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2018 FIFA World Cup preview: the favourites

Writer's picture: Andrew ZarbAndrew Zarb


With the World Cup kicking-off in just 3 weeks, here at Zarb times we will begin to preview the torunament - starting with potential favourites to win the tournament.

Germany

Go into the tournament as the defending champions, and on the evidence of the last 4 years, you would not bet against them retaining their trophy and equalling Brazil's tally of 5. They won last year's Confederations Cup with what was effectively a second-string team, showcasing the talent pool they boast on a national level. They also reached the semi-final of Euro 2016, which was a relatively strong performance, even if they would have liked to have won the tournament, but showcased their consistency in major tournaments - they have not failed to reach the semi-finals of a major tournament since Euro 2004.

Their defeat to France in the Euro 2016 semi-final probably highlighted the one weakness that has been present in their team, a lack of prolific strikers upfront, with only Mario Gomez proving a reliable option during the Euros, who certainly is not getting any younger. However, the problem does seem to have been addressed, or at least another reliable option is present, with the emergence of RB Leipzig striker Timo Werner. One concern may well be in goal given that Manuel Neuer has been injured for the majority of the domestic season, though likely second-choice goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen is a more than reliable option, easily capable of being a no.1 himself. Also, a player to watch is Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Julian Brandt - he was one who impressed in the Confederations Cup and has a lot of talent and potential at the age of just 22.

You could definitely make a strong case for Germany to retain their trophy, as their squad is arguably even stronger than four years ago when they won the tournament.

Brazil

Their squad going into this year's World Cup is barely recognisable from that of 4 years ago. The squad clearly boasts improved quality from that of 4 years ago. It could be argued that Brazil's last 4 years should be split into 2 - the first 2 years under then-manager Dunga which were rather poor to say the least, where they were definitely at risk of not making it to the finals, and the next 2 years under new manager Tite, who ultimately ensured qualification to Russia with ease as they became the first team (other than hosts Russia of course) to seal qualification to the final tournament.

The improvement in their squad has been almost from back to front, starting in goal, where they now boast 2 top quality goalkeepers in Alisson Becker who plays for AS Roma, and Ederson who plays for Manchester City - definitely showcasing the level of squad depth in goal. Also, the strength in attack now really shows, for example the emergence of Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus is already an upgrade, as well as Juventus attacker Douglas Costa who is lightning quick, not to mention Liverpool striker Roberto Firmino who is a very clever player.. It could be argued, however, that Brazil in attack are still dependent on Paris Saint-Germain forward Neymar who is probably their key player. It is clear, though, that Brazil are much stronger in attack compared to four years ago where they had the likes of Fred and Jo (with all due respect). Also, their defense is probably stronger than what it was four years ago with the likes of Marquinhos representing an upgrade centre-half, whilst Danilo is an upgrade at full-back, the likelihood is he'll play at right-back if so given that Marcelo is a left-back. Also, the presence of Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Fred (not the same Fred as that mentioned earlier) is an upgrade in their midfield, whilst Barcelona playmaker Philippe Coutinho is definitely a star player, notwithstanding the quality of Manchester City midfielder Fernandinho.

With the current squad compared to that of 4 years ago, Brazil have clearly shown how 4 years represent a long time in international footballer. On the basis of their squad, you could well argue that they go into this year's World Cup as favourites.

France

Exited the World Cup at the quarter-final stage last time out. It's been a slightly mixed bag of results since, notably reaching the final of Euro 2016 but then losing out to Portugal as tournament hosts. Their World Cup qualifying campaign was slightly inconsistent and perhaps unconvincing even if they did go through fairly easily. During the qualifying campaign they notably were held to a goalless draw away to Belarus as well as at home to Luxembourg, which was rather disappointing.

The individual talent in the squad is evident to see, the question is whether manager Didier Deschamps can get them to play well together on a consistent basis, which has so far proven to be a struggle. France certainly boast talent in attack, with the likes of Atletico Madrid striker Antoine Griezmann who you could argue is their key player, notwithstanding the emergence of wonderkids Kylian Mbappe who plays for Paris Saint-Germain, as well as Ousmane Dembele who plays for Barcelona, although he's been rather unlucky with injury this season. Of course, Paul Pogba at the heart of the midfield is a key player, even if he's had a rather disappointing season for Manchester United, whilst the emergence of AS Monaco midfielder Thomas Lemar is one to watch. Their defence also boasts quality in the likes of Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane and Barcelona defender Samuel Umtiti, as well as defender Lucas Hernandez of Atletico Madrid.

France definitely have the players and squad at their disposal to be able to win the World Cup, the bigger question: can manager Didier Deschamps extract the best out of his players and get them to perform as a team on a consistent basis throughout the tournament?

Spain

Had a disastrous World Cup four years ago, exiting the tournament at the group stage when they went into it as defending champions. They also had a rather disappointing Euro 2016, where they exited at the round of 16 stage. They've had a managerial change since then, with Julen Lopetegui replacing Vicente del Bosque at the helm. Under Lopetegui, they rather cruised to World Cup qualification, winning every game bar one.

The change in manager definitely has been a fresh boost, as it's meant a fresh start - and it has seen the emergence of Marco Asensio, who could well be a key player for La Roja, whilst Isco has definitely been more prominent in the team, notwithstanding Andres Iniesta's quality at the age of 34. Spain have largely kept the core of players at their disposal, with a few tweaks, most notably in the midfield. The squad is definitely ageing, however, particularly in defence where some re-generating will be needed after the World Cup.

Spain have a squad which is capable of winning the tournament, however, it is ageing and the questions is if the core can actually keep performing at the same level as in their successful years.


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