocking the world and winning the whole tournament.

As mentioned in a previous article, the host nation always has the support from the fans for a deep run in the contest. Russia will be no different. They have experience all over the park, and a great coach. Will they be the first host nation to win their own tournament since France in 1998? Only time will tell.

Sticking with Group A, Egypt have become a dark horse for success in the competition, as have numerous other African nations in attendance. Everyone in the soccer world is aware of Mo Salah’s insane performances this year, and this will likely transfer to the national team with ease. Egypt have a handful of other talented players too, so the sky is the limit for the Pharaohs. Similarly, Nigeria and Senegal have speed and talent at hand to try and become the first ever African team to win the World Cup. Particularly Senegal, who have a very deep pool to pick from including Liverpool’s Sadio Mane, will be hoping for success in what is only their second ever tournament. Tunisia are another African team that will be in attendance. They too enjoyed a fruitful qualification period and will look to continue that form heading into Russia. Neighbors Morocco, will be in attendance for the first time since 1998, and are also in contention for victory. They failed to concede a single goal in qualification, and if this defensive prowess continues into Russia in June and July, the outfit will be hard to breakdown for anyone.

Heading East, a number of Middle Eastern and Asian teams all could surprise many at the World Cup in a couple of months. South Korea and Japan are known as teams who are notoriously difficult to beat, and with the form of Tottenham winger Heung-Min Son, Korea could go one step further and be a real contender for a high finish. Australia too are a team that is often overlooked. Now more than ever, the Socceroos amount to something more than we are accustomed to, with players like Tom Rogic, Matt Leckie, and Tommy Juric all experiencing quality seasons for their club teams. Iran and Saudi Arabia also qualified for the World Cup, and made quick work of their qualification groups. Both of these teams, whilst thought of as minnows, are extremely well coached, and are perhaps two of the quickest, fittest teams in attendance, meaning that they could potentially run opponents into the ground. Again, there is not a single nation at the World Cup that is simply there by luck. Anyone could beat anyone, regardless of quality, on any given day.

Note: This is part one of a two part piece about the competitive nature of the 2018 World Cup. Stay tuned for part two in the coming days.